Again and Again (16 page)

She was laughing at something my dad said, having a great time. It was moments like these when I wished my mother were dead. We could sit down togeth
er and have a nice meal. But my mom was determined to chase away anyone Sean and I loved. At least Scarlet worked out a truce with my mine. But I wasn’t going to let that shit happebed to Cassandra.

Cassandra looked up at me. “Your father was just—”

“Let’s go,” I commanded.

Sean eyed me. “What did she do now?”

I pulled Cassandra’s chair out and helped her to her feet.

My dad leaned across the table and covered his face. He sighed deeply.

“Seriously, Dad. Mom is a bitch. Divorce her.” I pulled Cassandra toward the door.

Scarlet and Sean came behind us. I stormed out of the house then headed to my Jaguar in the driveway.

“Mike, what’s wrong?” Cassandra said.

“Nothing.”

Scarlet caught up to us. “What did she say?”

Cassandra stopped walking and faced me. “Look. I was already warned how shitty your mom is. Whatever her problem is, I can deal with it. I’ve experienced far worse. Your mother’s disapproval of me won’t make me lose a minute of sleep. So don’t get upset about something she said. I can’t handle it.”

I loved how strong my woman was. But that didn’t matter. She still didn’t deserve to be called a gold digger.

“What did she do now?” Sean asked.

“She said Cassandra is using me for my money, doesn’t give shit about me, only worked at the company to get in my pants, and now she’s moved in with me so she can get pregnant and marry rich.” I clenched my fists just thinking about it. “She’s such a fucking hypocrite. That’s exactly what she did to Dad.”

“What did you say?” Scarlet asked.

“I told her to fuck off.”

Sean held up his hand and we high-fived.

Cassandra sighed. “You should have just let it go.”

“What?” I snapped. “Fuck no. No one treats you like that.”

“If you gave us time to talk more, she would realize she was wrong. I know she’s totally out of line, but she’s just looking out for you, Mike. And I love you, so I’ll be patient.”

“Are you serious? You’re taking her side?” I asked.

“No. I’m just saying I’m willing to play her game to make this easier on everyone.”

“No,” I snapped. “You don’t play anyone’s game. You are mine and I love you.” I took her hand. “Now let’s go.
”

When we were in the car, Scarlet tapped on the passenger window.

I rolled it down. “What?”

She looked at Cassandra. “For what it’s worth, Mike is the greatest guy in the world for standing up for you. Sean wasn’t like that in the beginning. I just hope you realize how much he loves you.”

Cassandra smiled at her. “I’ve always realized that.”

Scarlet walked away and I rolled up the window.

I grabbed her hand while I pulled out of the driveway and headed back home. “You’re the number one person in my life now. And I’ll never forget that.”

She gave me a dazzling smile that made me feel weak. “I’m so glad I found you when I did. I thought I was happy when I was married, but being with you makes me realize how shitty of a partner he was. Three months with you have been more spectacular than my entire marriage to whatever the hell his name is.”

I squeezed her hand. “That means a lot to me.”

When we returned to the apartment, I was tired of talking. I wanted to prove how much she meant to me, but wordlessly. I took her into the bedroom and made love to her like I never had before. Her stuff was littered everywhere, reminding me I wasn’t alone. I never lived with a girl before, but I already loved it. I liked coming home, knowing she would be there. When we went to the gym together, I got to stare at her ass the entire time and remind myself that she belonged to me, no one else. When she brushed her teeth in the mirror, I watched her. I even found something so rudimentary cute when she did it. I loved everything about her, and she made me happier than I ever thought I could be. She was the one.

I didn’t know who would get married next, but I knew it would be a close race. It was either
me, Ryan, or Cortland, and I had a feeling we were all in a hurry to settle down.

The Next Installment of the Forever and Always Series

Lover’s Road

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