FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

“Are you surprised, sweetheart?” my mom asked with a big smile.

  “Surprised isn’t the word for it, Mom. Wow. Thank you both so much.”

  After my mom and dad hugged me, and my mom gave me twenty two birthday kisses, Peyton walked up to me and held her arms out.

  “Happy Birthday, Collin,” she said as she kissed both my cheeks.

  “Thank you, Peyton. Where’s Henry?”

  “He’s on his way. He got held up with a patient. I don’t think I need to ask how you’re doing.”

  I took in a deep breath. “I’m hanging in there.”

  “I’m sorry for Hailey’s behavior, but I want you to know that my feelings for you will never change. I love you very much and nothing my daughter does will change that.”

  “I love you too, Peyton. Thank you.” I smiled. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m in need of a scotch.”

  I walked away and to the bar where the bartender poured me a scotch. As I took a sip, I heard a voice behind me.

  “I hope you’re having a happy birthday, Collin.”

  “Uncle Denny, it’s good to see you. How are you?”

  “I’m okay, son. But let’s not talk about me. The question of the evening is how are you doing?”

  I couldn’t help but smile because I felt a lecture coming on. I remember growing up and listening to him lecture my dad all the time. He had a certain tone in his voice that he used right before the lecture. He wasn’t looking well and I knew my dad was overly worried about him.

  “I’m doing okay.”

  “Come with me and let’s go sit down,” he said as he put his arm around me and led me to the couch where no one was sitting. “Your dad is worried about you and frankly, so am I.”

  “It’s okay, Uncle Denny. I’m fine. There’s no need to worry.”

  “Really? Because you’re boozing it up and having sex with women all over the state.”

  “Uncle Denny, keep it down,” I said as I looked around.

  He chuckled loudly. “You sure are your father’s son. One day, my boy. One day, she’ll sweep you off your feet. And trust me, it won’t be Hailey. She was never ‘the one’ anyway and someday you’ll finally realize that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go talk to your mom.”

  He got up and left me sitting there speechless. I could guarantee I had the same look on my face that my dad always did.

  “Come on, Collin. It’s time to blow out your birthday candles.” My mom smiled she led me into the kitchen.

  Everyone gathered around, sang happy birthday and clapped as I blew out twenty-two glowing candles.

  “Did you make a wish, son?” my dad asked.

  “Yeah, I did.” I smiled.

  I was celebrating my birthday on the outside, but on the inside, I was a broken man with a void so deep that any emotion or feeling would get lost and never be found. After I cut the first piece of cake, I handed the knife to my mom and walked over to the bar to fill up on scotch for the night. I just needed to feel numb this last time. Tomorrow would be different. But for tonight, I needed to forget.

  Chapter 9

  Three Months Later

  After my birthday and some serious thought, I decided to tone it down a bit. When I said that, I meant that I was more careful about what I was doing. I didn’t get as drunk on weeknights anymore because I was solely focused on Black Enterprises and my job. But I sure as hell made up for it on the weekends. I partied starting at six o’clock Friday night until eight pm Sunday. I went to clubs, friends’ parties, and had a lot of sex. I hated to admit that I also broke some hearts. These women knew it was for one night only, so it wasn’t my fault or problem if they couldn’t understand that. As far as my parents were concerned, I was starting to turn my life around and becoming a more responsible adult. But I couldn’t fool Julia. She knew me all too well and there were some nights I spent down in her and Jake’s apartment because I didn’t want my parents to see how drunk I was. Overall, I was having fun. I was finally starting to get over Hailey because the more women I slept with and then left afterwards was working for me. I had the best of both worlds, an amazing job and many women at my side any time I snapped my fingers. I didn’t need to be tied down in a relationship. My heart was healing and for the first time since Hailey left, I felt good. My new motto in life: No tied down relationships make for a happy man.

  “Good morning, Diana. Is he in there?”

