Happily Ever After (Forever and Always #7)

by Todd, E. L.

  “You’re the one who wanted to live there.”

  “You’re the one who made me run.”

  “What?”

  “Where’s your boogie board?”

  I fetched it from the sand and handed it to her. “You wanna try it?”

  “Maybe.” She walked out into the waves and I came beside her, holding her against the force of the waves.

  I looked behind me. “A good one is coming.”

  “Okay.”

  When the wave hit, I gave her a push and she leaned forward, riding the surf. She held onto the board until the last wave broke around the sand, dropping her.

  “That was fun,” she said.

  “It’s way less scary than surfing.”

  She tossed the board back to the beach and walked into the water. “I just hope a shark doesn’t get us.”

  “It’s a good thing I’m faster than you.”

  She splashed water into my face while she glared at me.

  I laughed at her poor attempt of hostility.

  She waded into the water until she was waist deep. Her voluptuous breasts hung in her bikini, eye-catching and beautiful. She wore a gold necklace with a circular pendant, something I got for her a few weeks ago. When I saw it in the store, it reminded me of her. Like the engagement ring I got her, she never took it off.

  I came behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.

  “How do you have a hard-on when it’s this cold?”

  “I always have a hard-on with you.”

  She walked to the rocks and looked down at the life growing. There was lichen and moss on the surface. Crabs were crawling along the bottom, their shells blending with the stone. You could only spot them when they moved. A few small fish kept their distance behind the smaller rocks, just out of reach. “So beautiful,” she said.

  “You think crabs are beautiful?”

  “I think everything in the ocean is beautiful.”

  “Even a shark?”

  “Definitely.”

  “We should go whale watching.”

  “I would love to.”

  “I’ll take you when we go on our honeymoon. I would have taken you before if I had known.”

  “I’m excited.”

  “I’ll see if we have time to leave the bedroom.”

  She rolled her eyes and laughed. “I actually wanted to snorkel and see the landscape.”

  “I can’t promise anything.”

  “You must secretly be on Viagra.”

  “Baby, with a body like yours, I don’t need anything. Speaking of sex, we’re taking a different airline to Hawaii.”

  She looked at me, suspicion clouding her eyes. “So?”

  “Let the tradition commence.”

  “I should have seen that coming.”

  “And if we get caught, we’ll just say we’re on our honeymoon.”

  “You thought about this long and hard.”

  “Yeah.”

  She shook her head and smiled.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Tell me.”

  “There’s nothing to tell.”

  “Baby, you tell me everything. Speak up.”

  “It’s just weird how different you are.”

  “Different?”

  “You’re just—obsessed with me.”

  “Why is that weird?”

  She shrugged. “I’m just not used to it.”

  “You should get used to it. I’m going to be this way even when we’re old and wrinkly. My balls will sag to the floor, but I’m still going to nail you all the time.”

  “That very sweet but equally gross.”

  “That sums me up.”

  She looked away and stared at the crabs again, her eyes catching the light of the sun.

  “You want to visit the aquarium before we go?”

  “We won’t have time.”

  “It’s your weekend. We’ll make time if that’s what you want to do.”

  She smiled. “We can do it some other time.”

  “And you don’t mind sleeping with me, right?”

  She turned back to me. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about that.”

  My heart fell. “What do you mean?”

  “I should sleep in another room the night before the wedding.”

  That made my heart fall. I wasn’t sure why. “Oh okay.”

  “I just think it would be better that way. I don’t want to get ready in the same room as you.”

  I didn’t like the idea but I bottled my objection. This was her wedding. I would do whatever she wanted. “Okay. I know my mom will be happy.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Your mom is something else.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  “I wonder why Andrew has stuck around for so long.”

  “I used to ask him that when I lived at the house. He said it was because she was gorgeous and a heathen in bed.”

  She laughed. “What a touching father-son talk.”

  “We talk about stuff like that all the time.”

  “And you say Ryan and I are weird.”

  “Well, it’s his job to give me the birds and the bees talk.”

  “I didn’t have someone to do that so Ryan is the closest thing.”

  Now I felt guilty for my words. “Whenever I say you and Ryan are odd, I’m only teasing you. I envy the relationship you have. Mike and I were close, but we’ve never been that trusting of one another. I’m glad you have him to fill that void.”

  “Now I have you.”

  I smiled. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure every space is filled.” I grabbed her by the waist and held her to me, wrapping her legs around me. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  A wave rocked into me as I kissed her, moving us slightly. Her wet breasts were pressed against my chest, making me aroused like I always was when I was around her. Her nipples were hard and they dug into my skin. I massaged her ass under the water as I slipped my tongue inside her mouth. I pulled her against me, rubbing her crotch against mine, giving me some friction. Innocent kisses always changed into these heated moments, times when flashes of our lovemaking came into my mind. I slipped two fingers inside her and she moaned in my ear, loving the way I was touching her. She rocked her hips into me, telling me to keep going. Scarlet was the only woman who made me feel this way, giving me this raw sexual need that could never be met. I always wanted her, every minute of every day. She moaned into my mouth, reaching her bliss as I touched her the way she loved.

