Beyond the Cherry Trees: The Cook Brothers Series

by Heather D'Agostino

  He placed his hands on my thighs before looking up at my face and grimacing. “I head back to the city in the morning,” he murmured.

  “I know,” I nodded slowly. “It’s ok. I’ll be back next week,” I reassured him.

  “It’s not that.” He took a deep breath and held it for a second before releasing it in a deep whoosh. “My life in New York isn’t like the one I had when we were together. I’m not proud of it, but I changed after you left.” He sat beside me and placed his elbows on his knees before looking at me. His eyes caught mine before he looked away to stare at the ground between his feet.

  “Mia, you wrecked me. I didn’t want to talk about this; I’m past it, but you need to know what being with me is like.” He reached over with one hand and laced our fingers together. Without looking at me, he barreled on. “I’ve been with a lot of women since you. I’ve been wrestling with telling you this since you told me you hadn’t been with anyone other than me. I’d like to think that I could have been man enough to not want another woman, but I’m not. I used women to forget you. Some of them I knew, others were just random faces that I found at a club or bar.” He laughed bitterly before looking over at me. “I’m ashamed to say this, but I know less than half their names.”

  “Why are you telling me this now?” I whispered as I tried to pull my hand from his grip.

  “Because if we’re going to make this work you need to be ready for what being in my life is like. When I go out in public, I usually have a woman hitting on me within the first ten minutes of entering whatever bar I’m in. I work with women who make passes at me with no qualms about it.” He sighed as he shook his head. “I want to know that you can handle that. You’re the one I want. No one else. You need to know that. I need to know that you know that. I want to leave here tomorrow feeling like we’re in a good spot. I want to know that when you get back to the city next week you’re going to be ready to pick this back up from where we are now. I don’t want to have to start over.” His eyes stared at mine unblinking as he waited for me to answer.

  “Ok,” I bit my lip as I nodded.

  “Ok?” His lips curled up on one side as his trademark smirk started to appear.

  “Yeah. Is that what’s had you in knots for the last week? You think I’m gonna bolt?” I reached up and cupped his cheek.

  “A little, yeah.” He closed his eyes as he leaned into my hand.

  “Two years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I don’t plan on a repeat performance.” I smiled as I leaned in and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Anything else?”

  I watched as his face clouded momentarily. His eyes closed once again as he gave his head a subtle shake. “No, nothing else.”

  “Can we go inside then? It’s cold, and I want to give you your present since you’re here.”

  “A present, huh?” He grinned as he straightened up, stood, and held his hand out to me.

  “Yeah,” I giggled. When his grin spread even more, I couldn’t help myself. I smacked him in the stomach playfully with the back of my hand. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Ty; my parents are in there.”

  “What?” he snickered.

  I rolled my eyes as I let him lead me into the house. The tension from moments ago melted away as we entered the living room where the sounds of laughter and Christmas music filled the air. Ty seemed to transform right before my eyes. He was back to the carefree man I’d been spending time with every day, and it was as if our previous conversation had never happened.

  IT FELT ODD being back. I felt it the moment I stepped off the train three days ago. I tried to slip back into my normal routine, but I couldn’t. I’ve been avoiding Chrissi at work by keeping busy and sending her calls directly to voicemail. I knew it was immature and that I’d need to talk to her eventually, but I just didn’t want to. Mia was going to be back in four days, and all I could think about was having her here in the city with me. I could take her on a real date and treat her like she needed to be treated. I wanted to show her that this could work and that I was changing my ways for her.

  I didn’t have any new cases yet so my work load had been lighter than usual, but a new client had just called in this morning. My boss, Henry, had told me that he wanted to partner me up with someone to take a look at it. He had a few promising associates and interns that he thought could learn something from me. I was flattered but annoyed at the same time. I really didn’t have the desire to help some green attorney when I’d rather be at home Skyping with Mia. Henry didn’t give me a choice though, so I arranged my schedule to begin working on the case today. The client was supposed to come later in the afternoon, and I was going to use the time this morning to go over everything with the new associate I was working with.

