Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set)

by Alexis Winter

  What did happen? Did I fuck up everything between us? Will I never get the life I want? Should I just settle for what he’s willing to give me? I mean, it’s not like I’m asking him to marry me right now. I just wanted to know if there was even the slightest possibility that things could progress between us.

  I wonder if he feels as shitty as I do right now.

  “Ugh,” I groan, placing my glass down and sliding underneath the water completely. The hot water covers my face and head. My lungs begin burning for oxygen, but it’s a pain I need.

  They say pain is the way you know you’re alive, and right now, I’m not so sure. Why is it that everyone else in the world knows where their life is going? They go to college, knowing what they want to become. They graduate and get the job they’ve worked hard for. They find love, get married, and have a family. Everyone knows but me. I’m lost and have no idea where my life is heading.

  When I can no longer hold my breath, I push myself back up in time to hear my phone ringing. I quickly grab a towel and wipe the bubbles and water from my face and hands before reaching for the phone in my jeans pocket.

  “Hello?” I answer, still trying to wipe the water from my eyes.

  “Hey, Amy. I can’t sleep—my schedule is still off with the time zone difference. I wanted to hear how your night is going.”

  I sit back in the tub. “Not good, Vesper. I think I totally fucked things up with Tyler.”

  “What? How?”

  I let out a whimper, not crying but whining. “We talked about our past and he mentioned that we must be the perfect pair because he refuses to be in a relationship and I’ve never been the relationship type of girl.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Yeaahhh. So then, of course, I was hurt and flat-out asked him if there was a possibility for us in the future. To which he could not answer.”

  “I’m sorry, Amy. I really wanted things to work out for you.”

  I wave my hand through the air as I reach for my glass of wine. “It’s…whatever. What’s up with you? We’ve talked more on the phone since you’ve been gone than we did in person while you were still here,” I joke, wanting to lighten the mood.

  She laughs. “Well, I was hoping to catch you at a better time, but Liam and I, we’ve been discussing the wedding, and I was hoping that…you’d be my maid of honor?” Her voice gets high-pitched and squeaky when she finally spits out the sentence.

  I smile wide, uncontrollably happy that my best friend is in love and getting married. “What? Of course I will!” I sit upright in the tub, causing the bubbly water to splash over the edge.

  “What about your sister, though? Won’t she be upset?”

  Vesper laughs. “Have you met my sister?” She’s joking. She knows I know her very well since we were basically raised together. “She’ll be a bridesmaid, of course, but not the maid of honor. That job is reserved for my best friend.”

  A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “I love you, Vesper. I seriously don’t know what I would’ve done without you in my life.”

  “Aww, I love you too, Amy. And remember, I’ll support whatever you choose to do, as long as it makes you happy.”

  “Thanks. Good night.” I hang up the phone and toss it onto the pile of dirty clothes near the tub. Picking up my glass of wine and leaning back in the tub, I have a sense of happiness, despite the mess with Tyler.

  I may not know where my life is going, but I’m still lucky. I have a best friend who loves me like a sister, and I know she’d do anything for me. This whole time, I’ve been slightly jealous of Vesper’s life. She has a career she loves, a man who loves her, and she’s about to start her own family. But now I see that I shouldn’t be jealous because, really, it’s something to look forward to—something to inspire me to work hard and keep trying.

  I may not have Tyler by my side, but I know now that that’s okay. I will open my store and make my life as happy as I can. I WILL find someone who loves me—someone I can love back—and I’ll get my happy ending. I’m determined.

  Chapter 9

  When I wake in the morning, I’ve completely forgotten about Tyler and last night. Today, I’m focusing on me and what makes me happy. And the first step is to investigate the location I’ve found for my store.

  I head downstairs and pour myself a cup of coffee and feed the cat. Then I head back upstairs and work on getting ready for the day. I want to look good—I want to look like a professional, not someone who just walked in off the street having no knowledge about real estate or how to run a business.