  A loud whistle fell on our ears.

  I broke our kiss then looked at the beach.

  Ryan was smiling at us. Then I realized my parents were there. My dad was giving me a look of approval, giving me the thumbs up without my mom seeing. My mom was red and embarrassed of catching me getting hot with Scarlet.

  Scarlet looked over her shoulder. “Seriously, shit like this only happens to me.”

  4

  Scarlet

  Sean’s parents had come to the beach to tell us dinner was almost ready. I didn’t understand why they couldn’t just call him. They really had to walk all the way down the beach just to tell us that? I was annoyed. I always set myself up to look like a whore who couldn’t get enough. I was mortified.

  We went back to the room to shower and get dressed. Sean was in the mood to get off, but I brushed him away.

  “Come on, baby. Now I’m hard from watching you in the shower.”

  “Then you shouldn’t have watched me, Alfred Hitchcock.”

  “I wasn’t staring at you because I wanted to kill you.”

  “You should kill me.”

  “It wasn’t your fault. I was the one making the moves.”

  “But I still look like a whore.”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, but after that video with Monnique, you really couldn’t make yourself look any worse, so just let it go.”

  I glared at him. “Thanks.”

  He sm
iled. “Baby, I love you. That’s all that matters.”

  “I’m lucky your dad is a pervert.”

  “My mom is just—stuck up. Don’t let her get to you. I don’t care about her opinion so you shouldn’t either.”

  “Easier said than done.”

  He grabbed my shoulders and steadied me. “We’re getting married in two days. Please be happy. I want this weekend to be what you want it to be, nothing less. Do you want to leave?”

  I sighed. “Of course not.”

  “Then let it go.”

  “It’s just hard knowing my in-laws watched me have an orgasm.”

  “I doubt they could tell.”

  “I make a pretty distinct face. And if that didn’t give it away, I’m sure my moans did.”

  “And who cares? You and I have a unique relationship. We have a strong foundation of friendship, stronger than most, and we have a very passionate physical relationship. Most couples wished they had that. You and I are meant to be together. It shouldn’t be a surprise that we are so intimate all the time. I know my mom is happy that I found someone that makes me feel like that.”

  “You felt this way about Penelope,” I snapped.

  “Not even close.”

  I sighed. “I’ll let it go.”

  He leaned toward me to kiss me, but his lips didn’t land on mine. Instead, he kissed my forehead then trailed his lips down my face, reaching my jaw. His hand gripped my back, massaging the muscle as he kissed me. He pulled me into his chest and I left myself fall, suddenly calm and happy.

  “Gotcha,” he whispered into my ear. “I know how to make my lady fall for me.”

  “When you make me feel this good, it’s hard to resist you.”

  “How about a massage before we go downstairs?”

  “I know where that’s going to go.”

  “It’s a win-win. I make you feel good, you make me feel good.”

  “I had a feeling it wasn’t selfless.”

  “I never do anything out of the goodness of my heart.”

  “I don’t know why I expected anything less.”

  He picked me up and carried me to the bed, laying me down. I turned on my stomach while he pulled off my dress and bra. When he grabbed my panties, I steadied his hand.

  “Those shouldn’t get in the way.”

  He placed his chest against my back and kissed me, his hands still on the band of my thong. I knew what he was doing and I tried to fight it but I couldn’t. His lips felt too good. I released my underwear then cupped his face, relishing the feel of his kiss. His hand started to rub my back while he kissed me. I broke our kiss as I moaned.

  “You just enjoy that, baby.” He leaned over the foot of the bed and dug his fingers into my skin, rubbing my shoulder blades and the middle of my back. He knew how much force to use to really get the tension out without hurting me. When his large hands were on me, I felt so small. His hand moved to my ass, and before I could object, he rubbed his fingers into the muscle, making me feel relaxed. I was too calm to ask him to stop. His hands had the magic touch. I closed my eyes as my mind and body lost all control.

  I heard Sean pull down his pants and take off his shirt, one hand still rubbing me, but I was too calm to resist him.

  He leaned toward my ear, his cock pressed against my ass. “I make you feel good, you make me feel good.” The head of his cock pushed against me then slid inside.

  I bit my lip as it pushed through, feeling tighter than it normally did because my legs were closed.

  Slowly, he rocked into me, still rubbing my back. It felt so wonderful that I wasn’t sure who this was for; him or me. Sean massaged the back of neck and my lower back, moving into me slowly. It really was a full body massage. Everything felt right.

  “Sean,” I whispered.

  He leaned over me and placed his hands on either side of me. “You want more?” he whispered into my ear.

  I turned my head as far as it would go and nodded.

  He smiled in victory then kissed me, still thrusting inside me. Even though I liked it hard and rough, I was enjoying the gentle way he moved inside me. It felt deeper than usual. I wanted to come as soon as I felt him.

  Sean wrapped his arm around my stomach as he kissed me, still moving deep inside me.

  “A little harder,” I said into his mouth.

  His hips moved faster.

  “Right there.”

