Quarterback's Secret Baby (A Secret Baby Sports Romance) by Ivy Jordan (3)

Chapter 31

Cade

It was my publicist that told me about the post on XYZ first, and then I called my lawyer to see what we could do to get the photo down. After that, I called Serena. The one thing I worried the most about was people figuring us out and her picture ending up on one of these sites. I hadn’t counted on Alan being exposed, too. When my calls went unanswered and then my texts, I couldn’t say I was surprised. I probably wouldn’t be all that happy with the person who was the reason my kid was being called a secret love child, either.

The next day, still without a word from Serena, I skip my morning workout and drive straight to the university to see her. I make my way to her office and am caught off guard by a swarm of paparazzi as I reach her building. I pick my way through them as they snap pictures and yell questions out at me, ignoring them as I go. Security guards are stationed near the door and they let me pass, but keeps the vultures at bay.

When I reach Serena’s office, I knock and the door swings open a minute later. I open my mouth to speak, but am shocked to see a young man before me.

“Who are you? Where’s Serena?” I demand.

He steps aside so I can come in the office. “You’re Cade Thomas,” he says reverently. “I can’t believe this. Amelia is never going to believe me.”

I snap my fingers in his face – rude, I know, but in the moment, I’m frustrated and really just want to know where Serena is. “Let’s focus. Serena Jacobs...do you know where I can find her?”

“Sorry, sorry. She’s not here.”

“Not here? But she has class in an hour.”

“I’m teaching that class for her today.”

“And you are?”

“Oh, I’m Gus, her TA.”

“You’re Gus?” I ask, calming my tone.

“Yes. She’s mentioned me?”

“She said you’re one of the best students in the department. She went out with you and your boyfriend a couple weeks ago.”

“To the wine bar, yeah.”

“Have you talked to her?”

“This morning. I called to let her know there were paparazzi hanging around out there, but she already knew. The dean called her. She’s taking the rest of the week off, hoping these guys find some other story to follow before then and forget about her.”

“So, she’s at home?”

“I assume so. Hey, I know this is definitely not the best time, but would you mind a picture? My sister is a huge Condors fan. Actually, she got me into football when we were younger, and she’ll never believe you were here today.”

I want to be mad at him for asking at a time like this, but the kid smiles at me earnestly and I remember how much Serena likes him, so I oblige him.

“Thanks,” Gus says. “There’s this little bakery a block or two away that I sometimes grab Dr. Jacobs a chocolate croissant from before class. She could probably use one or two of those right about now,” he offers. “Maybe a dozen.”

My smile grows. “Thanks, Gus. I’ll check that out.”

“Yeah, no problem. Also, you might want to take the side exit to the parking lot to avoid the cameras. Just take a left when you leave the office instead of a right. And you know, flowers never hurt when you want to say ‘I’m sorry the paparazzi is stalking you.’”

I chuckle. “Good point and thank you so much. I’m sure I’ll see you around, Gus. Maybe I can get you and your sister tickets to a Condors game next season.”

His jaw drops. “Seriously? Wow, that would be so amazing.”

“Consider it done. See ya.” I wave as I retreat from the office and head left as Gus suggested.

I make my way back across campus to my car and pull my phone out, dialing Serena. It goes to voicemail again, and I let out a noise of frustration. I just want to talk to her, make sure she is okay, but she is avoiding me at all costs. I have to make it up to her.

Taking Gus’s advice, I find the little bakery and go in, grabbing an assortment of pastries before getting back into my car and trying Serena again. This time she answers.

“Serena? How are you?” I ask.

“I’m fine, Cade.” Her voice sounds weary like she’s about to cry.

“Are you at home?” She doesn't answer. “Serena, please, I just want to see you, talk to you in person. Are there paparazzi at your house? They’re at the school.”

“I know, Gus told me,” she replies.

“I met Gus.”

“You met Gus? When?”

“About ten minutes ago when I went to your office looking for you. You were right by the way, he’s a nice kid. Now, are there paparazzi at your house?”

“Yes,” she tells me quietly.

“You’re not at home, are you?” I guess. “Are you at Ashley’s?”

“I am.”

“Can I come over?”

“I don’t know...” She pauses.

“Please, Serena. Let me apologize to you in person. I never meant for any of this to happen.”

“It’s not your fault, Cade.”

“I feel like it’s my fault. What’s the address, Serena?”

There is another pause and silence for a long beat and I know she must hate me for all this attention being focused on her and Alan, but finally she tells me. “I’m on my way right now,” I tell her before getting off the phone. Almost immediately, it rings and I answer it without looking.

“Serena, baby, it’s going to be okay. We’ll talk about it when I get there okay?”

Josephine's shrill laugh fills my ears and I cringe. “Will it all be okay, Cade? Will it?” she says snidely.

“What do you want?” I bark at her.

“I was just calling as a friend to check on you. Isn’t that what friends do?”

“We are not friends, Josephine.”

“Of course, we are,” she says sweetly. “Only a friend would look out for you like I have.”

“You planted that bullshit story?”

She laughs. “I’m trying to save you, Cade.”

“From what? The best thing to ever come into my life? Screw you, Jo.”

“Now, Cade, is that any way to speak to me? You forget that I know people.”

“And you forget that I know the same people, and they like me a whole hell of a lot more than they do you. We are over and we’ve been over for a while now. I won’t tell you this again. Next time, I will call up some of those producer friends I've made, and I will ensure that your name is blackballed in this city. Do you understand me?

“If you think you’ll make my life miserable and I’ll come crawling back, you are sorely mistaken. I can make your life more miserable by tenfold if you ever mess with Serena again. Just fucking try me. This is over. It ends now.”

“Fine, it's over,” she mutters. “But you really should follow up with her on that love child before you get burned, Cade. I’m only trying to look out for you.”

“I don’t need you looking out for me.”

“You’ll see how wrong you are one day, Cade.”

“No, I’ll see I’ve been right all along. Do me a favor and lose my number. Goodbye, Josephine.”

I hang up on her before she can get in another word, and I toss my phone aside. I change lanes to get on the highway and push the pedal down, speeding off to pour out my heart to a woman I probably don't deserve, but one I can’t imagine my life without.

 

 

Chapter 32

Serena

When there is a knock at Ashley’s door forty-five minutes after my call with Cade, I jump. Since his call, my cell has rung six times, all calls from unknown numbers that I send directly to voicemail. Paparazzi were already camped out at my home when I got the call from the dean, as well as Gus, that they were on campus.

I hurried out of my own home that morning carrying Alan with a blanket thrown over him as they shouted questions at me. On the drive to Ashley’s, I was convinced we were being followed and made erratic turns to get here.

Now, I’m simply paranoid and high strung as I tiptoe to Ashley’s front door and peered out the peephole. I let out a small sigh of relief to find only Cade standing there, and I open the door for him. He rushes inside and pushes the door closed, locking it behind him.

“Did they follow you?” I ask, looking out the peephole again.

“No, but I also don’t want to take chances, which is why I parked two blocks away. Are you okay?” he asks, gathering me to him and squeezing me tightly.

“They’re at my house, Cade,” I admit quietly.

“Serena, I am so sorry. I knew once it got out about us that they’d be interested in you, but I never thought this would happen, that they would be such damn vultures. On the bright side, I met Gus. I can see why you like him. He’s a real nice guy.”

“He called me this morning to let me know what was going on, but the dean had already called.”

“He told me. Still, it was nice of him to be thinking of you like that.”

“Yeah.”

“Where’s Ashley?”

“At her studio. There’s a show this weekend, so she had last minute details to attend to. She didn’t want to go, but I told her we’d be fine here.”

Cade glanced around and led me into Ashley’s living room. We sank onto her couch together, and I let him continue to hold me. “How is Alan?”

“Thankfully, he doesn't understand any of this. He’s napping right now in Ashley’s room.”

He nods. “I can't apologize enough, Serena. You didn’t sign up for this.”

“It’s okay, Cade. It’s not your fault. I mean, it’s not like you called them up and said, ‘hey guys, here’s where I’ll be tonight.’”

He sighs and leans forward, rubbing his face in his hands. “No, but I’m pretty sure Josephine tipped them off.”

“Your ex-girlfriend Josephine? But how would she know where we were going?”

“I think maybe she hired someone to follow me.”

“Like a private detective?” I ask.

“Yeah...”

I feel the blood drain from my face and must turn white, because Cade’s eye grow wide and immediately hugs me to him, whispering soothingly. Josephine might not figure it all out, but a private investigator definitely would. Now, more than ever, I need to tell Cade the truth, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to see where anything good is going to come out of it. I am feeling backed into a corner at this point. I want to keep my secret and my happiness, but good things cannot last forever.

