Top Love: An Alpha Billionaire Romance (Young Adult Stepbrother and Billionaire Romance Stories) (49 page)

Eddie

              Well, it looks like I’m sleeping on the couch for a while.  Heh.  At least, I’m sleeping on the couch tonight that is.  I’m actually surprised that I’m here.  I never, in a million years, would have imagined that I’d be with Krystal again.  I know that I need to take it slow.  Looking back, I see the problem she and I have had was that we let passion get the best of us.  We let our bodies take the front seat to our emotions.  That, I can see, was wrong. 

              The next morning, we got up.  I made sure that my personal assistant had everything in place.  First stop—New Orleans!

              New Orleans, Louisiana—home of Saints football, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, and creole.  As one of the most celebrated cities in the American South, it is the largest city in the state and the largest tourist attraction.  It is also one of the oldest cities in the continental United States.  New Orleans has had a magic and seduction to it I’ve never seen before.  I’m in love with the city.  I’ve been dozens of times, but each visit is always new and exciting—like a breath of fresh air—except this time, I’ve got a woman with me that I’ve pined over for years. 

              I’ve got to take it slow with Krystal.  She’s vulnerable.  She needs to know that it’s safe and okay to move on.  I applaud her for leaving Jimmy.  It’s not because I did not particularly care for the guy or that I feel he stole ‘my girl’, but he just did not quite understand who Krystal was and is.  He did not see that she is a free spirit—routine is all well and good, but she craves spontaneity.  I’ve learned a lot lately, as I’ve grown, but I know a man should encourage a woman’s spirit—not insist she be something she is not. 

              “You’re up early.” She said to me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

              “Yeah,” I said as I stretched.  “I guess the anticipation of an impromptu road trip has me all twitterpated.”

              “You’re still quoting Bambi?”

              “Sometimes.  Sometimes, I quote Cinderella and I see the shoe fits.”  She tossed a dishtowel at me.  It was good to feel like this again—playful, carefree, and fun.  I’ve missed my best friend.  When did things get so complicated between us?

              Breakfast is rather quiet.  This was odd for her, but I figured she was working through her thoughts.  I did kind of ‘poof’ out of nowhere and ask her to travel with me a little.  In my defense, we had discussed doing that at one point in our youth. 

              As we loaded up the car, I decided to break the silence.  “Where do you want to go in New Orleans first, Krys?’

              “Honestly, Eddie, I really don’t know.  I’ve never been there.”

              I cannot believe she’s never been to New Orleans.  “Never?” I ask.

              “Never.” She responded.  “I wouldn’t mind going, but I just never had the chance.”

              More determined than ever, I replied, “Well, you’re going to get to go now.  Do you trust me?”

              I realized my faux paus as soon as I uttered those words.  Of course, she did not trust me.  I was lucky she did not hate me after the stunt I pulled a few years back.  I really did not like who I was at that time.  There was no way on this planet that she’d trust me this easily. 

              “Yes.”

              Did my ears just play a prank on me?  Did she really say ‘yes’ to the question of trust?  I was stunned.  My heart dropped, but not in the bad way.  I was absolutely floored.  This was the best news I had gotten since my gig went big.  Still, I couldn’t let it show.

              “Cool.  In that case, I think I will have something nice planned for you by the time we get there.”

Krystal

              As we arrived in New Orleans, I was amazed by the feel of the city.  It was as if I were somehow magically transported into something that was not a part of this world.  It seemed as if I were in another country altogether.  We were dropped off at the tourism place.  Eddie turned to me and told me not to worry.  His personal assistant was handling our bags and checking us into the hotel tonight.  The first place he took me was the Natchez riverboat cruise. 

              The set up was beautiful.  By the time we arrived in New Orleans, it was getting close to evening.  Our cruise was set to begin right around dusk, which happened in the south pretty early during the ‘off season’ months—also known as winter.  It was perfect.  The way Eddie was treating me and acting reminded me of the Eddie I knew before he lied.  He was my best friend again, but I was still a little apprehensive. 

              I started to think back and wonder.  Since it was the first lie he really told me, was it okay that I wanted to truly forgive and forget?  Was it ‘okay’ that I just wanted to pretend that it never happened? 

