“I can’t lose Eric. I can’t let Aiden win by running Eric off. No. Fucking. Way.”
“I see you got your F word back,” Riss teases.
“And it’s staying. I don’t care what the word represents anymore. I won’t let it control my life. I need to get him back, Riss.”
“And you will. Just give him time. He probably just needs guy time to chill and think it through. He’ll come back.”
“You promise?” I whine, puckering my lower lip out even though she can’t see it.
“He’d be a fool not to.”
Too bad I’m the fool.
We finally hang up and I decide to shower. I completely messed up things with Eric today. I feel determined to do something for him tomorrow—something huge—something that he’ll take seriously so that he knows I love him and need him just as much as he loves and needs me. Yes, operation Plan C is in full motion.
* * *
I never told anyone this—not even Carissa, but I can sing. I mean, I can really sing. It’s never been something I shared. I didn’t want the spotlight—or to be a pawn in my mother’s perfect life. I realized I could sing when I was only eleven years old. After so many horrific nights of Aiden sneaking into my bedroom, I found a way to cope—to deal with the way my family treated me. I began singing in my room and as the nights got worse, I began writing down lyrics. I guess you could call it my hidden talent.
It isn’t something I’m embarrassed of—rather it’s something I wanted to keep just for myself. It feels like it’s mine—no one can touch it, or have it. It’s my voice—my feelings—my outlet.
I used to sing in my backyard whenever I would go hiding from my family. Sometimes I’d sing in the shower when I knew no one was around or even in my bedroom late at night when I had so much built-up emotion and no way to release it. It was my way—my voice that got me through those inconceivable moments.
If Eric isn’t going to listen to what I have to say, I will have to be creative. I wake up with a feeling of empowerment. Perhaps it’s waking up in a different city that has me feeling so optimistic and fearless, but I’m taking it all in. I watch the news after I shower. I want to make sure the wildfire is still contained. The news anchor is happy to announce it’s over 70 percent contained and is no longer reaching the higher populated areas. I smile as I feel relief, hoping that Eric won’t have to stay here much longer. If my idea goes as planned, Eric and I will be back in each other’s arms by sunset.
I plaster a smile on my face as I’m greeted by the receptionist. We didn’t hit it off so well the last time, so I’m going to go with…pleasant and sweet Velaney.
“Hi, how may I help you?” she asks, almost choking on the politeness that comes out of her mouth.
“Hi, I’m actually looking for some assistance.” She nods and I continue telling her what I need. Surprisingly, she’s incredibly helpful and even begins to gush about how sweet my plan is. I leave out a few details of course, but she gets what I’m trying to do—win my boyfriend back.
After grabbing all the supplies I need, I find an eager news anchor willing to capture my moment. I’ve never in my life done anything like this before—never put myself out there—never publicized myself like this. But he’s worth it. Eric is worth it.
I do a few warm up notes and shake the nerves off. The receptionist at the hotel, who I later found out is named Kelly, helped me find everything I would need—speaker, microphone and thirsty TV crews itching for a story.
And action.
It’s two in the afternoon before I’m finally set up and ready. A little birdie—off-duty firefighter—told me when Eric’s crew would be back at the hotel for their breaks. They have the firefighters work in shifts to keep from overworking them in the heat. I’m all set up in the hotel’s ballroom. It’s a huge and elegant space decked out in full-on charm décor. Lights—tulle—chandelier—already in my advantage.
I post signs out in the lobby to grab his attention and to direct him to where I am…
Eric, this way.
Keep going.
Getting warmer.
Scalding.
Since the day I met you…you saved me.
And now…I am saving you.
I want to save Eric—save him from his heartache. Heal his heart—mend his shattered soul—save his faith in me.
The last sign leads him right to the ballroom. The lights are completely off as I stand in the middle of the floor, waiting for him and anticipating his entrance.
As soon as I hear him step in, the lights flicker on. A friendly hotel staff member, Ashley, agrees to help me out with the lights, and I was lucky enough to find another one who just happened to bring his guitar. His name is Jeremy and he seemed more than willing to play for me. It’s a good thing Ashley had just gotten engaged—she was all mushy when I explained my plan to her.
Before the spotlight hits me, I begin…
I can’t explain it
But I feel it
The spotlight meets my face and I raise my eyes to find his. I can see he has a look of surprise and awe. I smile as I continue.
The way I feel
It’s so surreal
These feelings I feel…are something unreal
I was so scared
Of losing you
When we first met
I fought with myself
I didn’t know how…to let you in
And then I realized, I need you
Just as much…as you need me
Things didn’t go as planned…
Pretty much the story of my life.
And now I’ve lost you, and I can’t go on
Don’t want to move on
The way I feel
It’s so surreal
These feelings I feel…are something unreal
I was so scared
Of losing you
Losing you…something I can’t bear
Makes me scared…because I need you
And I know you need me
I can’t help the way I feel
I regret letting you go…
It’s not what you think, I can explain
But know it was to protect you,
because I love you.
