“We don’t mind waiting. So, Ryker, did she cave and tell you about what song she’s chosen?”
“Absolutely not. Bella was adamant about keeping it a surprise. Why? Did she confide in you?” I would be hurt beyond words if she’d told Mr. Harper and not me. I’m her husband for fuck’s sake.
“Oh god no. I was hoping perhaps she’d slipped and told you what it was. Well, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough, won’t we?”
“Find out what?” Oh, even after all these months, Kennedy still hasn’t grown on me. I’m trying, I really am. Especially now that she and Cole are dating. What he sees in her, I have no clue. But he’s happy and that’s all that matters. Kennedy doesn’t waste any time playing catch up with the Harpers, which gives Cole a chance to make his escape.
“Is he coming, Ryker?”
Cole is referring to the sixth and final person to make up our party. Gage. He gave me his word that he’d be here but I have my doubts. “If he said he’d come then he’ll be here. We’ll give him five more minutes, then we’ll go inside.”
“No worries. We have plenty of time.” Cole stuffs his hands in his pockets and rocks back and forth on his heels. Yeah, he’s just as nervous as I am.
When Gage and Bella started communicating again, I was pissed. Strike that. I was livid. And then I was quick to remember that she chose me, not him. But when she’d needed my approval so she could invite him to the theatre on opening night, I just about lost it. Gage was never a part of her life while she was dancing. I was the one who dropped her off and picked her up every day. Carried her when she was so exhausted she couldn’t take another step. And rubbed her feet every single night before going to bed. It was brutal for me just knowing there was another man in her life. Because I’d never had to share Bella with anyone before. Until I lay awake one night and realized why she was working so hard to perform again. It wasn’t for me, Gage, or even herself. It was for all of the fans who used to come to the theatre to watch Bella Steel dance. The magic she wove while she was on stage was breathtaking. Only then did I understand that she was dancing for all of them. So, I conceded and here I am waiting for the ‘other’ man.
I impatiently pull the black cuff of my jacket back to check my watch. Two minutes and counting. “Sorry I’m late. I had a hard time finding a parking spot.” My head snaps up just in time to see my nemesis walking towards me. Looking handsome and well-dressed in his dark-grey Ralph Lauren. Fuck! It’s going to be a long night. Gage sticks out his hand and, reluctantly, I take it. His handshake is strong, firm, and confident.
It takes every ounce of willpower I have to look him square in the eye and say, “Glad you could make it. Let’s go inside.” I take in a deep breath and head toward the theatre. While Gage confidently greets Kennedy, Cole, and the Harpers. If looks could kill, Gage would be dead. Vega refused to take back the money she’d paid him over the years, so he donated it all to charity. I thought it was rather noble of him. Fuck! I thought once everyone arrived, I’d be less nervous. Unfortunately, it has the opposite effect.
Once we’re all seated, I sit back. Willing myself to calm the fuck down. You’d think that I was the one who was getting on that stage. I purposely chose a seat at the end and luckily no one decides to sit down next to me. Everyone is coupled, with the exception of Gage and me, and he chose to sit by himself also. This is one show I want to enjoy on my own.
All performances tonight are freestyle. Every soloist or pair has chosen their own songs and dances to perform. It’s the first of its kind. It’s the brainstorm of my beautiful wife Bella and the New York City Ballet. If all goes well, it will become a tradition. And since I have no idea when she’s supposed to perform, I’ll just kick back and enjoy the show.
About an hour in, the lights dim and a spotlight appears on my beautiful wife. Standing center stage. My heart swells to near bursting at the pride that fills me. And my vision blurs when the crowd gives her a standing ovation. Thunderous applause fills the theatre while everyone begins talking all at once. The roar of the crowd is deafening as my precious blows kisses and graciously curtsies. Bowing her head in respect.
Once the crowd has settled down, someone hands Bella a microphone. I sit on the edge of my seat with my arms over the railing, waiting with bated breath. While her lyrical voice fills the theatre.
“Thank you. Thank you so much. My name’s Bella Steel and I am honored to be here with all of you tonight.” At the mention of her name, the crowd goes wild once again. They begin clapping and stomping their feet. Bella waits patiently until the final audience member quiets down. “I can’t even begin to put into words how excited I am to be here tonight. Many of you may already know that I haven’t been around for years. But I won’t bore you with all of the details because, after all, you’re obviously here to see us dance.” More clapping ensues, but this time Bella’s able to continue speaking. “Although my time away has been a struggle, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It’s made me the strong woman I am today. And if it hadn’t been for my memory lapse, I would have never met Kennedy and Gage, two very important people in my life. You both picked me up, brushed me off, and held my hand until I could walk on my own. I love you both to infinity and back.”
I’m so captivated with each and every word that I’m unaware of someone standing near me. “Mr. Steel. Could you please come with me?”
What the Fuck!
“It will have to wait. My wife is going…”
“Mrs. Steel is the one who asked me to come and get you. She’s requesting your presence on stage.”
Suddenly, all eyes are on me. I was so busy warding off the usher, I hadn’t realized that Bella stopped talking. One glance in her direction is all the proof I need—she’s waiting for me. And I nearly keel over when I hear her say, “Tonight, I’m dedicating my dance to a very special man. My husband, Ryker Steel.” Oh, she is so going to get a spanking when we get home because of this.
I can barely hear Bella now as we make our way down to the stage. I have no idea what she has up her sleeve but I’m not the performer. When the usher pulls back the curtain and steps aside, I see my beautiful wife holding out her hand. Well, I’d be a fool if I didn’t take advantage of this honor. As I stride towards her, I glimpse a chair off in the corner that wasn’t there a few moments ago. I think I get where she’s going with this. I am so going to punish her when this is over…
“Ladies and Gentlemen, my husband, Ryker Steel.” The crowd goes wild for the millionth time tonight. I have no idea why I warrant such applause when my wife is the talented one on this stage. Well, if they want a show, I’ll give them one. I take her hand, bow and then leave a tender kiss on her fingertips. “You’re such the charmer,” she whispers.
