“But it isn’t okay. Hearing stories like these leave me feeling upset and angry. No child should be living on the streets, just like no woman should live in fear of violence against them. When is our society going to realise that just because they live behind rose-coloured glasses, doesn’t mean everyone else does? Sorry. I blame the hormones. They’re still all over the place.”
“Don’t apologise to us because you’re passionate about the cause. Our passion is what has brought us all together.”
Jess smiles. It’s true a meeting of chance between us and our passion has brought us together, and I’m sure a solid friendship will be formed between the four of us.
“Okay, let’s discuss my plans and then we can go over the big event at the end of the football season” Libby says confidently.
Football event!
I glance at Jess and she shrugs her shoulders.
Libby either doesn’t notice our questioning glances or chooses to ignore them and carries on talking. “Four weeks this coming Saturday night, we will host a fundraising event at the hotel. This will be an invitation, ticket only event. We can accommodate two hundred and fifty people. My chefs will put out an incredible four or five course meal, we’ll have dancing, and you two will both give a speech about the charities the event is for.”
Jess and I look at each other.
“Don’t you dare tell me no. The main event of the evening will be a charity auction to raise funds. I’ve already got my dad on this for marketing and I know that between all of us, and partners and family, we have the right connections to have all tickets gone within
a week.”
“You really don’t mess around, do you?” Julie says.
“No, I don’t. I’ve spoken to Alex and I want to do this to help. I’ve heard how passionate you are and that’s inspiring. You both lead busy lives, yet you’re still finding the time to help others. You’ve put me to shame.”
“Me too,” Julie pipes up.
“Libby, you have the hotel to run and three kids. And Julie, the hours you work, you’re lucky if you have time to do anything else.”
“Stop! Don’t make excuses for us,” Julie says.
“I’m not.”
“Ella, you don’t understand. If it wasn’t for you and Jess, would I be sitting here now? The answer is no. And you’ll want to know why I want to help. The reason is quite simple, and I’m sure Julie will agree with me; the passion you have rubs off on others. You make everything look so easy.”
“It’s anything but,” I reply.
“Yes, I get that. After sitting in the hotel and hearing your story and watching you live your life in the public eye. And now, tonight hearing about Jack, I totally understand. I’m on board with you to help where I can, and Ella, you have Alex’s backing one hundred and ten percent. Now, with that being said, Jess, I know you’ve helped organise end of season charity events at the club. Alex has already spoken to Peter about this year’s football match being a little, shall we say, different.”
The three of us stare at Libby, wondering what the hell she’s on about. Well, I have an idea. Alex mentioned the football event when we all met.
“Here’s the thing. Fletcher already has his football team and the club have already said that money raised on the day is for the charity.” This isn’t news to any of us. So where is she going with this story. “So, how can we make more money for the charities? Simple. We get the match televised, not just in Scotland.”
“And why?” I ask, trying hard to follow where she’s going with this.
“Because people would pay money to watch sexy footballers play against equally sexy A-list celebs. I’m talking the cream of Hollywood.”
Jess and I look at each other, I’m sure with the same puzzled expression, before we both slowly smile.
“That is amazing,” Julie says with enthusiasm.
“I can’t take the credit for this one. Alex has already done most of the ground work. And with my dad’s connections and Trevor’s in the business side of things, I’m certain you will pull this off.”
I’m not quite sure what to say.
“Ella, say something.”
“Tell me what I need to do.”
The smile on Libby’s face is contagious. “Your first job, along with Jess, will be to hold a press conference, telling the world the plans, and then you’re in charge of getting a team together. My dad, Alex, and I’m sure Trevor, can all handle the PR side of things. Peter has ensured me the club will handle ticket sales and everything else to do with a football match.”
“You really are organised,” Jess says.
“Well, Alex is.”
We sit, laughing and drinking. Talk changes from the events and charities to everyday stuff; men, sex, or lack of it as Julie pointed out. Jess said she knows more than a few single men, all of them footballers. Julie’s eyes lit up when Jess suggested she would set her up on a date.
“What about Callum?” I blurt out after having a few too many glasses of wine. It’s a good job I’m not on set until lunchtime tomorrow.
“Been there, tried that. We’re better off as friends.”
I stare at my friend. “When?”
“A few years ago. We went out on a few dates. But it was strange. He’s your brother and one of my closest friends, and we decided we’d be better staying as friends.”
I’m not sure Callum feels the same. I’ve seen the look on his face when they’re together.
The front door opens and closes. Connor is home. He went out with Michelle and the charity tonight. I felt guilty because I couldn’t go.
I lift my eyes and he’s standing in the doorway, looking mighty fine. I sigh.
“Evening, ladies. Looks like you’ve all had fun.”
I hear a low rumbling laugh. I turn my head and Julie is covering her mouth with her hand. “What?” I ask.
“Just you, and that dreamy noise you make every time you see him. It’s funny. But I don’t get it. He’s okay to look at, but that’s it,” she says smirking.
Cheeky bitch. If she wasn’t my best friend and I didn’t think she was teasing, I’d probably be throwing her out of my house.
