by E. L. Todd
I covered my face. “I can’t do this anymore. I’m sick of living from paycheck to paycheck. And I’m not even good. I’m in the back and people don’t even notice me. The only time people recognize me is when I do something bad, so that’s all I’m known for.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” he whispered.
“And to top it off, I’m stupid.”
“Knock it off.” The venom was in his voice. “We all make mistakes, but having a pity party for yourself isn’t going to change anything. Accept the consequences of your actions, learn from them, and then move on. Don’t tear yourself down.”
“Easy for you to say,” I snapped. “You’ve never had to work for anything in your life. You were born into money and your dad got you every job you wanted. You beat out all other applicants without even trying. It doesn’t even matter if you’re good. Doors just open for you. You have no idea what it’s like to actually work from the bottom and stand on your own two feet. So don’t give me that shit.” I didn’t look at him because I was so mad.
Flynn didn’t say anything. He took his arm back and didn’t touch me. The tension settled between us, heavy like a thick fog. His hands moved to his knees. “My dad cut me off the day I graduated high school. I went to college and paid for my own education. After I graduated, I got my own jobs. My dad refused to help me because he said he wouldn’t put his name on crap. I had to do everything on my own, and if I sucked, I wouldn’t have won three tony awards.” The silence drifted in the air after he finished. He got up and walked away. “Call me if you decide to grow up a little.”
I was suspended from work so I stayed home for a few days. I didn’t call Flynn because I was mad, and he didn’t call me because he was mad too. I know I shouldn’t have snapped at him like that. He’d been nothing but a wonderful guy to me. I guess I was just frustrated beyond words. I shouldn’t have been picked on by Veronica to begin with. And she should have insulted me with words, not vandalized my stuff. I lost my temper and blew my cool, but I was still pissed it happened. I had to order new credit cards but I had to pay a fee to replace the damaged ones. I needed a phone, but the money in my bank account was reserved for food. I couldn’t sustain by body off a cell phone.
When the guilt started to weigh me down, I knew I needed to apologize to Flynn. I knew I embarrassed him as well as myself when I slammed my fist into Veronica’s face. I was lucky he still stuck around at all.
I didn’t have a phone to call him so I headed to his apartment. I hoped he was home. A part of me feared he ditched me and found someone new to spend time with. But I had to remember that I trusted him and he wouldn’t do that. This was just a fight. Couples fought even though they still loved each other.
I knocked on his door and waited for him to answer.
Almost a full minute later, he did. He was shirtless and his hair was slightly damp. The sweatpants that hung on his hips and the drops of water on his chest implied he just got out of the shower. My arousal became stronger than my guilt for a moment. I wanted to pull him on top of me inside his dark bedroom. But I kept it back.
He stared at me, not speaking.
I knew I had to go first. “I wanted to apologize for what I said and how I acted. I was just angry with the whole situation and I took it out on you when I shouldn’t. I take back what I said and I’m sorry I embarrassed you in front of your colleagues. You’re a star in my black sky, and the only treasure I have. I should appreciate you more instead of tossing you in the dirt.”
Flynn’s eyes brightened slightly. “I accept your apology.”
That didn’t feel right. “That was too easy…”
He smirked. “You apologized and you seemed sincere. Why drag it out?”
“Because I was a bitch.”
He laughed lightly. “No. You’re never a bitch.”
“So…can I come in?”
“You don’t have to ask.” He opened the door wider so I stepped inside.
When the door was closed, I turned to him. “You…just showered.”
“Yep. You should quit dancing and be a detective,” he said sarcastically.
I narrowed my eyes at him then wrapped my arms around his waist. I didn’t care that he was still wet. The familiar scent immediately made me feel better. His arm hooked around my waist and he rested his chin on my head.
“You still love me?” I whispered.
He squeezed my back. “A few mean words and a simple fight couldn’t change that. Nothing could.”
I kissed his chest and pulled away. “I’m not sure what I did to deserve you, but I’m so glad you’re mine.” I felt my heart convulse at the words. He was my whole world. There were no words for me to ever explain how much he meant to me.
He rubbed his nose against mine. “You did a lot of things, things that you don’t even realize.”
“I feel like I keep messing this up, but you’re the one who makes it right.”
He shook his head slightly. “I didn’t ask you to come over here and apologize. You did that on your own.”
“But I was also the one who fucked up.”
He cupped my face. “Like I said, we all make mistakes. Just learn from them. That’s all you can do. And believe me, you’re going to make a lot of them in this relationship. So will I. We’ll work through them.”
“You seem to know everything.”
“Because I do.” He gave me a cocky smile. “I’ve lived many different lifetimes. And I’ve been several different people.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I’m a writer. I make new characters and new stories and I live through them. So, in a way, I’ve explored different realities and different lifetimes. It’s why I understand people so well.”
