New Hearts Old Flame
By
M.D. Alexander
All rights reserved. The reproduction of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, recording, and photocopying, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. All references to real places, people, or events are coincidental, and if not coincidental, are used fictitiously.
Copyright © 2019 M.D. Alexander
All rights reserved
Cover design by Covers in Color.
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About the author
M.D. Alexander is an avid reader of all genres. She writes about romance and loves coffee. She believes that true success, is being happy with yourself. When she's not spending time with her husband and two children, she enjoys catching up on her favorite shows.
Other books by M.D. Alexander
Desiree's Desire Available Now
# LIPS Volume 1 Coming December 2019
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Acknowledgments
To my husband and daughter, thank you for helping start my journey. To my son, thank you for keeping me on my toes. Because of you, I was inspired to pick up the pen and write again.
KEY:
∞
Infinity signs means change in point of view.
Horizontal line means Change in time.
Prologue
New York, New York
Summer 2009
w ith a broad smile on his face, Drew Watts hurried up the steps to his apartment. He could barely contain his excitement and elation for that evening. He and his girlfriend Nina Baxter, were celebrating the opening of his first club, Stallions. After twelve long months of building, the project was finally complete. Drew had endured numerous meetings and several obstacles along the way.
Many times he thought about walking away, but Nina wouldn't let him. In fact, she had been his only support system. When Drew told his father about his plans of becoming an entrepreneur, he laughed at the thought. He accused Drew of being foolish and ignorant. Calling Drew's idea of entrepreneurship, a fleeting crap shot. He became angry when Drew didn't choose the path that had been so carefully laid out for him.
Watts & Watts Law Firm. It had been established by Drew's grandfather Andrew Watts. All the men in Drew's family were expected to become lawyers and work there. Drew considered the idea of becoming a lawyer unappealing. He wanted something different for himself, he wanted to establish his own legacy.
With that in mind, he took his trust fund and used a portion to start up his own business. When his father found out, he became livid and disowned him. Drew didn't care, he was happy to cut the string. The only part he struggled with, was being away from his mother. He could only talk to her on the phone, and whenever his father came home, she would end their conversation.
Drew didn't hold it against her, he understood. His mother had always been obedient. Drew's father had a strong hold on her and his brothers, but never him. He was proud of that, and despite the negativity from his father, the opening of Stallions was a success.
Turning the key, he opened the door to the small apartment and entered. The cozy one bedroom was all he and Nina could afford for now. With it being just the two of them, it had been all they needed.
“Hey babe, are you home?”
“Yeah, I'm in here.”
Drew grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and walked towards the bedroom. He stood in the doorway and gazed at her. She was sitting at the desk writing on a sheet of paper. He thought of the first time they met. Their freshman year of college, before he decided to drop out.
He remembered every detail, including the day of the week. She sat under a tree, reading a book. Drew recalled how the sun shined through the leaves, adding a radiant glow to her pecan tan skin. She wore a floral sundress, with a pink flower tucked in her thick curly brown hair. Drew had been hesitant to approach her, she looked so smart, beautiful, and completely out of his league.
There was also the fact he was white. Although he didn't see race as an issue, he wasn't sure if she felt the same. When she smiled and allowed him to sit next to her, he became overjoyed. Upon talking, he learned she was a premed student and from Virginia as well.
Fast forward six years and they were still together. Nina was currently in her last year of med school, and set to start her residency at one of the local hospitals. The future was definitely promising for them.
Drew walked closer and peeked over her shoulder. “What are you writing?”
Nina covered the paper with her hands. “It's an assignment for one of my classes.”
“Why don't you want me to see it?”
“Because, I'd rather you wait until I'm finished.”
“K, I'm going to take a shower, feel free to join me.” Drew kissed her temple before leaving.
As he undressed, he thought about his plans for that evening. Nina believed they were only celebrating the opening of Stallions, however, there was also another occasion. Drew was going to propose. He wanted her to know she meant everything to him.
While bathing, he thought about the things they both wanted. Such as the big house in Connecticut and the summer house in Southampton. Soon, it would all be possible.
Nina pushed back the shower curtain. “Hey handsome, does the invitation still stand?”
“Did you even have to ask? Get in here.”
Drew helped her inside, pulling her into his arms, he began to plant kisses on her.
“How was your day?” she asked.
“Not bad. I'm really pleased with the way everything turned out at the club.”
“That's great honey. I'm proud of you.”
“I owe my success to you. You've kept me sane.”
He kissed the back of her neck, knowing she liked when he did that.
“We're gonna be late,” she said.
“Don't worry, I know the owner.”
