“I already love it,” I said, letting the tears slip down. “And if he doesn’t, I might hate him for it.”She nodded understandingly. Somehow, she found my hand through the pile of blankets and squeezed it reassuringly. “But then you’ll get over it because you’ll have a baby to raise.”I wasn’t so sure that was possible. I’d never loved anyone like I loved Aiden. It was all consuming, all encompassing. I’dhadto cut off communication, or I wouldn’t have been able to think.“Do you know what he’s going through right now?” Liv asked tentatively. “I mean, are you following the story at all?”I blinked at her. “The story?”She nodded. “It’s a minor league scandal. Blake is saying that Aiden attacked him because you came onto him.”I struggled to wrap my mind around this. Then, as it hit, I struggled up into a sitting position. “Wait. You’re telling me that even though Blake dragged me into an empty room and tried to assault me,Aidenis coming off as the bad guy?”Liv nodded again. “That’s the
***There was a strange sort of irony to the fact that after weeks of feeling strange and sick, the first time I felt strong again was on my way to confront Blake. I thought the anxiety would make my nausea worse than ever, but to my surprise, there was no anxiety. Instead, there was a strange sort of power rushing through my veins as I walked into his building where he’d agreed to meet–with his lawyer–in one of the common rooms.After Liv left, I’d reviewed the media coverage of the incident. I was surprised by how much play it got, but it was a slow news week. Every statement I read made my blood boil. Liv had been right, Blake was playing the role of victim to the hilt, and Aiden wasn’t doing a damn thing to counter. It wasn’t like him.The sight of Blake made my fingers curl into reflexive fists. His big hands were flat on the table as if to show he was innocent, but I remembered them wrapped around my wrist, the dizzying blur of the carpet pattern passing underneath my reluctant
AIDENI went to Jack’s house and had it out with him. He wanted to punch me in the face, but he held back. “She’s not here,” he growled instead and tried to slam the door closed on me.I caught the door just in time, managing to keep it open a few inches.“Just punch me, Jack,” I said tiredly. “I would do it if I were you. But if it means anything, I love her.”“It doesn’t mean shit,” he informed me, but he stopped pushing on his side of the door. He regarded me for a moment, then said, “Sit down. I’ll come out.”I wondered if that meant he was lying and that Layla really was inside. Hope lit like a match in my chest. Jack had walked away from the door, but I didn’t push my way in to test my theory. I had to face him first. Then I could face the person who mattered most.Jack came out with a beer for each of us, which I took as a good sign. Granted he’d gotten himself a craft beer from the Tree House Brewing Company and I was handed a half-frozen Bud Light that I guessed had been stuc
“What happened?” I asked quietly, lowering myself onto one of the wooden chairs. I didn’t want to sit on the couch and find out whether she chose to sit next to me or on the loveseat opposite.Layla sat in the chair nearest me, pulling it out so that our knees were facing each other. She felt both very close and very far. Again, I had the feeling I was looking at two things that couldn’t be true at the same time. That had to be love shining in her eyes, but why was she sitting so rigidly with her fingers fighting each other in her lap? She looked like I had felt when I told Shara I wanted a divorce. Guilty and sad and hopeful that I was doing the right thing. But I hadn’t loved Shara by that point, and Layla loved me. I could see it.“What happened with Blake was… not great,” she said, her eyes sliding away from mine. “Thank God you were there.”A knot of tension loosened in my stomach. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t there sooner.”She waved her hand. “You were there in time. I’m sorry abou
EPILOGUELAYLAOur daughter Abigail was born six and a half months later. A few days after her first birthday, I spent the night with Liv at our old apartment. She and Bran now shared it, and even though they still technically had separate bedrooms, I knew they spent most nights with each other.“This feels like old times,” Liv said when she threw open the door. I knocked, even though I still had a key.“Yes, all the old times when we had bouquets of penis-shaped balloons in front of the TV,” Bran said, joining her at the door.I laughed, seeing them bobbing about behind his head. “Liv, this isn’t a bachelorette party. It’s not even a bridal shower.”“I know, but you didn’t want either of those things, and I’d already bought these balloons, so…” Liv shrugged as she led me in.“She’d also already bought this bedazzledBridehat,” Bran said, tossing it to me.I put it on gamely.“And these plastic wedding ring shot glasses.”I accepted the ring on my right hand and held out both hands to
Seeing him become a father had only made me love him more. He was enchanted by Abigail. His single-minded focus on building his business had broadened the moment she was born. Maureen was now co-CEO, and Aiden could be found on the playground almost as often as he could be found in his office. I was there more than him, still pursuing my own dreams.The town car carried us into the heart of downtown Boston, letting us off at on the curb in front of the small, nondenominational cathedral we’d chosen. Neither of us were particularly religious, but we both believed that something had designed this universe with benevolence and intention. There was no other way to explain how we’d found our way to each other despite all the odds.One of the odds was standing out front, his hands buried deep in the pockets of his winter coat, a tweed cap pulled low over his face. He lit up when the town car docked itself on the curb. He helped Bran out, then Liv and Cecilia. Then he tilted sideways to look
