Time Stands Still (Forever and Ever #51)

by E. L. Todd

  “Come here, Pumpkin.”

  Tears in her eyes, she ran to me and hugged me, disregarding her mother between us. Scarlet was so exhausted she didn’t even wake up. Skye clung to me, her tears soaking into my hospital gown. “You kept your promise.”

  “Always.” I rubbed her back and disregarded the pain in my chest. She was applying too much pressure, but I didn’t have the heart to say anything. A few moments of pain was worth the embrace.

  Skye eventually pulled away, the tears gone but her eyes still wet. “I’m so happy to see you. Everyone was so worried.”

  “I know, Pumpkin. I’m back now, and I’m never leaving again.”

  Skye eyed Mom, the pity coming into her eyes. “Poor thing. She had it the worst.”

  I could only imagine. “She’s been through a lot. At least she’s getting some rest now.”

  “Do you want me to have one of the guys move her?”

  “Not at all.” She needed to see my face when she woke up. She needed to know I was real, and no one would take me away from her again. “But can you send Mike in?” My brother wasn’t an emotional guy, but I knew he was terrified at the thought of not getting me back. I had a lot of close friends, but if I had to choose a best friend it would be him. We were so similar and so different at the same time. He understood me without having to ask a single question. He was more than just a brother. He was more than just family.

  “Sure.” Skye left the bed and took Roland with her. “Come on.”

  “I’m not leaving,” Roland snapped. “We just got him back.”

  Skye was less emotional than her brother. At least she was more pragmatic. “A lot of people want to see him, Ro. When he’s discharged home we can see him all the time.”

  Roland still didn’t budge.

  “Heath is still upset over what happened,” Skye said. “You should be there for your husband.”

  The mention of Heath did the trick. Roland sighed before he rose to a stand. “I’ll be outside if you need me, Dad.”

  “I know, son.”

  He patted my hand before he walked out. Skye went with him, and the door was shut behind them.

  I ran my hand through Scarlet’s hair as I waited for my brother. She breathed quietly beside me, her arm still tucked around my waist. Her boobs were pressed right against me, and I could feel their firmness every time she breathed.

  Mike walked in a second later, looking like hell swallowed him then spit him back out. His hair was a mess, his face was pale from not sleeping or eating, and he had a crazed look in his eye. He approached the bed but didn’t embrace me. He eyed Scarlet before he looked me in the eye. “You look terrible.”

  “Yeah,” I said with a smile. “You do too.”

  “But I’m still better looking than you.” The teasing smile was on his lips. “Mom and Dad are here. I talked Mom off the edge. She nearly passed out when I told her what happened but she’s under control. Dad took care of it.”

  “Good ol’ Dad.”

  “So…the other guys are dead, right?”

  I nodded. “I’m pretty sure.”

  “Pretty sure?” he asked incredulously. “Because if they aren’t dead we need to track them down and put a bullet in the back of their head.”

  “They weren’t strapped into a seat when the plane crashed so I’m sure they were knocked out. The plane went under immediately afterward. They’d have to be Superman to get out of that.”

  “You didn’t see one swim to the surface?”

  “No. But it was pretty dark. Not sure if I would have seen anyone even if they did get away.”

  He nodded. “You’re right. I’m sure they’re gone.”

  “Yeah.”

  “I didn’t get a chance to ask this in the middle of all the chaos…how are you wrapped up in all this Maximum Shot business?”

  I never told Mike the truth and I wanted to keep my promise to Slade. Mike was better of not knowing anyway so I kept up the lie. “His brother thought I was the one who took him out. He must have gotten Slade and I mixed up.”

  “I don’t see how that’s possible. You weren’t even there.”

  “Maybe from the police report?” I was pulling at anything.

  Mike still didn’t seem convinced but he didn’t press it. “I guess it doesn’t matter anymore. Maximum and his brother are dead. We’ll never see either of them again.”

  I nodded in agreement. “And the world is a better place.”

