Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2)

by Belle Winters

  “Lucy stop” Landon said on a groan and I didn’t. He grabbed me and pulled me up his body and then threw me onto the bed on my back. He climbed on top of me and slammed his lips down on mine. He had my clothes off in less than a minute and gripped my thighs pulling them up to his hips. “I still don’t forgive you Lucy as a matter of fact I’m even more pissed at you for trying to unman me. Do I need to show you that I’m still a man Lucy?” he asked and slammed into me and I gasped at the unexpected intrusion. “Do I feel like a man Lucy?” I couldn’t speak because he was going at me so hard and fast the bed was slamming against the wall. I was trying my hardest not to spontaneously combust. “I.CANT.HEAR.YOU.BABE.” each word was said with a hard thrust.

  “Yes Landon.” I half screamed and I would be surprised if he actually understood what I said. Just getting an answer must’ve been enough because he brought me straight to the edge and threw me over in an earth shattering orgasm and he followed right behind me.

  He dropped to his side gasping for air. When his breathing evened out he reached for me and tugged me over to him roughly. “Come here girl.” When he settled me onto him comfortably he brushed my messy hair out of my face and kissed my forehead. “I love you Lucy, but you got to stop trying to turn me into a chick. Did you really have to get pink sheets?” he asked.

  I smiled and nodded. “I like pink Landon can I have pink sheets for me?” I begged and pouted.

  He sighed and shook his head. “Fine Lucy, but you better not try none of your sneaky shit like taking pictures of me in them while I’m asleep or something or I’m kicking your ass.”

  I feigned innocence, “Who me? I would never.”

  He shook his head again. “What the fuck Luce, you already did it didn’t you? You sent it to Erica and Nick?” he asked.

  I giggled. “Well I may have accidentally sent it to my dad and Sam too.”

  “You’re fucking lucky I love you, you know that?”

  I nodded. “I do.”

  Epilogue

  Five Years Later…

  Lucy

  “Stay still!” Erica demanded for the umpteenth time.

  I huffed. “You’re taking forever. You know I’m not a big fan of makeup and I feel like this is the tenth layer you put on.” I complained.

  “Oh hush it!” she said and I rolled my eyes. “How have you put up with her all of these years?” she asked Mel.

  She shrugged. “I have no idea I’m actually still trying to figure it out.”

  I flipped her off. “That’s fine because at least Naiyla loves me don’t you?” I asked.

  She smiled. “That’s still out for debate. We all know you’re bat shit crazy.”

  I gasped. “Wow, and I thought you people were my family. I need to start recruiting new friends ASAP.”

  “It’s alright honey, I love you!” Sam said and I smiled.

  “Thank you Sam. I love you too, it’s just the two of us forget these other heffas.”

  “Oh puh-lease. You couldn’t get rid of us if you wanted to.” Erica said and stuck out her tongue. I returned the favor.

  There was a knock on the door. “Come on girls, it’s time to go.”

  “Oh don’t you rush us James, we will take however long we want to.” Sam screamed at him.

  We heard him mutter something through the door. “Do you really need to take this long? We’re already late you know.”

  “So they’ll wait no one is going anywhere. Now unless you want to become enemy number one I would suggest that you choose sides and you do it now.” Sam demanded and threw her hands on her hips.

  He sighed. “Fine woman, I don’t want any problems with you.” We all giggled.

  “I’m so sad that you couldn’t bring Shakira with you. I can’t believe I still haven’t met her yet!” I fussed at Mel.

  She gave me a small sad smile. “Me too, but she was sick so she had to stay home. I wish you could’ve met her too.”

  I sighed. “By the way, when are you setting a date? That ring is just collecting dust on your finger for the past three years. I couldn’t believe it when he proposed on the stage as he accepted his diploma. That was fucking awesome and so romantic. I may have swooned a bit, Roger is such a sweetheart.”

  She gave a weak laugh. “Yea he is. It’s just not the right time you know? We will get married eventually, but you should be one to talk. Landon put that ring on you how many years ago?”

  I laughed. “It wasn’t the right time.” I repeated. “I can’t believe we did shit so ass backwards. We had babies before getting married.”

  She laughed. “Yea I know right. At least you were engaged before you got knocked up. I was just fortunate that I was able to take my classes online during that first year so I could still graduate on time. I can’t believe she’s going to be four next month.”

  I laughed. “Tell me about it, Max is freaking fourteen! And Dean is going to be six in two months. He’s the age Max was when I met him and I’d be damned if he doesn’t remind me exactly of how Max was at his age, just not as reserved.”

  “Max has a soccer game next week right?” Erica asked and I nodded. “I’m so happy I’ll be here to see it.”

  “Alright, all done!” Erica said and I let out a long breathe.

  “It’s about damn time it only took you three years. Now let’s do this.” I told them standing up. I took a look at her work and had to admit she did a damn good job. She made my face look flawless and the way she did it went perfectly with the rest of my look.

  We all headed to the door and followed James down the hallway until we reached the arch leading outside. I moved to peer out the French doors to see outside and Erica shooed me away. I huffed but I didn’t argue I already saw that there was a curtain blocking my view anyway. The music started and the girls began filing out one by one. James came and grabbed my hand and I smiled up at him.

