Paradise City: Harrison Series Book 1

by L. L. Ash

  “Where’s he taking you to drink?”

  “Oh, I don’t think he was planning on bringing me to a bar,” I said with a shrug. “He doesn’t usually like a lot of people around after a long trip.”

  “What?” Scott looked shocked. “You’ve got to get smashed on your twenty-first birthday! Tyler’s birthday was epic. He threw up 3 times. I think he got to the brink of alcohol poisoning before I made him come home. That’s the fun of going with a seasoned drinker.”

  His eyebrows bounces as he said the last statement. I just laughed.

  “Well it wouldn’t be my first time getting smashed. I’m kind of over it,” I lied.

  Not about the first time, but about being over it. I wanted a fun, epic story about my twenty-first birthday but I knew Tyler wouldn’t be up for it. And really, as long as he was here I would be happy with a night in and a bottle of wine.

  As I was thinking about it my phone rang. The caller ID said Tyler Hotstuff and I grinned as I answered.

  “Hey baby! We were just talking about you,” I said as a welcome.

  “Sam, it’s so good to hear your voice,” he responded, sounding exhausted and upset. “I miss you so much baby...”

  “Are you ok?” I asked, my smile melting, “You don’t sound like yourself.”

  “It’s just been one hell of a trip,” he sighed. “And it’s going to be longer than expected, too. I have a meeting with the permits office tomorrow afternoon. I’m not going to make it home until late tomorrow at the earliest. Likely not until the next day...”

  My whole body sank at the information.

  “So you won’t be here for my birthday?”

  “I’m so sorry, Baby. I tried to do this sooner but their office wouldn’t give me an appointment sooner… And I HAVE to do this before I can come home.”

  I nodded as tears filled my eyes, both invisible to him over the phone.

  “Well if it can’t be avoided then there’s nothing we can do… I guess there’s no reason to be upset if it’s unavoidable.”

  “You have every right to be upset Sam. I’M upset. I want to be there for you. I wanted to share this birthday with you.”

  “Ok. But I understand. I love you so much.”

  “I love you too,” he said and there was a long pause before he eventually said, “I should really get to sleep. Early morning tomorrow with the builder.”

  “Ok. Sleep well. I’ll… I’ll see you when I see you.”

  He sighed again and said goodbye.

  I sat there, staring at my phone, wondering if that conversation had actually happened or if I’d somehow imagined it all.

  “Are you ok Sam?” Scott asked from across the table, his tumbler gripped in one hand and the other splayed flat on the tabletop.

  “Yeah. I mean… Not really.” I took a fortifying breath and gave him the news. “Ty won’t be home tomorrow. Probably not til the next day.”

  “Oh, Sam...” he sighed sadly, his hand finding mine on the table. “I’m sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to it… Sometimes these things happen in business. It’s just life. It sucks shit, but it’s life.”

  I nodded and heaved a disappointed sigh.

  “Guess I’ll need to find other plans tomorrow. Maybe I’ll see what Dad and Mandy are doing… That’ll be a great twenty-first...”

  “I’ll take you out,” he said and shrugged. “I’m great company to drink with and I’ll keep you from doing anything stupid.”

  I had to laugh at that. At least he had my back.

  “Then do a belated birthday with Ty when he gets back.”

  “That sounds nice,” I admitted. “Thanks for being here for me Scott, while Ty is away. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. All of it.”

  Scott just smiled at me and dipped his head in a single nod.

  “I’ve enjoyed the company too. It’s been a win-win.”

  I laughed again and put up my water glass to toast. He lifted his whiskey and clinked crystal with me before we took sips.

  We worked the next day, since it was Friday and after we all gave up for the night, it was 6:30 and I was ready to party.

  “So Georgiana,” Scott said as he came out of his office, his suit jacket hooked on one finger over his shoulder. “Since today’s Sam’s birthday and Ty is unable to get here, I’m taking Sam out for dinner and drinks. Would you like to join us? Three’s a party, you know.”

