Unbreak This Heart

by Betty Shreffler

  With the chaos of fight night and the after party, we’ve had no time alone to talk. It’s important to me to know how she felt about tonight’s fight and if she’s willing to come to the next one. I hope she will. Having her support and companionship during this trip has provided me with an added sense of calm. She settles the beast within.

  Slender, soft fingers graze across my skin, intertwining with my fingers. Turning my head, my chest constricts, and I withdraw my hand from the dark-haired brunette staring up at me.

  “Carter, right?”

  “Yeah.” My gaze drifts over her excessive cleavage and I intentionally look away toward the speckled horizon.

  “You were amazing tonight. That was a hell of a fight. I imagine those muscles would appreciate a rub down.”

  One bold movement brings her hand caressing along my bicep. Uncomfortable with her advance, my muscle twitches, and I brush her hand off.

  “You’re a pretty girl, and I mean no disrespect—”

  “But he’s taken.”

  Alex’s challenging tone surprises me. Stepping through the threshold of the balcony doors, she moves to my side and tucks herself inside my open arm, eyes still locked on the brunette’s.

  “Whatever.” Her dark chocolate eyes roll before she leaves.

  Adjusting my footing, I open both arms for Alex to fill them. Darkened by the night, her bold green eyes stare up at me with affection.

  “I need you to know it doesn’t matter how many women make advances, I will always want it to be you I wake up with each morning.”

  Her smile couldn’t possibly get any wider. Stretching on her toes, she meets my lips, and I lure her into the desirous storm brewing beneath.

  “All I want is for us to go back to our hotel room, get naked, and take advantage of that large Jacuzzi tub.”

  “Done.” With wide, eager eyes she takes my hand and pulls me toward the exit of the suite.

  Warm water flows from the silver faucet as my eyes linger over her bare body. Pink, pert nipples taunt me as the golden glow of the candlelight flickers across her skin. She dips a toe into the water, and my gaze falls to the small, dark patch revealing fleshy pink lips I’m eager to caress.

  Taking her hand, I guide her into the water and help her straddle my lap. Thoughts evaporate as her warm mouth elicits aroused moans between the passion of my kiss and the strokes of my fingers between her legs.

  Writhing over my fingers, her moans grow louder, an arousing chorus to my ears. Switching from her tiny nub, I thrust two fingers against her tender g-spot. Grip tight against my shoulders, she begs for release. My mouth covers her dampened lips and smothers her satisfied cry.

  “I need you on my cock. I need to be inside you.”

  Teasing the tip with the anticipation of her warmth, she lowers herself, burying me deep inside her. Leaning back against the wall of the tub, I thrust my hips up, stretching her, claiming her in the most intimate way possible.

  Joined as one, I lower her mouth to mine, my hand holds her ass tight as I get my rhythm, thrusting deep and slow, giving our bodies the intimacy they crave from one another.

  The decadent sound of her whimpers vibrates across my lips and I savor the sensation as we reach our orgasms.

  My hooded eyes stare at the green-eyed thief before me. She’s stolen more than my heart, she’s broken in and seized my soul.

  Tilting her head, she moves into my touch.

  “The fight tonight was one of the best experiences of my life, but it doesn’t compare to what I feel when I’m with you.”

  “Carter.” The sound of my name is an emotional breath whispered from her lips.

  “I mean it, Alex. When I look at you, I see my future.”

  This is getting deep and I know it. Maybe I’m riding an emotional high, but I feel it’s more than that. I’ve felt drawn to Alex and wanted to be the man in her life since I met her. What’s between us is the kind of stuff I imagine to be in romance books or the princess fairytales told to girls. Our relationship is progressing quickly, I’m fully aware of it, but I’m not shying away from it. I’m all in. I’m all hers.

  My fingertip catches and swipes away the tear falling beneath her eye.

  “What are you thinking? Talk to me.”

  “I never knew love could be like this.”

  Hugging her close, I kiss her sweet lips.

