The Ten Year Affair (18 page)

Ian was sitting at his office desk deep in thought wondering how he was
going to change his relationship with Alex when Tom strolled in.

“Still moping around I see. Ya know Ian. You are an absolutely brilliant
prosecutor but you are an absolute idiot when it comes to what’s important in
life. I just saw Peter Grainger escorting the most incredibly beautiful mother
and
child
at the courthouse. Strutting around as though he were the luckiest
man in the world and do you know what I thought Ian? I wanted to shake him and
say no Peter. You are not the luckiest man in the world because my best friend
Ian is only he doesn’t know it yet because he’s an IDIOT! When are you going to
get off your duff, quit moping around and go get her?! It’s obvious to everyone
that knows you Ian that you are in love with Alex.”

Tom braced both hands on Ian’s desk and leaned forward and got in Ian’s
face to be sure he was getting his point across.

“What the hell is your problem? I can’t believe that my best friend is
such a dumb ass! Are you going to let Grainger take away what’s yours? If so
you’re a fool. A blubbering fool!”

Ian couldn’t help but grin, which infuriated Tom.

“Well, if you think this is funny that just proves my point. You’re an
idiot. And I am sick to death of the way you treat Alexandra. I just can’t
stand by and watch you do this any more Ian. I understand more than anyone how
important it is to you to advance in your career but it’s not fair for you to
do so and destroy Alex along the way. Grow up Ian. I don’t like you very much
anymore.”

“Take it easy Tom. I don’t think what you said is funny at all. What’s
funny is I just came to those same conclusions myself before you came in. I’ve
been… what was it you called me? A blubbering fool? An idiot? A dumb ass? Did I
forget any? I’ve finally realized that no matter where I end up in my career it’ll
never mean a damn thing without Alex and Lauren being there to share it with
me.”

Tom smiled and raised his face and hands to the ceiling.

“Hallelujah! It’s about time. What the hell took you so long? So tell me,
what’s the plan for getting back into baby doll’s good graces?”

“I’m simply going to tell her the truth Tom. That I’ve been a fool. That
I’m miserable without her and Lauren. That I’ve come to my senses and that
nothing in this world is more important to me than her and Lauren’s happiness.
I can only hope I’m not too late.”

“So what are you doing here? Go find her! She was on her way back home
when I saw her at the courthouse. Peter said they’d see me tonight at the
Mayor’s shindig.”

“In that case I better get going and dig up my invitation, go rent a tux
and finish some long overdue shopping.”

Tom slapped Ian heartily on the back as Ian fled the office. If all went
well, tonight would be the end of eleven years of fooling himself into thinking
his career was more important than a life with the woman he loved.

***

Ian arrived at the Mayor’s party and had no trouble spotting Alex. She
and Peter were standing next to Mayor Addison and his wife. Alex was exquisite
in a backless, silk emerald green gown that was held up by tiny spaghetti
straps. The dress clung to every curve and what wonderful curves. No one would
ever guess that body had bore a child just three short months ago. Ian shook
his head. It had been nearly a year since he held her sweet naked body next to
his. Massaged and suckled those luscious breasts. How had he resisted her for
that long? Not any more. Tonight he hoped he would break his year long celibacy.
Even the luscious Jennifer had not been successful in luring Ian to bed. She
wasn’t Alex. The woman he had loved nearly his entire life. The thought of
bedding any woman other than Alex disgusted him. He had finally understood that
he couldn’t live without her love. Career be damned. Ian patted his recent
purchase in his coat pocket and started to make a beeline for Alex when the
Mayor suddenly called everyone to attention.

“Attention everyone. Attention everyone.  Please I’d like to make an
announcement. I have some wonderful news.”

The Mayor raised a glass of champagne and beamed at Peter and Alex.
Alex’s face was tinted pick and she was shuffling nervously next to Peter who
had his arm securely around her waist. Alex smiled sweetly at Peter and Peter
was positively glowing. Ian’s stomach sank. When everyone had quieted down
Mayor Addison continued with his speech.

“I’m sure the happy couple here wasn’t expecting this but I have taken it
upon myself to announce that they soon will become husband and wife.”

Applause and words of congratulation rang out from the entire room. Ian froze
trying to restrain his emotions. He noticed that not only were people offering
their congratulations but they were also staring at him, waiting for his
reaction.

