by Lacey Wolfe
Whenever they were together, he seemed genuinely happy, as was she. When with him, she never really thought about the money and the things they could be doing. Hell, if she wanted fresh Italian for dinner, he had the ability to whisk her to Italy for dinner and back.
He was a successful man and could have any super model he wanted, and yet he claimed he loved her.
He loved her.
And she threw it away.
Krista smacked her forehead and grunted.
“Is it finally clicking?” Jamie asked.
“Don’t start. But it doesn’t change one thing and that’s the fact that he has a lifestyle I’m not sure I can accommodate.”
“Oh yeah, and what’s that?”
“The going-out-to-clubs thing.”
Jamie cleared her throat. “I know for a fact, that the evening in question, he was celebrating.”
Good news from work? Why didn’t he tell her? “Celebrating what? And why wasn’t it with me?”
“He was celebrating you! He went to the club and the club owner ordered drinks for everyone and then Neil did the same. They were celebrating that he’d found love in Ian’s club.”
She’d never even let Neil explain about the night. “The woman—”
“Is a regular there and Neil made it clear to her he wasn’t interested.”
“I still don’t know.” Krista sighed. “How do you know all of this? Are you seeing someone you haven’t told me about?”
Jamie grinned. “Not necessarily seeing someone, just playing.”
Krista’s eyes lit up. “And you’re just telling me?”
“You’ve been a little pre-occupied.”
She playfully hit her friend. “Jamie! We’re best friends. And now I feel even more awful because I’ve been so wrapped up in myself.”
She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “It’s fine. Like I said, right now it’s just playing. I don’t know if it’ll go anywhere.”
“Tell me about him, please. Let’s talk about something other than me for once.”
“Well, he’s older, rich, and great in bed.”Jamie giggled. “What more could I ask for?”
* * *
Neil looked over the contract he’d just signed for another hotel opening. This one was down under in Australia. He’d be traveling there soon and would probably stay awhile. At the moment, he needed something to take his mind off of Krista.
Years ago Rachel had torn his heart into pieces when she’d betrayed him and he’d vowed to never love again. And he’d done a damn good job until Krista came about. He’d found a woman he wanted to love and give the world to and for some reason, she didn’t want it. He could probably hand her his heart and she’d give it back.
How had this happened? How had he fallen for a woman who’d made it clear from the beginning she didn’t think it would ever work? Mainly because of who he was.
He was used to women wanting him because of who he was.
Krista was upset about the night he went to The Gentleman’s Club, but she never gave him a chance to explain. She just assumed the worst and that was it. This whole damn relationship had been in her control almost the entire time. He’d been walking on eggshells to try and keep her happy.
Perhaps in the beginning when she’d asked him if he was a Dom, he should’ve said yes. He liked to be in control and this woman had swept all of that from him.
Maybe he needed to take this relationship by the reins and tell her how it was going to be.
Neil couldn’t help but laugh as he thought about that and how she’d react. Krista wouldn’t take kindly to it, or would she? She thought everything through until she couldn’t think anymore. Maybe she needed someone to tell her how it was going to be.
His phone buzzed and Tana spoke through the intercom, “Sir, you have a visitor here. A lady name Jamie.”
“Send her in.”
He hoped Jamie wasn’t here to tell him off. He was doing a fine job putting himself down.
The door opened and she walked in, closing the door behind her.“Hi, Neil. I hope you don’t mind me stopping by.”
“Have a seat, please.”
Jamie sat down and pushed her blonde locks to the side. “I’m here about Krista.”
He shrugged. “I figured as much.”
“She’s a mess and you don’t look like you’ve been getting much sleep yourself.” Her gaze traveled over his face.
Neil smiled. “It shows a lot more when you’re my age.”
“I’ll remember that.” She grinned. “Anyway, do you really love her, or were you playing?”
Why did no one see the way he felt about her? “I love her.”
“Then go get her.”
He straightened a stack of papers. “It’s not quite that simple. Your friend doesn’t think this will ever work and I can’t keep trying to convince her. I feel like I’m walking on hot coals all the time around her. I can’t do it anymore. As much as I want to be with Krista, I’m halfway convinced it isn’t going to work either.”
“I think if you talk to her, you’d be surprised at what she might say. She’s been doing a lot of thinking.”
That could be a good thing…or bad. He wanted Krista more than anything and really, he should tell her friend this, but he didn’t want it to be that easy. A quick fix. He wasn’t looking for that. If he ran to Krista’s door now, things would be good, yes. But was it time?
“Her biggest concern is your lifestyle. And I’m a little concerned too.”
“I can’t walk away from my job or money. I’ve worked hard to get here and I wish I could shower her with it.”
“Neil, Krista doesn’t want to be at home alone while you’re out on the town. That’s what this is about.”
He’d only gone out once while seeing her and would’ve gladly brought her along. “Why would I be out on the town when I have her at home? I’d much rather spend my evenings with her and EJ.”
“She doesn’t know that.” Jamie bit her bottom lip. “She wanted a family. A real one. She deserves it after Todd. She needs to know what love is and a man who can provide that.”
