Here and Now (Forever and Always #13)

by E. L. Todd

  Here and Now

  This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the publisher or author, except in the case of a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

  Copyright © 2014 by E. L. Todd

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN-13: 978-1497369122

  ISBN-10: 1497369126

  Here and Now

  Book Thirteen of the Forever and Always Series

  E. L. Todd

  1

  Ryan

  “Lilies or roses?” Janice opened the magazine then shoved it under my nose.

  “Roses,” Monnique said firmly. “They are classy and romantic.”

  “But they are cheesy,” Scarlet said quickly. “They are way overdone.”

  Janice eyed her. “You had roses at your wedding.”

  “Because Diane planned the whole damn thing,” Scarlet snapped.

  “Babe, what do you like?” She shoved the magazine closer to me.

  I really didn’t give a shit. Flowers were flowers. We could have weeds at my wedding and I wouldn’t notice. I eyed Cortland and Sean on the couch. They were watching the Knicks game while they downed a few beers. While I was being tortured at the table, they were having a good time. “Roses are fine.”

  “Fine?” Janice asked. “I don’t want something that’s just fine.”

  “Then lilies.”

  She eyed the magazine then turned back to me. “Really?” Judging the cringe on her face, that wasn’t the right answer.

  “Just pick whatever you want.” I was trying not to get frustrated because this was important to her, but I didn’t give a shit about the decorations or the centerpieces. I just wanted to get married and call Janice my wife. But she was insistent on including me in everything.

  Scarlet picked up on my aggression. “I think Ryan needs a recess.”

  Please.

  Janice rubbed my back. “You want to play with the boys?” She spoke in a high-pitch voice like I was a small boy.

  “Yes, please.” I played along.

  “Okay. You can help with the honeymoon. How about that?”

  I smirked. “And the slutty lingerie.”

  “Sure,” Janice said with a laugh.

  “Am I dismissed?” I asked.

  “Wow,” Monnique said. “Janice knows how to keep him in line.”

  “She gives me sex,” I explained. “And that’s worth more than gold.”

  Janice kissed me on the cheek. “Go have fun.”

  “Thank you.” I grabbed a beer and sat on the couch, finally relaxing. “God,” I said as I put my feet on the table.

  Cortland snickered. “That bad, huh?”

  “Do you know there’s seven different types of napkins for a wedding?” I asked incredulously.

  “One for every color…?” Sean asked uncertainly.

  “No,” I barked. “It’s based on the size and the fabric. And let me tell you, they all look like the same shit.”

  Sean ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m glad my mom took care of the wedding.”

  “Lucky bastard,” I said as I glared at him.

  “It can’t be that bad, right?” Cortland asked. “At least you get an opinion.”

  Sean and I both looked at him, giving him a hateful expression.

  “Nevermind,” he said as he turned back to the TV.

  Hazel walked through the front door then tossed her purse on the counter. “Hey. Sorry I’m late.”

  “You’re always late,” Cortland teased.

  When she walked behind the couch, she pushed his head forward and teased him.

  He gave her a playful glare then turned his attention back to the TV.

  “What are you guys working on?” Hazel asked the girls.

  “Don’t do it,” I said. “Get out while you still can.”

  Janice rolled her eyes. “Deciding which centerpieces to use.”

  “Oh.” Hazel looked at the images without any interest. She was asked to be a bridesmaid, but I could tell she didn’t care about any of the planning.

  “I think we should use these,” Scarlet said. She pushed the image toward her. “But Monnique says they are too tall.”

  “They are too tall if you want to see the person across from you,” Monnique said with an attitude.

  “Can’t you use these but make them smaller?” Hazel asked.

  “They don’t come in that size,” Janice said sadly.

  “Can’t you make them yourself?” Hazel asked.

  “We aren’t that talented,” Scarlet said.

  Hazel shrugged. “I could give them a try.”

  “If you’re up to it,” Janice said.

  “Sure.”

  After discussing the wedding for thirty minutes, Hazel sat down on the couch. “What’s the score?”

  “180-109,” Cortland answered.

  “Brutal,” she said.

  “How’s the production?” Cortland asked.

  “It’s good. Painful.”

  “Painful?” he asked with a laugh.

  She kicked off her sandals and showed us the bottom of her feet.

  “Eww…” Cortland moved away from her on the couch.

  Sean looked like he might gag. “Is it infected?”

  “No,” she said as she put her sandal back on. “It’s just sore and has a lot of skin breakdown.”

  “Still gross,” I said.

  “Thanks for being so sensitive about it,” Hazel said.

  “Bringing a date to the wedding?” Cortland asked.

  “Um…I’m not sure yet.” She had a smile on her face.

  Sean studied her. “You seeing someone?”

  “Well, kinda…”

  Cortland’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know you were seeing anyone...”

  “Well, it’s nothing serious,” she explained. “Actually, we’ve only gone out twice.”

  “But you clearly like him,” I said. “You were smiling like a kid that just got their Easter basket on the doorstep.”

  Cortland looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “That was oddly specific.”

