Morgan and I haven't spent a night apart since we officially started dating, but we also haven’t had sex again. We talked about it and both want to take it slow—which is easier said than done.
I still feel awful about how wasted I was the first time we were together. She deserves the best of me and that night had been anything but.
I know waiting is the right choice for now because I want it to be special this time, but damn is it hard. This is the first time that I can remember that I haven’t instantly jumped into bed with a woman I’m into—even though we’d already technically slept together.
We’re not holding off for any particular moment. We’re just waiting until it feels right.
Morgan gazes at me, the corners of her lips twitched into the most beautiful little smile and I can’t resist her for a moment longer. I scoop her into my arms, claiming her mouth with a decisive kiss that she eagerly returns. Her fingers run through my hair, a faint moan of pleasure rising through her throat.
I kiss her until I can’t breathe and then I kiss her some more, unwilling to sacrifice anything that would part me from her delicious lips.
“Will you stay again tonight?” she asks breathlessly when we finally part, her eyes glittering with uncontained excitement.
I nod. “And the day after that, and the day after that, as long you’ll have me,” I shoot back playfully, earning a giggle of delight as she hugs me tightly.
Even though this date has been simple, it’s perfect, and it’s the single best date I’ve ever gone on—though I think that about all the days we spent together.
There’s no possible way for life to get any better than it already is.
Sometimes, I suppose, things fall apart so better things can fall together.
Fate is such a curious thing. It brought us together and then ripped us apart only to reunite us again. I owe fate from the bottom of my heart for bringing Morgan into my life.
Notes begin to quietly play in the back of my mind as I ponder this, strings of words slowly coming together.
Fate would make an excellent song title. If I work hard, I could probably finish it before the big stadium show . . .
Epilogue
Morgan
Lancaster Stadium is filled to the brim with people. I’ve never seen so many cheering rock groupies in my entire life.
“Thank God Eric got us these VIP seats!” Stacy says with a laugh. “We’d be smooshed like a tin of anchovies down there.”
I nod in agreement, too excited to speak as I stare down over the heads of the crowd. We have a perfect view of the stage where Eric is going to be performing any minute. Eric was insistent that we have these special seats close to the stage. He didn't say as much, but I think it’s because he wanted to finally have his turn at providing for me and our friends in a way similar to Donovan. He doesn’t have as much money as Chloe’s boyfriend, but he has just as much heart.
Almost five weeks have passed since Eric and I officially started dating, and we have been inseparable since. We split time between his home and mine, but we are together day and night. The intimacy that we share is unexplainable. He already seems to have such a solid grasp of my heart, I feel at times like I don’t even have to say how I’m feeling, he just knows.
Chloe and Donovan stand nearby, lost in the world of each other. Though I’d been envious of them before, now I understand exactly how they must feel when they look into each other’s eyes and everything else fades to black.
“They’re so cute,” Stacy mumbles with a pout. “When will it be my turn to have something like that? Both you and Chloe have found love.”
I laugh and give her a little hug. “Don’t worry. I’m sure your time will come. You’re too amazing not to score a catch!”
She slowly smiles, hugs me back before the booth door swings open and Eric walks in, followed by his two band members. He walks directly to me as though no one else is there. Looping an arm around me, he bends me backward, planting a deep kiss on my lips.
“I needed that for good luck,” he whispers against my lips with a smirk, making me want to swoon.
“Can you guys believe how crowded it is out there?” James asks, shouting despite the fact that we can hear him just fine.
“Logan and Reggie have been promoting the show,” Eric explains. “They wanted to give us a packed house.”
“Well, it worked!” I say with a laugh.
Eric nods, his face overjoyed. Even though he told me that the agents bailed on the show, he’s still determined to play his heart out up there. He hasn’t told his band yet, but I have a feeling it won’t keep them down for long. Even without agents scouting the show, the band is sure to get some good exposure with a crowd like this.
“This is the first time I’m playing without a buzz,” Alex says nervously as the men get ready to head back to the stage.
It was incredible how supportive the band was. They decided to quit drinking when Eric admitted he had a problem.
Eric cuffs Alex playfully on the shoulder, smiling at his bandmate. “Then that means we’re gonna be able to rock all the harder.” He turns back toward me for one more kiss, which I relish. “Besides, you’re the only drug I need, baby,” he whispers with a wink before his band pulls him away.
I blush and watch him leave, my heart thundering against my ribs as it always does when he’s near.
Alex and James had apologized for destroying my note. Had they realized how good we would be for one another, they’d said they never would’ve done such a thing. I accepted their apology immediately. There was no reason to be upset with them, not when Eric and I were finally together.
“Have you told Eric yet that you’ve gotten a few auditions for modeling?” Stacy asks when I take my seat beside her again.
I shake my head. “I wanted to wait until after his big show. Besides, they’re just small auditions.”
“But they’re something, and you’re doing this all on your own. You should be proud of that,” Stacy says firmly.
