by Kennedy Fox
Now his heart is shattered between loyalty and love.
The Manning brothers couldn’t get their shit together if we tried. Thanks to our lying bastard of a father and his affair, and the way he portrays our family to the media, we don’t trust for shit either. With him being a senator, we had to keep his secrets and cover up his lies. Dealing with that on top of Savannah breaking my heart messed me up for a really long time.
But that changes now. I’m not letting her walk out of my life again.
“And what about now, Savannah?” I ask, feeling her tight pussy clench around my dick. Fuck, she feels incredible. I could pull out and come all over her perfect tits, but I’m not ready. I want, no, need more of her. “What do you feel now?”
She bites her lower lip as I keep our gazes locked. I see the regret in her eyes, the pain and remorse for the way she hurt me. But it’s not enough.
I want to mark her. Claim her forever.
Make sure she never fucking leaves me again.
“I feel you. All of you.”
“That’s right, baby. Me. All me.” I can’t stop driving into her, over and over, needing to connect our bodies in more ways than one.
It’s incredible how ten years have passed, but the chemistry hasn’t faded a bit. If it’s even possible, my feelings for her have only strengthened.
“I’m so close, Hayden.” She’s panting, which gives me the greatest damn pleasure. I want her moans, her pants, her everything. They’re mine.
“Are we gonna do this, Sav?” I ask with a deep ragged voice. “You gonna be mine again?”
Her head falls back, body arching as I find the spot that’s going to push her off the edge. Fuck, she looks beautiful when she comes. Always has. Somehow, impossibly more now.
She comes undone with my name on her lips, and as I watch her–continuing to slowly thrust inside her, feeling her pussy tighten around me like a vise—my emotions bubble over.
I lean over her body, taking a perfect pink nipple into my mouth, and sucking it between my lips as she rides the high. Her fingers weave in my hair, keeping my head planted on her chest. Swiftly, I move to the other breast and give it the same attention, not wanting to neglect that one. My hips move slowly against hers, our bodies taking and giving.
Moving higher, I position myself between her legs and wrap a hand around the back of her neck to pull her mouth to mine. Our lips and tongues are eager to taste each other, more and more.
“Say it, Sav,” I demand, my mouth brushing against hers. “Say we’re doing this.”
“Hayden…” She releases short, rapid breaths.
I slide my fingers down her delicious thigh and hook my hand under her knee, pulling it around my waist, deepening my position inside her sweetness. When Savannah gasps, I take the opportunity to cover her mouth with mine again, letting her taste and feel how good we are together.
“I want you,” I tell her, pulling out slowly then back in again. “I wanted you then, and I want you now.”
“Yes…” she whispers, her eyes fighting to stay open as the sensation builds between us. “Oh God, Hayden.”
“It’s only this good when it’s us, baby. Only us,” I remind her over and over. “Mine.”
She unravels once again, and I can’t take it anymore, releasing inside her tight body. Soon we’re panting, trying to catch our breaths as we lie next to each other. My arm wraps around her, securing her to my chest.
After twenty minutes of silence, I can’t take it anymore. “Savannah.”
She finally looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
I cup her cheek, wiping away the rogue tear that falls. “I know you are.” I roll us over so I’m on top of her and can kiss away her sadness. “Let’s get pass this, Sav. It’s time to move on from it.”
“I want to, Hayden, but now I’m scared I’m going to hurt you once more,” she tells me softly, her lips swollen from mine, making me eager to take her again. “My life is in New York and yours is—”
“Wherever you are,” I cut her off, not letting her finish because I’m not letting her get away this time.
“Hayden.”
“I mean it, Sav.” I brush her hair back and look into her stunning eyes. “I’m in love with you. I can’t remember ever not being in love with you. Whatever we need to do, we’ll make it work. I’m not going to let work or football get between us this time.”
She sucks in a breath, nodding as she pulls in her bottom lip. “I don’t deserve you, Hayden Manning.”
