Apartment 2B

by K. Webster

  “Shhh, babe. It’s okay. Let him leave. I’m here for you,” I assure her.

  Within moments, I know that he is gone. I can sense it. Her sobs are loud and all consuming. Scooping her up, I take her to the bed and lay her down.

  “Stay here. I need to go make sure that dickhead isn’t still lurking and call the police,” I tell her. She nods and pulls the pillow over her face.

  Hurrying out of the apartment, I head towards the stairwell. There’s a flurry of voices at the bottom. When I come bounding down the stairs, I’m met with EMTs and several other people from the building. The EMTs are putting the asshole giant on a stretcher and covering him with a sheet.

  “What happened?” I ask them.

  “He took a hard fall down the stairs. He broke his neck. Did you know the victim?” the guy asks me.

  “Fuck no! That guy was a predator against women. He attempted to kill my girlfriend and me! I was just about to call the police,” I growl.

  My statement shocks the man, but he seems to believe me.

  “Sidney?” he asks in shock.

  How in the fuck does this guy know my girlfriend?

  “Yes. How do you know her?” I demand. My adrenaline is pumping like crazy.

  “That’s my girlfriend’s best friend. I’m glad she’s okay and that this guy clearly got what he deserved,” he growls.

  I instantly like him. He seems fiercely protective over Sidney, which makes him okay in my book.

  After nodding at him, I climb the stairs to go check on my girl. I hear the shower going, and my heart sinks. That fucker may have made her regress, and I fear for her. She’s come so far.

  Walking into the bathroom, I call out to her. “You okay, Sidney?”

  She pulls the curtain aside and smiles at me. “Yeah, I feel much better. Did you call the police?” she asks.

  My gaze skitters over her wet breasts, which are visible now. She’s so fucking beautiful. Fuck it, I’m going to have to get used to cold fucking showers. Yanking my clothes of in record speed, I advance toward the ice chamber.

  “Babe, he took a tumble down the stairs and broke his neck. We don’t have to worry about him anymore,” I tell her.

  When she frowns at me, I stop in front of her before getting in.

  “Do you think Liam did that?” she asks sadly.

  I shake my head at her. “No, that dumbass fell on his own. Liam was with us. Plus, he would never hurt anyone like that.”

  She smiles happily and grabs my hand to pull me into the shower. I wince as I prepare myself for the icy assault but jerk my head towards her once I feel the warm spray. Not hot, but warm. Shit, I’ll take it.

  “You were right,” she grins at me once I join her and wrap my arms around her waist.

  “About what?” I ask as I kiss her forehead. Being with her like this is perfect.

  “With you, I feel things. Not just in my heart but with my body. You’ve healed me,” she whispers as her fingers delicately trace my shoulder blades.

  “We’ve healed each other. I think fate has a funny way of bringing two people together. Two people who need each other and are the only ones in the world who can fill the void in that other person. And I think Liam helped a little too,” I chuckle before capturing her lips with mine.

  “I love you, Lane Braxton.”

  “I love you too, Sidney Hunter.”

  TWO YEARS LATER…

  Flipping to the first page, I scrawl out my signature plus a personalized message to my fan. Fan. That word still seems weird to me.

  Heather,

  Thanks for being my biggest fan. Your support means the world to me!

  XOXO Sidney Braxton

  I’m just closing the book and stuffing it in the envelope when Lane walks in. He still steals my breath. I love him with every ounce of my being. Without him, I wouldn’t be a normal woman. He healed me in ways no other person ever could. I also wouldn’t be a successful romance author without a little push from him. He bought me a laptop nearly two years ago and encouraged me every step of the way.

  “Hey, beautiful,” he says in greeting.

  My eyes fall to our little joy in his arms. These two are my entire world. Sweet brown eyes light up when they see me.

  “Momma,” he says happily as drool dribbles down his chin. He’s quite possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. When he reaches for me, my heart melts. Standing from my desk, I walk over to him and Lane.

