Changing Lanes (Highway 17 #1)

by Leaona Luxx

  “Have you talked to her?” he asks.

  “Not really, we text her all the time.” Lifting my head to look at him then drop it again. “I miss her. I wish she’d just come home,”

  “Have you thought about going to see her?” He asks me.

  ‘I would love to. Kissing her would mean so much right now.” I bounce my head off the desk.

  “I know someone who happens to have a plane.” Lifting my head, One smirks at me. “It flies all over.”

  “Can it fly to say…New York?” Cocking my eyebrow, I smile.

  “I think it can. Go see her, say what you need to say. Leave the rest to her.” One has a point. I didn’t fight hard enough last time; she’s not getting away so easily now.

  “I need to grab a bag and tell Mom. Thank you.” I shake his hand. “Please tell Lea thank you.”

  “She wanted me to offer it two weeks ago, but I kept waiting for you to think of it.” He laughs.

  “Next time, listen to Lea,” I say as I rush from the office.

  “I’m learning,” he yells as the door closes behind me.

  Throwing my truck in gear, I speed home in record time. I explain to my mom what I’m doing and that I’ll only be gone for the evening. I pack a bag of things I need. Mom carries my bag to the truck, hugging me before I leave. “Wait, I almost forgot something.” Running to the barn, I find my box, grabbing what I need. As I step from the ladder, I hear my mom arguing with someone. Ava.

  “I’m just checking on him,” Ava says.

  “He has somewhere to go, you need to leave, Ava,” Mom declares as they open the barn door.

  “It’s alright, Mom. What is it?” I demand. Mom looks from me to Ava, shaking her head and walks away.

  “She hates me. Always has.” Ava traipses to the tractor and sits down. “Saw you race through town, where you going in such a rush?”

  “None of your business, tell me what you want,” I add.

  She stands, walking closer to me. “Why her? All this time. You left her, and now she’s left you. Why her?”

  “Don’t start this shit, Ava,” I demand.

  “Tell me. I want to know,” she counters.

  “I have, for years. You choose not to listen!” I yell.

  “I’m listening now.”

  “Because I love her,” I answer her the only way I can.

  “Why?” she screams. For fuck’s sake.

  “Why do I love Torrie? Because I can. She’s good, down to her core. Yes, she’s beautiful, but it’s more than surface. She’s kind, the type of person who would put herself out to help you. You, the person who has hurt her just as much as I have. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have money to take her to nice places, she’d prefer to stay here and play with Andi.

  “She’s never been shown love, until me. You think you’re so different than her, but you’re not. Her father never showed her love or affection, yet she doesn’t let that dictate how she loves. Love follows no rules, it comes with no prejudices. Love comes how it wants to, whether it fits society’s mold or not. Love determines for itself where to settle.”

  She folds her arms, looking at the dirt. “No matter what I do to change, you’ll never love me like that, will you?”

  “Don’t you understand? I can’t love you.” Turning to her, she stands in front of me as her tears fall unrestrained. Her frown deepens as she releases her lip from her teeth.

  “Of course, I understand. I see it every time she’s around. When you say her name. The second her words hit your ear, I see it. I see it in your eyes, when you think of her. But I can’t stop my heart from wanting what it wants. It wants you, Brannon. Always has, always will.” Her eyes plead with me. I can see the minute her heart gives way to what I’m telling her to be true. Spinning on her toes, she storms away from me.

  “Ava. Stop.” She slows down, stopping by the door. “I’m sorry this hurts you so badly. I hate your heart is broken. One day, someone is going to love you the way you need to be loved. And if he doesn’t, I’ll be there to kick his ass. I need you to accept Torrie, not for me or her but for Andi. Andi loves Torrie, too. I love her, Ava. Like I’ve never loved another thing, I love her.”

  Ava’s tears leave streaks down her face, but she gets it. “Her father gave me a hundred thousand dollars to break you up. Torrie doesn’t know, maybe you should tell her.”

  “Come again? How’d he know we were together?” confused, I demand her to tell me.

  “I called the office and left a message for him. He called a little over a month ago and asked about you both. He didn’t know about Andi, so when I told him, he sent me a check with the understanding I would separate you. I know you hate me right now, with good reason. I’m sorry.” She watches me closely.

