by LK Collins
Epilogue
Roan
“To Roan and Mia,” Chandler, my best friend and now brother-in-law says as he finishes his speech at our wedding reception. I look over at my girl, dressed in all white and beautiful, and she leans her head against my chest. I kiss the top of her hair, loving how even now that she’s my wife and we’ve been together for well over a year, she still drives me crazy.
“You tired?” I ask as she yawns.
“I am. It’s been a long day. Hell, a long week.” And I couldn’t agree with her more. We did a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, and even with the hotel handling most of the details, getting everyone here for this date was a lot. The girls are on the dance floor, dancing and enjoying themselves. We let them each bring a friend, and I think totally hit the jackpot being on their good-side by doing that.
The memories of their mother seem so distant; Mia has filled the role perfectly. Since the day I told Georgia to get a lawyer if she’d wanted to see the girls again, she has gone AWOL, she’s ceased all contact, and this time I really hope it stays that way. The girls are better off without her.
“Let’s get to bed, beautiful,” I tell Mia, catching her yawn again.
“I don’t want the night to be over.”
“Neither do I.” And it’s the truth. I want to go back to the moment she walked down the sandy beach, the sun high above us. I knew in that moment that my life was complete; nothing could make it any better.
“’Kay, let’s go,” she agrees, and I look down at her tired eyes.
Many of our guests have parted for the evening, but to those that are still here, I holler out, “Thank you all for coming. I’m gonna take my bride to bed!”
The room erupts into cheers, and I swoop Mia off her feet. The mound of fabric that is her dress bunches beneath my fingertips. She giggles, and I catch sight of Rianna and Maisy waving, trying to not have to leave. “That means you guys back to your room as well.”
The girls happily oblige as I hear them following behind us. Glancing down at Mia as the moonlight reflects in her eyes, it reminds me of the night we got back together.
“I love you,” I tell her, the weight of her in my arms is something that I’ll always cherish.
“Night, Dad. Night, Mia,” the girls say entering their bungalow, which is next to ours.
“Good night, love you,” we both say in sync.
And I pull out the key to our room, unlock the door, and carry Mia inside.
“What should I do with you, Mrs. Reddick?”
She giggles, and I contemplate tossing her on the bed. But the truth is, I don’t want to let her go.
“You can do whatever you want with me, Mr. Reddick.”
“Yeah?” I ask, and she nods, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
“But first, I have to do something.”
I raise my eyebrows, not sure what she could have to do. Reluctantly, I set her on her feet. “Close your eyes,” she tells me and right away, I argue back, “Not again.”
“Are you disobeying me already?”
“I’ll close them, but only for thirty seconds, that’s it.”
She swiftly kisses my lips and then places her tiny hand over my eyes. “Make sure these stay closed.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I hear her laugh as she moves to the other side of the room. She better not be getting out of that dress without my help. “You better let me take that dress off you.”
“I will.” It sounds like she is far away, and it makes me count. It isn’t long until I sense her standing in front of me, and I want to look down at her. I want to undress her and fuck her and have my way with her, my wife.
“Open them.” Her voice is uneasy, and I immediately look into her eyes, wanting to demand she tell me what changed in that last twenty-six seconds. She takes my wrist and places something in my palm, but I’m too worried about the look in her eyes to care about what she just gave me.
“I don’t know what this is gonna say.” I realize then that I’m holding on to a pregnancy test. My insides run wild as my brain processes what she just told me. I stare at the screen, and she stares at me.
We’ve never talked about kids, if I wanted more or if she wanted to have any of her own. “I couldn’t wait any longer, I’m ten days late for my period.”
She’s still looking at me as the screen on the digital test flashes a single word: Pregnant.
I hold my breath, processing the news. She is carrying a baby, my baby. I’m having a baby with Mia. And before she can stress any longer about my feelings, I say to her, “It’s positive.” Her eyes, which are rapidly filling with tears, move to the test, and I hand it to her. She looks at the screen unsure, and I know after all she has done for me, now is my turn to do the same for her.
Acknowledgments
William, how do I express my gratitude for your help with this book? It seems each time gets harder to put into words, but one thing that’s easy to express is my undying love for you. Thank you for allowing me to follow my dreams. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. I love you, always and forever.
To my grammatical team: Ashley, you are not only a remarkable editor but also such a wonderful person. Thank you for teaching me, helping me, guiding me, and making me laugh along the way. Leticia and Janice, you two are the best wing women a girl could ask for. Thank you for having my back and for helping me with yet another story!
I must give special thanks to Kristi and Linda with Foreword PR. You are both amazing, and I’m so appreciative of your help and support. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.
Crystal, you really are my rock. Thank you for sticking by me through thick and thin. I’m still not sure how I got so lucky as to have you on my side, but I did, and now you aren’t ever allowed to leave.
