by Kat Mizera
“Then why did you let me leave Florida instead of explaining all that?”
“’Cause I’m a guy.” He sighed. “’Cause I’m stubborn. ’Cause I convinced myself we couldn’t make it work in two different cities, especially if you were going to Vancouver. But mostly it was because I was afraid of how much I loved you, how much power you had to hurt me.”
She stared up into his eyes for long minutes. He watched a plethora of emotions flit across her face, but was helpless to do anything but wait. She had to believe him, trust him, and most of all, love him enough to give them a chance. That was all that was left. “I would never hurt you.”
“What do I have to do to prove how much you mean to me, baby?”
She licked her lips, her gaze never leaving his. “Just tell me how you feel.”
He looked down at her with more emotion than he could possibly express in words, but would try anyway. “I love you. More than anything. Forever. Marry me again. Marry me over and over, every day for eternity.”
Her eyes filled with tears again but she was smiling. “I need you to kiss me.”
“Yeah?” He gave her a slow, sexy smile. “Say please.”
She grabbed him by the lapels of his tuxedo and pulled his face down to hers, their lips coming together like they were turbo-charged. His tongue captured hers possessively, sucking it deep into his mouth as he devoured her. She was so delicious, like strawberries and champagne mixed with perfume and teardrops. He needed to have her, claim her again, before he did something else to drive her away.
Her soft moan told him she wanted him too and he nudged her back toward a coat closet he’d seen earlier.
“What are you doing?” she breathed against his neck.
“What’s it look like?” His voice was low and rumbling, almost primitive, as he gripped her tightly.
“In a coat closet?” But she was laughing as he lifted her by the waist and held her up against him. His mouth found hers again, one hand sliding into the back of her hair.
“In a closet, in my truck, in the elevator—I’m going to have you begging me to find new places to fuck you…” He slid his lips along the skin of the hollow of her shoulder.
“Bella…”
“Is with Sonya,” he growled, kicking the door shut behind them.
“Brock, this dress is borrowed!” she panted, squirming as he tried to slide it up. “It’s a Stella McCartney. We can’t damage it—seriously!”
He let out a huff of impatience, but he understood how important things like this were to her, and the last thing he wanted was to upset her. “Then take it off,” he grunted, reaching for the zipper.
“Brock, we can’t…” She reached back to stop his hand, but he brushed hers away.
“We need this, baby—no one is going to catch us, and I’ll be careful of the dress—but I won’t be able to breathe until I’ve made love to you again, made you mine, marked you. And put this back on.” He pulled the ring she’d returned to him out of his pocket.
“Mmm,” she moaned, fumbling to put it on her finger as he dragged the dress off her shoulders and wrapped one arm around her waist. He lifted her out of the sweeping expanse of fabric and reached down to sweep it out of the way so they didn’t step on it.
“No panties…” he murmured, positioning her over the back of a chair that was conveniently against a wall. “You knew I was coming for you…”
“I did not...” She pressed her back against his chest. “Oh, god, it’s so…” Her voice trailed off as he slid a hand between her legs, parting her lips, seeking out her pleasure spot.
“It’s so what?” he taunted, sliding a finger inside of her.
“Oh…”
“Tell me, beautiful…” he teased, stroking her gently, the way she liked, watching her start to squirm as her juices coated his fingers.
“Ummm… what?” She couldn’t seem to form a sentence and he just chuckled, keeping one arm around her waist and moving his hand so he could unzip the pants of his tux.
“No panties, no bra…nothing but those fucking heels,” he whispered against the side of her face. “You make me so fucking hard, baby. Tell me what you want.”
“Just you…” She wiggled against him, her ass grinding into his crotch.
“You’re gonna have to do better than that, beautiful,” he said, rubbing the head of his cock back and forth across her slit.
“Brock, not tonight,” she hissed impatiently. “Stop teasing me and take me.”
