Till Forever

by Elena Matthews

  “Believe me, I know how that feels. Once upon a time, my life was one bad thing after the next, but once I met Ashton, I felt like I could conquer the world. Tyler will be fine because he has you. No matter what life throws at you, there’s nothing you can’t do when you have the one you love by your side.”

  I smile, her words resonating deep within me. “Thank you.”

  “I’m really sorry about what happened,” she begins sincerely. “I don’t know if you know this, but I had a miscarriage when I was younger.”

  My eyes widen a little at her admission.

  I had no idea.

  “I didn’t know that,” I admit.

  “It was under the worst circumstances, but I understand how it can affect you mentally. You might not think so when everything is still so raw, but eventually, the hurt eases. Things do get easier.”

  I look down and notice Francesca has fallen asleep against my chest, so I gently set her back inside her crib.

  I turn back to Ava and pull her into my arms. “Thank you. I really needed to hear that.”

  Ava squeezes me tight before she steps back. “I know we still don’t know each other that well even though you shared your wedding with ours,” she says with a light laugh, “but I’m always here if you ever need to talk about anything. I’m only ever a phone call away.”

  I smile, touched. “That means a lot.”

  I glance down at my watch, noting it’s just a little after ten p.m. “I have a little time before Tyler and I have to be at the airport. How about we get to know each other a little better over a glass of wine?”

  Her eyes light up at the mention of wine. “That sounds great.”

  I know I’m supposed to be on a health kick, but after tonight, I think we all need a little alcohol in our system.

  We exit the room, and she links her arm through mine as we make our way downstairs.

  “Okay, so you’ve got to tell me how you managed to get my daughter back to sleep so quickly. Did you slip her something?” she asks with a humorous tone.

  I burst out laughing. “Only a little whiskey,” I reply jokingly.

  For the next hour, I get to know my sister in-law a little better over a much-needed glass of chardonnay.

  Mia

  During the flight, Tyler is unusually quiet and spends the majority of the six-hour flight with his earphones in and his music blaring, looking out of the window. I try to sleep, but it’s hard to let my brain switch off, my chest tight with worry for Tyler. So, when sleep doesn’t come, I watch a few movies to try to pass the time.

  By the time we land at Punta Cana International Airport, it is safe to say I look and feel like a zombie. However, once we walk out of the airport, I don’t even care how tired I am because, as soon as I step outside, the glorious blue sky is worth the sleepless flight. After yesterday, I suddenly feel excited about our trip.

  After going to the rental car services, we finally make our way to the Hard Rock Hotel, and I’m awed with my new and unfamiliar surroundings. I’m astonished to find so much greenery. Even at the side of the highway, the entire place is just lined up with trees. I comment on things here and there, but all I get from Tyler are grunted responses, his eyes only focused on the road in front of him as he navigates through Punta Cana.

  Last night, when we left his parents’, he seemed excited about the trip, albeit still a little reluctant to leave his mom, but he seemed happy to be spending the next six days with me. However, now, with this new emotionless persona, I’m not too sure. I just pray he won’t be like this for the entire trip, as I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it, not again. It’s what happened after the miscarriage. He just distanced himself away from me until he was nonexistent, and I can’t put myself through that abandonment again. It broke me completely.

  I understand his mom is dying, and I’m still trying to process that myself, but I want this vacation to be about us, to forget about everything and everyone, at least just for a little while.

  Thirty minutes later, a giddy flutter erupts in my belly as I see a guitar-shaped sign with Hard Rock on the front as we approach the entrance. The rock-star experience starts from the minute we pull up, and two bellboys open our doors and greet us as we exit the car, immediately asking how our trip was. Promptly, one bellboy gathers our luggage from the trunk while the other takes the car rental keys from Tyler.

  With nothing more to do, we enter the cool lobby, and my mouth drops open with wonder the instant our feet touch the marble floor. The distinct sound of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses can be heard through the immense sound system, making it seem like there’s a live concert happening in the main lobby. A Hall of Fame adorns the lobby with original outfits from Elvis Presley and guitars that belonged to B.B King, and bright paintings of John Lennon and Mick Jagger are hung on the walls.

