Happily Ever After: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

by Piper Rayne

  “Cory please,” Ivy attempts but he holds up a hand to stop her from continuing.

  “Don’t,” he balks. “This isn’t about you.”

  “Of course it’s about me,” she argues, giving him an incredulous glare.

  He ignores her and focuses on me as he should. He’s right. His anger isn’t directed at her. It’s me. This is about me.

  “You.” He points at me. “You call yourself my friend. You aren’t. A friend would not do something like this to another. I asked you not to cross the line and now I see you’ve gone way over it. Engaged.”

  “Cory, let’s talk about this,” I reply stepping forward.

  “Talk? I think the days of talking are over. When you messaged earlier I never expected this. I thought I’d drop by and see what was up. Thank God I did that. Better to get the sting of betrayal sooner rather than later. Damn you Leo.”

  “Cory, if you just let me explain what happened.”

  “What are you really going to explain? How you completely disregarded the warning to stay away from my sister? Or, how you disrespected me by sneaking around with her behind my back.”

  His presence has thrown me off guard. Seeing him now though has highlighted how much I’ve been worried about losing our friendship.

  “It wasn’t like that,” Ivy attempts to cut in. “Cory you’re acting like I’m a child who needs constant supervision. I chose him. Can’t you just accept that?”

  “No. You don’t know what he’s like,” Cory answers, raising his palms. “You don’t know but I do.”

  “I told you I wouldn’t hurt her,” I remind him but his frown just deepens.

  “Not saying anything is the same as living a lie. You made me believe you respected my wishes to stay away from Ivy. And now you’ve asked Ivy to marry you, so clearly if you’re at that stage you’ve been sneaking around behind my back. That’s what liars do.”

  I don’t have a leg to stand on. He’s right. Sneaking around behind his back is exactly what a liar would do.

  “I only did that because we wanted to be together and I didn’t want to hurt you. That was about not hurting you, it wasn’t about my feelings for Ivy. I’m sorry for the lie, but I do love her.”

  “Oh please, you expect me to believe that?”

  “Cory stop it.” Ivy yells at him.

  “And you, you never came to me.” He looks back to Ivy. “Leo is supposed to be my friend. If you’d come to talk to me about what was happening you’d know I’d never agree.”

  “My choice is not for you to decide. I just want to be happy.”

  “The same kind of happy you thought you’d be with Ben?”

  “That’s not fair,” she replies. “How can you be like this?”

  “You have a habit of picking the worst guys.

  “Cory, let’s talk properly,” I say but he shakes his head at me. From the look of him I can tell we won’t sway him tonight, or possibly any other night.

  “No. I’m done with you. I warned you that I wouldn’t be okay with any of it and you didn’t listen.”

  He shakes his head again and walks away. I know not to follow. It would be fruitless and probably end up in a fight.

  Ivy and I both watch Cory leave and we continue to stare at the empty trail he left behind well after he’s gone.

  I turn to her and slip my arm around her shoulders. The gesture makes her look up at me. Her eyes glistening with tears.

  This isn’t fair on her. None of it is. She does deserve to be happy.

  “I’m sorry,” she mutters. “I never really thought he was going to act like that.”

  “I know. It’s my fault. I should have just come clean from the start. Right from the beginning when we started dating. Leaving it for so long just made things worse.”

  “I could have said something too. What do we do now? I don’t know what to do. Cory’s been mad at me before but we’ve never had a disagreement like this.”

  “I know. But I think this is for me to fix. I’ll at least try. Our engagement is something I want my best friend to be happy about. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  She reaches up and touches my face. “You too Leo. You too and I love you for it.”

  She holds up her hand with her ring and runs a finger over the beautiful diamond.

  “This is so perfect. Thank you so much. I wanted Cory to be happy for me too.”

  I pull her into my arms and hold her.

  I don’t know how to begin to fix this situation, especially when I’m in the wrong but I will try. It’s just a matter of knowing what to do.

  That’s where I’m stuck.

  Chapter 16

  Ivy

  “Can I get you anything before I go?” Jenna walks into my office.

  I shake my head. “No. I’m okay. I’ve got a ton of work to keep me busy.” I tap the stack of paperwork on my desk. All contracts for more work. Things I should be excited about, but I can’t be. My heart feels heavy, still thinking about Cory, and Leo.

  “Would you like me to get you dinner? I could stay.”

  I smile and straighten up in my chair. “Nice as that sounds I think I’m gonna pass. You should go home.”

  “Alright, well I’ll call you tomorrow to check in and see how you are.”

  “Thanks.” Tomorrow is Saturday but I have to work, I have so much to do. Plus, Leo is going to be busy for most of the day and I don’t really want to be alone with my thoughts and worries over Cory. He’s not talking to anybody. Not me, not our parents and definitely not Leo.

  “Please don’t focus on Cory, it breaks my heart to see you this way. This should be a very exciting time for you and you’re not getting that chance to enjoy it.” She looks sad for me.

  “I know. it’s just the way it is though. I should have said something to Cory. I can say Leo is my choice all I want but he’s Cory’s friend and their friendship was one thing I never wanted to damage. That was one of the main things that made him off limits to me. I should have taken more care with that.” I confess to her.