  “You know what I mean, jackass.”

  Cortland turned back to her. “Who is he?”

  “Are you going to interrogate me?” she asked with a laugh.

  “I’m just wondering,” Cortland said defensively.

  Sean and I shared a look. We could tell he was being protective like she was his little sister. They were both blonde and kinda looked alike, so they could pass as siblings.

  “He’s the assistant director,” she explained. “We went out a few times and I wasn’t sure how I felt about him. But, he’s actually really sweet and fun.” Her face was beaming with a smile.

  “Then what aren’t you sure about?” Cortland asked.

  “Well…he seems like a manwhore. At least, he used to be. I guess I worry he’ll be around for a little bit then take off.”

  Cortland nodded. “Introduce him to us. We’ll straighten it out for you.” The threat was in his voice.

  She rolled her eyes. “Stand down, soldier.”

  Sean and I laughed at her words.

  “It’s too soon for that,” she said. “I’ll see where it goes.”

  “If he hurts you, I’ll kill him.” Cortland wasn’t a confrontational or aggressive guy. He was always pragmatic and logical, analyzing a situation without emotion until he found the best resolution. But right now, he was nothing like that. He was acting more like me
and Sean than himself.

  “Dude, calm down,” I said with a laugh.

  Cortland seemed to regain his normalcy. “Sorry. I’m protective of Hazel.”

  “Yeah, we picked up on that,” Sean said sarcastically.

  Hazel sat down then patted his hand. “Thanks, Cortland. But I can handle myself.”

  “I know,” he said with a nod.

  The silence fell between us. The game continued on the screen, and we shifted our attention back to it.

  “How’s Mike?” I asked.

  Sean shrugged. “He’s…grieving in his own way.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

  “He’s really moody,” Sean explained. “There are days when he’s in such a good mood that I forget about the break up entirely, but then there are days when he calls in sick to work and disappears off the map. When I stop by the apartment, I always see a pile of beer bottles in his garbage can. He doesn’t really like hanging out outside of work because he prefers to be by himself. Honestly, I have no idea what he does most nights. And when I invited him to come to this, he didn’t even respond to my text message.”

  I felt horrible for Mike. The first time the guy fell in love, he chose the wrong person. I liked Cassandra and thought she was a really cool chick, but I didn’t understand how she could let Mike go if she really loved him. It didn’t make any sense. “I’m sorry, man.”

  “I know,” Sean said with a sigh. “I remind myself that he’ll bounce back and get through this. I just wish it would happen already.”

  It’d been over a month since Cassandra disappeared from our group. Her absence was noticeable. Her and Scarlet were close, but now they didn’t speak. “She still work for you guys?”

  “Yeah,” Sean answered. “But she stays on her floor and Mike stays on his. They never cross paths.”

  “I hope it stays that way,” Cortland said bitterly. It was pretty obvious he despised her. After going through a massive break up with Monnique, he understood Mike’s pain better than anyone.

  “So, she hasn’t called?” I asked Sean.

  He shook his head. “No.”

  “So, they aren’t getting back together?” Hazel asked sadly. “Like, ever?”

  Sean shrugged. “Doesn’t look like it. My greatest fear is my brother will return to his previous ways, sleeping around and not taking anything seriously again. He made a comment to Scarlet, and I fear that’s where he’s headed. I wish he wouldn’t take this so close to heart. He’s made so much progress and I would hate to see him go back to his former ways.”

  If I lost Janice, I’d probably do the same thing. Losing the greatest thing that ever happened to you would naturally cripple someone. I wouldn’t blame Mike if he lost his way and returned to his bachelor days. What else would he do?

  “We should have a bachelor party for you, but have it really be for Mike,” Cortland said.

  “Huh?” I asked.

  “Let’s just do something fun to make Mike feel better,” Cortland. “Like, get out of town or something. We could head to Atlantic City and gamble. See some strippers.”

  “I don’t want to see any strippers,” I said firmly. I glanced down to my left hand and saw the tattoo that permanently marked my skin. It wasn’t just ink, and it wasn’t just a ring. It symbolized by never-ending commitment to Janice.

  “Not for you,” Cortland said quickly. “For Mike.”

  Sean played with his wedding band. “I don’t know… I feel weird doing that as a married man. It’s creepy.”

  “I’m sure the girls won’t care,” Cortland said. “They know we’re doing it for Mike.”

  “I was hoping we’d just go fishing for my bachelor party,” I said.

  Hazel raised an eyebrow. “Fishing? You don’t look like the type.”

  “Well, I am. My dad used to take Scarlet and I when we were little.”

  Sean’s eyes softened. “Scar never told me that…”

  “Well, she doesn’t tell you everything,” I said. “And some things aren’t meant to be told.” Like how my mom choked me until I passed out. How Scarlet was burned with cigarettes. How I had a metal plate put into my head because my skull was cracked. I shook my head when the thoughts became too much. I promised myself I’d put this in the past and move on. Dwelling on my suffering wouldn’t fix anything. I was engaged to the love of my life, I had a successful business, and I had a great group of friends. That’s all that mattered.