“She’ll get it eventually when she finds the one. Every time you lay eyes on them, your heart skips a beat,” Libby says with a smile full of warmth, and I know she’s thinking of Alex.
“Just being near your other half makes you feel calm and content,” Jess adds.
“Oh, please. You three must be drunker than me,” Julie says, standing up. “Taxi for Mathews and Adams before they say anymore mushy stuff and make me sick.”
Connor strolls into the room and sits beside me. I throw my arms around his neck. “Miss me?” he asks. Julie makes a horrible boaking sound and I could happily throttle my friend right now.
“Yes, I did, but how’s Jack?”
He feigns a look of being wounded, but I know he’s teasing. “Jack is okay. He was worried about you not being there. He thought you were ill, then thought he’d upset you in some way. I told him you were busy working on a few things for the charity and that you’d see him tomorrow.”
I turn away from him and my body quivers. I take a deep, pained breath and close my eyes. Images of a disappointed Jack filter through my mind.
“See that look right there,” says Libby, and I open my eyes. “That is a look of someone so committed to what they’re doing. That helpless, guilty feeling spreading through you . . . lose it now. You are doing far more than you know.”
“Maybe, but it’s still not enough.”
“When will it be enough?”
“When I have Jack off the streets and where he belongs. With someone who’ll love him and care for him.” Connor squeezes my hand now I’m no longer clinging to him.
“You mean with you?” Jess states, and as she says it, I realise that’s what I want. Stupid, I know. What do I really know about him? Not a lot. But I do know he doesn’t deserve the hand he’s been dealt in life.
&n
bsp; I know absolutely nothing about bringing up a child, let alone a young teenager.
“Watch this space,” says Jess, standing. She sways lightly on her feet. “Julie, have you called a taxi?”
“Yes, and we can leave these two alone to do whatever.”
“Whatever?” I question Connor. He smirks and nods. Whatever works for me.
Libby gathers up the papers from the table, putting them back in her briefcase. Connor and I walk them out when the taxi arrives.
“Ella, thanks for having us,” Jess says, kissing me on the cheek. “I know you and I have a lot to do. I’ll give you a call late tomorrow night after you’ve been out.”
“Tonight has been fun, and yes, phone and we can make a start on things.”
Jess steps to the side and Libby hugs me as though her life depends on it. “You are a remarkable woman. Don’t ever change for anyone. And with regards to Jack, you have to go with your heart. Speak to you soon.”
“Well, you, my friend, are full of surprises. I love you and everything you stand for. I’ll do whatever I can to help, you know that don’t you?” Julie’s grip on me is fierce.
“Yes, I know that. Now, go on and get home. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. I love you.” Connor wraps his arms around my waist, his head resting on my shoulder, and we watch them all get into the waiting taxi.
“I think you and me need to talk,” he says as we go inside, closing the door behind us.
“Can talking wait until tomorrow? I liked the sound of whatever.”
“I like the sound of whatever too.” He sweeps me up in his arms, throwing me over his shoulders in a fireman’s lift.
“The lights!” I squeal as he takes to the stairs.
“I’ll get them after I’ve taken care of my woman.”
I STAND IN THE MIDDLE of our bedroom, where he so delicately put me down. He’s standing before me, watching, eyes popping, and smiling. I’m bad. I’ve not even asked him how the rest of his day on set went. He had a few more scenes than me to shoot today, which meant I was away from the set long before him. And as far as I’m aware, he went straight to the shelter.
“Do you know how much I want you?” he asks, placing his hands on my hips. My nipples harden and I’m sure he sees them through my top. His gaze shifts from my face and, slowly, he casts his eyes over my body.
“Yes,” I say breathlessly. “Because I want you just as bad.”
“Hmm, I can see that.” He runs his tongue along his bottom lip. I close my eyes momentarily before loosening my top, taking it off and allowing it to fall weightlessly to the floor. Next, I reach around my back, unfastening the clasp on my bra. I keep my eyes on his as I remove the bra.
From the mischievous look in his eyes, and the wicked smile on his face, I can presume he’s happy with what he sees.
I unfasten the button on my trousers, shimmy them down to my hips, and they fall to the floor. I’m standing in only my lace underwear. I place my hands on the waistband. “Leave them,” he says, dropping to his knees.
A delightful shiver of want runs through my body as the intensity of his gaze upon me grows.
He reaches out and pauses for a long, drawn out moment, before pulling the waistband down and sliding my knickers down my legs. I step out of them and take a step closer to him. He slides his hands up the inside of my legs, spreading them a little further apart. Then he’s right there, parting me with his fingers. “You’re wet,” he murmurs. I close my eyes, unable to watch my man kneeling, still fully clothed, on the floor in front of me.
He slides one finger carefully inside me, pulling out before thrusting two back in to me. I cry out. My back arches and I swallow hard as he thrusts into me harder. I grip his shoulders tightly.
I’m moaning and panting, my hips moving shamelessly as he continues to thrust his fingers into me. I’m completely naked and should feel an ounce of embarrassment, but I don’t. I’ve never been so turned on.