  “It’s only the beginning for us.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  —

  ALEX

  “I’m so sorry we weren’t able to make Carter’s first fight.” Jane’s lengthy leg bounces over the other as her lips form a pout. “Kyle was so upset he got called into work.”

  Dropping my empty container into the trash next to my desk, I give her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. He has another one coming up and you guys can make it up to him then.”

  “We will, for sure. Kyle said Carter was ecstatic talking about the fight.”

  “He was amazing! I thought I was going to have a heart attack after the first round, but he came into round two and owned it.”

  “Ugh, I’m so bummed we missed it. You nervous about the next fight?”

  “I am, but not as much as the first fight. The first fight jitters are over. I kind of know what to expect at the next one.”

  “So, how’s it feel having a soon-to-be-famous MMA fighter boyfriend?”

  My mouth quirks. “I’m probably going to have to invest in a taser just to keep the women off him.”

  “That bad, huh?” Jane laughs, crinkling the corner of her eyes.

  “Yeah, I saw how they reacted to Knock Out Champions’ star fighter and Carter’s a lot better looking than he is. I interrupted one chick trying to offer him a rub down.”

  “Oh my God, what a hussy. How did Carter react?” Leaning forward, she drops her container into the trash.

  “He shot her down instantly. Didn’t even consider the offer.”

  “He’s such a good man.”

  “He is. He’s incredible. Jane…” Her pupils narrow, intently focused on my next words. “I love him.” Jane’s squeal surprises me and I immediately shush her. “Mr. Kline will hear you.”

  “I knew it, babe. I’ve been getting the vibes off you for a while. Did you tell him?”

  “I’ve told him I’ve fallen in love with him but haven’t said I love you yet.”

  “Are you planning something special to tell him or going to let it flow out while you’re together?” The twitching I see in her hands tells me how much she’s restraining her excitement.

  “I’d like to—”

  My words break off at the sound of my cell phone ringing. Glancing down, I see it’s Todd’s number. Immediately, my chest constricts, and I hit decline.

  “Who was that?”

  “Todd,” I snarl.

  “Are you serious? Why would he be calling? Doesn’t he know when to let go?”

  The blinking light indicates a voicemail. “He left a message. Let’s see what he wants.” Raising the phone, I click the voicemail icon. His normally smooth voice is cracked and emotional.

  “Alex… I need you. My father… died Friday night. Please call me.” The strain in his voice is real and so was the fighting of tears he choked back.

  “Shit!”

  “What’s wrong?” Jane is standing next to my desk, her expression full of concern.

  “Mr. Livingston passed away.” Pain prickles my belly. The man was going to be my father-in-law. He was kind to me, actually cared about me. Even more, Todd thought the world of him. Saw him as a role model and tried to live up to Carl’s reputation. There’s no doubt Todd is a broken man right now.

  “I should call him.”

  “What? No!”

  “Jane, his father just died. He’s heartbroken. He deserves a phone call back.”

  “Ugh. I’m not going to be witness to this. I need to go back to work. I’ll call you later.”

  The smacking of her heels on the tile floor ha
s an exaggerated stomp in each step. She’ll get over it, or I’ll have to ask for forgiveness in the form of her favorite sweet treat.

  Quickly, I click Todd’s missed call indicator and press the call button.

  “Alex.”

  “I got your message.”

  “It hurts, Alex. He’s gone. He’s really gone.”

  “What happened?”

  There’s an agonizing pause. “…Heart attack. He died…in his sleep. The funeral is Sunday. Will you attend it with me? I need you, Alex…so much right now.”

  Hearing his voice crack and the emotional struggle on the other end of my receiver pulls at my heartstrings.

  “I would like to pay my respects to your father…I’ll go.” I’m sure he hears the reluctance in my voice, but he doesn’t acknowledge it.

  “This means more to me than I can express. Thank you.”