This couldn’t be happening. Ian wouldn’t let it happen. Was she crazy?
Was she for real? How could Alexandra deny the feelings between them and agree
to marry Peter? How could she agree to marry that...that, damn it! Why wouldn’t
she want to marry a great guy like Peter? Maybe it would be best to accept her
marriage to Peter and let her move on with her life and be happy. Ian wanted
Alexandra to be happy.

Alexandra caught Ian’s gaze across the room. Her lips quivered as she
forced them into a smile. Alex could see the anger in his eyes and the hurt?
Did she see hurt in his eyes? No, he wouldn’t be hurt. Not the indestructible
Ian Foster. Disappointed maybe that his long-lasting fling had finally ended
but no one could hurt Ian. He didn’t allow that. Ian never allowed himself to
care about anyone deeply enough to be hurt by them. She forced herself to turn
away from his glare. She hugged Peter’s arm and joined his conversation with
Mayor Addison and his wife.

Ian had to do something. People were waiting for his reaction and he
didn’t want to make a scene. He would offer his congratulations but that would
not be the end of it. This was a set back for sure but he wasn’t giving up his
daughter and the love of his life without a fight. He was finally able to get
his legs to move and made his way towards Alex.

Suddenly, Alex felt a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t have to look to
know it was Ian.

“Excuse me Mayor, Mrs. Addison. Peter, may I borrow your fiancé for a few
minutes?” Ian asked.

“Sure,” Peter said reluctantly. “But only for a few minutes and please
tell me you don’t intend to discuss business. This is the happiest day of my
life and I don’t want to be a part from Alex any longer than necessary.”

Ian couldn’t help but want to smack that arrogant look off of Grainger’s
face.

“No, no business at all. I just need to talk to her a bit about Lauren.”
Take that Grainger. “And by the way Peter, congratulations. You’re a lucky
man.”

“Thank you Ian. Believe me. I know just how lucky I am.”

Peter kissed Alex gently on the lips and released her to Ian’s care. Ian
smoldered.

Ian guided Alexandra by the elbow onto the verandah. She could feel
curious eyes boring into their backs as they stepped outside. The night was
clear and the breeze was gentle and cool. Alex welcomed the feel of the wind
against her tense body. The candles that lined the wall of the verandah softly
flickered and their scent put her slightly at ease. She knew she had to have
this conversation with Ian but she had hoped it wouldn’t have to be tonight in
public. As Ian turned Alex to face him her heart jumped. She hoped his touch
would not always have that effect on her. Peter was a good man and she hoped
his devotion to her would lead her to love him too and forget her infatuation
with Ian.

Alex saw the anger flash into Ian’s eyes as she faced him.

“Well, wasn’t that quite the surprise? Congratulations. Peter’s a
wonderful man. I’m sure you’ll be very happy. Since you didn’t warn me about
your pending engagement I was wondering if we might be together for one last
time. Sort of a bittersweet good-bye.”

Alex’s mouth parted in astonishment and her eyes glazed with tears. Ian
immediately regretted the remark but he had wanted to hurt her the way she had just
hurt him. He could see he had succeeded.

Finally, able to speak, Alex answered softly.

“Wow, Ian. Just what I meant to you and what you think of me was all
summed up in that disgusting little request. I don’t think I wish to stay here
and be insulted any longer. Goodnight Ian, and good-bye.” Alex turned on wobbly
legs and walked back towards the party. She stopped abruptly and twirled around
to face Ian with tear filled eyes.

“You know how I feel about you but you’ve ignored me for months. You’ve
been sporting about town with Jennifer without a care about how it made me feel
or how humiliated I must be knowing everyone is wondering what’s wrong with me
that you would get me pregnant and not marry me. Hell, just the fact that we’ve
dated for over 10 years and you’ve dumped me repeatedly is enough for people to
talk. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to see what a selfish person you
are. Your precious career is your life and I accept that now.  But what I don’t
understand is why you are so angry about my engagement to Peter. You certainly
don’t love me or want to marry me. It’s all because some one has stolen your
toy from you, isn’t it? You’re just like a spoiled child. You won’t have me at
your beck and call any more and that’s what has got you so mad. Stay away from
me Ian Foster. Go make all your dreams come true without me just like you’ve
always planned on doing. You don’t need to worry about me or Lauren any more.
Peter will take good care of us.”