“You do, baby. I promise.” Without warning, I fall to my back and pull her on top of me.
“You’re sure about this?” she asks, straddling me and pressing her hands to my chest. “I have an insane schedule. Work, performances, friends. I want you in my life, but it’s nothing like it is here.” I see her bottom lip tremble as if that could possibly deter me from wanting a life with her.
“We have forever, Sav. You keep doing what you do, and I’ll always be here waiting.”
“I love you, Hayden. I’ll do anything to have you back in my life.”
My face nearly cracks in half as the wide smile takes over. “Good. Let’s start with getting you in the shower.”
After thoroughly kissing every inch of Savannah, we pass out for hours. By the time I come to, it’s the next morning. Luckily, I have a flex schedule and can work out of the office if needed.
Sliding my arm from under her, I quietly dress, then kiss her on the forehead. I need to check my emails and get us coffee. Once I find her key card on the dresser, I grab my keys and wallet, then step out and slowly shut the door behind me.
Glancing at my phone, I see I have half a dozen texts from Hunter and instinctively roll my eyes. He’s going to give me so much shit, but I don’t care. I meant every word I said to her last night and will do whatever it takes to be with her. If her life is in New York, then mine will be too.
“Hayden,” Hunter answers on the first ring. “About damn time. You get lost?”
I chuckle, hopping into my truck and starting it up. Hotel coffee sucks ass, and I want to bring her the good stuff. “Nope. I was right where I was meant to be.”
The line goes silent, and I know he’s in his head. “I love her,” is all I say.
“I know,” he replies. “I want you to be happy. Finally.”
“Thanks, man. I’m probably going to move there.”
“And leave me here with our shit-tastic father?” He groans.
“You should come with me then,” I tell him honestly. “Plenty of opportunity for a new grad like you.”
He scoffs loudly. “Fuck that. Don’t they get pounded with snow?”
My lips pull into a knowing smirk. His excuse is so full of shit. “Yep, but it’s not the weather that’s the issue.”
“Don’t start with me. We’re talking about you,” he says, his tone deeper.
“Would be a fresh start for you. A way to get over her once and for all,” I tell him.
He inhales deeply as if my words physically affected him. I arrive at the Starbucks drive thru and place my order before driving to the window.
“Starbucks?” Hunter cackles. “You’re already pussy whipped. No way I’m following you there. You’ll only come up to breathe when you need to eat.”
“Can’t deny that.”
Hunter snorts. “Nah. I have my life here. I’m good. But I’ll miss you.”
“I know. I don’t know all the logistics of it yet, but I know it’ll be soon. I can’t let her get away this time.”
“Yeah, I know all about the one who got away, so I’m glad you’re getting your second chance. You guys deserve it.”
“I appreciate that, little bro. You’re gonna find the one. I have no doubt.”
Once I order our coffees, I tell Hunter about what Veronica said to Savannah and the scandal she was trying to get me into. I warn him to stay away from her, and he reminds me he couldn’t be her baby daddy anyway. I hear the sa
dness in his voice and wish I could just pull him into a big brother hug.
“Call me later, okay? Want to make sure you aren’t on a ledge or anything.” I pull into the hotel parking lot and kill the engine.
“Pff. Don’t worry about me. I have Miller Lite and vodka to keep me company.”
“Hunter,” I say in a warning. “Drinking yourself stupid isn’t going to help your problems or your unrequited feelings for her.”
“Nope, but they’ll numb them, temporarily.”
“You’re still young. You’ll find the right one when you’re meant to,” I tell him, grabbing the tray of coffees in one hand, then shutting the door behind me with the other. “Just don’t be dumb and do something you’ll regret.”
“Promise.” Though I have a feeling he’s just saying that to shut me up.
We end the call shortly after, and soon I’m tiptoeing back into the hotel room, finding Savannah sleeping sounding. She looks like a goddess with her dark hair sprawled out on the pillow, a thin sheet covering her bare body. I stare at her, stunned that she’s here and that we’re really going to make this work again. I want to worship her again and again, proving our love is infinite.
