Mel
The ringing at the door became excessive and I frowned as I made my way over. I wasn’t expecting anyone and it was 9:30 so I suspected it had to be Erica. She was the only family that we had in the general area to just pop up and visit whenever. I swung the door open and I was greeted with the last person I ever expected to see here, Roger. He pushed past me and let himself into the house and I immediately tailed behind him. He began pacing and when I was close to him he met my eyes.
“Mel, you need to help me out here.”
I frowned. “I don’t need to help you with a damn thing Roger.”
“Come on Mel. I just need some money to get me through the next few days or so.”
I crossed my arms. “Absolutely not but please show yourself out. You are not welcomed here and you need to leave immediately.”
He scowled. “What do you mean no? This is all your fault. You and your husband.” He sneered.
I rolled my eyes. “You did it to yourself man. All of this. Everything that’s happened between us, with you, was your fault. No one else’s.”
“You’re the one that went running back to him as soon as you had the chance. You didn’t even give us a real chance to begin with. That was the fucking problem the whole time. Now because of what that asshole did, I can’t get a damn job anywhere. I lost the house, I’m staying in my car at least before they fucking take it and I’m asking you to fucking help me get back on my feet and all you can do is point the fingers? All of those years meant nothing, is that what you’re trying to tell me?”
I crossed my arms. “You tried to ruin me you asshole. You did all that shit to me taking pictures of me and selling them, making up stories for a quick buck. Now that the gig is up you want to act like you were the innocent one in everything and what do you think, you’re just here asking an old friend for a favor?”
He took a step forward and I took one back. “Don’t come closer to me and you really need to get out of here now.” I told him.
I thought back to where my phone was and I remembered I left it in the damn room on the night stand after I spoke to Nick. God dammit.
“Melanie, after everything I did for you…”
I scoffed. “You sure as hell did a lot alright. Now, please leave. I’ve already asked you multiple times to go.”
Marshmallow appeared just then in the doorway and he just watched. When Roger began pacing again I really took in his appearance. His pants were stained and looked unclean and his shirt was rumpled and looked like he may have been wearing it for a few days already. His hair was disheveled and looked longer and more raggedy than I think I’ve ever seen it. I could even catch a faint whiff of him and it seemed like he may have tried to hide his scent with spray or deodorant but hasn’t actually washed. To summarize it, he was just a full blown mess all over. When he looked over at me his eyes were bloodshot and he looked so, so tired. A shiver ran down my spine, his actions were desperate, erratic, and he just seemed plain unhinged. I was alone at home with the kids and I knew it wasn’t safe nor a good idea for him to be here. I also didn’t want to send him over the edge because it looks like he was ready to tip over at any moment. When he began muttering to himself my entire body began to shake from nerves. I tried to ease myself back slowly away from him towards the security system so I can set off the panic button. I guess I wasn’t moving as stealthily as I thought I was because his head snapped up and his eyes locked on me.
“What are you doing?” he asked narrowing his eyes.
“Nothing.” I said trying to sound casual and failing miserably. You could hear the anxiety in my quivering voice.
He snarled and took a step towards me. I considered spinning around to run for it when he lunged for me. Before he could make contact I saw something zip by from the corner of my eye and Roger went flying and landed sprawled on the floor. He let out a painful yelp and he stared in shock at Lucky standing over him with her teeth bared. He pushed at her and shoved her off and she latched onto his leg hard and dragged as she shook her head viciously. I stood there for a good minute or two just staring not knowing what to do while Roger whimpered and it looked like Lucky was trying to have him for dinner. When I snapped out of it, I calmed Lucky with a simple command and as soon as she detached herself from Roger he scrambled away and after a few attempts to get up he was able to get to his feet and limp quickly out of the house. I just watched behind in sort of a trance as I ran to lock the door. Lucky was by my side when I spun around and that’s when I spotted blood on the floor where Roger was. Huh, Lucky got his ass good. She continued to watch the door like she expected him to return any second and attack but I was confident that the fear I saw in his eyes when he left far exceeded anything that I had been feeling. She followed me to my room and got comfortable at the entrance of the door, the whole time I was thinking about how fucking stupid I was to open the door and how this all could’ve been avoided. I sighed and picked up my phone knowing what I needed to do but was dreading it. Shit I wouldn’t blame him for leaving me over something like this or being really pissed off at me, our kids were here. I hit number 2 on my speed dial and he picked up on the third ring.
“Mel?” he answered sleepily.
“Hi Nick.”
His voice was instantly alert. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
I sighed. “What makes you think anything is wrong?” I asked hesitantly.
“Seriously Mel? I know you and I can hear it in your voice. What’s the matter?”
I reran the last few minutes to Nick and the line was completely silent. I looked down at my screen and saw that the call was still going. “Nick, are you there?” maybe the reception was bad.
When I heard his exasperated breath I was confused. “Mel, I’m on my way.”
“But – “
“Don’t. I’m on my way and I’ll be there as soon as possible. Don’t open the door or anything because I swear to god Mel if he comes next to you again I’m going to fucking kill him. Then I’m going to really beat your ass and not in a good way for being stupid.”
