Love You Now (Book Two: Love Hurts Duet)

by M. Robinson

  There was no hiding from me, Gremlin...

  At least not, tonight.

  Chapter 18

  <>Harley<>

  With the way Jackson was lookin’ at me, there was no way I’d escape him, at least not tonight. Nothin’ I’d say would make him back down, and for the first time in years, I wanted to celebrate with him.

  I was beyond proud of everythin’ he accomplished this far in life. He truly made all his dreams come true through determination, hard work, and sacrifice.

  That was the only reason, right?

  It had absolutely zero to do with the kiss that lit every fiber in my body on fire.

  “What are you thinking about over there?” Jackson suspected, pullin’ me away from my thoughts in the back of the limo drivin’ us to the afterparty. The extravagant event bein’ held at Duke Mansion.

  We’d just left a high-end boutique downtown where I was now dressed to the nines. Wearin’ a white silk gown that accentuated every curve of my petite frame. I hadn’t brought anythin’ this fancy with me, nor did I own anythin’ up to this caliber. Unaware that this afterparty was even bein’ held.

  Jackson had his agent bring him a tux, and I swear as soon as I stepped out of that dressin’ room and saw him standin’ there waitin’ for me, lookin’ as handsome as could be, my stomach fluttered, and my heart dropped to the floor.

  For the first time in I don’t know how long, I took him in. Like truly studied the six-foot-two man who towered over me.

  Somewhere along the way, my boy turned into a man. A devastatingly handsome man at that. With his bright blue eyes, blond slicked-back hair. Dressed in a tuxedo that probably cost as much as my forty-five-hundred-dollar gown.

  Though, money wasn’t an issue for Jackson Pierce. He picked up that trait from his father. Always givin’ everyone what they wanted, no matter the cost. He spoiled the shit out of Bailey. We’d argue about it often, but he was insistent that our daughter would have whatever she wanted in life. Sayin’ it would make her find a better man, one just like her father.

  “You look really handsome, Rudolph.” I hadn’t called him that since before Bailey was born. “Who would have thought you’d grow into your nose?”

  He grinned, enjoyin’ our banter and the fact I just called him the childhood nickname I gave him. “What about my ears?”

  “They’re still pointy. Less noticeable, now that your head grew bigger.”

  “Well, you still look like a Gremlin.”

  My mouth dropped open.

  “A sexy as fuck Gremlin,” he clarified quickly.

  “Is that even a thing?”

  “Your bright blue-green eyes are still too big for your face.”

  “What about my lips?”

  He narrowed his eyes at me, rubbin’ his thumb across his mouth in a predatory regard. While his other hand pressed a button to lift the divider between us and the driver.

  Once we were behind the closed partition, he huskily rasped, “I would love to see them wrapped around my cock.”

  My eyes widened.

  “What do you say? I did win the Super Bowl after all.”

  “For your team, not me. Besides, I’m sure you can find one of your groupies—”

  “Harley, my dick hasn’t been inside anyone since you.”

  “Now I know you’re lyin’. I’ve seen the proof. Remember? I do your laundry.”

  He didn’t falter, affirmin’, “I swear on my mother’s grave.”

  I jerked back, stunned. Chills suddenly surged throughout my skin, causin’ the hair at the end of my arms to stand straight up.

  “Come here.”

  I shook my head no.

  “Please.”

  Still, I shook my head no. I couldn’t move, cemented to the leather seat beneath me.

  “Gremlin...”

  “Why did you make me believe you were sleepin’ around?”

  “I’ll tell you after you come sit on my lap.”

  “Jackson, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll answer my question. Now.”

  He didn’t budge, not that I expected him to.

  Shameless bastard.

  Shiftin’ in my seat, I grabbed the bottle of Prosecco chillin’ in the ice bucket and opened it. Gulpin’ down several swigs straight from the bottle.

  “Harley, take it easy.”

  When I didn’t listen, he grabbed the bottle out of my hands.