  I see that now. The same way Cory always took care of me, I could have paid the same respect with something he valued.

  “I hear you and yes, that is true, but Ivy… I think there comes a time when you just have to push aside other people’s opinions and do what works for you. That’s what you did and you weren’t wrong for doing that.”

  “Thank you.” I needed to hear that. It helps. . .a little.

  Jenna comes around to give me a quick hug then leaves.

  I work for another two hours and get the contracts all signed and ready to be sent back to my clients first thing Monday morning. It’s a little after eight when I finish.

  It’s late but Cory is on my mind.

  I tried to go and see him over the last few days but he either wasn’t in his apartment, or was there and wouldn’t let me in. I wasn’t sure which it could be. It’s really upsetting thinking that he’s at home and purposely ignoring me.

  When I near the route that would take me home I branch off and drive to Cory’s apartment again.

  One more time.

  One last time for the week. At this rate I doubt he’ll be at dinner on Sunday because when he gets like this he avoids everyone. I can imagine him doing it more so because he wants to focus on being in the right headspace for the new season.

  I pull up on the drive of his apartment complex, half an hour later, and exit my car.

  As the linebacker for the Hawks, my brother lives in a stylish complex fitting to the star he is and being him, he lives in the penthouse apartment.

  The doorman opens the door for me and I take the elevator up to the top floor.

  This is the fourth time I’ve been here this week. And just like the past three visits, I make my way over to his door and ring the bell.

  A few minutes pass of nothingness and I wonder which it could be again. Is he there and avoiding me?

  I ring the bell again and I’m surprised when the
door clicks open seconds later. Cory leans against the door, staring at me.

  “Hi,” I say brightly. “Can I come in?”

  He doesn’t answer but he steps aside to allow me passage. I take that as a yes.

  I walk in and he closes the door behind me.

  He hasn’t invited me to sit so we stand in the corridor, instead of hanging out in the living room like we usually do.

  “We’ve been trying to reach you,” I tell him. “I wanted to talk to you.”

  “I took off for a few days. I needed a break. . .from both of you.”

  I mentally sigh with relief that he wasn’t home and leaving me outside to knock.

  “Cory. I’m here to apologize for not telling you about Leo. It’s something I should have done. I snuck around too.”

  He rests against the wall and sighs. “Ivy, I can get past that. That’s not what rubs me the wrong way. What makes me mad is Leo. I asked him to leave you alone, but he ignored me and went behind my back.”

  “I understand, but Cory… tell me what is so wrong with me being with Leo? It’s Leo. He wouldn’t hurt me.”

  He gives me a laugh without humor. “You really don’t know that guy like I do. He’s not the right guy for you. And now, you’re engaged? I’ve barely had time to process the part about you being together and you’re talking about marriage.”

  “I know. It happened fast but can’t you accept that maybe it happened that way because of how we always felt about each other?” I lift my hands in the air, why can’t he see that Leo and I are in love.

  “I saw you fall apart when Ben hurt you. I wanted to do something then to protect you from the hurt that comes from being heartbroken. He not only tried to ruin you as a person but also the business you worked so hard to create.” He straightens up. “I also know you never got over not getting the scholarship to college. You were with Ben for five years and look how he treated you. How do we know Leo won’t do the same thing?” He pauses. “I love Leo, he’s my brother, but he’s never been in a relationship, it’s all new for him. I don’t want him trying this out for the first time with you.”

  The logical thing to tell him is we don’t know, because we don’t.

  But there is one thing I do know and it’s the same thing that’s kept me going.

  “I don’t believe Leo will do the wrong thing because he loves me.”

  “You said Ben loved you. . .I mean you were together for years,” he says categorically.

  I open my mouth to deny it, but I can’t. Because, for a time, there was love between Ben and I.

  Cory is right, and my tummy twists with angst.

  I do believe Leo loves me, and I know he’d never intentionally hurt me, but would he unintentionally?

  The answer is I don’t know. Because I don’t.

  Cory gazes at me, as he watches me process my thoughts. The hardness in his expression has softened.

  I open my mouth to say something but I don’t know what to say.

  I move over to him, kiss his cheek, and then go.

  Chapter 17

  Leo

  Cory still isn’t answering his phone. I’ve been trying to both call and see him for the last few days to no avail. There’s no point calling again and now I’m wondering if I should intrude on his family on Sunday.

  And it seems Ivy is distant with me too.

  Over the past few days I thought a lot about Cory, and his animosity towards me. I’ve also reflected on what Ivy’s family thinks of me. They know what my father is like and the kind of home I came from. I guess too, that like Cory, they know my past with women.

  I saw the way they welcomed Ben into their homes and their hearts when Ivy first got together with him. He was deemed suitable and worthy of her, until he wasn’t. Would that happen with me?

  I went from being the rebel that used to get myself in all manner of trouble, to being the guy I am today. I fixed myself up, went to college, got my degree and took success by the reins in a career I loved.

  On reflection, I think I wanted the accomplishment and success of being a sports agent, so I could be good enough for Ivy. That the only way to be the man for her was to change, to be the man that Ivy deserved.