              We enjoyed the cruise and walked around Bourbon Street for a while.  I chose to abstain from alcohol while we were out on Bourbon Street.  I didn’t want to have those ‘morning after’ regrets.  That night, we slept in the hotel, but he would not sleep in the bed with me.  Our hotel room had two double beds in it.  This was different, but I found it refreshing.  We needed to take things slow—to get to know each other for real this time.  We needed to make sure we could be friends before lovers.  I honestly think that was where I went wrong with Jimmy.  He and I were not best friends.  A good marriage is one in which you are married to the person that doesn’t quite make you whole, but is your best friend.  That person is to fill in the gaps so you fit like a puzzle.  Eddie was that person for me. 

              The next morning, Eddie checks us out of the hotel.  He turns to me and says, “What do you think of visiting Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon next?”

              “Eddie, are you sure?”  I’m astonished that he’d suggest such a thing.  These were major places to visit.  I never thought I’d get out of that small town, let alone get to see such a place. 

              “Yes, I’m sure.  I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t certain I wanted to go with you.  What made you ask that?”

              “Well, honestly, these are major trips, Eddie.”

              “I’ve been due for a vacation for a while.  So what if I want the prettiest girl in the world with me.  Who cares?”  He smiled that half smile that always made my stomach do flips. 

              “Well, I guess I’m okay with it, then.”  I giggled.  We drove for quite some time.  New Orleans to the Grand Canyon was a long drive, but it was worth it.  I have never seen so many beautiful scenes in one drive.  I-10 was a busy interstate.  It had its moments.  Sometimes, not a soul save for a few truckers were on the road.  Other times, it was stop and go traffic on the freeway.   It was interesting to see the scenery go from the lush, dense swamps and greenery of Louisiana to the dry desert of Texas and the Southwest. 

              We arrived at the Grand Canyon.  Staring down at the river below made me realize how small and insignificant I was in relation to the world.  I was so worried about people and things others thought, but really all of that was absolutely nothing compared to what I was staring at right now. 

              Yellowstone was the exact same way.  It was awe-inspiring. 

              Eddie decided that on the way back from the entire week, we’d stop at a hotel in Oklahoma on our way back.  I didn’t want the trip to end, but I just had to get home to see my son.  I enjoyed the time with Eddie, but I did miss Gage. 

Krystal

              The hotel was gorgeous.  Eddie obviously spared no expense.  The chandelier in the lobby seemed to dance on its own as the spotlights caressed the gold plating.  It smelled like fresh lavender.  The bellhop carried our luggage to our room.  I hooked my arm into his elbow as we rode on the elevator.  Just touching him felt great. 

              We were shown our room.  It was beautiful.  It even had a fireplace.  As soon as the bellhop left, Eddie turned to me and said, “Krystal.  This entire trip has meant so much to me.  It made me realize that I never stopped loving you.  I know what I did was absolutely horrible.  If I could go back, I would take it all back.  I would be the man you needed me to be and just been honest about my feelings.  If I could, I’d have never lied to you.  If I could, I’d take a trip back in time and beat the younger ‘me’ senseless.  Can you forgive me?”

              Finally, the words I needed to hear came from him.  He admitted his wrong.  He didn’t try to justify it.  He just admitted to it all.  I was so happy.  His hands were on my cheek in a sweet and gentle manner.  He was so tender.  I wonder what happened in the last couple of years that have changed him so much.  It made me see how much that this genuine emotional encounter was.  I never had that with Jimmy.  Sure, I cared for Jimmy a great deal—even fooled myself into thinking I loved him. 

              Just then, Eddie’s lips grazed mine.  It was a long and sensual kiss.  He pulled away long enough to say, “I’m sorry.  I’ve just been wanting to do that since I saw you in the club that night, Krystal.”

              I stared up at him, love in my eyes, and grabbed his hand.  I led him over to the giant king sized four-post bed.  I sat on the edge of the bed and pulled him toward me.  We laid down in unison.  The blankets smelled of honeysuckle and jasmine.  I felt a need in between my legs that I’ve only felt a few times before—all with Eddie.  I’ve never needed Jimmy like this.  I’ve wanted him, but with Eddie, everything seems different. 

              His lips, warm and gentle, touched mine again, causing my nipples to pucker.  I felt the warmth of his hands cup them.  I ached for his touch all over.  His body weight pressed me down deeper into the velvety touch of the blankets.  I could feel the lean, taut musculature of his body through his shirt.  I reached up to slowly unbutton his shirt.  Somehow, mine disappeared.  I don’t care to bother trying to figure it out.  All I knew was that I needed to be closer to him and clothing was in the way.