“I’m not taking anything… I’m giving you everything I have.” He was still tormenting her, sliding his cock between her legs but not putting it where he knew she needed it.
She whimpered as he pulled her up so he could kiss her again, taking his time to enjoy the way she tasted, the way her lips opened for him, the way her body strained to feel him. It was delicious delirium, and he took a moment to let it all sink in, his lips momentarily drifting from hers.
“What’s wrong?” she whispered, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.
“Nothing…just wanted to look at you for a minute—remind myself of what I almost lost.”
Her smile practically lit up the whole room. “I’m not going anywhere, you big lug—now fuck me—please!”
He grinned, revealing the packet in his hand before covering her mouth playfully, forcing himself to slow down despite his urgent need for her. He rolled on the condom and slid into her without breaking their kiss, though both of them sighed with pleasure as his balls slapped up against her round little ass.
“Jesus,” she breathed.
“This has to be quick, so I need you to come for me,” he growled against her neck. “And tell me you love me when you do.”
“Mmm.”
He used his fingers right where she liked them and felt her clench around him immediately, her breathing speeding up as he planted his legs and jackhammered into her. Normally, she needed a lot of foreplay for that to work but tonight it felt right and damn if she didn’t cry out almost immediately, his name on her lips.
Brock kept moving, stretching her until the pressure grew gloriously intense and the ache in his balls begged for release. His fingers played her like a harp, and when she whispered his name, he could barely breathe, seemingly endless passion flowing between them. She kept whispering his name as she bucked against him.
“What did you say?” he ground into her ear, not letting up.
“Oh shit… Brock… God, I love you.” She gasped out the last part, throwing her head back against his chest as she pulsed and throbbed around him, her orgasm shaking her lithe body.
“Damn right!” he groaned, shooting off inside of her, holding her tightly until both of them could see straight again.
“You’d better not ever leave me,” she muttered, turning as he pulled out so she could wrap her arms around him. “I don’t let just anyone do me in a closet.”
His chuckle was low and deep, sounding loud in this tiny room. “Never. Not going anywhere, beautiful.”
“Sonya is so going to know we just had sex.”
He eyed her. “You know she planned this, right? She even told me where this closet was.”
She made a face. “I didn’t know that, but I don’t need to walk out of here looking freshly fucked with all the paparazzo that’s here… Is my makeup a mess?”
“Your face is fucking perfect.” He leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose. “Your hair’s a little messy, but not too bad.”
“Help me back into the dress?” She reached for her bag and pulled out a tissue. “And this is for you.”
“Thank you.” He zipped up his pants after he’d removed the condom and wrapped it in the tissue. He bent and lifted the dress, gently shaking it and holding it out so she could step into it. Then he paused, looking down at her curiously. They hadn’t been together long but he knew her body intimately and something was different. He reached out, one large hand cupping her breast. They were bigger, fuller, and he frowned in confusion. There
was no way she’d had a boob job in the month or so they’d been apart, especially since he couldn’t see any scars or evidence of surgery, but something was definitely different.
“Did you…” He paused, hoping this wasn’t the wrong thing to say.
“What?” She looked up curiously.
He was still looking down at her, his hand trailing down to the tiny swell of her abdomen. On anyone else it wouldn’t be noticeable, but Ashleigh’s tiny frame showed everything. A million thoughts erupted in his brain but he couldn’t stop touching her, wondering how and when and myriad other questions that were too fuzzy to formulate just yet.
“Are you…?” He cleared his throat. “Are you having a baby?”
A warm, loving smile spread across her face. “We’re having a baby, yes.”
“Ashleigh.” His voice broke and he dropped to his knees, resting the side of his face against her stomach. “Were you going to tell me?”
“You shouldn’t have to ask me that. My lawyer’s already drawn up the option of a shared custody agreement within the divorce papers I was planning to file. He probably contacted your attorney earlier today, or maybe first thing tomorrow. I didn’t find out until three days ago.”