  “Come here, Liam. Did you have a good nap?” I coo as I pull him into my arms. His sweet little arms latch on to me, and he kisses me sloppily. I love his sloppy kisses.

  “You’re lucky,” Lane chuckles as he kisses my cheek. “Liam had a fucking nightmare diaper explosion after his nap. But Daddy took care of that, huh?”

  Liam turns to his daddy and grins. How can you not melt when he does that? Lane is not immune to Liam’s charms.

  “Language,” I teasingly scold Lane.

  “You can punish me later,” he growls as he moves behind me, pressing his erection to me as he wraps his arms around us.

  I giggle and relish this happy moment.

  “How’s my baby girl?” he asks as his hands lovingly make their way to my swollen belly. As if on cue, she rolls around, making us both laugh. It won’t be long until we welcome our second child into the world.

  “Baby!” Liam babbles. He’s still learning to talk, and we love hearing new words from him. This is a first.

  “Yes, Liam, that’s your baby sister moving around in Mommy’s tummy. She’s excited to meet you!” I tell him and kiss his dark curls on his head.

  My life is complete.

  Never could I have imagined several years ago that I would have a happy ending. When I was caught up in despair, I wish I had known about the future that was in store for me. A life with an incredibly sexy and loving husband who would do anything to protect his family. A dream career writing romance novels. Children I would fiercely protect.

  It is more than anything I could have ever imagined.

  My life is perfect.

  I can’t look away. They’re all I know—all I think about. My heart swells every time I hear them call my nephew Liam. Sidney is still as beautiful as the day I met her. She glows with such radiance that it’s hard to look away from her. I’m stuck—just following them around, basking in their happiness. I don’t want to be anywhere else though. This is my home.

  My brother is so happy. I miss him so much. I’m fulfilled knowing that he was the one who helped Sidney heal. I always knew it would be him.

  “Liam,” a voice calls out to me.

  I always ignore the voices that call to me—always trying to get me to go into the beautiful light. It beckons me continually, but I ignore it. I can’t look away from my family.

  “Liam,” the voice calls again. It sounds familiar. For some reason, I can’t ignore the pull on my heart, and against my wishes I turn toward the sound.

  “Mom?” I ask. I haven’t seen her since that night she passed on. The night of the accident. My heart clenches painfully and tears fill my eyes.

  “It’s time, son,” she whispers and reaches for me. I want so badly to embrace her, but I just can’t. My life is here. Ignoring her, I turn back to the scene before me.

  “Liam,” a different voice calls to me. This one I know as well. Once again, I turn unwillingly to it.

  “Dad?” I ask. I try not to get choked up, but it’s hard. I’ve missed him terribly and feel so guilty about their deaths. We were torn from each other so suddenly and on such horrible terms.

  “Liam, we miss you,” he says.

  For some reason, my heart breaks at his words. How could he miss me? After the horror I caused the both of them?

  “You do?” I ask tearfully, my voice full of disbelief.

  “Of course we do, son. We love you,” he says. Mom nods from beside him.

  The pull to go to them is strong. But the pull to watch over Sidney and Lane is strong as well. I start to turn
back toward them when Dad’s voice halts me once again.

  “Liam, don’t. It’s time. This has gone on long enough. It’s time to come with us. You’ll like it where we’re going. I promise. Come, son. It’s time.”

  My heart knows that it’s time. I’ve missed them with my entire being, and I’m so tired. Nodding, I step forward and accept the hug they envelop me in. It’s home. I’m home.

  Mom grabs my hand and Dad puts his arm over my shoulder as we walk together toward the warm light that has always called for me. With one last glance over my shoulder, I feel whole knowing that they are happy. That’s my last thought as I find peace. At last.

  THE END.

  My Books

  The Breaking the Rules Series:

  Broken (Book 1) – Available Now!

  Wrong (Book 2) – Available Now!

  Scarred (Book 3) – Available Now!

  Mistake (Book 4) – Coming Soon!