I love you.
You can’t deny the spark we have
It’s real and it’s not going anywhere
Give me one more chance to prove it to you
This spark is real…
I squint to look at him but the spotlight is blinding me. Ashley must notice because she dims it, giving me full view of Eric’s reaction. I can tell he’s crying, but I don’t know if they are happy or sad tears. And then he smiles. Everything in my body eases as I can tell my plan is working.
You can’t deny the spark we have
It’s real and it’s not going anywhere…
I finish the last line and wait as Jeremy finishes the chords. The moment is perfect. Absolutely perfect.
CHAPTER 23
I stand there in silence as I wait for Eric to say something. He doesn’t move. We’re both frozen in place and I start overanalyzing this whole thing. Maybe I’m beginning to look like one of those obsessive girls that doesn’t leave men alone…or maybe now I look desperate…or…crazy.
“I had no idea you could sing,” he finally says, stepping closer. I see the desire in his eyes, making me finally feel relief.
“I’ve never sung for anyone before,” I reply, desperation and eagerness riveting in my voice.
“Well, it was truly sensational. I loved it. Every single word.”
I step around the microphone stand and make my way toward him. We meet in the middle and stand face-to-face. I inhale his scent, letting the memories flood in as I stand close to him once again.
“I wrote it for you.”
I expect him to respond, or tell me he liked the lyrics, but nothing. If this plan doesn’t work, I’m all out of options.
He leans down, taking me by surprise, and crushes his lips to mine. Th
e heat and sensation overcome me as our lips collide. He brings his hands up to cup my cheeks as he intensifies the kiss. His tongue slides in, greeting mine as he deepens the kiss, making every part of me quiver under his hands.
I wrap my arms around him, pulling him closer to me—needing him closer to me. I feel his hard, strong body against mine and I want to forget everything. I want him. I need him. Nothing will come between us again. I won't let that happen.
He moves his hands down my sides and twirls his thumbs in circles, electrifying every muscle in my body. It’s evident how my body responds to him—how it always responds to him. He pulls me in closer—if that’s even possible—and lowers his hands to the small of my back. The feeling is overwhelming, but I feel nothing but happiness and relief. To have his lips on me again—to feel this—is the most reassuring feeling I’ve ever had.
He slowly breaks the kiss, leaning his forehead against mine as we catch our breath. I close my eyes, synchronizing my breathing with his, collecting my thoughts on what I want to say.
“I haven’t been able to breathe without you,” he whispers. I smile as it brings back memories of his oxygen tank.
“That’s quite ironic coming from a firefighter, don’t you think?”
I think Carissa’s attitude is rubbing off on me…
He chuckles as the mood lightens. It’s intense and full of confusion, but I have no doubt he wants what I want. There’s no way he can deny it…the spark that is so very evident between us.
“I can explain everything,” I finally say, wanting to give him the truth, although it scares me. But I won’t let Aiden run me off this time. If he comes back for revenge or not, at least I’ll know that I’m in control.
“You just did.” Before I can protest, he grabs me and carries me in his arms, locking his lips on mine. I can’t help the giggle that slips out as he tries to make his way out of the ballroom, bumping into tables and chairs. I no longer care or notice that there’s a half dozen people in the room watching.
“Where are we going?” I ask, breaking the kiss. He steps in the elevator and presses a button. “Somewhere I can rip these clothes off.” He flicks a finger under my shirt to emphasize my clothes. Yes, please.
The last time Eric and I were together was incredible, but it was based on a lie. It was meant to be the last time because I had intended never to see him again. However, this time…it will be different. It will be real…raw…and true.
He continues carrying me down the hallway until we find his room. He places me on my feet but our eyes never look away from each other. Digging in his pocket for the keycard, he slides it in, opening the door behind me. He presses his lips on mine again. I feel the passion and desire with every stroke of his tongue. His lips are wet and eager as he backs us into the room, letting the door slam behind us.
We don’t waste any time ripping clothes off and letting them fall to the floor. It feels like it’s been forever since Eric and I were together. We frantically cover each other with our bodies.
Our lips don’t break apart as we rip our pants and shoes off. The passion and overwhelming feelings I have for him take over me. He pushes us to the wall, smacking my ass right against the cold drywall. I wince as the cold hits me, but I don’t care. He could have me pressed against hot lava and I wouldn’t push him off me.
“Your taste is so fucking addictive,” he mutters in between suckling my lips. The F word actually turns me on now. Perhaps it’s the fact that I won’t let that word haunt me any longer and now it drives me insane just hearing it roll off his tongue.
“I have to have you. Right now,” I plead almost breathlessly, letting him hear my eagerness. Between everything we’ve gone through, and fighting to get him back, I can’t wait another minute.