  His voice cracks again and I know he’s fighting the overwhelming emotions. I’ve been where he is, except I knew it was coming. I watched my mother wither and fade before me in hospice. I truly don’t know what’s worse, knowing there’s nothing you can do to stop your parent’s death or never being able to say goodbye.

  As we disconnect, the memories rush through my mind, forcing the tears down my cheeks. It’s a terrible thing for anyone to lose a parent too soon.

  ***

  Our last workout session together is bittersweet. Carter has morphed my body and my heart. I’m a stronger woman emotionally and physically than when I first walked into the gym over eight weeks ago, and it’s because of him. But he knows the heavy weight I’m carrying this evening is not because it’s our last workout from Jane’s certificate. Patiently, he’s been watching, analyzing, waiting for me to share what’s bothering me, what has fueled each punch, kick, and block in today’s defense class.

  Sitting on the bench, I swish water in my mouth before swallowing, avoiding his penetrating gaze. He looks off into space, his eyes revealing his concern, but also his patience. I don’t want this awkward silence to continue into tonight’s dinner. It’s time to rip the band-aid off.

  “Will you walk me to my car?”

  Carter’s muscles tense. “Yeah, of course.”

  The heavy silence grows more daunting as we near my vehicle.

  “What’s going on? You seem tense, afraid.” Wrinkles form across his brow as he leans against my hood. “Come here.” Opening his arms to me, I move between them, enveloped in his warmth. “Talk to me, beautiful. You’re freaking me out.”

  “I have something to tell you you’re not going to like.”

  “Okay.” I can hear the concern, practically see the wheels turning as he quickly thinks of the possibilities.

  “I got a call from Todd yesterday.”

  “Uh huh.” I can already hear the contempt in his tone.

  “His father passed away. He’s asked me to attend the funeral.”

  “With him?”

  “I plan to meet him there.”

  “I don’t want you to go.” His authoritative tone startles me.

  “Carter, it’s not about Todd. Carl Livingston was almost my father-in-law. I’d like to pay my respects.”

  “Going sends Todd a message.”

  “What message?”

  “That there’s hope, that there’s a possibility for him to push his way back into your life.”

  “You and I both know what it’s like to lose a parent too soon. This isn’t about Todd and me. It’s about Carl’s passing.”

  “For you it is, but not for Todd.”

  “It sounds like you don’t trust me.”

  “Don’t twist my words. I don’t want you to go because I don’t want Todd anywhere near you. I don’t want him to look at you, touch you, hold your hand, or cry on your shoulder.”

  “Carter, I’m going. It’s the right thing to do.”

  “When will you stop letting Todd have a hold over you?”

  “He doesn’t have a hold over me.” Pushing out of his arms, my eyes narrow on him. “Why would you say that?”

  “If he doesn’t have a hold over you, then don’t go.”

  “You’re not being reasonable. You’re letting your jealousy get the best of you.”

  “Jealousy,” Carter snickers. “That’s what you think I’m feeling? It’s not jealousy, it’s having a sense of how a man like that works. Todd will make it through his father’s passing with or without you, but having you there, it’s a way for him to play to your heart.”

  “His father just died. I don’t think mending things between us is on his mind right now.”

  “Don’t be naïve. That’s exactly what’s on his mind.”

  Heat warms my cheeks as my palms clench to fists. “I think we should postpone dinner tonight. I’ve had enough of your insults.”

  “I don’t think we should postpone dinner. I think we should talk this through.”

  “You mean, you talk, and I listen until you’ve convinced me not to go?”

  “Truthfully, yes.”

  “I’d rather not have dinner with you until you apologize.”

  “Apologize for what? Wanting to protect my girl? Being honest with you?”

  “No. For treating me like I’m the kind of woman who’s easily fooled or disloyal to the man she loves. Just because Todd asked me to the funeral doesn’t mean I’m going to go running back to his arms.”

  Placing my fingers on the handle, I open the door and give one last glance toward Carter before slamming the door shut. Stepping away from the hood, he lowers his head, shaking it before those damaged blues agonizingly watch me drive away.