Blurb: WhitneyI’ve always been obsessed with Maddox… the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.The problem? He’s my dad’s best friend.The solution? He needs help with promoting the boutique hotel he just bought, and I happen to be one of the most prestigious lifestyle digital influencers in Dallas.My plan is to use our time working together to show him, well, how good we can be… together. In the sheets and out of them.MaddoxTaking this hotel off the ground has been a challenge… but working alongside my best friend’s daughter is an impossible task.She’s hot as hell, yes. But she’s off-limits.I’ve managed to keep her at a distance for many years, and now it won’t be any different.Except I’m spending so much time around her, I quickly realize that it’s not just her advances I have to dodge… but my own.***full book starts here***Maddox“Hi Charles. What’s happening?”I ask, when my longtime best friend shows up in my office. This is the first time we’re working together. I was never one t
WhitneyIt’s been a long time coming.I square my shoulders, willing myself to show a cool exterior, when tendrils of excitement are about to explode inside me.For the past few years, I tried to insert myself in Maddox’s life, but nothing stuck. I applied to be a trainee at his company once, which he denied. Gave me some bullshit excuse, and that was right before my career as an influencer took off. Right before one of my videos went viral and I capitalized on my newfound success. That definitely kept me busy for a while.Then, on the rare occasion I bumped into him at an event or my dad’s parties, I watched him. When no one else was paying attention. I never really had the confidence I faked, but it didn’t matter because he never took the bait anyway. But damn, did I try to eye fuck him.Of course I even tried to distract myself, convinced myself dating someone my own age would be a lot easier. Hurting his and my dad’s friendship was never the goal. I love Dad, and know how much he
WhitneyThe insistent doorbell ring startles me out of sleep.Yawning, I swing a leg over the other, dragging my way out of the bed.I probably got maybe two hours of sleep. It took me forever to close my eyes last night, after the heartbreak Maddox put me through. I was restless, fidgety, and devastated. All the words he told me about falling for me meant nothing.If he was really invested, he wouldn’t use the first obstacle to dip out.It was my dad, but what else could it have been? Would he have used just a different excuse later on?A part of me wants to believe he has strong feelings for me, butdoesn’t wantto have them. He acted like he succumbed to it, but maybe he’s still fighting it. This isn’t a fight I can do for him.I’m aware of my love. But his? He has to own it.Sighing, I run into the bathroom, wash my eyes quickly. They’re still a bit puffy from all the late-night crying, but the doorbell keeps reminding me there’s someone out there who’s probably not a mail carrier d
She fishes her phone from her pocket. “Do you want to schedule a post about hmmm, the pictures you were tagged on?”“No. I couldn’t care less at this point. I wasn’t doing anything illegal. I was on a date with my boyfriend.”She puts her phone back in her pocket, then looks at me with a flicker of surprise in her blue eyes. “Boyfriend? Thisisa soap opera. I usually don’t enjoy them, but it’s different when you know the main characters.”I roll my eyes. I bet I’d enjoy it too if I wasn’t one of the main characters. “Talk to you tomorrow, Astrid,” I say, and turn around. I beeline to his table, shoulders straight and heart pumping its way up my throat.“Whitney,” he says when I slide into the booth and sit across from him.“What happened with Dan?” I ask, the professional in me not wanting personal things to take priority. Even if my nerves are pulsing through invisible knots right now. I keep my hand under the table, tapping my fingers on my lap, fidgeting.A flash of anger sparks in
WhitneyI walk into the club,and the first thing I see is Astrid on the corner. Why didn’t she text me back?I dash over to her, my gaze scanning for signs of Dan and Maddox, but because there are a few more patrons than usual, and I can’t find either. Thank goodness for Astrid’s hair color and bold fashion choices making her easy to find in a crowd.“What’s up?” I ask her.She peels her gaze from her phone then tilts her head at me. “Did you see your dad as you walked in? He just left.”My dad? I thought he was with his team on the opposite side of the property. Busy. “No.”“Maybe he took the other exit… the emergency one that leads right out of the hotel.”My shoulders sag. Shit. Does my dad already know? I thought I’d buy some time, at least a couple of hours until he found out. I need to get to Maddox first, before Dad talks to him. Or maybe I’m too late already. Apprehension sweeps over me. I stand in front of her, finding it hard to sit, my body restless. “What’s going on?”“Wel
