Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  “Well, today’s report is rough. She wasn’t happy when I went to work, so she threw a fit with the nurses. But she seems to be settling down now.”

  “Let’s see if we can relax her some more. Mr. Wilcott, I’m Teddy Bruce, and this is my friend, Derek.” Derek squeezes my side excitedly.

  “Please, call me Ed.” He draws the curtain back as we enter the room. “Mama, we’ve got company.”

  Blue eyes open and hesitantly peer at me first then at Derek. She spots my guitar hanging around my neck, and a weak smile illuminates her pale face. Ed raises her bed to slightly sitting, as I take a seat and remove the glass pick from between the strings holding it.

  “Here’s a classic. It’s one of the first songs I ever learned to play.” I strum the opening lines to “Mama He’s Crazy” by The Judds. She watches me play for a bit then closes her eyes. I can see her foot tapping to the song through the sheet, but by the end of it she’s fast asleep.

  I stand and grab my bag, tiptoeing to the door behind Derek who holds it open for me and Ed to walk through. I turn to him with my hand outstretched for him to shake. “Sorry that wasn’t much of a concert for her but thank you for the opportunity to help her rest easily.”

  “She loved it, and now she’s dreaming peacefully, which is exactly what she needs.” He shakes my hand but doesn’t let go immediately. “Teddy, I want you to call me. I’m serious. Set up an appointment with Sarah, my assistant. We’ll talk. You’ve got a crazy talent that I can’t let walk away.”

  “I will.”

  He grins and finally lets go.

  “I look forward to it,” he says before he turns and strides back into his mother’s room.

  I enter Carter’s room floating on cloud nine. Derek high-fives me.

  “Teddy, that was incredible. You are crazy talented.”

  “Thanks. Now I feel sick.” My hand presses against my stomach to calm the butterflies currently going crazy within it.

  “That’s the adrenaline working. You just auditioned for Ed Wilcott in his mother’s hospital room. How awesome and completely insane is that?”

  “It’s too much. All of this. Now. At once.” I hold my hands out, gesturing to Carter and next door. I place my guitar back into the case and secure it.

  “When things are going right, you don’t question the timing. Carter is alive, your music career is about to skyrocket, and your family is back in your life. This is exactly where you belong in this moment. You’re blessed. Ride the wave, because you deserve this.”

  I hug him tightly. “No wonder Carter loves you. You’re a good man with a heart of gold and an intelligent mind. You deserve all the good things in life.”

  “Carter George deserves all the credit for getting that wild hair up his ass to go on an adventure,” Derek blurts out. We both turn and look at him sleeping peacefully.

  “Thank God for Carter George 2.0.”

  Epilogue

  Carter

  * * *

  Fifteen months later

  * * *

  She’s fidgeting in her seat as Kelsea Ballerini reads the nominees for Best New Artist. I pull her hand to my lips and kiss it. “Don’t be nervous, baby. They’re going to call your name. I hope you have your acceptance speech ready.”

  “If they do, just pray I don’t throw up, pee myself, or fall in these heels, Carter.”

  “You’re going to be fine, Teddy Bear. You’re stronger than you know and more talented than you give yourself credit for. Remember the Grand Canyon? That was way worse, and you survived that.”

  She gives me a shaky smile. I want to kiss her worries away but know I can’t since we’re very much in the public eye at that moment. I settle for giving her hand a squeeze. The past year and a half have been a wild ride. Teddy and her father saved my life. Well, everyone saved my life. I’m cancer free. My hair has grown back. And my girl is achieving her dreams. Our life is hectic with her music career and me going back to my company part-time, but it’s so fucking good. I travel most of the time with Teddy, doing my work remotely. She insisted I come with her, and who am I to tell her no? I’m excited for The Ultimate Roadtrip Tour. She and Luke will be touring together. I know the title of the tour will live up to its name.

  The sound of the announcer’s voice pulls me back to the present. I know Teddy is going to win. She’s been hanging in the Billboard top slots for weeks now.

  “And the Grammy-nominated Best New Artist of the Year is…Teddy Bruce.”

  Her song “Rescue Me” starts to play, and the camera zooms in on her reaction. Her face flashes from shock to fear to sheer joy as she jumps from her chair to kiss me. I know I’m the luckiest man alive to have the unconditional love of this amazing woman.

  “Way to go, baby,” I murmur in her ear as my lips brush against her soft skin. “Go get your award.” I want to slap her sexy ass but refrain. Instead, I clap loudly with the rest of the audience. I’ll smack her ass later.

  She makes it up the wide steps and accepts her Grammy. Her voice quivers as she begins her speech—thanking the fans, her parents, and the obligatory managers and record label.

  “There’s one more person I need to thank because without him, I’d still be in Nashville singing at open-mic nights and probably going nowhere. Carter George, when you came into my life, I had nothing. No one. You’ve given me so much. Thank you for rescuing me. I love you.”