I take a deep calming breath and pull back from him. “Why would Josephine do that?”

Cade shrugs. “I guess no matter how many times I tell her that she and I are over and she needs to move on, she’s just not getting it. I know she can be high maintenance and high strung sometimes, but I never thought she’d get so unhinged over this. She has to accept that this is how things are now, and she has to understand that she cannot exploit Alan like that. To bring a child into it was uncalled for.”

“It’s just one picture, maybe it will blow over?”

“Maybe, but probably not. You have to know I never wanted Alan to be exposed to this, to be the subject of such gossip. I am truly sorry for that.”

“I know, Cade,” I say, squeezing his hand in what I hope is a reassuring manner.

“Maybe it’ll just blow over, and they’ll move on to the next story soon. They’re like sharks, circling for blood. Some bigger story is going to pop up, and they’ll be gone and they’ll leave us alone.”

“I don’t know that they will ever just leave us alone, Cade.”

“There is another option,” he says carefully.

I look at him with interest. “What’s that?”

“We could release a statement through my publicist, make this a non-story.”

“What do you mean? How could we make this a non-story?”

“Well, what about Alan’s dad?”

I sit up and feel myself go into defensive mode. “What about him?” I say more harshly than I mean.

Cade holds his hands up. “Whoa, pull back there, mama bear. I’m just asking, do you know where he is?”

“Yes.” For once, I am not lying to him about Alan’s father.

“Okay, well, he’s not involved; has he terminated his parental rights?”

“No, he hasn’t.”

“Do you think he would give a statement that he is Alan’s father and that you have full custody? He could even remain anonymous.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Cade,” I tell him as I stand, beginning to pace Ashley’s small living room.

“Why not?” he asks, standing and blocking my path.

“It’s just not.”

“Wait. Does he even know?” he questions me point blank.

I don’t answer him.

“Serena, if he doesn't know, don’t you think he should?”

“Yes,” I whisper, staring at the floor, not able to meet his eye.

“Alan’s three so you were pregnant a little more than that ago. You’ve told me there have only been a few men in your life so the options are limited. How long ago was it?”

I turn away from him. “I found out March, three years ago,” I tell him softly.

“After we met?”

“Yes.”

I can hear the gears working with my admission. “Serena,” Cade finally says, “how many men were you with after me?”

I pull in a breath, hoping it will calm me. It doesn’t. “None,” I reply.

“And when was the last guy before me?”

“Months.”

“Serena,” he says, touching my shoulder and spinning him to face me. I look up at him slowly, feeling the tears burn my eyes. “Is Alan mine?” he whispers.

“Yes,” I murmur as the tears fall.

 

 

Chapter 33

Cade

Yes.

Three letters for such an impactful word.

I step back from Serena and stare at her as a confusion of thoughts pass through my head. Why didn’t I put this together sooner? I knew there have been very few men in her life; she has been open about that. I have felt this connection to Alan I couldn’t explain since the moment I met him and now, looking towards a picture that dots Ashley’s mantle, I see the similarities. He has Serena’s dark hair, but my eyes stare back at me.

“Alan is my son?” I repeat quietly.

“He is,” Serena says. She reaches for my hand, but I pull away from her. “Cade, I’ve started to tell you so many times, but I just didn’t know how.”

“You didn’t know how?” I yell, unable to keep the rage I feel in check. “How about at our second first date? How about before I met you at the mall to see Santa? How about after I bought a Christmas present so he could have known it was from his dad? You had every opportunity to tell me, but you didn’t. You lied to me, over and over.”

“I didn’t lie,” she starts, but I talk over her.

“You lied, Serena, by omitting the truth. An omission of facts is a lie, plain and simple. Were you ever going to tell me?”

“I was and then this happened, and I didn’t know what to do.”

“You open your mouth and say it. You could have just said it dozens of times.’

“I was afraid of what you would say, how you would react?”

“Was this what you imagined? Because I feel like this would have gone a whole hell of a lot better if you had told me and I hadn’t had to figure it out for myself because the paparazzi outed it.”

“Cade, you have to understand,” she pleads with me. “I was scared. At first, I needed to make sure you were the kind of person you claimed to be. Then, you made me so happy and things were so good. I know I should have told you before now, and I wanted to, please believe me when I say that. I just didn’t know what your motives were at first and by the time I knew they were good, I was in too deep and didn’t know how to tell you without you hating me.”

“So, you just didn’t tell me? You thought that was a good idea?”

“No, I just never felt like the time was right.”

“Is there ever a right time to tell someone that you had their baby three years ago? You should have told me when we got back together, Serena.”

“I know,” she says, hanging her head.

I try to calm myself by taking a few deep breaths. “Why didn’t you tell me when you found out you were pregnant? Why didn’t you try to find me?”

“I didn’t know right away,” she starts, “and when I did first suspect it, I didn’t know who you were. I still thought you were some bored businessman in the middle of a mid-life crisis. I didn’t think you’d care one bit about my being pregnant. And when I did learn who you were, and I saw your life splashed on every gossip site in town, I didn’t think I could compete or that you’d even be interested in being a parent.”

“Compete?”
 

“Cade, you are a superstar athlete and I’m a plain Jane scientist, not an A-list Hollywood starlet like Josephine or a supermodel like your in-between girls. I’m just me.”

My tone changed. “I like just you.”

“I never thought I’d see you again. And when I found out who you were, I didn’t want to find you and tell you and have you think that I was showing up simply to demand money. I wanted to remember our night for what it was, and I didn’t want to taint it by telling you and having it all blow up in my face. I thought we’d both move on, never to see each other again except in our dreams.”

“Serena, I could have helped you.”

“I know, but I had my career. I could take care of the two of us. It was my mess, not yours.”

“You should have let me had a say in whether I wanted to be a part of your mess or not.”

“Maybe you’re right, but do you really think if I had sought you out that you wouldn't have assumed I was trying to trap you, that I was just looking for a meal ticket? You’ve changed since I met you then, and so have I.”

“Then why not tell me when we reconnected and started seeing each other?”

“It was weird, Cade, and it just kept getting weirder because I didn’t tell you.” She takes a breath. “I hope you will believe me when I say that I wanted to, and that I know I should have told you sooner, but once I saw how good you were with Alan, I couldn't find the right words to say that I wish I hadn't run away from you back then, and that I wish we could have had all of the first three years together.”

“I trusted you, Serena, with everything. And you broke it.”

“Cade, I-”

“No, listen to me now. When I got to college to play football, and then when I got drafted and moved here, I made friends that ended up taking advantage of me. I never had true friends once people realized I had talent. And the more well known my name became, the more those leeches came out of the woodwork looking for anything to latch onto with me. And, women that I thought liked me for me took advantage of me, too. It was nothing like what I felt with Josephine or any of those other women. They were users who wanted a leg up in life, and I knew their game, so I guess I used them, too.

“But I haven’t wanted that in years. When I met you that night, I loved that you had no idea who I was. For the first time in a very long time, I felt like someone was getting to know me and not the Condors superstar. I felt like we connected in a way I hadn’t with anyone in years. It was real – very real. I thought you were the person I could trust my heart to, Serena. But you’ve just betrayed me like all the others.”

“Cade,” she whispers, approaching me slowly. I let her take my hand and she entwines her fingers with mine. “Betrayal was never part of this for me. Apparently, I don’t have any good reason to have not told you before now. I have reasons, but I know they aren’t good enough. I know I should have, and I wish I could go back and fix it, but I can’t, it’s too late now. I can only hope you’ll forgive me and we can move forward.”

I let her hand drop from mine and step back. “I don’t know if we have a forward, Serena.”

“Cade, please,” she pleads as she move towards me.

I shake my head. “I need time to think. Just give me some space. I’ll call you.”

I hurry from the room and towards the door Serena follows without a word, but I hear her sniffle and turn back to look at her. Tears stream down her face, but it has very little effect on me. My heart feels torn in two, and I force myself to look away from her.

“I’ll call you,” I repeat before opening the door and striding down the walkway.

Serena stands in the doorway and watches as I walk away. I try to keep from looking at her, but I glance back. She’s slid into a ball on the front steps, her knees pulled to her chest crying. I watch her cry until I can no longer see her, and that’s when I break as my own tears begin to fall.

