Forever Love (Now & Forever) Page 4

  “Alex?”

  They both turned around and Emily saw a beautiful blonde woman standing behind them. “I thought that was you.”

  “Amy, hello,” Alex said coldly. Emily felt his hand tense but he didn’t let go of her. “Amy, this is my girlfriend, Emily. Emily, this is an old friend.”

  She smirked at Alex as she reached to shake hands with Emily. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “What are you doing here, Amy?” Alex asked.

  “I’m staying at my aunt’s house this summer and needed some fresh air. Are you staying at your place this weekend?”

  Emily felt very uncomfortable in her presence. She was very intimidated by Amy. She was flawless in her appearance and clearly knew Alex very well.

  “Yes, Emily just graduated from college and we are celebrating her achievement,” Alex said as he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. She closed her eyes and was lost again in his kiss. When he pulled back, he winked at her.

  “When did you guys start dating?” Amy asked staring at Alex intently.

  “Just recently, I’ve never been happier.” Emily felt the air change immediately and tension get thicker. She could have sworn that she saw daggers form in Amy’s eyes.

  “Going younger this time, Alex?”

  He chuckled. “I wondered when the real Amy was going to come out and play. Good bye and next time don't feel the need to say hello.” Alex said as he started to walk away with his arm tightly around Emily’s waist. “Say hello to Steve for me.”

  “We broke up a few months ago.” She quickly replied.

  A faint smile appeared on Alex’s face as he stopped and turned around to face Amy. “I want to say I’m sorry to hear that but we both know I wouldn’t mean it.”

  Emily felt him start to walk again. This was a side of him that she never saw before. He was always so nice to other people. He had manners in every situation but he was so cold to Amy. She felt the light bulb in her head go off as they continued down the path back towards to cabin.

  “That was her, wasn’t it? She was the one who cheated on you with your friend, didn’t she?” Emily asked.

  Alex nodded slowly. “Yes.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  They were silent for the rest of their walk back to his cabin. Emily glanced at him as they entered his backyard. He stopped abruptly and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, just seeing her again brought back a lot of painful memories.”

  Emily ran her hands up and down his arms. “Alex, of course it would. You have been so patient with me about Eric and I want to return the favor. If you want to talk, I will listen.”

  Alex displayed his adorable dimples as he smiled at her. “No, I want to get back to our special day. What would you like to do?”

  Emily looked around and spotted the in-ground hot tub. “How about taking a soak? We still have an hour or so before my friends get here.”

  “Absolutely, that's a great idea, let’s go change.” Alex grabbed her hand and led her upstairs to their room. Emily was happy that she remembered her bikini when she stopped home earlier in the day. But realized she needed to take a “girl” moment.

  Alex quickly found his swim trunks as he turned to Emily and smiled. “You are so cute when you are nervous. I’ve seen you naked, Emily.”

  Emily blushed and softly giggled. “It’s not that, I just need a moment to myself. I will meet you down there, ok?”

  Alex walked over to her and kissed her. He groaned softly as he picked her up and carried her to the bed and laid her down on top of the covers. He never broke the kiss as he joined her.

  He sighed softly. “God, I wish you knew what you did to me.”

  Emily didn’t respond as she kissed him again. His fingers reached for her shirt and slipped his hand underneath the fabric. She groaned feeling his skin against hers. His lips moved to her neck as she closed her eyes.

  “Alex, this isn’t getting us into that hot tub.” She felt him chuckle against her skin.

  “Fine, I will behave,” Alex paused, “For now.” He winked at her as he pulled her off the huge bed. “Go do what you need to do and I will get the hot tub ready.” He kissed her lightly. “You make me happy.” He turned and left.

  Emily headed towards the bathroom and made sure she shaved her legs again and slipped on her bikini. She laughed at Sam when she picked out the deep shade of red skimpy string bikini. Emily wasn’t used to showing off her body so she kept the swimsuit hidden in her dresser drawer. She tied the top around her back and tied the tiny strings on her hips. She headed back into the bedroom and slid on a pair of shorts as she took a deep breath.

  She stepped out onto the patio and heard the hot tub jets running. She walked around the bushes and spotted Alex already in the water with a couple of wine glasses next to him.

  He noticed her and smiled. “Wow.”

  Emily blushed. “I want you to know that I have never worn this bikini before, your eyes are the first to see this on me. Some reason, you make me feel very brave.”

  She explained as she walked over to the chair and slipped off her sandals.

  “That’s because you are beautiful and I’m determined to tell you that every day until you believe me.”

  Emily smiled as she stood up and looked around. She heard him laugh as she looked back at him. “What?”

  “Emily, there is no one here but us. It’s a gated yard and totally private.”

  Emily stuck her tongue out playfully at him as she heard his childish laugh. She undid her shorts and slid them down her legs. She blushed knowing that he was already looking at her.

  “Emily.” Alex said softly as her gaze met his. “Come here.” His tone was dark and Emily’s body responded immediately. She walked over and sank into the water.

  Alex quickly moved next to her and brought her onto his lap so she could face him. The hot water around her only added to anxiety that was building inside her body. His eyes were dark as his hands felt her almost bare hips. She closed to her eyes as she felt his passion for her.