  The crowd cheers wildly as she exits the stage. I’m eager to get to her. I know she has to do her rounds for publicity in the back, so I sit in my seat.

  “Girl has some talent,” Luke whispers next to me. “We still on for later?”

  “Hell yeah,” I say with a grin. I have one hell of an after-party planned.

  “I can’t believe I won!” Teddy screeches as I lift her in my arms and twirl her.

  “I can.” I plant a kiss on her red lips which she eagerly returns. “Now let’s get your sexy ass back to my place. The night’s just beginning.”

  She grins at me without protest and lets me escort her to our waiting limo. The moment we’re inside, my hands are all over her. She looks incredible in her slinky, red dress.

  “Carter,” she giggles and gasps as my hands find their way beneath the silky garment.

  “What?” I tease, nipping at her ear as I dip my finger into her warmth. She’s already wet, her breathing ragged. “I don’t see much protest, Teddy Bear.”

  “None,” she moans as I push another finger into her hot center. “I want you.”

  “Mm, baby, you have me,” I growl, tracing hot kisses down her incredibly low neckline.

  “The ride isn’t long, Carter,” she pleads, her fingers tangling in my dark hair.

  “What are you saying?” I tease, leisurely gliding my fingers in and out of her.

  “I’m saying that I want you inside of me.”

  That’s all I need to hear. My cock is already straining against my zipper. I let it free, pushing her dress up and pulling her panties down. She straddles my lap.

  “Oh God,” she moans as I plunge deep into her center. “Carter.”

  “Teddy,” I say her name like a prayer as I pump in and out of her.

  She’s my kind of heaven. So sweet. Hot. Wet. Her back arches, her pussy clamping around my cock. My eyes are practically rolling into the back of my head as we both find our release.

  “I love you,” I say, pressing a tender kiss to her lips as I rest my forehead against hers. “I want to give you so much, Teddy Bear. I promise I will.”

  “You already have,” she whispers, angling her head up so she can kiss me again. My heart soars. This night has been incredible. And it’s only just started.

  Our place is packed.

  “Carter! Teddy!” Derek calls out. I grin and tug Teddy deeper into the room. People are clapping and congratulating her. Even Molly rushes up to her and gives her hand a lick. She responds by giving the dog a good scratching.

  “Everything is ready,” Derek murmurs to me, shoving
a small, velvet box into my hands. “Luke is going to play guitar to the song you wrote. You sing it, man. Then you do your thing.”

  I nod, feeling breathless. It’s now or never. I turn back to Teddy.

  “I have a surprise for you,” I say, brushing my lips along her jaw.

  “Mm, I love surprises.”

  “Liar.”

  She laughs softly, and I give her a gentle squeeze.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  She kisses me again, and it takes all I have to walk away from her. But I know the outcome will be worth it. At least I hope so. I spot her parents moving toward her in the crowd. Even her brother and sister made it out. It warms my heart to see the smile on her face as she rushes to greet them.

  “Sweetheart,” my mother calls out to me. I turn to her. “I have my camera ready. And Ernie is here to photograph.” She points in the direction of the photographer she’s started dating. He’s a nice guy, and I’ve found myself loving his work. It’s just more things that scream this is meant to be.

  “Are you OK?” Mom asks as I adjust my collar.

  “Nervous,” I laugh, running my fingers through my hair. Mom and I are close now. We visit one another often, and she adores Teddy. I couldn’t ask for more. Well, I could. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

  “Don’t be. She loves you.” Mom kisses my cheek before moving back into the crowd. I breathe out to calm myself before finding Luke. Derek already has everything set up for Luke to play.

  “Ready?” Luke grins, grabbing his guitar.

  “Yes,” I nod. I glance out to the crowd of partygoers and see Teddy talking with her family still. Phil and his wife have joined them. This is it.

  “Good evening, everyone!” Luke’s voice booms out. The room goes quiet, the excitement coursing through. Luke also took home an award tonight—Best Country Album. He’s become a bit of a star.

  “First off, I want to thank Carter and Teddy for having us here tonight.”

  The partygoers cheer loudly. Luke grins out at them.

  “Second, I want to say how damn good it is to see Carter George cancer free and living life!”

  More cheers from the guests. I grin out at them, meeting Teddy’s eye. She’s moved to the front and is watching me, confusion on her face.

  “And last, I am honored to have met this man. Carter George, you changed my entire world. And I thank you for it. It’s been a hell of a ride for all of us.”

  He nods at me. It’s hard for me not to shed a tear. I wipe it away quickly and fix a shaky smile on my face.

  “Now, I’m not here tonight to fanboy over Carter.” The crowd laughs and even I crack a grin.

  Luke continues. “I’m here tonight because Carter wrote a song for his beloved Teddy, and he wants to sing it for her. He’s not as big of a songbird as she is, but let’s give him this moment, shall we?”

  People are murmuring and cheering. Some pull their phones out. I hadn’t planned on a live stream but to hell with it. Luke strums his guitar, and I belt out the first verse of the song I wrote for her.

