Revived (Unexpected Series Book 1)

by S. E. Roberts

  “You’re sorry?” I scream again. “How do you even know him?” I hate to know the answer but ask anyway.

  “I met him when he visited Phoenix a few years ago and then he met me in London when we were both there. He seemed so sweet back then, but I’ve recently seen a different side of him.”

  What are the chances of my husband sleeping with Ryke’s ex? This is so fucking messed up.

  When I don’t say anything, can’t say anything in response, she goes on. “I had no idea, Claire. But then I overheard him on the phone telling someone he was upset that he wasn’t successful when he tried to kill you.” She whispers the word “kill.”

  I gasp. “What? That’s fucking ridiculous. Trevor would never do such a thing. Sure, he cheated on me, but he never got physical with me like that.” Purposely.

  “He was trying to turn this on you because he’s worried your divorce will hurt his career. He figured people would feel sorry for him if he were a single father.” She pauses as she glances at me to see my reaction. “Claire, I know you have no reason to believe me. But we really need to go to the police about this. I don’t want him to come after you and have something worse happen to you.”

  This is stupid. I don’t even know this girl.

  “You need to leave.” I stand from the swing and, without another word, slam the front door behind me, praying I didn’t just wake my sleeping child.

  I can’t believe what she just told me. There’s no way in hell it’s true. She just hates me because I was with Ryke and I’m sure she’s just a jealous bitch. Well, she doesn’t have anything to worry about because now I know he’ll never take me back. What would he think if he knew that our exes were sleeping with each other behind our backs?

  55

  Claire

  I want nothing more than to see Ryke, but I’m still worried about how he’ll respond to the story Monica told me about her and Trevor. I’ve made myself sick thinking about it, but after plenty of time to think, I’ve finally decided that I’m going to go see him.

  I’m still reeling over Monica’s visit last week, but I try not to let it bother me. She obviously has a sick, twisted mind to play some nonsensical joke on me.

  It’s hotter than hell outside, so I’m wearing a pair of turquoise shorts with a black tank top and my favorite black pumps. I put my hair into a messy bun. I have to admit I look damn cute.

  Once I reach the bar, I sit in Avery’s car for a good ten minutes before I gather the nerves to get out. As I walk through the door, I see the place is nearly empty. I take a seat at the end of the bar and wait for someone to help me. Hopefully, my someone.

  I see him. He’s gorgeous. He’s wearing dark, worn jeans and a simple gray tee. It fits him like a glove. He needs to shave, but he looks sexy as sin. I want to run my hands through his hair, which is now longer on top. He also needs a haircut, but he’s rocking the “just thoroughly fucked” look. I finally get the courage to say something.

  “Can’t a girl get a drink around here?” His back is to me, but he slowly turns when he recognizes my voice. Once he’s fully facing me, he stares as if he isn’t sure if I’m real or not.

  I give him a half smile. “Hi.” I’m hoping to God and all the angels he doesn’t tell me to leave because I need to see him. Be near him for a bit. I’m not sure how this will end, but I’ve missed him like crazy.

  “You’re here,” he whispers, almost sounding out of breath. He’s obviously shocked to see me. I want to jump over the counter and into his arms, but I keep my ass glued to my seat.

  “I’m here. I’ve missed you.” I’m not sure what else to say to him, but I know I need him back in my life.

  “You. You remember me?” he chokes out and my heart cracks in two. Why the hell did I wait so long to come see this gorgeous man? He’s obviously missed me. I feel like a bitch for putting him through hell.

  Before I can respond, he hops over the bar and I’m in his arms in the next instance. He runs his hands through my hair, staring into my eyes as though I may disappear if he blinks.

  “Yeah. I remember.” I reach my hand up to his face, caressing the stubble I’ve always loved on him. “I’m so sorry that it took so long.” I have to turn away from him, ashamed.

  He grabs my chin. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I was scared shitless that you’d never come back to me. I’m just fucking happy you’re here.” He studies me, waiting for a response.