We slowly walk to the chair but before I sit, I capture her face and savor her lips in front of a sold out crowd. They taste triumphant! “Break a leg, precious,” I whisper against her mouth.
With a deep breath, she nods and walks towards her mark. Just when I think she’s about to cue the music, she speaks. “I wouldn’t be standing here tonight if it weren’t for the man sitting there.” Bella’s gaze locks on mine as she glances over her shoulder. My chest constricts when I feel prickling behind my eyes. I’m so fucked. “Tonight will be the first time I dance contemporary in front of an audience. And the song I’ve chosen is one we danced to several months ago. Sadly at the time, I didn’t remember this man was my husband. But I always knew there was a strong connection between the two of us. It was only months later that I came to understand what that bond was. It came in the form of a note inside of our dog Cody’s collar. It said, ‘Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.’ “Ryker was my voice when I couldn’t speak. He was my reflection when I didn’t have one. He didn’t forget when I couldn’t remember…” Promptly, an usher takes the microphone from her hand.
When Bella graciously bows her head, Remember Me by Chris Mann fills the theatre. Chills break out along my skin as she gracefully flu
tters about the stage. She reminds me of a beautiful butterfly who’s just broken free from her cocoon. It’s emotional, expressive and breathtaking to watch. When she reaches out to touch me but quickly pulls away, my heart skips a beat. Bella’s cutting herself open and baring her soul to each and every one of us. A beautiful heart bleeding at our feet with every powerful beat. Every fluid motion reveals the struggles she’s gone through to get to this moment. The subtle hand across her lips. A gut-wrenching leap in the air. Or the way she grabs a fistful of hair in frustration. All leading up to a climactic end. When she stands center stage, eyes locked on mine, and reaches out her hand, I know it’s the moment when she truly knew I was her husband. It’s so damn powerful and raw that I let go. For me. For Bell. For everyone who’s ever felt this kind of pain. The kind that knows no boundaries. No limits. A grief so intense it splits you in two. We both went on living without one another, yet we didn’t live. We existed. Fortunately for us, we have a second chance. For many others, there are no do-overs. So I weep for them. For the ones who are lost and will never be found.
I don’t hesitate. In three long strides, her hand’s in mine. All I see is her. My wife. Bella Steel. The crowd no longer exists. It’s just the two of us. I’m so damn proud of her. All I want to do is kiss her senseless but tonight’s her night to shine. I spin her around to face the crowd so she can see all of the roses they’ve thrown at her feet. She curtsies, stands straight, and blows the crowd kisses. Never once letting go of my hand. It’s in this very moment that I realize what my career path is going to be. I’m going to find as many of those lost souls I can and bring them home. Where they belong.
Once the crowd quiets down enough for Bell to speak, she turns to me. “Thank you for saving me, Ry. For never giving up. But most importantly, for always loving me.”
I capture her face in my hands, wipe away her tears and close my mouth over hers. Bella and I will always be a single soul inhabiting two bodies. For every breath she takes, my heart shall beat only for her…
Playlist
Rather Hate Than Hurt by Hinder
Revival by Fisher
Love Don’t Die by The Fray
Unkiss Me by Maroon 5
Runnin’ by Adam Lambert
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Counting Stars by One Republic
One by Ed Sheeran
Photograph by Ed Sheeran
It’s Always You by Kris Allen
Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips
Pieces by Rob Thomas
My Heart is Open by Maroon 5
In These Arms by Bon Jovi
Remember Me by Chris Mann
Other Books by Connie Lafortune
Because of You
For 21-year-old Hunter Davis, being a lifeguard on one of South Carolina's most popular beaches has its benefits. With his chiseled body, panty-dropping good looks, and penetrating blue eyes, he's every woman's dream and every father's nightmare. So why would he want to commit to one woman?
Love is not in his vocabulary.
For 18-year-old Riley Hamilton, it's just the opposite. Her father left when she was six years old, and her mother has been angry and bitter ever since. Riley finds solace in the thought that one day she will be worthy of someone's love. So when her father calls-out of the blue-asking her to move to South Carolina with a free ride to USC, how can she refuse?
When Hunter and Riley are suddenly thrown together, Hunter wonders if the demons from his past will come back to haunt him—or is the woman with the face of an angel the only one who can save him?
Because of You is a sensuous and powerful debut novel—a story of love, loss, and the tragedy of holding on to family secrets.
The Claiming of Callan
My name is Logan Black...
I've always known I was different, that something dark and twisted lurked just below the surface of my skin. Waiting, for her... Five years of passion and pleasure so intense, we begin and end together. Until one dark and rainy night, my life is forever changed...
A heartbeat, a breath, the blink of an eye, that’s how quickly your perfect life could cease to exist. In a few short weeks, everyone I love is slipping through my fingers... Now, how can I possibly choose between the woman who owns my heart, and a family that needs me?
Walking away is the most difficult thing I've ever done. I've convinced myself she’s better off without me, but the monster inside aches for her... Callan will always be the light to my darkness. A year has passed by and I still crave her touch, her body tangled with mine. Until one phone call changes everything. Now it’s time to claim what’s always been mine.
The Claiming of Callan is a passionate and compelling novel—a riveting story of love, heartache and one man’s struggle to live without regrets about decisions he cannot change.
Recommended for mature audiences only.
Table of Contents
Part One
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Part Two
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Part Three
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Epilogue
Playlist
Other Books by Connie Lafortune
Bound by Steel Page 25