  He patted my shoulder gently. “You scared me for a minute there. We took your helicopter out to the water but didn’t spot anything.”

  “You should have known I was out there somewhere. How many times has this happened to me? I’m invincible.”

  He chuckled. “Must be. Or someone upstairs really likes you.”

  “Nah. I think someone upstairs just wants to make sure this angel stays happy.” I glanced down at Scarlet, who was still fast asleep.

  Mike’s eyes softened. “Maybe.”

  “Thanks for looking after Scarlet and Roland. I’m sure they were both disasters.”

  “No, they were fine. They were both determined to find you at any cost.”

  I knew Scarlet would kill anyone who got in her way. Her difficult experiences in life had hardened her exterior. She didn’t take bullshit and cut down anyone who even remotely threatened her family. “I’m very lucky to have them.” I hated to imagine what would have happened to them if I didn’t come back. No one would be there to protect them—besides Mike.

  “You really are.” He pulled his hand away. “Want me to send in the others? Or do you need some space?”

  I never needed any space. My entire family was standing outside that door waiting for me. They weren’t just people. They were my friends and family that were closer to me than anyone else on the planet. I’d give my life to save any of them, and they’d give their life to save me. “I want to see everyone. Please send them in.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Scarlet

  Sean sat in the living room with Angie and the kids. A heavy gauze was wrapped around his chest and torso, and I had to clean the bandage every few days. He was on intense painkillers so he was drowsy most of the time. But he was still happy.

  I finished doing the dishes and dinner then cleaned up the kitchen. I could hear their voices trail from the living room.

  “Need anything, Dad?” Roland asked. “Water or something?”

  “I’m okay,” Sean said. “But thanks.”

  “Want a back rub, Dad?” Skye asked.

  Sean chuckled. “You guys, I’m fine. But thank you.”

  I smiled to myself as I listened to their conversation. It felt exactly the way it used to—before my worst nightmare came true. My family was gathered in the living room enjoy each other’s company. My husband was on his way to recovery and he would sleep beside me every night—as it should be.

  “Pumpkin, see if your mom needs help in the kitchen,” Sean asked.

  I walked into the living room at that moment. “All done.” America’s Funniest Home Videos was on the TV, and every spot on the couch was taken besides the one right beside Sean.

  Sean patted the seat beside him. “Saved you’re a seat, baby.”

  “Thanks.” I sat in the cushion beside him and immediately cuddled into his side. He rested his arm over the back of the couch and curled it around my shoulders.

  Cayson sat on the other couch with Cedric tucked into the crook of his arm. He held him. He kept looking down at his son, watching him sleep peacefully. The tattoo was black against his fair skin.

  “When did you get that?” I asked.

  Cayson turned to me. “Excuse me?”

  “The ink.” I pointed to his shoulder.

  Cayson glanced down. “Oh. A few months ago. Slade did it for me.”

  “I like it.” Sean didn’t have any tattoos. He claimed it wouldn’t make him look professional, which was a pity because they’d probably look hot as hell on him.

&nbs
p; “Me too.” Skye wiggled her eyebrows as she looked in his direction.

  Cayson chuckled as his eyes landed on her.

  Roland rolled his eyes. “Gross.”

  “How do you think your nephew was made?” Heath challenged.

  “The stork,” Roland answered. “How else?”

  I rested my head on Sean’s shoulder and savored the moment. Spending the evening like this was every woman’s dream. I was surrounded by my husband and the children we made together. And now we had a grandson.

  “Ro,” Sean said. “You guys planning on having kids soon?”

  Roland and Heath shared a look before they turned back to us.

  “Not right now,” Heath answered. “But we will eventually. We want to enjoy our married life for a few years.”

  “Excellent idea,” I said. “These are the best years of your life.”

  “Can we expect another grandbaby in the future?” Sean asked Skye.

  Skye smiled before she shared a look with Cayson. “I hope so. We’re trying for a second one.”

  Sean’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “That’s wonderful.”