  “Yes he is, Collin.” She smiled.

  “I sent a text to Jacob last night and he didn’t text me back. Is he okay?”

  “He’s fine. He had a friend over last night and they were playing video games. He probably just forgot.”

  “Good. I’m glad the little guy is making new friends.”

  “Thanks. It’s really helped since I was able to put him in that private school. Thanks to you and your father.”

  “Don’t mention it.” I winked.

  I opened the door and saw my dad turned around in his chair staring out the window.

  “Hey, Dad. Is everything okay?”

  He turned around and looked at me. “Yeah, son. Everything’s fine. I was just thinking about Denny.”

  “So does that mean you’ve hired a new driver?”

  “Yes, son, I have. You know him.”

  “I do?” I asked in confusion.

  “Yep. I’ve hired Ralph from the transportation department.”

  I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “You mean Ralphie?”

  My dad gave me a stern look. “Yes, and don’t call him that. He’s a very good employee and has been for many years. I think he’ll do fine.”

  I rolled my eyes. “If you say so. He’s no Denny that’s for sure.”

  “There will never be another Denny,” my dad said as he turned back around and stared out the window.

  “Good morning, Daddy. Good morning, little brother,” Julia said as she walked into the office.

  “Good morning, princess.”

  “Morning, sis. Wow. You look bigger than yesterday!”

  She lightly jabbed me in the shoulder. “Jake and I are going for the ultrasound today and want to know if you and mom want to come with us?”

  My dad’s eyes that were just filled with sadness a few moments ago, lit up when Julia asked him.

  “I would love to go with you, princess. Have you talked to your mom?”

  “Yes and she screamed. She wanted me to ask you myself. My appointment is for three o’clock. You and mom can meet us at the doctor’s office.”

  “Excellent. I’ll have Ralph swing by the penthouse to pick your mom up.”

  I started laughing again and Julia couldn’t help but laugh as well.

  “You two kids are terrible people. I hope you know that,” my dad said.

  I got up from my chair and kissed Julia’s cheek. “I’m out of here. I have a meeting to attend and some files to go over before I start my weekend. You better call me and tell me if I’m getting a niece or nephew.” I pointed at her as I walked out of the office.

  * * *

  As I was finishing up the last of the paperwork that needed to be reviewed, my phone rang, and it was Julia.

  “Well?” I answered.

  “You’re going to have a nephew!” Julia said with excitement.

  “Ah, that’s great news, Julia. Congratulations. Mom and Dad must be thrilled.”

  “They are. Dad got all teary-eyed and mom burst into tears.”

  “I bet they did. That’s awesome. I can’t wait to meet him.”

  “We’re going to dinner now. Do you want to meet us?” she asked.

  “Nah. I’ve got plans for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Stay out of trouble.”

  “I can’t promise that.” I chuckled.

  I shut down my computer, grabbed my briefcase and headed out of the building to start my weekend. I was heading to the beach house and Aiden and I were going to check out a new club that had just opened up close by. I didn’t have to worry a
bout my parents showing up this weekend because they were heading to Chicago.

  As I pulled in the driveway, Aiden was sitting in his car waiting for me.

  “It’s about time, man,” he said as he got out and high-fived me.

  “Sorry, I had to finish up some work at the office before I headed out and then I got stuck in a shitload of traffic.”

  I inserted the key into the lock and opened the door. I took my bags straight up to my room while Aiden planted himself on the couch and waited for me.

  “Dude, I have to shower first. Order us a pizza. I’m starving,” I yelled down the stairs.

  After I showered and put on some clothes, I walked downstairs. “Did you order it?”

  “Yeah. It should be here in a few minutes,” Aiden replied.

  A few moments later there was a knock on the door. I grabbed my wallet and was caught off guard by a beautiful girl when I opened the door. A big smile splayed across her face when she looked at me.

  “Here’s your pizza. That’ll be twenty dollars please,” she said shyly.