I smiled. “That’s how I feel about reading.”
“Interesting…”
“Why is that interesting?”
“It explains why we’re so good together.” He dropped his hand then approached his counter. He grabbed a box and handed it to me. “For you.”
I felt the cardboard then opened it. It was a brand new cell phone. “Flynn…”
“Before you make a scene and start panicking, just take it and spare me the headache.”
I sighed, feeling worthless. “You don’t need to buy me anything.”
“I want you to have a phone,” he said firmly. “You think I’m going to let you walk around without one? Please just take it.”
“But…”
“Hazel, I didn’t even pay for it. A friend of mine works for the phone company. He just gave it to me.”
I still felt pathetic. “Thank you.”
“Phew. I’m glad that went smoothly.” He grabbed another box. “This is for you too.”
“Flynn!”
“Just take it.”
I opened the box and saw the dance shoes. There was no way I could ever afford a pair unless I took out a kidney. “You don’t—”
“Look. I’m your boyfriend. I will take care of you whether you like it or not. Please let me help you. When you go through a hard time, I go through a hard time. We’re in this together. You need to understand that. There will come a time when I’ll need help. You’ll be the first person I turn to. Relationships are about giving and taking. If you reject the things I give you, it doesn’t take away your strength and your validation. When someone admits they need help, that’s when they become stronger. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure.”
“I just don’t want you to think I’m with you for your money.”
His eyes softened. “Baby, I know you aren’t. That’s never crossed my mind—not once.”
“And I don’t want to take advantage of your generosity.”
“You aren’t taking advantage of me. You’re barely keeping your head above water. And I’m offering to help you.”
I held the shoes in my hand. “There was no way I could afford these…”
“I know.”
“Thank you.” I felt my eyes burn with te
ars. “It’s so nice having someone…you know?”
He cupped my face and kissed my tears as they fell. “I do know. I’m always here for you.”
“I feel like I don’t have anyone else in the world but you and Cortland. My parents and brother wouldn’t do anything for me even if I begged.”
“I doubt that, Hazel. They may not approve of your lifestyle, but they wouldn’t abandon you if you asked for help.”
“You don’t know them…”
“No, I don’t. But I can’t see a parent abandoning their child. My dad cut me off, but if I told him I didn’t have food or a place to live, he would give me whatever I needed.”
I blinked my tears away then steadied my emotions.
He opened his wallet then pulled out a check. “That’s for groceries and rent this month.”
I eyed it but couldn’t take it.
He stuffed it into my pocket. “You better cash that. If not, I’ll just write you another one.”
“Thank you…”
“And I talked to Dan today. I told him you’d been harassed for a while but you didn’t complain because you wanted the production to be unaffected by it. So you took the high road. I told him I saw Veronica vandalize your belongings so you were both at fault.”
“You lied for me…?”
He sighed. “If I didn’t, Dan was going to fire you. This way, you’re both suspended and both get to keep your jobs.”
God, that was a relief.
“And I’ll have a talk with Veronica when I see her. I’ll make sure she doesn’t bother you.”
“I can’t believe you did that for me.”
“It’s not surprising.” He smiled at me.
“How am I ever going to repay you for everything you’ve done for me?”
“Well, I can think of two things.” Judging by the cocky grin on his face, I knew he’d say something dirty.
“What are they?” I played along.
“One, you could love me and make me happy.”
“But I’m already doing that.”
“And second, you could…work it off.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”
He gripped my ass then pushed me against the counter. His hard-on was pressed against me. “More specific than this?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck then grinded my hips against him. “I think I can do that.”
He moaned while I moved my body against his, my breasts touching his chest. “Well, you better start working that debt off.”
I pulled him to the couch then pushed him into the seat. He rested his hands on his legs and looked up at me, waiting for my next move. I wanted to do something just for him to enjoy. He’d been my knight and shining armor time and time again. I wanted to do something to blow his mind.
I moved to my knees in front of him, and as soon as I did, the realization flashed in his eyes. He knew exactly what I was about to do. He tried to hide his excitement but he couldn’t. I was a little worried about going down on him because he was bigger than what I was used to.
I unbuttoned his jeans and got them down, along with his boxers. His long cock lay on his stomach, thick and ready for action. His hands moved to my shoulders and through my hair. He didn’t pull me down but I knew he was anxious for me.
My mouth moved to his tip and I sucked it gently, having a slow start. He moaned quietly while I massaged his base and ran my tongue over his head. When I had him panting, wanting more, I started to shove him into my throat. I took him slowly until he couldn’t go any further. He cursed loudly, having the reaction I was hoping for.
His hand fisted my hair and guided me down his shaft repeatedly, moaning louder and louder. I knew he was enjoying it and that made me enjoy it. When he gripped my neck and flinched, I knew he was about to explode. His cock twitched and he released, filling me with loud grunts. When he was finished, I swallowed everything then gave him a quick peck on the tip.
