FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “Drop me off in front of the store and park around back. I’ll let you know when I’m done.”

  “Have fun dress shopping, Connor.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

  I rolled my eyes as I climbed out of the limo. Walking into Saks, I ran into a woman I knew named Jillian.

  “Connor Black, long time no see and no fuck.” She smiled.

  “Hello, Jillian, it’s good to see you as always.” I smiled as I kissed her cheek.

  “Where have you been hiding? I’ve been waiting to hear from you,” she said as she lightly placed her hand on my chest.

  “I’ve been really busy, Jillian. I’ve been working hard trying to secure a business deal. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for anything else.”

  Who was I kidding? I had time; I always made time for sex. I just hadn’t wanted anything to do with other women since I’d met Ellery. Even though she was only a friend to me, she was the only woman I wanted to spend time with.

  “Well, give me a call when you do find time. I bought some new toys I’d like to try with you.” She winked.

  I politely said goodbye and headed up the escalator to the dress department. I’d never done this before, well, with the exception of my sister. I would send her dresses from time to time for certain functions. She would get mad because she said she liked to shop and that she could pick out her own dresses. However, she never failed to love the ones I picked.

  “Connor Black, how are you?” Camille smiled as she gave me a light hug.

  “I’m good, Camille.”

  “I saw your mother in here yesterday. She was buying dresses for the charity tomorrow. What brings you here?”

  “I’m looking for some dresses that I would like you to take to a friend of mine. She’ll be attending the charity function with me tomorrow night. She’s about 5’7” and very thin.”

  Camille looked at me and placed her finger on her lip. “Describe her hair and eyes to me.”

  “Her hair is long and blonde, and her eyes are an ice blue color.”

  She took me over to a wall with a rack of dresses that had just come in. I took a seat on the couch across from the wall as Camille pulled out a few dresses to show me. I picked ten dresses that I thought would look stunning on Ellery. The last dress Camille showed me was a Badgley Mischka strapless lace gown in black. I envisioned it on Ellery, and out of all the dresses, it was my favorite one. I got up and handed Ellery’s address to Camille.

  “Pick out some shoes to go with the dresses, and maybe some jewelry too,” I said as I started to walk away.

  “Don’t worry, Connor, I’ll take care of everything.” She smiled.

  As I walked out of Saks, my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen and Ashlyn’s name appeared.

  “Hello, Ashlyn.”

  “What the fuck is going on, Connor?!” she yelled.

  “Watch yourself, Ashlyn. What’s the problem?”

  “Why am I not on the list for the charity event tomorrow evening?”

  I heavily sighed because I had been waiting for this call.

  “I’m sorry, Ashlyn, but I didn’t make the list.”

  “You knew I wasn’t on the list, didn’t you?” Her voice angered.

  “Of course I knew, but there’s nothing I can do. There are only so many seats available. Anyway, I don’t have time for this. I have to go.”

  “Wait!” she yelled. “I heard a rumor that you’re taking someone to the event tomorrow night.”

  “That’s none of your business, Ashlyn. How many times do we go over this?”

  “So, it’s true?” she asked.

  “If you must know, then yes, I’m bringing a friend with me,” I spoke as I slipped into the back seat. “I have to go, Ashlyn. I’m working.”

  I hit the end button before she could say another word. The last thing I needed was her attending the charity tomorrow night and saying something in front of Ellery. I was beginning to feel stressed out, and I needed to hit the gym for a good workout. As soon as we got back to the penthouse, I grabbed my gym bag and headed to the gym. I ran on the treadmill, lifted some weights, and did some laps around the pool. I was on my way to the locker room when Stephanie stopped me in the hallway.

  “I was hoping you’d show up here today.” She seductively smiled.

  “Why is that?”

  She had a seductive look in her eye that told me she wanted sex, and she wanted it now. It felt like an eternity since I’d had sex, and it was driving me crazy. She led me to a small room where the towels were stored. I pushed her up against the wall and ran my hand up her shirt, feeling her large breasts and hardened nipples as she kissed my neck. I moved my hand slowly down her torso and down the front of her shorts until I felt the edge of her panties. Stephanie reached down the front of my swim shorts and abruptly stopped, pushing me away and staring at me.