  I pulled out thirty and handed it to her. “Here, keep the extra ten for your tip.” I winked.

  She bit down on her bottom lip as she thanked me. She began to walk away and then stopped and turned around. “I normally don’t do things like this, but would you like to go out later?”

  Damn. I hadn’t been here an hour and already I got a date. “Sure. My friend Aiden and I are going to that new club that just opened up over on Northpoint. We’ll be there around nine if you want to meet us there.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’ll ask my friends if they want to go. Can I have your number and I’ll text you when we get there?”

  “Sure, hand me your phone.” I smiled.

  I punched in my number under her contacts and hit save. “By the way, what’s your name?” I asked.

  “Alexis. And you are?”

  “Collin.”

  “See you later, Collin.” She smiled as she walked her fine body back to her car.”

  I shut the door and took the pizza in the kitchen. “Smooth. Very smooth, bro. I didn’t see her. Was she hot?”

  “Fuck yeah she was hot!”

  “You better be careful, man. Tina told me the other day that a few of her friends said you’re a douchebag.”

  “Why the fuck would they say that?” I asked as I grabbed the paper plates and set them on the table.

  “Two of her friends you slept with are upset with you because you never called them back.” He chuckled.

  “And? They shouldn’t be surprised. They know me and how I am.”

  “Just saying, bro.” He smiled. “Love them and leave them. The Collin Black way.”

  “Leave them yes. Love them no,” I said.

  After we ate our pizza, we sat on the couch, watched some of the hockey game, drank a few beers and then headed to the club.

  * * *

  “Hey, I thought we’d never find you in here. This place is packed,” Alexis said.

  “Hey. Thanks for coming.” I smiled as I lightly hugged her.

  She looked smoking hot in her short, tight white skirt, black tank top and black high heels. I introduced her to Aiden, and she introduced me to two of her friends. We hung out, drank a lot and danced. Alexis could move. I wondered how she would look dancing on a pole. I was getting hard just thinking about it. Her firm legs wrapped tightly around the pole as she slid around it.

  “Come with me,” I said as I grabbed her hand and led her to the back of the club.

  There was a long hallway where the restrooms were and at the end, there was a door on the left with a sign that said “storage.” I turned the knob and surprisingly the door opened. I led her inside and shut the door. There was a dim light that hung overhead.

  “What are we doing in here?” she asked with a smile.

  “I wanted to get you alone. I’ve been watching your hot body all night.”

  She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. My hands traveled to her enormous breasts, and as I squeezed them firmly, her hand made its way down the front of my pants.

  “Ah,” I moaned as I broke our kiss and my tongue traveled down her neck.

  I lifted her shirt over her head and unclasped her bra, feeling her bare tits in my hands.

  “OMG. I’m going to come already,” she said.

  “Seriously?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she moaned as I kneaded her tits.

  I took one hand and cupped her pussy from underneath her skirt.

  “No! Don’t touch me down there. I only want you to touch my tits.”

  I moved my hand back up to her breasts as she stroked my hard cock up and down firmly. I really needed to fuck her, and she wasn’t going to allow me yet. I took down my pants as she continued stroking me. My lips wrapped themselves around her hardened nipple and as I lightly sucked them, she let out a loud moan and tightened her body. She came. I couldn’t believe she came like that. I looked up at her and she smiled at me.

  “Okay, I’m going to suck you off now. Then we can be finished.”

  I stood there and stared at her in disbelief. “Umm, don’t you want to fuck?”

  “I’ve never had a penis in me before. I’m not ready for that yet. But I’ll suck your cock until you come. That’s what I always do to guys and they don’t mind.”

  This girl was weird ,and I was losing my hard-on faster than the speed of light. “You know what? Just forget it. I’ve lost the mood.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah. I’m positive,” I said with a frown.

