Forever Love (Now & Forever) Read online

  Alex nodded. “Sure, I will go return Sue’s phone call.”

  Emily smiled as she headed towards the patio. Sue was Alex’s assistant at the museum. Every time that her name came up, Emily couldn’t help but feel jealous of her. She worked very close to Alex and knew everything about him. She was also convinced that Sue had a major crush on him and she didn’t know how she would react to their newly found relationship.

  Emily slipped through the sliding doors and spotted Eric on the far side of the patio. He was sitting there all by himself with his head in his hands. Emily slowly walked up to him. “Eric?”

  He quickly looked up at her and stood. He walked over to her and lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was soft and sweet. Emily lost her train of thought as he deepened the kiss. Her lips parted as he moaned softly, embracing her tighter. When she realized what she was doing, she pulled away and looked at his swollen lips. “Eric, you can’t do that anymore.”

  “Emily that should be us in there and we should be celebrating our upcoming wedding. We shouldn’t be apart from each other.”

  Emily sighed and tried to back away but his embrace tightened around her. “It was a mistake to come out here and check on you.”

  “You still love me, don’t you? Emily, I’m leaving for Denver next week. I want you to come with me. I can’t do this without you.”

  Emily started to cry knowing that they already had this argument over and over again. She couldn't put herself through it again. “You know my answer to all of this, Eric. We can’t keep revisiting our issues. Besides you are dating Nicole and I’m with Alex right now.”

  “I broke it off with Nicole. She doesn’t understand me like you do. It was the worst mistake of my life. It cost me everything and by the way," He paused getting back to their kiss. "You just kissed me back!”

  “It was a mistake. Eric, we can’t keep going over this with each other. It’s not healthy for either of us. Yes, I’m with Alex right now and I plan on telling him of my mistake.”

  Behind them, she could hear Alex clear his throat, as she turned she could see the darkness in his eyes. Eric released her as he approached.

  “What’s going on?” Alex asked.

  “We were just saying good bye,” Emily explained.

  Alex looked down at Emily. “Why are you crying?”

  Emily looked at Eric and then back at Alex. “We can talk about it later. I’m fine.”

  Alex didn’t break eye contact with her. “Are you sure?” Emily nodded. Alex looked at Eric. “I’m not sure what just happened but I’m trying to be your friend, Eric. There is way too much history between the both of you to ignore your past relationship but I warned you about making her cry and I’m starting to lose my patience.”

  Alex calmly put his arm around Emily’s waist and led her back towards the party. Emily glanced over her shoulder at Eric one more time before she ran right into Rob.

  “Rob! Congrats, Honey. I’m so happy for you guys.”

  Rob smiled and hugged her. “I’m out here looking for my main man, Eric!” Rob walked over, shook hands and Eric congratulated him. “Eric, please be my best man. You are the reason that I’m marrying the love of my life.”

  Eric smiled and looked at Emily. “Are you maid of honor?”

  Emily nodded. “Yes, Sam just asked me.”

  Eric looked at Alex but replied to Rob. “Yes, I would be honored to do it man. I can’t wait.”

  Emily sighed and looked at Alex. “I think I’m ready to go.”

  Alex nodded and headed back into the house, as she approached Sam, she was talking with someone. “Sam, we are leaving.”

  Sam turned around. “Not yet, you aren’t. Did you see who is here?”

  “No, who is it? Where?” Emily asked as she searched the room and spotted their friend, Angie from high school hanging out with her soon be husband, Mike. “Oh my God!” Emily took off across the room and hugged Angie and then Mike.

  “Emily, how are you? I never hear from you anymore!” Angie yelled at her.

  “I know, I’m sorry, things have been crazy for me. I’m sure Sam has filled you in.”

  Angie nodded. “Yeah, I know most of it. I’m so sorry about you and Eric.”

  Mike spoke up. “How’s Emma?”

  Emily smiled from ear to ear. “She’s perfect. She’s spending the weekend with Eric and his family.”

  Emily felt an arm wrap around her waist and smiled up at Alex. She watched as Angie’s face changed just like all the other women. “Guys, this is Alex.”

  Alex shook Mike’s hand and then Angie’s. “Alex, this is Mike and Angie from high school. We were all very close to one another. They are getting married.”

  “Wow, a lot of marriage in the air tonight.”

  “Are you making plans yet?” Emily asked them.

  “Yes, we are. We have set the date for this summer. We really don’t want to wait and I wanted to ask if you would be a bridesmaid.”

  Emily gasped and hugged her. “Of course I will. I need to find a job to afford all these weddings.”

  They laughed as Alex spoke up, “Emily and I will be staying at my family’s cabin on the lake this weekend. I would love to have everyone come out and join us for dinner and a campfire tomorrow night.”

  Emily’s heart pounded in her chest, he was so wonderful and thoughtful. “That’s a great idea, Alex. Can you guys make it?”

  “Of course, just give us directions.”

  They hugged each other again and went to find Sam. They informed her of the party and she agreed to come even if she had to bring Rob kicking and screaming. They said their good nights and left the party.

  As they drove back to the lake house, Emily admired the glow of the lights that lit up the driveway and pathway around the house.