  I was shuffling the papers on my desk when a soft knock sounded on my door. I sighed as I called, “Come in,” without even looking up. “I don’t really have time to go over the basics with you today. The client will be here in two hours. I want to talk about our plan of attack.” I lifted my eyes just enough to see a pair of killer heels standing in my doorway. Fuck me, they gave me a woman to work with. My head slowly began to lift as I scanned her legs before recognition dawned on me. My head jerked up as my eyes met Chrissi’s.

  “You can’t avoid me now,” she smirked as she stepped into my office and closed the door behind herself. “We had a deal Ty, and you haven’t been holding up your end of it.”

  I opened and closed my mouth a few times as I tried to formulate an answer in my head. Nothing coming to me sounded very convincing, and I knew that I was royally screwed no matter what I did or said. “I’ve been busy,” I muttered as I shook my head. “You’re only a second year. How the hell did you score this position? Daddy give it to you?” I sneered as I watched her head snap back. She couldn’t go to trial with me. All she could do was help organize things, make phone calls, she’d be more of a secretary than anything else.

  She lifted a shoulder as she smirked, “I figured we could figure out this whole baby thing while we worked together. Daddy thinks I could learn a lot from you. Besides, I know what I’m doing. I’m second in my class.” She moved closer and when she reached the chairs on the opposite side of my desk, she slowly lowered herself into one. When she moved to cross her legs, she made sure to take extra time and draw my attention to her as much as she could. “I went to the doctor last week. They took some pictures of the baby. Would you like to see?”

  “No,” I shook my head as I began shuffling through the papers again. I didn’t want to believe that this baby was mine, and I was going to keep those thoughts until she proved me wrong.

  “You’re an ass,” she grumbled as she shifted in the chair.

  “I’ve always been like this. You knew this when you started sleeping with me. That thing,” I pointed to her belly, “may not even be mine. I don’t want anything to do with it until you show me some proof that it’s mine.”

  Her face morphed into something I hadn’t seen before as she shot up from her seat, leaned across my desk, and slapped me across the face. I cupped my cheek as I stared daggers at her.

  “You fucking asshole,” she growled. “I may be easy, but you are the only man who I let stick your dick in me bare. How dare you!” She slammed her palms down on my desk. “When I prove this baby is yours, and believe me I will, you’re gonna help me. I’m not doing this alone.” She turned and, before I could argue with her, stormed out of my office.

  IT WAS THE next day before Chrissi decided to come back and work with me. I could tell that our encounter from the day before was still fresh on her mind. I wasn’t sure what to think of it. She seemed different. She wasn’t as forward as she usually was, and didn’t talk about anything other than the case.

  “We need the files from the PI they hired,” I mumbled as I chewed the end of the pen I was holding. Chrissi was sitting opposite me at my desk. She had a notepad in her lap and taken notes since she came in.

  “Ok,” she sighed as she jot
ted down a reminder. “Anything else. I was hoping to go to lunch soon.” As soon as she said the words, her stomach growled. “Sorry,” her hand flew to her stomach as embarrassment washed over her face.

  “We don’t have time for lunch.” I reached in the bottom drawer of my desk and grabbed a protein bar. I kept a box in there for days like today. I tossed it at her, and then returned to the task at hand.

  “I need food Ty,” she rolled her eyes as she looked at it.

  “That’s food.” I pointed to it. “Eat.”

  “The baby needs food.” She shook her head in annoyance. “You may not want to hear about this, but I don’t keep much of my breakfast down. I need to eat small meals throughout the day. I’m not skipping lunch for a case. The client can wait an hour while I feed this baby.” She set the pad of paper on the edge of my desk as she slowly stood. She wobbled slightly, but steadied herself before moving toward the door. “I’ll be back in like thirty minutes. You want anything?” She turned to look at me before opening the door.

