Tom smiled and raised his face and hands to the ceiling.
“Hallelujah! It’s about time. What the hell took you so long? So tell me, what’s the plan for getting back into baby doll’s good graces?”
“I’m simply going to tell her the truth Tom. That I’ve been a fool. That I’m miserable without her and Lauren. That I’ve come to my senses and that nothing in this world is more important to me than her and Lauren’s happiness. I can only hope I’m not too late.”
“So what are you doing here? Go find her! She was on her way back home when I saw her at the courthouse. Peter said they’d see me tonight at the Mayor’s shindig.”
“In that case I better get going and dig up my invitation, go rent a tux and finish some long overdue shopping.”
Tom slapped Ian heartily on the back as Ian fled the office. If all went well, tonight would be the end of eleven years of fooling himself into thinking his career was more important than a life with the woman he loved.
***
Ian arrived at the Mayor’s party and had no trouble spotting Alex. She and Peter were standing next to Mayor Addison and his wife. Alex was exquisite in a backless, silk emerald green gown that was held up by tiny spaghetti straps. The dress clung to every curve and what wonderful curves. No one would ever guess that body had bore a child just three short months ago. Ian shook his head. It had been nearly a year since he held her sweet naked body next to his. Massaged and suckled those luscious breasts. How had he resisted her for that long? Not any more. Tonight he hoped he would break his year long celibacy. Even the luscious Jennifer had not been successful in luring Ian to bed. She wasn’t Alex. The woman he had loved nearly his entire life. The thought of bedding any woman other than Alex disgusted him. He had finally understood that he couldn’t live without her love. Career be damned. Ian patted his recent purchase in his coat pocket and started to make a beeline for Alex when the Mayor suddenly called everyone to attention.
“Attention everyone. Attention everyone. Please I’d like to make an announcement. I have some wonderful news.”
The Mayor raised a glass of champagne and beamed at Peter and Alex. Alex’s face was tinted pick and she was shuffling nervously next to Peter who had his arm securely around her waist. Alex smiled sweetly at Peter and Peter was positively glowing. Ian’s stomach sank. When everyone had quieted down Mayor Addison continued with his speech.
“I’m sure the happy couple here wasn’t expecting this but I have taken it upon myself to announce that they soon will become husband and wife.”
Applause and words of congratulation rang out from the entire room. Ian froze trying to restrain his emotions. He noticed that not only were people offering their congratulations but they were also staring at him, waiting for his reaction.
This couldn’t be happening. Ian wouldn’t let it happen. Was she crazy? Was she for real? How could Alexandra deny the feelings between them and agree to marry Peter? How could she agree to marry that...that, damn it! Why wouldn’t she want to marry a great guy like Peter? Maybe it would be best to accept her marriage to Peter and let her move on with her life and be happy. Ian wanted Alexandra to be happy.
Alexandra caught Ian’s gaze across the room. Her lips quivered as she forced them into a smile. Alex could see the anger in his eyes and the hurt? Did she see hurt in his eyes? No, he wouldn’t be hurt. Not the indestructible Ian Foster. Disappointed maybe that his long-lasting fling had finally ended but no one could hurt Ian. He didn’t allow that. Ian never allowed himself to care about anyone deeply enough to be hurt by them. She forced herself to turn away from his glare. She hugged Peter’s arm and joined his conversation with Mayor Addison and his wife.
Ian had to do something. People were waiting for his reaction and he didn’t want to make a scene. He would offer his congratulations but that would not be the end of it. This was a set back for sure but he wasn’t giving up his daughter and the love of his life without a fight. He was finally able to get his legs to move and made his way towards Alex.
Suddenly, Alex felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t have to look to know it was Ian.
“Excuse me Mayor, Mrs. Addison. Peter, may I borrow your fiancé for a few minutes?” Ian asked.
“Sure,” Peter said reluctantly. “But only for a few minutes and please tell me you don’t intend to discuss business. This is the happiest day of my life and I don’t want to be a part from Alex any longer than necessary.”