  * * *

  You say I rescued you

  But baby, you rescued me

  Without you in my life

  This life would cease to be

  I know things get hard

  I know things get rough

  I know things can be a bit too much

  But with you by my side

  this life will always be

  perfect enough

  * * *

  I love you with everything I am

  We were meant to be

  Oh, Teddy Bear

  Will you please marry me?

  * * *

  The crowd gasps as my last note rings out and I get to one knee, the velvet box open and poised for her. My eyes remain locked on Teddy’s, as they have been the entire time I’ve been singing. Derek helps her to me. Her trembling hands move to wipe her tears away as I remain kneeling in front of her, mic still in hand.

  “Teddy, you’re a streak of lightning that shot into my dark world. I was sick and dying and hated the man I was. You called me a monster then admitted to your own evils, and we made a pact to unite in our monsterdom. Then and there, I knew I loved you. You never left my side, and in my darkest of days, I told you I wanted to marry you. Nothing has changed. If anything, I want you more. So what do you say, Teddy Bear? Another adventure with me?”

  I hold my breath, waiting for her to speak. She lets out a sob, tears rolling down her cheeks as she nods yes. I let out the breath I’m holding and push the diamond ring onto her shaking fingers before getting to my feet and pulling her in for a hug.

  “I love you, baby,” I say fiercely, holding her tight.

  “I love you too, Carter.” She giggles breathlessly, sniffling, her holding me just as tightly.

  I plant a deep kiss on her tear-soaked lips as the crowd cheers in the background.

  “I think we may have a number one hit.” I grin down at her, breaking away.

  “I couldn’t agree more.”

  And with that, I haul her back into my arms, thanking God for a little bit of karma and a whole lot of Teddy.

  * * *

  The End

  About the Authors

  K.G Reuss is a USA Today and international bestselling author. Contemporary and paranormal romance with a splash of urban fantasy are her favorite genres to write.

  * * *

  She was born and raised in northern Michigan. She currently resides there with her husband, her children, and a few ghosts. K.G. is the author of The Everlasting Chronicles series, Emissary of the Devil series, The Chronicles of Winterset series, and Seven Minutes in Heaven. K.G. is also a contributing author to the Sweetest Obsessions boxed set and the Cursed Lands boxed set.

  * * *

  When K.G. Reuss isn't pursuing her love for reading and writing, she is working in emergency medicine.

  C.M. Lally is a Contemporary romance author, specializing in the Sports romance and Steamy romance sub-genres.

  * * *

  She has always been a bookaholic, often getting lost in the library for hours inside a good romance. She’s in love with happily ever after and often combines her passion for writing with an even deeper love of music. She adores matching strong, bold, and sassy women with the men who can handle them.

  * * *

  She’s a small town girl with big city #sassitude. She resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where life is as unpredictable as the weather and the alpha heroes she adores. If close by, stop for a long chat, some chocolate, and a few laughs. She’s always good for any or all three.

  Hidden Rocco

  Victoria Pinder

  Hidden Rocco

  Copyright©2019

  * * *

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemble to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  Your support of author’s rights is appreciated.

  Published in the United States of America.

  Copyright © 2019 Victoria Pinder Love in a Book

  All rights reserved.

  Created with Vellum

  1

  The tunnel just above underneath the prison smelled like the sewer though it was meant for water disposal
in case of flooding. The walls glistened in a slime.

  Rocco Hellsworth was sure that even if they managed this escape as planned, the stench would be in his bones.

  He glanced behind him.

  Bear, his cell mate, easily carried the plastic garbage bag with clothes they’d acquired months ago and stashed for their escape. He was built like a wrestler on TV, and strong.

  Sweat beaded on his brow as they scrambled half hunched on the slick floor toward the end of the sewer line.

  Freedom. Once Rocco cleared the prison, he would find his mother and convince her to take care of her health.

  Cancer could be treated, but she'd refused because she thought she had nothing left. One dead son and one falsy imprisoned.

  Years of the straight and narrow life hadn’t changed anything when he'd been accused of robbery. He'd taken the rap for his brother, Roger, who had ended up six feet under anyhow, along with their other brother Harry, and no help to their mother.

  Rocco used his butter knife to open the metal screws of the sewer from below.

  His forearms flexed, his lean muscles hard from prison labor, and before that, his life as a Marine. He and Bear yanked backward together.

  A grunt escaped his lips as the screech of the old metal gave way. Fresh night air from outside wafted into his nostrils.

  Freedom smelled sweeter than sewage.

  He swallowed, afraid to hope, as he slapped his cell mate on the back. “Bear, the second we're out, goodbye.”

  Bear gave him a mock salute. “Rock, you’ll never see me again.”

  He hoped that was true, and this was the end of their journey. Bear wasn’t the nicest roommate, though in jail for armed robbery meant he wasn’t a good man.