  “Baby girl—”

  “Why would you lie to me?! Huh? Why would you want me to hate you more than I already do?”

  “You don’t hate me. You just pretend like you do.”

  “Answer my question! Tell me why? After all these years, do you have any idea how many pairs of women’s panties I’ve found in your luggage?”

  “No, but I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”

  “Seventeen! Seventeen fuckin’ pair! Do you even care how bad that hurt me? How each time hurt me more than the last? Why would you do that to me? Why would you put me through that?”

  “Gremlin, if you were hurt by that, you did a fuckin’ amazing job at hiding it.”

  “Answer my question! Why would you intentionally hurt me more than you already had?!”

  “’Cuz it’s the only way I knew you still loved me!”

  I sucked in air, feelin’ as if he just shot me in the chest.

  “Jesus Christ, Harley. You won’t even sleep in the same bed as me unless Bailey is with you. And even then, you put her in between us. The only time I can hold you, feel you, is when we’re around our families. A little part of me died the day you told me to go stick my cock in someone else. I’ve been hurting just as much as you have! What other choice did you give me?!”

  “Wow...”

  “Yeah, no shit. You walk around the house in your little outfits. Do you have any idea the restraint it’s taken not to remind you who you belong to? I should get a goddamn jerking off award for how many times I’ve fucked my fist at the mere sight of you.”

  “I can’t believe you have been celibate for this long.”

  “Baby girl, let me remind you I’ve been with two people in all my life, and one of them I barely remember ’cuz I was shit-faced every time I fucked her. Imagining it was you just to come.”

  I licked my lips, my mouth suddenly dry. Contemplatin’ everythin’ he was communicatin’.

  “I’ve never kissed, had any other woman come in my mouth, or made love to anyone other than you.”

  I sucked in another breath I didn’t realize I was holdin’. “I don’t even know what to say.”

  “Just come here. Come to me.”

  “I feel like you just dropped an atomic bomb on me. We’ve both hurt each other so much. Where do we go from here?”

  “I never wanted to hurt you, Harley. I don’t know what else I can do or say. Shiloh’s forgiven me, and you—”

  “Jackson, it’s way more than what happened with Shiloh, and you of all people know that.”

  “We were kids. I fucked up. I’m sorry. Think of it this way, we wouldn’t be here with Bailey, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything.”

  Talk about feelin’ like shit, he was right. Bailey was worth her weight in gold. She was our everythin’.

  “What more can I do to convince you to let us be a family?”

  “You’ve confused the term family. It doesn’t have to include me. It’s Bailey you want anyway, and I would never keep her from you.”

  “For fuck’s sake. You really believe that, don’t you?”

  I shrugged, extremely conflicted.

  “If I told you I loved you, would you even believe me?”

  Would I?

  Does he?

  “I know you felt everything I did back at the press conference, and all I did was kiss you. Why do you keep pushing me away? I’m right here. I’m right fuckin’ here. I’ve been standing front and center since day one. Since the first time I ever laid eyes on you.”

  “Rudolph, we hated each other.”

&n
bsp; “Gremlin, you had to hate me to love me. I don’t give a flying fuck what you say, I know in your heart I’m still the boy you’ve always wanted, needed, loved.”

  “I’m so torn and conflicted. I just need some time to think, okay? Can you give me that?”

  “I can give you anything as long as you’re not saying no to me.”

  Out of nowhere, the door to the limo abruptly opened with our driver standin’ there. Flashin’ cameras all around him, waitin’ for us to step out.

  I spoke the truth, “I’m not saying no to you.”

  “I want you to celebrate with me tonight as my wife.” He reached for my hand. “This wasn’t just a big victory for my career, for my team, it’s a huge success for us. Every accomplishment I gain is for you and Bailey. It gives me peace of mind that if something happens to me, you’ll both be set for life. For a man who may not remember even existing, it’s what I need to feel complete when my mind might eventually turn against me.”