Ian couldn’t help but want to smack that arrogant look off of Grainger’s face.
“No, no business at all. I just need to talk to her a bit about Lauren.” Take that Grainger. “And by the way Peter, congratulations. You’re a lucky man.”
“Thank you Ian. Believe me. I know just how lucky I am.”
Peter kissed Alex gently on the lips and released her to Ian’s care. Ian smoldered.
Ian guided Alexandra by the elbow onto the verandah. She could feel curious eyes boring into their backs as they stepped outside. The night was clear and the breeze was gentle and cool. Alex welcomed the feel of the wind against her tense body. The candles that lined the wall of the verandah softly flickered and their scent put her slightly at ease. She knew she had to have this conversation with Ian but she had hoped it wouldn’t have to be tonight in public. As Ian turned Alex to face him her heart jumped. She hoped his touch would not always have that effect on her. Peter was a good man and she hoped his devotion to her would lead her to love him too and forget her infatuation with Ian.
Alex saw the anger flash into Ian’s eyes as she faced him.
“Well, wasn’t that quite the surprise? Congratulations. Peter’s a wonderful man. I’m sure you’ll be very happy. Since you didn’t warn me about your pending engagement I was wondering if we might be together for one last time. Sort of a bittersweet good-bye.”
Alex’s mouth parted in astonishment and her eyes glazed with tears. Ian immediately regretted the remark but he had wanted to hurt her the way she had just hurt him. He could see he had succeeded.
Finally, able to speak, Alex answered softly.
“Wow, Ian. Just what I meant to you and what you think of me was all summed up in that disgusting little request. I don’t think I wish to stay here and be insulted any longer. Goodnight Ian, and good-bye.” Alex turned on wobbly legs and walked back towards the party. She stopped abruptly and twirled around to face Ian with tear filled eyes.
“You know how I feel about you but you’ve ignored me for months. You’ve been sporting about town with Jennifer without a care about how it made me feel or how humiliated I must be knowing everyone is wondering what’s wrong with me that you would get me pregnant and not marry me. Hell, just the fact that we’ve dated for over 10 years and you’ve dumped me repeatedly is enough for people to talk. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to see what a selfish person you are. Your precious career is your life and I accept that now. But what I don’t understand is why you are so angry about my engagement to Peter. You certainly don’t love me or want to marry me. It’s all because some one has stolen your toy from you, isn’t it? You’re just like a spoiled child. You won’t have me at your beck and call any more and that’s what has got you so mad. Stay away from me Ian Foster. Go make all your dreams come true without me just like you’ve always planned on doing. You don’t need to worry about me or Lauren any more. Peter will take good care of us.”
“Make no mistake Alex. I’ll be taking care of my daughter. Not Grainger!”
Alex turned and stormed back to Peter’s side.
***
Ian let her go. Why had he been such an ass?! He had wanted to talk some senseinto Alexandra and show her what a mistake she was making and that she should be marrying him. Instead his anger took control and he insulted and hurt her in a way he never thought he could. Damn! Ian knew he had to fix this. He had to make her understand that he had finally come to his senses. She couldn’t leave him. He would make her see that. He would win her back. Damn it he ne
eded her! He loved her. Now that he was finally ready to make a commitment and admit to the world that he was in love with Alexandra McKinney Morgan she belonged to someone else. Ian patted the ring in his pocket once again. The ring was going on Alex’s finger but just a little later than he had planned.
Chapter 19
Ian had decided that he wanted happily ever after with Alexandra. He only hoped that this realization had not come too late. Deep in thought, Ian entered the courthouse and literally bumped into Peter.
“Hello, Ian. Looked like you were lost in your own little world there. Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Excuse me Peter. You’re right. I was a little preoccupied. Will what you have to say take long? I have a hearing in fifteen minutes.”
Peter Grainger was the last person Ian wanted to talk to right now.
“No, Ian. This shouldn’t take too long but I feel we need to talk. We need to clear the air between us regarding Alexandra.”
