Chapter Twenty-Two
Two people in love, alone, isolated from the world, that’s beautiful. – Milan Kundera
Seven months later
Fable
Drew and I were never believers in the fairy tale. We both had our own issues, our problems, our fucked-up home lives that blew all thoughts of happily ever afters right out of the water. Once upon a time, we were cynics facing the world alone. Our story changed into two warrior cynics facing the world together. Now, we own the happily ever after and we refuse to let that bitch go. I watch him now, sitting on the sidelines of the football field. It’s hot, even though it’s only nine in the morning, but the summer sun is intense. I have a pretty nice tan already from sitting out here for hours watching Drew practice with his team. He’s sorta dreamy out there on the field. I love watching him play. He’s so talented, so in command of his teammates and his gameplay. Rumors are already spreading how his chance at a NFL contract is getting closer and closer. Once upon a time, that would’ve scared the crap out of me. The thought of him leaving me behind. He’d want me to go along with him—and that would’ve scared me too. Now I take everything day by day. No need for panic. When the time comes for a decision to be made, I know we’ll do the right thing. Together. I love how sweaty my man gets when he plays too. Does that make me a freak? Oh, I put on a big show when he grabs me and hugs me after practice, complaining loudly how gross he is, all stinky and damp. But I’m lying. I love it. He’s coming toward me now, a big grin on his face, and I stand, offering him a big smacking kiss before I hand over a fresh bottle of water. He takes it from me, tears off the cap and chugs every last drop within a few swallows. Did I mention how sexy he is when he drinks? No? Well. I’m tempted to fan myself every time I watch him. “Did you put on sunblock?” he asks, crushing the empty plastic bottle in his fist before he hands it back to me. I clutch the bottle in my hand. “Maybe.” He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. “You’re turning pink. You need some.” His concern for me is slightly over the top. Since what happened with Adele, he’s very overprotective. From always being there to pick me up when my shift is over at work to slathering on enough sunblock to his satisfaction, he wants to make sure I’m safe. I appreciate it more than he’ll ever know. “I’m trying to get a tan,” I tell him. “You’re pretty tan already, baby.” He draws his finger across my bared shoulder, sending a shiver through me. “You know what my favorite thing in the world right now is?” I frown. Where is he going with this? “What?” He leans in close, his mouth hovering just at my ear. “Your tan lines,” he whispers. “And the fact that I’m the only one who gets to see them.” I’m blushing. That he can still do that with a few words, a mere look, blows my mind. “You’re bad,” I say when he pulls away from me. A grin flashes. “You like it.” He glances over his shoulder, checking out his teammates, who are all taking a break like he is. “Look, you should go on home. It’s too damn hot out here for you to sit around. I’ll be done in a few hours, okay?” I nod, sad he’s kicking me out. But he’s right. It’s so hot outside. Owen’s around here somewhere, helping out with carrying the equipment, organizing stuff, handing out water and whatever else is needed. Drew got him the job, though it’s more of a volunteer thing. Owen doesn’t care. He’s thrilled to be hanging out with a bunch of cool football players. Plus, it’s keeping him busy. Keeping him out of trouble. “I’ll see you later?” Drew asks, grabbing my hand so he can pull me in and give me a kiss. “Of course.” I don’t work today. My job at The District is still going strong. Colin is a pretty great boss. I think he has the serious hots for Jen and she’s either blind or doesn’t want to see it. That place is like a hotbed for juicy sexy scandal anyway. Not that I play a part in any of it. I’m riding the happily-ever-after wave with Drew, remember? “I’m taking you out tonight. Don’t forget, okay?” He smiles at me and I smile back. We haven’t had much time to go out lately. Not that we really do. We prefer to stay home and watch movies. Make out a lot on the couch, as Owen likes to complain. I did end up moving into that apartment with Owen…and Drew. After what happened with Adele in the parking lot, right in front of his old