  Georgiana giggled and looked at me asking, “You mind if I tag along?”

  “I’d love it!” I said with a happy chuckle. “I’ll have someone to get plastered with since Scott promised he’d stay sober enough to keep me from doing something stupid.”

  Georgiana looked at Scott with a wink then said, “Yep, I’m in. I’ve got no plans tomorrow, so I might as well nurse a hangover!”

  Scott chuckled at us and said, “Well let’s go then!”

  Georgiana and I stacked some papers then grabbed our bags and followed Scott out. We made our way to a sports grill on the first floor, being let in immediately to a table in the back.

  Beers all around and I sipped at mine, savoring the feeling of drinking in public. I felt like a grown up all of a sudden.

  “Is this how we’re supposed to get shitfaced?” Georgiana asked as she downed her first beer.

  “This is the warm up,” Scott said sipping his beer. “Can’t run a marathon without stretching first. We’re going to a club next. A 21 and up.”

  Georgiana rolled her eyes but looked at me with a grin. “Looks like we’re doing this the old fashioned way.”

  I laughed and took another sip as I waited for my hamburger.

  By the time we finished dinner I’d had 2 beers and felt a little lighter. Not drunk, but maybe buzzed. Turns out I was a lightweight.

  At the club Georgiana took shot after shot of tequila, mixing it in with a couple fruity cocktails. Scott stuck to his whiskey, and I tried a little bit of everything. Drinks came on a never ending round for the next couple of hours. We slowed down on consumptions, having snacks in between, but by 10 Georgiana was hammered and Scott called a cab and managed to get her sobered up enough to get her to the cab and on her way home.

  “How are you still sober?” I asked him after he got back from handing Georgiana off to a security guard who escorted her to the cab.

  “Who said I’m sober?” He asked and took a bite of nachos. “I can be drunk and still think clearly. It’s a special talent of mine. Though my liver wouldn’t agree, I think.”

  I giggled far too much for the silly joke, but I was on my way to not remembering anything come morning.

  Scott had another couple drinks and I watched his inhibitions drop, and he loosened up far more than I’d ever seen before. He was actually flirty and fun as compared to his normally sarcastic, serious self.

  “Dance with me!” I begged, pulling on his hand.

  “I don’t dance, Sweetheart,” he said with a wave of his hand. “I leave that to you young ones.”

  “Oh come on! You’re not even old. So don’t act like it!”

  “I’m old enough to be your daddy Sam!”

  “Are not! You’re...” I paused, trying to add numbers in my muddled head. “You’re only like, 10 years older! That’s pretty hot, you know. Lots of girls like older men.”

  Scott rolled his eyes but his smile gave way and he laughed as I pulled him onto the dance floor. We boogied across from each other for a few minutes, until the alcohol suddenly hit my head. My knees began to buckle and my brain swam. Scott grabbed me, pulling me against that wide, strong chest.

  “Hey, hold on there Sweetie,” he said, arms wrapping around me. “I think you’ve reached your limit.”

  I complained but rested my head against his shoulder, feeling sleepy.

  A deep chuckle reverberated in his chest and the sound comforted me, the vibrations resounding in my own chest.

  “Let’s just dance a little more,” I begged, turning and pressing my back into him.
<
br />   His body felt so much like Tyler’s. If I closed my eyes, I could hardly tell the difference. Scott was just a little wider, a little more muscular. But he was also a little gentler. His body giving way to mine as I snuggled closer.

  His arms wrapped around my waist as he pulled me close, practically holding me up as we swayed. My head dropped against his shoulder and I just enjoyed the feeling of strong arms around me. It felt like so long since Tyler held me.

  “Let’s get you home,” Scott said in my ear before unwrapping himself from me and holding my hand as I stumbled along behind him. We rode up the elevator together, arriving at the suite minutes later. Scott bumped his hip against the black sensor by the door just like Tyler did, and I realized that, even though they weren’t blood father and son, they were so much alike.

  When I swayed on my high heels Scott caught me again, and managed to completely pick me up before carrying me into my bedroom.