  I needed to quickly get out of there. I pulled up my pants, button them, opened the door and quickly walked down the hallway back to the bar. Alexis followed behind me. When I reached the bar, Aiden held up his hand to high-five me. I shot him a look as I sat down next to him.

  “Bro, what’s wrong? Didn’t you score?”

  “I don’t want to talk about it. That chick is weird. I need a drink.”

  I held up my hand to get the bartenders attention and then ordered a double scotch. Aiden was eyeing some girl over in the corner and finally got up the nerve to go talk to her. As I downed my scotch, I heard Alexis from behind.

  “We’re going to go, Collin. We’re hitting another club. One we’re more familiar with. Do you want to come?”

  “No, I’m good right here. Have fun.” I smiled and secretly wished that she’d get the hell away from me.

  “Okay, thanks again for….well, you know.” She smiled.

  I gave her a fake smile back and her and her friends disappeared. I rolled my eyes as I ordered another scotch. A while later, Aiden came up to me and told me that he was taking the girl he’d met home and that he could drop me off at the beach house first. I told him that I wasn’t ready to leave and I’d catch a cab home. I wasn’t anywhere near drunk enough to leave.

  Chapter 10

  Amelia

  It was a beautiful night for a walk on the beach. I needed to think and clear my head and walking along the water always helped. It was dark out, but the way the moonlight glistened over the ocean water was magical. I looked around at some of the boxes stacked in the kitchen and my eyes filled with tears. It was an exhausting day and I needed to relax. If that was even possible anymore. I walked out the patio door and hit the warm sand. The light breeze that swept across my face felt calming, and as I took in a deep breath of the saltwater air, I began to relax. The water swept across my feet as I held my dress up, so the bottom didn’t get wet. The water was my life at one time, and now, it was just a distant memory that filled my heart with sadness and despair.

  As I walked, I couldn’t stop looking up at the stars in the sky. Orion shined brightly. My star gazing came to an end when I tripped over something and fell to the ground. After I realized what I’d done, I looked at the man I tripped over. He was lying face down in the sand.

  “Excuse me. Are you okay? I didn’t see you. It was completely my fault.”

  He didn’t a
nswer me, so I poked him. “Hey, are you okay?”

  He didn’t move and I started to panic. I inched my way closer to him and rolled him on his back. His faced glowed in the moonlight and I couldn’t help but stare at him. I leaned closer and put my ear to his mouth to make sure he was breathing. His breath reeked of alcohol and that’s when I knew he was passed out. I got up, brushed the sand off my dress and started walking away. Could I just leave him there like that? I pondered with the thought of trying to wake him up and asking him where he lived. Oh well, if he drank that much that he passed out in the sand, then that’s where he belonged. I began walking back in the direction I came and stopped when I heard him moan. I turned around and stared at him lying there, in the sand, drunk and helpless. I walked back over to him and shook him by the shoulders.

  “Okay, you need to wake up now!”

  He opened his eyes and looked at me. “Who are you?” he slurred.

  “Someone who tripped over you. You’re lucky I didn’t break anything.”

  “God, my fucking head. The beach is spinning.”

  “Well that’s what you get for drinking so much. Are you from around here?” I asked.

  He turned his head and then pointed up to the house that wasn’t too far from where we were at.

  “That’s your house? Are you sure?”

  He nodded his head as he tried to sit up but then fell back down. “Come on, let’s get you home,” I said as I tried to pick him up. “Okay, you’re going to have to help me. Get on your knees and I’ll grab your arms to help you up.”

  He did what I asked, and I carefully helped him up. He stumbled and almost knocked both of us over, but I held on tight. I put my arm around his waist and his arm around my neck.

  “Just take slow small steps.”

  “Why are you doing this?” he asked.

  “To be honest, I don’t know. I couldn’t just leave you all night on the sand.”

  He kept stumbling and complaining that he felt sick. I told him that he better not throw up or I’m dropping him and he can spend the night outside. When we made it up to the patio, I opened the door and helped him inside.