Chapter Eleven
Savannah
The smell of fresh coffee heightens my senses, and as soon as I peel my eyes open, I see Hayden.
Sexy, seductive Hayden.
Blinking, I realize I’m completely naked in bed as the memories of last night flood my mind.
Oh shit.
That really happened.
Hayden declared his undying love for me and is moving across the country to be with me. Should I pinch myself to make sure this is real life?
Panic settles into my chest at the realization of what this all means.
“Here,” he says, setting down a Starbucks cup on the nightstand next to me. “Before you start thinking of a hundred ways to tell me not to move to New York, get your caffeine fix, and then we’ll talk.”
“You know me so well, don’t you?” I snicker, sitting up and grabbing the coffee. “Even after all this time.”
Hayden leans down and kisses the top of my head. “How could I forget, Sav?” He flashes me a wink, sending butterflies straight to my stomach. He sits on the edge of the bed, kicking off his shoes. “I’m ordering room service. Pancakes still your fave?”
I look at him over the lid of my coffee, hiding a smile. “Mmhmm.” I nod and feel like I’m dreaming. This has to be a dream, right?
“Perfect, because for what I have planned…” He glances over his shoulder at me, smirking. “You’re gonna need the carbs.”
Ten minutes later, I’ve finished my coffee, Hayden’s placed our food order, and I’m bent over the bed—my ass in the air, Hayden’s tongue inside me, driving me to the edge.
He stands and grips my hips, squeezing tight, thrusting in and out as he works through ten years of pent-up aggression. My fingers fist the sheets, hanging on as I moan his name. He grunts and hisses, and soon we’re unraveling together in heated pleasure.
I collapse on the bed, giggling, my legs feeling sore. Marathon sex was always a thing of the past and only with him, so my body is definitely feeling it now.
Hayden towers over me, a palm on each side of me, and groans. “Flip over, Sav.”
He helps me turn around and brings our mouths together, so passionately and sweet. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he nearly drops on top of me.
“Baby…” he says, chuckling against my lips. “I’m going to crush you.”
“It’d be worth it. The best way to die.” I smirk. As I’m losing myself in everything that he is, a knock on the door interrupts us. “I think our breakfast is here.”
“Alright, but then I’m coming back for dessert.” He flashes me a wink before kissing me once more and standing. I get under the covers and watch him slide on his shorts. “Don’t move.”
I laugh, not remembering the last time I felt this happy. Ten years apart, miserable years apart, and now here we are. After all this time.
Biting my lower lip, I watch as Hayden answers the door, admiring his back and ass. Hot damn. That is mine. All mine.
As soon as he opens the door, I hear him growl. “Veronica. What the fuck are you doing here?”
I immediately pull up the sheet, my heart lodged in my throat as I fear she’s going to come in here and murder me. While naked. Oh my God.
“Hayden.” Her voice comes out bored. “I’m here for Savannah.”
My eyes widen, quickly eyeing the floor as I look for my clothes.
“For what?” Hayden asks. “Haven’t you done enough?”
My suitcase is closer, so I take the sheet, wrap it around my body, then tiptoe over and grab what I need from it, then quickly get dress.
“Look, I screwed up, okay? I’m here to apologize.” She sounds almost pained. Almost.
Once I’m clothed, I walk behind Hayden and make my presence known. “It’s fine,” I tell Hayden. I cross my arms over my chest and stand next to him as I give her a death glare. “Say what you’re gonna say.”
“Okay, geez. Right to the point then.” She waves her hand in the air. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lied about Hayden being the father.”
I nod, agreeing. “Trying to trap a man is the lowest of low,” I tell her.
“Okay, Mother Teresa.” She rolls her eyes. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”
“Veronica…” someone hisses from the hallway, and Hayden and I both furrow our brows.