There are so many thoughts warring in my head, and I don’t know what to do with any of them. I’m hurt that she kept this from me, especially after we connected again. She had so many chances to tell me, but chose to keep it hidden. Part of me wonders if she would have ever told me; though, I know she would have. I believe her when she says she wanted to but the longer she waited to tell me, the weirder it got. I can even understand her hesitation given our two different lives. I’m still mad, though, and I really can’t be around her until I can work that out.

I drive for over an hour and find myself pulling into Tyler’s driveway and grab my phone as I sit there to call him.

“What’s up, Cade?” he asks when he answers.

“Not much. You home?”

“Yep, just hanging out.”

“Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“Yeah, man, of course.”

“I’m in your driveway; can I come in?”

“You're in my driveway?” he questions.

“I’ve just been driving around for the last hour and I need to talk to someone I trust.”

“Cade, is everything okay?”

“Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know,” I sigh. “I’m walking to your door now,” I tell him as I hang up.

Tyler meets me at the door with a beer in hand. “Dude, you look like shit. What happened? Were you crying?” He leads me downstairs to his basement, which Tamara had made over after he retired as his office/trophy room/man cave. We take seats opposite each other, and I take a long pull from my beer before Tyler clears his throat. “So... You wanna talk about it?”

“Alan is my son.”

Tyler nearly chokes on the beer he is trying to swallow, and he coughs and sputters. “I’m sorry, what? Because it sounded like you just said-”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

“Your girlfriend's son is yours?”

I nod and take another drink. “Apparently, our one-night stand, the one that she ran out on, yielded a son.”

“How did you find out?”

“I figured out for myself, to be honest.”

“She didn’t tell you?”

“No. She answered my questions, but she didn’t tell me.”

“Did she say why she didn’t tell you?”

“She said she didn’t know how to, and then we kept seeing each other, and it just got weirder and weirder to tell me.”

“Yeah, I could see that. Well, what about before this thing started between you? Why didn’t she ever try to tell you while she was pregnant, or even after Alan was born?”

“She thought we’d just move on with our lives, but I think she was too proud to tell me. She didn't want to tell me and be seen as a gold digger, and she didn't want my help when she’s a strong, independent person. And, we were two really different people then.”

“Aren't you still two different people?”

“I guess.”

“But you love her, and it works, yeah?”

I look at him, let his words sink in. “Yeah,” I admit.

“So, keep making it work then.”

“But she kept it from me, Ty. We’ve been seeing each other since December. Almost three months she hasn’t told me. I’m supposed to be okay with that?”

“No, but you can talk about it with her. You like Alan, right?”

“He’s a fantastic kid. I’ve been so drawn to him since the first time I met him. At least now I know why.”

“I bet she was just scared, Cade. Wouldn't you be if the roles were reversed? Here she is, raising a kid, and you just reappear in her life. It’s not something you just blurt out in casual conversation. ‘Oh hey, this is my son, Alan, and by the way, he’s your son, too.’ It couldn’t have been easy for her.

“And before you misunderstand, I’m not saying what she did was right because it wasn’t. A few weeks or a month I could understand, give her a little time to figure out what exactly was going on between you, but this long? No, it’s not cool; but I do get where she might be coming from. You’re Cade Thomas, man. Don’t you think that maybe that was a little overwhelming for her?”

“So how do I get over it, then?”

“You gotta figure that out for yourself. No one can tell you what to do next, it’s your call. I hope you make the right decision. Now, I’m betting you want to talk about anything else but this, so how about I tell you about this family vacation Tamara wants to take the kids on.”

I smile, grateful to have Tyler as a friend. “Yeah, tell me about it.”

I end up staying for dinner with Tyler and his family, and when I finally get home, I head straight to my bedroom. I take a long shower and try to force my thoughts to anything but Serena and Alan. I think I’ve succeeded until I get out of the shower and see a text message from Serena.

I’m sure I’m the last person you want to hear from or even talk to, but I couldn't go to bed without saying again how sorry I am for keeping the truth from you. I hope we can move on from this, but if you can’t, I understand. If you want to be a part of Alan’s life and not mine, I get it. If you never want anything to do with either of us again, I’ll accept it. I hope you choose us, though. You deserved better from me, Cade, and for that I will always be truly sorry.

I toss my phone aside with a heavy sigh and don’t reply to the message. I’m still angry at her for keeping the truth from me, and I’m not ready to talk to her just yet. I need time to think about everything. I’ll call her when I’ve had time to process that, for once, XYZ got it right: I have a secret love child.

 

 

Chapter 34

Serena

It’s been three days since Cade discovered the truth about Alan, and I have to say, they have been some of the worst days of my life.

Alan and I are still hiding out at Ashley’s house, and Gus is on his way to bring me a stack of term papers to read through and grade so that I can hopefully get my mind off the shit storm my life has become. Interest in Cade’s love life hasn’t quite died down yet, but an underage starlet was just busted for a DUI, so that has started to dominate the headlines, thankfully. Doesn’t mean my mind isn’t still reeling from all the attention. I admit, I’m looking forward to the distraction getting some work done might bring.

When the doorbell rings, I check the peephole and breathe a sigh of relief to find Gus on the other side. That relief is also mixed with a pang of sadness that it’s not Cade, but I’ve come to the realization that him showing up is just wishful thinking. I open the door to let Gus in, and he holds out a bottle of wine for me.

“I thought you could use this,” he smiles.

I take the bottle. “Thanks. You have no idea how right you are. Let me grab some glasses for us. Make yourself comfortable in the living room,” I tell him. He nods and makes his way into the other room as I head to the kitchen. When I join him, I pass him the wine bottle and an opener. He opens it and pours each of us a glass and passes one to me.

“So…how are you holding up?” he asks as we sit.

“Okay, considering.”

“The paparazzi aren’t hanging around campus anymore, if that means anything,” he informs me.

“That’s good to know. I only took one week off. I’ll be back to classes next week.”

“I don’t think anyone would judge you if you took more time.”

“I know. It’s just I need to get back to my life, though. Sitting here isn’t doing me any good. All I do is replay what happened with Cade over and over in my head, and that isn’t exactly doing much for my state of mine.”

“What happened with Cade? I mean, I’m sorry, I’m probably way overstepping here, but he seemed really concerned for you when he stopped by your office. Did something else happen?”

“Yeah, something else happened,” I reply. I pick up my wine glass. “I’m gonna need more of this first before I start to talk about it.”

“You don’t have to, Serena. It’s your life, and I’m just your TA.”

“Actually, Gus, you’re more than just my TA. You’re my friend. Not to mention, after you graduate, you’re going to be my colleague, too, and I could really use a colleague that’s also a friend. I’ve never had one in this profession.”

“That makes two of us,” Gus winks as he clinks my glass. He tops off my drink and settles back on the couch. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m listening.”

I take a long gulp of the wine, take a breath, then down the rest of it in one swig before setting my empty glass down. “That headline about the secret love child? It wasn’t that far off, except it was still a secret to Cade, too.”

Gus’ eyes widen and he leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “Wait...what? You mean...Cade really is Alan’s dad?”

“Yep. I wasn’t completely forthcoming when you asked me how I know Cade. The reason I know him is because three years ago, I was out to meet a blind date at a bar who no showed on me. Cade was at the same bar, and he started talking to me. I didn’t know who he was, but he was so easy to talk to and we just hit it off. He asked me to dinner since my date had stood me up, so we left the bar, went to dinner, and then he invited me to his place and… Well, the rest I feel is rather obvious,” I continue, shaking my head to clear away the memory.

“I left in the middle of the night. At the time, I thought he was a businessman going through a mid-life crisis because of the things he said and then I saw his house. Jesus, it’s huge. I immediately knew we had two different lives, and I couldn’t picture any possibility of things working with him. So, I left a note thanking him for a nice night and disappeared.”

“And then you found out you were pregnant?” Gus deduces.

“Mm-hmm. I had learned who Cade was by then, but I didn’t want to find him and have him thinking I was trying to trap him or that I was after his money. Not to mention, he was on again with what’s-her-name.

“But I knew I wanted to have the baby, and it was the best decision I could have ever made. Alan and I were happy living our life and then Cade saw me giving an interview on TV and showed up at my lecture...and you pretty much know the rest.”

“Wow. Serena, I had no idea. You didn’t tell him when he showed back up in your life?”

I shake my head. “I wanted to. I knew I needed to, but I couldn't find the words. I kept telling myself I was waiting for the right time, but it never came. And then the gossip sites found out about me and turned it into something so salacious.”

“How do you think they found you?” he asks.

“Cade thinks Josephine tipped them off.”

“After she came by your house?”

“Probably. She did say she would ruin my life if I didn’t leave him alone.”

“What a bitch.”