              I felt his lips touch the soft skin of my shoulders.  As he shifted, he brought his hard length between the softness of the apex of my thighs.  I could feel his need matched mine.     

              It was perfect.  I raised my hips to meet his thunderous need.  He wrapped his arms around me, giving me the shelter I sought. 

              Right here with him, I found bliss as his tongue swept across my lips gently teasing me.  I held on to him as if my very life depended upon it as he engulfed me with the flames of his desire. 

              A sweet ache blossomed like a lotus flower inside of me.  I was fully aware of how desperate my need was for him—not just for the physical pleasure of it all.  I felt our souls connect as if they had been forced apart for a millennia only to finally be reunited once and for all. 

              I felt everything pulsating within me—my thoughts, my heartbeat, my breaths, and my need for him as it intensified exponentially.  Finally, he sheathed himself inside of me to the hilt.  He let me know without a word that this would not be rushed.  He continued to shower my body with his rose petal kisses, his fingers burrowed into my hair, as he silently promised his eternal affections. 

I felt his hand beneath me, teasing me, beckoning me, and tempting me with a pleasure like I had experienced never before.   With each thrust, I felt the waves of my impending orgasm increase until finally, I could hold back the tides of pleasure no more.  He thrust into me again and again, riding the intensity, challenging it.  My body rippled around him.  His arms tightened around my waist.  His voice was nothing more than a whisper in my ear, resonating to my core. Every word, every thought he expressed, resounded deep inside of me.  He was flesh and blood.  He was here.  This was no dream. 

              My thighs were slick with dew as I felt the final orgasm claim me.  As my pleasure overcame me, his followed soon after as I heard him cry out—a sound of bliss and profound relief.  His hips pressed tightly to mine as he held me in place.  

              As we lay there together, with little control over our bodies in the most relaxed state I have ever experienced, I sighed and stretched.  The love I felt emanating from him nearly brought tears to my eyes.  I couldn’t see life without anyone else.  This is the love I’ve been searching for all of my life.  As I drifted off to sleep nestled in his arms, I could not wait until tomorrow morning when I awoke with him beside me.

Eddie

              That was amazing.  This is exactly what I’ve missed.  I can’t believe that we have just experienced such an amazing night.  I laid there with my eyes closed, but could not sleep.  I was too happy.  I know it isn’t exactly ‘manly’, but I was nearly in tears as I rested beside her.  I don’t want to screw this up.  I know exactly what I want now. 

              After she fell asleep, I sent a text to my personal assistant.  I needed him to pick up a ring for me.  I was not going to let her get away again.  I would not be the reason this ended.  I would be honest about how I felt and never hide myself from her again. 

              The next morning couldn’t come soon enough.  I slid myself from around her, made coffee, and ordered room service to bring breakfast to us.  I was going to do this right. 

              I had it all set up—breakfast, coffee, conversation, a beautiful sunrise, and then, I would lay it all out there.  Everything came together beautifully. 

              Finally, the time came for me to ask her a question I should have asked a long time ago. 

              “Krystal,” I said as I sat across from her at the table that was in our hotel room.  “You know that I have loved you forever.  I’ve made mistakes, but I don’t want to let you get away again.  I know that to be the man you need, I have to be a man first.  Please let me show you the man I am.”  I produced the ring and began to slide it on her finger. 

              “Krystal,” I said as I slid from the chair and on to one knee.  “Will you marry me?”

              “Eddie,” she began to say as tears filled her eyes. 

              Then, the phone rang.  I answered it. 

***

Krystal

              Eddie just proposed to me, but as I was speaking, his stupid phone rang.  The look on his face was one of pure terror.  I thought something was wrong. 

              “Eddie?”  I asked him.  “What’s the matter?”

              The feelings on his face conveyed shock, horror, surprise, and happiness all at the same time. 

              “Krystal,” he said.  “I just got asked to do a sitcom for a cable network.  We’re going to Los Angeles, my love!”  Instantly, his excitement grew. 

              “But Eddie,” I replied.  “I can’t move that far from Gage.  I can’t just up and leave my son like that.  You know this.  Jimmy would never let me leave the state with him on a permanent basis like that.”

              I could see the fear in his eyes.  What did this mean for us?