  “What the hell, Connor? You’re not even hard,” she snapped.

  I couldn’t believe this was happening for it had never happened to me before. I sighed and took a step back as I ran my hands through my hair and shook my head.

  “I don’t know what the problem is. I’ve been under a lot of stress at work.”

  She opened the door and looked at me. “Sex is the best stress reliever in life, so maybe it’s something else. Call me when you figure it out,” she said as she walked out.

  I went to the locker room and got dressed. Damn Ellery Lane. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Not only did she fuck with my head, now she’s messing with my sex life. I walked out of the gym and climbed into the Range Rover. I put my head on the steering wheel for a moment while I tried to figure out what I was going to do.

  I drove to the penthouse and threw my bag on the bed. I stood in the shower and let the hot water run down my body. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ellery and what her reaction was going to be when Camille showed up at her apartment with the dresses. I stepped out of the shower and wiped the steam from the mirror. I looked at the man in the mirror and didn’t recognize who I saw anymore. My heart was flipping out, and my mind was fucked up, compliments of Ellery Lane.

  I slept pretty well all night. I was sure the amount of scotch I drank before bed helped. The next day, I got up, showered, dressed, and headed downstairs to the kitchen where Claire was making homemade banana nut bread.

  “Good morning, Connor. Did you have a nice evening?”

  “Good morning, Claire. Today’s Sunday, and it’s your day off. What are you doing here?” I asked her as I lightly kissed her cheek.

  “Remember, I’m taking tomorrow off instead to take my husband to the doctor?”

  “That’s right, I’m sorry, I forgot. Thank you for making banana bread, it smells delicious.” I said as I took my coffee and sat at the table.

  “It will be ready in about five minutes. You seem like you’re in a great mood today. Is there any special reason why?” she asked with smile.

  I got the impression from her smile that she knew about Ellery. I was sure Denny told her. Those two seemed to tell each other everything.

  “The charity function is tonight, and I’m attending it with a very beautiful woman,” I answered as I opened my laptop.

  “Very good, Connor. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight, she said as she set the plate of banana bread on the table.

  I checked my emails and started to answer a few of them when a text from Ellery came through to my phone.

  “Hi Connor, it’s Ellery. Thank you for the beautiful dress, but it’s too much, and I don’t feel right accepting it.”

  I smiled because I knew she’d love it. I wanted to make her feel like a princess tonight, even if she was just a friend.

  “You’re welcome, and it’s not too much, see you at six o’clock, sharp.”

  I was anxious to see what dress she picked. They were all stunning, but the strapless black lace was my favorite. I could picture that dress hugging her small silhouette, lifting her breasts and forming a sexy cleavage. I pict
ured her hair in curls that cascaded over her shoulders and her smile when I pick her up. I instantly became very aroused and needed to go upstairs to take care of myself. This had become a daily habit since I hadn’t had sex in a while. How the hell was I going to control myself with her tonight?

  I put on my tuxedo, fixed my hair, and splashed on my Armani cologne. Why the hell was I getting so nervous? I put my cufflinks on and headed downstairs. My phone rang. I took it from my jacket, and saw that it was my mother calling.

  “Hello, Mom.”

  “Connor, darling, we won’t be attending the charity. I need you to send our apologies to everyone.”

  “Why? What happened?” I asked.

  “Nothing to worry about darling. Your father and I are sick with the flu.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything you need?”

  “No, Connor. Just give our apologies and have a nice time.”

  “Call if you need me or if you need anything.”

  I made my way to the garage where Denny was waiting for me. I slid into the back of the limo and took in a deep breath. Denny looked at me through the rearview mirror.

  “Are you okay, Connor?” he asked.

  “I’m fine, Denny. Let’s go pick up Miss Lane.”

  We pulled up to the curb of her apartment building. I climbed out and walked up to the door. The moment the door opened, I inhaled a sharp breath at the sight of Ellery standing there in my favorite dress. An intoxicated feeling came over me as she smiled.