“Tell me about it,” I concur, refilling my glass once more.

“So, I guess when you told Cade about Alan, he didn’t take it too well?”

“He might have taken it better if I had actually told him. He figured it out for himself before I could. When he came over the day after the article, he kept apologizing for everything even though it wasn’t his fault, and I just couldn’t say the words that needed to be said. But then he suggested that maybe Cade’s dad could make a statement. I just froze. I couldn't be honest with him, and he worked it out. We haven’t talked since.”

“Oh my God,” Gus breathes out. “Serena, I wouldn't even be functioning if I were you right now. I’d be in a ball, crying my eyes out.”

I laugh a little. “I want to be doing that, but I’ve gotta keep it together for Alan.”

“You know what we need? A dance party,” Gus says, jumping to his feet. He looks around, spots the stereo Ashley has nestled on a shelf, and he marches toward it, hooking his phone up to the audio auxiliary cord. He turns toward me as the music starts and motions for me to get up. I shake my head at him, denying his request as he starts to sing along to the Katy Perry song.

“Do you ever feel, like a plastic bag,” he sings off key. I giggle at him as he makes his way back to me and grabs my hand, pulling me off the couch.

“Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin,” he goes on. He looks at me expectantly. “Come on!” he encourages. “Sing along. You’ll feel better.” He moves up to the open space of the floor and he starts to dance in his spot, moving my arms as he goes.

“You just gotta igniiiiiiite the liiiiight, and let it shine. Just own the niiiiight, like the fourth of July!” he sings, drawing the words out just right.

I feel a smile turn up the corners of my mouth and I give in. “‘Cause baby you’re a firework, c’mon show ‘em what you’re worth,” I join in with him. Gus’ enthusiasm is infectious and soon we’re singing at the top of our lungs and dancing full out across the living room as Katy Perry turns to Lady Gaga.

It feels good to let go, and Gus and I are both laughing as we fall to the couch three songs later, each grabbing our wine glasses. “Thanks, Gus,” I tell him. “I needed that.”

“That’s what I'm here for. Now, you wanna talk about these term papers or dance to a little David Guetta first?”

“Guetta, then term papers,” I say with a smile.

***

Gus stays for a couple of hours until I have to leave to pick up Alan. Alan and I return to Ashley’s after leaving his daycare to find her already home and making dinner in the kitchen.

“Hey, you look happy. Did Cade call?” she asks as Alan bounds off to the small guestroom to play.

I shake my head. “No; Gus stopped by with some term papers for me to grade and made me take part in a spontaneous dance party in your living room.”

“Aww. Gus is awesome,” she gushes. Then her tone softens. “So, have you heard from Cade at all?”

“No.”

“I’m sorry, Serena.”

“It’s not your fault,” I tell her as I sit down. “You told me to tell him and I didn’t. I should have, dozens of times, and that’s on me.”

“Still, I hate that you’re hurting. Have you heard from him at all? Maybe a text?”

“No. I’ve called and texted, but he hasn’t responded.”

“He’s probably just still upset.”

“I know, I just thought maybe he felt as strongly as I do and that after a day he’d call and we’d talk it out. I guess I was wrong.”

“I don’t think you’re wrong.”

“Sure feels that way. You know I want him back, Ash, but it’s my fault he isn’t speaking to me so, I have to take the consequences.”

Ashley puts a casserole in the oven and wipes her hands on a dish towel and sits across from me at the table. “Serena, why didn’t you tell Cade?”

“Honestly, I was scared.”

“Of what? Cade’s a good guy.”

“I know, but I was afraid he would freak out and I’d lose what we had…which I’ve done anyway,” I mumbled.

“Why would you think he would freak out over you telling him that Alan is his?”

“I don’t know. I just couldn’t bring myself to take the chance every time I started to. What if he had, though? Freaked out, I mean?”

“So what, you didn't want to risk rejection? Serena, that’s crazy.”

“It’s complicated, Ash.”

“It’s only as complicated as you make it. I think you were just being selfish.”

“Selfish? Are you serious right now?”

“Yes, I’m serious right now, Serena. You saw how good Cade was with Alan. You saw how much they were bonding. You freaked out.”

I contemplate her words. “But, what if” I start quietly.

“What if what?”

“What if I had told Cade the truth and he turned his back on us? What if I told him and he left because a family wasn’t what he was looking for? What if I told him and he broke my heart? And Alan’s?”

Ashley studies me before speaking. “Do you love him?”

I take a stuttering breath as tears threaten to spill down my cheeks and I rest my head in my hands, elbows positioned on the table in front of me, unable to look at my sister. “I do,” I admit. “Damnit. I’m in love with him. I’m so head over heels in love with Cade, but I’m a scientist, and he’s a superstar quarterback. How could he possibly love me?”

“Serena, you know you’re not just a scientist,” her tone was comforting, but still firm.

“He dated one of the most A-list actresses in the world, Ash. I can’t measure up to that.”

“Of course, you can’t – because you’re better than Josephine. He wouldn’t have sought you out the way he did if he didn’t feel something, too. You’re not just some nerd scientist, Serena. That is a part of you, but it doesn't define you. Just like being a quarterback doesn't define Cade. If you can’t accept that, then you’ll never be able to move forward with him.”

“When did you get so smart?” I ask, a smile cracking my features as I look up at her.

“I’ve always been this smart. It’s just that no one noticed because you’re smarter,” Ashley teases me.

“So, what do you think I should do next?” I question.

“I think you should try calling him one more time. Put yourself out there. Be vulnerable. And, I think you should tell Alan the truth, too.”

“You’re right. They both deserve the truth,” I say as I sit for a moment, summoning the courage to do that. After a moment and an empowering breath, I stand. “No time like the present, huh?” I stride purposefully to the other room where Alan is playing and stand in the doorway to watch him for a moment. He looks up and smiles.

“Hi, Mommy. Wanna play cars?”

He holds one of his cars out to me as I walk in, sitting on the bed. “Come here, baby, I want to talk to you for a minute.”

He climbs up beside me and stares up expectantly. His eyes are the same as Cade’s. I can’t believe he didn’t figure it out sooner. “What is it, Mommy?”

“Baby, you know how you have asked me why you didn't have a daddy at home like your classmates?” He nods. “Well, you do have a daddy, sweetheart. It’s Cade.”

His eyes widen, and he hops up to stand directly in front of me, smiling. “Mr. Cade is my new daddy?”

“No, honey, he’s always been your daddy.”

“Did you get him at the daddy store?”

“No, sweetie, you don’t understand-”

“I love Mr. Cade! Mommy, I’m glad you got me a daddy.” He hugs me, throwing his little arms around me.

I realize I’m in the midst of a losing battle trying to explain this to him, so I decide to cut my losses. “You know what, sweetie, we can finish talking about this later. I just wanted you to know. You play with your cars. Aunt Ashley is making dinner; it should be ready soon. I’ll come get you when it is, okay?”

“Okay, Mommy!” he calls out, falling against the giant stuffed panda Cade got him in the corner of the room before going back to his cars.

I return to the kitchen where Ashley is taking dinner out of the oven. “How did that go?”

“He thinks I went to the daddy store and bought Cade.”

Ashley tries to cover a laugh, but it comes out as a snort before she bursts out laughing. “The daddy store? Get me something for my birthday from there, will ya?”

I laugh along with her at the absurdity. “I guess I have a few things to teach him, huh?”

“Maybe in a few more years you can teach him about the birds and the bees, and it’ll make a little bit more sense to him.”

“Maybe. But hopefully, Cade will forgive me before then and he can have that talk with him.”

“Hey,” she says, coming around to hug me. “I think he really cares about you and Alan; if it’s meant to be, he will come back. Just think positive.”

“At least the truth is out,” I add.

“Yep. It can only go up form here.”

“I’m going to call him again. Not that the ball isn’t already in his court.”

She nods. “I’ll finish getting dinner ready.”

I walk out the backdoor into the yard and dial Cade. I hold my breath as it rings, hoping he’ll pick up, but when his voicemail picks up, I’m not surprised. I try to let out the breath as I listen to his voice, instead, my heart seizes and I stutter as it beeps on my ear.

“Oh, um, hi, Cade, it’s me, Serena. I guess you know that already by now. I just needed to call and say again that I’m sorry for not being upfront with you. It was wrong of me, and I should have trusted that you wouldn’t have freaked out over the news. I just let myself get into my own head. I never thought a guy like you could ever feel anything for a girl like me.

