Lover's Road (Forever and Always #11)

by E. L. Todd

  I never expected her to say that, not in a million years.

  She inched toward the kitchen, moving like she was ninety, not fifty. “Can I get you some coffee?”

  “Sure.” I followed behind her and took a seat at the grand table.

  She placed the black coffee in front of me then dropped into a chair. Her usual grace was gone. Her shoulders sagged forward, and her back was hunched. Her nails weren’t pampered and filed. They were long and uncared for. The small details made me realize just how broken she was. “I’ve been alone in this house for weeks. The maids hardly speak to me because they hate me.”

  I wasn’t surprised.

  “I don’t have any friends…at least real friends. When they found out Andrew and I had separated, they tossed me out of their social circles. Friends that I’d known for decades turned their backs on me. It’s like all that time never passed.” She sighed deeply, the depression escaping her voice.

  My heart broke at her words. Diane seemed to hit rock bottom.

  “Andrew was the only one who stood by my side through everything, but even he had a limit. I pushed him too far. Now he’s gone.”

  “You should talk to him,” I said quietly. “Just because you’re getting a divorce doesn’t mean he’ll stop loving you. That isn’t possible.”

  “My husband isn’t the type of man that gives up on anything. When he built his first software, he made fifty prototypes before he finally created the right one. He spent years of his life patiently working hard. He doesn’t give up easily, and when he does, it’s because there really is no hope.”

  “Love has a different set of rules.” I knew that too well.

  “I’ve tried calling him but he doesn’t answer…because he hates me.”

  “He doesn’t hate you,” I said firmly.

  “Then he should.” She looked at the table, not meeting my gaze. She hardly looked at me. “Why are you here, Scarlet?”

  The question caught me by surprise. “To check on you.”

  “After all the horrible things I’ve said and done to you, why would you come? Why would you care? My own sons haven’t even come to the house since they found out. No one likes me. You can’t be the only exception.”

  “Well, I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

  “With you, it would be the fifth chance.” She shook her head slightly.

  Actually, it would be more than that. “And I love your son more than anything in this world. His family is my family.”

  Diane’s eyes softened but she didn’t look at me.

  “I know you think Sean is perfect, and for the most part, he is. But when our relationship started, he wasn’t a gentleman. He hurt me more than I’ve ever been in my entire life. And not only did he do it once, he did it twice. As much as I wanted to walk away and find someone else, I couldn’t. Because I loved him so much. A year later, we are happily married. But we wouldn’t be if I didn’t give him another chance.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but I think it’s too late for me and Andrew.”

  “No, it isn’t,” I said firmly. “Give him some space then try to talk to him.”

  She ran her fingers through her hair, flustered. “I don’t know… He was so livid with me. When he marched out of the house with his bags, I should have begged him to stay. But I was a fool and remained stubborn. Even if I beg him for another chance, he’ll never give it to me. I’m still the same woman he despises.”

  “Then change,” I said simply. “That’s it.”

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with me…” She rubbed her temples. “Sometimes I do things and I don’t even understand why. I get upset when there’s no reason to be upset. I’m out of control…”

  That was a perfect description. “Maybe you should see a doctor.”

  “Perhaps. But I’m scared…”

  “Why?”

  “What if there really is something wrong with me?”

  I knew that was a horrible thought. “Andrew would be here in a heartbeat.”

  She rested her hands on the table. “My boys will tell you I married Andrew because he was full of money and security. But that’s actually not true. He was such a handsome man when we were younger. When I saw him on campus, I knew I wanted him. When I found out he was the founder of a company, a small one at the time, I was even more interested in him. But he was so charming and so beautiful that I fell head-over-heels. I slept with him on the first date.” A slight smile was on her lips.

  Whoa…TMI. “I wasn’t expecting that…”

  “I wasn’t wild before I met Andrew. I was a good girl and kept to myself. But I knew I wanted him and I’d do anything to have him. Our romance quickly led to love. Within a year, he proposed. The rest is history.”