Last but absolutely not least. The readers, reviewers, and bloggers. What we do here as LK Collins would not be possible without each and every one of you. So, from the bottom of our naughty little hearts . . . thank you!
For Our Readers
If you loved The Perfect Bastard, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please consider leaving a review on Amazon. My husband, AKA “The Prezident” and I read every single review. It’s the best way to give back to the author.
Finally, if you loved Mia and Roan and would like to take a ride with Chandler in his own book, please add The Ruthless Bastard to your Goodreads TBR list.
Now, as our free gift to you, please enjoy UNPLUGGED in its entirety. UNPLUGGED is a story about a week of sex with no strings attached gone wrong.
Synopsis
Merritt is an alpha male with a dirty, sexy, luscious mouth. He'll screw you senseless while talking filth. Prepare to have the panties melted right off you while reading UNPLUGGED.
From the moment I laid eyes on her, I was doomed.
Quinn Whitmore was unlike any other woman in the world.
She was it for me. That spark, that instant connection, became my sole purpose for breathing.
Her laugh would take over a room.
Her smile brought me to my knees.
And her body was…pure perfection.
When I met Quinn, she was fresh off a nasty breakup and had ruled out all men. She wanted to spend the week in the Rocky Mountains unplugged from the world, unwinding and focusing on herself.
So I decided to let it go.
But my mind wouldn’t.
Every thought suddenly became consumed with Quinn, and I knew I had to have her. So when she finally agreed to a week of just sex, no strings attached, I took the deal and ran. It would give me time to fuck my Quinn obsession out of my head.
But, man, was I wrong. A week wasn’t enough. A lifetime wouldn’t be enough.
The problem…Quinn was hiding a secret—a secret that would ruin my life. And ruin it she did.
Copyright
The story of Quinn & Merritt
Copyright © 2016 LK Collins
Cover Design by Prezident Collins
&
nbsp; Edited by Lisa Christman, Adept Edits
Photography by Copyright: Volodymyr Tverdokhlib
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Dedication
Crystal, thank you for all that you do. This one’s for you, babe.
Chapter 1
Quinn
Slowly, I creep up the snow-packed driveway, thankful that I have my new Jeep to navigate the slippery terrain. As I put the SUV in park, Ted opens my door, his adorable green eyes sparkling in the last of the evening sunlight.
“Fancy new car you got here,” he says. Ted is my best friend, Willow’s, husband.
“Why, thank you. I did sign the biggest client my office had this year.” He takes my hand as I steady myself, planting two feet firmly on the icy ground. A chill runs through me, and I zip my coat. “God, it’s cold.”
“But beautiful,” he says, and we both look up at the shimmering white flakes coming down hard. “Come on, let’s get inside.”
I nod and open my rear door, handing him my bag. Then we walk up to the gorgeous winter retreat that Willow’s brother, Ari, rented for the week. Every year he puts together one of these trips, and it’s what I look forward to most in the wintertime. It’s the same group of people every year, and we’ve all become like family. Most of us went to college together and now meet to spend time catching up, skiing, and snowboarding somewhere in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It’s not far from where I live in Denver, and with how crazy my job and life can be at times, especially as the holiday’s approach, I can always use the time away…this year in particular.
Ted and I kick the snow from our boots as Willow and Kami greet us at the door. “Oh my God!” both girls exclaim. “You look so adorable,” Kami tells me and gives me a tight hug, followed by Willow.
“This place is stunning,” I say to them.
“Isn’t it? Ari did awesome this year. Come on, let us show you to your room.”
Kami’s boyfriend, Jacob, and Ari are zoned out on the TV, watching some sports game. “Hey guys,” I say as I walk by and they both nod their heads followed by a simultaneous, “What’s up?”
“Awesome place, Ari. Thank you.”
“No problem,” he says, still focusing on the TV, and the girls show me around and then take me upstairs. As we head down the hall, it’s clear Ari has the master; he’s paying after all.
“So, here you are,” Willow says opening the door to the rustic-inspired bedroom, with two twin beds made out of real trees. My room is right across from her and Ted, and next to Kami and Jacob’s room, so we’re all sandwiched in together.
“Wow, I’m totally gonna feel like a little kid sleeping in here,” I tell Willow and Kami, as I plop down on the couch in the room to take my boots off. My bag is already by the door. Ted is such a sweetie.
“So, how are you holding up?” Willow asks me.
“I’m okay,” I tell her, the tears already pricking the back of my throat, and even though I try and push them away, it’s hard. Kami gives me a huge hug, and through an exasperated sigh, I say, “I’m not even sure why I’m upset.”
“Breakups are always painful, babe.”
