“I did.”
I frowned. “How?”
“What she said was true.”
“What she said wasn’t about us,” I corrected.
He sighed. “I still don’t like that I did that to Dana.”
I smiled tightly. “This is how I look at it. We both have our pasts, and you used to cheat on your first wife. But you know what? The very first night we met, you told me how you used to be, and I still married you because we can’t change our pasts, we can only change our futures.”
Easton smiled and wrapped his arms around me, my head leaning against his chest. “I love you.”
I smiled. “I love you too.”
“I’ll never stop loving you.”
I looked up into his crystal blue eyes. “And I’ll never stop loving you.”
My beautiful wife,
When Avery wanted me to go on a singles cruise with him, I never in my wildest dreams expected to meet my future wife. They say that people are brought into your life for many reasons. I know that you were brought into mine because you were meant to be my forever. It’s funny. I thought I had it all planned out. But you know what they also say? Life doesn’t always go as planned.
I know these last few months have been hard on you. Hearing the news that your one-year scan was clear again made me extremely happy.
Now that you’re feeling better, I want to take out to dinner. Put these cowboy boots on with a cute outfit, and I’ll pick you up at five.
-E
“We still on for tonight?” I asked Avery as I walked up to him behind the bar.
He turned to me. “Yep, plan is in motion.”
“Have you heard from Nicole?”
He shook his head. “No. Have you heard from B.B.?”
“Nope.”
“I’m sure they will both be ready at five.”
I smiled. “They better be. Brooke will probably be confused when she sees me pull up in your truck.”
“And Nic will be too when she sees me in your car.”
I smiled. “It’s gonna be epic.”
Since Brooke’s latest tumor ordeal, we hadn’t had sex once. I missed it—missed being with my wife, but I wasn’t doing this night because I wanted to get laid. I was doing it because I wanted to show my wife I still desired her. If tonight didn’t end in sex, I was okay with that. I just wanted to wrap Brooke in my arms and show her that she was still the love of my life even if we were missing this one piece.
When I was young and stupid, I would have found other women to satisfy my needs. Now, I just used my hand. And I was okay with the fact that I felt like a teenage boy jerking it in the shower. I knew it was temporary.
One day Brooke would be back to her old self. The one I used to fuck in the shower. The one I used to lick her pussy as she lay her head on the bed, her ass in my face. The one I used to fuck on our bathroom counter and the one that I made love to.
Like an ocean that needs the moon, we would figure out what to do just like it used to be.
I was dressed in jeans, black cowboy boots I’d bought at the same time I purchased Brooke’s, a black leather belt and a grey and purple plaid button-up long sleeved shirt. I’d never in my life worn cowboy boots, but I wanted something different—something special. And if I had to wear a getup like it cowboy boots, then I would.
I made my way down the stairs to the main floor of the bar. Avery was leaning against it talking to Traver. I smiled when I saw that he was wearing a grey suit. We rarely dressed in anything but jeans and our work polo shirts. He turned when I assumed he heard the clunking of my boots coming toward him.
“Yee haw!” he shouted.
“Fuck off.” I laughed.
He held up the keys to his truck, and I handed him mine. “Let’s do this.”
We both walked out of the bar to the parking lot. After saying goodbye to Gary, we said goodbye to each other. Life had been getting in the way for both of us, and we wanted to get back to the time where our wives could have a night to enjoy themselves.
Pulling in front of my house, I cut the engine and got out. By the time I rounded the hood, Brooke was walking out the front door. I stopped mid-step, getting my fill of her in a dark grey button-up long sleeved shirt that was left open, revealing a form-fitting white tank top. My gaze traveled down to jeans that hugged every curve and into the cherry colored boots I left for her with my note.
My heart fluttered as she smiled and continued walking toward me. “Why do you have Avery’s truck?” she asked.
I opened the passenger door. “Need something to go with our boots.” I looked nudged my head down, wanting her to see I had on boots too.
She chuckled. “Looking good, Mr. Crawford.” She patted my cheek and went to slide into the cab, but I stopped her by grabbing her wrist.
“No kiss, Mrs. Crawford?” She smirked and leaned in. Our lips met, and I savored the softness. “That’s better,” I pulled a single red rose that was sticking out of the back pocket of my jeans.
Brooke grinned as she took it. “Thank you.”
“I heard red roses mean love.”
She smirked. “I’ve heard that.” I swatted her butt, and she laughed before climbing into the truck.
Once we were on the road, Brooke asked, “So where are we going?”
I looked at her for a few beats and then back to the road. “Where do you think we’d wear cowboy boots?”
“Um …” She thought for a moment. “A rodeo?”
I laughed. “No, but close.”
“Bull riding?”
“Not sure that’s romantic.” I chuckled.
“Oh, so we’re on a date?”
“Yeah, babe. We’re on a date.”
“Then I guess we’re going to dinner?”