  “That’s a sweet story.”

  Her smile faded. “And I lost that.”

  I didn’t know what to say. To me, love was never lost. You just had to work hard to get it back. I didn’t take Sean back easily. He had to earn my trust before I finally gave it to him. Lover’s road is never an easy one to trek. And it would take Diane a long time to reclaim what she lost, if she could reclaim it at all.

  When I came home, Sean and Andrew were already back from work. Sean was running on the beach and getting his afternoon workout. Andrew was sitting at the kitchen table, staring at his cup of black coffee.

  “How was work?” I asked.

  He smiled when he noticed me. “Uneventful. My two sons have everything under control.”

  “You sound surprised,” I teased.

  “I guess part of me expected it to be in turmoil and their dear pops would come to the rescue. Alas, they don’t need me.”

  “They are good worker bees.” I sat across from him with a glass of iced tea.

  “So…have you seen Diane?” he asked hesitantly.

  “Actually, I just saw her today.”

  His eyes flashed but he didn’t react outwardly. “How’s she doing?”

  “To be blunt, she’s miserable.”

  He looked into his mug and rubbed his fingers together.

  “She knows she was wrong and misses you. She’d do anything to get you back.” Even though I disliked Diane, she seemed genuine when I spoke to her earlier. If they could find a way to work it out, they should.

  “I think it’s too late,” he said sadly. “She says she know she’s wrong. That’s never been the problem. But she never changes it. She continues to push my kids away with her paranoia and rude comments. She cares more about money than the goodness life has to offer. I can’t go back to that…”

  I was fed up with Diane and there were moments when I wanted to smack her upside the head, so I completely understood Andrew’s decision. He was the one who lived with her for twenty-five years. When she acted like a bitch, he couldn’t get away. “Are you no longer in love with her?” That was a personal question I probably shouldn’t have asked but it came out.

  “I’m not sure,” he said with a sigh. “She’s a completely different woman than the one I married. Honestly, I think I’ve never been in love with the woman she turned into. I’ve been holding a vigil for the love of my life to come back. But I’m realizing she’s gone forever.

  “She used to be passionate and lively. She used to laugh at the most absurd things. She’d come to my apartment at three in the morning just to fool around with me when my roommates were sleeping in the same room. She was an amazing woman, daring and crazy. But now that energy is gone.”

  Ironically, she reminded me of myself. And that scared the shit out of me. I refused to be anything like she is now. Money would never mean anything to me. I only wanted Sean. If we lived in a shack, I’d be perfectly happy with that. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know,” he said simply. “It took all my courage and strength to walk out on her. I can’t do it again. If I go back, I know it will be exactly the same as it was before. I owe it to myself to find a better life for myself, and eventually, a better partner.”
r />   “Sean and I will always be here for you, Andrew. We just want you to be happy.”

  A slight smile formed on his lips. “I know.” He pushed his coffee away and stood up. “Thanks for doing that for me.”

  “I’d do anything for you.”

  His eyes softened. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me. I just need to lay down for a while.”

  “Okay.”

  He walked up the stairs and disappeared. The back door opened and Sean came inside, wearing shorts and a sleeveless workout shirt. He was covered in sweat, his muscles were swollen, and he carried himself with perfect posture. “How’d it go today?” he asked while he breathed heavily.

  “Good,” I said. “Your mom admitted she was wrong but your dad said that isn’t enough for him to go back.” I eyed the gaps in his shirt, seeing the layers of muscle I loved so much. I wanted to lick the sweat off then dig my nails into the slippery skin.

  “I’m glad my dad didn’t just pack his bags and head back to the house. He deserves someone so much better.” He took out his iPod and tossed it on the table.

  I stood up then moved to the couch. I grabbed the straps of my dress and pulled them off my shoulders, letting it fall into a pile on the floor.

  Sean’s eyes widened when he looked at me in my bra and thong. “Isn’t my dad here…?”