  “I’m not going to tell her,” I say, Ava’s eyes are wide with disbelief.

  “Why? Her father paid me to do this to her. To you both.” She frowns.

  “Would you want me to come back to you because of what someone else done or because I love you?” I answer.

  She nods. “Okay. You know, she paid for me to go college, told me she believed in me because of Andi. I’ve never had anyone but you say those kinds of things to me. Be careful.”

  I watch as Ava walks away, knowing this is a new beginning. Now, I need to get my girl. I don’t plan on bringing her back, I want her to come on her own. I’m going to remind her why she belongs here. And then, I going to tell her father.

  It’s noon when my flight lands, I took the liberty of changing in the bathroom. I had dress clothes on at work, but I decided if I’m walking into that building, it’ll be on my own terms. Sliding into my worn-out jeans and a white t-shirt, I tie my work boots tight. My Braves cap goes on straight for now.

  Lea arranged for a car to pick me up or I would’ve been lost here. I don’t know what I’d do without Lea and One, this family treats us like their own. I watch as the buildings get taller and bigger the deeper into the city we get. I’m not even sure if they’ll let me see her. But I’m gonna give it a helluva try.

  The driver pulls up to a building with two intertwined ‘H’s’ on them with the words Harrington Holdings in silver underneath. I guess that’s my cue. I open the door before the driver gets around to me. He informs me he’s readily available for my return and gives me his number.

  Stepping out onto the sidewalk, I lay my head back to get a good look at the structure. She’s on the twentieth floor. I wipe my hands down my jeans and walk to the door. Drawing lots of attention, I nod and smile while I look for the elevators.

  Two security guards sit at a desk, checking people in; they’re not going to let me up there. Fuck. I turn around with my back to them, trying to think of something. I hear a voice I haven’t heard in a long time, “Brannon?” Greta Harrington strolls through the front door.

  “Greta? It’s so good to see you.” She wraps her arms around me in a bear hug. I return it, I need it.

  “Are you here for her?” She smiles.

  “I’m here to see her, coming back will have to be on her terms. I love her,” I assert.

  “And she, you. She’s miserable, always has been. Brannon, I’m about to cause a fight with my husband, but I’m going to do what any mother would do if she were me.” She smirks.

  “Do I want to know?” Frowning, I question her with concern.

  “Come with me.” Greta takes me by the arm, walking me over to the desk. “Gentlemen, this is my daughter’s fiancé. He’s here to surprise her, so let’s not spoil it.” She winks at them and leads me to the elevators. “I’ll be back in an hour. Go get her, she belongs with you. Take a right off the elevator, last door on the right.” She kisses me on the cheek and pushes the call button.

  “Thank you. And Greta, you should do more ‘mom stuff’, she likes that. And thank you for being there for Adan.” I kiss her back.

  “It was my honor, Brannon. I’m sorry for your loss.” She holds me tight until the elevator arrives.

  The d
oors open to the twentieth floor, and I step out to a desk with two receptionists. They look up at me, smiling as they give me a once over. I smile with a nod. “Ladies.” I walk to the right and through the door; there’s a large work area with a lot of people.

  I spot the silver placard engraved with Torrence Harrington, COO in a clean print. I walk with determination as every eye in the room is on me; smile and throw out a few winks. “Ladies.” From the looks of it, I’m rather appreciated. “Afternoon.” I nod at her secretary as I proceed to open her door to everyone’s surprise.

  “Sir, you can’t just walk in there,” the girl yells.

  I open it anyway, to Torrie’s shocked face. “Hey, honey,” I say, grinning at her.

  “Brannon?” Torrie stands as I shut the door behind me, locking it. “What are doing here?” she asks, already tearing up.

  “I wanted to remind you how much you’re loved and that you have a home.” I pick her up, and she wraps her legs around my waist. “You needed to know how much I miss you, miss us.” Her mouth is on mine before I can say another word. Her tongue tangles with mine as I find a wall to pin her to.