I nodded. “We are.”
“Where?”
“You’ll have to just wait and see.”
After driving for a while, I pulled onto a dirty road. She was quiet as she watched the trees and bushes pass. The moment she saw the red building with white trim come into view, she turned her head toward me.
“A barn?”
I nodded.
“We’re having dinner in a barn?”
“Well, there’s not animals in there. You’ll see.”
She laughed, and I pulled the truck in front of the giant sliding wood door. I hurried and got out, rounded the front and opened her door before she could.
“Dinner awaits.” I gestured for her to climb out. Once she had, I shut the door and grabbed her hand. We walked to through the open door. Candles were scattered throughout, their flicker the only light source.
“How did you do all this?” she asked, looking around the space.
“I have my ways.” I kissed the side of her head and then lead her to a table in the center. A bucket of champagne and another single rose sat on the table with place settings for two.
“It’s beautiful.”
I pulled her chair out for her, and she sat. After I sat in the chair in front of her, I poured us each a glass of the bubbly liquid.
“What’s the special occasion?” she asked.
My eyebrows arched. “Can’t a man take his wife to dinner?”
She giggled. “Yes, but it’s not every day he takes her to a secluded barn that’s only lit by candlelight.”
I took a sip of the champagne before responding. “I figured we needed a place to drown out all the distractions like our phones, the TV, Cheyenne running around.”
“Well, this is nice. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
We ate our dinner as I told her about my day and we discussed how her pain was getting better. We also talked about me playing co-ed softball again and how she liked rounding the bases. It was like we found what we’d once lost and back on track to being us again.
“Want to go look at the stars?”
She bit her lip. “I’d like that.”
I helped her stand, and we walked out of the door at the
other end of the barn. A blanket was set up on the grass, and we both lay on it, staring up at the dark sky.
“I still want to have a baby.”
I looked over at her, grabbed her hand and responded, “I know you do and we will.”
“If I can ever get off these meds.”
“You did once before.”
“Yeah but before was just a burned nerve, not one that was cut at the root.”
I rolled over to face her. “Just give it time. Things will all work out.”
She smiled. “Yeah.”
“Now,” I whispered, “let’s not talk.”
“What do you want to do?” She smirked.
“I want to love my wife.”
Before she could utter another word, I descended, our lips connecting. She returned the kiss, her arms wrapping around my neck and pulling my closer. We were chest to chest, savoring each other. Her hand skimmed down my side and to the front of my pants and going straight to my belt. I pulled my head back, looking her straight in the eye for confirmation. She nodded, and that was all I needed before I started to strip her of her clothes.
We didn’t speak as our hands roamed each other, our mouths tasted each other, and we loved each other. No matter what I did in my past, I knew that everything led to this woman. She was my everything.
My mouth rained kisses down her neck, her throat and to her breasts. She let out a moan the moment my tongue swirled her puckered nipple, and I knew if I wasn’t inside her soon, I would die. I continued down her stomach to the place I needed her to be ready for me. She spread her legs, silently urging me. I did, taking her clit between my lips and I sucked, her arousal coating my lips. She let out a moan. I fucking missed hearing that sound and knowing I was the reason why.
Not wanting to wait any longer, I reached for my jeans and pulled out a condom. After everything, Brooke hadn’t gone on the pill or got another IUD. We were both hopeful that one day we would start a family, but tonight wouldn’t be that night.
After sheathing myself, I nudged her pussy and slid in inch by inch. Once I was to the hilt, we locked eyes, and I started to move. She tilted her head back, enjoying being filled with me, and I took that chance to suck her neck. Her hands reached around, grabbed my ass and urged me to go deeper. I did, over and over until we were both panting and falling into ecstasy.
As we lay under the stars, a blanket covering us, I knew no matter what life threw at us, we’d always have each other.
Want to know if Cheyenne gets a baby brother or sister? Find out in My One; Avery & Nicole’s continued story that’s due to release in early 2019.
*Also, keep reading for a sneak peek of Angels & Whiskey by Kimberly!*
Dear Readers
I hope you’ve enjoyed Never Stop. I’m sorry it took so long to release more of Brooke and Easton’s story (almost three years!). When I wrote Tattooed Dots, it was supposed to be a standalone. Obviously, Brooke and Easton wanted me to tell more of their story. My plan wasn’t for Brooke to have another tumor, though. Hell, I didn’t plan on having another one either. But you know what they say, things don’t always go as planned.
While this story is inspired by my life, I wanted to make it more entertaining for you. The pain Brooke went through, and the disinterest in activities and medical procedures, was based on events that happened to me and that I’m still going through. Every day is a battle, but I’m surviving and thankful for all of my reader’s love and support.
Please subscribe to either my blog, newsletter or both to stay up-to-date on all of my releases, including Avery and Nicole’s next book release; My One.
You can find the links on my website at www.authorkimberlyknight.com.