  I swallowed hard, feelin’ his response in the pit of my stomach.

  I didn’t reply, instead I grabbed his hand.

  Willin’ to see where the night would take us.

  With me by his side.

  As his wife.

  <>Jackson<>

  Harley ordered a glass of wine. Fully aware I knew what wine did to her. The red liquor not only brought her guard down, but also dropped her panties.

  With my hand on the swell of her bare back, I led her toward the table in front of the stage. Only wanting her to myself, separating us from my teammates who were all sitting with their significant others.

  Eating.

  Drinking.

  Laughing.

  Enjoying one another’s company. In the same way I desired to do with Harley.

  With one pull, I dragged her chair closer to me, not wanting any space between us. Kissing along her neck, muttering, “Have I told you how stunning you look in that dress?”

  “White’s your favorite color.”

  I smiled, the little shit.

  I knew what game she was playing.

  We spent the next hour flirting, subtly touching each other. My hand creeping higher and higher up her exposed thigh. The slit of her dress became my favorite part of her gown. Inching it up more and more with every drink I had. While her mouth drew closer and closer to mine with each passing second. Three glasses of wine later...

  Her face was flushed.

  Her eyes glossy.

  All giggles and smiles.

  “Jackson, what you said at the press conference. Did you mean—”

  “Every. Last. Word. Baby girl. You’re the only one who doesn’t see what’s blatantly in front of you.”

  “And what’s that?”

  I moved my arm to the back of her chair, wrapping it around her small frame. “Me. Mind. Body. Soul. Heart. It’s yours. I’m yours.”

  I could see it in her eyes, her guard was completely down. Staring at me so intently, so devotedly, so captured with every word that left my mouth.

  I was done hiding.

  From her.

  From myself.

  From my true feelings, I felt in the depths of my core.

  If my fate was to end up like my mother. To forget my life, my family, her... Then at least I knew I gave her all of me when I still had the mental clarity to do so.

  It was now or never.

  “Baby girl, I’ve been wanting to say this to you since the first time we made love in that cabin in Tennessee. All those years ago and every day since. Harley Josie Jameson, I lov—”

  “How is everyone doing tonight?” our team manager and CEO interrupted on the microphone, standing on stage.

  Absolutely ruining our moment.

  “I want to start off by saying, I’m so fuckin’ proud of you guys!”

  My teammates and their wives started hooting and hollering, clapping up a storm. All I wanted was for him to shut the fuck up and let me finish what I was going to say to her.

  He went on and on and on, until finally his speech was coming to an end.

  “To celebrate this monumental moment!” he declared, pulling the microphone off the stand. “We have a special guest of honor for you this evening! This performer is a three-time platinum recording artist, internationally known songwriter, and Grammy-winning solo artist. His talent on the guitar knows no bounds.”

  No fuckin’ way...

  This wouldn’t be my luck.

  “He’s been called the Kurt Cobain of this generation. I want everyone to get on their feet and get ready for the show of a lifetime. Without further ado.”

  “Gremlin, let’s go outsi—”

  “Ladies and gentlemen, Cash McGraw!”

  Fuck me.

  Chapter 19

  <>Jackson<>

  Harley’s frame immediately stiffened in my hold, while everyone else lost their shit.

  Goddamn pussy boy.

  The man she once called her best friend had moved onto bigger and better things. Exactly how she knew he would. Leaving all he’s ever known behind. Including her. Even after she went to bat for Cash when our families were fighting against him. Saying he was ruining his life. She was the only one who stood by his side, believing in him when no one else did.

  We hadn’t seen him in years. He pretty much disowned everyone to become the huge rock star he was to this day.

  Destroying Harley’s heart in the process.

  Now here pussy boy was back in our neck of the woods, striding his way down the stage with his guitar in his hands. Looking every bit the part of a famous rock star. From his long blond hair to his grungy, grimy appearance, and bloodshot hazel eyes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was high as fuck.