  “Wow,” I breathe, completely mesmerized, unable to believe we’re really here. It’s luxury at its finest.

  I look to Tyler, and he doesn’t seem as fascinated as me. If anything, he looks as if he wishes he were anywhere but here, and that hurts my heart.

  Tyler must have requested an early check-in before our arrival, as we check in and head straight to our room. When we let ourselves inside, my eyes grow wide as they fall on the hot tub in the center of the room.

  A fricking hot tub!

  I drop my purse on the bed and kick off my sneakers. I make my way to the patio doors that lead to the balcony. I swing the doors open, and I step onto the terrace. A peace settles over me as the early morning sun shines bright on me. The view of palm trees and the smell of the sea salt that emanates in the air tell me the beach is close by.

  I turn, expecting Tyler to be behind me, but I frown when I see him sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall. I make my way back inside and step between his legs, tilting his head to look up at me as I brush my fingers through his hair.

  “Is everything okay?”

  He tries to force out a smile, but it barely comes out as a grimace. “I guess I’m just a little tired.”

  “Yeah, I’m a little tired, too,” I admit. “How about we order some room service and maybe try out that hot tub?” I ask suggestively with a sultry smile.

  He briefly glances over at it before looking back up at me with zero interest. “Maybe later. I might try to get some sleep since I got none on the plane.”

  I try to hide my disappointment with a forced smile.

  We’re in the land of paradise, and all he wants to do is sleep.

  I remind myself he’s tired, and that a little sleep is probably all he needs to shift his dark mood.

  “Yeah, okay. Once the bellboys bring up our stuff, I’m gonna take a shower. Then, I’ll go grab a coffee and walk around for a bit while you sleep.”

  I half-expect him to ask me to join him—it’s what I want him to ask me—but instead, all he says is, “Okay. Wake me in a few hours.”

  I press a kiss to his forehead before I step away. Usually, he would undress to his boxers before bed, but he just slides up the bed, and within seconds of his head hitting the pillow, he passes out. I feel even worse for my irritation with him as I hear his gentle snores, realizing how exhausted he must be.

  A bellboy arrives shortly with our luggage, and after tipping him, I unpack all of our things and head for a shower.

  Once showered, I change into a pair of denim shorts, a red bikini top, and a cute little cover-up. I pair it up with my red flip-flops, and after grabbing my room key card and sunglasses, I head out to check out the resort, leaving my sleeping man behind. I hope, with a little shut-eye, he’ll be more like himself once he wakes up.

  I grab a much-needed Americano and a chocolate croissant from the café close to the lobby before setting off on my journey around the resort.

  I spend a good hour walking around, and I’m amazed to find this place has a spa, a gym, a casino, mini golf, and just about a gazillion pools. There are also little boutique shops within the res
ort. I even see signs for a nightclub, a theater, and an on-sight golf course.

  It’s unreal.

  The place seems like a maze to me, but I manage to find my way to the private beach. The golden sand feels soft between my toes as I walk along the beach, barefoot. As I gaze out to the clear blue sea, which starts off turquoise and then fades to a darker shade of blue the deeper the water gets, the peace I felt the instant I stepped on the terrace earlier settles over me like a blanket.

  It’s breathtaking. I don’t think I’ve seen anything so beautiful.

  I had no idea I needed this, but being here in the glorious hot sunshine and next to the tranquil waters of the Atlantic Ocean, I feel every one of my problems just fading away.

  I can breathe better than I have in a long time.

  I just wish Tyler were here in this moment with me. I want him to see this, to feel this sense of calm I’m experiencing right now.

  After walking along the sand for a while longer, I get a little thirsty from the mixture of the walk and heat, so I stop off at one of the nearby pool bars and grab a bottled water before returning to my room that’s on the other side of the resort.