  “I’m fine,” I mumbled as I continued to stare at the papers in front me like they had all the answers. This was a tough case. I couldn’t believe that Henry had enough faith in me to let me essentially fly solo. The client that we’d taken on was being charged with embezzlement. He says he didn’t do it and is a victim of identity theft. My issue is I have to prove it. Everything we’ve found that could help us has led to a dead end. I spent most of the night here going over all the evidence. Chrissi has been working with me today, and we’ve met with two different witnesses that support us. After looking at the charges though, I know that I’ve got an uphill battle to win this case.

  THE DAY MIA came back to the city was one of the craziest days I’ve had in a long time. I had to go into the office extra early, and I had practically spent the night there the day before. I was in no mood to put up with anyone’s BS that day, but no one seemed to get the memo on that one. Henry had been on my back all morning, and Chrissi had been in a bad mood. She wouldn’t tell me what it was, but I had a pretty good idea that she was mad at me. The glares I was getting from her said that she hated me at the moment.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” I narrowed my eyes at her. I was sitting at the corner table in my office looking at several documents. She was pacing the small space, and every once in a while, she would stop and look out the window. It was evening, and we were some of the last people here.

  “What do you care?” she snapped as she started to move again.

  “Despite what you think, I do care.” I shook my head as I balled up the paper I’d been writing on and tossed toward the trashcan hoping to make a basket.

  “You’ve made it perfectly clear that you don’t care about this baby. I’ve done more than I promised to. I haven’t said a thing to Daddy, yet you ignore me. Don’t you care about me, Ty? Even a little?” She turned to face me. “I feel like crap most days. My regular clothes don’t fit me anymore. This baby is making me crazy. My hormones are off the charts. I’m horny as hell, and you haven’t stopped by one time.”

  “I’m not going to either,” I mumbled as I rubbed my brow. “I need to talk to you about that.” I leaned back in the chair I was sitting in and placed one ankle on top of the other knee. “I have a girlfriend, Chrissi. I’m not sleeping with you anymore.” She started to say something, but I cut her off. “We broke up years ago, but reconnected during my visit home. I told you when this started that it was supposed to be no strings.” I watched her face turn red as she sputtered and stewed in the corner of my office. “Tell your father. I don’t care,” I muttered as I turned away from her. Nothing she said was going to make me walk away from Mia.

  “Ty.” When she turned to face me, her eyes were filled with tears. “How can you just walk away?”

  “I don’t love you. I’m sorry, but I told you when this started that I wasn’t looking for love. I wanted sex. You gave me that. I didn’t and don’t want more,” I shrugged. “Are you going to tell your dad?”

  She sucked in a deep a breath before she slowly shook her head. “He’ll make me leave the firm. I’ll never have a chance to become one of his top lawyers. I won’t tell him.” She wiped at her eyes before she moved to stand by my door. She put her hand on the knob before murmuring, “I need to go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yeah. See ya tomorrow,” I nodded without looking at her. “Hey, Chrissi?” I called causing her to pause. “I’ll help with money for the baby. I know I owe you that much. I’ll pay half of whatever your expenses are.”

  “I don’t want your money, Ty.” She sounded so monotone and broken. “I just wanted you, but obviously I’m not going to get that.”

  I glanced up just in time to see her disappear down the hall. I hated seeing women cry, even Chrissi. I was grateful that she wasn’t going to say anything, but honestly I wouldn’t put it past her to tell her dad if she got mad enough. Chrissi had a temper, and when she got upset, she didn’t think or act logically. I needed to stay out of her crosshairs and keep my nose clean.

  After rubbing my hands down my face and realizing that it was late, and there was no chance of taking Mia out to dinner like I had wanted too, I sent her a text.

  TyObject: Got stuck at the office. Can’t go out tonight. So happy UR back though.

  Ballerina Girl: ok.

  Ballerina Girl: Wanna come over and watch a movie?

  TyObject: Really tired. Maybe tomorrow.

  Ballerina Girl: Doc apt tomorrow

  TyObject: Late? I’ll bring dinner.