  The music changed and he whispered. “Ready?”

  I nodded. “I’ve been ready for a long time dad.”

  He smiled and we proceeded to exit through the curtain. I looked around to see that they had transformed our entire backyard. They even decorated the covered pool, if you didn’t know it was there you would never have guessed. It was sunny and not a cloud in the sky. I looked around at all of the filled up seats with our friends, coworkers and loved ones. Landon was able to make sure that there were no paparazzi or reporters by hiring one of the best security companies. We had Nick who was one of the best players in the league now and Landon who was recruited straight out of college and had an amazing first season. The past three years his status also ranked into the top and he was bombing on the football field. He decided to stick with Ohio Cincinnati and thanks to him and a few other recruits they took the team from being mediocre to one of the top in the league. Some of their close teammates and their coaches were here so naturally when wind of the event got out everyone was looking to be here. I caught sight of Dean who was waving frantically at me and I waved back. Behind him was Max, followed by Nick, and Teddy brought up the rear. I looked to the other side where Erica was, followed by Mel, Naiyla, and Sam. We decided that all of the people that would be standing with us today would all be maid of honors and best men. Like us Naiyla and Teddy decided to stay in Ohio and Teddy was actually on the team with Landon. They had become extremely close and he was always over at the house.

  I allowed my eyes to finally land on Landon and my throat went dry. He was even larger but still not steroid or gross looking bulky. You wouldn’t hear a complaint from me at all since I still drool over him like a hungry puppy. He was filling out his tux perfectly and his eyes were glued to me. I felt my cheeks start to heat up from my blush when I saw that look I know all too well flare in his eyes. He was practically removing my dress with his eyes and he was doing it for all to see not that he ever really cares. When we reached the front, James kissed my cheek and handed me to Landon. The preacher began talking but his words were drowned out by my frantic heartbeat. Of all the
issues I have with anxiety you would think that I would be on the verge of a panic attack right now being here front and center in front of all of these people but I wasn’t. I was in a trance captured completely by Landon. It was like we were having a silent conversation with just our eyes.

  We heard a throat clear and chuckles in the crowd. “I asked if you two have prepared your own vows.” The preacher said.

  I blushed and nodded. “We do.” We decided that we should say our own vows but didn’t write them, we wanted them to come straight from the heart. “Landon you are the most stubborn, demanding, crazy, possessive, pain in my ass. You smother us and if it were up to you, you would keep all of us locked in the house under 24 hour surveillance so you could watch us. You are a nosy bastard with no regrets, and that’s one of the things I love about you. If it wasn’t for that I probably wouldn’t have ever been in a place where I could make a living doing what I love. You’re never afraid to show or express your love for not only me but the rest of our family even if it does make you a little caveman-ish. You love me with everything and you make sure that I don’t want or need for anything. What you don’t realize is that all I really ever want and need is you. There was a time in my life when I had hopes and dreams of getting as far away from you as possible and well… now I hate to be apart from you. I will never be grateful enough to Dean for not only enabling us but by bringing you into this world for me and that’s why it was so important that we do this on his birthday. Landon, I could go on for hours and days telling you all the reasons why I love you so much that I wouldn’t ever consider leaving you even when I want to pull out my hair. Can I just spend the rest of my life showing you why you mean so much to me? I love you LJ, all of you. Heart, mind, BODY, and soul.” When I finished I realized that there were tears running down my face. He never took his eyes from mine not once. He was fidgeting like he couldn’t wait to talk and I was dying to hear what he had to say. He was still smiling from me making a spectacle about his body but you can’t blame me.

  He brought his hands up and wiped away my tears with his thumbs. “Don’t cry baby.” He whispered. He cleared his throat and spoke louder so everyone else could hear him as he spoke his vows. “Lucy I’m convinced you’re going to give me gray hair within the next couple of years. You drive me out of my damn mind and you don’t listen to a damn thing I tell you. You are the most hardheaded person I know and probably the balls-iest. You know how much crap you get away with that other people wouldn’t even consider doing to me?” he asked and I flicked his nose making him growl. “You see? But Lucy I knew that I was going to marry you one day from the first time I met you. I still remember how you looked in your pink jumper and these wild blue black curls shaking like a leaf on top of the monkey bars. I knew then that I would do anything for you and I meant it when I promised to catch you. I remember the smile you gave me that day all trusting and grateful. I still believe that my mother brought you here to me because she knew I was going to need someone when I lost her. Even when you hated me Lucy it was always about you. It was only ever about you. You’re sweet and pure and caring and just… I don’t know. You’re just everything good. I can’t sleep if you’re not next to me, and unless I’m on the field and coach is screaming his head off at me I’m thinking about you. When I see you I want you and half of the time you know that and run.” He chuckled. “Baby we’ve been through so much and we finally made it through it all. The last few years have been the best of my life even when you do shit like buy pink sheets. You’re not only mine you’re my family; you’re a part of my actual family. You can show me how much you love me only if you let me do the same both figuratively and literally speaking. Baby you’re my angel, always have been always will be. I’m never going to let you forget that. I promise to love you forever, and to only love you more if that’s even possible anymore.” His eyes were wet and he bent down and kissed me. The reverend cleared his throat and I jumped back while Landon chuckled.