  “That’s so exciting.” I sat up and squeezed Sean’s hand. “We’re going to have another grandbaby.”

  “Whoa, hold on,” Skye said. “I’m not pregnant yet.”

  “I don’t care,” I said. “It’ll happen very soon and we’ll another one on the way. I hope it’s a girl. I would love to have a granddaughter. What about you, Sean?”

  He shrugged. “I honestly don’t have a preference. I’m happy either way.”

  “I want a girl too,” Skye said. “We’ll shoot for that.”

  “You mean, I will,” Cayson said. “The male determines the sex of the baby.”

  “Well, you better start preparing,” Skye warned.

  Cayson gave her an affectionate look before he turned back to Cedric. “This little guy is passed out.”

  “Exhausted from playing with Grandpa,” Skye said.

  “We should probably get him home and put him to bed. I don’t want drool all over this shirt.” Cayson stood up and switched Cedric to the opposite arm. He walked to Sean and patted him on the shoulder. “See you tomorrow.”

  “See you then.” He leaned forward and squeezed Cedric’s foot.

  Cayson walked to the door and waited for Skye to join him.

  Skye approached Sean at the couch and leaned down to hug him. “I’m going to PIXEL tomorrow to help Mike with everything. Cedric is going to stay home with you and Mom. I don’t want you to stress about anything.” She pulled away and gave him an affectionate look.

  “I’m not stressed about anything, Pumpkin. Mike can handle it. You submitted your resignation over a month ago. PIXEL is not your concern.”

  “Yes, it is,” Skye argued. “I’m still a Preston.”

  “Conrad should be home by now,” Sean said. “Mike won’t be alone. Seriously, don’t worry about it. I mean, your mother and I would love to watch Cedric during the day but you really don’t need to go to work.”

  “He’s telling the truth, honey.” I rubbed her arm. “That place is well taken care of.”

  “Well, if you change your mind I’m always here.” Skye gave me a hug before she pulled away.

  “We know, sweetheart.” I squeezed her before I let go.

  Skye said goodbye to her brother and Heath before she walked out with Cayson.

  Roland and Heath rose to their feet. They’d been staying there all week to keep an eye on Sean, which was unnecessary. “We’re going to get ready for bed,” Roland said. “Goodnight.”

  “I think it’s time you newlyweds left.” I loved having my sons around the house but their concern was unnecessary. Sean was making excellent progress and the doctor said he would be back to normal in a few weeks. “Your father is fine. I’m taking care of him.”

  “We don’t mind,” Roland said. “It’s nice being home again.”

  They had officially overstayed their welcome. Sean and I hadn’t had a moment alone since Roland and Heath moved in. Being surrounded by our kids was how I loved spending my days—but not every second. “Honey, your father and I need some alone time.” It was an awkward thing to say but Roland wasn’t catching my drift.

  He immediately cringed, disgusted beyond reason. “Okay, got it. Don’t say anything else.”

  Sean smirked. “Fool proof way to get kids out of the house.”

  Roland didn’t even hug his father. “Let’s go, Heath.”

  Heath chuckled then followed Roland. “Like you didn’t know your parents got it on.”

  “But we don’t need to talk about it.” Roland grabbed his bag by the front door and walked out. “There are just some things that should never be mentioned—like ever.”

  Heath grabbed his suitcase and walked out. “Grow up, Ro.” Heath shut the door behind him and their voices still carried as they walked out to the car.

  “You grow up.”

  “What a mature response…”

  Their voices faded away until they couldn’t be heard. The engine of their truck roared to life and they drove away.

  Sean turned his blue gaze on me. “Some alone time, huh? You’ve been saying I’m not well enough. Am I well enough now?”

  “No. But I can’t wait any longer.”

  His eyes darkened and his fingers slowly entered my hair. He migrated to the back of my neck and kept his calculating gaze on me. The desire was in his eyes, well as the longing. “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.” My hand moved up his thigh and right over his crotch, feeling his cock harden as I touched him. My fingers reached the brim of his jeans and I slowly unbuttoned them. I purposely took forever to drag down the zipper, giving him more time to become rock-hard.