We poke our heads out and see Hunter leaning against the wall with a shit-eating grin.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Hayden asks.
“I drove her here,” he responds casually. “Persuading her to do the right thing.”
Chuckling, I shake my head at him. “That’s why her apology sounds so painful.” I snort.
Veronica glares at me, folding her arms over her chest. “Hormones, okay?”
Hunter clears his throat, which makes Veronica rolls her eyes. “I’m also sorry, Hayden.” She pinches her lips and takes a deep breath. “For trying to trap you and get between you and Savannah. And—” She turns her gaze toward me. “I’m sorry for being a bitch to you all those years.”
I give her a half nod and smirk. “That sounded mostly genuine.”
Hayden looks at me and chuckles. “Guess we’ll take it.”
Veronica throw us the fakest smile. “Great.” Her face drops then looks at Hunter. “Satisfied now?”
“As satisfied as after a drunken one-night stand,” Hunter taunts, moving next to Veronica. “Not that I’d know anything about that.” He pinches his lips together and shakes his head, which has Hayden and me both laughing. I’d be willing to bet he’s had several drunken one-night stands.
Hayden looks at Hunter, smiles, and shakes his head at him. “I should’ve known you were behind this. Always looking out for me.” He nudges his shoulder. “I’m supposed to be the big brother, remember?”
“Can we go now?” Veronica snaps at Hunter, looking annoyed.
Before he can answer, our breakfast is being delivered. “Perfect timing,” I mutter.
Hunter wraps his arm around her, guiding her down the hall. He then looks over his shoulder and gives Hayden a wink, and it’s the sweetest brother moment I’ve ever witnessed.
Once the tray of food is placed in our room, Hayden tips him, then shuts the door behind him.
“Finally.” He sighs, stalking toward me.
“Well that was…weird,” I say, taking a forkful of fruit. “I thought she was here to kill me or something.” I half laugh.
Hayden grins. “I don’t even wanna know what Hunter had to do to get her here, never mind get her to apologize.”
“He’s pretty persuasive, that one,” I admit. “I have a feeling he wasn’t happy about me either.”
Biting into his pancake, he gives me a look verifying I’m right. “He’s got trust issues. Our dad kinda fucked that up for him.”
“When’s the last time you’ve spoken to your father?” I ask. Things were rough when we dated back in high school, so I can’t imagine how they’d be now.
“It’s been years.” He shrugs. “I visit my mom, but he’s never home.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s for the best. Not being in his life keeps the toxicness away. Unfortunately for Hunter, after I left, he still had years before he could leave. Things got pretty bad.”
“Well Hunter loves you, that much I can see. He idolizes you.” I smile as I chew. These are some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. “I hope he finds someone right for him. I bet if he’d let himself, he could love fiercely. He has a big heart.”
Hayden nods, agreeing. “He does. His example growing up was tainted, but I think when he finds the one, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her.”
He leans over and presses a kiss to my syrupy lips. “Mm…delicious.”
Once we finish eating, we shower together, making sure to clean every inch of each other’s bodies. He pins me to the wall, slips inside me, and repeats how much he loves me. Over and over.
“I need to stop in and say goodbye to my parents before I leave. Will you come with me? I’m sure they’d love to see you.” I ask once we’re dressed, and I’ve packed up my things. I fly out soon, and I know we still have a lot to figure out. My mom’s pep talk rings in my ears, and I know with certainty she’d be so happy to hear that Hayden and I rekindled.
“Of course.” He gives me a soft kiss. “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”
“I saw them yesterday for a couple of hours, but before that, it’d been almost two years. They came to New York for Christmas.”
“I bet that was fun, especially during the holidays.”
“I was slammed with shows, so it was quite stressful, but I was glad to see them. They, of course, lectured me about coming back home, but once they saw me on stage and the life I had in the city, they stopped.”
Hayden peers at me with the most sincere look in his eyes. “I can’t wait to watch you on stage and hear you sing again. I already know you’re brilliant up there.”