“Stop. Fucking stop.” The car comes to a complete stop.
“Not you. Keep driving to our destination. I’m talking to this crazy woman back here.” He turns to me and glares, anger written on his face. It’s the look he’s given men for watching me. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”
I don’t answer because we haven’t discussed what happens when we get home. There was no future, only two weeks of work, which turned into a minimum amount of actual work on my part and unless you call fucking the boss work. Then I was clocking in overtime.
“I didn’t regret hiring you because you weren’t worthy of working for me. You proved you’re smart and capable, but I’ve proven that I can’t keep my hands off you. The past two weeks would have ended with me in jail if you’d gone to one of those meetings and they hit on you.”
“So why are you taking me to this area? Please tell me you’re not leaving me here.”
He chuckles and gives his head a negative shake. “Sweetheart, what many people don’t know about me is that I didn’t grow up wealthy. I grew up here. These rundown buildings were my home. I was jumped right here when I was ten. Life was shit. Then I promised I’d change that and I did. So every time you felt uncomfortable or unsure of yourself around me, I wanted to shout out to you that I know what it’s like to be in your shoes. Well not exactly, but it’s not something I share. It’s my biggest secret. If you can accept that I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon, I have a question for you?”
“A question?”
“Yes, but you haven’t said if you can accept my childhood.”
“Who couldn’t?”
“You’d be surprised.”
“I’m sorry your exes were terrible.”
“I don’t have exes, Hales. Getting out of that shitty life had been my only mission until I met you.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. So that question…”
“Will you marry me?”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. Now answer me.”
“Of course. Yes. I’ll marry you, Elijah.”
Epilogue
Elijah
“Elijah James Callahan.” Shit. I’m in trouble. I set down my suitcase. My drive had been a long one from downtown Chicago.
“Yes, dear,” I sing, walking into the living room where my wife is standing with her hands on her hips.
Her eyes narrow. “Don’t yes dear me. Do you care to tell me what happened to my stepfather?”
I hold back the grin and do my best to feign ignorance, but it’s hard when she looks so damn adorable. “I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about, my sweet, pregnant wife.”
“Don’t lie to me, Elijah. He lost everything and has been charged with theft and stalking against me.”
“Well, I’m just doing my job as a husband to protect you. I can’t help that my security took care of the matter before you learned of him watching you.”
“He was watching me?”
“Yes. After I filed the theft charges on your old car, he started showing up outside our condo. The team notified me, but didn’t want to worry you. I had the cops deal with the matter. How did you learn of it? I was about to tell you when I got home.”
“The police came to speak with me regarding the matter.”
“So you knew?”
“Of course I did, but I wanted you to tell me the truth. I don’t want secrets between us even if you’re trying to protect me. A lie is a fucking lie, Elijah. Understand?”
“Yes, baby. I’m sorry. I won’t do that shit again. Do me a favor and bring those pretty lips over here and kiss me.” She does, coming into my arms and allowing me to wipe the frown off her beautiful face. As we break apart, I rub her belly and ask, “How are you feeling?”
“Good. The doctor says I’m doing well despite a needy husband with his dick always in me.”
“You told her?”
“No. I’m teasing. The doctor says I’m doing well and the little one is growing fast.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you.”
“It’s okay. I know the meeting was important and couldn’t wait. Besides, it wasn’t more than a five-minute checkup. My next one is the ultrasound visit.”
“I won’t miss it.”
“I love you, Eli.”
“I love you, Hales. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m grateful that you happened to break into my mother’s garden just at the right time.”
“I hoped we’d meet one day. She sang your praises and you were everything and more.”
“If only I met you sooner.”
“Well, I was barely legal.”
“Hell, baby, you’re still eighteen.”
“Gosh, and I’m married to such an old man.” She playfully slaps her hand to her chest, and then I pull her close, stealing more kisses.
“I’ll show you old,” I growl, scooping her up and spending the rest of the evening giving her orgasm after orgasm until she passes out.