  “Thank you for taking me out tonight,” I managed as I threw my arms around his neck. “I had SOOOO much fun!”

  Scott grinned, our faces only inches apart.

  “I had fun too,” he said gently.

  I sighed and pressed a cheek to his.

  “Does the day have to be over? Will you stay with me tonight? I get so lonely and cold in the bed alone...”

  We met eyes. Green meeting grey. Foreheads touched, then noses. And before the fog lifted off my brain for me to realize what I was doing, my eyes closed and we were kissing. His arms tightened around me, smashing our chests together while our lips slowly moved, tongues sparring.

  “Oh, Ty...” I breathed in my temporary, alcohol-induced insanity.

  His lips left mine and I felt the mattress give underneath the weight of my body.

  “Goodnight Sam,” a deep, gravelly voice said, as soft, warm lips touched my forehead.

  My eyes felt like anvils dangled from them, they were so impossible to open.

  “Goodnight Ty,” I breathed back and curled up as the comforter was placed over my chilled body.

  When my eyes finally opened, the room was dark and my head was throbbing. I managed to stumble around on shaky limbs to the kitchen where Scott was sitting nursing a cup of coffee, his head in one hand, elbow propped on the tabletop.

  “Tylenol?” I ground out as I started digging through the counters. Scott looked over at me, tossed me a white bottle without moving his no doubt aching head. I sat across from him, popped the bottle open and downed some with a glass of cold water.

  “Why would anyone drink if it makes you feel this bad the next day?” I mumbled as I pressed the bridge of my nose.

  Scott chuckled and said, “Because it’s nice to just let loose sometimes.”

  “Hopefully I didn’t let loose TOO much last night. I can’t even remember what happened after we left the club,” I admitted.

  His eyes shot to me and asked, “What do you remember?”

  “Oh, I remember dancing like an idiot, then you carried me home… Then I guess I fell asleep or something at some point, because I remember Ty being home, and giving me the most amazing kiss, oh my God. Then I woke up.”

  Scott sucked in his bottom lip and said, “We got back and I put you to bed. You were toast.”

  I nodded and sipped my water, pressing my thumbs against the persistent throb in my head.

  “Yeah. Obviously Ty isn’t back, so I was dreaming, but MAN it was a great dream. I wish it didn’t stop.”

  Scott cleared his throat and stood, his flannel pants riding low in his hips.

  “Well I should probably get to the office. There’s a few calls I need to make and some more paperwork to get through.”

  He headed back toward his room when I called his name. He turned and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants.

  “Thanks, for taking me out yesterday. And for taking care of me; watching out for me.”

  “No worries,” he said and turned, closing the door quickly behind him.

  Scott got into jeans and a t-shirt before leaving to his office again.

  I just hung out at the house until a ragged Tyler walked through the door. My whole heart lit up, a grin donning my lips at the sight of his platinum hair, crystal eyes and relieved demeanor.

  “God I missed you,” he breathed before pulling me into his arms and kissing the breath out of me. It was so much like the dream, but different. The kiss wasn’t as charged, but it was familiar, confident, fulfilling.

  Chapter 17

  I stood at the double doors to the chapel where I waited to get married. Dad stood beside me in a tux, his smile radiant as he held my hand.

  “This is it, Sweetheart,” he said to me, brushing a curl away from my face.

  I skimmed my hand down the satin and tulle dress nervously and looked in the mirror to check my makeup. My lined eyes were still perfect, my dark red lipstick was in place, cheeks blushed, and false lashes prominent. I looked stunning, even by my own standards.

  The wedding march started and the doors opened, dramatically revealing us. Dad prompted me to start walking. I followed, my vail brushing against my arm as I held the large bouquet. Tyler stood by the priest at the altar, a grin lighting his face.

  He took a step forward, outstretching his hand as we approached. Dad stopped, pulling me into his arms as he said, “I love you, Sweetheart. You’re my light. Your mother would be so proud. I know she’s here watching, crying no doubt.”

