by Ava Walsh
Melody put her arm around Elisabeth as the younger woman began to cry softly. Tears splattered on the glass over Bobby's face.
"When David showed up again, I was sick. I didn't want him anywhere near me or my son. And I told him that, but he said that it wasn't my choice. I didn't plan to kill him." Elisabeth snorted. "Or maybe I did. We met out on that bridge, and I had all my savings. I told him to take it and leave us alone and he just laughed at me. Said that it was nothing compared to what he had."
"He must have been referring to the money he got from kidnapping Cindy."
Elisabeth shuddered. "He… he told me he was going to take Bobby. That if I wanted to be in my son's life, I'd have to take him back. He said that he knew how to make people disappear and if I didn't do as he said, I'd never see Bobby again. And I snapped. He laughed at me when I grabbed the baseball bat."
The young woman sat up straighter. Her eyes hardened and she turned to Melody. Though tears were still streaming down her face, she looked determined and angry, every bit a woman who could have slugged a man in the head.
"He wasn't laughing when he went over the bridge. I did it for my son. I did it for Bobby."
Melody squeezed her hands. "I have to tell my uncle."
Elisabeth's shoulders slumped again, and she nodded. "I know. Just promise me something first?"
"Of course."
"Look after my son. I have no family, and you're the closest thing I have to a friend. I just don't want him to end up in the system. Please."
Melody squeezed the other woman's hands. It was a huge responsibility, but she couldn't turn down a mother's plea for help. "Yes. I'll look after him. I promise."
Elisabeth nodded her thanks, and with a heavy heart, Melody pulled her cell phone out again and dialed Uncle Todd. Elisabeth put the picture back on the mantle before she returned to Melody's side, leaning against her side as she started to cry again.
Chapter Ten
Melody nervously smoothed down her satin skirt, checking her reflection in the mirror. It had been several months since Elisabeth's arrest, and tonight was the first time since then that she had arranged for Bobby to spend the night with a friend so she could have the night to herself.
It was a huge adjustment, suddenly having a ten-year-old boy living with her, especially under these circumstances, but things were working out. Bobby was a good kid, and he was adjusting as well as could be expected.
Elisabeth's trial was still ongoing, but given the circumstances, it was hopeful that she would get a relatively light sentence. David's properties had all been resold by the government, through Melody, and she had put the money she earned from those sales into Bobby's college fund.
Tonight, though, was finally a night to have a break and just relax. She had kept in contact with Oskar as he took care of business in the city. His adoption of Julius was almost complete. He was coming back to Blackcliff for a few days.
And they were going to dinner.
It was a date. A real, honest-to-goodness date. Melody couldn't be happier, but she was still nervous. Now that they weren't solving a murder, would they still have things to talk about? Of course they would–she had a list of topics in case things lagged. Everything would be fine.
When Oskar arrived, he handed her a potted orchid. Melody's jaw dropped at the beautiful flower, gently taking it.
"Wow. It's beautiful."
"I remember you saying you liked orchids," Oskar said with an easy smile. "I couldn't remember if you liked them better than roses, though, so…"
He pulled a dozen red roses from behind his back. Melody laughed, although it quickly turned into a giggle as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. She gestured him in and looked around for a place to put the flowers. It was a lovely gesture. None of her previous boyfriends had ever bought her flowers, not even on Valentine's Day.
"How are things at the office going?" she asked over her shoulder, placing the orchid on the coffee table.
"With the FBI?"
"Yeah. I guess with all of your millions—"
"Billions."
"Millions, billions, whatever. More than I've ever seen. How many offices do you have, actually? Like, you have your FBI office. Where else?"
"I have an office in each of my company buildings. One in each of my homes—"
"Homes? Multiple?"
Oskar nodded.
Melody narrowed her eyes at him. "I think I hate you a little bit right now. You have too much money."