  I curl my dark hair and leave it hanging down my back in loose ringlets. Then I fix my makeup, lining my eyes lightly and using just enough shimmery eyeshadow to make them pop. I put on a light pink lipstick and head to Vesper’s closet to find something to wear since I only thought to bring jeans and t-shirts.

  Of course, Vesper is a professional at being a professional, so she has plenty of skirts and dress shirts to choose from. I pull on a black pencil skirt that hugs my curves and ends just below my knee. I also find a crisp white dress shirt that I tuck into the skirt. Sliding my feet into a pair of heels, I stand back and look myself over in the full-length mirror. I’m only slightly surprised at how well I pull off this look. Maybe I can do this after all.

  Grabbing my jacket, purse, and coffee mug, I head back downstairs. I quickly wash the cup and turn off the coffee pot, then walk out the front door, locking it behind me. I notice movement off in the distance and I pray that Tyler doesn’t see me. I’m not in the mood to talk to him right now. I’m feeling good about making these improvements to my life, and I know discussing last night will only bring me down.

  To my surprise, it isn’t Tyler. A man I don’t know comes walking up to me with a big cheerful smile.

  I open my car door and toss my things inside, then move to greet him. With his cowboy hat and Wranglers, he looks like he belongs here, but I should probably make sure since I am responsible for the property until Vesper and Liam return.

  “Howdy, ma’am. I’m Dillon, the new vet.” He holds out his hand.

  I smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Amy. I’m looking after the place while Vesper and Liam are gone.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Amy.” He smiles, and the sun hits his blue eyes, making them shine.

  It’s easy to see how handsome Dillon is, but he’s nothing compared to Tyler. “I really hope you have everything you need, because I have no idea how to help you if you don’t.”

  He lets out a deep chuckle. “No, I’m good. I just wanted to introduce myself.” He grins. “Especially to someone as beautiful as you.”

  A smile spreads across my face as heat creeps up my cheeks. “Thank you, Dillon. That’s very kind of you to say.”

  “Forgive me for being so forward here, but would you like to have dinner with me sometime?”

  Movement draws my eyes away from the sexy man in front of me, landing on Tyler standing at the edge of the barn. His dark eyes are trained on me and Dillon, and his jaw is flexing. Is he jealous?

  “Thank you for the offer, Dillon, but I’m not really seeing anyone right now.”

  He nods his head, dipping his hat slightly. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

  I offer up a small smile. “Thank you. Have a good day, and if you need anything, don’t ask me,” I joke. “I have no idea what’s going on around here.”

  He laughs as he starts backing away.

  I climb into the truck and turn over the motor. As I’m shifting into drive, I see Tyler give me one last look before following after Dillon. A part of me is happy that he may be a little jealous, but another part of me is afraid that I will cause trouble between them, which would mean trouble for Vesper and Liam. That, I am not okay with.

  A little while later, I’m pulling into town, driving straight to the location. The space is part of a group of businesses, and I happen to know that the owner of this space is the older gentleman who runs the off
ice supply store right next door. I hadn’t realized Mr. Lally owned this space until I called the number on the “for sale” sign earlier.

  I climb out of the truck and walk inside. I’ve always loved these older buildings. They have so much charm and character. The floor is done in a black-and-white checkered pattern, and the ceiling is copper tiled. Everything in the building is original—from the old glass windows to the antique register sitting on the glass countertop.

  “Good morning, young lady,” Mr. Lally says from his stool behind the counter.

  “Good morning, Mr. Lally. How’s Mrs. Lally doing today?” I step up to the counter with a smile.

  “She’s very well, thanks for asking. Now, what can I do for you?” He offers up a grin of perfectly white false teeth.

  “I happened to notice the ‘for sale’ sign on the window of the space next door, and I was hoping I could get you to show me around.”

  “You’re interested in the space next door?” He runs his hand over his bald head. His blue-gray eyes, which are surrounded by deep wrinkles, really light up.