  “No, no, open your eyes,” Alex said. “You are so beautiful.”

  Emily opened her eyes as he kissed her lightly whispering against her lips, “I have so many other words to describe you right now but God I’m trying to remain a gentleman.”

  Emily locked her eyes with him again and calmly said, “Don’t be.”

  Alex grabbed her with a deep growl and tightened his grip on her hips. He roughly took his lips with hers. His fingers traced over her lower back as their tongues moved together. He bit her lower lip as he pulled back from her. Emily tensed slightly as he untied the string on the back of her bikini top and lifted it over her head. She blushed again as she felt his hands cover her. She heard him sigh as he lowered his head onto her body.

  “Alex.” Emily whispered as Alex continued to kiss her body. She moaned his name again as she started to explore his body. Her fingertips moved down his chest as he moaned against her. She felt his hands at her sides starting to untie her bottom piece when a noise knocked them both out of their trance.

  “Alex? Are you here?” Emily gasped as she sunk into the water hiding her chest as Sue came around the corner. “Oh my God!” she said stopping in her tracks and turned around. “I’m so sorry!”

  Alex sighed and looked at Emily, trying to smile at her. “It’s ok, Sue. Can you wait for me in the kitchen?”

  “Of course,” Sue said quickly and left.

  “Are you ok?” Alex asked moving in the water towards her, bringing her bikini top with him. As he handed her the top she quickly secured it around her. “Emily?”

  “I’m ok, just not what I wanted to happen.”

  Alex smiled. “If it helps, I was thoroughly enjoying myself.”

  Emily cracked a smile. “So was I. You make me feel things that I have never felt before, it’s very unnerving at times but yet I’m starting to yearn for it.”

  “You have the same effect on me, Emily.” Alex explained cupping the si
de of her face and kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. He muttered, “I should go see what Sue wants.”

  Emily nodded as she grabbed the railing and stepped from the hot tub. She reached for her towel as she turned to see Alex right behind her.

  He leaned down and whispered. “Can you promise me something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Promise me that I will see this bikini again before the weekend ends.”

  Emily kissed him and threw a dry towel at him. They walked through the back door and found Sue sitting at the kitchen counter.

  “I’m so sorry, guys. I tried calling first but you weren’t answering,” Sue paused then whispered to herself, “Now I know why.”

  Alex looked at Sue. “What’s going on?”

  “You left the office a little bit too soon. I’m not used to that.”

  Alex smiled at Emily. “I was anxious to get back here.”

  Emily smiled. “I’m going to go upstairs to shower and call Emma.” She left touching his arm as she did.

  When she arrived upstairs, she located her cell phone and called Eric.

  “Hey Emily,” He answered.

  “Hey, how’s my little girl?”

  “She’s wonderful, missing you. Hang on.”

  Emily heard Emma’s voice and started to cry. She missed her so much. Emma told her about Eric’s family and their dog which apparently delighted her. Emily told her how much she loved her and then heard Eric’s voice again.

  “You ok, Emily?”

  “Yeah, just miss her a lot. I just can’t imagine what you will be going through next week.”

  “I’m trying not to think about it, just trying to enjoy her.”

  “Well, I will let you get back to her. I just wanted to check in.”

  “I’m glad you did, Emily. We will talk soon and I will call before I drop her off on Sunday.”

  As they hung up, she put her head in her hands and cried. She heard the footsteps behind her.

  “Please tell me he didn’t do this.” Alex said walking around the bed to see her red swollen eyes.

  Emily shook her head. “No. For once, he didn’t. I'm just missing Emma, that’s all.”

  Alex sighed and pulled her up into his embrace. “I know you do, Baby. Let’s try to get your mind off of it for awhile.”

  Emily nodded. “Sam and the crew will be here shortly. That should help distract me.”

  “Why don’t you go take your shower and I will do some quick work.”

  “Is everything ok?” Emily asked.

  “Yes, just some things I forgot to do.”

  Emily looked concerned. “Alex, I’m distracting you from your job. Are you sure about this? I would feel horrible if something gets overlooked because of me.”

  Alex took her back into his arms. “I just need to learn how to balance everything, that’s all. I’m not used to this but I'm sure as hell enjoying it.”

  Emily laughed as she kissed him lightly. She headed towards the shower leaving him to his work. She had time to think about how Eric would be leaving for Denver next week. He would be starting his new life without her. She felt her heart break again. She leaned back against the shower wall and sighed. She wanted Emma to know her father but how was that going to be possible now. She needed to work out some kind of plan for them.

  As she finished, she dried her hair and wrapped a towel around herself. Alex wasn’t in their room. She found a pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear for the picnic. She did her makeup, finished her hair and she went to find him. She heard voices coming from the living room and continued towards them.

  “I think that’s it, Alex. Everything is all set for the exhibit to arrive next month.” Sue said walking out of the living room towards the front door. Emily stopped behind the staircase and listened to their conversation.

  “Great. Sorry about that missing signature.” Alex said walking her to the door.

  Sue opened the door and turned towards him. “She’s special, isn’t she?”