  “Were you afraid that I’d get mugged between my door and your car?” She smirked.

  “Very funny, Ellery.” I smiled.

  She nudged my shoulder playfully, and I nudged her back. I opened the door for her, and she gracefully slid into the seat. Climbing in, I sat beside her. I grabbed a glass and handed it to her as I poured some champagne into it. Once again, my heart began beating faster than normal, and my palms were sweaty. I held my glass up to her.

  “You look stunning, Ellery. What a lovely dress.”

  “Thank you, Connor. I was hoping you’d like this one.” She winked as she held up her glass to mine.

  She was exquisite. The dress hugged her just like I’d pictured it would, framing her small petite body. Her soft curled hair was in an up do that featured her elongated neck as small diamond teardrop earrings hung perfectly from her ears. I subtly took in her scent as it filled the enclosed space we were in. Needless to say, it aroused me. I could tell this was going to be a long night.

  Denny pulled up to the entrance of the hotel and got out to open Ellery’s door. I walked around to her side, took her hand, and helped her out of the limo. Fire ignited throughout my body.

  “Do you think you can behave yourself tonight?” I smirked as I held my arm out to her.

  “I don’t know. I can’t make any promises.” She grinned as she wrapped her arm around mine.

  We walked into the hotel and straight down the hallway to the Grand Ballroom. It was one of the most elegant ballrooms in New York. I needed a drink, and I needed one now.

  “What can I get you from the bar?” I asked.

  “I’ll take a glass of white wine, please.”

  I told her to wait at the table as I went to the bar and got our drinks. I gave her the glass of wine while I steadily drank my scotch and admired the most beautiful woman in the ballroom standing before me. I saw a good friend and colleague of mine, Robert and his wife, standing at the other side of the room. I lightly touched Ellery’s elbow and escorted her to where he and his wife were standing.

  “Good evening, Connor,” Robert said as we shook hands.

  “Hello, Robert, Courtney. I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Ellery Lane.”

  “You have beautiful friends, Connor.” He smiled as he lightly kissed Ellery’s hand.

  I gave a small smile and watched as Courtney eyed Ellery up and down. Courtney and I had a bit of a history, and it left her bitter. She fell hard and wanted more, but I had nothing to give. Robert put his arm around me and led me off to the side where the women couldn’t hear us.

  “Connor, Ashlyn is coming. I just thought you should know,” he said.

  “What? I thought I told you to make sure she wouldn’t be here,” I snapped.

  “I did make sure, but then she went and swooned George Frankel, and he fell all over the opportunity. You know how he is with beautiful women.”

  “Damn it.” I shook my head.

  We walked back to where Ellery and Courtney were standing. I put my hand on the small of Ellery’s back and escorted her back to the table. I needed to try and find Ashlyn before she saw Ellery. I pulled the chair out for her and excused myself to the restroom.

  I headed down the hallway and saw Ashlyn entering the ballroom with George. She saw me coming and smiled. I was angry at her and she knew it.

  “George, good to see you, buddy.” I smiled as I put my arm around him. “Why don’t you go to the bar and grab a drink for you and Ashlyn. She’ll meet you at the table. I have something I need to discuss with her.”

  He nodded his head and walked down the hallway till he reached the ballroom. As soon as he was out of sight, I turn and looked at Ashlyn with a burning anger in my eyes.

  “What the hell are you doing here?!” I said through gritted teeth as I looked around to make sure nobody was watching.

  I backed her up against the wall.

  “Relax, Connor. George asked me if I’d like to accompany him, and I graciously accepted. Is there is a reason that you don’t want me here?”

  I looked away for a moment and then back at her. I grabbed her arm and led her around the corner. “I’m here with someone, and so help me, Ashlyn, if you even say one word to her – I swear…”

  “Don’t worry, Connor, I won’t spill our little secret to your new toy.” She devilishly grinned.

  I stared directly at her, and she knew I was pissed.

  “Are we clear, Ashlyn?”

  “Don’t worry. You’ve made yourself very clear.”

  I turned around and headed back to the ballroom. As I approached the entrance, I noticed Ellery dancing with another man, and anger started to burn inside me. I walked out on the dance floor and tapped Andrew on the shoulder.

