"I thought you didn't know where-" I glanced over at her and grumbled. "You're such a cheeky thing."
"That I am." She moved back to her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. "I can't believe how badly I let all that shit from our senior year get so blown out of proportion. It ruined everything inside of me over the last six years."
"I did too, but maybe we needed this time to grow into two people that could really appreciate each other. Maybe it wouldn't have worked any other way." I pulled into the parking lot and turned off the lights. "Let's just talk about the really great times we had back then. Not the one moment in all of it that fucked us over."
"Deal." She got out of the car and walked around to the front before reaching up and pulling her hair into some type of ponytail.
I wrapped my arm around her back and moved her with me to the edge of the field.
"You know what one of my favorite memories of high school was?" I pulled her closer and slipped off my shoes as she did the same.
"What, baby?" She wrapped her arm around my back and glanced up at me.
"That cheer competition you guys had and Danny hurt his back." I started to laugh. I couldn't help myself. "So you needed someone to fill in."
"And you said you would, but only if I didn't wear my bloomers?" She popped me in the chest and walked out on the field ahead of me.
I laughed a little more and jogged to catch up with her. "But you were a good girl."
"Was, past tense." She turned toward me and slid her hands up my chest. "I wanted to tease the hell out of you that day, but I figured I would end up in the air above someone else, and no one deserved to see the goods."
"No one but me?" I brushed my fingers down the side of her cheek, memorizing how incredibly beautiful she was. My heart was sealed as hers no matter what happened from that moment on. I couldn't pull it back again if I had to.
"No one but you." She lifted to her toes and kissed me a few times. "Not much has changed."
"I like it." I pulled the box out of my pocket and took a step back as her hands slid down my chest. "This is what I was talking about. It wasn't much back then, and it certainly isn't now, but maybe it could be a promise between us."
She nodded and reached for the box as I popped it open and extended it to her. "I love it."
"Maybe it can be that we promise each other that we'll see where this thing between us can lead. That while we're together we'll be one hundred percent true to each other." I ran my hand up her arm, over her shoulder to hold the base of her head softly in my hand.
She slipped the ring on and smiled up at me. "I like this a lot. Let's just take things slow and see what happens. No promises other than the ones you've mentioned and this one... that even if we don't end up together that I'll love you forever."
I nodded, wanting to correct her and knowing that there was no point. I didn't need a solid commitment just yet. Love would bind us together. It had for the last six years while we were apart and the entirety of my childhood. It would persevere and hold on tight when we weren't capable of doing it ourselves.
"I'll love you forever too, baby." I pulled her close to me and smiled. "Even if it is risky business to do it."
She pulled me down for a long slow kiss before we dropped down into the wet grass beneath us and laughed until our sides hurt from old stories.
She was mine for the moment, and honestly... that's all that mattered.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Olivia
It had been a whirlwind of a year. Between dropping Luke on his ass, attending Jake and Kari's wedding and planning our own, I was beat. Caden had worked things out with Luke so that the partnership still ran as it was intended to. I went back to Tangling, which felt much more like home than working at Caden's firm. It was a good thing to not be in each other's faces all the time.
He'd booked a private yacht for us for a week-long vacation, and the day couldn't get here fast enough. I woke the morning of the trip and rolled over to shake him violently.
"It's here!"
"Fuck." He sat up and jumped out of the bed like his ass was on fire. He looked impossibly cute turning around the room naked, looking for a threat that didn't exist. "What baby? What's here?"
"Our trip." I crawled across the bed and laid down on my stomach before grabbing his arousal and tugging him back to the bed carefully by it. "I'm so excited."
He pressed his hand to his blue star tat that rested on his left pectoral muscle. "Shit. You scared me half-" He groaned as I licked the tip of his cock and sucked it deep into my mouth. "Nothing. I didn't say anything at all. Just do whatever you feel like doing."
I gripped him hard and forced more of him inside of me as one of his strong hands slipped into my messy hair and tightened. His other hand slid over my back, down to fondle my ass.
"Fuck baby," he groaned and thrust in a slow motion as I gripped his thighs and dug my nails in a little. "Olivia. Just a minute, lover."
"Mmmhmmm," I mumbled against his shaft and reached up to wrap my fingers around his thickness before pumping in tandem with rolling my tongue along his head. "So delicious."
"Shit." He released my hair and slid his other hand down to my ass, squeezing hard. "Don't stop. Please. Don't stop."
"Never." I picked up my speed and arched my back to lift my ass a little as he gripped it and used it to thrust deep into my mouth. The groan that left him when he came rolled over my skin and left goosebumps in its wake.
"God, I love you." He moved back and dropped down on the bed beside me as I shifted over to my side, licking my lips and brushing my hair from my face. "My turn. Get up here." He reached for me and growled as I positioned myself to sit on his lap. "No. I wanna taste you. You know how I like it."