And they are, even though my ex and I were only together for a handful of months, it was a fast and furious romance. He’s that big client I signed through my work, and he literally swept me off my feet. Flying me around every weekend to be with him as we traveled all over, and I just went with it. I completely let my guard down and in the process made myself vulnerable. It really was an awesome few months of my life. Until the day he broke up with me for really no reason that I could see. The pain of thinking about it is still so hard to handle. My relationships always seem to end badly, this one included, which makes me feel like there is something wrong with me. I’m really hoping with this trip I can let it go, even if only for this week.
“Have you heard from him at all?” Kami asks.
“No, thank God. I’m sure he’s moved on,” I tell the girls, and I’m sure he has.
“Well, I say you forget all about that douchebag,” Willow says, and I smile, changing into a pair of sweats.
“I’d love nothing more than to forget about him.”
“What do you ladies say, let’s make this the best week ever? We are going to be completely relaxed, calm, and unplugged from the world, okay?” She looks at me with that look, and I know what she means. I take my cell phone from inside my purse. I’m reluctant to hand it to her…but I’m aware of the rules on these trips…so I do.
Kami and Willow hug me. Willow looks into my eyes, reading me, knowing me so damn well. “Let it all go, babe. This is a fresh start!”
“I will. Thank you both for picking my ass up.”
“Of course. Meet ya downstairs?”
“Yeah, I’m just gonna use the bathroom real quick.”
After I finish, I stare back at my reflection in the mirror. My dark blue eyes are tired and my straggly caramel colored hair is a mess. Christ, work really kicked my ass this week. I never knew managing other people’s money could be so much work. Now that I’ve been promoted to Investment Advisor within a huge financial firm, I realize how easy I had it before.
The snow made my hair such an unmanageable snarl that all I can do is use the hair band from my wrist to hold it in a messy ponytail.
My wool sweater looks ridiculous with my gray sweats, so I take it off, then go and dig through my bag for something more comfortable and less itchy to wear. One of the things I love about these trips is just being able to chill and relax and not care how I look. Ari is like a big brother to me, and the other guys are taken, so I have no one to look good for.
Suddenly the door opens. “Here you are, man,” Ari says, walking in with an unfamiliar guy, and I scramble to cover my breasts.
“What the fuck, Ari?” I yell, and both he and the new guy gawk at me. Looking back at his sexy face, I’m not sure what to do, so I storm into the bathroom and pull whatever t-shirt I’m holding over my head. Then I stand there trying to decide if I should walk out. Or maybe I should wait for someone to knock. Ari said, “Here you are?” What does he mean? This is my room! Who is that guy?
“Quinn?” Willow calls out and lightly raps on the door. I open it, and she says, “You okay?”
“I’m fine. What the fuck is going on, though?”
“I’m sorry, Ari invited a friend of his. They used to work together. He didn’t think he was coming…but he’s here.”
“And he’s staying in my room?”
“Well, if you’re okay with that. But if not, I can see if he can sleep on the couch or something?”
“No, don’t do that. I don’t want to cause any drama.” Ari puts this all together and is so cool about paying for everything. “He’s his friend; I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?” she asks with a frown on her face.
“I’m sure.” We walk out into the bedroom. On the floor at the door is the guy’s bag. I follow Willow downstairs, and as I look around at everyone, I spot him bullshitting with the guys. He’s got messy brown hair and muscles for days. He senses me coming down and looks at me, making my heart thud. I glance away like I didn’t notice, but I can feel his eyes still on me. He keeps talking to the guys but watching me.
“I need a drink,” I tell Willow. My nerves are shot, ha
ving the two of them walk in on me like that. Thankfully Kami is making some sort of concoction in the kitchen. She’s our resident mixologist—literally—she worked at a high-end cocktail bar when we were all in college, and you can always count on her to make the best drinks.
“Here you ladies go,” she says, passing us some foofy pink drinks.
“Hey, Merritt, you want a beer, man?” Ari asks him.
“Sure,” he says and walks into the kitchen, stopping right next to me.
I swallow, sipping on my drink, gazing off, not sure why I’m so nervous. Minus the fact that he saw my tits, I don’t even know him.
“Hey, I’m Merritt, sorry about earlier.”
“It’s all good.” I sip on my drink again as he extends his hand to me. I look down at it for a moment and completely clam up. “You’re supposed to shake it,” he whispers, leaning into my ear. He smells good, and his warm breath on my skin makes me tighten my pussy.
I chuckle a little to myself, then take his hand in mine. “I’m Quinn,” I tell him.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he says, his brown eyes dancing in the low light of the kitchen.
“Here you go, man,” Ari says and hands him a beer. “You two get a chance to meet yet?” he asks us.
“Yeah,” I respond, watching Merritt’s lips and the way they mold around the end of the beer bottle, eyes still watching me. God, I don’t know what it is, but he’s so hot and alluring to me, which is the last thing I need right now. I can’t help but think by the way he’s looking at me that as much as I wanted this week to be about myself and relaxing, he’s going to make that very hard—if not impossible—to accomplish.