  “I forgot a lot. It was terrible.” I put my head down, but he catches my first tear before it falls.

  “I can’t imagine how hard that was for you. Not having any idea what was real or not. What about Trevor?” I can hear the hesitance in his voice.

  “Shay told me that he cheated on me, so I came back to Phoenix. But soon after I remembered you, I remembered everything else too.”

  “You remembered me first?” I can hear the emotion in his voice. He’s got a death grip on me, but there’s no way in hell I’d ask him to loosen his hold on me.

  “Yeah,” I whisper. “I also remembered finding you with Monica.” I look up at him, trying to read him.

  “Claire, I didn’t sleep with her. I’d never fucking do that to you. I don’t care how mad I was that night, I’d never, ever purposefully cause you pain.”

  “I know.” I run my good hand down the side of his face, a part of me worried that I’ll lose my memory all over again. “Monica came to Evan’s last week.”

  “What?” He’s shocked by this news.

  “Yeah. She told me some pretty messed up things.”

  “Like what?”

  “Not about you.” I smile. “Well, not really.”

  “What did she tell you?”

  “Um.” I don’t know if I’m ready to tell him this but decide to rip the band-aid off. “Trevor is the father of her daughter.”

  I instantly see the shock on his face and pray that he doesn’t hate me. “What?” Then I see the realization on his face. “Oh, my God. I knew I recognized him when I first saw him but thought for sure there was no way in hell I’d ever seen him before.” He gasps. “He’s the one from London?” I nod. “She said the guys’ name was Phil.”

  “Trevor’s middle name is Philip.”

  “It’s pretty fucked up that my ex was screwing around with your husband.” He stares at me in disbelief.

  “Are you upset? I mean, my husband is the reason you got hurt so bad.” I put my head down.

  “Sweetheart, look at me.” I slowly look up, becoming emotional because of his nickname for me. “It’s fucked up, but you know what?” When I shake my head, he continues. “It brought me you.” He smiles and I smile back.

  I let out a deep breath as if I’d been holding it in until I knew how he’d respond.

  “I’m really sorry for not coming sooner.”

  “Baby, you don’t need to apologize again, okay? This wasn’t your fault.”

  “Okay, but let me say one more thing.” He just looks at me, so I continue. “I should have let you meet my son. That was wrong. I think I knew that you’d never hurt either of us, but I was scared and for that I am really sorry.”

  “I didn’t deserve your trust, but, sweetheart, I hope you’ll let me be a part of your life again. I want both of you in it. I know I don’t know Brady, but he’s part of you, so that makes him important to me.”

  My heart is a freaking puddle at our feet. My tears are now coming at full force.

  “Don’t cry, baby.” He leans in and lightly brushes my lips with his. It’s nothing special but couldn’t be more perfect.

  “How is Brady?”

  “He’s good. Getting big. Would you like to meet him?”

  He smiles wide. “Yes, I’d love to.”

  “I need to get Avery’s car back to her, but you could come by the house.” I hope I’m not assuming too much, but I want to spend more time with him.

  “Austin, I need you to close down for me.” Without another word, he grabs my hand and we’re out
the door. I don’t think anyone could make me happier than this man.

  56

  Ryker

  Am I dreaming? I was worried I’d never see her again, but she walked into my bar tonight looking like an angel. If I am, I never want to wake up. I desperately want to hold her hand and lean in to kiss her sweet lips some more. But I’m not sure if she’s ready so I’m trying like hell to control myself.

  When we get to Evan’s house, I see the little guy bouncing on his aunt’s lap.

  “Oh, thank fuck. I had to give him a bath because he got into the garbage can. There was shit all over the kitchen floor. Literally shit.” Avery blows a strand of red hair out of her eyes. I want to laugh, but I’m scared she’ll kick my ass.

  “I’m so sorry,” Claire says as she lifts the boy off Avery’s lap.

  “Sit!” Now, I do lose it. Claire’s eyes go wide as saucers at the fact that her son cursed, but it’s comical.