"Is money all that matters to you?" Oskar teased. He waggled his eyebrows, and Melody fought to keep herself from smiling back at him. It was a futile, effort, though. "But I don't actually have an office with the FBI anymore."
Melody's eyes widened. "What? Why? Did they fire you because you followed Fezioni out here?"
"No. I quit. I can't stand taking orders, and they are just too restrictive. All their rules and their strict chain of command. I mean, I could work my way up to the top, but why bother starting at the bottom with them when I'm already at the top with all of my other enterprises? So I quit, and I'm going to focus on being an Alpha and businessman full time. I think I can do more good that way. Besides, I don't need a gun to be badass."
"That you don't."
By this time Melody had finished trimming the roses and arranged them in a vase. She shook her head as she put them on her kitchen table, narrowing her eyes slightly at Oskar.
He really did have that top dog, alpha-male mentality, but quitting anything–even if he hated it–was just not in his personality. There had to be more to the story than what he was saying.
"So where does your son fit in with this?"
"I'll take some time to adjust and help Julius adjust. It's going to be a big change for both of us. But I'm going to be moving to Blackcliff, at least for the time being. He knows the town and he's got friends in school. I want a good place for him to grow up. I've been talking with the other Shifters, and a lot of them like the idea of getting out of the city, too."
Melody nodded. She knew some people would have a problem with having so many Shifters around, but they would have to deal. She would like Oskar being in town.
"Plus I'm still going to develop that ski hill and invest in a few hotels and new restaurants around here," Oskar continued. "So it's not like I'm going to be lacking in things to do."
"Good. Because I'm not going to start chasing ghosts all over the world with you so you can be a mega FBI star. I like being a realtor right here, thank you very much."
The smile on Oskar's face faded. "Speaking of ghosts…"
She knew what he was asking. Melody put her hand on his arm and squeezed gently. "I haven't seen Cindy since you started the process to adopt Julius back into your custody. I think she's moved on. That's a good thing."
"I know. I'm glad she found some peace."
Melody cupped his face, brushing her lips against his. His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer, and she gasped. Her heartbeat increased as she tangled her fingers in his hair, breaching his mouth with her tongue. He opened readily for her, answering her movements with his own.
She thrust her hips forward, grinding through their clothing. A moan escaped–if they didn't get going right away, then it was doubtful that they would be leaving the house all night. His tongue swirled around hers and she decided she wasn't that hungry after all.
His hand cupped her ass. His eyes widened as he traced beneath the curve. "Are you wearing any underwear?"
Melody giggled. "A thong."
Oskar's eyes grew hooded.
"Do you have dinner reservations?" she asked breathlessly.
"Yeah. We can cancel, though." Oskar's mouth moved to her neck, sucking on the sensitive skin. Bolts of pleasure shot through her veins, pooling thick and hot in her belly. "I'm not very hungry."
"Me, either."
"Correction." Oskar pulled back, his eyes twinkling. "I am very hungry. For something I can't get in a restaurant."
"Me,
too," Melody blurted. Reluctantly she pulled away from his arms, but only so she could grab his hand and lead him to the bedroom. Excitement coursed through her, her eyes bright as Oskar kept kissing her.
They fell into bed with a tangle of limbs, shedding clothing, their movements becoming more heated and desperate as the months of separation and tension broke free, finally letting them come together in full passion. Melody dug her fingers into Oskar's back, their gazes locked with one another, their movements in sync as he entered her.
"Is this what you wanted?" he grunted, suddenly stopping. A frown furrowed his brow. "To be responsible for a child so suddenly?"
Melody thrust her own hips forward, but finding Oskar unresponsive, she sighed. Apparently, talk came first. "No. It's not what I wanted. Did you want to become a single father?"
"No. But I want it now." Oskar smiled, almost shyly. "I'd like it better if I had someone with me, though."
"It's a little early for that, isn't it?" Melody arched a brow. "I mean… this is only our first date."