"Caden. You know that makes me uncomfortable." I pressed my hands into his chest and fought against him trying to pull me up higher to sit on his chest and let him eat me out.
The little diamond ring he'd gotten me seven years ago fit my hand perfect. It was about love and goodness, not things or success or even the future. It was simplicity. It was us.
"Get up here. You're soon to be my wife. You have nothing to feel uncomfortable about." He gripped my hips harder and pulled me up, forcing me to move where he wanted me.
I pressed my hands to the wall above our bed and glanced down at him, hating how much I enjoyed when he was right. "I hate you."
"Open your legs. Let me remind you why that's a big fucking lie."
I rolled my eyes and groaned as he opened them for me.
How I lived without him for so long was beyond me. It was a problem I no longer had to be concerned with.
He was mine.
Forever.
The End
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Chapter 1
Her pictures dominated the wall. From her first headshots at the naive age of twenty-two to the most recent award show, they were the focal point for anyone sitting in the luxurious waiting room. As she smoothed her hands over her skirt and crossed her legs, Addilyn Wheeler sank even deeper into the plush leather couch and studied the pictures. Normally, she would have avoided looking at them, but after six years, she’d finally found
some sort of comfort in her fame. After recording seven multi-platinum albums, it was about to time.
Anyone looking at the progression of pictures wouldn’t see the constant discomfort on her face. Her make-up had matured a bit, but nothing had blemished her creamy complexion, and there were no signs of stress in her blue eyes. The hairstyles had changed. When she first began, she wore her platinum blonde hair short and easily managed, but she’d been instructed to grow it over the years. Now that it fell well past her shoulders, it showed a bit more of her natural curl. There was nothing in the pictures to show the nights that she had cried herself to sleep or the nights that she hadn’t slept at all. Life in the spotlight was tough, but life as a pop star came with its own set of problems.
After six years, she was finally confident that she’d managed to overcome them all. Although the paparazzi hadn’t given up, they’d stopped so aggressively looking into her life and history as they searched for some scandal. It confounded the public that she could retain a wholesome image in a sexualized world.
“Are you okay?”
The familiar voice reminded her that she wasn’t alone. Smiling softly, she looked over at Gianna Flores, her personal assistant and someone she considered a close friend.
“I’m good. I got a full night of sleep, but I’ve been a little antsy for the past few days. I’m excited to meet with Peter. I’m sure he’s got some great idea for me.”
Gia raised an eyebrow. “You always told me that if you get comfortable, you leave yourself wide open for the competition to slip in.”
“It's not comforting as much as it’s excitement. I’m hoping that Peter lets me start writing my own songs. He’s been dangling that carrot in front of me for years.” Addilyn was ready for a change. She wanted to exercise some creative freedom and test her potential.
“Addilyn!” The familiar male voice greeted her warmly as Peter Homes came out to greet her. He was the man who’d first discovered her, and he’s supported her throughout her career. Of course, he’d also reaped the benefits. The name Addilyn Wheeler, or rather her stage name, America Holder, had made Peter a wealthy man, but she regarded him as a father figure. They fought and argued, but she always trusted that he would do what was best for her. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I had a conference call that ran a little long.”
After hugging Peter, Addilyn followed him into the office. Gia closed the door behind them. Rather than pictures of his family, plants, or other personal memorabilia, Peter had nothing but awards on his walls and presents proudly displayed in glass cases. A signed guitar by the lead singer of Glass Shards. The first few drafts of the hit song You’re Going Down Hard. Drumsticks. Guitar picks. Microphones. Peter was a successful man, and he was never so humble as to hide it.
“Addilyn, I can tell that you’ve been unhappy lately,” Peter said as he sat behind his enormous mahogany desk.
Really? Addilyn frowned. When she’d told Peter that she wanted a few weeks of peace and quiet, he hadn’t pushed her like he normally did. In fact, he’d actually left her alone. So how would he know that she was feeling restless? “I’m not exactly unhappy—“
“My dear, you don’t have to hide it from me,” he said as he lifted his hand. “I know you. I knew the moment when you said that you wanted a mini-vacation that something was off.”
Leaning forward in her chair, she gripped the arms excitedly. Now was the time for her to put her foot down. “As a matter of fact,” she started nervously. “There is something that I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Say no more. You want a change, and I am here to give it to you. I would do anything for you. The pop-genre has done well for you, but it’s been six years. I’m sure you’re ready to explore your talents, and I think you’ve matured and you’re ready.”
“Matured?” Was Peter calling her old?
“Yes. Country music appeals to a wider audience, and they aren’t always into the pretty teen-boppers. You’re a perfect fit. You have a great voice, you’ve kept a clean image. I have no doubt that country fans would go wild with your decision to switch genres.”
Addilyn swallowed hard. “Switch genres? Peter, what are you talking about? I’m not a country singer.”