Hesitantly, Ian agreed.
“Sure Peter. Let’s take the conference room across the hall here.”
Ian led the way and flipped on the lights. Ian’s memory took him back to the last time he had been in this room with Alex. The way he had brought Alex so quickly to climax. How delicious her moist skin had tasted. Ian felt himself start to go hard and quickly turned his thoughts back to Peter.
Ian knew what was coming. He had anticipated this speech from Peter. The ‘She’s My Girl Now So Keep Your Hands Off’ speech.
Peter cleared his throat and paced the room obviously uncomfortable with what he had to say.
“Ian this is very difficult for me to discuss with you because we’ve been friends since high school. I consider you a friend and I admire your work immensely. But Ian what I don’t admire is how I’ve watched you put Alex through hell for years.”
Ian started to speak but Peter cut him off with a wave of his hand.
“Please Ian. Don’t say anything until I’ve gotten this all out. Let me say what I have to say and I’ll let you have your turn.”
“Very well Pete. Go on.”
So far Peter hadn’t said anything Ian could argue with any way.
“I’ve watched you hurt Alex so many times I’ve lost count. I don’t know what you discussed with her at the Mayor's party but she was very upset when she returned. I’ve seen how you’ve treated her and disappointed her ever since high school. I want you to know Ian that that will stop and it stops now.”
Peter tried very hard to control the anger that had built up all these years towards Ian but he could feel it about to boil over.
“I am asking you to stay away from Alex for her sake and mine and Lauren’s. She has agreed to be my wife and I intend to make her happy and forget all about you. But that will be kind of hard if you keep badgering her.”
Peter stopped pacing, shoved his hands in his pockets, balled into fists, and looked Ian fiercely in the eyes.
“That was a very nice speech Petey. Are you through?”
“Yes Ian I am. I hope I’ve made my point.”
“Yes Pete I’d say you have. But I’d like to remind you of some things. Number one, Alex’s work and my work will undoubtedly bring us together on more occasions then it would seem agreeable to you. That’s just the way it is unless you decide to lock her in a dungeon. Number two, Alex is a grown woman who makes her own decisions. Neither you nor I can make those decisions for her and if she wants to stay away from me she will. Number three, Alex is the mother of my baby. Mine. Not yours. That will always bring us together. Number four, I want you to know that when you first announced your engagement for only one second I was prepared to graciously step aside and let you take my family away from me. I love Alexandra and I am determined to fight for her and my child. And whether you’d like to admit it or not Pete, even though you beat me to the punch with the engagement, you are the underdog here and I will win her back. Now I’m finished.”
Peter couldn’t believe his ears. The arrogant bastard was still after Alex even though she had agreed to marry him.
“Foster you are the most conceited bastard I know. I had hoped we could remain friends since it’s inevitable that we will be working together. But Ian if war is what you want, you’ve got it. I won’t let you try to win Alex back just for the sport of it, to prove that you’re the one she truly loves then dump her for the first blonde bombshell that comes along. I’m not a fool Ian. As much as I hate to admit it I know that you’re the man she loves now. But she loves me too Ian and we have a very special bond. Once she’s married to me she will never betray me. She’s got far too much integrity to fool around on her husband. Especially a husband who’s her best friend. She’ll learn to love me as she loves you now Foster. Especially when our first baby comes along. Those are bonds between us you won’t ever be able to break you pompous son-of-a-bitch.”
“Well, I see you’ve thought this out all so well haven’t you buddy? All this talk about bonds is so true Pete. Alex and I have shared our own bonds together since kindergarten. We were best friends once too for many years. We were each other’s first kiss in junior high. She gave me her virginity in high school and, correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think I am, I’m the only man she’s ever made love to. We have special bonds too Pete. Special bonds you can’t even imagine and I won’t embarrass you by going into detail. But I want you to ask yourself this. Every time you’re with her, making love to her, ask yourself if it’s you she’s making love to or is it me?”