  He pulled his face to mine and gave me a soft kiss. It was motionless, just the lingering kind with only our mouths touching. His lips felt perfect against mine. I’d kissed him every single day for thirty years, but that kiss still excited me. He made me feel beautiful and sexy despite the passage of time. I never worried he would trade me in for a woman half his age.

  He felt the sensation too because his lips paused, savoring the combustion of our lips. His fingers dug into me a little harder and he parted my lips with his, giving me a purposeful kiss that made me wet down below. He’d always been a good kisser, and he somehow got better with age. “Beautiful.” He hardly ever did dirty talk to me, but sometimes he would say a simple word or phrase like that. He didn’t say it to turn me on or make me feel good about myself. He said it because his brain automatically blurted it out—as it did his heart.

  He slipped his tongue into my mouth and gave me a gentle taste. His tongue moved with mine like it had a thousand times, but it still sent electricity down my spine all the way to my toes.

  My hand paused on his crotch because I was enraptured by his seductive kiss. He burned me with his fire, tingling me in every place. His cock twitched under my hand, reminding me how turned on he was for me. As a fifty-year-old man, he still hadn’t slowed down. Our sexual relationship was the same as it was when we first god married. We were still deeply attracted to each other, and our bodies still prepped to feel one another.

  I slowly pulled down his boxers until how cock was exposed, long and hard. Sean was proud of his machinery, and I was more than happy to attend to it. I wrapped my fingers around his length and slowly moved up and down, stimulating the powerful nerves in his shaft.

  He moaned against my mouth. His fingers fisted my hair and he breathed hard. “Ride me.” He pulled my dress to my waist and positioned me on top of him. He leaned back against the couch then grabbed my tits.

  I pulled my panties aside then directed him at my entrance. I didn’t slide down and take him—not yet. I felt his thick head against my entrance and leaned down for another kiss.

  His hips thrust slightly, impatient to be inside me.

  “You’ll get it when I say so.”

  He moaned again at my bossiness. “Alright,
baby.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Conrad

  The second I walked into the office Dad hugged me so hard he nearly crushed me. My ribs ached in pain and my lungs couldn’t expand to take a single breath. He took bear hug to a whole different level.

  “So glad you’re alright.” He finally released me but his hands remained on my shoulders. “It’s been a crazy week.”

  “Dad, I was never in any danger.”

  “But you would have been if you hadn’t left for Seattle.”

  Someone broke into my apartment with the intention of kidnapping me just the way they snatched Roland. My life could have gone quite differently. Thankfully, Lexie and I were both gone and Apollo was okay. “Everything worked out for the best.”

  He finally released my shoulders. “Is Lexie alright?”

  “She’s fine. Just a little shaken up but okay.” When we heard that everyone was safe and sound we both finally relaxed. Lexie was just as concerned about my family as I was. She loved them the same way I did. “She didn’t go back to work. Said she wanted to stay home with Apollo.”

  “There’s nowhere safer.”

  “Nope.” Apollo was a loving dog but he was fierce when he needed to be. Serving on the police squad for five years made him an animal you didn’t want to cross. “Now that I’m here you can go home and rest. I’m sure you need a break after all the shit that went down.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t want to drop everything on you.”

  “Dad, you’re retiring anyway. You should just go.” I knew he was exhausted by his unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes. Not only was he tired, but he was emotionally drained. His brother almost died and his nephew was almost lost forever. It was a lot of drama to take in such a short period of time.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I can handle it.” If I were going to be the new CEO of this place I’d have to get used to doing everything on my own. I committed to the position and I couldn’t rely on someone to pick up the slack. It would make my life easier if Skye came back but I would never ask her to. One day when I had a son he would take over the company in my stead. But for now, I was alone.

  And I was okay with that.