by E. L. Todd
“I just…” She fidgeted with a piece of hair. “Ward is my friend and I care about him. He deserves the best.”
“I won’t deny that,” I said.
“We’ll work it out,” Ward said. “Our relationship is weird and complicated. But we’ll see it through. Don’t worry about us.”
Skye moved her hands to her lap. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Clementine. I’m just protective…”
“It’s okay,” I said.
“So, you guys are okay?” Cayson asked. “Because I can’t have my fiancé and sister fighting.”
I nodded.
Skye nodded too.
“Okay,” Cayson said. “Let’s move on and stop trying to understand Ward and Clementine. Because I have a feeling we’ll never truly understand it. It’s none of our business anyway.”
Awkward silence filled the room.
“How was London?” Skye asked.
“It was okay,” I said. “The visit didn’t go as well as we hoped.”
“Why not?” Cayson asked.
“Ward’s sister was…” There wasn’t a polite way to describe it.
“A cunt,” Ward said. “A big one.”
Skye stared at him in surprise. “What did she do…?”
“She hates Clementine and think she’s a liar, basically,” Ward said. “But we worked it out—thanks to Clementine.”
“You want me to take her out?” Skye asked me with a serious face.
I tried not to laugh. “You would fly all the way to London?”
“I’d fly anywhere,” she said immediately.
“You aren’t going anywhere,” Cayson said. “You’re staying right here.”
Skye rolled her eyes. “I have a bodyguard twenty four seven.”
“I know the feeling.” I shot Ward a meaningful look.
Ward shrugged. “Was that a poor attempt to make me feel guilty? Darling, it didn’t work.”
“Nothing ever works,” I said quietly. “How was Vegas?”
Skye sighed. “I’m still hung-over.”
Cayson laughed. “She was drunk and hung-over the entire time. I don’t know how she managed it.”
“And Cayson did something a little crazy.” Skye gave him a smug look.
Cayson threatened her with just a look.
“Ooh…spill it,” I said.
“Please do,” Ward said. “I can tell this will be good.”
“How about we just keep it to ourselves?” Cayson asked.
“Nope.” Skye turned back to us. “Cayson kissed Slade.”
Ward and I both stared at Cayson, unsure if we heard her right.
Ward narrowed his eyes on Cayson. “Because you thought he was Skye…?”
Cayson ground his teeth together in irritation. “No.”
“So, you did it on purpose?” I asked in surprise.
“No,” he snapped. “We were playing truth or dare.”
“Wait,” Ward said. “So, did this happen ten years ago?”
“No,” Skye said. “We played it at a bar.”
“Why?” I asked. I couldn’t think of a more childish game.
Skye rubbed her temple. “I’m not sure…it’s all a blur. But it happened.”
“Who dared you to kiss Slade?” I asked.
“Trinity.” Cayson said her name like he had a vendetta against her. “Trinity…”
I tried not to laugh. “So…did you like it?”
“Don’t be a brat,” Cayson hissed.
“Did you get it on film?” Ward asked.
“No,” Skye said. “I wouldn’t do that to him.”
“Was Slade a good kisser?” I asked.
“Go to hell—all of you,” Cayson said.
“Hey,” Ward said. “We aren’t judging you.”
“I think you are,” Cayson barked.
“I still think you’re damns sexy.” Skye leaned toward him and kissed the corner of his mouth.
Cayson softened noticeably.
Ward winked at Skye. “Smooth.”
Cayson put his arm around her chair and gave her an affectionate look.
“Oh,” Skye said. “And Cayson and Slade went to jail.”
“What?” Ward and I blurted at the same time.
“He took a shit in a car,” Cayson said. “I had nothing to do with. I was trying to get him to stop. And we didn’t go to jail. We just went to the precinct.” He gave Skye a significant look. “I already told you that. You’re making it sound like real shit went down.”
“Sorry,” Skye said. “I get confused.”
“Damn, I missed out,” I said. “That was some party.”
“It was,” Skye said. “We had a lot of fun.”
“Dammit, Ward.” I growled at him.
He cocked an eyebrow. “What did I do?”
I pointed at my stomach. “This.”
“Oh.” He shrugged. “I don’t have any regrets. Sorry.”
“Of course you don’t,” I said as I looked away.
“And I don’t regret making him either,” he said as he put his arm around my chair.
I gave him a significant look. “You know Cayson is my brother, right?”
“And he knows I love you,” he said. “So I can say whatever I want.”
***
“In here, lads.” Ward directed the movers to the bedroom. They carried his large desk inside, along with his bookshelves, chair, and books. A few extra boxes came along and were left in the corner. And they brought a long couch. “Thanks so much.” He pulled out his wallet and tipped them.
“Thank you.” The guys left the house.
“Is the rest of your stuff in storage?” I asked.
“Yep,” he said. “At least I still have it if I need it.”
“Good point.”
He walked to the desk then felt the wood under his fingertips. “This was the first piece of furniture I bought when I came to America.”
“It’s very nice.” I came closer to him then examined it.
“I guess this thing has a lot of memories,” he said. “I couldn’t part with it.”