  “Yeah,” I said playfully. “But let’s risk it.”

  He raised an eyebrow as he inched closer to me. “What’s gotten into you?”

  I unhooked my bra and pulled down my thong. I lay on the couch and opened my legs, giving him a full view. His thin shorts suddenly formed a bulge in the crotch. His eyes darkened in intensity. “I guess I’m in the mood to be amazing, daring, and crazy.”

  Sean pulled his clothes off then moved on top of me. “That’s good enough for me. You’ll have to be quiet.”

  “With your huge cock giving it to me good, it’ll be difficult. But I’ll try.”

  “Damn, you’re dirty today.” He pressed his tip inside me then gave me a few inches. “Hmm…so wet.”

  I grabbed his hips and pulled him deep into me. And it felt so good.

  Sean grabbed my legs and pinned them back. He rocked into me hard and fast, not shaking the couch as he slid in and out of me. His thick head moved through my entrance repeatedly, making my lip numb from the pleasure.

  I bit my lip so I wouldn’t make any noise. My hands moved to his chest, where the sweat fell in drops. It was slippery and hot. But I loved it when he looked like this. It always got me in the mood.

  Sean grunted quietly while he rammed into me.

  “Be quiet,” I whispered.

  “I don’t give a shit.” He watched his cock slide inside me, the desire strong in his eyes.

  I moaned when it started to feel really good, over the top good. “Don’t stop,” I begged.

  “I’m not stopping until you come so damn hard.”

  I grabbed his ass and directed him deep inside me, wanting his entire shaft. I knew the orgasm was beginning when I felt the heat and tenderness between my legs.

  “You’re so fucking hot,” Sean said as he kept his pace.

  I bit my lip and moaned while the sensation spread through my entire body. I was on fire, burning from Sean’s touch. He gave it to me good every single time. My head was in a whirlwind because it felt so good. Seconds later, I came down from my high, my nails still digging into him.

  Sean didn’t waste any time. He pressed me further into the couch and bucked inside me. He was quicker than a jackrabbit and more sweat poured from his skin. A loud grunt came from his lips when he released, slowing down as he filled me with his seed.

  He caught his breath while he hovered over me, breathing through his racing heart and the sweat that dripped. “That felt damn good.”

  I rubbed his chest then his shoulders, still loving the feel of him inside me.

  “What’s gotten into you?” he asked.

  “Nothing,” I said with a playful shrug. “You looked hot when you walked in.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with my dad, would it?”

  I gave him a mischievous smile. “Maybe. I do see him all day…”

  “As long as I’m reaping all the benefits, I’ll let it go.”

  I cupped his face and kissed him gently. “Your dad told me how he and Diane used to be. She was playful and daring, making him fall in love with her. She didn’t care what anyone thought of her. She was free. But now she’s nothing like that. I never want that to happen with us. I always want to be playful and crazy, not giving a damn what anyone thinks of me.”

  He smiled then rubbed his nose against mine. “My dad just gave you a life lesson. I can’t count the number of times he gave Mike and I one. You really are a part of the family. And I hope this means you’ll come to the office more often to do the nasty-nasty.”

  “We’ll see what happens…”

  He wrapped his arms around me and held me close. “I love you so damn much, Mrs. Preston.”

  That made me melt. “And I you.”

  15

  Sean

  Ryan grabbed Scarlet’s keys then shoved them into her hand. “Now go. It’s guy’s night. No girls.”

  “This is my house.”

  “Technically, it’s Sean’s. He paid for it.”

  She glared at him. “Where am I supposed to go?”

  “I don’t know,” he snapped. “Get some friends.”

  “Just because you’re going through a hard time with Janice doesn’t mean you can be an ass to me.”

  I decided to mediate between the siblings. “Scarlet can stay if she wants. We’ll play poker in the second living room.”

  “You have a second living room?” Cortland asked. “Where?”

  “It’s on the other side of the house,” I said while still looking at Ryan.