  I enter my room shortly after and notice Tyler hasn’t moved an inch off the bed, still in the same position he was in when I left. I slide out of my flip-flops and sit beside Tyler.

  I brush my fingers through his hair and whisper, “Tyler, baby, wake up.”

  He stirs, his eyes fluttering open.

  “Hi,” I say as his green eyes fall on me. I press a kiss against his cheek as he rouses from sleep. “You feel a little better after your sleep?”

  He simply nods. “What time is it?” he asks on a yawn, turning over onto his back.

  I glance at the clock on the side table. “It’s almost midday,” I reply. “This place is amazing by the way. I went down to the beach before, and it’s incredible, Tyler. So calming and peaceful,” I gush with a huge smile on my face.

  “Yeah?” Tyler asks with a little happiness back in his voice, stretching his arms out.

  “Why don’t you get changed, and we can head down there?” I question, eager to get back on the beach and bask in the sunshine.

  He shifts from the bed and sits up, raking his fingers through his hair. “Give me five, and I’ll be all yours,” he grunts, his voice gruff with sleep.

  He goes to stand, but I place my hand on his arm, stopping him in place. He looks to me, and I just lean in and press a slow, sultry kiss to his lips.

  When I pull back, he asks, “What was that for?”

  “Just for being the most amazing husband.”

  He blinks at my mention of husband, and a small smile pulls at his lips.

  I guess it’s been a while since I’ve actually called him that. Husband.

  He leans in for a second kiss before he stands and heads to the bathroom.

  I saunter from the sea and back over to Tyler lying on a sun lounger with a cocktail in hand, wringing the seawater out of my hair. Even though he’s wearing dark aviators, I can feel the heat of his stare as he watches me approach. I see my reflection in the sunglasses, and I have to admit, I’m rocking this red bikini, his favorite one that he told me to bring.

  “Like what you see?” I ask flirtatiously as I grab the towel from the twin sun lounger and begin to pat myself dry.

  “I love what I see,” he compliments with a goofy grin.

  I’m so happy his mood has improved. As soon as he stepped on the beach, a peace seemed to settle within him, just like I hoped it would.

  I set the towel back down on my sun lounger and sit on the edge of it, grabbing my plastic cup of ice water from the shaded area covered by the parasol. I take several long sips from the straw. “You should have come in with me. The water is amazing,” I boast, my eyes flickering over the refreshing blue water.

  He lifts his half-empty hurricane glass filled with some orange and red concoction. “I’m happy to perv on you while getting drunk,” he says on a happy chuckle.

  I laugh with him. “How many of those have you had to drink?”

  We’ve been on the beach for a couple of hours now, and every single one of those minutes, he’s been holding a plastic hurricane glass with the Hard Rock logo sprawled across the front. With the little buzz he has going, I’m going to take a wild guess and say it isn’t the same glass. If that were me, I’d be out for the count for the rest of the day. Alcohol and sunshine have never mixed well for me. I learned that the hard way during spring break of my freshman year of college.

  He shrugs his shoulders before taking another long pull through his straw. “I think this is my fifth, but every time I finish one, the waitress brings me another.”

  I point to the drink in his hand. “Well, maybe you should slow down a little. I don’t want you getting too drunk that you can’t even walk back to our room later.”

  “I’m on vacation. I’m allowed to get a little drunk, Mia,” he snaps.

  I blink at the sudden attitude.

  “Hey,” I begin softly, “I’m not giving you shit, Tyler. I was just hoping to get a little dressed up tonight; that’s all. And I definitely won’t if you keep drinking those for the rest of the day. Plus, I kind of want to get a little drunk with you.”

  I smile suggestively, and that seems to put him at ease when he grins at me.

  Movement from behind Tyler catches my eye, and this exotic waitress with long blonde hair and an incredible tan approaches.

  She’s gorgeous.

  “Hi, Tyler. Would you like another drink?” she speaks in English with a hint of Spanish in the mix.

  But even I can hear the suggestive tone to her voice.

  Tyler?