  “Avery! You can’t curse in front of him. He repeats everything!”

  “Sit! Sit! Sit!” The boy says again.

  “You’re a bad influence, so we’ll be in the other room.” Claire grabs Brady and I follow her into the living room.

  “He’s into everything now.” Claire sets him on the floor and then sits on the couch. “I’m sure Evan and Avery are more than ready for us to move out.” She adjusts her hair on the top of her head.

  I watch the boy in awe and turn back to his beautiful mother. “Damn, I’ve missed you.” I sit next to her. “Claire, when you decided to go home with Trevor, I thought for sure I’d never see you again.”

  I look over and see the first few tears leak from her eyes. I know she feels guilty, which is ludicrous.

  I grab for her hand.

  “I think Monica’s visit was the last push I needed, but I hadn’t stopped thinking about you since last week when I finally started remembering everything. I’m sorry for not believing you.”

  “Look at me.” I grab her chin and she searches my eyes for answers. “It’s ok. I want you more than you could ever possibly know. If you’ll let me, I want to show you how much I can love you. You and your son.”

  “I want that more than anything,” she sobs.

  “Good.” I kiss her nose and she smiles up at me. “Why don’t you and Brady come to my house and I’ll cook for you?” I ask as I tickle the little guy. He’s giggling on my lap and running his hands along my scruffy face. I want them to myself tonight and I’m afraid it’ll be cut short if Evan comes home early. I want to start over with this woman, but I also want to get to know her son. If I have it my way, I’ll be spending a lot of time with both of them.

  “You want us to spend the night with you?” Damn, this woman has me and she doesn’t even know.

  “That wasn’t what I meant.” She looks like she’s upset with my answer, so I go on. “Don’t get me wrong. Of course, you can stay if you want. But if you’re not comfortable yet, it’s alright.” I don’t want to rush her into anything she isn’t ready for, but, damn, I want to be with her. I’ll wait to sleep with her as long as I need to, but it’s not going to be easy. I am, after all, only a man. A man who desperately wants this woman.

  “I want to stay, if you don’t mind.” She looks nervous, but she’s crazy if she doesn’t think I’ll agree.

  “The lady gets what the lady wants.” I lean into her lips. Caressing hers gently with mine. “Later, there will be more where that came from.” I wink at her as I stand with Brady.

  Claire packs a few things for herself and Brady and grabs his portable bed and highchair. I’m hoping one day soon that I’ll have a bed at my house for him. We get into my truck and she immediately grabs my hand, rubbing circles on it. In this moment, it feels like no time at all has passed since I was last with her. So much has changed, yet everything’s the same.

  57

  Ryker

  “Where should I put our things?” she asks as we walk into my house, Brady in my arms. It took no time at all for him to warm up to me. I know these two are all I need in life to be content, to be happy. And, damn, am I happy.

  “You can set them in my room unless you’re more comfortable in the guest room.” I sure hope she isn’t planning on sleeping anywhere besides my bed with me.

  “No, I want to stay with you, but I’ll put Brady’s things in the other room.” I’m surprised but relieved because I want alone time with her after Brady goes to sleep.

  I put the boy in his little highchair and get busy in the kitchen.

  “Hey, Brady, should we make your mama some dinner?” He giggles and kicks his feet and blows bubbles in response.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” I put some chicken breasts on the stove, and while they cook, I get busy slicing vegetables for a salad.

  “It smells amazing in here,” Claire says as she wraps her arms around me from behind. If she’s not careful, I’m going to have my way with her right in the kitchen. Forget dinner.

  “I hope you like chicken alfredo.” I mix together the ingredients for my sauce.

  She sticks her finger in the bowl I’m mixing and then pops it into her mouth. She’s not trying to be sexy, but the sight is fucking erotic.

  “So, tell me, Mr. Allen.” Hard as a mother-fucking rock. “Are there a lot of women you feed?” I’m not lost on her double innuendo. She turns bright red after realizing what she said. “I meant, do you cook for women often?”