He’s a coward.Anger rises in me again, and I reach my drink and take it to my lips.I’m enjoying it when I see Charles walk up to me. He’s told me he’d be working with his team until late on a small gathering they’re throwing the next day for people of the trade. I wave at him, and he comes to my table with a determined expression, and long strides like he knows what he’s looking for. Who he’s looking for.My gut clenches. Something isn’t right.Was Dan an ass to him too, on the way back? Did Dan say anything bad about Whitney?Or did a bastard like me do something bad to Whitney?Like fuck her, again and again? I feel color draining from my face, and when Charles gets on the table with a disappointed look on his face, I already know it.“You jerk! I trusted you all those years. My daughter, really?” Charles says, flushed.My throat is dry and tight.Somehow he found out, and denying it will only make him angrier.Guilt crawls its way into my chest, and it’s hard to breathe. How can I
Maddox“And this is where guests and locals come for drinks and music,” I say, gesturing as we emerge into the club. I see quite a few more patrons than the past few weeks, which shows me that Whitney’s efforts have worked. We’ve had more visitors and increased sales. Always a plus.I’d be a lot happier if it weren’t for the company.My body is still stiff, as I had to go through an entire dinner with Dan Walters who happens to be almost as annoying as he is misogynistic. I guess it’s been a while since I last sat through a meal with the guy. We’re not friends, and I’ve met him in social events and basically small talked.I want to give him the benefit of the doubt and say maybe the reason why he’s been talking about women nonstop and not under the best light is because of his divorce. Maybe he’s broken, and feels more powerful if he’s bragging about all the pussy he’s getting.But the cynical part of me knows better.This guy is a certified douchebag, and I hope Astrid can get a good
WhitneyI strideinto the hotel lobby.Right now, Dan Walters the politician should be having dinner with Maddox. Maybe dinner is already over and they’re touring the hotel. Astrid is there in the club, ready to snap a couple of pictures as planned, and then send it to a gossip columnist friend of ours.If this was another client, I wouldn’t be here. My presence isn’t required since Astrid is here, as per her text.But I am shamelessly using every excuse in the book to be around Maddox, to see him more often, to spend more time with him.Ever since our ax throwing date, I can’t stop thinking about how far we’ve come. From him avoiding me for years to hinting about having children together one day. Who would have thought?A ball of joy rolls inside me, like a bowling ball running down the lane. Striking out.I add a little bit more pep to my step, and my goal is to pass by the restaurant and see them without introducing myself. But before I make it there, I almost bump into them, with b
Maddox“Your turn,”she says, handing me the ax.I hold the weight of the tool, and clasp it. This is the first time visiting an ax throwing joint, and if at first the idea seemed silly at best, now I’m actually enjoying myself. Then again, why wouldn’t I? For the past few days, we’ve been together non-stop, or as much as our schedules allow.Still, it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.I shoot the damn thing at the target, hitting it right at buzz’s eye. She squeals, cheering me on, then takes a sip of her beer.She’s invited me here because she needed to come for an appearance and check out the place, take some pictures, then post about it later. So even though this should technically be work, it’s still relaxing. At least, to me.Besides, I get to see how she fills those skintight jeans and plaid shirt she’s wearing. I’ve seen how a couple of men looked at her, and wanted to punch each one.Though I know she’s mine.Mine forever.A warm glow flows through me, spreading into my veins. Wh
“Maybe,” Maddox says, then clears his throat. “I hate to cut this short, but I have some phone calls I need to make soon.”“Oh, sure, no problem,” Dad says, then stands. We’ll leave you to it.”I hold the arms of the chair and am about to surge to my feet, when his gaze connects with mine and pins me to the spot.“I still have a question for you, Whitney,” Maddox says. “About the posting you’ll do later.”“Sure,” I say, and plop down on the chair again.Dad leaves and closes the door behind him.Quietly, Maddox stands and walks up to the door, and locks it. “You’re upset,” he says, picking a chair next to mine and sitting.I cross my legs, then uncross them and cross them again. “What? No,” I say in a hissy voice that betrays my words. I’m upset, and also embarrassed for being upset about him not acknowledging he’s seeing someone to my father. And maybe a tad jealous. What if Dad really tries to find him a date? My heart lurches. The idea of him with another woman gives me instant aci
“There you are,” my dad says, walking up to us, bursting that bubble.I withdraw as if I’ve been burned.“Hey, Dad,” I say in an extra chipper voice. “What’s up?”“Can we all meet at the conference room for a quick meeting? I have some news to share.”I have some too, I say inwardly.I slept with your best friend and can’t wait to do it again.A twinge of guilt twists at my heart, like the sharp end of a new blade. My dad doesn’t deserve to be hurt in all this, but would his hurt last? Besides the immediate surprise, would he really put up a long lasting fight against our relationship? I doubt it.Dad isn’t the typical father.He tends to be more open minded than most. Growing up, I always kept a channel of communication open with him. I confided in him about tiffs with friends, dates gone wrong, and when things started to happen for me as a digital influencer, he was my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me and my dreams.The thoughts keep me busy as the three of us walk through the h