“Anyway, I’d really like to see you and talk in person. If you don’t want to, I understand, but maybe you still want to see Alan? I told him, by the way, that you’re his dad. Of course, he thinks I went to the store and picked you out, so he doesn't really understand it yet. I’d like it if you were a part of his life, even if you choose not to be a part of mine. But, I hope that maybe you still want to be a part of it. That’s all I wanted to say. I won’t bother you again. The next move is up to you. I…I miss you, Cade. Please call me. I’m sorry.”

I hang up and stare at my phone, lost in my thoughts until Ashley comes out and taps me on the shoulder. I throw my arms around her and just hug her as I cry. She doesn’t say a word, just lets me cry in silence before we go inside to call Alan to dinner. I have to be positive, I remind myself. Whatever will be, will be.

I just hope it’s an outcome I’ll like.

 

 

Chapter 35

Cade

It’s been four days since I walked out of Serena’s house a crushed man. I haven’t slept well since. Truth is, I miss her. I miss her like hell, but I’m still hung up on the fact that she lied to me. I can't wrap my head around how the person I’ve gotten to know could also be the person who chose to keep the truth about Alan from me.

She left me another voicemail last night, and I’ve listened to it twice today. I’m sitting in my living room, lost in my thoughts as I re-read her apologetic text messages when the phone rings.

It’s Tyler. He’s been checking in on me every day. He even came by yesterday to hang out for a few hours to try to help me get my mind off it all. Thing is, no matter what we talked about, my thoughts always seemed to go immediately back to Serena. I appreciate that he tried, though. I answer the phone, expecting more of the same diverting conversation.

“Hey, man,” I answer.

“You call her yet?” he asks immediately.

“What? No small talk, we're just cutting straight to the point today?” I say with amusement.

“No use beating around the bush. So, have you called her yet?” he repeats.

“No. I haven't called her yet.”

“It’s been four days, Cade. What are you waiting on, man?”

“I don’t know,” I admit – because I really don’t.

“Call her and put both of you out of your misery already. Damn, man. You’re miserable and you know it. I bet she is, too. Just call her already.”

“She lied to me, Ty. I’m struggling with it,” I admit.

“I know, and I get that you’re angry and hurt, but she’s been raising that kid on her own for three years. Dude, she’s just been trying to protect him. You can’t blame her for that.”

“She told him,” I chime.

“She told who what?” he asks, clearly confused by my statement.

“She told Alan that I’m his dad.”

“I thought you said you didn’t call her?”

“I didn’t, but she left me a message last night, apologizing again, and she told me that she told him, but that he didn’t quite understand. He’s three, though, so I guess that isn’t all that surprising, right?”

“Umm, no. It’s not. But you are not three. So, when are you going to man up and call her?” Tyler asks me again.

I sigh. “You are such a girl sometimes, you know that?”

“Just because I’m in touch with my feelings doesn't make me a girl. That’s misogynistic; do you really want to teach that to your son?”

“No,” I say.

“You know I’m right. I’m always right,” he says matter-of-factly.

“And smug. Don’t forget smug.”

“Just call her.”

“I will.”

“When?” he asks.

Before I can answer, the sound of my front door swinging open and then closing warrants my attention. That’s when I hear Josephine's voice call out. “Hello! Cade, honey, where are you?”

“Is that-” Tyler starts in my ear.

“What the hell? I’ll call you later,” I say hastily as I hang up on him. I drop my phone on the couch and jump up, meeting Josephine in the hall. Her face lights up with a smile.

“Baby,” she coos as she approaches me. She flings herself at me and tries to kiss me, but I avert my face quickly, and her lips graze my cheek. She pouts as she pulls back. “Is that any way to say hello? Kiss me, Cade.”

“What the hell are you doing here?” I demand as I pry Josephine off me and push her away from me.

“I still have my key, and you didn’t change the alarm code,” she chimes like she knows I didn’t change it just so she could come over. She couldn’t be more wrong. I make a mental note to change both as soon as possible.

“You need to leave. Now,” I command.

“Cade, I came to check on you and make sure you’re okay.”

“Okay? Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

“Oh, you must be in denial. Poor baby,” she says, running her hand along my arm. I yank away from her touch. “I saw on XYZ about that lying bitch. Those commoners are never good enough for people like us, Cade.”

“People like us?” I question, studying her face, wondering what she’s really here for.

“Yes, you know. Famous. A-list. The elite. She was never like us, Cade. Never will be. She’s a lying whore, and you deserve so much better.”

“What, like you?” I laugh loudly, and Josephine frowns.

“Yes, like me. No one gets you better than I do.”

“You know that you liked having an attractive man take you out all over town, but you don’t know anything about me. You never cared about me, only yourself.”

“What, you think that slut cares about out? In your dreams. She cares about your money, parading that kid around and going after your fortune,” she spits.

“You don’t have a damn clue, Josephine. She’s not a whore,” I bite out.

“Maybe, maybe not,” she shrugs. “But she’s not in your league, Cade. She’s not even that pretty. And, she’s just some nerd scientist who teaches in a public school. What are you supposed to do with a woman like that? You certainly can't take her out in public. You’ll be a laughing stock, showing up places with someone that looks like her.”

“You know what, Jo? There’s only one laughing stock and it’s you. You’re so ugly inside that it’s starting to show on your outside.”

“Oh, Cade,” she laughs. “You silly, silly man. You don’t know what you need. That’s why I hired that private investigator. How else would you have ever known about your son if not for me? I’m prepared to take you back and forget all about this little episode. We can start fresh, me and you. Doesn’t that sound perfect? Just the two of us. We’ll never have to see that awful woman again.”

“Josephine?”

“Yes, baby?” she purrs as she sidles up to me.

“Give me back my fucking key,” I say from gritted teeth. She steps back flustered. “Give it to me!” I raise my voice, losing patience with her. She reaches into her purse and pulls it out, throwing it at me. It bounces off my chest and skitters across the floor.

“Now get the hell out of my house and my life,” I continue. “Don’t ever come back. I mean it. We are done. Over. Through. We are never getting back together. Not now, not in two weeks, not in five years. Not if you were the absolute last woman on Earth. Never. You are a bitch and hiring a private investigator to follow me around and dig into Serena’s life is the lowest you could stoop.

“You say Serena isn't in my league, but the truth is, you aren’t in her league. She’s better than you, and you can’t stand it because you’ll never be as good as her while she doesn't even have to try. She just is.”

“She kept your son from you. Who does that?”

“She had her reasons.” For the first time, I can see why Serena didn’t necessarily want to be part of my world back then.

“You're just going to justify her lies?” Josephine asks in complete shock.

“It’s really none of your damned business. Get out.” I point to the door.

“She’ll never understand you the way I do. She’s just an ugly ass scientist whore.”

“Do not ever speak about the mother of my child like that again,” I roar. Josephine’s eyes widen, and she steps back from me. I take several breaths to calm myself. “Get out of my house, and don't ever fucking come back. Do not speak to me. And don’t you even think about Serena. I do not love you, and I never did. I am in love with Serena, not you. Do I make myself clear?”

Her mouth falls open. “You can’t mean that, Cade. What we had was good.”

“What we had was toxic, Josephine. You never loved me.”

“I did,” she insists.

“You didn’t. You loved parading me around to prove something I’ll never understand. Serena doesn't need that. She doesn't need the world to think she’s perfect, like you do. She has character and layers to who she is, and I love getting to know each and every one of them.”

“She’s still ugly,” Josephine mutters.

“See, now I know that’s just your jealousy talking because Serena is sexy as hell. Every time I see her, I want to make her mine, I want to hear her cry out my name. I just want her. It’s exciting and passionate every time. It’s not lackluster, and I’m never just going through the motions like I did with you. Furthermore, she looks that good all on her own. No makeup, no tens of thousands of dollars spent on plastic surgery. She’s gorgeous without even trying – something you will never be.”

“I’m going to give you one last chance to reconsider, Cade,” Josephine says, stepping toward me again. “One last chance to tell me that you love me and don’t mean anything you just said.”

“How completely moronic can you be? I meant every word of it, Josephine. Now, you have exactly two minutes to get out of my house and off my property, or I call the cops, and you’re the next scandal splashed across XYZ.”

She inhales dramatically, and tears begin to form in her eyes as we stand there staring each other down. Thing is, as much as she’s a cold-hearted bitch, she’s a good actress, so I know it’s bullshit. “Thirty seconds,” I tell her, walking to the couch and grabbing my phone.

“Cade...” she tries one last time.

“I’m not messing around, Jo. Stop your fake tears and get the hell out. It’s over between us. It’s been over for months. Accept it and move on, because I have.”