  “I am. I mean, if the price is right.”

  He holds up his finger as he turns and opens the door behind him. He reaches into the dark room and grabs a set of keys. “Right this way.” He directs me to the door.

  I step out and watch as he flips the “open” sign to the “be back in fifteen minutes” sign, something I think only our town has, then locks up the shop behind him.

  “So, what kind of business are you wanting to add to our little town?” he asks, shuffling down the sidewalk to the empty space next door.

  “I’m wanting to open my own coffee shop and bookstore.” I smile proudly.

  “Ah, what a lovely idea. These kids nowadays, they need books. Too many of them do nothing but play on them little computers.” He inserts the key into the old-style handle. “Not to mention, I’d love to have fresh coffee whenever I need it.”

  “Tell you what, if I get this store, I’ll bring you a fresh coffee every morning.”

  He laughs. “You got a deal.”

  The door creaks as he pushes it inward, and the smell of stale air and dust fills my nose, making me sneeze.

  He lets out a short laugh. “Yeah, it’s been sealed up for a while.” He steps inside, causing the dust on the floor to stir around. “But I think you’ll find it has everything you’ll need. There’s a kitchen in the back in case you’d like to have baked goods with your coffee. The office area is up the stairs in the back, and there are fully-functioning restrooms that were remodeled recently.” He walks to the center of the dirty, dinged-up hardwood floor. “I don’t know if you remember, but I used to rent this out to Mrs. Shepard. She had a bakery here for years.”

  I smile at the fond memory. Ethan and I used to come here every Sunday and get fresh-baked blueberry muffins. “I remember very well.”

  I step past him and walk up behind the counter; looking at the space from this point of view gets me excited. I can already envision how I’d set up the tables, where the bookcases would go, and how I could paint and decorate.

  “Follow me and I’ll show you the rest of the place.” He waves me on.

  Mr. Lally shows me the kitchen, the public restrooms, and the upstairs office area. With each room, my excitement goes up. I’m unbelievably happy that I may actually have a shot at my dream, at my promise of a happy life.

  Once we’re back outside and he’s locking the door behind us, I ask the dreaded question. “So, how much?”

  He slides his hands into his pockets and looks at me with shining eyes. “I’ll tell you what,” he pauses, rubbing his jaw, “I’m getting too old to keep up with all the upkeep it takes. I’ll sell it to you for fifty thousand. That’s twenty-five percent off what I was asking when I listed it a year ago.”

  “Let me talk with my investor and I’ll get back to you,” I say with a smile.

  He tips his head in my direction and offers up his hand to shake.

  Since I find myself in town, I run by my apartment just to check in and make sure things are in order. I also decide that I will do some research, so I can have a presentation prepared for when Liam gets home. I’d like to show him how much a commercial building in the area goes for versus how much this particular one will be.

  After hours of sitting at my desk, staring at the computer screen, I lock up and head back to the ranch. As I drive through town, my mind wanders back to Tyler, and a sigh escapes. I just wish he could understand where I’m coming from. We could be great together if he’d just let go of his past.

  I have no idea what I’m doing, until I look up and find myself at the local watering hole. With a deep breath, I climb out of the truck and walk inside. Sitting at the bar, I order my normal drink and opt to remain quiet while thinking things over. A part of me wants to continue this thing I’ve been doing with Tyler. But the other part says the way I’m handling it is right—that I shouldn’t just give Tyler what he’ll take. I should demand he give a little in return.

  Before I know it, thanks to a few drinks, my vision is blurring and I’m smiling despite the pain in my chest. My lips are numb, and my skin is hot. A man with dark hair sits down next to me, and I throw him a flirty smile while twirling my hair.

  “I’m Jacob.” He holds out his hand.

  “I’m Amy.” I place mine inside and we shake.

  “What’s a pretty thing like you doing sitting here all alone?”