  He broke our kiss and stared at me, watching my expression change as I felt the crash of the orgasm hit me. He increased his pace even more and moaned with a final thrust, reaching his moment at the same time.

  I lay on the bed and closed my eyes, rested and satisfied.

  He rubbed my back for another moment, still inside me. “Feel better, baby?”

  “Hmm.”

  “I thought so.” He pulled out then dressed himself, getting ready for dinner.

  “I like doing it like that.”

  “I like doing it in every way.”

  “Bring me back some food.”

  He laughed. “Come on, baby. Get dressed.”

  “It’s my weekend. I just want to sleep.”

  “My plan totally backfired.”

  “Your plan was to fuck me. You succeeded.”

  “Well, I always succeed. It’s not much of a challenge with you.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Okay.”

  I sat up then pulled my dress back on. “I hope your mom made something good. I’m hungry.”

  “She always makes something good.”

  “You’re such a momma’s boy.”

  “No, I’m a Scarlet’s boy. I like your cooking better.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. You cook in just an apron. That’s hot.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I meant the food, Sean.”

  “Oh yeah. That’s good too.”

  “And your mom might cook in just an apron. Your dad seems pretty kinky.”

  Sean grimaced. “Okay. This isn’t funny anymore.”

  I laughed. “That’s what you get for not letting me stay here.”

  “Just don’t think about the beach. I’m sure everyone has forgotten it by now.”

  “You think everyone has amnesia.”

  “I’m just trying to make you feel better.”

  “Well, you suck at it.” I checked my hair in the mirror and pulled it over one shoulder. I tightened my earrings because they felt loose. When I looked at Sean in the mirror he was staring at me. “What?”

  “Nothing,” he said as he opened the door. “Let’s get some grub. You know how I get when I’m hungry.”

  “It’s nothing compared to me.”

  “Well, you’re a little fat girl on the inside.”

  “I’m not ashamed.”

  He laughed. “Good.”

  We walked downstairs and joined everyone at the table. Ryan and Janice sat beside us, while Sean’s parents sat by Cortland and Monnique. Cortland was sitting next to Andrew, speaking in a geek language I couldn’t understand. Cortland acted like he just met his favorite rockstar.

  Sean turned to Ryan. “Was Scarlet fat when she was little?”

  “No. Why?”

  “That’s surprising.”

  Ryan laughed. “Because she’s a garbage disposal?”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  I sighed. “This weekend is just so magical.”

  Sean laughed then kissed me on the cheek. “I tease you because I love you.”

  “Are we in fifth grade?”

  He grabbed a strand of my hair and pulled it gently. “I like picking on you.”

  “I’m going to start picking on you.”

  “I’m not that interesting.”

  Diane placed the food on the table and sat across from me. No one mentioned the hot and heavy session Sean and I had out on the beach. I was relieved.

  Diane made chicken marsala with pasta, and I ate my entire plate because I was so hungry. Even though I thought his mom could be anno
ying, I had to admit she knew how to cook. I finished my first plate before everyone else.

  “You want more?” Sean asked with a smile.

  I shrugged. “Maybe.”

  He chuckled then scooped more onto my plate. “Have as much as you want, baby.”

  “You aren’t going to tease me? No fat jokes?”

  “No. I’ll make fun of you later.”

  “So romantic,” I said with a sigh.

  Andrew took a bite of his food then wiped his mouth. He looked at Sean. “Did you file for the marriage license and all that boring stuff?”

  Sean nodded. “It’s all taken care of.”

  Andrew nodded. “Are you changing your name, Scarlet?”

  “Yes,” I answered. “I want to be a Preston.”

  “Good,” Andrew said. “Diane fought for her name for a while but she eventually gave in.”

  I was eager to get rid of my last name. I didn’t like being associated with my mom. Now she would never be able to track me down if she wanted to.

  Andrew wiped his mouth. “Sean, you got the prenup taken care of as well? Our lawyer, Bill, said you hadn’t called him.”

  Sean continued to eat. “Scarlet and I aren’t getting a prenup.”

  Both of his parents stopped eating. Diane looked like she might choke on her food. I assumed Sean already discussed this with them but he obviously hadn’t. I sighed. I could tell this was going to be a long night.

  “You aren’t getting one?” Diane asked incredulously. “Why not?”

  Sean put down his fork, looking her in the eye. “We don’t need one. That’s why.”

  “Sean, prenups are normal in any marriage where money is involved.”

  “Scarlet and I aren’t normal,” he said calmly.

  “It’s just a safeguard to your marriage,” Diane said. “You need one, Sean.”

  “No,” he snapped. “Scarlet and I are never getting a divorce. That’s not an option. What’s mine is hers. I’m not going to sign a paper to protect my assets. I wouldn’t be getting married if I didn’t believe it would last forever. So, no. I’m not doing it.”

  Diane looked at Andrew, asking him for help.

  “Son, it’s nothing personal against Scarlet. It doesn’t even have to do with money. You’re going to inherit our company eventually. A divorce can rip the company apart, make it complicated. When lawyers get involved, they could divide it in ways you can’t control.”