“Fine, I’m leaving. Goodbye, Cade,” she huffs and stomps toward the door.

“Goodbye, Josephine,” I say gruffly as she swings the front door open with more dramatic flair than is necessary. I watch until her car pulls out of my driveway. Back inside, I close the door and pick up the phone to call my alarm company.

“Yes, hello, this is Cade Thomas. I need to change all the codes on my system, and do you maybe have the number to a good locksmith that you recommend?”

 

 

Chapter 36

Serena

Yet another day has slipped by. I have been trying to focus all day while reading over my stack of term papers, but my thoughts always seem to stray to Cade. He still hasn’t called, and at this point, I’ve given up hope that I’ll hear from him, despite Ashley’s continued faith that things will work out. It was my turn to cook dinner, but Ashley took pity on me and ordered pizza. She said she was simply craving a deep dish, but I’m certain she’s just afraid I might get distracted and catch the kitchen on fire. She might not be wrong.

I turn and glance down the hall to check on Alan who’s playing in the sun room by the back deck, then try to focus so I can at least finish grading the term paper I’m only a couple of pages from completing before the pizza arrives. When there’s a knock at the door, I know that might not happen. Ashley goes to answer it.

I am deep into reading the term paper, and I don’t look up until Ashley clears her throat. When I do, a lump forms in my throat. Cade is standing behind her.

“I’m going to take Alan outside,” she says softly. I can only nod, and she squeezes my hand as she passes. When I hear the door close behind her and Alan, I make eye contact with Cade.

“Hi,” I say quietly as I stand from my chair.

“Hey,” he replies flatly. I start towards him, but my steps halt and tears begin to trickle down my face. I can’t help but think he probably doesn’t want me near him. In seconds, Cade is in front of me and pulling me into his arms. The moment he does, I lose it. My tears fall freely, wetting the front of his shirt. He just holds me.

“I’m so sorry, Cade. If I could do it over, I would take it all back and do it so much differently. I’d tell you when you showed up in my office and noticed the picture.”

“I know you’re sorry, Serena. It’s okay,” he says soothingly as he rubs my back.

“It’s not okay. It was awful of me.”

“Don’t beat yourself up over it. I know now, and all we can do is go forward from here.”

“Forward? As in together?” I look up at him, tear-stained face and all.

“If you’ll have me,” he responds softly, wiping a tear from my cheek with his thumb.

“Shouldn’t I be the one saying that?” I admit.

“Let’s sit down,” he says, leading me to the couch. For a few moments, we just sit silently beside each other. I revel in the feel of Cade’s arm around me. I wasn’t sure I would ever be here again.

“Why did you keep it from me?” he finally asks, breaking the silence.

“I was afraid,” I admit.

“Afraid of what?”

“Everything. At first, I was afraid you might not want a child changing your life. Then I was afraid of how you’d react when I told you. What it would mean for Alan…and for me. I couldn't wrap my head around the idea that someone like you would ever want to be with someone like me.”

His brow furrows and he looks down at me like he doesn’t understand. “You’re so confident, though.”

“Maybe in most areas of my life, but not when it comes to relationships. I guess I do pretty well at hiding my fears. You know there have only been a few men in my life. Most men find my career and — this sounds a little arrogant to even say — but my intelligence off putting, even some of my colleagues. After I had Alan, it was even harder.

“I’ve never really connected with someone like I did with you. From that first meeting I felt it. And, I ran away that night because I just couldn't fathom how we would ever work out, so I thought it better to save myself the heartache.”

“Anyone intimidated by how intelligent you are doesn’t deserve to be around you. I love that you know about things I don’t, and I love that you can teach me about how stars are born or how you discover new parts of our solar system. And, I love that you listen to me when I tell you about something you don’t know anything about, so you can understand it. You’re involved, and that’s rare. And not only are you intelligent, but you’re witty and beautiful, and the best mother I have ever met.”

My heart flutters in my chest. I want nothing more than to kiss him just for being there. “You’re pretty special, too, Cade. The fact that you listen to my ramblings about anything scientific, and that I truly feel as though you hear me when I talk to you, that’s hard to come by. Even when two people have similar things in common.”

“Yeah? Well, you know what I like the best about you?”

“What?” I ask.

“Your love for fried chicken,” he says with a grin.

I laugh, and Cade laughs along with me as he tugs me closer.

“I had a hard time seeing what was in front of me and accepting the obvious truth,” I tell him.

He smiles. “What truth is that?”

I sit up a little and turn toward him. “That I love you. I love you, Cade.”

He leans in and captures my lips under his in a soft, sweet kiss. “I love you, too, Serena,” he whispers against my lips. He pulls me into his embrace, and we kiss. My heart is immediately full and truly happy. When we break apart, Cade touches his forehead to mine.

“What do you think about you and Alan moving in with me?”

“Cade...it’s too soon.”

“Says who?” he chides.

“Won’t we confuse Alan?”

“We’re a family, so let’s be a family.” Tears well in my eyes when he says it. “Let’s talk to Alan,” he suggests. I nod, and we get up, walking outside to find Ashley and Alan. Ashley looks up first and smiles knowingly as Cade and I walk out hand in hand.

“Alan?” I call out to him.

“Cade!” he yells out, running towards him.

Cade scoops him up and hugs him tightly. “Hey, buddy.”

“Mommy say that you’re my dad, she picked you,” Alan sing-songs.

“She sure did pick me,” Cade agrees. “I have a question for you. What would you think about you and your mommy moving in with me at my house?”

“Can my panda bear come?” Alan asks.

Cade laughs. “Of course, he can.”

“Is there candy at your house?” Alan continues.

“All the Twizzlers and M&M’s you can eat, pal,” Cade assures him.

“Mommy! We live with Mr. Cade now!” Alan says as he wriggles from Cade’s arms to get down.

Everyone laughs, and once again, I begin to cry. Cade reaches for my hand as we all follow Alan inside who is talking a mile a minute.

“Hey, why are you crying?” Cade asks, leaning in to talk close to my ear.

“They’re happy tears, I promise.”

“They better be,” he says, wiping one away.

“When Alan gets a little bit older, though, can you have the talk with him?”

He chuckles. “Oh, I see how it is. Shuffling the hard stuff on me already,” he teases.

“Shut up,” I smack his arm.

“Yeah, I think I can manage that. We’ll have to figure out a way for him to understand that you didn't buy me from the dad store in the meantime, though.”

“Probably a good idea,” I agree. I tug Cade’s hand to move him forward when the doorbell rings. “Pizza’s here. You hungry?”

“Starving, but pizza in a box isn’t exactly what I have in mind,” he smirks.

“Let me talk to Ashley and see if she’ll watch Alan. Maybe we can go back to your place, and I can show you just how much I love you,” I wink at him.

“I think I like the sound of that.”

“Thought you might,” I smiled.

“Tomorrow we can start packing your place.”

“In a hurry, are you?”

“I missed out on three years. I have a lot of catching up to do, and I don’t want to miss another second with you. You’re it, Serena Jacobs. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me,” he pulled me to him and kissed me tenderly.

“I think maybe I’m going to like it.”

***

The next morning, I wake up feeling like I am exactly where I am supposed to be and that the pieces of my life have finally fallen into place. I roll over and snuggle against Cade’s back, and he turns so he’s on his back, lifting his arm so I can slide in beside him and rest my head on his chest.

“Good morning,” he says, kissing the top of my head.

“I told Ashley we’d be back in time for breakfast this morning,” I tell him.

“That’s fine. And then, we can get your things from her place before we head to your house to get what you need for a few days. We can have movers get the rest next week.”

“What should we do with my furniture?”

“Are you attached to any of it?”

“A few things,” I admit.

“You can bring whatever you want, and we can donate the rest.”

“Well, we’ll need Alan’s bedroom furniture, but your bed is far and away more comfortable than mine, so no debate there. I have a china cabinet that has been in my family for years, but I don’t know where you would put it.”

“We’ll find a place for it. Anything else?”

“My desk.”

“I have a spare room we can turn into your office,” he offers.

“What about Alan?”

“There’s a guest bedroom we can turn into his room and it has an attached bathroom. It’s white but we can let Alan pick out colors and hire some painters.”

“You’d really do all of that for us?”

“Of course. I love you, Serena, and I love Alan, too. You’re both very easy to fall in love with.” I blush, and he holds me close. “Before we go though, I need to tell you one thing.”

I sit up and look down at him. His expression is serious. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” he says as he sits up. “I just want you to know that the day before yesterday, Josephine showed up here. She did hire a private investigator to dig up dirt on you, trying to break us up. She came because she thought she’d won and we’d get back together. I made her leave and reminded her that she and I didn’t have a future together in any lifetime or any alternate reality.”