He leaned his head back then took a deep breath. “Well, you just made a large payment.”
“Actually, I think you did,” I said playfully.
He grinned then pulled me into this lap. “Stay the night.”
“I assumed I was.”
“Good. And bring some stuff over so you don’t have to go back and forth all the time.”
“Are you saying I have a drawer?”
“Baby, you can have a whole closet. Just bring your shit.”
11
Scarlet
Sean was already in the mood to have sex almost every minute of the day but now he was on overdrive. Any spare time he had, he wanted to be taking me on his desk or somewhere else.
I was having lunch with Andrew when he started to blow up my phone.
Come to my office.
I’m having lunch with Dad.
Blow him off.
I rolled my eyes. We can have sex when you get home.
You’re never going to get pregnant at this rate.
We just did it before you went to work. I tried to eat my salad but my phone kept vibrating.
“Let me guess,” Andrew said. “My son?”
“God, he’s annoying.”
He laughed. “Imagine him and Mike put together—for eighteen years.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said sincerely.
He laughed again. “They are good boys. But boy, are they a lot to handle. I salute you.”
I want you to come to my office every day at lunch.
Well, you don’t always get what you want. I was going to slap him when he got home.
Get your ass over here.
No, I’m hanging out with Andrew.
Leave him be. He’s fine.
I’m going to turn off my phone if you keep bugging me.
My phone went silent.
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Finally, some peace and quiet.”
The phone lit up. I’m fucking your brains out the second I get home. Be ready for it.
I rolled my eyes. My husband always had to get the last word in.
“He means well,” Andrew said. He didn’t even know what we were talking about, but he knew his son pretty damn well.
“Sometimes he can be a little too much. I have to slap him around.”
“Let me help you next time,” he teased.
He finished his soup and salad than wiped his face with a napkin. “I appreciate the two of you letting me stay for as long as I have. But now that the divorce has been finalized, I should be on my way.”
I wasn’t expecting him to leave so soon. I guess I wasn’t expecting him to leave at all… He had to get on with his life eventually but I liked having him around. He was always good company and a delight to be with. And we certainly weren’t cramped having him. “You don’t have to leave. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want.”
He shook his head. “I know you two are trying to start a family. You don’t need me to get in the way.”
“Well, it would be nice to have the grandpa around. It’s not like Sean and I have any idea what we’re doing.”
“You’ll be fine, Scarlet. I can tell you’ll be a wonderful mother.”
That made me feel a little better. “I can’t speak on behalf of Sean, but this house is pretty big and there’s plenty of room for you. If you wanted to move in permanently, neither one of us would mind.”
“You wouldn’t mind if your father-in-law lived here forever?” he asked incredulously.
“No. We both love having you here. It’s nice having company during the day, and you always put Sean in line when he drives me crazy.”
His eyes softened. “Well, that’s very sweet of you. I’m very touched.”
“If you want to leave because Sean is driving you up the wall, I wouldn’t blame you. But, there’s no rush for you to leave right now. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you want. Just don’t leave because you think we don’t want you here. That’s not true at all.”
“Well, I’m not ex
actly thrilled to be by myself just yet.”
I smiled. “Then stay.”
“I might take you up on that offer.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. Now when we have a baby question we can come to you.”
“But it better not be at two in the morning when the baby can’t stop crying.” He winked at me.
“We know you already went through the trenches of raising a family. We’ll ask you to participate in the fun stuff, like baseball practice, spending the day at the beach, and laser tag.”
“Oooh. I love laser tag.”
“So I’ve heard,” I said with a laugh.
He rubbed his hands together. “I hope this happens soon. I’m very excited to be a grandfather. I don’t feel old enough to be one, but I did knock up Diane pretty young in life.”
“The girls will probably like that,” I said with a smirk.
“Yes, what a turn on,” he said sarcastically.
“Women like older men.”
“Well, I am a wise and experienced stud.”
“There you go,” I said with a laugh.
“But I’m not ready to start dating. Maybe in a few years.”
“A few years?” I asked incredulously. “Um…that’s a little too long, don’t you think?”
“Well, I can’t see myself really moving on from my wife until then. Maybe that will change. All I know is, I’m not ready now. And that would be insulting to Diane if I were.”
Andrew was such a loyal and respectable man. I wished more men were like him. They just don’t make them like that anymore.
He and I finished lunch and discuss baby names and among other things. Our conversation was unforced and natural. I felt like he was my own family, not just my father-in-law. He was the dad I never had, and I knew he loved me like one of his own. It was nice to be loved for no reason at all. Just because.
As soon as Sean walked through the door, he wanted to get down to business.
“Your ass, upstairs,” he barked.