“Make no mistake Alex.
I’ll
be taking care of my daughter. Not Grainger!”

Alex turned and stormed back to Peter’s side.

***

Ian let her go. Why had he
been such an ass?! He had wanted to talk some sense
into Alexandra and show her
what a mistake she was making and that she should be marrying
him. Instead his anger took control and he insulted and
hurt her in a way he never thought he
could. Damn!
Ian knew he had to fix this. He had to make her understand that he had finally
come to his senses. She couldn’t leave him.  He would
make her see that. He would win her
back. Damn it
he needed her! He loved her. Now that he was finally ready to make a
commitment and admit to the world that he was in love with
Alexandra McKinney Morgan she
belonged to someone
else. Ian patted the ring in his pocket once again. The ring was going on
Alex’s finger but just a little later than he had planned.

Ian had decided that he wanted happily ever after with Alexandra. He only
hoped that this realization had not come too late. Deep in thought, Ian entered
the courthouse and literally bumped into Peter.

“Hello, Ian. Looked like you were lost in your own little world there. Do
you have a minute to talk?”

“Excuse me Peter. You’re right. I was a little preoccupied. Will what you
have to say take long? I have a hearing in fifteen minutes.”

Peter Grainger was the last person Ian wanted to talk to right now.

“No, Ian. This shouldn’t take too long but I feel we need to talk. We
need to clear the air between us regarding Alexandra.”

Hesitantly, Ian agreed.

“Sure Peter. Let’s take the conference room across the hall here.”

Ian led the way and flipped on the lights. Ian’s memory took him back to
the last time he had been in this room with Alex. The way he had brought Alex
so quickly to climax. How delicious her moist skin had tasted. Ian felt himself
start to go hard and quickly turned his thoughts back to Peter.

Ian knew what was coming. He had anticipated this speech from Peter. The ‘She’s
My Girl Now So Keep Your Hands Off’ speech.

Peter cleared his throat and paced the room obviously uncomfortable with
what he had to say.

“Ian this is very difficult for me to discuss with you because we’ve been
friends since high school. I consider you a friend and I admire your work
immensely. But Ian what I don’t admire is how I’ve watched you put Alex through
hell for years.”

Ian started to speak but Peter cut him off with a wave of his hand.

“Please Ian. Don’t say anything until I’ve gotten this all out. Let me
say what I have to say and I’ll let you have your turn.”

“Very well Pete. Go on.”

So far Peter hadn’t said anything Ian could argue with any way.

“I’ve watched you hurt Alex so many times I’ve lost count. I don’t know
what you discussed with her at the Mayor's party but she was very upset when
she returned. I’ve seen how you’ve treated her and disappointed her ever since
high school. I want you to know Ian that that will stop and it stops now.”

Peter tried very hard to control the anger that had built up all these
years towards Ian but he could feel it about to boil over.

“I am asking you to stay away from Alex for her sake and mine and
Lauren’s. She has agreed to be my wife and I intend to make her happy and
forget all about you. But that will be kind of hard if you keep badgering her.”

Peter stopped pacing, shoved his hands in his pockets, balled into fists,
and looked Ian fiercely in the eyes.

“That was a very nice speech Petey. Are you through?”

“Yes Ian I am. I hope I’ve made my point.”

“Yes Pete I’d say you have. But I’d like to remind you of some things.
Number one, Alex’s work and my work will undoubtedly bring us together on more
occasions then it would seem agreeable to you. That’s just the way it is unless
you decide to lock her in a dungeon. Number two, Alex is a grown woman who
makes her own decisions. Neither you nor I can make those decisions for her and
if she wants to stay away from me she will. Number three, Alex is the mother of
my baby. Mine. Not yours. That will always bring us together. Number four, I
want you to know that when you first announced your engagement for only one
second I was prepared to graciously step aside and let you take my family away
from me. I love Alexandra and I am determined to fight for her and my child.
And whether you’d like to admit it or not Pete, even though you beat me to the
punch with the engagement, you are the underdog here and I
will
win her
back. Now
I’m
finished.”