“Oh, wow,” I murmured.

“She will never bother us again, I swear. And, I changed all the locks just in case she had a copy of her key made. Changed the alarm codes, too. We can call them later and get a code set for you. I already had keys made.”

“Can I tell you something?”

“Anything,” he said, placing a kiss on my forehead again.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life. I’m glad you dropped in unannounced on my lecture. I hate what we’ve gone through the last week, and I know it was my fault, but we’re here now, and like you said, we move forward, not backward.”

“Always forward,” he smiles. “Always.”

 

 

Chapter 37

Cade

For three months now, life has been absolute bliss. Serena and Alan moved into my house and we redecorated the whole place as a family. I never imagined myself with a kid, but here I am with an awesome son that I have loved every minute of getting to know. The icing on the cake is his amazing mom, the woman I’ve waited my life for. And I have to say, she was well worth the wait.

My publicist wanted to arrange big media blitz when Serena and I decided the time was right to announce that Alan is my son, but after discussing it together, instead we opted for a low key announcement on mine and Tyler’s show. Of course, the announcement was quickly picked up by other media outlets. So, word spread like wildfire.

At first there was a lot of buzz because it was the newest gossip, but it died down pretty fast. We get followed around from time to time, but for the most part, our boring family life just doesn’t fit with their need for scandalous chatter.

Tyler and I are filming a special post NFL draft special today, and then tomorrow, Serena and I are flying to Hawaii for an adult-only three-day trip. It’s been great spending time with her and Alan as a family, but we haven’t been on too many dates just the two of us since she and Alan moved in. For the most part, we’ve been trying to get adjusted and learning to navigate our new life together. Since Ashley just closed a showing at her gallery — a very prestigious one at that — she is taking some time off to relax and offered to keep Alan for us for a few days.

I’m fidgeting nervously on set as I wait for Tyler to finish in wardrobe. I reach into my pocket and finger the small velvet box nestled in there. Turning away from the few crew members on set, I pull the box out and flip it open.

“Whoa!” Tyler says loudly from over my shoulder. “Are you serious?”

“Shh!” I admonish him, flipping the ring box closed and stuffing it back into my pocket. “Keep your voice down.”

“Sorry. Just wasn’t expecting to see that. When did all this come about?” he asks.

“I’ll tell you after we film.”

“Yeah, you better,” he says, giving me a look as he walks to his chair. I try taking a few deep breaths as our producer steps on to the set, and I try to focus as he goes over the agenda. Thankfully, when the cameras swing toward us and the red light goes on, it’s like a switch is flipped, and I move into work mode and get lost in the back and forth of the show with Tyler.

A few hours later, we’ve managed to wrap up, and Tyler and I head to grab a bite to eat.

“So?” he says expectantly after being patient enough to wait until the waitress has taken our order and walked away before bringing up what he had seen over my shoulder.

I glance around to see if anyone might be listening — just in case — but we’ve been seated in a quiet corner and there isn’t anyone seated at the tables near us. “I think I’m gonna ask her to marry me,” I announce to him.

“You think?” he replies sarcastically.

“On our getaway this weekend.”

He nods thoughtfully. “How long have you had the ring?”

“Three weeks. Although, I’ve been looking at them twice as long. I found this one three weeks ago and knew it was perfect.”

“This is why you decided to plan a last minute romantic Hawaiian long weekend?”

I nod. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“You’re sure about this?” Ty questions.

“About her? Absolutely. I can’t imagine there being anyone else but her. Just living with her doesn’t seem like enough of a commitment, you know? I want it all because she’s it for me.”

He smiles. “Congratulations, man. I’m so happy you found someone like Serena. She’s really great. And, Alan is a good kid.”

“He is because he had a great mom raising him. I intend to try to be as good in my role as his dad.”

“So, what’s your plan?”

“Plan?”

“To ask her. You know, pop the question.”

“I... I don’t know. I haven’t, um, worked that out completely.”

“Dude, you bought the ring, you’re carrying it around with you. Now you just ask.”

“I want it to be memorable.”

“Cade, I think anywhere you decide to propose in a tropical paradise like Hawaii will be memorable. Furthermore, I don’t think Serena needs all the pomp and circumstance of some huge production of a proposal. That’s not her style. Keep it simple, stupid. I asked Tamara in our kitchen after a loss while we made dinner.”

“Really?”

“Really. There was just something about the moment that felt like the perfect time to me. Just like knowing you found the one, you’ll know the right moment to ask her because it’ll feel right, too.”

“Thanks, Ty.”

“No problem, man. Just make sure Tamara and I are the first to take you two out to celebrate the happy news when it comes.”

“You got it, man,” I agree.

***

I watch as Serena turns in a slow circle, taking in the extravagant surroundings of the resort lobby. “Cade,” she breathes out, “this is so beautiful.”

“Tyler brought Tamara here a few years ago, and he said it was the best getaway they’ve ever had.”

“Tamara called and told me to make sure we booked a couple’s massage.”

“Already done. Ty told me the same thing. Come on, let’s get checked in so we can enjoy ourselves.”

We make our way to the front desk and while I get everything situated, Serena continues to look around the lobby as she mindlessly fidgets with the colorful lei we were given when we arrived. A bellhop appears to take our luggage, and after the front desk clerk hands me two rooms keys, we follow him to the elevators and up to our room.

As he quietly unloads our things, Serena soaks everything in. I do, as well, and I can honestly say I am beyond impressed with the room. We enter a living room first with access to a balcony which has some spectacular ocean views. On the table is a vase with a fresh floral arrangement. A bedroom with a plush king-size bed is set off from the living room. In it is another set of doors leading to the balcony. The bathroom naturally sits adjacent to the bedroom. When I peek in, there is a huge, oversized marble tub and a separate shower, and I’m already thinking about taking a long, relaxing bath with Serena.

I thank our bellhop and tip him as he leaves. When the door closes, I turn to Serena. “What should we do first?”

She lays down across the bed and sighs as she sinks into it. “Stay here forever,” she murmurs.

I lie down beside her. “Mmm, I could definitely get used to this,” I agree. “But since it’s so early in the day, I was thinking we could go hang out by the pool for a little while and then go on a little hike.”

“A hike?”

“There are some gorgeous private waterfalls nearby in the Manoa Valley on some land the resort owns. It’s supposed to be a fairly easy thirty minute hike. The resort can have a picnic lunch ready for us when we go.”

She rolls toward me and kisses me sweetly. “You've thought of everything, haven't you?”

“Maybe,” I say flirtatiously and kiss her lips gently. “After we get back from the hike, I have massages lined up at the spa and then dinner. So, yeah. I guess I do think of everything,” I joke.

“That sounds fantastic. Let me change first. I’m ready to get out of these airplane clothes.”

***

At the pool, I can’t help glancing over at the beautiful woman next to me. Serena’s simple navy blue bikini is incredibly sexy on her. My eyes follow everywhere she moves, and I can’t keep my hands to myself when she get close enough for me to touch her. We’re both lying in lounge chairs in the cabana with drinks after taking a dip in the pool. Just looking at her still takes my breath away, and I find myself trying to work up my nerve to ask her to marry me right then and there, but then I look around and realize I don’t want to do it in front of anyone else. I want the moment to be just the two of us, so I convince myself that now isn’t the right time.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you in all the mayhem of packing and getting Alan off to Ashley’s,” Serena starts. “I heard from the publisher yesterday. They’re greenlighting our project.”

“Your project,” I correct.

“I can’t write Science of the Superbowl without you, Cade. You’re my co-writer.”

“Contributor, my love. You’re the star of this. I could never explain the science aspect the way you do,” I say.

“I never would have had the idea without you, though.”

“You’ll think of a way to thank me one day, like maybe with a book dedication to the most amazing man on the planet,” I say with a sly grin.

“I can think of better ways to thank you,” she smirks, a wickedly seductive glint in her eyes. “Do you think if we closed the curtains of this cabana anyone would notice if I had my way with you?”

My mouth falls open, and I gape at her. “Umm, are you serious?” I ask, ready to jump up and close every curtain in Hawaii if I need to.

She looks around, surveying our surroundings. “Maybe this isn’t the best place to fulfill my secret fantasy,” she says somewhat quietly.

“Secret fantasy?” I ask. “Oh, please...do tell.”

“Well, I’ve always wanted to have sex in a somewhat public place. But I mean, not out in the open where people could see us. Someplace public, but hidden where there’s a little risk of getting caught if we aren’t quiet enough.”