  Crushed (Novella 4.5) – Coming Summer 2014!

  Disgrace (Book 5) – Coming Summer 2014!

  The Vegas Aces Series:

  Rock Country (Book 1) – Available Now!

  Rock Heart (2) – Coming Summer 2014

  Rock Holiday (Book 3) – Coming Fall 2014!

  Apartment 2B (Standalone Novel) – Available Now!

  Moth to a Flame (Standalone Novel) – Coming Soon!

  Sweet Vengeance – Coming Soon!

  My journey has been made possible because I have amazing support. I’ve got the support of friends, family, and now an online community of fabulous people. When people cheer you on each day, it is easy to stay fueled and excited. I’m absolutely grateful for the people in my life that push me to be the best that I can be.

  I want to thank my beta readers, whom are also my friends. Leann Jester, Mandy Abel, Star Price, Holly Sparks, Wendy Colby, Heather Dahlgren, Alexander Godfrey, Nikki McCrae, and Erica Thompson, you guys provided AMAZING support. Pointing out areas that didn’t work and gushing over parts you loved, you helped boost the confidence I needed to finish what I’d started. I can’t thank you enough and look forward to sending you more of my stories in the future.

  I’m especially thankful for the Breaking the Rules Babes. We have a blast sharing sexy man candy photos and our sucks/sweets of the day. Without the daily support of my sisters in there, I’d be pretty lost. You girls rock my world!

  Mickey, my fabulous editor from I’m a Book Shark, thank you for being amazing. I love your edits because they strengthen my story but you let me keep my voice. With each comment about my overuse of words, you soften it with a smiley face. You know how to make me smile! Thank you Stacey Blake for turning my boring words into a beautiful work of art. You are the best in the biz and I am so lucky to have you helping me!

  A huge thanks goes out to my wonderful husband, Matt. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to make this dream possible as it took a lot of time and money. Not only did you write check after check when I “needed” something else for my book, but you also kept the children fed and bathed. Tighten those apron straps because I don’t have plans of stopping any time soon!

  Lastly but certainly not least of all, thank you to all of the wonderful readers out there that are willing to hear my story and enjoy my characters like I do. It means the world to me!

  I’m a thirty three year old self-proclaimed book nerd. Married to my husband for eleven years, we enjoy spending time with our two lovely children. Writing is a newly acquired fun hobby for me that has now turned into a livelihood. In the past, I’ve enjoyed the role as a reader. However, recently, I have learned I absolutely love taking on the creative role as the writer. Something about determining how the story will play out intrigues me to no end. My husband claims that it’s because I like to control things—in a way he’s right!

  By day, I run around from appointment to appointment wearing many hats including, mom, wife, part-time graphic designer, blogger, networker, social media stalker, student, business owner, and book boyfriend hunter (It’s actually a thing—complete with pink camo. I lurk around the internet “researching” pictures of hot guys that fit the profile of whatever book boyfriend I’m reading or writing about).

  I guess you can blame my obsession with books on my lovely grandmother whom is quite possibly my favorite person on the planet. At an early age, she took me to the Half-Priced bookstore each weekend and allowed me to choose a book. Every single time, she caved when I begged for two. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to cope during some hard times without my beloved books.

  Currently, I am finishing up my college degree that has taken me forever to complete. It’s just on the list of my many “bucket-list” goals that I subject myself to.

  Most days, you can find me firmly planted in front of my computer. It’s my life. If the world ever loses power, I’d be one of the first to die—of boredom! But, I guess as long as I have books and a light, I might just survive.

  Looking forward, you can expect to see two more novels in the Breaking the Rules Series. I’m nearly finished with the third. Also, I have a standalone novel that will be released soon as well.

  This writing experience has been a blast and I’ve met some really fabulous people along the way. I hope my readers enjoy reading my stories as much as I do writing them. I look forward to connecting with you all!

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  A little more from K Webster……..

  Now Available!