Neil picked up a pen and tapped it on the desk. He could provide that, but he couldn’t quite understand why no one thought he could.
Jamie stood. “My friend’s stubborn and I wouldn’t expect her to come knock on your door anytime soon. As I’ve told her, you really need to think about this and what you want. It isn’t just both of your hearts that are involved. If you take this step, you have EJ to consider too.”
Neil nodded. “I understand. Thank you for coming by. I appreciate it.” He followed her to the door. “I’d say tell Krista hi for me, but I have a feeling she doesn’t know you’re here.”
“She’d kill me.” Jamie laughed. “See ya around, Neil. Just hopefully not at the club.”
He closed the door behind her. A part of him wanted to drive over to Krista’s house right now, but then he decided not to. He needed to take what Jamie had said into consideration and think a little more about it.
He opened the door. “Tana, call down and have my jet fueled. I think I’ll deliver this contract to Australia myself.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
Krista walked like a penguin through the parking lot to her car. She had hoped that pedicure would help, but it hadn’t. She still missed Neil—and EJ, who was away at his father’s for two whole weeks. Ugh! This summer sucked.
All she had was time on her hands and a mind that was in overdrive.
As she climbed in the car, she nicked her pinky toe. “Damn it!” She glanced down and saw the red polish had a dent. “Crap.” To go back in or not? Not. She just wanted to go home and open up a tub of ice cream.
It had been almost two weeks since she’d seen or spoken to Neil. He hadn’t tried to contact her once. Had he just brushed her to the side that easily? He’d said he loved her, but now he was gone just as quick as he’d come in her life. Only now there was a big void in her hea
rt—one only Neil could fill.
If she could go back, she’d do it over. She still probably would’ve not gone to the game, but she wouldn’t have shut her phone off to avoid all his calls.
Most of all, she would’ve listened to him and talked about it like a grown-up would, and not just assumed he was with another woman.
Jamie had talked to her about the club. Like anywhere, some of the women were a little more hands on, and this particular woman didn’t necessarily only want Neil, she wanted a meal ticket.
Jamie had also told her that the few times she’d been back at the club Neil hadn’t been there, and from what she knew, no one had seen him. Krista was worried about where he was and what he was doing.
Todd and she never communicated well. Simply argued and stomped off. They’d never solved anything. Never cared to. But with Neil, she wanted this fixed. She still wondered how well a relationship could work between the two of them, but right now she figured they could take it day by day. She didn’t want to spend another day without him.
She pulled into her driveway and shut the car off. Sitting there for a moment, she took a few shallow breaths to suppress the tears that begged to release. She’d been awfully weepy lately. A broken heart could do that.
*
The next morning, Krista pulled herself up from bed feeling as though a truck had run her over. Great, she was getting sick. This was not what she needed right now. She grabbed her phone from her nightstand, unlocked it, and saw no messages. She sighed. Each morning she had hoped to find something from Neil, but once again, nothing.
If she wanted Neil back, she was going to have to go to him. But not knowing any of the same people, she had no idea if he even wanted her back. And she didn’t want to find out he didn’t want her any more. But at this point, it looked like she had no other choice. She was going to have to wear her heart on her sleeve and pray it didn’t get hurt.
In the kitchen, she got the coffee started. As she closed the cabinet that held the filters, she thought she heard a knock from her front door. Maybe it was Jamie. They had plans to go shopping, but she thought that would be later today. Then again, it was almost eleven in the morning. She’d slept late.
“I’m coming,” she called out as she went to the front door.
Pulling it open, she froze. She expected to see Jamie, but instead Todd stood there with EJ.
“Hey.” She opened the door, letting them in.
“I meant to call. A meeting came up at work and I need to go in for a few hours. Is it okay if EJ stays here?”
Krista laughed. “I’ve missed him to bits. Of course.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back soon, bud.”
“See ya, Dad.”
Todd turned and left.
“I’m so happy you’re here. God, I’ve missed you! Let’s sit down and watch cartoons, because I just got up.”
EJ laughed. “Lazy?”
She smiled, wrapped an arm around his shoulder, and led him to the couch. She couldn’t think of any better way to spend her morning than with her son. As soon as the coffee maker beeped, she got a cup and texted Jamie.
EJ’s here for a few hours. Want to put off shopping until later in the afternoon?
As she entered the living room, she heard a knock on the door again.
“I hope that isn’t your dad back already. You just got here.”
Krista opened the door, expecting to see Todd, but instead Neil stood there. She was frozen.
“Is it Dad?” EJ asked from behind her.
“No, it’s a friend.”
“The one we were going to see a baseball game with?”
She nodded.
“Are you going to let him in?” EJ asked.
Krista pushed the storm door open. “Hi, Neil. Come on in.”
Neil stepped in and smiled at her, then turned his attention toward EJ. “Hey, you must be the man of Krista’s life she is always telling me about.”
EJ laughed.