  I press my lips together and shrug. “I just broke off my most recent fling,” I admit for reasons I don’t understand.

  His brows skyrocket. “Is that so?”

  “Mm-hmm,” I agree with a nod as I pick up my drink and take another swig.

  “Why’d you break it off?” he asks.

  “It doesn’t matter.” I wave my hand through the air.

  “Well, if you’re alone, I guess nobody would get mad if I asked you to dance?”

  I smile, thinking it over. “I guess not.” I put my drink down and stand, taking the hand he’s offering me. He tugs me out onto the dance floor and pulls me close to his chest. Something inside me says this is wrong—that these aren’t the arms I want to be in. But I refuse to give in. Tyler doesn’t want me, which means I have the right to do whatever I want with whomever I want. I push all these thoughts away and force a smile onto my face, determined to have fun.

  As we’re dancing along with the music, I do feel a little better. The worry and stress of the day falls off, making me feel lighter and carefree. I forget about my troubles with Tyler, and just enjoy the moment.

  We’ve already danced through three songs when I notice Tyler walk in. My heart leaps to my throat, and my body freezes, but the man I’m dancing with hasn’t noticed. He tugs me flush against his chest, continuing to move his hips against mine.

  I see the angry scowl on Tyler’s face, and I wonder if he’s jealous. But then I push the thoughts away, because he’s already said he doesn’t want me. If he doesn’t want me, then he’s just going to have to be okay with seeing me with other men.

  I tear my eyes away from his and give all my attention to the man who’s holding me in his arms.

  Jacob turns us, so my back is facing Tyler, and it feels like it’s on fire. I can feel his stare—his anger and jealously. It brings a smile to my face, but it also causes guilt to wash over me. I can only hope that he knows I’d rather be here with him.

  When the song ends, Jacob takes my hand and leads me back to the bar where we finish our drinks and order another. Tyler is sitting at a small table in the corner—not talking with anyone, just watching.

  Jacob and I sit and talk about our lives and we finish off another beer. When I turn and look toward the table Tyler has been sitting at, I’m surprised to find him gone—nothing but an empty beer bottle left behind.

  I grab my purse off the hook of the bar and stand. “I’m sorry, but I have to get going.” Without waiting for a response, I turn and rush from the bar, stopping on the front sid
ewalk and looking both directions for Tyler, but he’s already gone.

  When I pull up at the ranch a little while later, Tyler steps out of the barn, watching as I pull the truck up to the house and climb out. I grab my purse, intending on walking right past him, but when I turn around, he’s standing directly in front of me.

  “Can we talk?” His hands are in his pockets and his eyes are filled with fear.

  “About what? I thought we got everything figured out last night.” I shut the truck door and step around him, but he follows me to the door.

  “Amy, please. Just…hear me out. Please?” He lifts his brows with the question, giving me his sad puppy-dog eyes.

  “All right. Come on.” I motion inside the house as I unlock the door and let us both in. I lead him to the kitchen where I drop my purse down on the island and pull out two wine glasses. He sits at the table, looking nervous, tapping his foot on the floor.

  I take both glasses to the table. Passing him one, I sit across from him and take a sip. “What’s this about, Tyler?”

  He picks up his wine glass and tips it back, drinking every last drop. “I want to explain why I am the way I am.”

  I want to roll my eyes but refrain. “I know. Your fiancée cheated on you the night before your wedding. I get it, Tyler. But that’s not an excuse.” I stand, preparing to walk away, but he catches my hand in his, spinning me around and right into his arms.

  His dark eyes lock on mine, and I can see heat and a burning desire blazing behind them. “I want you, Amy. Despite everything that’s happened to me. Despite how much I might fuck all this up and end up with my heart broken. There’s something about you that I can’t forget or walk away from. I can’t promise you the future you’re envisioning, but I can promise to try and give you everything I can.” His mouth presses against mine, and his tongue slides into my mouth.