He takes me by surprise and grabs me under the ass to lift me up. My legs wrap around his waist and I’m greeted by his arousal. He thrusts inside me, filling me completely just the way I like it. A moan escapes me as the force of him pulsates through me. It’s intense, fierce, and sensual—it’s fucking perfect.
I rub my hands over his biceps, tracing my fingers over his tattoos. The way his body looks, covered in sweat and tattoos, is almost enough to push me over the edge. I flick my fingers over his nipple ring, wanting to pull it in between my lips.
He thrusts harder, making my back firm against the wall. He holds my wrists and raises them above my head, forcing his hips to support me entirely and leaving me completely vulnerable in his arms. He dips his head to the crease of my neck, electrifying all my senses as the kiss sends shivers down my body.
“I thought I had lost you,” I whisper, desperately needing to know we aren’t over this time.
“I’m never letting you out of my sight again.” His voice is breathy, his eyes looking into mine. We share a moment of passion, not wanting this moment to ever end. It’s beautiful and amazing. Just like Eric.
He pushes in deeper, sliding one hand down to grab the back of my knee and pulling my leg higher up his waist, putting me in a raging frenzy as I scream out his name in a heated release. He presses his lips to mine as he releases inside me.
The way Eric has the ability to complete me and make me feel whole for the first time in my life feels surreal. I never believed in Carissa’s corny love stories—happily ever after and all that crap. I was wrong. Oh, God, how I was wrong.
We finally make our way to the bed and collapse in each other’s arms. It feels amazing to have his body wrapped around mine.
“Why are you always saving me?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“How can you not realize…” He pauses to place a kiss on my forehead. “You’ve been the one saving me all along.” We lock eyes and I can see the intensity in his face. I cup his face and slowly lean in for a kiss.
“Will you sing for me again?” he asks as we continue lying naked side-by-side.
“I’ll do anything for you,” I reply softly. It’s the truth. He has my heart, my soul, my everything—I would give him my kidney if he needed it. Hell, I’d give him both kidneys.
“I’d like to hear your voice again.” He brushes my cheeks with the pads of his thumb, coaxing me. I smile as I take in the moment we finally have together. “Can I hear it now?”
“Now?” I ask, surprised.
“Yeah, why not?” He leans up on his elbow, showing me he’s serious.
“Okay, sure. What do you want me to sing?”
“Can you sing me another one you wrote?” Damn, I was afraid he would ask that.
“Sure…let me think.” I try to focus my thoughts on a few other songs I’ve written.
It feels just like yesterday…
since I’ve seen you.
I still remember your face…your smile…
and the color of your eyes.
You’re unforgettable.
I can’t forget you…don’t want to lose you.
It feels just like yesterday…
Since I’ve seen you.
And now here you are.
You haven’t changed.
You still have that sparkle in your eyes…
And those moist perfect lips.
Here you are…
Right in front of me.
You haven’t changed…
You haven’t changed.
Why did you leave…
I thought we had it all.
The way you loved me,
Wasn’t anything I’ve felt before.
And now I can’t forget you…
Although I need to.
It feels just like yesterday…
Since I’ve seen you.
You haven’t changed…
But I have.
I have.
“That was absolutely beautiful, Velaney.”
“I wrote it when I was sixteen, about the characters in my favorite book,” I reply, feeling a bit shy. I’ve never shared any of my lyrics with anyone before, so this is a big step for me—but it’s one I’m willing to take with Eri
c.
“Sixteen? Wow. I could literally feel the emotion through your lyrics.”
“Thanks…I had a lot of time on my hands. When Carissa and I weren’t hanging out, I buried my head in books.”
“I didn’t know you liked to read,” he says, amusement in his voice.
“I guess there’s a lot about each other we still don’t know.”
“That’s true.” He smiles as if he just came up with an idea. “Let’s go see my mother. I want you to meet her. She’ll absolutely adore you, and you’ll get to see where I grew up.”
“Really? You want me to go?”
“Are you kidding? I want you to know every part of me, Vel. And I want to know every part of you.”
As if his southern charm, tatted chest and nipple ring weren’t enough to make my insides melt, he tells me he wants to take me to meet his mother and see his hometown. Might not sound like a big deal to other girls, but for me, this is huge. I’ve never let anyone in before, which means I’ve never allowed them to get close or even talk about meeting their families. Growing up with Carissa—she was my only family.
“I can’t wait,” I say, not even trying to hide the stupid grin on my face. I may not be sure of many things in my life, and I may have a lot to overcome yet, but Eric is one thing I’m absolutely positive about. He’s been saving me since the day we met.
* * *
“How does this look?” I ask for the third time as I change my outfit once again. Ugh, why am I so nervous?
“You look beautiful…just like the last two times you asked.” He playfully rolls his eyes at me. I look in the mirror once again, contemplating my outfit choice.
I huff back at him, finally deciding to keep the dress I have on. Meeting his mother is a huge deal for me. I want it to be perfect. Carissa informs me that southern men are close to their mothers and that their mothers’ opinion means a lot to them.
Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set Page 42