“So you’re not very far along.”
“Ten weeks.”
“That’s…that would have been one of the first times I made love to you.”
“Yes.” Her eyes never left his.
“Ashleigh. Baby, I don’t even know what to say…”
“You don’t have to be a father if it’s not—”
“Jesus, what are you talking about?” he hissed, getting to his feet and yanking her against him. “I love you, I love Bella, and I already love this little guy or girl. How can you even have to ask?”
“I don’t know how it happened, but I guess the IUD isn’t one hundred percent for everyone, and neither are condoms. Between moving and adjusting to being without you, I didn’t even realize I’d missed a period until my boobs started getting bigger. That’s when I knew something was going on. I’m sorry this happened without discussing it first.”
“Please don’t apologize. This is great news.” There was a brief flash of something in her eyes—sadness? Regret? “Aren’t you happy? I thought we wanted one of our own?”
“It’s been an emotional time, thinking I’d lost you. I’m still pretty raw. On top of everything else, I thought I was going to be a single mom to two kids, and that’s hard to do with a broken heart.”
“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her again, until she was whimpering and breathless, her eyes glassy with love, lust, and emotions he was so happy to see again. Now he was complete. Now he could enjoy life, his renewed contract and so many other things he wanted to share with her. He had time, though.
Hopefully the rest of his life.
Epilogue
December
Staring out into the all-too-familiar blue-sky abyss of Wilfred’s office, Ashleigh started to feel a little lightheaded. Though her pregnancy had been easy so far, she felt so sick to her stomach right now she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t heave all over the elegant cherry conference table. Clasping her hands in her lap, she tried to quell the nausea coursing through her as they waited.
“Easy, baby.” Brock reached for her hand, tugging her closer to him.
“Where is she?” she whispered, swallowing hard. “She was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago and if—”
The door opened and Wilfred’s assistant escorted Angel into the room.
“Sorry I’m late,” Angel huffed, smoothing her windblown hair. “But I took the wrong bus. I don’t know my way around this part of town very well.”
“Quite all right.” Wilfred gave her a winning smile. “Please have a seat.”
“Thanks.” Angel dropped into a chair.
“The agreement is exactly as we discussed on the phone,” Wilfred said, pulling papers out of a folder. “You’ll start at UCLA next month—I’ve already taken care of the admissions process and payment. You just have to register for classes and move into the dorm.”
Angel nodded. “Thank you.”
“This wasn’t part of the original agreement, but I’ve bought you a car,” Brock said quietly.
“What?” Angel’s eyes widened as she stared at him. “That wasn’t part of the deal, and I don’t want to take advantage of, well, everything you’re doing.”
“It was my idea. You need freedom, and you need to work part-time in the summer,” he said. “The buses in L.A. are inconvenient and there are some sketchy characters at the stops. This is safer and easier for all of us, so you’re not taking advantage of anything. As long you keep your grades up and don’t get into any trouble, I’ll pay for your car, insurance, and gas. If your grades drop or you start hanging out with guys like Tito—”
“No way!” Angel shook her head. “I’m done with that life. I want to go to school and do something that would’ve made our parents proud.”
“I’m already proud of you,” Ashleigh said quietly.
“Thank you.” Angel flushed at the compliment.
“All of this is still contingent upon your signing custody of Bella over to Brock and Ashleigh,” Wilfred interjected.
“Yes, of course.” Angel nodded.
“You can see her any time you like as long as it’s arranged in advance,” Ashleigh said. “You’re welcome to join us for birthdays and holidays, as long as you’re not drunk or high.”
“I don’t do drugs and technically I’m not old enough to drink,” she said wryly.
Tears pooled in Ashleigh’s eyes as Angel signed the papers.
“The rest of the money is in trust for you,” Wilfred said as he put them back in a folder. “Ashleigh has to approve any withdrawals, but all your bills will be paid while you’re at school, including health insurance. Three hundred dollars a month will be deposited in your account for incidentals. If you run out, contact me and we’ll decide if you’re eligible for more.”