“Starting today, you are!” Peter came around the desk and leaned against it as he took her hand. “My dear, I’ve seen the look on your face. I know that you’re stressed. You’re worried about a younger crowd moving in and taking away your fans. You’re bored with singing the same types of songs over and over again. This is the perfect solution.”
Unable to help herself, Addilyn slipped her hands out of Peter’s grasp. If there was one thing that Peter was good at, it was manipulation. She’d seen him work his charm on other people, but she’d never thought he’d do it to her. “Are you trying to tell me that I’m too old to be a pop singer?” Her voice was sharper than she intended.
“Sweetheart, I would never say that. I’m just trying to help you out.”
“Really?” she asked dryly. “I don’t want to switch genres, Peter. I want to write my own songs. I’ve wanted that from the beginning, and you told me that when I established myself, I’d have more freedom with the songs that I sang, but every time that I have to renew my contract, it always says the same thing. You get to choose the songs. I’m not bored with pop. I’m bored with your songwriters.”
Peter’s lips tightened into a thin line, but when he spoke, his voice was still calm and soothing. “I know that you think that you’re established and settled, but pop stars come and go. I want you to feel comfortable, and I think the country will give that to you.”
Addilyn was no fool. She could see that Peter was rolling right over her desires to write her own songs. “And if I refuse?”
“I had hoped that it wouldn’t come to this,” Peter said quietly as he stood. Walking over to the window, he clasped his arms behind his back. “My talent scouts have discovered a few new girls that we believe will do well in the pop business. They’re young and edgy, and they’re fresh. It’s time that you moved on to a mature audience, Addilyn.”
Was Peter threatening to sever their relationship if she didn’t make the move? Standing in outrage, she balled her hands into a fist. She was about to lose her temper when Gia cleared her throat. Addilyn looked over and saw her personal assistant shake her head.
“May I have a few days to think about it?” she asked quietly.
He turned with a wide grin on his face. Once again, he was the father figure that she’d grown to trust and love. “Of course, my dear. We’re talking about a monumental move, and of course, you’ll want to think it over. Take a few days, and call me if you have any questions. I’ll be at your disposal.”
Stiffening, she allowed Peter to hug her. When she stepped back, she nodded her head. “All right. I’ll think it over and get back to you. I appreciate your opinion.”
Gia opened the door for her and hurriedly followed her out. At first, Addilyn could only seethe in silent anger as she got in the elevator. “Addilyn?” Gia said softly. “Are you okay?”
“I went to school with Peter’s daughter,” she muttered. “That’s how he found me. His daughter was a dancer, and I was one of the singers. I was twenty-three. I knew that I enjoyed signing, but I’d never thought I’d make a career out of it. That first year, I was too stunned to make any decisions on my own. Peter took control, and I was so grateful for him. We just fell into this pattern where he controlled everything, and I let him. I thought he cared about me, but obviously, he just cares about the money I make him.”
“Addilyn, I know that meeting was hard, but you can use this to your advantage. You don’t hate country music. I hear you playing it and singing along.”
The elevator dinged, and the door opened. They stepped out and headed to the car service out front that was waiting for them. A young driver smiled nervously as he opened the door for them. He was obviously new and still nervous about being in the presence of the wealthy. Addilyn didn’t feel unco
mfortable talking about him. Everyone in the company had to sign constrictive non-disclosure agreements.
“What are you suggesting?”
Gia smiled. “It’s obvious that Peter doesn’t want to lose you. Despite what he’s insinuating, we all know that you’re still young, gorgeous, and extremely talented. He’s looking to make more money by bridging two different genres, and you are perfect for that. Use it to get what you want.”
Addilyn stared at her. She had no idea that Gia could be so strategic. “Agree to switch genres, and in return, I get to write my own songs?”
“Exactly. It’s a perfect arrangement. You both get what you want.”
It was a perfect arrangement. Addilyn leaned back in the seat and smiled. Peter had no idea the door that he’d just opened. Now that she knew she was nothing more than a cash cow to him, she’d stop treating him like family.
Did he want something from her? Well, she would damn well make sure that she’d get something from him first.
Chapter 2
Energizing music blasted through the stereo as Kade Hardy dripped with sweat. His muscles screamed for a reprieve, but he suffered through his final five pull-up crunches before dropping back to the floor. Dust that had gathered rose in the air and swirled with the breeze that swept in from the open barn door. It was early. The sun was barely filtering through the buildings, but Kade hadn’t been able to sleep last night. Since being told that the CEO of Homes Music wanted to meet with him, his mind hadn’t been able to rest.
Grabbing the towel from the back of the chair, he wiped off his face and turned off the music. The abrupt silence was welcoming. As he walked across the cement to the end of the barn, he pulled his phone out from his pocket.
I know you’re awake. Don’t ignore more me!
Christopher Parks knew him so well. With a smile, he sent his old friend and apology and assured him that he’d be at the meeting. It wasn’t every day that someone like Peter Homes wanted to meet with you, and he wasn’t about to miss out on what the music mogul had to say.
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