Ian wasn’t surprised when Pete’s fist connected with his jaw. He’d expected it and deserved it. But if he was going to succeed in breaking Pete and Alex apart he had to put the seed of doubt in Pete’s mind and feed the jealousy that was eating Peter alive. Peter’s nostrils flared with anger and Ian could tell he found it hard to stop with one blow.
“You are one hell of a son-of-a-bitch and I will never understand what Lexie ever saw in you.”
“Sees in me Petey. What Alex sees in me. I hope you feel better Pete. I’ll let you have that punch because I know I deserved it because I deliberately provoked you. But the gloves are off now Pete. I intend to make Alex mine. You can roll over and accept the inevitable or fight me. Believe me; I’m up for a good fight.”
“Well a fight is what you got Foster. And don’t worry Foster. I’ll take good care of your child for you. Lauren will never have to know what a bastard you are.”
Peter stormed out of the conference room and through the courthouse doors to some fresh air. He could hardly breathe he was so consumed with anger. Anger and doubt. Ian was right. Alex and he had a long history together; especially a sexual history and they had a child together. Hell, he’d never even gotten to first base with Alex. That was going to change and change soon. She was his fiancée now. Didn’t he have a right to expect more from her in that area now? Didn’t he have a right to demand some kind of affection from Alex? If he was ever going to win Alex’s love and stave off Ian he was going to have to make some strides in the bedroom with Alex and he would start tonight.
***
Back at the office, Alex greeted Peter’s return with a warm smile as he entered her office. She could tell something was troubling him.
“How did your hearing go Peter?” she asked.
“Fine. Just fine,” he said as he bent over to kiss Alex hello.
“Okay, so what’s wrong? You don’t look happy.”
Alex spotted the bruises forming on Peter’s knuckles and gently raised his hand to inspect it.
“And what in the world did you do to your hand?”
Peter sat down on the corner of her desk not sure how to approach this subject with Alex. She had made it very clear to him when she had accepted his proposal that she was not yet ready for a physical relationship. But damn it he was only human and he had waited for her for so long.
“Lex, I don’t know where to start. You’re right. I’m not happy. I’m engaged to the most wonderful, gorgeous woman in the world but she�
�s never even kissed me properly.”
“Peter I...”
“No, Alex let me finish. You know how attracted I am to you, how much I want you, and I know you were honest with me that it may be awhile before you were ready for a physical relationship, but Alex I’m going crazy! Honey, I need to know how much longer you expect me to wait. I’m not getting any sleep. I’m up all night fantasizing about making love to you. About you making love to me. Damn it Alex I don’t even know what it’s like to kiss you other than a simple peck on the lips. Give me that much Alex, please!”
Alex knew their relationship had been building to the point where she could no longer deny Peter. He had been so patient and understanding. More than she could possibly ask of any man. He was right. They were engaged to be married. She couldn’t keep him at arms length for too much longer. It wasn’t fair to Peter. And she hadn’t exactly been truthful to Peter. It wasn’t that she wasn’t ready for a physical relationship. It was that she was not ready for a physical relationship with Peter. She wanted Ian. Dreamed of Ian every night. Remembered how easily he pleasured her and brought her to such glorious climaxes. Her first time with Peter she wanted to be ready for only Peter. She was afraid if she made love to Peter now before she was over Ian she would be wishing she was with Ian. That’s not what Peter deserved but how could she explain that to him without hurting his feelings? It was time to simply grow up and give Peter what he needed. It was her job now to make Peter happy if she was going to be his wife.
“Peter I know. I understand and you’re right. I haven’t been fair to you. I’m just a little scared. I want things to work out for us so badly. I’m afraid starting a physical relationship will disappoint you. I don’t want to ruin the way things are. I don’t want our relationship to be based on sex. I want more. I know what it’s like to have an affair with a man who could give me nothing but a physical relationship and I don’t want that again. Surely you can understand that Peter.”
The Ten Year Affair Page 14