  I gave a teary chuckle as he passed my hand to Tyler’s, who grasped it tightly, leading me up to the altar.

  It seemed like the vows went so quickly. In just a few breaths we were married. This man who I loved with my whole heart, standing across from me, smiling, was the man I’d be with forever.

  At the reception Tyler and I danced and visited with friends. Connor had managed to take a day to fly out for the wedding and I found myself dancing with him as well. Scott and Dad each got a dance, but Tyler got the rest. Champagne flowed freely and we were both tipsy by the time we left. A driver took us somewhere other than the hotel. I only knew that because we were away from the strip.

  We went through the city, not too far, before going up a long road to a private, paved drive. A big, colonial style house was sitting there, in a vaguely familiar surrounding.

  “This is it,” Tyler whispered in my ear and it occurred to me.

  The huge concrete slab we’d visited on our anniversary, this was the house. It was huge, 2 story white manner with columns and large front porch. There was another small porch on the side with a door, and large wood framed windows lining the front.

  “Wow,” was all I managed to gasp out.

  “Come with me,” He said, pulling me out of the car, toward the house.

  He put a key in the top lock and let us in.

  Beautiful hardwood floors greeted us first, and a large chandelier hung from the two story entry. To our immediate right was a huge library with a fireplace and flanking wingback chairs. A big old fashioned sofa sat back to back with the chairs, and a window seat was positioned on the side of the room. To our right was a door and wall, but a few feet up was a large formal living room with a big black baby grand piano. More couches and chairs with a coffee and side tables sprinkled about. Straight ahead a big, grand staircase floated upwards, the swooped to the left to land at the railed loft above. There was a powder room to the left just past the formal living room, and straight ahead was a large dining table, and huge, glass french doors behind it leading to the backyard. To the left was the family room stuffed with comfortable couches and chairs and the biggest TV I’d ever seen. And on the right side was the kitchen. It was cupboards and cabinets lining the walls, with only a couple of doors to break it up. Stainless steel appliances and two wall ovens. The huge island sat in the middle of the room with barstools lining the dark granite counters. A large pantry behind a door to the left topped it off.

  “Oh, Ty,” I turned to him, my hand over my mouth and eyes dropping tear after tear. “It’s perfec
t. It’s so beautiful.”

  “Dad paid for the furniture down here. It was his housewarming gift to us.”

  “Remind me to thank him,” I commented and looked around again.

  Together we stood there, looking around at our new home.

  “Let’s look upstairs,” Tyler said finally said, eagerly pulling on my hand.

  We meandered up the grand staircase, and looked into each empty room.

  “We can have so many kids here,” Tyler said jokingly, but I saw that sparkle in his eyes. He was really very serious.

  After looking at the two bedrooms and bathroom to the left, above the living and family rooms, we glanced over the large loft one more time and headed to the other side of the house. Toward the front of the house on the right side was a large guest room with a private bath. We peeked in and I saw that it was furnished.

  “This was Dad’s housewarming gift to himself,” Tyler said with a laugh. “So when we have kids he has a comfortable room to stay in that’s right next to them.”

  I just laughed and we moved toward the other room. This room was furnished too. A huge four poster bed sat on the right, side table flanking each side and a bench at the end with lush bedding and pillows adorning it. A big window on the wall facing the backyard let in the moonlight.

  “Oh Ty,” I breathed again as we went to the bathroom that was open to the room.

  A big curved, arched opening separated the bedroom from the bathroom. Two big closets awaited, empty, and the tiled, spa-like floors and walls lined both the shower and tub. The shower itself was an interesting piece. It stepped down and curved a corner, the tiles giving way to riverstones on the shower floor. Multiple showerheads lined the walls and body jets were in abundance. The tub, a massive thing, stood on claw feet toward one tiled wall. Tables sat at either end with candles and body gels. The toilet sat in it’s own private room that was only slightly larger than a closet.

  “I can’t believe this is our home,” I told him, my hands grasping handfuls of my poor dress.

  “It’s for us. A place for our family to be. To make a future together.”