He looked back at Krista. His hair a little longer, and he looked so different in a T-shirt and jeans. “I’m sorry to show up unexpected like I did, but I wanted to see you.”
Krista’s phone beeped of a new text message. “EJ, will you get that for me?”
He did and handed her the phone.
On my way, you have a surprise coming since I thought EJ was gone. – Jamie
She set the phone down. “Come on in and have a seat, I guess.”
Neil went over and sat down on the couch. She followed, but then EJ plopped down next to Neil.
“Do you like this show?” EJ asked.
Neil squinted at the TV, then nodded. “I do. I watch it on Saturdays.”
“You think they’ll get the bad guy?” EJ’s gaze was glued to the screen.
“I don’t know. They make us think they will, but I don’t think so quite yet.”
EJ groaned and Krista smiled. They seemed to get along.
“Neil, would you like coffee?” she asked from the kitchen doorway.
“Yes, please.”
Krista escaped to the kitchen and poured him a cup. As she went back into the living room, she heard her front door opening and Jamie bounded through.
“Aunt Jamie, you’re here too!” EJ said.
“It’s a regular party here.” Krista laughed, wondering what other surprises the morning held.
She handed Neil the coffee. “Can I get you a cup as well, Jamie?”
“No, the adrenaline rush to get here is enough for me. Besides, the morning’s almost over.”
For them, but for once, she’d slept in. “Mine just began and it’s been amusing to say the least.”
Jamie leaned by Krista’s ear. “Want me to take EJ out back so you and Neil can talk?”
Krista shook her head. “No, this is fine.”
Jamie sat down on the loveseat. “How was your trip?”
Krista sat down next to Jamie. Where had Neil been?
“Good. Got a lot taken care of,” he answered.
“Where were you?” EJ asked.
“Australia.”
Her son’s eyes went wide. “Wow, cool. Did you see a kangaroo?”
Neil chuckled. “Lots of them. And the new hotel I’m opening has a kangaroo farm behind it.”
“Awesome! I want to go visit.”
Krista began to speak up, but Neil spoke first. “I’d love to take you and your mother anytime. But it’s up to her, so don’t pester her too much.”
EJ glanced at Krista. “Can we go?”
She wasn’t sure what to say.
“Give her some time to think about it,” Neil said.
Krista smiled at him, thankful that he had stepped in for the save. Neil and EJ continued to chat about the animals and Jamie shared a look with Krista. It was going well. Krista was shocked to see how well Neil and her son got along; it was as though they’d always known one another.
Krista was itching to get Neil alone though and see why he was here. Had he come to talk? God, she hoped so. She had so much she wanted to say, she was worried she was going to burst any moment.
A knock sounded on the door. Who the hell was here now?
Krista got up and went to answer it. Todd was back.
“Sorry about that. Halfway to work they canceled it.” He came in. “You’ve got company.” His gaze landed on Neil. “I thought that was over.”
“Not now,” she said quietly.
“Dad, you’re back.” EJ stood and groaned a bit.
“I am. Ready to go?”
“Not really, but I guess.”
EJ hugged her, told Jamie and Neil bye, and was on his way. Before Krista had a moment to think, Jamie was out the door as fast as she’d come in. Krista turned. It was just her and Neil now, all alone.
Neil stayed seated and gazed across the room at the woman he loved. He’d missed her, but he hadn’t realized how much until now. He wanted to kiss her and it pained him knowing that he couldn’t right this moment. Hopefully before he left
here, they’d be back on track and heading toward the future he wanted more than anything.
But first he had to convince her somehow that he loved her. He’d never met a woman more thick headed when it came to the emotion.
“Neil,” her voice was soft as she took a seat near him, “I’m sorry.”
“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.”
“Yes, I do. I over thought it and didn’t give you a chance. A real chance. I accused you of things and assumed the worst when really you hadn’t done anything wrong. I never gave our relationship a real shot. I just expected it to fail.”
He smiled. “I’m a lot to take on. I’m an old man who is set in his ways. I don’t know how I even got you past a first date.”
“A magical date.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You changed so much for me. Boring dates at movie theatres. You’re probably used to Broadway shows and dinners that cost the same as a car payment.”
“I’d give it all up for you.”
“I don’t want you to change your life for me though.”
She was still as stubborn as ever and he loved it. “That isn’t your decision to make. If I want to, then I will.”
“But won’t you hold it against me?”
Hell no! “No. You’re what I want. And now that I’ve met your awesome kid, I want to know him more too. I want you both.”
She was quiet and he could see the wheels turning in her head. He could only imagine what was coursing through her brain right then.
“There’s still the issue of me wanting more kids.” She paused. “I suppose I will be okay with only having EJ. I just always imagined having another. But with EJ at his age now and how simple it is, I guess I’m fine not having another.”
He’d been thinking a lot about babies as well. A part of him wanted it with her. To experience being a father. “Krista, I’m not saying no to another child, but let’s get you and me going first before we worry about adding someone else.”
She grinned, and for a moment he thought she was done with the questions. “What about the club?”
“What about it?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not comfortable being home while you’re there all the time.”