place, he wanted out of there. I was the one who offered for him to move in with me after a long discussion with Owen, making sure he was okay with it. Which he was. Now we’re like one big happy family. “Where are you taking me?” “That’s a surprise.” His eyes darken, his expression turns ultra serious. “I love you. You know that, right?” I frown. “Yeah, I know. I love you too. Lots.” “Lots?” “Mega lots.” “Sounds like a discount store.” He grins and kisses me again as if he can’t help himself. “Come on, Callahan! Quit smooching on your girl and get over here!” one of his teammates yells, making us both laugh. I watch him jog back to where they’re all standing in the middle of the field, my gaze never leaving him. He’s so gorgeous. He’s endured so much yet this is truly the happiest I’ve ever seen him. I’ve gone with him to a few sessions with Dr. Harris and she pulled me aside at the last one, wanting to talk to me privately. She said she believes I heal him. That the reason he’s been able to cope so well with the aftermath of Adele’s suicide and the near mental breakdown of his father is because of the unconditional support I offer him so freely. It’s only right, considering what he does for me. My mom has mostly fallen off the face of the earth. I can deal for the most part, but her disappearance has been a struggle for Owen. He doesn’t know how to handle it. Considering Drew remembers what it’s like to be an angry, screwed-up teenage boy, he spends a lot of time with my brother. To the point that one night, as we were drifting off to sleep, Drew confessed if this football thing didn’t work out for him, he was considering staying in school so he could become a counselor and help troubled teens. I threw my arms around him and told him I thought that was a great idea. He has the kindest, sweetest heart you could ever know. He’s funny, he’s smart, he knows just what to say to make me smile. He gets grumpy when things don’t go his way. Oh, and also when he’s hungry. He’s too much of a neat freak and I’m sort of a slob so that’s caused a few fights. I get hormonal and sort of bitchy during that time, so he tends to stay clear. My job stresses me out and I like to tell him he has no idea what I’m stressing over since he doesn’t work a real job. Oh, that really pisses him off. I only said it once. I learn from my mistakes. Mostly. We argue. We make up—and that means makeup sex, which is awesome. We finally did it doggy-style months ago and I’m a total fan. No nipple rings, though. He won’t let me. Though we did get matching tattoos on the insides of our right wrists a few weeks ago. Our initials entwined—D+F. We laugh together a lot. We’ve also cried a few times. He’s trying to heal his relationship with his dad. I’m trying to come to terms with the fact that my mom is never coming back. Our relationship is not perfect. Drew Callahan isn’t perfect either. But I wouldn’t have him any other way.
Drew
I’m nervous as fuck about tonight and wonder for about the eight millionth time if I’m doing the right thing. I try to ignore the doubt that lingers in my mind as I pace the living room, waiting for Fable to come out of the bathroom and finally announce she’s ready to go. Sometimes, she takes too damn long getting herself all primped up or whatever it is girls do. I’ve told her before I love her just the way she is. Makeup, no makeup. Pretty dress, old raggedy shorts and T-shirt, whatever she’s wearing, I’m all for it. She’s gorgeous. But then she’ll blow my mind walking out of that bathroom after being in there for a solid hour and I forget all about my impatience. She’s pretty good at that trick. She’s pretty good at a lot of tricks. “You need to chill.” I turn to find Owen watching me, amusement lighting his green eyes. “What do you mean?” I ask. “You’re all anxious and crazy. Stop worrying. She’s going to fucking love it.” He slaps a hand over his mouth. “Don’t tell her I said that.” “Don’t worry about it.” I shake my head. The kid has a foul mouth but so do Fable and I. How can we give him grief when we can’t lead by example? “Seriously, dude. She’s going to love your surprise. Love. It. You’ll make her cry.” Owen shakes his head. “You must be pretty far gone over my sister to want to do this already.” “I can’t live without her.” And that is no lie. “We belong together. Why not make it official?” I sound confident but I have a major case of nerves. I’m taking her