"Date? I thought this was a business meeting." He began rocking his hips again, making Melody moan, and she forgot what she was going to say. "I'd love to take you on a million dates. No, make that a billion dates. One for each of those dollars I have too many of."
"Sounds good," Melody gasped. "Now shut up and kiss me."
Oskar laughed and obeyed her.
*****
THE END
Bonus Book 27: The Quarterback's Secret Baby
By: Ava Walsh
Description
This is my secret... Mine alone...
Lindsay Williams still remembers her one passionate night with her best friend’s brother. She’d been in love with him for as long as she could remember...
But she was left with a big surprise after Ethan Taylor left town: She was pregnant with his baby.
For years, Lindsay kept the identity of her child’s father a secret. She put her plans on hold to raise her baby, allowing Ethan the freedom to live his dream. When Lindsay learns that her best friend is coming to town to get married, she’s thrown into panic. How will she keep her daughter a secret? And how can she admit to her best friend that she slept with her older brother?
Ethan never forgot the day Lindsay gave him her most precious gift. Years later and miles away, she still haunts his dreams. Lindsay is the only woman he has ever had profound feelings for. The only appeal of going home for his sister’s wedding is seeing Lindsay again. She may not want anything to do with a notorious playboy, but he’s willing to try his luck.
When they meet, the passion between them is more intense than ever. Ethan realizes that he has fallen for Lindsay. But, will he be able to forgive her when he discovers her secret?
Chapter One
Lindsay
The noisy, humid atmosphere makes me miserable. I have worked in the same place since I was fifteen and I still can’t get used to the place. Maybe it’s because I want to get away from here so badly but can’t seem to escape. I might very well be in the same town working the same crappy job until I’m old and gray. The thought makes me even more miserable. Letting out a low groan, I head to table two with a tray.
“Hey, Lindsay, where the hell is my burger?” a raspy voice calls out.
I pause, take a deep breath to control my temper and turn with a friendly smile. “Relax, Patrick, you just ordered five minutes ago. Give the cook a little time, huh?”
Patrick, a local and long-time customer of the only diner in town, lets out a huff and sits back. He mutters something under his breath and goes back to tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. Everyone is used to the old man’s behavior, but that doesn’t stop him from getting on my last nerve.
“Here you go, folks,” I say, placing the tray on table two and unloading it. “Enjoy your meal.”
“Thanks, honey,” Mrs. Jacobs, another frequent customer, says. Her husband nods at me and gives me a smile.
As I walk off, I step to the side just as a hand reaches out, brushing against my leg. “Yup, saw that coming,” I whisper. “Keep your hands to yourself, Martin,” I say, glaring at the middle-aged, balding man leering at me. He tries to grab my bottom every time I pass his table. The thing is it’s an everyday occurrence. I sigh and push the swinging double doors to the kitchen open. “I need another job.”
“Martin tried to grab your ass again?”
I glance at the woman flipping beef on the massive grill. Marion is the fifty-year-old cook who has manned the grill ever since I can remember. I grew up seeing her at Eddie’s Corner; she’s like a permanent fixture here.
“Yeah.”
Marion throws me a sympathetic look. “Well, you can’t blame the old fool too much. Look at you! You’re a stunner. You know, I was the town beauty back in my day.” She trails off, looking into space, reliving her glory days.
I smile. “I’m sure you were, Marion. Thanks for the compliment. Martin’s behavior isn’t the only reason I need a need a new job, though.” It goes beyond being harassed by customers. Working in the diner is a reminder of how stagnant my life is. I’ve been here year after year, dealing with the same people, people who look at me with pity. I’m a twenty-one year old who was once full of promise. Now I’m stuck in the small town of Lakeville, working two minimum-wage jobs to make a living. I would say that my life sucks. Well, not completely. There’s a pair of green eyes waiting for me at home, eyes that look at me with unconditional love. My three-year-old daughter is my saving grace. I’m reminded why I work so hard. I want to make life for her as good as I can.