My breathing comes in a fast rush when his tongue connects, teasing me. In this moment, he owns me completely. I throw my head back as he licks and sucks. My legs weaken at the knees, and if he keeps this up, it’s only a matter of time before they give way and I fall to a heap on the floor.
With my body quaking, I come hard, every tender muscle tightening around his thrusting fingers. I cry out, gasping his name.
He removes his fingers and takes hold of my hips, holding me steady. He kisses my stomach before rising to his feet. I open my eyes and he looks pretty pleased with himself.
“Happy?” I nod because I’m incapable of words. “Good, but I’m nowhere near done with you. You are mine, all night long, or as long as you can keep your eyes open.”
The last part might be where we have a problem, but I smile and kiss his lips. “I’m yours,” I whisper.
I look over my shoulder, my eyes going to the bed we’ve made ours. I take a step back and then another. For each step I take, Connor takes a step toward me. The back of my legs touch the bed and I gently ease myself down. I slide up to the centre of the bed. “You’re still dressed,” I say, watching him.
He undresses quickly and I’ve barely got my breath back when he’s crawling up the middle of the bed, spreading my legs until he’s hovering above me, hands either side of my shoulders. The scent of sex fills the air around us. “You’re so perfect, Ella.”
He dips his head, his lips meeting mine, kissing me deeply, sliding his tongue into my mouth, teasing and coaxing. Everything about Connor lights up my world, from the look in his eyes when he thinks I don’t see him watching me, to the way he makes me feel in moments like this.
I run my hands through his hair, tugging lightly. His hand slides down and up my body as his lips move, and he nibbles and licks just below my earlobe.
I gasp when he thrusts deep inside me. The connection we share is way more intense in moments like this. It’s like a drug, completely and utterly addictive, and it’s one I’m more than happy to be addicted to.
I clench around him, gripping tightly, loving the feeling of him inside me. His hips grate against mine and my back arches, rising to meet each thrust. He grips my shoulders hard. I don’t care if he’s marked me.
Light smoulders in his dark brown eyes, almost glowing as they focus on me. The muscles in his arms and chest harden and strain with each thrust, pulling almost out before slamming back into me harder and deeper.
I cry out and hear a low, rumbling sound.
He tightens his hold on my shoulders, thrusting harder. I grab the bed sheets as my core tightens and fire spreads through my veins.
My heart is hammering. His broad shoulders tense. He’s close, and I’m closer to the point of drowning in him. So lost in him. Everything around me darkens and I only see his eyes, the intensity burning brightly.
Our bodies move in an exquisite harmony with each other. We belong together.
My building orgasm takes over in a rush and has me sobbing his name. His hips thrust harder against me as he loses control, his body shuddering and his head thrown back. My entire body is tingling and pulsing, filled with uncontrollable joy.
My world is filled with only Connor Andrews.
He is my everything.
He lets go of my shoulders and rolls off me onto his side, pulling me with him. He kisses the top of my head and I snuggle in, our legs intertwined. I close my heavy eyes.
Tiredness has overcome me.
His deep breathing evens out and the slow rising and fall of his chest is comforting. I can’t describe the love for my man as he holds me protectively, but I always have the perfect night’s sleep in his arms.
Everything always feels so much better when we’re together.
“Ella, are you going to sleep? I have something I need to ask you.” His voice is low but there’s something alarming about it.
“What’s wrong?”
“Has Donovan been in touch today?” My body tenses and I try to prise myself from his hold, but he refuses to release me. Just hearin
g that name has me on edge. My breathing has already quickened.
“No. Why?”
“He messaged me today.”
I stare blankly at the ceiling, trying to anticipate his next words. “His message just said, promise me you’ll take care of her.”
I close my eyes. “And?”
“That was it. I thought he’d been in touch with you. I don’t think you’ll get any more trouble from him.”
I’m not so sure. Trouble and Donovan go together.
“It’s strange.” I inch closer to him again, settling my head on his chest, getting into my favourite sleeping position. “These last few days I’ve been so busy with everything going on in my life, I’d like to say I haven’t given him a thought. But, I’ve been thinking it’s been too quiet. I don’t think it’s the last I’ve heard from him, but on the off chance it is, then I’m relieved. I won’t be angry and I don’t want to hold a grudge.”
“Ella, you don’t need to be understanding.”
“No, I don’t. But I also know that I don’t wish him any harm, even though that’s what he’s wished on me with his antics.”
“You are a better person than me,” he says firmly. “I’m not so sure I can be so forgiving. I won’t make a promise to him, but I will make promises to you. I promise to care for you and to protect you. And I promise to love you forever.”
I lift my head and his gaze is steady. “I’ll always love you.” My voice is barely a whisper against his skin.
I snuggle back into my favourite position, his fingers running through my hair. There’s a smile on my face as I close my eyes.
Tonight, there are no demons from my past. No skeletons in Connor’s closet.
It’s only us.
A future to look forward to together.
“I HAVE SO MUCH TO tell you,” Michelle says, excitement lacing her voice.
“Go on then,” I say as we exit her car, and I already know where our first stop of the evening is from where she’s parked her car. Mack and Jack. And I’m glad, because I missed them last night.
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