  I laugh at her embarrassment. “No, only you.” I turn to look at her, so she knows I’m serious. I put the spoon I’m holding on the counter and go over to where she’s standing. “Claire, I haven’t been with anyone else since you.”

  “You haven’t?” My heart cracks. Does she think I moved on from her? She can’t get further from the truth.

  “No, I promise you. As scared as I was that you’d never remember me, much less forgive my ass, I was still holding onto hope. I’m so fucking glad I did.” I kiss her cheek, my lips lingering longer than necessary.

  “How did I forget you?” She gets choked up and it kills me seeing her so upset. I know that, for awhile, she’ll be emotional like this. It’s to be expected after everything she’s been put through both physically and mentally.

  “Sweetheart, you didn’t choose to forget me and you didn’t forget just me. You forgot a lot of things. I’m just glad you’re back.”

  “Oh, my God.” She leaves my arms and digs through her purse.

  “What’s wrong?” She’s now pulling up something on her phone, leaving me puzzled.

  “I didn’t call Sierra.” She pulls her name up in her contacts and then quickly types out a text.

  “Did you just remember her?”

  “No.” She shakes her head. “I remembered her soon after I remembered you but was nervous to get in touch with anyone right away.” She puts her phone back in her purse. “She came over to Evan’s before I got my memory back.”

  “She did?” I ask her. I’m surprised as shit and a little upset that Sierra saw her before I did.

  “Yeah. Did you ever talk to her? After I left?” Her voice is filled with pain which rips right through me.

  “We talked often actually. She was always calling or texting to see if I’d heard anything from you. I guess we kind of built a weird friendship because we were both missing the hell out of you.” She starts to cry again. “Baby, no. I’m sorry I wasn’t trying to upset you. We just both were kind of in the same boat, that’s all.”

  She nods her head. I can tell I need to pull us away from this conversation. I want her to enjoy her night. I hold her in my arms and kiss her forehead.

  “Now, shall we eat?” She grabs some food for Brady out of his bag. He squeals in excitement when she puts crackers and green beans on his tray along with his sippy cup. We’re both eating and talking until we see the smashed green beans in his hair.

  “Brady!” She yells. Claire is laidback so it makes me laugh when she tries to scold her son.

  “Why don’t you go relax on t
he couch and I’ll take care of him?” She gives me an unsure look but agrees. Claire isn’t used to other people helping her. I know it was hard for her before moving to Phoenix because Trevor was always gone. And when he was home, he didn’t help anyway. I’m not sure how Claire will feel about me helping this much, but she’s going to have to get used to it.

  “Let’s take a bath, little man.” Brady claps as I put him in the sink of bubbles.

  “Bah!” he yells as he splashes water all over me and the floor. I’m going to need a new change of clothes because, apparently, he thinks I need a bath too.

  “Um, what’s going on in here?” Claire asks as she walks back into the kitchen. I hope she isn’t upset with me.

  “Brady wanted a bath,” I say coolly without looking away from the boy. He won’t hold still, so there’s no way I’m taking my eyes off him.

  “Right.” She chuckles. Her laughs are my favorite sound. Well, and her calling my name when I make her come. You sick bastard, get your mind out of the damn gutter!

  “Yep. He told me, “Ryke, dude, I need a bath.” I wrap a towel around the soaking wet baby. Giving a kid a bath is harder than it looks. I hope she’ll let me do things like this for them, for a very long time.

  58

  Claire

  I was shocked a bit when I saw Ryke giving Brady a bath. No one has ever helped me like that before. Sure, Evan and Avery have been doing everything they can to make things easier for me, but they’re family.

  After we get Brady situated in the guest room, I snuggle next to Ryke on the couch. I love my son, but it’s nice to have some alone time with him again without anyone else around. I’m glad I worked the nerves up to go see him at his bar, even with the urge to vomit from my anxiety.

  “You want to watch a movie?” he asks as he leans in to kiss me.