out to dinner at The District because Colin—who I’m friends with now, unbelievable—offered up the private room for us to use. I jumped at it because no way am I going to do this and make a spectacle of myself. What if she says no? She won’t say no. Her scent precedes her, light and floral, making me long for her. And then she appears, coming down the hall with a little smile on her face, wearing a pale pink sundress that makes her skin look even more golden. All I see is legs and arms and the material of the dress is so thin… I can practically see through it when the light hits her just right. “Fable.” I clear my throat. “You’re not going out in that, are you?” She twirls around, the flared skirt flying out, offering me a tantalizing glimpse of bare, slender thighs. “You don’t like it?” “I fucking love it.” I glance around, thankful Owen’s disappeared. I hear the click of his door closing. Smart kid. “I can see through it.” “You can?” She glances down with a frown. “But I don’t want to change.” I slip my right hand into my pocket, fumbling around with the tiny box that’s nestled within. I don’t want her to change either. She looks amazing. But I don’t want anyone else seeing her in that dress either. “Where are we going?” she asks when I don’t say anything. “Uh, The District?” Now she’s frowning harder. Uh-oh. “You’re kidding. I work there all the time. I want to get away from that place, not hang out there on my night off.” I’m messing this up. I can already feel it. Shuffling my feet, I study the carpet, my brain scrambling to come up with a different plan. “Drew.” I glance up to find her watching me, her gaze narrowed. “What’s up with you? Are you okay?” Fuck it. I’m doing this now before I totally lose my nerve and really screw up. I go to her without a word and take her hand, falling to my knee in front of her. “What are you doing?” she whispers, her eyes wide, her hand cold in my grip. “Fable, I love you. I want you to be a permanent part of my life forever.” I clear my throat, notice how her fingers are trembling. “We haven’t been together very long, but when something feels so right and so good, you know you don’t want to ever let it go.” “Ohmigod.” Her voice is a breathy rasp as I reach inside my jeans pocket and pull out the little box that’s been burning a hole in my mind ever since I bought the damn thing over a week ago. “What is that?” “Let me show you.” My fingers are shaky as I lift the lid, revealing the simple round solitaire engagement ring within. “I want you to marry me.” Her eyes widen as she studies the diamond, her mouth hanging open. She finally lifts her gaze to meet mine, tears sparkling in her eyes. “You’re serious.” This girl is truly, truly going to drive me out of my mind. “I’m definitely serious. I love you.” “I love you too. But marriage?” she squeaks as she reaches out and touches the diamond with the tip of her index finger. “Marriage. I want to make this all about the forever.” I drop her hand only for a moment, taking the ring out of the box so I can put it on her finger. She holds out her hand, her fingers quivering as I slip the ring on. It’s a perfect fit. The ring looks perfect on her finger. And this girl is perfect for me. She brings her hand up to her face, admiring the ring close up. “Oh my God, Drew, it’s so beautiful.” “You’re beautiful,” I say. “But I need an answer. Don’t leave a man hanging.” “Yes.” She grins as I stand and draw her into my arms. “Yes, yes, yes. I’ll be your wife. Are you sure you’re ready to take me on?” Leaning in, I kiss her. “Hell yeah.” “I know I drive you crazy,” she murmurs softly. I press my forehead to hers and stare into her pretty green eyes, winding my arms around her slender waist. “You keep me sane,” I whisper. “You make my life worth living. Because of you, I’m a better man. And with you by my side as my wife, we can take on the entire world, baby. Just you and me.” She sighs, pressing her lips to mine in a soft kiss. “You are so romantic. Is it wrong to admit I was sort of hoping for a poem?” “Hell.” I completely forgot. Pulling away from her, I dig in my other pocket, withdrawing a crumpled piece of paper. I labored over this one, hoping to get the words just right. I planned on giving it to her before I actually showed her the ring. “I wrote you one.” “You did not.” She takes the paper from me and unfolds it. “Did so,” I say with a grin, waiting anxiously as she reads it.