“In that case continue.” A giggle escaped her mouth, when he bit her neck.
By the time they left their apartment, it was eight o'clock. The club was a forty-minute drive from where they lived.
“Looks like all the money you put into promoting and advertising paid off,” Nina said, as they drove into Stallions.
Drew came around and opened her door, together they walked inside. He took her upstairs to sit at their table.
“I must say, you look incredibly sexy tonight.”
“And so do you.” She leaned forward and kissed him.
“Good evening Mr. Watts, are you ready to order?” the waitress said, holding a bottle of Cristal.
“Yeah I believe we are.” Drew ordered for both of them. Something he always did.
When the waitress left, he poured himself and Nina, a glass of champagne.
“So how was your day? I never got around to asking you,” he said, with a boyish grin.
Nina smiled, as she thought of their love making in the shower.
“It was OK. I have a ton of homework I need to finish before Monday.”
“Is that what you were working on when I came home?”
“Yeah.” She glanced down at the table nervously, before taking a sip of water.
Drew reached for his glass of champagne and noticed Nina hadn't touched hers. He brushed it off, remembering her 'no alcohol' policy, whenever she had an assig
nment due.
Soon, the waitress came back with their food. As they ate, Drew was amazed at Nina's appetite and how she'd eaten everything on her plate. Since he'd known her, she always had food left over, and he would constantly tease her about it.
“You were hungry?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah. I skipped lunch today.”
“Are you okay? You seem preoccupied.”
Nina waved her thoughts away. “It's this stupid paper I'm working on.”
Drew figured it was the right time for him to pop the question. He didn't want to wait too long. She was sacrificing her study time to celebrate with him.
“There's something I wanted to tell you.” Drew reached across and held her hand.
“What is it babe?”
“The last six years of my life have been a roller coaster. Every bump, every up and down, you road them with me.” Drew lifted up his hands and glanced around the room. “I owe all this, to you. I couldn't have done it without you.”
“Awe, thank you babe. I'm honored to be able to share it with you.”
“I have one more thing I want to say.” Drew took the ring box out of his pocket and opened it.
In shock, Nina placed her hands on the side of her face. “Is that what I think it is?”
He smiled, happy with her response. “Nina will you marry me?”
“Did you even have to ask,” she said with a smile, mimicking him from earlier.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes!”
Drew slid the diamond ring on her finger.
For the rest of the night Nina's eyes stayed glued to it.
As they drove home, he glanced at her now and then.
“How does it fit? Do you think we need to have it sized?”
“It could probably go down one, but not yet. I'm not ready to part with her so soon.”
Drew laughed, she was like a kid with a new toy. “I was thinking...”
“Drew! Look out!”
Day one.
“I don't understand. Dr. Smith, how much longer is he going to be in a coma?” Barbara Watts hovered over Drew, caressing his face.
“I can't give you a set time, it depends on the individual. We're doing everything we can to bring him out.”
The doctor's words did nothing to console her.
“Come on honey, let's give them space to do their job,” Alan Watts told his wife. He grabbed her gently by the shoulders, and escorted her to the lobby.
Day Two.
“We're here, me and your father. We love you son, please open your eyes and come back to us.”
Alan turned away, as his wife continued to talk. He felt ashamed and guilty. His own stubborn ways had come between him and his son. He prayed for the chance to apologize.
Drew's eyes began to flutter.
“Drew!” His mother placed a hand on his chest. “Please, wake up!” she said, willing him to respond.
“Nina,” he mumbled.
“Alan, go find the doctor!”
Drew's eyes opened, grabbing his head he attempted to sit up.
“No,” his mother warned. “We need to wait for the doctor, you're not strong enough.”
“Where's Nina?”
“Sweetie, you both were in a car accident.” She was afraid to explain any further, unsure if he could handle it. Briefly she turned her head towards the door, hoping her husband would return soon with the doctor.
Once again, Drew spoke. “Where is she?”
Barbara heard the fear in her son's voice. She could see the terror on his face. Her eyes darted to the floor and back up, before shaking her head.
“They didn't make it Drew.”
He looked at her with confusion. “What?” Despite being weak and having a pounding headache, he tried once more to sit up. “They? What are you talking about?” His voice was shaky but firm.
Drew's mother studied his expression, obviously he didn't know.
“Mom, where is Nina!”
“I'm sorry. I thought, I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?”
Placing her hands together, she brought them to her face. “Nina was two months pregnant.”
“No.” He shook his head in disbelief.
“She and the baby, they didn't make it... I'm so sorry Drew.”
He stared at his mother and watched her cry. Blinking back his own tears, he snatched the covers off his legs.