It doesn’t seem like I’m doing such a great job right now, though. We live in a cramped, one-bedroom apartment, and I can’t always buy her the things she wants. Sadness begins to creep up on me, but an irritated voice jerks me from my thoughts.
“Williams! What’s the matter with you? Get your head in the game. We have a full house.”
“Er, s-sorry Mr. Edmond,” I stutter, to the owner of the diner.
“Yeah, yeah. Get back to work and stop day dreaming, kid.”
“No need to get your panties in a twist, Eddie,” Marion rasps, her voice thick from years of smoking. Mr. Edmond sends her a glare, but doesn’t say another word to me. I give Marion an appreciative smile, and she winks.
“You finished with Patrick’s order? He’s out there having a cow, the impatient fool.”
Marion snorts. “I’m finished. If he gives you any grief when you get back out there, you tell him I know where he lives.” She waves her spatula around threateningly, making me laugh.
“Yes, ma’am.” I go through the door, back into the hum of chatter. It’s been a long day, and lunch hour is no joke. There are only three more hours remaining in my shift, but today three hours seems extra long.
I serve and clean up tables non-stop until I feel like my feet will explode. No doubt they will be the size of balloons by the time I get home. Finally, the crowd dwindles, and I slow my pace. My phone vibrates in my apron pocket, and I fish it out. Glancing around to make sure Mr. Edmond is nowhere in sight, I check the caller ID. My lips purse as I contemplate taking the call or not.
Amanda. The name flashes across the screen. My finger hovers over the icon to accept the call, but I lose my nerve and shove the phone back into my pocket. I close my eyes briefly and let out a breath. Guilt assails me for ignoring her call. She’s my best friend. But things changed after high school, and it’s all my fault. I’m the one who distanced myself from her and just about everyone else. What else could do I do? All of my childhood friends have left Lakeville, Connecticut and moved on to live amazing lives. And here I am, an utter failure.
It’s my shame that pushes me to turn away from everyone. I have ignored countless calls from people who were once a part of my life. Admitting that I haven’t gone on to become the brilliant artist that everyone thought I would be was beyond humiliating. Hell, I didn’t even go to college. My phone vibrates again. I don’t bother to answer, knowin
g it’s Amanda calling again. I don’t avoid her calls all the time; occasionally I have to pick up, so that it doesn’t look so bad. Then, I lie and tell her how busy I’ve been, and that’s why I often miss her calls. Yeah, I’m a liar, and I’m going to hell. When I speak to Amanda, she always asks how my life is going. She doesn’t know the pain the question causes. Plus, there is the fact that the father of my child is none other than her older brother. She has no idea, of course, and neither does anyone else. Although someone might figure it out one of these fine days. Casey looks more like her father with each passing day.
I push the thought of my daughter’s father aside, until I get home, anyway, where I can pine over him in private. I wonder what Amanda was calling about. With a slight shrug, I get back to cleaning tables. She usually leaves a message so more than likely I’ll find out.
Chapter Two
Lindsay
At the end of my shift, I gather my things and make a beeline for the door. Customers begin to file in again, and I quicken my steps before the boss asks me to stay a bit longer. I would gladly do over time, since I need the money, but not today. I’m ready to drop because of exhaustion, and I haven’t seen much of my daughter in a week. Running from one job to the other is taking its toll.
Sitting in my ancient Toyota, I take out my phone, remembering that Amanda had called. There’s a voice message. “Let’s hear what it’s about.” As I listen to Amanda’s excited voice, a smile appears on my lips. She was always so full of energy. By the end of the message, my smile has fallen away. My heart begins to race. It’s not because Amanda has just said she’s getting married. That’s great; I’m happy for her. The problem is that she wants to have the wedding here. That means her brother will be here as well. “Oh, my God,” I whisper, as memories overtake me and I spiral back into the past. The last time I saw Ethan Taylor was almost four years ago.