  So, this is the waitress who keeps plying my husband with drinks.

  How the hell does this woman know his name and within only two hours of serving him?

  Immediately, my nostrils flare as I watch the way her eyes fervently trace over Tyler’s body, most specifically his toned abs.

  Tyler goes to speak, but I cut him off, “We’re fine for now. Thank you,” I say in a curtly manner, my eyes staring daggers at her through my sunglasses, jealousy coming off me in steam.

  Tyler’s head snaps to mine, a smirk curling at his lips.

  She blinks, as if just realizing I’m here. She smiles and recovers herself with a flick of her golden-blonde hair. “Well, let me know if you need anything.” Her eyes hungrily land back on Tyler before she walks off with a purposeful shake to her ass.

  I wait for Tyler to follow her with his eyes, but thankfully, he just looks back at me.

  “What was that about?” he asks with humor to his voice.

  “I didn’t like the way she was looking at you,” I admit, not ashamed to feel the tiniest bit jealous.

  “And how was she looking at me?” He grins, intrigued.

  “She was looking at you like your wife wasn’t sitting only a foot away from you,” I point out, unable to take the sneer off my face.

  He just laughs. “Baby, she’s waiting on us. It’s her job,” he points out.

  I shake my head. “No, she’s doing more than her job when she keeps bringing you refills.”

  “It’s an all-inclusive resort. That’s what waiters do.”

  “Well, if you wanted a drink, you’d ask for it,” I retort, sitting back on the sun lounger, crossing my ankles together.

  Wow, she’s really brought my feisty side out of me. Jealousy is one crazy bitch.

  He sets his drink and sunglasses down in the sand. Then, he stands and steps toward me before he crawls on top of me, his thighs caging mine in.

  “What are you doing?” I ask, a little alarmed that he’s doing this in such a public place.

  He leans down until his nose is touching mine, and his lips are only inches away. “I’m showing her and anyone else who can see us that I’m taken.”

  Even in the eighty-degree heat, I shiver at his words. He closes the distance and brushes his lips to mine. I open my mouth, allow
ing his tongue access, and immediately, I’m able to taste the rum and fruit juices from the hurricane cocktails he’s been consuming all afternoon. I groan into his mouth as he grinds against me, his cock growing harder, and I feel every inch of him through the thin material of my bikini bottoms.

  “God, I wish we were alone. I want so desperately to push these sexy little bottoms to the side and slip my cock inside you.”

  My pussy literally throbs, and it’s a direct line to my nipples. They pebble with arousal, and I feel a heat pool inside my bikini bottoms.

  “I want you,” he growls against my mouth, his teeth tugging against my bottom lip.

  “Let’s go back to the room,” I pant suggestively against his lips, wanting all the things he wants.

  His hooded eyes turn a shade darker. “Let’s go.”

  We grab our belongings, and we walk hand in hand toward our room. He walks with a grin, and I’m so pleased to see he’s in a happier mood than this morning. No doubt the copious amount of rum has been an influence, but I’m so happy to have my Tyler back even if alcohol is the only reason.

  After walking ten minutes to our room block, I expect him to have cooled down a little, but instead, as soon as we’re through the door, he’s on me, his lips pressed against mine as he guides me toward the bed. We fall onto the feather-like mattress together. I moan loudly as he zones in on the salty skin of my neck that’s intermixed with sweat and seawater. His lips and tongue caress the sensitive spot behind my ear as his fingers make work of the strings of my bikini top. He tugs it loose, and it skims free from my chest and is quickly discarded to the floor.

  “Let’s try out the hot tub,” I suggest on a whispered breath as his lips suck against my nipple.

  God, that feels incredible.

  He lets go on a pop, and he moves to the side, granting me access. I eagerly shimmy from the bed and walk the few feet to the hot tub. Since it’s already filled with water, I kneel on the ground and try to work out the buttons on the control panel. I press a button to adjust the heat by a couple of degrees, and with a press of another button, the jets come to life, bubbles rapidly coming to the surface.