I smile at her and nod. I’d heard through the grapevine that Hanson went under shortly after I quit, which was a good thing, as the remaining models in his agency including Charlotte, had all gotten blacklisted due to his shady business practices. I, on the other hand, remained free and clear.
Though I hadn't gotten my big break yet, I could sense it coming. I’d never been good at being patient, but this time I had a positive path in my life to keep me focused on forging ahead instead of worrying constantly.
That familiar, amazing voice of Eric’s drifts across the stadium as he and the band take center stage, making the crowd go absolutely wild. They chant Eric’s name, making his entire face gleam with raw delight. I’d never seen someone so happy, nor had I ever felt so entirely happy for someone else. Watching his dreams come true right in front of me fills me with more joy than I ever thought possible.
“That’s your man!” Stacy cries as Eric and the band rock out, belting out their songs with so much heart that all of us end up on our feet, dancing and screaming along with the songs. By the time the concert is winding down, my throat is raw and my legs are tired but I’ve had so much fun I don’t even care.
“Encore, encore, encore!” the crowd chants.
Eric laughs, glancing toward his band, then to the VIP area where we’re all standing. “Alright,” he says coolly. “I’ll play an encore, but it’s not gonna be anything you’ve heard yet. I’ve met someone special, and I wrote her a song. Would you guys like to hear it?”
I turn bright red, my hands flying to my cheeks as the crowd again goes crazy, clapping loudly. A few people grasp at their hearts, their faces elated for me and the sweet gesture. I feel like I’m dreaming. I can’t believe Eric wrote me a song.
Alex leads in, his drumsticks peppering a beat that James joins.
Still gazing over at me, Eric winks and then grins before starting to sing. “Fate, baby, it can be a cruel thing . . . saw you dancing in the crowd and needed to br
ing you closer.”
Eric lets go of his guitar and reaches toward me, his grin going even wider as he gestures for me to join him on stage.
Is he crazy?
“Come on, Morgan!” he calls, “Get up here with me!”
All too eagerly, my friends push me forward over the small wall separating us from the stage. Before I know it, I’m grabbing Eric’s hand as he pulls me up on stage. The crowd starts to scream, calling both our names and oohing and awing at the sight of us dancing together just like we did at the dive bar.
The jumbotron overhead lights up with our faces as we dance together. Eric takes me in his arms, continuing to sing.
“But fate is what brought you back to me and now I’m not ever saying goodbye. You’re my one and only, my whole life.”
Every word is a Cupid’s arrow right to my heart.
When it’s over, the crowd again goes wild and starts demanding another encore.
“Sorry, everybody, but I’ve got more important things to do right now.” He winks at me and pulls me in for a kiss. “I’m sure you understand,” he says playfully into the mic.
With that, we all head offstage. He scoops me into his arms as soon as we’re behind the curtain, spinning me and kissing me deeply.
“Did you like the song?” he asks.
“It was amazing!” I gush, still high on adrenaline. “It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard!”
“And I believe it’s going to be a hit,” says a voice from nearby.
We turn to see a woman with a slick black ponytail and a business suit. She grins at us with red painted lips. Behind us, Chloe, Donovan, and Stacy rush backstage to congratulate the band on their amazing show.
Though I have no idea who the woman is, Eric suddenly drags in a shuddering breath. “You’re Melinda McCreery! You’re with one of the top record labels in the country!”
The woman grins. “Reggie Smith gave me a call. He said if I missed this then I’d be missing the opportunity of a lifetime. He was right. I want to sign you and your band.” Melinda pauses and gives me a good look over. “And you, have you ever considered modeling?”
I almost laugh but her face is so serious that I choke on it. “Yes! I’ve got a portfolio and headshots and everything—”
Melinda cuts me off with a shake of her head. “I won’t need any of that, I just need you. You’re going to be the face for the album and advertising campaign I want to put together for the band.”
Eric’s hand suddenly finds my waist as I stumble, almost blacking out from pure elation.
Is this real life?
“I run an advertising group in town if you need help with the campaign, Mrs. McCreery!” Donovan interjects. “I’ll volunteer my services, anything to support my incredibly talented buddy, here,” he says grinning at Eric.
Melinda smirks and nods, handing out her card to each of us and promising to call in the morning. “I have a feeling with this team; we’re going to make billions.”
As she leaves, I turn toward Eric and we wrap each other in a tight embrace while sharing kiss after kiss. This is it, I realize. This is our dreams coming true. Chloe and Stacy had been right. All I needed to do was keep the faith.
Delighted tears streak my cheeks as Eric and I grin at each other.
“Dreams do come true,” he whispers in his own state of shock. “We have each other and now we have this opportunity.”
“It’s all thanks to a little faith and fate,” I reply softly.
Eric’s eyes are tender as he presses another long kiss to my lips. “I love you, Morgan May. I’m beyond grateful for everything that’s happened recently, but the only thing that really matters is having you in my life.”