  Maybe I hoped that if I ever got a chance, Cory would be happy I was with his sister because he’d know I’d take care of her.

  It’s late again. I didn’t get to see Ivy at all today because I had some work Mac wanted me to finish up.

  There’s a car parked up on my drive. It’s Jackson’s car.

  I make my way into the living room and see him sitting on the sofa, legs stretched out, with a large bowl of popcorn on his lap watching Die Hard.

  He turns and looks at me when I walk in and pauses Bruce Willis just as he’s about to fire his gun.

  “Hey brat, answer your phone,” he says, not even apologizing for making himself comfortable in my home.

  “Whatever.” I sit next to him and take a handful of popcorn to munch on. “I’ve been busy.”

  “For three days?” He gives me a hard stare.

  I ignore it. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to him or anyone else.

  “Well, if you’d answered your phone you’d know the Antigua deal fell through.”

  My shoulders stiffen. “What do you mean? What happened?”

  “I overruled Dad when I found out what he’s been up to. I pulled out and I figured you’d pull out too. The deal can’t go through anyway without all our signatures on the contract.” He takes a swig of beer as Bruce Willis is running across the screen shooting at the bad guys.

  “What?”

  “Dad lost a ton of money in a high stakes poker game. And when I say a ton I mean millions. He’s been trying to make it back by selling off assets. That was the reason for the lower price on the hotel in Antigua. When he told me it needed substantial renovations and we were getting a good deal, I didn’t believe him. So I went and checked, and discovered that he was lying.” He shook his head. “Idiot.”

  My God… I was more than shocked to hear this. Dad can do some outlandish things when he drinks but he’s never involved the company. He doesn’t usually touch company money.

  I swear a few choice words. “I can’t believe he did that.”

  “Me neither. I’m angry with him. He can’t take our money to pay off his gambling debts.” Jackson drains the last of the beer.

  “Thanks for checking up on him, I owe you one. So, we don’t have to sell the hotel anymore?”

  “No, we’re not selling as I think it’s actually a good investment. And, we need to pay more attention to property. That lack of attention could have been our downfall.”

  I nod agreeing. “I’m glad you did due diligence.

  “Yeah well, I do work at the company so I should have been more vigilant.”

  “I appreciate you for doing that.” My voice falters.

  Setting the bowl down on the coffee table he leans forward and eyes me with seriousness. “Cory still not talking to you?”

  “Nope. I don’t think he will, I don’t think this is fixable. And now, I’m not sure if I should go to his parents’ house tomorrow. Feels a bit inappropriate.” I lean back against the leather couch and close my eyes.

  “I understand why you’re apprehensive. But if his parents don’t have a problem, then you shouldn’t either.”

  “I’d feel weird, Jackson. It’s his parents place and he’ll be there tomorrow. This week he’ll be flying out to LA and it’s not fair to make this dinner uncomfortable. It’s his last family dinner before the season.”

  “And that’s why you should be there.”

  “I don’t know Jackson. I think I should accept that I can’t change his mind. He thinks I’m not worthy of his sister and I don’t know what to do to convince him otherwise.” I pause. “Maybe he is right.”

  Jackson sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Leo… I’m gonna give you a piece of golden advice and it’s up to you if you want to take it or not.”

  �
��What golden advice can you give me?”

  “Cory is your best friend and you should know how to speak with him. If you don’t know what to say to him then nobody else will know. So if you try and still fail, leave it alone. Your friendship with him has no bearing on your relationship with his sister. That’s it.”

  I look at my brother and agree that advice was golden, because I think I just got my answer.

  I think I know what to do.

  “Thanks man.”

  “Don’t be a dick and mess it up,” he says. “Now get us a couple of beers and let’s finish this movie.” He punches my arm, hard.

  Everyone’s here.

  The cars are all outside parked on the Carson’s driveway, including Cory’s.

  I’m the last to arrive. The main door is open like it always is on a Sunday. The last person to arrive is the one who closes it. That would be me. A warm feeling floods my belly, it’s nice to see that the door was still left open for me.

  I make my way into the kitchen where I find the four of them preparing dinner.

  Ivy is the first to see me. She’s standing next to her mom who’s busy rolling out the dough for the pie.

  Cory is by the counter on the other side of the room. His father is standing by the oven with his gloves on. It’s his turn to cook today and the food smells amazing.

  They see me next. They were talking but Cory stops mid-speech and glares at me, his lips pressed together.

  “Hi everybody,” I say, trying to reduce some of the tension.

  Ivy’s mom comes over to me in her usual motherly way and gives me a hug. “Hello sweetie. I’m making apple flan.”

  “Thanks Mrs. C, it’s my favorite.”

  She taps the side of my cheek. “You say that with everything I bake.”

  I don’t want to make things awkward, it’s not my home, so I walk straight over to Cory.

  “I won’t stay if it makes you uncomfortable. But I have something to say to you,” I begin and look at him directly. “I apologize again for what I did. It was wrong. You and I have been friends for a very long time and I owe you more than what I did. I know you’re worried about your sister. I would be too if I had a sister I loved the way you love her. So I’m going to tell you you’re right.”