“I do expect you to work in the summer,” Brock added. “Not full-time, and it’s not about the money, but building your resume and being responsible. You can sell bras at Victoria’s Secret or tickets at a movie theater if that’s fun to you, but you have to do something. The money is yours, of course, but I want to see your paychecks so I know you’re doing what you’re supposed to.” He paused. “I’m not trying to be a hard ass—I just want you to make the most of this opportunity.”
“I will.” Angel said, nodding briskly. “I never dreamed I’d be able to go to college or have a car… I won’t screw up, I promise!”
“Then this is it.” Wilfred smiled. “I’ll get these in front of a judge tomorrow and Bella will officially be your daughter.”
“Oh my God.” Ashleigh burst into tears and Brock wrapped his arms around her, stroking her back. She cried a lot lately, as pregnancy hormones surged through her, but he didn’t mind.
Brock kissed the top of her head. “Ready to go?”
“Are you coming to Vegas with us for the holidays?” Ashleigh asked Angel, wiping her eyes with a tissue.
“Is it okay?” Angel bit her lip.
“Of course. I never wanted to separate you and Bella, I just couldn’t let you subject her to the lifestyle you were living with Tito.”
“I didn’t know what else to do,” Angel whispered. “He had an apartment, a car, he bought me clothes… I hated that stupid homeless shelter and was willing to do anything to get out of there.”
“That’s all in the past now, so let’s not dwell on it, okay?” Ashleigh linked her arm through Angel’s. “You’re getting ready to start a whole new chapter of your life.”
“I’m so excited.” Angel threw her arms around Ashleigh and hugged her tightly. “Thank you. Not just for taking care of me but for giving Bella a family again.”
“You’re part of our family as long as you want to be,” Ashleigh whispered.
“Thank you.”
Lat
er that night, when they were nestled in bed at the new house they’d recently bought in Las Vegas, Brock held Ashleigh against his chest, his lips pressed to her temple. Her pregnancy had been fine so far, but she got tired more easily and often fell asleep on him. He didn’t mind, but felt guilty because he was on the road with the team and she was working, taking care of Bella and incubating their child. His son. They’d just found out the sex of the baby two weeks ago, and he couldn’t believe how happy he was about becoming a father—again. He already considered Bella his, but it wasn’t the same as watching a life growing inside the woman he loved.
His life had changed drastically over the last six months, but he loved everything about it. He just wished Ashleigh didn’t have to work so many hours. He wanted her to stay home with Bella and the new baby, and maybe take on film projects she wanted to be involved in, instead of being locked into a full-time job. Especially since it kept her away from him when he wasn’t traveling. He had to approach the subject carefully, though. She was sensitive about it, and he wanted to make her understand that he didn’t want her to give up anything; he wanted her to enjoy the best of both worlds.
“Babe?” He stroked her hair as he whispered into her ear. “You awake?”
“Mmm hmm.” She moved slightly.
“I was thinking…”
“About?”
“You living in L.A. and me being in Vegas.”
“I know, it still sucks.”
“Babe, I need you and Bella with me. I don’t want to do the long-distance thing anymore.”
“But—”
“Wait.” He put a finger on her lips. “Just listen for a minute. After this season, what if you shifted gears a little?”
“What do you mean?” She lifted her head, finding his eyes in the darkness.
“I can support us, and you’ve had plenty of movie role offers the last couple of months. Why not do a project at a time, things you really want to do? I’ve been watching you getting up at five a.m. to rush off to work, sitting up late doing homework with Bella or taking her to gymnastics, making sure both houses run smoothly, and everything you do for me while I’m on the road… The craziness is only going to escalate when the baby gets here. We’ll have help, but you’ve been so tired this fall, even though you won’t be pregnant much longer, having a newborn is going to be just as exhausting, if not more. Why not take some pressure off?”