Most of the time I’m thinking of you All of the time I love you Remembering the good times and the bad So much has Happened and Maybe I’m moving too fast All I know is I… Love you. And want to Live with you Only you Will you be my wife?
“Oh shit.” She’s crying, tears flowing down her pretty face, mascara streaking her cheeks with black. “My makeup’s ruined, damn it.” I laugh. I can’t help it. “Did you like it?” “I love it.” She bursts into full-on tears now and I pull her into my arms, hold her close. “I love you,” she whispers against my neck. “We’re going to make this happen, Fable. You and me.” I kiss her forehead. “Together.” “Together,” she agrees. Forever.
THE END
Acknowledgements:
This is going to be quite the list but I have to acknowledge everyone who made this possible. First and foremost to all the readers out there who have emailed me, messaged me on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc. etc. letting me know your thoughts about my book. I seriously, seriously love you all. Your love for Drew + Fable knows no bounds and it blows my mind on a daily basis. Let’s hear it for marshmallows. To EVERY reader who took a chance on OWG, who bought the book from a complete unknown author and liked it enough to want to read SCB. Writers are nothing without our readers so thank you. The support I received from soooo many readers and reviewers on Goodreads was tremendous and meant so much to me. When you guys take the time to put together the reviews with the gifs and funny comments (and the marshmallow reviews! So amazing), I love them. So stinkin’ much I can hardly stand it. Oh, and Amy Jennings – OMG you really jumpstarted the buzz for OWG there so THANK YOU. And thank you for allowing me to join the Triple M’ers. To the Triple M ladies (and gent), I love all you dirty birdies!;) To the early reviewers who took me up on my offer of a free book: Christy at Tyhada Reads, Becky at Reality Bites (Becky you are one of my biggest advocates *tackle hugs*), Anna at Anna Reads Romance, Lyra at Defiantly Deviant, Momo at Books Over Boys, Carole at Life Over Fiction, Nereyda at Mostly YA Book Obsessed, Debbie at the Talk Supe blog and Christine at Shh Moms Reading, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Christine especially for taking the time to organize my blog tour. You don’t know how much that meant to me. I am floored by everyone’s support. A big shout out to all the book bloggers who reviewed and/or had me on your site – thank you so much. I wish I could list everyone but it would probably end up half the length of the book—just know I appreciate you all. To Becca the Bibliophile for creating the OWG cover reveal book trailer – I feel like I didn’t say enough how much I loved it. Cos I really, really did. To Lauren Blakely for being such a great friend—we have way too much in common and that’s sorta scary. To Katy Evans for being the best critique partner a girl could ever, ever have. I’d be nothing without you. To Nyrae Dawn for the almost daily email exchanges—we’ve known each other a long time and I appreciate your support. To all the wonderfully talented self published authors I’ve met—you guys rock and you put out such amazing books. I’m honored to be a part of such a wonderful and supportive community. To Kati R. for helping me so much with all sorts of stuff and for the squee-ing feedback in regards to this book. I heart you and need you so don’t ever leave me. A big thank you to Kelly at Inkslinger PR—I know this is going to be a great matchup and I’m looking forward to working with you. I might get weepy writing this but I just…I can’t get over the support I’ve received for this book. That Drew + Fable touched so many people, that I made you laugh and cry and shake your fist and want to throw your e-reader/tablet/phone when you read OWG...I can’t explain how awesome this entire journey has been with you all. I hope like freaking crazy that you’re satisfied with the story I told in SCB. That you believe Adele got what was coming to her (though I sorta felt sorry for her near the end—did anyone else? Or was that just me?). That you really believe Drew + Fable can be happy together. Because I totally believe these two can be happy together. She gets him. And he gets her. Together they might be a bit of a fucked up mess (who said that? I think it was Fable) but sometimes, in the mess, you can find something amazing. And I believe that’s what happened for them. It’s so crazy because they feel real to me. Like I have no control over them and they completely took over when I worked on their books. I was merely the instrument who told their story. And even though this book is finished and in my heart, their story is finished, Drew is still whispering in my head. And so is Fable. It’s hard to let them go…and I don’t know if I ever want to let them go. So thank you. Thank you for reading my little story about a broken boy and a broken girl who only became whole when they found each other.