You can also follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorKKnight.
* * *
* * *
P.S. You can really help me out a lot by leaving a review where you bought the book as well as Goodreads and Bookbub. Your love and support means everything to me and I cherish you all!
People are brought into our lives for many reasons. Over time, we find out who is meant to be a temporary acquaintance and who will be there for a lifetime.
Even though below is very minimal, know that no words will express how much I value each and every one of you.
To my husband: Thank you for everything you do for me and especially taking care of me after my last surgery. I love you, you know?
To my mother: Thank you for staying with me for the ten days I was in the hospital and taking care of me. I really appreciate all you do for me. I love you.
To my editor, Jennifer Roberts-Hall: Thank you for not getting mad that, month after month, I pushed back the schedule for this book. I know your time is precious and I greatly appreciate your support.
To my best friend, Lea Cabalar: Thank you for coming to visit me when I was in the hospital and for letting all my fans know how I was doing. I truly can’t survive the book world without you. Love you!
To Jessi Gibson: Thank you so much for giving me the push I needed to get this story done. You helped me out of my funk and to stay on track. I’m so happy to call you my friend!
To Torrie Robles: Thank you for raising a daughter and giving me info on how ten and eleven-year-old brains work. Also, thank you for your friendship. Who knew our husbands would be the ones to get us together even though we’re both authors!
To my betas: Trista Cox Ward, Heather Gulley, Keri Anderson and Diane Robson. Thank you for all your patience with me in getting this book finished. It truly means a lot to me for you to take the time out of your lives to help me make a book perfect.
To all the bloggers who participated in my cover reveal, release day blitz and review tour, thank you! Without bloggers, I have no idea where I would be. You’ve all taken a chance on me and my books time and time again, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
To Liz Christensen of E. Marie Photography: This makes number ten!
And finally, to my readers: Thank you for believing in me and taking a chance on my books again and again. Without you guys, I wouldn’t still be writing and living my dream!
Photographer links:
www.facebook.com/E.MariePhotographs
[email protected]
Club 24 Series – Romantic Suspense
Perfect Together – The Club 24 Series Box Set
Halo Series – Contemporary Romance
Saddles & Racks Series – Romantic Suspense
By Invitation Only – Erotic Romance Standalone
Use Me – Romantic Suspense Standalone
Burn Falls – Paranormal Romance Standalone
And more …
Kimberly Knight is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in the mountains near a lake in California with her loving husband, who is a great research assistant. Kimberly writes in a variety of genres including romantic suspense, contemporary romance, erotic romance, and paranormal romance. Her books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love before she throws you curve balls you never see coming.
When Kimberly isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite reality TV shows, binge-watching true crime documentaries, and going to San Francisco Giants games. She’s also a two-time desmoid tumor/cancer fighter, which has made her stronger and an inspiration to her fans.
* * *
www.authorkimberlyknight.com
March 9th
I never thought I’d see a day where my world was more consumed by one person than by serving my country.
My life was set to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. It was my destiny. I’d forgotten he’d met my grandmother while serving in Vietnam, so I should have known I would meet my future wife while serving in Afghanistan.
“You gotta girl back home we don’t know about, Cap?”
I glanced from the computer screen to First Lieutenant Paul Jackson as he spoke and then to Cochran, who was sitting across the room. The moment I’d laid eyes on Cochran when she joined my crew, I had no idea she�
��d become my first love.
For a few seconds, I watched as Cochran laughed with Stone, her fellow medic. “Something like that,” I murmured, turning back to the website on the computer that was allowing me to secretly design an engagement ring for her. I was Specialist Cochran’s Captain, and because of military regulations, no one could know we had been dating for nine months and that I wanted to make her my wife.
My life’s plan had always been to work my way through the ranks until I was no longer breathing. But now I wanted to be with Cochran and spend the rest of my life making her happy. It was hard not being able to kiss her whenever I wanted—to touch her as she walked by or hold her hand. I felt like a stalker; always secretly watching her.
“Why are you designing an engagement ring?” he asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I looked over my right shoulder at him. “Are you a moron, LT?” I chuckled.
“I just didn’t know you gotta girl is all.” He shrugged, still peering over my shoulder and looking at the computer screen.
“Well, I do.” I glanced to Cochran again and then back to the computer before Jackson noticed. “Get out of my hair and go check your gear before Major Dick rips you a new asshole.”
“You don’t have any.” He laughed, looking at my bald head.
“I like it that way, Lieutenant. Now fuck off.” I ran my hand over my bald head. I’d been losing my hair for a few years, so I finally said fuck it and shaved it all off. Cochran thought it looked sexy on me. I was his Captain, but we were like brothers and even had that brotherly banter. Honestly, he was the closest friend I had on base, so it was no wonder he was questioning me about my love life.
“You know I’m going to get you to show me naked pictures of her.”
The Halo Series Boxed Set Page 77