  ***

  Without Carter, dinner is lonely. I miss him, but I’m still pissed at him. I knew he wouldn’t want me to go to the funeral which is why approaching the subject with him was difficult. I expected him to be uncomfortable, to not want me to go, but I didn’t expect him to insult my loyalty or self-respect.

  The sound of the TV is background noise. I’m too mentally distracted to absorb what’s in front of me. The dinging of my phone has my attention though. It’s the third text from Carter. Reaching down, I finally give in to my curiosity and guilt. Swiping the screen, his texts pop up.

  I’m sorry. I hate that you’re upset with me.

  I understand this was about you paying your respects to his father and I made it about you and Todd.

  I didn’t mean to insinuate you would be disloyal. I hope you can understand it’s difficult for me to be at home while you’re with him, even if it’s for a funeral.

  My head falls back as I fight tears. I hate being upset with him. I don’t want anything to create conflict between us.

  Raising my head, I type back.

  Will you come over?

  It’s only seconds before his response comes back.

  On my way.

  Quickly, I order delivery and freshen up my face. It’s not long before his knuckles rap at the door.

  Opening it, his sullen handsome face is on the other side. No words pass between us. He steps in and wraps his arms around me. Pulling back, he cups my face in his hands, kissing me.

  “Does inviting me over mean you’ve forgiven me?”

  “Yes.”

  The sound of his boot tapping the door reaches my ears just before the door shuts behind him.

  “Can we turn this evening around where it ends with me making love to you?”

  My fingers intertwine with his. “Yes, as long as we’re on the same page.”

  Tilting his head up, he looks off, nibbles at his lip, then returns his gaze to me. “I think I have to accept you’re going to the funeral no matter what I say, and you’ll have to accept I’m not comfortable with you going.”

  “I agree. There’s no ending to this where we both get what we want.”

  Pulling me back into his arms, he kisses my head as I lay it against his t-shirt covered chest.

  “When is the funeral?”

  “This Sunday.”

  Large, solid h
ands rub up and down along my back. “I wouldn’t put it past him to try to open things up between you two again. The thought of him trying anything makes me nuts. Promise me you’ll be on top of your game around him. He’s more conniving than you realize.”

  Pulling back, I stare at him confused. “What do you mean?”

  “I wanted to tell you before, but I knew if I said something you’d think I was trying to sabotage your and Todd’s relationship.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “I met Todd before. He and Kyle used to come to the gym together for a while. There was a blonde woman that caught my attention. I thought about asking her out to dinner or something. It’s the only reason I noticed what happened next. When Todd saw her, he noticed her too, then the next day he came to work out at the gym alone. He spent the entire time flirting with her, then left with her. It was around the time you split up. Kyle confirmed the timeline.”

  Turning away from him, I pinch the bridge of my nose in a weak attempt to control my tears and to absorb the information he just dumped on me.

  “You’re telling me Todd cheated on me?”

  “Kyle said it was close to the time you broke up. I can’t say without a doubt he did.”

  “Kyle knew about the woman?”

  Carter lets out a breath as he wipes his hand across his face. Regret etches itself into his expression.

  “Yes, Kyle knew Todd had a fling with the woman. He said she was a rebound, someone to get his kicks with.”

  Wet, warm tears stream down my face. “If your goal was to ensure I don’t go back to him, then you succeeded, even though you didn’t need to. What hurts nearly as much as Todd’s behavior is you all knew and didn’t tell me. You all let me form a new relationship with him knowing he might have cheated on me or had a sexual fling while I was a broken woman, desperately trying to recover from the horrific trauma I suffered.”

  Carter steps closer and I back away. “I’m angry. So angry, Carter. I don’t think tonight is going to end any other way than at the bottom of a wine bottle.”

  “This is why I don’t want you anywhere near him. Every time he steps into your life, he causes you pain.”