Dear Readers, I’m so excited to share with you a sneak peek at USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely’s upcoming novel TROPHY HUSBAND (Note: This is an unedited version and may change in the final book), which is scheduled to release in May. This is such a deliciously sexy excerpt, I know you’ll be anxiously awaiting the release of TROPHY HUSBAND as much as I am! Hugs, Monica
The stars twinkle and the night air is warm as we leave Tiki Bar and walk slowly up Fillmore. At the top of the hill, I see my friend’s maroon Prius that I’m tasked with driving home tonight. I point to it. “These are my wheels.” I click on the key to unlock the car. Then I reach for the door handle. But it doesn’t open. I try again. Same thing happens. “Damn. What is up with these hybrids?” “They have to calibrate to your heart rate.” “Then how the heck am I supposed to drive it home?” “I know a trick,” Chris says. “You do?” “Want to give me the keys and I’ll show you?” he asks, holding open his palm for me. But before I can pull away, he closes his fingers over mine, gripping my hand in his. That’s all it takes. Within seconds I am in his arms, and we are wrapped up in each other. His lips are sweeping mine, and I press my hands against his chest, and oh my. He does have the most fantastic outlines in his body. He is toned everywhere, strong everywhere, and I am dying to get my hands up his shirt, and feel his bare chest and his belly. But if I did, I might just jump him right here because I am one year and running without this. Without kissing, without touching, without feeling this kind of heat. He twines his fingers through my hair, and the way he holds me, both tender and full of want at the same time, makes me start to believe in possibilities. Start to believe that you can try again, and it’ll be worth it. His lips are so soft, so unbearably soft, and I can’t stop kissing and tasting him. He has the faintest taste of Diet Coke on his lips, and it’s crazy to say this, but it almost makes me feel closer to him. Or maybe I feel closer because he’s leaning into me, his body is aligned with mine, and there’s no space between us, and I don’t want any space between us. I want to feel him against me, his long, strong body tangled up in mine, even though we’re fully clothed, making out on the street. He breaks the kiss. “I wanted to kiss you all night.” “You did?” He nods. “Totally.” “Me too,” I whisper, as he bends his head and kisses my neck, planting a trail of sweet and sexy kisses down to my throat, and it’s almost sensory overload the way he ignites me. Forget tingles, forget goosebumps. That’s kid stuff compared to this. My body is a comet with Chris. I am a shooting star with the way he kisses me. I don’t even know if I have bones in my body anymore. I don’t know how I’m standing. I could melt under the sweet heat of his lips that are now tracing a line down my chest to the very top of my breasts, as he tugs gently at my shirt, giving himself room to leave one more brush of his lips, before he stops. He looks at me, and the expression on his face is one of pride and lust. He knows he’s turned me inside out and all the way on. “That was so unfair of me,” he says with a wicked grin. “Getting a headstart like that on all the other candidates.” How can there be any other guys after a kiss like that? It’s a kiss to end all kisses, it’s a sip of lemonade in a hammock on a warm summer day. It’s a slow dance on hardwood floors while a fan goes round overhead, curtains blowing gently in the open window. If he feels half as much for me as I do for him, then I want to sail away with him in the moonlight, and that scares the hell out of me. I have to extract myself before I let this go any further. I don’t mean the contact. I mean the way my aching, broken heart is reaching for Chris.
If you enjoyed Second Chance Boyfriend, don’t miss One Week Girlfriend.
Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn’t give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least. But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him. The only thing he seems to want though is…
Me. I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me. And I want to be there for him. Forever.
Kindle book Available at Amazon.com
Title page Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Acknowledgements:
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