“I’m glad it’s here.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and stared at it. Then he examined the bare walls. “So, do you mind if I put up posters of naked chicks everywhere?” There was a teasing look on his face.
I played along. “I’m sure that would be a good environment for our son.”
“Hey, when he gets older he’ll understand.” He gave me a fond look. “He’ll fall in love with a beautiful woman and be consumed by her. He’ll think of her soft hair every time his fingers caress his silk tie. When he hears music he’ll think of her voice. And even when there’s nothing but silence he’ll remember her words.” He stared into my face with bright eyes. “His life will never be the same and he won’t know what to do with himself. All he’ll know his her.”
My eyes were glued to his and I couldn’t look away. Something about his expression caught my notice more than usual. Deep within his eyes was an emotion I could see but not understand. Time seemed to play before my eyes. I saw Ward and I chasing after a small boy in the house. I saw the snow fall on the steps leading to the front door and the Christmas tree shining through the large window out front. Then I would have a swollen belly once more, and Ward would carry our son when I no longer could. The years would pass, slowly like it wasn’t moving at all. But then it came to an abrupt ending, where our lives passed in a blink of an eye. My arm was hooked with his as he walked me down the stairs. His hair was gray but he still carried the hint of his youth. We were happy—and had been happy for many years.
Ward’s eyes were still glued to mine. It was like he was seeing what I was seeing, feeling what I was feeling. I wasn’t sure how I knew that. It was a moment of telepathy, of a linking of the soul, mind, and heart.
I moved closer to him, feeling my bare feet against the hardwood floor. It felt cold against my skin. With every step I took, the sound rang in my ear. Ward watched me without moving,
without blinking.
I stood in front of him, suddenly aware of how loud I was breathing. It played on my ears, taking up all my focus. My eyes took in Ward, noting his strong jaw, thin lips, and brilliant eyes that shined like a lighthouse. He appeared calm, content with just watching me.
I stared at his chest, watching it rise and fall with the strength to move a mountain. I remembered the nights I slept on him, the way his body felt powerful and safe. I remembered the way his heart was beating under my fingertips. Every memory seemed to flash through my mind, passing quicker than I could cherish.
Ward swallowed the lump in his throat. Then his eyes glanced at my lips before he turned his look to my face.
My lips suddenly felt cold, like I needed something to keep them warm. It was a warm day in the city but it felt like winter. Time had no bearing on either one of us. It was just a concept, something that didn’t have a hold.
Ward breathed deeply, watching me like I might disappear.
My hands moved to his chest and felt the strength of every muscle. Then they glided up to his shoulders then to his cheeks. My fingertips felt his slightly curly hair then I pulled his face toward mine, my lips moving in for the kiss I wanted to have.
Ward’s hands moved to my hips then he pulled me close to him, wanting to hold me before his lips found mine. After a pause, he closed the distance and pressed his mouth against my lips.
The moment we touched, it felt right. I’d kissed him a hundred times but this instance felt different. It felt special, even powerful. Our embrace was gentle, and our lips moved passed one another like we might break each other. But then the kiss became more intimate. His tongue found mine, and together they danced like two birds that were just freed from a cage. His hands gripped me tighter, afraid I might slip away.
My hands grasped his shoulders and I felt my stomach pressed against his. One of his hands left my side and moved across my stomach, resting in the center. He always touched me this way. It made me feel loved but also beautiful.
Ward kissed me harder, with more aggression. Now that he knew I wouldn’t pull away he gave me more of himself. His mouth opened wider and he released deep breaths. He slowly guided me to the room and toward my bedroom—our bedroom. One hand moved into my hair, fisting it like he needed to keep a tight hold on me. Then he reached the bed, the back of my knees touching it.
He broke our kiss but kept his face close to mine, his lips within reach if I wanted them. Then he felt the fabric of my dress before he slowly grabbed it and pulled it over my head. My arms went with it, letting it come loose. My hair was pulled up and then it fell down in a messy way. I wasn’t wearing a bra, and Ward stared at my bare chest. His hand moved to my left breast, but his palm was slightly above the nipple. He felt my heartbeat while he looked me in the eye. Then he lowered his hand to my underwear and delicately peeled it off.
Our moment felt different than all the others. Even when we were together, it didn’t feel like this. Something had changed—for both of us.
Ward kneeled to the floor then pressed his lips against my stomach. My fingers automatically moved through his hair, feeling the thick strands that held distant curls. He lathered my skin in loving kisses, telling me I was his whole world without actually saying the words. His hands guided up my legs and to my back, holding me to him. Then he rose to his feet again, his hand moving to the back of his shirt. He pulled it off without waiting for me to help.
My hands moved to his shorts and I yanked them down, feeling his boxers fall along with them. Then his long cock appeared. I loved that piece of him just as much as everything else he possessed. But I couldn’t tell what I loved more.
Ward guided me on the bed then moved me up until my head rested on the pillow. His body moved between my legs and he adjusted himself until he had adequate room to take me. His cock found my entrance then pressed inside, his head making it through.
My hands dug into his hair as I held on. “Ward.”
He looked down into my face as more of him entered, pushing through my slickness. When he was completely sheathed, he paused and stared down at me, heartbeats of time passing. “Will you be mine?”