  “It’s so beautiful, Alex.”

  “Thank you, my family loves it too,” Alex paused, “Do you want to talk about tonight?”

  Emily bit her lower lip and knew she had to tell him. She didn’t want to start their relationship on lies and she was embarrassed that she kissed Eric back.

  “Eric kissed me.” She heard Alex take a deep breath and lean back in his seat.

  “Did you kiss him back?”

  Emily nodded. “Yes. I don’t want to lie to you, Alex. I don’t know what came over me.”

  Alex looked at her. “Emily, you are young, he is all that you know and you share a child together, I can understand that but what I need to know is that you are willing to give us a chance because if you aren’t, why are we here?”

  Emily looked at him. “Alex, I just need to be away from him. He leaves next week and I honestly can tell you that I’m willing to give us a shot. You intrigue me, you make me feel things that I have never felt before please don’t give up on me, not yet.”

  Alex gave her a devilish grin. “How do I make you feel, Emily?”

  “The way you take control of a situation, the way you make me feel protected. You are so different from him. I need to explore these new sensations that you bring out in me.”

  Alex opened his door and walked around to grab her and their bags. They walked into the house and Emily got her first glimpse of the remarkable living area.

  “Wow.” Emily muttered as she looked around and was immediately drawn to all the woodworking and the grand staircase that she assumed led to the upstairs bedrooms. Everything had a feel of a log cabin, it was spectacular.

  “You like?” Alex asked.

  “Yes, it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to see everything else.”

  “Well, let’s head upstairs first so we can drop off the bags and then I will show you around.”

  Alex grabbed her hand and led her up the beautiful wood staircase. She admired the art work that hung on the wall beside it. “Did you pick out all these art pieces?” She asked.

  “Actually, my father did before he passed away. He loved the arts. He taught me what I know of it.” Emily smiled as they reached the upper landing. Alex looke
d down at her. “Here’s the awkward part,” he laughed, “I had one of the guest bedrooms made up for you because I didn’t want to assume anything.”

  Emily blushed and looked across the hallway. She slowly walked to the open door and looked in. The room was just as beautiful as everything else. It was small but had a queen size bed in the middle of the room. It appeared to have a small bathroom off to the side and sliding glass doors that lead to a small balcony.

  She looked back at Alex, who was watching her every movement like a hawk. She walked back over to him and ran her hands up his chest and around his neck, lowering his face to hers. Her lips captured his in a deep, passionate kiss. She moaned softly when she felt his tongue part her lips. Alex dropped the bags on the floor and wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up and pinning her against the wall. She wrapped her legs around his waist and continued her assault on him.

  His hands moved into her hair and pulled softly. Emily finally had to come up for air. “Does that answer your awkward question?”

  Alex looked at her. “Say it.”

  He had that look again in his eyes as her body responded. “I want to share your bed.”

  He smiled as he left their bags and carried her to the master bedroom. As they entered it, he placed her back on her feet. She was in awe again. The room was enormous and filled with art and family pictures. A king size bed was positioned at the far end of the room facing a fireplace that was placed in the middle of the room.

  “I’ve never seen a fireplace like this before.” Emily said as she walked over to it.

  “I love it in the wintertime. It makes this room very warm and comfortable.”

  Emily smiled as she continued to look around, she heard Alex leave the room and return again with their bags. He set them on the bed as she entered the master bathroom. The room was designed along the lines of the rest of the house, her fingers ran across the countertop and she felt Alex behind her.

  “Do you know how lucky you are? I’ve never seen anything like this,” Emily said.

  Alex smiled. “I want you to enjoy yourself this weekend, whatever you want, this house is yours, ok?”

  “Thank you for inviting my friends tomorrow night. That was very sweet of you.”

  “I want to get to know them, just like I want you to get to know my friends.”

  “And when do I get to do that?”

  “After this weekend, the next couple of days are just about you and me.”

  Emily smiled at him. “So does this room have a balcony?”

  Alex nodded and grabbed her hand. He walked them over to the doors that lead outside to their private balcony. It overlooked the backyard and the view of the lake was spectacular. She walked out onto it and looked down at the grounds. She saw a large patio where she assumed they would do their entertaining. There appeared to be a hot tub off to the side that was in its own small private area and a path that led to the swimming pool. Behind the pool was a stair case that led down onto the beach and of course, Lake Erie.

  Emily turned around and wrapped her arms around him, “So you don’t mind sharing your bed with me?”

  Alex smirked and kissed her. “I won’t lie, I think if you wanted to be in the other room, my heart would have broken, just a little bit.”

  Emily smiled and kissed him again.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Emily settled into their room and couldn't wait to see the rest of the house. Alex led her back downstairs and into the living room, showing her pictures of his sister and his parents. They continued through the hallways and ended up in the kitchen, where there was a small table set up by candlelight. Emily gasped softly. “How did you do this?”

  Alex smiled. “I didn’t. Emily, I would like for you to meet Mrs. Bennett. She is my mother’s housekeeper and very close family friend.”

  Emily turned as she saw an older lady walk into the kitchen and shook her hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Ms. Stone.”

  “Please call me Emily and it’s nice to meet you too.”