  5 months earlier…

  We were dead. Not a soul had walked into the café for the last two hours, which was completely insane for New York City. The Taylor Swift concert in Central Park had completely stolen away all of our patrons. Bored to tears, I scrolled through my phone, looking at pictures of me and Brayden.

  Brayden was the love of my life. We met our first year at Columbia in Freshman Comp. His messy blond hair and crystal blue eyes had captivated me from the moment he sat down beside me. We had started out as friends but quickly morphed into lovers. He stole my breath every time I saw him. Even to this day.

  Bray was at Columbia on a baseball scholarship, studying Architecture like me. Now that graduation was just two weeks away, we’d be able to start focusing on the rest of our lives. A few months ago, on Valentine’s Day, he proposed to me in Central Park. It was terribly cliché and romantic. Of course now, instead of focusing on finals, I could only think of my upcoming wedding and becoming the future Mrs. Brayden Greene.

  I stopped on a recent picture of us after a baseball game. We were so happy, smiling back in the photo. The All-American couple. I thought this picture would be the perfect one for our engagement announcement that was going to go in the newspaper soon.

  Dragging me out of my daydreaming, my boss Jeanie hollered at me. “Honey, you might as well go home. I can’t afford for us to be this slow and pay you to drool over your fiancé. Think of it as your engagement present. Your one and only day to ever get out early. You can thank Taylor Swift.”

  Completely excited over the news because I never got to leave early, I ran over and pulled the gruff woman into a hug. “Thank you, Jeanie!” I exclaimed. Pushing me away with a grunt, she said, “Well, go before I change my mind, little lady. And don’t get any ideas about this happening again.” Thank you, Taylor Swift.

  Bray and I hardly ever got to spend evenings together because of my job at the café and his playing baseball. This evening I was going to surprise him. Give him a taste of what a good wife I could be. He was going to love what I planned on doing to him once I got hold of his sexy body.

  Practically skipping the two blocks to my dorm, I rushed into my room and changed out of my uniform. I put on my new black lingerie that I’d been dying to show him and stopped to admire myself in the mirror. Heels. I needed heels to complete the look. Just as I slipped them on, the door flung open, revealing my roommate Pepper.
/>   “What the hell, Andi!” she screeched covering her eyes as she made a beeline to her desk.

  “I got out of work early and I’m going to surprise Bray,” I told her, smiling. Even with her back to me, I could tell she was rolling her eyes. Pepper was an adorable girl, but she hid behind her glasses, Columbia sweatshirts, and messy buns. She was one of the most intelligent people I had ever met.

  Having been placed together as dorm mates, we instantly became the best of friends. I was the sweet, innocent girl in love with a baseball player. She was the Victoria’s Secret model dressed as a nerd with a little—okay, a lot—of attitude. We came from different worlds and liked different things but meshed incredibly well.

  “Are you going to prance on over to his room dressed like a hooker?” she asked in her sardonic tone.

  Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. “No way! I’m going to wear my coat. He won’t know what hit him,” I laughed. She tried to sound annoyed with me, but Pepper was in no way immune to my happy-girl charms and let out a chuckle.

  Wrapping up in my jacket, I blew her a kiss as I walked out the door. Bray wouldn’t be expecting me for few more hours so he was going to be shocked when he saw me. He told me he’d be studying for finals in his room while I was working, so I knew he’d be there. And if his roommate Josh was there, I was going to tell him to get lost. I missed Bray and I wanted to have some hot sex with my fiancé. Fiancé. I still couldn’t get used to the idea.

  When I got to his room, I quietly opened it, wanting to surprise him. Realizing that the lights were off and that he might be napping, I decided I was going to hop into bed with him and really surprise my man. That was until I heard the moan. What in the world is he doing over there?

  Hesitantly, I fumbled for the switch. My eyes froze in horror at the scene before me. A naked girl—with really big boobs—was bouncing on MY naked Brayden. What? I was having trouble processing how a naked girl was with MY fiancé.