  She takes my hat off, tossing it to the floor. I unbutton her navy wrap dress in the front just enough to show her matching navy lace demi bra. She keeps pulling and tugging at my shirt until I lean back for her to rip it over my head.

  I reach in, pulling her breast free over top of her cups. Her nipples are hard and asking for attention. I’m a good man, so I show 'em some. Taking one into my mouth, I swirl the tip of my tongue around it. She moans, then her eyes pop open. I bite down, I don’t give a fuck if they know why I came here.

  She moans louder, so I make sure she doesn’t care. I move my hand around her skirt that’s rode up her thighs, finding her panties are already wet. Now, she gets a moan. She smirks behind our kissing, and I trail down to suck her breast into my mouth.

  Fisting her panties at the seam, I rip them from her. She gasps, and I forge ahead. Unbuttoning my pants, I drop them. Her eyes open as I sit at her entrance; I bob with the weight, and I can feel her clench. I release her mouth, telling her, “Even your body knows it belongs to me.”

  I fill her, pushing utterly to where she stops. She releases an audible moan, “Ahhhh.”

  Her pussy clenches my cock in repetition, her orgasm building quickly. “We ain’t goin’ down like this. You need to be reminded of who owns you,” I say, sliding outta her, and she gasps again.

  Biting her lip so hard, it immediately turns crimson. Pushing back, deep into her, I begin my punishing rhythm. Her breasts bounce with every slap of our bodies meeting. Hard, deeper, I push her up the wall, digging my feet in. She feels so fucking good, I want to be buried so deep she doesn’t know we’re two different people.

  Her hands tangle in my hair, pulling with every thrust into her. Our pace steady but not hurried. I want her sore and thinking of me. Her mouth presses into mine with such hunger. I groan into hers. She gives me another audible moan. As her tongue swirls mine, her pussy tightens.

  Fuck, I’m going to go as soon as she does. Her body begins to tremble, pulsing around my cock. Her head falls back against the wall, and she moans louder. I thrust harder, grinding her pussy with my cock. Her next release does us both in. “Brannnn!” she screams.

  Her orgasm making her lock onto my cock, pulling me impossibly deeper and holding me there. I meet hers with my own, filling her full as my head lulls back. Our last pulsation brings my head forward, leaning against her forehead. “I love you.”

  I let her down slowly, pushing her dress to straighten it, as she fixes the top. I pull up my pants, and she grabs my shirt. I tug it over my head, along with putting my hat on backward. I push her against the wall, tilting her chin up to meet my lips. Placing a small kiss on them.

  Unlocking the door, her eyes go wide. I open it, yanking her to me so everyone can see. Wrapping my hand in her hair, I tilt her back, laying my lips over hers. Standing her up quickly, I place a box in her hand. “I’ve had this for ten years, for this finger, only this finger. I love you.”

  Turning to leave, I walk away with a round of applause as I tip my hat. Torrie stands in her doorway, red and worn out. “Hey, country boy.” I stop, looking back at her, tilting my head up. “I love you,” she yells.

  “I know. I’ll be at home.” I leave her with her favorite smile and a wink. I call for the car on my way down, and as I exit the building he pulls up. Climbing in, I get a text from Torrie.

  You don’t play fair.

  I send one back.

  I sure as hell won’t when it comes to you from now on.

  The next text, makes me smile.

  <3

  I don’t respond. She needs time to think. I pull her torn panties from my pocket, I hope this isn’t all I have in the end. I lay my head back as the sun sets in the sky, headed back to Carolina. I smile to myself for my plan and send a silent, ‘Thanks’ to Greta.

  Torrie and I have texted every day this week, nothing more than ‘I love you.’ The hotel’s grand opening is tomorrow, but she won’t be here. Her father made her stay behind to handle an issue at the office. I know why, he paid Ava off, but don’t say a word. I reply the way we have been, simply saying, ‘I love you.’

  I get dressed for the opening, knowing I shouldn’t be there for One’s sake, but I have something to say. I drive up in my old Chevy truck, stepping out in my three-piece suit. Laying back to not show my hand before I have to.

  Working my way around the room, I keep my eye on him the entire time. I’ve changed since he offered me a million dollars, a helluva lot. Just when I think he doesn’t recognize me, we lock eyes. He narrows his, I smirk. Not this time, old man.