  Harley’s chest was rising and falling with every step that brought him closer to us. He still hadn’t noticed we were sitting there, ready for I don’t know what.

  Nine steps.

  Five.

  Three.

  One.

  “Good evenin’, everyone,” Cash greeted over the speakers, blinded by the heavy lights all around him. “Congratulations on the big win, Panthers! I’m here to perform my latest song, titled, “My Very Best Friend.”

  Motherfucker.

  He had to know we were in attendance.

  My temper was looming as the familiar bluesy beat mixed in with a heavy metal tone started echoing off the walls. Combined together with a unique sound I’d never heard before. The crowd began going wild as he started strumming his goddamn guitar.

  Harley watched him with wide eyes. Her pouty lips parted, hearing her song. The same one he created, sang, performed just for her.

  Where they’d get lost in their own little world, always making me feel like a nobody. ’Cuz she had Cash ‘fuckin’’ McGraw.

  I was always an outsider looking in.

  “Baby girl, let’s go.”

  She didn’t move a muscle, frozen in place like his voice had put a spell on her. I didn’t even think she heard me talking to her, holding her closer. I swear I could feel her heart hammering through her chest. Her skin clamming up from the anticipation building deep within her.

  Moments away from locking eyes with the guy who used to be such a huge part of her life. She loved him, as a best friend, a brother...

  It took me years to figure that out.

  He sang, “There was a girl...”

  Da na na na na na.

  “And her name was...”

  Da na na na na na.

  She winced not hearing her name where it usually was. The sudden hurt expression on her face ate me up inside, tearing me apart second by second as the song continued. Feeling so helpless all at the hands of the piece of shit on stage. I wasn’t used to feeling this out of control. There was nothing I could do for her.

  Except, pull her closer, hoping like hell she’d let me.

  She did.

  It was as if pussy boy felt her...

  Felt us.

  His eyes locked with me and then her, singing,
“She was the coolest girl.”

  Da na na na na na.

  If he experienced anything with seeing me, her, us, he didn’t show it, going on with his performance like the award-winning artist he was.

  “In all of the town.”

  Da na na na na na.

  In an instance, his stare shifted toward Harley’s engagement ring and band. Shining bright and glaring against the lights. I spared no expense at how much I spent for her five-carat princess cut solitaire diamond on her finger. Spending a good part of my trust fund from my mother’s life insurance on it.

  She deserved the best, and I made sure I always gave it to her.

  The exact lyrics to her song, played on, “With her bright blue eyes.”

  Da na na na na na.

  “And snarky fuckin’ mouth.”

  Da na na na na na.

  “She was my girl.”

  Da na na na na na.

  “No matter what.”

  Da na na na na na.

  When her cell phone vibrated on the table, it unexpectedly cut the trance he had over her.

  “Your mom is callin’. I’m going to take this outside.”

  “Great, I’ll come with—”

  “She’d always be...” Cash hummed.

  Da na na na na na.

  “My very best friend.”

  Da na na na na na.

  Her gaze connected with his as if being pulled by a string.

  Singing the last lyrics slow and edgy, he finished it off with, “Now, forever, then.”

  Da na na na na na.

  My furious fuckin’ expression barred with his, feeling those words in my soul.

  “I’ll be right back.” Harley was up and gone before I had a chance to stand and go with her.

  With a heavy heart, I watched her leave out the banquet doors. Knowing he was doing the exact same.

  Quickly, he announced, “Thank you, everyone.” Turning his back to the crowd, he made his way off the stage to the left.

  I blinked, and I was stalking into his space. Ready to go to battle. For her.

  My girl.

  As soon as he saw me coming for him, he lifted a finger up in the air, signaling his bodyguards to stay where they were.

  “Listen, man, it was a contract thing. I couldn’t back out after I realized your team was in the Super Bowl—”

  “So you knew we’d be here? You been following my career?”