  Ballerina Girl: ok

  I stared at my phone as the seconds ticked by. These answers of ok were driving me nuts. I wasn’t sure if she really meant that she was fine, or if she was mad at me. I couldn’t understand why she would be mad. I knew that me not taking her out after us being apart for over a week was a bummer, but I didn’t think she’d get pissed. She had to understand that I was working, and like her, I took my job seriously.

  I huffed as I picked up the papers I’d been staring at for hours and placed them in a neat pile. I stood from the table, grabbed my files, and placed them on my desk. After gathering my briefcase, I locked my door, and made my way to the underground parking garage. I usually didn’t drive to work. Most of the time I took cabs, but today I’d had to meet with a client in the morning off site.

  After climbing in my car, I looked at my phone again hoping that Mia would text me back with something like an I missed you, but no such luck. I tossed my things on the passenger seat, cranked the car, and turned the heat on full blast. The city didn’t get snow like Cherryville, but the temps were just as cold. At that moment I wished it wasn’t so late. I’d love to crawl into bed with Mia and snuggle under the warm covers. Stopping by her place now though without taking her on a date would be all kinds of wrong. No, I needed to take her out and show her how far I’d come since we were together.

  I’d take her to some fancy restaurant with linens and candles. I’d get her the best dish they had, and then I’d tell her how much I cared about her. We’d come back to my place and I’d turn on the gas fireplace. I’d wrap my arms around her as I kissed her sweetly before slowly undressing us. I’d make her putty in my hands as I kissed and caressed every part of her body. We’d make love slowly and passionately right there on the couch in my living room. I’d watch as her body bent to my every whim until she finally gave into the pleasure. I’d make her beg for more as she screamed my name over and over until the stars faded and made way for the early morning rays of sun.

  As the fantasy built in my head, my dick grew harder and harder telling me I needed to stop thinking about her or he was going to make my night a long one. I squeezed him through my dress slacks, trying to alleviate some of the pressure as I pulled into my parking space at my apartment. I hadn’t beat off in years. I always had women waiting in line to pleasure me, but ever since Mia had decided that she was going to give me a chance, I’d been going without. If I didn’t get
some relief soon, I’d be dealing with the same embarrassing situations I used to have as a teenager. I wanted Mia, but I needed her to want me just as fiercely.

  “Down boy,” I growled as I cut the engine, grabbed my things, and made my way inside. I practically ran up the steps to my apartment hoping not to see anyone or have them see me. The last thing I wanted to do was have any of my female neighbors knocking on my door offering to help me take care of my problem.

  IT FELT GOOD being back. I didn’t think I’d miss the city as much as I did, but when I stepped off the train this afternoon, a sense of peace washed over me. It was like this was where I was meant to be. I missed my family, don’t get me wrong, but the hustle and bustle of city life was something I craved. I’ve dreamed since I was a little girl of getting out of Cherryville. I always saw myself living in a big city, and I’ve done pretty well for myself. After leaving Ty and moving to Chicago, I was back.

  When I got home today I was surprised there weren’t any calls or texts from Ty. He had told me the other day he wasn’t that busy and wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate my homecoming. I had been so excited that I spent the afternoon preparing for the outing. I’d spent the day pampering myself. I soaked in the tub, curled my hair, picked out a really pretty sweater dress, and was currently sitting on the couch waiting to hear from Ty. When my phone finally dinged alerting me of a text, I nearly jumped in the air.

  I fumbled with the phone as my finger swiped across the screen bringing it to life.

  TyObject: Got stuck at the office. Can’t go out tonight. So happy UR back though.

  I frowned as I stared at the message. I understood that he had to work, but I’d thought we had plans. His message sounded so cold, and I wondered if this was the Ty I was going to be dealing with now that we were back and away from Cherryville.

  I sighed deeply as I unzipped the dress boot that was on my good foot. I toed it off and flopped back against the couch cushions behind me before messaging him back.