My hand moved down to his shoulder where it rested. “I’ve always been yours.”
His lips found mine again and he kissed me slowly, moving into me at the same time. My heart seemed to flutter because it was finally free. I accepted him into my heart and my mind, needing him to go on. I couldn’t push away the only man I’ve ever really wanted. I couldn’t deny myself what I wanted. Ward was what I needed, and not just to raise my child or take responsibility for what happened between us. But because I loved him.
***
When I woke up the following morning, Ward wasn’t beside me. I grabbed the sheets as I searched for him but I couldn’t reach him. “Ward?” I asked quietly. My eyes cracked open and I sat up, wondering where he was.
The door opened and he came inside with a tray. “Good. You’re awake.” He sat at the edge of the bed and set the tray above my thighs. “I hope you’re hungry.”
An omelet sat on the plate, along with a glass of orange juice. And of course, there was a candy bar. “You made me breakfast in bed?” His gesture pulled at my heart.
“I did. It’s the way I want to start the rest of our lives.” He looked at me with a huge smile on his face. Then he cupped my face and kissed me on the forehead. “I’m going to shower before work. Take your time eating.”
I forgot about the rest of reality. I had work too. “Thank you. That was sweet of you.”
“I’ve got to make sure you two aren’t hungry.” He leaned down and kissed my stomach. Then he headed into the bathroom and started the water.
I looked down at my food and tried to force my lips to stop smiling. They were permanently pulled up, making me look like I was grimacing more than anything else. I forced my face to relax as I took a few bites.
Minutes later, Ward came out of the shower with the towel around his waist. He stood at the bathroom sink and shaved his face and brushed his teeth.
I kept staring at him while I ate. I noticed the distinct lines of his abdominal muscles. His back was hard and defined. And his hair was messy, just the way I liked. He pulled the towel off then rubbed it against his hair. When he tossed it on the ground, he was finished.
I wish that was all I had to do to get ready.
Then he opened the closet we shared and pulled out a suit. He began to hum, singing a wordless tune. I listened to him for a while before I recognized it. “Love is all you need?” A Beatles song.
He flashed me a grin. “You guessed right, darling.” He moved his tie around his neck then pulled on his watch. “You have a knack for tunes.”
“Or you just have a beautiful voice.”
Ward was higher than a kite today. And I knew it was because of us. “My baby likes it and you like it. I guess it must be easy on the ears.” He pulled his shoes on and tied them. “Enjoyed your breakfast?”
“Delicious, particularly the candy bar.”
He chuckled. “That’s my girl.” He took the tray away from me. “You should get ready, darling. We’ll be late.”
I didn’t want to go to work. I just wanted to stay home with Ward all day long. “Okay,” I said with a sigh.
He watched me get up and pick something out of my closet. “You could stay here,” he said.
“What’s the point if you aren’t here?”
He watched me but didn’t say anything.
I got ready for the day then pulled on a loose fitting dress. It was nice getting ready with Ward. It felt domestic, something that married couples did. When I imagined having a son bang on our door when he wanted us to wake up, I couldn’t help but feel joy surge through me.
“Ready, darling?” Ward asked as he looked at his watch.
“Yeah.” I tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Excellent,” he said. “You look radiant.”
“I think you’re just saying that becaus
e I got a baby inside me.”
“Actually, I’m not.” He planted a swift kiss on my lips before he grabbed his bag and walked out with me.
After we drove to work and walked into the building, Ward grabbed my hand and held it tightly in his own. He opened every door for me and held me close like we weren’t at work at all. When he passed people in the hallway, he was particularly upbeat. “Nice tie, John.” Then he turned to another colleague. “Jane, you’re looking beautiful this morning.” He was practically clicking his heels.
I smiled to myself, glad that Ward was in such a good mood. It showed in his smile as well as his eyes. He was bubbling and exploding at the same time.
He walked me to my desk then gave me a deep and long kiss. “I’ll see you for lunch?”
“Sure.”
“Good. Maybe we should have it in my office…” His meaning was implied.
“That would be nice.”
Ward kissed me again, his hand moving to the dip in my back.
“Love is in the air today, huh?” Sean asked as he walked by.
Ward pulled away but he didn’t seem embarrassed at all. “It is, sir.”
Sean’s eyes darted back and forth between us. “So…things are going well?”
“Really well.” Ward put his arm around my waist and gave me a fond look.
Sean caught on. “I’m glad you two worked it out. Cortland will be very happy. And I think you’re a lucky man for winning Clementine’s heart. She’s a very beautiful girl.”
“I may have notice that,” Ward said with a teasing tone.
“Just don’t get carried away.” Sean winked then walked into his office.
Ward turned back to me, his nose rubbing against mine. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
“Until then.” His fingers grasped my chin then he placed a gentle kiss in the corner of my mouth. Then he walked away, a skip in his step.
I sighed when I returned to my desk, wishing I were with him instead.
***
Skye approached my desk wearing a suspicious smile. “Rumor has it you and Ward are…you know.” A wicked look was in her eyes.
“For once the rumors are true.”
Skye clapped her hands in excitement. “Oh, thank god. I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”