  “Dude, fishing is kinda lame,” Cortland said. “That’s what you want to do for your bachelor party?”

  “And what would you want to do?” I countered. “Play computer games and have a slumber party?”

  Hazel laughed. “That would be perfect for him.”

  Cortland glared at me. “Still better than fishing…”

  “Let’s do both,” Sean said. “We’ll say both are for your bachelor party, but only the fishing really is.”

  I peered at Janice over my shoulder then turned back to them. “I don’t know…”

  “You afraid of her?” Cortland asked with a laugh.

  I gave him a firm look. “That bitch is crazy.”

  Cortland laughed. “Then you’re crazy for marrying her.”

  “I like crazy.” I winked at him.

  We settled back into silence while we watched the game. The girls slaved over the details of the wedding. We hadn’t even decided on a venue yet but they were ordering the flowers and deciding on the catering menu. I was glad I was sitting on the couch watching basketball instead of planning a wedding. I didn’t see why the big fancy party mattered. If I had it my way, we would just get it over and done with at city hall. But that’s not what my girl wanted.

  When everyone left, I helped Janice clean up the beer bottles and the snacks we had out. Her huge wedding binder and stack of magazines remained on the table since she’d be using it so often.

  “Who won?” she asked.

  “The Knicks.”

  “Cool.” She finished loading the dishes in the dishwasher then turned it on.

  “Make any decisions for the wedding?”

  “We’re having lilies.”

  “Cool.” Not really.

  We both headed to the bedroom and got ready to go to sleep. Janice wore a thin nightdress that barely covered anything. I liked it. She was a lot kinkier in the bedroom since we got engaged.

  She lay beside me and I grabbed her left hand. I liked seeing the ink on her skin. It was sexy and put me in the mood every time. I liked knowing everyone she met saw the tattoo on her finger. There was no mistaking what it was.

  “Anyone comment on your engagement ring?” I asked while I kissed it.

  “Some people at work said I was bold. Others said it was romantic.”

  “And what do you think?” I whispered.

  “I think it’s perfect.”

  “Good. Because you’re mine until the end of time.” I placed her hand on my chest and covered it with my left one, our tattooed rings touching. Her leg hooked around mine, petite and smooth. She stuck to me like glue. “Did you make plans for your bachelorette party?”

  “We’re thinking about renting a room at the Plaza then going bar hopping. What are you thinking about doing?”

  I didn’t like the idea of her hitting up a bunch of bars then staying at a hotel. Why couldn’t they go to a spa and get pedicures and manicures? But I wasn’t dumb enough to say anything. She’d put me in my place then tie me to the bed and make me feel like a prostitute. “Sean wants to go out and see some strippers for Mike, not really us. He needs to get out and have a good time.”

  “And what do you want to do?”

  “Go fishing.”

  She smirked at me. “That sounds like something old men do.”

  “I’m an old soul.”

  “Which one are you going to do?”

  “Both, if you’ll give me permission.”

  “Permission?” she asked incredulously. “I don’t tell you what to do a
nd you don’t tell me what to do.”

  I laughed. “How many times have you told me to get my ass to bed, and how many times have you commanded me to do dirty shit to you?”

  She gave me a firm look. “It’s not the same thing and you know it.”

  “You really don’t care if I see a bunch of strippers?”

  “Why would I?” She rubbed my hand. “I know you’ll behave. I’m going to see some anyway.”

  That caught my attention. “You are?”

  She nodded. “Chippendales.”

  The jealousy rose inside me but I kept it back.

  “And I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  It would be incredibly hypocritical of me to ask her not to go when I was planning on going myself. “For the record, I have no interest in going. I honestly just want to go fishing.”

  She gave me a gentle kiss on the lips. “I know, Ryan.”

  “So, are the girls making you go?”

  “No.”

  That made my skin prickle. “It was your idea?”

  She smirked. “You got nothing to worry about, Ryan. You know you’re the only man I want. But this is my only bachelorette party. And I want to have a good time.”

  “By yanking a guy’s thong off with your teeth?” The anger emerged. I tried to hold it back but I couldn’t.

  “This is killing you,” she said with a light laugh.

  I glared at her. “What gave me away?”

  “I promise to only look, not touch.”

  That calmed me down a little. “Okay.”

  She moved on top of me, her legs straddling my hips. “You’re the only man I want for the rest of my life, Ryan.”

  Now I was getting in a better mood. “I like what I’m hearing…”

  “And I wouldn’t mind a strip tease from you.”

  “If you’re good…”

  “I’m always good.” She rolled her hips, her pussy grinding against my hard dick.

  “Hmm…” I was losing my mind.

  “Since you’re being so mature about this whole thing, what can I do for you?”

  “Anything?” I asked with a deep voice.

  “Yep.” She leaned down and kissed my chest. My hand automatically fisted her hair.

  I liked doing everything with her. Any choice I made was a good one. I wanted to get head, but I wanted her to be satisfied before we went to sleep. “Ride me, baby.”