What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

“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 heart—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.

  Chapter Thirteen

  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.”

  He chuckled. “If you don’t want me there all the time, it’s not a big deal. Personally, I’d like to go every now and then for poker night, but I can do it on weekends when EJ is at his dad’s and you can come be my personal good-luck charm. I’ve got no interest in hanging out there. It’s not a hang out. The purpose of the club is to hook up. I’ve got you. I won’t be there—unless you’re with me.”

  Her face was soft as she gave a cheerful expression. “You’re okay with that?”

  Neil took her hand, hoping it wasn’t too much too soon. “Have you listened to a word I’ve been saying all these weeks?”

  “Yes, but men say things—”

  “I love you.”

  Her eyes grew moist and a single tear dripped down her cheek. “I love you too.”

  Reaching out, he wiped it away with his pinky. “These weeks without you have been hell. All I wanted was you. I’d rather spend my evenings in sweatpants on the couch watching TV re-runs than spend another day without you.”

  “You’re sure?”

  He groaned. “Lady, I can’t make my intentions anymore clearer.”

  Krista giggled as more tears cascaded down her cheeks. Before he gave her a chance to talk again, he pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. She opened to him as she wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling her body into his.

  This could lead somewhere quickly. His body responded to her as if he were a teenager. She made him feel young again.

  “We’re going to do this?” She pulled back and stared into his eyes.

  “Yes. And I’m not giving you a choice. I’m taking charge.”

  “Oh yeah.” She winked. “I like a man who takes charge.”

  “Maybe I should be that Dom you mentioned.”

  “While being tied up sounds fun, I’m not so sure I want to give up my control in the bedroom.” She rubbed her hands along his chest. “I like to touch,” her hand went lower, “and I think you like to be touched.”

  “God, I love you!” He picked her up. “Which way is your bedroom? I’ve got to get in you and then we’ll plan out our future.”

  She pointed toward the hallway. “We’ll take this one day at a time, just as long as we’re together.”

  Epilogue

  Krista held Neil’s hand as they walked into The Gentlemans’ Club. This was only her second time coming to this place. And once again, her heart wanted to beat its way right out of her chest.

  The club had been the place she met the love of her life. She could tell Neil had something planned for the night, but he wasn’t giving her an inch of what it was.

  “Good evening.” A handsome man approached them.

  “Ian, this is Krista,” Neil said.

  “Ah, the famous Krista I’ve heard all about.”

  “Good, I hope.” She shook his hand.

  Ian and Neil exchanged a smile. “You’ve captured this man’s heart; of course it’s only been good. Though some of the women here tonight might have dagger vision.”

  Neil tugged her close, and she said, “They are welcome to look all they want, but he’s all mine.”

  “Oh, with the celebration we’re having tonight, not a soul in here won’t know.” Ian chuckled.

  “What does he mean?” She gazed at Neil.

  “You’ll soon find out.” He pulled her to the bar. “What do you want? A glass of wine maybe?”

  She shook her head. “I think I’ll just have water for now. My nerves need to settle.”

  He ordered himself a brandy. With his drink in hand, he placed a free hand on her back. “Let’s have a seat over there. I think I see Jamie.”

  Jamie. Krista wasn’t expecting her to be there. As they made their way over, Krista took the scenery in. The place wasn’t quite as packed as it had been the first time. There seemed to be more men tonight than women, which was odd. She always imagined the place to be swarming with women flaunting themselves. Then again, if The Gentlemans’ Club didn’t exist, she wouldn’t have Neil.

  “It’s so good to see you.” Jamie hugged her.

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

  Jamie shot a look at Neil, and Krista wondered if her suspicions were correct that Neil was up to something. Here she thought she might have the shocking news to share with Neil, but perhaps he did.

  “Have a seat with your friend. I need to talk to Ian a moment.” He kissed her cheek.

  Once he was gone, she plopped down on the couch with Jamie.

  “What’s going on? Something
is going on. Give me the details,” Krista demanded.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m not stupid. Something’s going on.”

  “Once again, you’re over thinking things. How many times—”

  The lights dimmed and the room quieted. Her stomach rolled over in knots. “Jamie,” she whispered. “Damn it, what’s going on?”

  Her friend’s grin covered her whole face, but her focus was behind Krista. Before she had time to ask more questions, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Neil standing there with two glasses of champagne. He handed her one.

  Neil took a deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves, as he stared at the woman he loved more than anything else.

  “Krista, I brought you to the spot that I met you at. Where my life finally began. I’ve been living all these years, but my life didn’t start until I met you.”

  “Neil.” Her voice cracked.

  “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. If you’ll have me, I’d love it if you gave me the honor of being my wife.” He clinked his glass to hers. Her eyes widened. She’d noticed the diamond ring in the bottom of the glass. “What do you say?”

  “Neil, I…” She paused. “I, uh.”

  He was pretty sure she wouldn’t turn him down, but at the moment all color had drained from her face. “I hope you’re not about to turn me down.” He chuckled nervously.

  “God, no. No, I want to marry you, I do. It’s just…I…”

  “You what?”

  She leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “I can’t drink the champagne.”

  “Do you not like it? I can get you something else.”

  She smiled at him. “I like champagne.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Then what’s the problem?”

  Quietly against his ear she said, “I wanted to tell you a different way, but I’m pregnant.”

  He stepped back, his eyes wide. Had she just said…had she said she was pregnant? He was going to be a father? As he stared at her, seeing the worried expression she bore, needing to know what he thought, a warmth overtook him. His future became even clearer. He was going to be a daddy. A daddy! He would have a child of his own.