  “By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” Landon didn’t waste any time grabbing my arm and tugging me close and fused our mouths together. His kiss was deep and desperate. When he broke off I was looking at him both confused and amused while I tried to catch my breath.

  “That was the first time I got to kiss my wife.” He whispered in explanation and I smiled.

  We heard Nick clear his throat and I looked past Landon to him. His eyebrows went up to his hairline but he didn’t say anything. I frowned because Nick always had something to say. When nothing happened he cleared his throat again but this time it sounded like he was hacking. He was giving the reverend this weird look and I watched him amused wondering what the hell he was doing. The reverend sighed and shook his head and I was really intrigued. “You may now kiss the best man.”

  Landon straightened and gaped at the reverend while Nick broke out into a huge grin. I laughed along with the crowd, why am I not surprised that he somehow got the reverend to do this. He opened up his arms for me, “Come on princess, you heard the man.” I giggled and ran over to him. He scooped me into a bear hug and swung me around. When he placed me back on my feet he put both hands on my cheeks and squeezed so my lips were puckered and placed a wet kiss on my lips. The crowd wolf whistled and cheered while he grinned like an idiot.

  “Would you let go of my wife?” Landon asked irritated.

  Nick threw his hands up in surrender. “Listen, us best men just wanted to have kisses too. It’s only fair that you don’t hog her.” He began to backup and when he reached a safe enough distance he yelled. “And she hasn’t even been your wife for five minutes you stalker.” He looked prepared to run for his life. Instead Landon shook his head and muttered something under his breath before grabbing my hand.

  Dean came up to me. “Mommy I’m a best man I get a kiss too!”

  I laughed and bent down and gave him a kiss. When I was done I saw Max standing beside him grinning. He’s become accustomed to calling me mom even though now he understands the distinction. It’s crazy but to him I’m the closest thing to one he’s ever had. When I go to his games and things which is all of them he tells his friends proudly that I am his mom. It warms my heart and I can understand the need for him to have a mother figure in his life. “Maxamillion you want yours too?” I asked.

  He didn’t respond but came over and threw his arms around me and I kissed him on his forehead then his cheek. He looked up at me and smiled. “I’m happy that you and Landon are married. We’re a real family now, I love you mom.”

  I wanted to cry all over again. “I love you too Max now and always.” I promised. When I let him go he went and hugged Landon. I looked to Ted who was standing to the side by himself. He was definitely more comfortable with our entire family, and when he’s over he runs around the house with the kids and jokes and laughs loudly. In public and especially in front of an audience he still was very reserved and quiet. He would only speak if absolutely necessary like in an interview. I knew he was a bit out of his element being up here but he did it for us. I crooked a finger at him and he smiled and walked over slowly. “Teddy where’s my best man kiss?” I asked.

  He blushed. “Oh Luce for real?” he asked and I nodded. He sighed and bent down and placed a kiss on my cheek. “Congrats, I’m so happy for you guys it only took forever.”

  I smiled. “No it didn’t, it just took a while. We still have forever.”

  Landon grabbed my hand and laced our fingers together. He feathered a kiss across my forehead. “We need to go take pictures baby.”

  I pouted. “Do I have to? I’m hungry Landon can we eat first?”

  He shook his head. “So that you get barbeque or something on your dress for the pictures?”

  I nodded. “That would show that I am a very satisfied new bride.”

  “Pictures Lucy.” Landon demanded

  I stomped my foot. “Fine!” and let him lead me away.

  We all took pictures together and
at one point Nick and Mel had to stand together. All of our pictures had everyone tightly knit together with people hugging and throwing their arms around each other except for that one. They looked like two lost monkeys I tell you. They were avoiding eye contact and touching and well, everything. When we were done, we were ushered over to the large tent and I gasped when I entered. Erica had done an amazing job recreating one of my paintings. When I began thinking of the perfect wedding I had painted it and Erica stole it and told me I was off the wedding planning committee. That was fine by me because I was super busy with my paintings which had gone into high demand and Erica is way better at this then me. Sure over the years I’ve learned how to be an awesome party planner with the kids but my specialty lies in securing and booking things, I sucked with the actual decorating.

  They announced for us to come to the center of the platform that they brought in to be a dance floor. Landon led me to the middle of the floor as everyone gathered around to circle us. He spun me in a circle then pulled me close. He’s always been a great dancer even though he wasn’t one for dancing really. He mainly dances if it’s like dry humping the freak but never slow dancing outside of events. I loved it when we slow danced together to me it was kind of erotic. All of Me by John Legend began playing and Landon began swaying to the beat.

  “You look beautiful Lucy.”

  I blushed and smiled. “You don’t look so bad yourself Landon.”

  He bent down and gave me a small kiss and I sighed and leaned my head on his shoulder. “Landon?”

  “Hmm?”

  “You remember about a month and a half ago when I was sick with the flu and I couldn’t even get out of bed so you had to take care of me?”