  Alex smiled at her. “Yes, she is. I was with Amy for awhile and never felt anything like this. Emily is just amazing.”

  “You love her, Alex. It’s so easy to see that.”

  Emily stopped breathing and waited for his response.

  “I do, Sue. But she’s not ready to hear that yet. I have to remember that she is young and only knows her feelings towards Eric. I need to figure out my way into her heart.”

  “You are a very smart man. Just be patient with her. When you see the opening, you will know.” And with that, Sue was gone. Alex headed back into the living room.

  Emily leaned against the staircase. He loved her. Her heart raced at that thought. He made her feel alive again. He gave her the attention that she wanted and needed. He released a darker need inside of her that she wanted to explore with him.

  She walked into the living room and found him on his phone. He smiled at her as he talked. She approached him and ran her hands up his chest and back down again. He found a t-shirt to wear with his swim trunks. She slipped her hands underneath the fabric. His eyes closed as he listened to his phone call. When they re-opened, they were Emily’s favorite color, black.

  He finished his phone call and roughly pulled her down onto the couch covering her lips with his. She moaned into his open mouth, his hands explored her body as the front door bell rang.

  “For the love of God!” Alex shouted.

  Emily laughed at him. “I think this is a sign, we keep getting distracted.”

  Alex looked at her and kissed her again. “Go let your friends in and I’m going to hop in the shower. Just have fun tonight and we will pick this up later on because if you haven’t been able to tell, I want you, Emily.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Alex left and Emily suddenly felt nervous. She tried to shake it off as she walked to the front door.

  “Oh my God, Emily, this place is gorgeous!” Sam shouted as she entered the cabin.

  “I know, wait until you see the rest of it!” Emily said hugging Sam and watching Rob check the place out. “Hey Rob.”

  “Hey.” Rob said as he came to Sam’s side.

  Emily tried to smile as Angie and Mike walked up the pathway. They all hugged and headed into the kitchen.

  “Alex is just taking a quick shower, so we can start grabbing the food and taking it outside.” Emily started to clear out the fridge and place the food on a tray.

  Sam leaned over to her and whispered, “I would love to see that!”

  Emily rolled her eyes. “Behave yourself. You are engaged now. So, is Rob ever going to talk to me again?”

  “Yes, he’s just being stupid. I told him to play nice tonight.”

  Emily smiled and went back to preparing the food. “Come on guys, you have to see his backyard.” She led them outside onto the patio, hearing all positive comments. She smiled as Angie ran over to the pool and hot tub, Sam and Rob disappeared down the pathway towards the lake and she headed over to the grill. She left everything for Alex and joined Angie on the bench.

  “What do you think?” Emily asked.

  “It’s beautiful, you are so lucky. I need more information about Alex though.”

  Emily smiled thinking about him. “He’s wonderful. We met through our high school art teacher and just stayed in contact. He was a shoulder to cry on when Eric and I were falling apart. Alex managed to get me a job interview at the art museum and introduced me to a local gallery where I will have my art displayed. It’s just so surreal to me.” Angie smiled at her as Mike joined them.

  Emily continued, “Did you guys want to take a dip in the hot tub before dinner?”

  “Sure!” Angie said standing up and stripping down.

  Emily and Mike laughed. “I guess she was ready to go, huh?”

  “It would appear so. Let me grab you guys some towels. I'll be right back.” Emily walked back to the house and went searching for towels. She walked into the bedroom and searched for Alex. She saw
him standing on the balcony overlooking the backyard talking on his cell phone.

  “Thank you for returning my phone call. I’m interested in the small building that you have available,” Alex spoke very professionally and Emily couldn’t quite figure out what it was about. “Can I come by Monday morning and see it in person?”

  Emily leaned against the door jam and watched him from behind. She wondered if he ever took a break from his job and just enjoyed himself.

  “That’s great! Yes, I will see you around ten a.m. on Monday. Thank you, Mr. Jennings.” Alex hung up the phone and turned to see Emily watching him.

  “Are you spying on me?” He asked as he laughed.

  “No, just searching for towels but found something much better.”

  “You better behave, Miss Stone. I have to entertain your guests for the next few hours.”

  “Well, the food is ready to go, my friends are soaking in your hot tub as we speak and I’m about to join them.”

  Alex smirked. “Come here.”

  Emily slowly walked over to him and he leaned down to kiss her. It felt like they had been apart for hours even though it had only been a few minutes. She kissed him back until he finally stepped away.

  “Go change and I will go say hello to our guests.” Alex left the room without mentioning another word about the phone call.

  Emily quickly changed into her bikini and grabbed her shorts from earlier. She ran downstairs and out the back door and found Alex putting more towels on the bench.

  “Emily, you finally put on that bikini!” Sam cheered as she ran over to her. All eyes immediately turned to her as she found the pair of eyes she wanted to see. His eyes were burning as she walked over to the group.

  “Yes, I finally found the courage, Sam.” Emily said as she put her arm around Alex’s waist, “Is everyone being nice to you?” She asked looking at Alex.

  “Of course, we were just discussing you.”

  “Oh joy!” Emily said rolling her eyes. She walked around the hot tub and slid off her shorts. She looked back at Alex and winked.