  “Excuse me, Andrew, but she’s here with me.”

  He gave me an apologetic look. “Mr. Black, I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was yours.”

  He stepped aside as I took his place, placing my hand on her waist and taking her hand in mine. Her hand was so soft, and it felt good to hold it.

  “I leave you alone for a minute, and you go off and dance with strange men? Is that what you call behaving?”

  She narrowed her eyes at me. “You left me alone to disappear with the woman who slapped you at Club S.”

  I looked at her in confusion. “What? You saw that?”

  She nodded her head. “I think a lot of people saw that.”

  “So, let me get this straight, you saw me before you found me drunk outside?” I curiously asked.

  “Yes. I was sitting at the bar. Why do you ask?” She cocked her head.

  “Interesting.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.

  “What’s interesting?” she asked. “Oh, I get it now. You think I had my eyes set on you from the start.”

  I wickedly smiled at her. “Your words, Miss Lane, not mine.”

  She rolled her eyes and leaned closer into me, bringing her lips mere inches from my ear. I couldn’t help but take in her alluring scent as she whispered, “You are a delusional man, Mr. Black.”

  I closed my eyes for her scent was mesmerizing. She smelled like lilacs. This dance needed to end quickly or else she was going to get the wrong idea. I wasn’t sure if I could control myself. She proceeded to ask me why I chose this charity to represent. This was something very personal to me, and I didn’t feel the need to share something so personal with her. After all, we were only friends.

  “May I ask why this specific charity?” />
  “Why not this charity?”

  “Why did you, though?”

  I looked straight ahead into the crowd. “It’s just a charity that my company is involved with. Why is it so important that you know a specific reason?”

  “Just forget I asked,” she said as she refused to look at me.

  “You’re mad,” I spoke.

  “You’ll know when I’m mad, Mr. Black.”

  The thoughts running through my head were sexual ones when she said that. I couldn’t help it. I was a man, and that’s what we always thought about. Thank god the music ended when it did because there was no way of hiding my arousal any longer with our bodies pressed up against each other. I let go of her, placing my right hand in my pocket, and my other on the small of her back as we walked back to the table. I introduced her to some of my associates that were already sitting down. I glanced over at the next table and saw Ashlyn glaring at Ellery. I shot her a warning look, and she turned away. We sat down and had dinner. I took the liberty of ordering Ellery the Filet since she needed to put some meat on her bones. I wasn’t sure if she appreciated that, but she did impress me by eating the whole piece. After dinner was over and we listened to a few speeches, Ellery excused herself to the restroom.

  I got up and headed to the bar to get Ellery another glass of wine and another scotch for myself. I walked back to the table and was surprised when she wasn’t back yet. Setting the drinks on the table, I walked to the restrooms. I leaned up against the wall opposite the ladies’ restroom and folded my arms. I was tempted to open the door to make sure she was in there. The thought of her being in trouble or just leaving because she was bored entered my mind. Suddenly, the door opened and Ellery looked startled when she saw me standing there.

  “Uh, hi. Why are you standing there like that?”

  “Because you’ve been gone for quite a while, and I was checking to make sure you’re okay. I was giving you five more seconds before I was opening the door and coming in after you.”

  “Wow, stalker much?” she said as she walked away.

  “For the last time, I’m not a stalker. I was concerned for your safety.” I sighed.

  I had no idea what the hell was going on with me. I wanted to touch her, and I want to feel her bare skin against mine. Shit, this wasn’t good. Maybe I made a mistake by bringing her here. Am I leading her on? We’re just friends, and I’d hope she understood that. I wanted to beat my head against a wall and knock some sense into it. I took in a deep breath. Ellery sat down and sipped her wine. I needed to speak with a friend of mine, so I told her I’d be right back. I walked a few feet away and talked to Paul about the company I was trying to acquire. My eyes kept wandering to her as she sat there and looked so beautiful. I watched her lips wrap around the edge of the wine glass with each sip she took as they left an imprint of her lipstick. Paul noticed me staring at Ellery.