  “Alex has told me some things about you but I look forward to learning more,” she paused, “It’s nice to see him smiling so much. I was worried about him.”

  Alex blushed this time and looked at her. “That will be enough of that, Mrs. Bennett. I think we are good for tonight. Why don’t you head home and be careful, ok?”

  She nodded. “Always am, Darling. I made you a light dinner and it’s ready.”

  Alex kissed her cheek and she left.

  “She’s sweet.”

  Alex nodded. “She’s been with us a long time. She’s very protective of me, you better watch out.”

  Emily laughed and sat down at the small table. “I’m hungry, what did she make?”

  Alex bought over two small plates of chicken and vegetables. “I hope the chicken is alright. I should have asked you.”

  “Chicken is great.”

  Alex sat down across from her and started eating. “I have another surprise for you, Emily.”

  She looked up from her plate. “Really? What is it?”

  Alex smiled. “I found an opening at the museum for you.”

  Emily gasped. “That’s awesome. Who do I interview with?”

  “His name is George. He works in our administrative department and reports to me. You would be his office assistant. The pay isn’t great but it’s a perfect place to start so you can learn about the industry.”

  Emily beamed from ear to ear. “I’m so grateful, Alex.”

  “Well, if you want to talk with him, I will give you his number and you can call on Monday. I filled him in on your on degree and your plans for displaying your work at Henry’s.”

  Emily smiled as she thought about it. “I need to call Henry. I have to start discussing with him what the plans will be for displaying my paintings.”

  Alex nodded. “Have you found a place to live yet?”

  “No, not yet but I have a place in mind. It’s so cute and perfect. Emma would have her own room and it’s close to my parents for my built in daycare program,” Emily laughed.

  “Well, you name the date and I will hire the moving van for you.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Alex. I will figure it all out.”

  Alex looked at her and reached for her hand. “You are my girlfriend, Emily. I haven’t had the chance to spoil or spend my money on anyone in a very long time. Please don’t take the fun away from me.”

  Emily blushed. “So, tell me. Who are your past girlfriends?”

  Alex laughed and went back to his dinner. “You really want to have this discussion now?”

  Emily nodded. “It’s only fair. You know my life, very well at this point I might add.”

  Alex smiled and got up from the table. “Are you finished?” Emily nodded. He reached for her hand and they walked out on the large patio. He started to build a fire in the large outside fire pit. Emily sat down on an oversized cushioned patio bench and left the seat next to her for Alex.

  “I love this.”

  “What’s that, Baby?” Alex asked.

  “This. Being here with you, being in a situation like this. Being treated like I should be treated and being with someone who understands me and what I want.”

  Alex finished building the fire and sat down next to her, she swung her legs over his lap and he undid her sneakers and put them onto the ground. His fingers rubbed her legs over her jeans and she just stared at him.

  “You are beautiful, Emily. The light from the fire and the moon on your face, you are just too good to be true.”

  Emily blushed. “You are a smooth talker, Mr. Smith.”

  He laughed playfully, leaned down and kissed her. His fingers continued to rub her legs as she melted into his kiss. Her hand ran over his cheek and up into his hair. He was an excellent kisser which led her thoughts back to their conversation. “You are trying to change the subject. It’s not going to work, Sweetie.”

  Alex laughed and sat back up. “Can’t blame a man for
trying, can you? Well, I’ve told you that I have focused all my time on my career. I had a goal in mind and nothing was going to stop that. I had dates along the way, women that my mom tried to fix me up with but no real connection. There was one woman, we dated for almost a year but she broke my heart.”

  “How did she do that?” Emily asked sincerely.

  “She cheated on me with my best friend at the time. I caught them at his place one night. We were supposed to meet up there but I showed up early. Oops.”

  “That’s horrible. I’m assuming you aren’t friends with either of them anymore?”

  Alex shook his head. “Definitely not and after that, I just didn’t want to invest my time into a relationship anymore.”

  “Then why me, why now? I still don’t understand.”

  Alex smiled at her. “When I talked to Alice, your art teacher, she told me about this incredible young woman who was balancing college, with a young child and had talent that would be beyond my imagination. How could I not meet you?” Alex paused and then continued, “When I saw you enter that classroom, I was so taken by you. You had this innocence and I swore you were smiling at me. I knew we had an age difference between us but I couldn’t help myself. I told myself that if you weren’t interested in me, I needed to have you as a friend. I needed you in my life. The more I got to know you, the more I started to fall for you.”

  Emily watched him. “You have fallen for me?”

  Alex leaned in closer and she felt her heart stop. “Yes, in a major way, Emily. You are the first woman I have ever brought to this house. I need to know everything about you and I will do my best to protect you and give you everything that you have ever wanted."

  She leaned over and kissed him again. He was her Prince Charming that she always dreamt of. She paused and just let her lips rest on his. When she pulled back, she whispered to him, “I like you too, Alex. I like you more than I thought I could. You are showing me a side of life that I didn’t know existed. I know I’m young but I’m so worried that I will disappoint you.”

  Alex moved his hand to the side of her face. “You won’t disappoint me, Emily. Just be yourself and let me get to know you.”