  He makes his way over to me, shaking hands along the way. “Well, if it isn’t Brannon O’Hurley. I thought the trash had been put out,” he says loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “Mr. Harrington, how have you been?” I offer my hand. He looks down at it then up at me.

  “What is it, son. You need another check? I paid you a million dollars to stay away from my daughter as it is, and you’re not getting any more from me.” His voice grows louder with every word.

  One stands to my right as Hardy pats my shoulder. “I got this, guys.”

  “Not anymore, she came home. I believe it was her decision also.” Mr. Harrington is defiant when he answers me.

  “Yes, she did. To a company you never intended on giving her. One she’s worked years to get, all because she wasn’t a man. A man, I suppose, like her father. A father who offered to pay me one million dollars to leave and not pursue his daughter,” I say angrily. “A check, she has in her purse because I gave it back to her. A father who would rather his daughter marry a man who doesn’t love her just so he can run your company, although his daughter is more than capable. Yes, you are a father who paid my daughter’s mom, one hundred thousand dollars to break us up. A father, who would rather hurt and humiliate his daughter before supporting the amazing person she is,” I say disgusted. “Thank you.” I clench my jaw. His face is blood red, and he looks at me like he could kill me.

  “For what?” he spits at me.

  “For showing me what kind of father I don’t want to be. For teaching me love is worth more than money. For making me fight when I wanted to give up. I love Torrie, and your damn checkbook can’t do a fucking thing about it. I’m fighting for her this time. I seethe.

  I walk past him as Greta watches. Her weak smile does little for me, but I offer what I can to her. “Thank you for finally showing up.”

  Brannon leaves me standing at my office door, well pleased and confused. He came all the way to New York to fuck me? I mean, I’m going to take it. There are no complaints here. Except for everyone in the office hearing me.

  When the elevator doors close, I wrap my hand around the box he left in it. When I smile, everyone claps again. I bow and shut my door. Hurrying to my phone, I call Lea.

  “Hello,” Lea says joyfully.
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  “Oh my, guess what just happened?” I say as soon as she answers.

  “I’m not sure I want to know,” she laughs.

  “Hang on, I’ll conference Thayer in.” I connect the calls. “So, ladies. Brannon just left here.” There’s giggles from both. “Okay. You both knew he was coming?”

  “I have a plane,” Lea says as a matter of fact.

  “Thank you, it was damn well appreciated,” I say with a sigh.

  Thayer giggles more. “Do tell.”

  “Not much to tell, I don’t even know how he got past the guard’s downstairs. He just walked right in here and locked the door behind him. Fucked my brains out and left a box with me.”

  “Well, hell. If that ain’t a war, tell me what is?” Lea quips.

  “War?” I laugh.

  “Yeah, for you. What’s in the box?” Thayer asks.

  “I know what it is, but I can’t open it.” If I do, it means my world turns upside down.

  “Why not? You’re killing us here,” Thayer questions.

  “It’s a ring. He bought it the Christmas before we broke up. He doesn’t have a clue I know about it.” I wipe a stray tear. “If I open it, I’m coming back to marry him. I can’t do that.”

  “And why not, Torrie?” Thayer presses me. Lea is still quiet.

  “I love that he came to remind me where I should be, but the facts are still the same. I’m not a mother. I let his daughter go missing. No one should marry a person with a child and not be able to be a decent parent to them,” I explain my point the way I see it.

  “Hang on. So, you’re saying you can’t be with him because you aren’t a good mother to Andi? The Andi you fed, clothed, fixed her hair, took her to the dentist, got mani-pedi’s with, that Torrie?” Thayer pushes me further.

  “Well, yes. Anyone can do all those things. I lack a basic instinct all mothers have.” That should clear it up.

  “Torrie, you’re so full of shit,” Lea weighs in. “Motherly instinct and all. So, what you’re saying is, Malone should have never become a father. He was instantly a father to three, then two newborn babies. He had no instincts except that he loved them. He cried for days when the boys started calling him dad. I was fifteen, a teenager. Do you think I had motherly instincts?