“Drew, wait!”
He tuned her out, as he sat up on the side of the bed and pulled at the IV.
“Someone, please come quick!” she screamed.
To her relief, Drew's father returned with the doctor and his assistant.
“Mr. Watts, you have to calm down!”
Drew attempted to walk, but fell to the floor.
His mother's cries became louder, as they picked him up and carried him back to bed. Drew tried to resist, pushing the doctor and his assistant away.
“Do you need help?” the nurse asked.
“Get me ten milligrams of Valium IM, STAT!”
While the nurse went to draw up the medication, Drew blacked out again.
“What happened?” Drew's father asked, looking at his wife.
“He asked about Nina. He didn't know about the baby,” she cried into his chest.
When the nurse returned, she gave Drew the medication.
“Dr. Smith, what's going on?” Drew's mother sobbed.
“The three of us can talk in my office. Will let him rest. He can't handle any excitement at the moment.”
Grief stricken and weak, she allowed her husband to pull her away.
Chapter One
First Impressions.
New York, New York
Present-Ten years later
W ednesday morning, Drew sat behind his desk going over a contract. It pertained to a piece of industrial land overseas. He still hadn't decided, if it would be a lucrative investment for him. Over the last ten years, Drew had grown his business into a massive corporation. His night club Stallions, was now located in fifteen different cities along the east coast. Which included five other states, besides New York.
However, Stallions wasn't his only establishment. Drew dabbled in several other business investments as well. Some he maintained complete control over. While others, he stayed on board as a share holder. With his current net worth sitting comfortably at one point eight-billion dollars, money was not a problem.
“Mr. Watts,” Drew's secretary buzzed in. “Your father is on line one. Do you want me to tell him you're busy?”
Drew started to say yes, but his father rarely called.
“No, send him through.” When the phone rung on his end, Drew picked up. “Yes Alan, what can I do for you.”
“Must you call me by my first name?”
“I'm sure you didn't call, to discuss how I address you.”
Over the years, the two had never patched things up. On the outside looking in, it appeared that Drew's rudeness came from nowhere. They both knew different. The rocky foundation of their relationship, had been laid a long time ago.
Drew's father sighed. “No, that's not why I called. It's about your mother.”
“What's wrong with mom.”
“She's alright, she misses you.”
“I'll be there this weekend.”
“Your grand opening is on Friday, in Richmond correct?”
“Yeah.”
“I'm really proud of you son.”
“Thanks.” Both Drew and his father remained quiet. “I gotta go. I have a lot of work to do.”
“Sure son.”
Drew heard the sorrow in his father's voice. He didn't care, nor did he feel sympathy.
Picking up the phone again, he called his mother. It had been six months since he went home to Arlington, Virginia. The last time there, he drove down to Richmond with the intentions of visiting Nina's parents. Only he didn't have the courage to face them. Instead, he bought stock in a local bar and purchased a restaurant, along w
ith an old warehouse.
Sitting on three acres of wooded land, the warehouse gave Drew the seclusion and privacy he needed. With the renovations almost complete, it would be his home whenever he was in Richmond.
“Hi, mom.”
“Drew! I'm so glad you called! When are you coming home!”
“I'll be there this weekend.”
“How long are you staying this time?”
“Maybe a week or so. I'm not sure. I was going to come by and take you out for lunch, on Saturday.”
“That would be nice. Your brothers are going to stop by on Saturday as well.”
He closed his eyes, aware of what she was implying.
“I would love to have all my boys here together,” his mother added.
“OK, I'll try my best to make it.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Oh that would be fantastic, please do try!”
“Yeah, I will. Love you mom.”
“I love you too, I'll see you this weekend.”
Drew hung up the phone, he couldn't tell her no.
“Drew! Look out!”
“Nina!”
Drew sat up in a panic. He glanced over at the clock, it read three-fifteen. He debated whether he should try to go back to sleep. It was Friday, he would be leaving for Richmond, at six o'clock that morning.
Drew had been burdened with nightmares and migraines since the accident. A small price to pay he figured, considering Nina paid with her life. That past Friday, had been the anniversary of her death. With everything else going on, the nightmares had become more frequent. Throwing the covers back he decided to get up. He didn't want to risk waking up from another nightmare, adding fuel to the splitting migraine he already had.
In the bathroom mirror, he stared at his reflection. Despite all his accomplishments, he couldn't bring Nina back. After losing her and his unborn child, he vowed to never endure that kind of pain again. With a splash of water to the face, Drew pushed back the hurtful memories. Walking into the closet he got dressed, then headed downstairs to his gym.
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