  Cortland shook his head. “Damn, this place is huge.”

  “And unnecessary,” Scarlet jabbed. “The other day, I opened a door because I thought it was an extra closet. It ended up being an extra bedroom. Ridiculous.”

  “Let’s get back on topic here,” I said. “Scarlet can hang out here if she wants. Don’t kick out my wife.”

  Scarlet smiled at her brother triumphantly. “Ha.”

  Ryan glared at her. “What kind of guy’s night is that?”

  “Just because I’m a good wife to my husband, I’m making dinner for all you then I’ll be in my room for the rest of the night. You won’t even know I’m here.”

  “Better not,” Ryan spat.

  Ryan had been in a horrible mood all week. He and Janice were still together, but they hadn’t spoken, apparently. The fear and stress was taking a toll on him. He was always short and snappish. Scarlet and I tried to stay out of it. Since Janice hadn’t left him yet, we knew she wasn’t going to. They’d have to work this out on their own.

  “Let’s head out,” I said.

  “And where are you going?” Scarlet asked.

  “First, we’re going to golf then we’re going to play laser tag. Then we’ll play a few rounds back at the house.”

  “So, no strip club?” she asked.

  “Why would I watch a bunch of whores dance around when I have my very own at home? Who’s tits are real, may I add.”

  “Gross.” Ryan shook his head then stepped aside.

  Scarlet chuckled. “Maybe we should watch what we say around him.”

  “Nah.” I pulled her close to my chest, my head pressed against hers. “You’ll be alright while I’m gone?”

  “Of course. I can fend for myself.”

  “I know you don’t like to be home alone at night.”

  “You’ll only be gone for a few hours. And I’m perfectly capable of holding down the fort.”

  I smiled. “Turn on the alarm while I’m gone.”

  “I think it would be pretty stupid for anyone to try and rob this place.”

  I gave her a serious look. “Yes, it would.” I gav
e her a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Dude, are you coming or are you going to be a pussy all night?” Mike barked.

  “At least my woman will marry me,” I snapped.

  Mike glared at me. “Low blow, dude.”

  I turned back to Scarlet. “Call me if you need me.”

  “Sean, I’m home alone all day. I’ll be fine.”

  “But Olga and Andrew are here.”

  She shoved me. “Just go. Have a good time.”

  “Your wife has a bigger dick than you do,” Mike snapped.

  “You would know because you paint your nails together all the time,” I countered.

  Ryan laughed. “I feel a war coming on…”

  “Let’s go before the first shot is fired.” Cortland opened the door and we walked out.

  I pulled out my keys and tossed them to my dad. “Since you’re the king, you can drive the Ferrari.”

  He caught them in mid air. “It’s a bit of a downgrade from my Jeep.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Dad, you’re a billionaire. Buy yourself a nice car.”

  “My car is nice.” He got behind the steering wheel and spent ten minutes adjusting the mirrors and checking the safety lights. I sunk into my chair and rolled my eyes. Everyone else piled into Scarlet’s BMW, Ryan at the wheel.

  “It’s ten years old.”

  “And it doesn’t even have a hundred-thousand miles on it.” He nodded his head like he just proved a scientific theorem.

  I looked at my dad like he was crazy.

  “What’s the big deal about cars? They all take you to the same place anyway, right? The AC works and most of the speakers are still functioning. And it’s a smooth drive.”

  My dad and Scarlet were so much alike it wasn’t even funny. “How are you going to pick up chicks in that piece of crap? Get something shiny and sleek. The girls will flock to you.”

  He shook his head. “No girls. I’m not ready for that.”

  “Just stick your feet in the water. If it’s too cold, back off. But if it’s warm, dive right in.”

  “Your mother and I have been separated for two weeks.” He gave me a pointed look. “If you think I can just be with someone else that quickly, then you should despise me as your father. That’s not admirable or respectful. I sincerely hope you never behave that way to Scarlet.” He gave me a look of disappointment.