The happy tears in my eyes swell with warmth. “I love you too!” I cry out, eagerly stealing one more kiss.
No matter what tomorrow may bring, I have faith that the love between Eric and I will last. We’ve got fate on our side, after all.
— E — N — D —
Do you want to know what happens between Eric & Morgan behind closed doors?
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Also by Christina Benjamin
THE BILLIONAIRE BOYFRIEND SERIES
Sebastian: A Clean Billionaire Romance (Book 1)
Cooper: A Clean Billionaire Romance (Book 2)
Donovan: A Clean Billionaire Romance (Book 3)
Eric: A Clean Billionaire Romance (Book 4)
Jacob: A Clean Billionaire Romance (Book 5)
YOUNG ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
(All Boyfriend Books are Stand-Alone Novels and can be read in Any Order)
The Practice Boyfriend (Book 1)
The Almost Boyfriend (Book 2)
The Goodbye Boyfriend (Book 3)
The Holiday Boyfriend (Book 4)
The Stand-In Boyfriend (Book 5)
The Maybe Boyfriend (Book 6)
The Accidental Boyfriend (Book 7)
The Summer Boyfriend (Book 8)
The Wedding Boyfriend (Book 9)
The Winter Boyfriend (Book 10)
The Lost Boyfriend (Book 11)
About the Author
Author, Christina Benjamin, lives in Florida with her husband, and character inspiring pets, where she spends her free time working on her books, eating chocolate and drinking wine.
Christina is best known for her bestselling Young Adult romance novels, The Boyfriend Series, which proves that book boyfriends are like chocolate... you can never have enough. Check out the Boyfriend Series for fast, fun, YA romance reads. These destination novels let you fall in love in a new city with new characters, every time.
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Jacob: A Clean Billionaire Romance
Chapter 1
Jake
Rain showers down overhead as I dive through the fogged glass of the apartment building’s double doors. The lobby of the luxe uptown flat has plush but currently sodden crimson rugs lining the long hall with ornate golden baseboards. It’s a bit garish for my taste, but the security team the building offers to its select occupants makes up for it.
I trot over the soggy rugs to pristine marble, two fingers pressing against the base of my neck to make sure my pulse is still high enough. My lungs burn in the best way, a satisfied grin tugging at my cheeks.
Feet squeaking across the slick tile, I plunge a silver key into the mailbox labeled Jacob Eckhart and hastily rip a short stack of envelopes from within, thrusting them under my arm.
I don’t look at them right away, focusing on counting my footsteps instead. I’d jogged all the way back to the apartment once football practice ended, opting to cram a bit more conditioning in despite the rain.
Working out is my escape.
In the midst of sweat, a pounding heart and burning muscles, I can forget everything—and there’s a lot I want to forget.
Football and the raw dedication I put toward it is what keeps my mind from creeping down into those dark alleys I want to avoid. Plus, my entire livelihood hinges on my body being in a state of peak physical perfection at all times.
Whenever I have a free second, I drop into a quick set of crunches or stretches or sit-ups. Even during the offseason when some of my teammates take vacations or some time off to relax and soften up around the middle, I only train harder.
I have to keep fit if I'm going to stay the most valuable tight end in NFL history.
There’s a certain amount of pride I have in my football rankings every year, not to mention that there’s always someone younger and more energetic than I am nipping at my heels and trying to displace me.
Unfortunately for them, they don’t have the drive or the internal longing to succeed
that I do.
Those rookies haven’t experienced the harsh realities of this cold world like I have. They also don’t have someone depending on them like I do.
I have to succeed.
There’s no notion inside my mind of simply trying to do my best. I don’t subscribe to the c’est la vie attitude. I have to come out on top so that I can maintain a stable career. There’s just no other option. Ryan needs me too much.
A pang of sudden grief stabs through my heart as I stare down at the letter on top of the stack in my hands. I suck in a deep breath, feet slowing to a halt underneath me. I blink hard, willing the addressee on the envelope to vanish, but the stamped name remains clear as day.
Instead of jogging up the six flights of stairs to my apartment—our apartment—I push a hard finger against the elevator’s button and wait.
I don’t remember the last time I took the lift to my penthouse suite, but my feet feel like they’re frozen in concrete blocks. I can’t move. I don’t need this today. I need to keep moving, keep pressing forward, but my chest feels like it’s caving in as I try to catch my breath.
The letter is addressed to Jenny Eckhart. A red stamp across the front of the envelope reads, you’ve been selected for a one of a kind deal!
My fingers ache to crush the spam letter into a crumpled ball, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not while staring at my older sister’s name embossed on the front.
Junk mail. It’s always the random grocery store coupons or unsolicited credit cards that still come for her. I canceled everything else when I forwarded Jenny’s mailing address to my own after her abrupt passing last year.
Eric: A Clean Billionaire Romance Page 11