Before I had the opportunity to argue or say anything else the line disconnected. I heaved a sigh and got in the bed. I knew he was going to be pissed the hell off, I just hope he comes straight home and not out to look for him. I could totally use him right now, I want to cuddle! I guess the whole incident wreaked all kinds of havoc on me because I don’t even remember falling asleep. I was woken up when the room seemed to get like 50 degrees hotter. I stretched and realized I was cocooned by more than just the blanket. I cracked an eye open and saw it was 3:23am and Nick was here in bed with me. He sure as hell didn’t waste any time getting home. He must’ve caught the last flight of the day.
“You awake?” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“I am now, I just wanted to cuddle with you.”
He let out a long deep sigh. “Come here baby, I want to hold you too.” He said softly.
I scooted back and he practically plastered me to him and there was nowhere else I would rather be than here right now. He kissed my hair and rubbed my arms soothingly. “I wish I was here for you babe. You forgive me?”
Had I not been so grateful for his comfort right now I would’ve rolled my eyes. “it’s not your fault Nick. You better not beat yourself up about this… to be honest I have to take responsibility because I just opened the door mindlessly. What if that was a burglar or something, I was home with the kids. That was so stupid and irresponsible of me to do in the first place. I feel like such a dummy.” I told him honestly.
“Mel, shut up and go to sleep.”
“But – “
“Shut up Mel.”
“Nick, you can’t tell me to shut up. I’m trying to tell you how I fucked – “
“Shut. Up. Go to sleep, I don’t want to hear that shit.”
I sighed. “Fine Nick.”
“I don’t blame you either and I don’t want to hear you do it eit
her. If you feel you need to talk again tonight before you go to sleep I only want to hear how much you love me and miss me.”
I smiled. “I did miss you Nick.” I whispered.
He hugged me tighter and I snuggled closer into his chest.
“I missed you too baby, all of you.”
“You know and I might just love you too.” I said shyly drawing circles absently on the arm that was holding me.
I felt his chest vibrate from silent laughter. “You do, and I love you too Melanie. Now I’m sleepy and I know you are too because you were out like a light when I got in so go to sleep. I got you.” He promised. He sealed the deal by tipping my chin so he could place a quick sweet peck on my lips and then my temple. To me, there was no place safer than being wrapped in Nick’s big, strong, hard, sexy… right my mind started to wander. In my defense, you would think sexy thoughts anytime you thought about any of his amazing body parts. But where was I again…? Right, there’s no safer place than Nick.
Epilogue
Mel
True to his word, as soon as the season ended he packed up our crap and was shaking with anticipation. We were finally going on our honeymoon and Erica was due here any minute to stay here to help Essie out with the kids while we were gone for three weeks. I was in between jobs right now. When I returned from my “maternity leave” there was more requests for me than I could’ve fathomed. I had just finished working with Serena Williams with a wrist issue, and when we got back I would be working with Zac Efron with two injuries he incurred in a car accident and one of the stars from the new Fast and Furious who hurt themselves trying to perform their own stunts. After working with both Christian and Nick my clientele broadened beyond just athletes. I began to take on other famous people from actors/actresses to pop stars. My first client was Justin Bieber for a few weeks with a minor injury. I only agreed to do that if he agreed to sign something for Kira, she loved the boy. Due to the high demand, the pay has gotten even better and I’m not complaining. I’ve also been able to maintain a good life/work balance and I was just happy with life right now.
The doorbell rang and Nick grabbed my arm dragging me behind him while somehow carrying his suitcase in his other hand with mine under his arm. He let me go briefly to open the door. I barely had a chance to greet her before he was pulling me into the car. I couldn’t help but laugh at him. After he had me fully strapped in, he leaned over and gave me a chaste kiss on the lips. “Now let’s get our asses into a bed on that damn island. I’ve got big plans for you babe.” He commented with a big grin.
Erica
I was immediately pulled into Kira’s room to play. I know I’m one of her favorite people because we always do the really girly stuff together. She likes it when I help her pick out outfits and things and when we secretly play with makeup together. Mel would no doubt strangle me if I leave any evidence that me and her daughter were playing with her makeup. Luckily she doesn’t wear makeup often so we haven’t been caught… yet.
I watched Kira skip around her room grabbing a bunch of items and sighed. I loved all my nieces and nephews, I mean I really loved them. At some point, I myself wanted to have kids but as I grew older and my luck with men only got worse I realize it may never happen. Once Landon started having kids and I would watch Lucy with them I realized that I don’t have any maternal instincts. I would suck at being a parent, and no kid deserved that. I would have to fill that small gap in my chest with them.
I nodded and smiled to Kira when she turned to me briefly before she continued scampering about. I shook my head and frowned. I would be staying here babysitting while Nick and Mel got to have alone time and celebrate being with each other and married – just another thing I will never experience. I think back to the relationships I’ve seen and it’s almost like they were able to tell from the beginning that person was their sole mate. I haven’t ever been in love. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever been on the verge of falling for a person. It’s so fucking depressing. My mind instantly flirted to Ted and I blushed. Fine, Lucy is right… maybe I think he’s cute and charming. But he’s so introverted although he really has come out of his shell. He’s always seemed like the strong, serious, and silent type but he’s actually quite funny and fun to be around. He’s huge and I think it’s all muscle. I’ve never seen underneath his shirt because even at the pool he keeps on a t-shirt. If his legs are anything to go by though I’m sure it’s impressive. Anyway he’s younger than me and I’m certain he doesn’t even pay me any attention. I think the only reason he danced with me at the wedding is because of how pathetic I was. Itching to dance and the only guys I ever really have to be my ‘date’ are my damn brothers.
I try to tell myself I’m doing the right thing for the greater good of the world by not indulging in the whole extreme dating and relationship thing. Now I know you’re like, whoa she’s super dramatic. I know it may sound like that but seriously, have you met me? I’d go ape shit on a guy if he did anything like half the shit I’ve seen some of my girlfriends go through. I also don’t think orange is my color if you know what I mean. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what I tell myself I don’t think I’ll ever fully shake the feeling of wanting to be loved, to be in love with someone who’s wonderful. If I were to ever cross that bridge it would have to be one hell of a guy, who probably deserves love a hell of a lot more than I do.
Kira dropped an armful of clothes and costume jewelry next to me on the bed and ran the back of her hand across her forehead in exhaustion. She looked up at me and gave me that toothy, silly Nick smile and said, “are you ready to make me look like a princess?” I smiled and nodded as I dug in and enjoyed myself, all thoughts about myself and my life taking a backseat to our little party.
Nick
FINALLY! We got to take a honeymoon. No work, no kids, no distractions, no paparazzi. I made sure of that by renting out a small private island that you can only get to by flying or on boat. We were going to be left the hell alone for once. That was exactly what I needed because I had every intention of being inside of her as much as possible and there would be nothing stopping me from having her whenever or wherever I damn well please.
As soon as we reached the door to the villa I dropped the bags and pressed her against the door slamming my lips down on her. She immediately melted into me and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Nick…” she whispered in want and I drew back.
“Mel, I’ve been dying for this… but right now I want to treat you like you’re my brand new wife and we just walked down the aisle. A lot of things about us have been a far cry from traditional, but I can at least give you this.”
I unlocked the door and picked her up carrying her over the threshold. Once I placed her down I went to get our bags and kicked the door shut. Once I closed the door and dropped the bags again I scooped her back up and carried her into the bedroom placing her down softly on the bed.
“You’re fucking beautiful baby.” I told her and I genuinely met it. She was the most beautiful woman on the planet and I’d be a fool not to notice. I noticed her soft blush but didn’t comment on it.
“You are too.” She whispered softly with a shy look on her face.
I smiled and crawled over her giving her a kiss. “And I’m going to make slow sweet love to you and before this vacation is over I’m hoping to have planted some seeds in your belly.”
She shook her head and laughed. “We can have as many kids as you want.” She assured me.
“You’re going to let me keep putting babies in you?” I asked her and I could hear the wonder in my voice. I shook my head, “you know I’m going to give you the world right?”
She nodded. “You are my world.”
“I’m never going to let you leave me Mel.” I confessed slowly taking off her shirt. When I was done I let my finger trail down from her neck to the waistline of her pants.
“I’m not going to leave you Nick.” When she stopped I looked up from my hand and met her eyes. “I love you
too much.”
I took off my shirt and placed my body on top of hers. “I love you too baby, and just so you know I won’t leave you. I’m yours forever, you came back when I needed you most.”
“Forever?” she whispered hopefully.
I nodded. “Fucking forever Mel.”
The End
…Mel
P.S. Just in case you were wondering what happened to Roger, I never saw him again. Thankfully Nick didn’t kill him or seek him out although it took a while to bring him down off that ledge. He’s actually doing really well now.
You see once his career and everything went down the drain and he hit an all-time low, that conniving side of his gave him the idea. He scripted a tell all story and eventually found someone to write it. Shockingly he didn’t have to work hard because he was news. What happened at our house got out and well it was a media circus. Whoever said any press is good press. Although he was being slandered he was now well known. You know how when people spend so much time bashing a person they actually are giving them a bigger name. People hated him but they were so curious the book sold and did awesome. I couldn’t care less and decided not to even engage in it but Lucy and Erica just had to know. Against my many pleads and insistence I didn’t care and didn’t want to know they both shared info of the book to me.
Surprisingly, he didn’t speak bad of me or Nick but we were in there. It also revealed he wasn’t gay he was bisexual. It supposedly focused a lot on him and those details. Lucy even commended him for notating that he knew from the very beginning I was irrevocably in love with Nick and when we were together was hoping it was a fix for us both. Anyways, he did a few shows and the next thing I know is I’m standing in line at the grocery store and BOOM. There’s his face, and he’s in a relationship with one of Hollywood’s favorite people. They apparently were dating in secret, and his boyfriend was encouraged to come out after hearing some of the reviews about his book.
Needing Her (The Lexington Series Book 3) Page 25