I raise an eyebrow as one corner of my mouth turns up. This is not something I would ever have expected from Serena. I never would have guessed she secretly harbored such a fantasy, but it’s super hot knowing that she does. “You know I’m going to be on the lookout for someplace to make this happen for you now, right?” I whisper in her ear as I nibble on it.

“Maybe that was my plan,” she smiles slyly.

“Maybe when we go to Disney next month with Alan, I’ll sneak you into Cinderella’s castle and ravage you.”

“Well, it is the happiest place on earth, after all.”

I chuckle. “That’s what I hear. We’ll have to put it to the test, perhaps.”

“Perhaps,” she agrees. “Now, what about this hike? Are you ready to head out?”

“Head up to the room and get ready, and I’ll check with the front desk to make sure our picnic lunch is good to go. I’ll meet you up there.”

She nods and stands, bending down to pick up her room key and phone. I slap her butt lightly.

“Cade!” she squeals.

“It’s a nice butt, babe. Besides, I have to make sure every man out here knows what’s mine.”

“Silly man,” she winks before sashaying away. I watch until she disappears into the resort, then head to the front desk.

Five minutes later when I arrive at the room, Serena is pulling her hair up in a ponytail. She still has her bikini on, but has pulled a pair of shorts over it and slipped on a tank top and tennis shoes. I quickly get changed, and then we set out on our excursion in our rental car. We reach our destination in just over ten minutes. I’ve been told the hike is easy and that carrying the picnic basket won’t be a big deal, so we set out on the trail walking side by side.

Serena stops to take pictures of all the native plants and flowers we see on the hike. As we near the falls, we can hear them. She picks up her pace, clearly excited to see the view. I walk behind her as she follows the path and descends a hill. A few minutes later, the trees open up into a clearing and the waterfalls come into sight.

The falls are spectacular, and we spend an hour just sitting and eating our lunch and enjoying the chirping of the island birds and sounds of rushing water. Serena, of course, takes pictures, too, and we manage a selfie together in front of the falls.

The concierge was right when he said the place was pretty private. We haven't seen anyone else the entire time. It’s also really nice because since we came out officially as a couple, Serena has become more recognizable, so it’s been harder to go out in public. Not to mention, her previous gig doing the occasional science education interview on the local news has led to a few more high profile appearances on TV and the emergence of Serena as one of the leading science educators doing outreach like she loves.

The setting is perfect for a proposal, but I can’t find the words for it. Instead, we just enjoy each other's company as we relax on the blanket the resort provided for us. Serena sits between my legs, resting back on my chest as I lean against a tree.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Cade. This is beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“Sweet talker,” she teases me.

“I was thinking,” I start, moving the hand that’s resting at her side to her stomach, fidgeting with the edge of her tank top until my fingertips brush her soft skin.

“You were thinking what?” she whispers as I let my fingers drift south and just under the waistband of her shorts.

“I was thinking that I don’t think you can be quiet enough for outdoor sex.” My hand slips further until I cup the soft mound between her legs, and she breathes in sharply. I run one finger down the front of her bikini bottom and back up. Instinctively, she bucks into my touch and moans.

“You have to be quieter than that if you want me to take you here,” I whisper in her ear.

“Right here?” she squeaks, looking around nervously.

I take in our surroundings and point to a cluster of trees just to our right. “Actually...right there.” I pull my hand away and stand. Reaching down for her, she takes my hand so I can pull her to her feet, as well. I begin packing our stuff, but leave the blanket out. I grab the blanket and toss it over my shoulder, pick up the basket in one hand, and take Serena’s hand with the other.

“You trust me?” I ask.
 

She nods.

“Then let me make all your fantasies come true,” I say as I lead her to the trees.

 

 

Chapter 38

Serena

Wordlessly, I follow Cade into the tight grove of trees he has spotted. My heart is racing, adrenaline pumping through me. I am so incredibly turned on by a single touch that I want him right here and now. When I told him my fantasy, I didn’t expect him to fulfill it so soon, but I want it — and my want for Cade far outweighs any hesitations I have that someone might hear us or see us. Truth is, it’s exciting. Besides, we haven't seen a single other soul the entire time we’ve been here. Cade sets the basket down and releases my hand to spread the blanket out before turning to me.

“Can you be quiet?” he asks as he steps closer to me.

“Can you?” I grin up at him.

“Oh, I can be as quiet as a mouse in church,” he assures me with a wicked smile on his lips.

“So can I.”

“Good.” He takes my hand and guides me to the blanket. We kneel in front of each other and Cade pulls his shirt off, setting it aside. I pull off my tank top and set it on top of his shirt.

“Do you know the things I’ve been thinking about ever since I saw you in this bikini?” he says.

“What kind of things?”

“Mostly about pushing those little triangles to the side so I can lavish those delectable breasts of yours with my tongue.”

My nipples harden against the fabric at his words, and Cade’s eyes darken. He grabs me around the middle, pulls me to him, and kisses me hungrily. Somehow, we end up lying on our sides, our limbs tangled, lips locked.

His hand moves to squeeze my breast, and he pushes the fabric aside, rolling my nipple between his thumb and finger. I moan into his kiss, and he pulls back.

“Shhh,” he teases with a glint in his eye. His head dips and sucks me into his mouth. My head falls back, and I bite my lip to keep from moaning out loud. My core clenches. I am so wet for him, I can feel it.

“Cade,” I whisper, fingers buried in his hair. He slides the other triangle covering my breast aside and moves to give equal attention to it. “Mmmm,” is all I can manage to say.

“Sit up,” he demands. I push to my knees, and Cade follows. He pushes his shorts down enough for his cock to spring free, and I lick my lips as he sits. I push gently on his chest so that he sits back, resting on his elbows. I crouch down, my ass in the air as I grab his dick in my hands and lick the underside of him. He thrusts in my hands at the contact with a groan.

I look up at him devilishly. “Shhh,” I mimic him with a grin. He makes a motion over his lips like he has zippered them, and I take the tip of his dick between my lips, sucking and swirling my tongue around his cock. He only lets me tease him for a minute before he pulls me up to kiss him. My breasts rub against his chest, and I tug his bottom lip between my teeth.

“Little vixen,” he smiles.

I stand up, and he watches as I unbutton my shorts. I turn away from him and bend as I push them down slowly before straightening back to a standing position. A giggle escapes me when he tugs me back down to straddle his lap. I move against his rigid cock so it rubs against the front of my bikini as we kiss. I feel his touch brush against my inner thigh and then under my bikini bottoms. His fingers slide through my wetness, in and out of my silky folds, teasing me.

“I love how wet you always are for me,” he says quietly as he moves his finger lazily, grazing my clit on every drag up, causing me to buck with every stroke.

“Cade,” I beg on a whisper, squirming against him and tilting my hips, hoping he’ll circle my desperate little nub and give me the release I so want.

He smirks and slides his hard length into me. I gasp at the sudden fullness. I move over him, slowly at first until, then I increase momentum until I am bouncing on his cock. I lift my body almost completely off him before slamming back down. My rhythm is hot and fast, and Cade tries to push his thrusts to match mine.

His thumb finds my clit, and he rubs back and forth systematically, bringing me closer to the edge. With the other hand, he tweaks my nipple, and the combination of the two sensations makes my vision go dark as an orgasm rips through me. As my head throws back, I taste my own blood from how hard I bite my lip from screaming out.

My pussy clenches around Cade’s cock, and I feel it quiver inside me as he pumps in and out of me a few more times before a low growl escapes his throat. I kiss him to swallow the sound as he releases in me. We are wrapped in each other’s embrace as we try to catch our breaths, the only other sounds echoing are the falls nearby. Finally, he pulls out of me and grabs a cloth napkin from our picnic basket and hands it to me before grabbing one for himself. We clean ourselves up as best we can and then stand, redressing. Cade packs away everything from our picnic, takes my hand, and leads me out of the trees.

“I hope you know that you’re the best fantasy I’ve ever had,” I tell him, pulling him down so I can kiss him in front of the falls one last time.

“I hope it stays that way,” he smiles against my lips.

“Mmm. I don’t see that changing,” I assure him as we hold onto each other. A rustling from the path breaks us apart as a couple comes into view. Cade lifts his hand to wave, and I feel my face flush as I duck behind him. Although we’re dressed, I still feel as though they can tell I’ve just been thoroughly fucked only a few steps from where they are heading. Cade squeezes my hand and tugs me to his side.

“Enjoy the falls,” he says to them as he starts away.

“Are you...” the man starts, but the woman beside him shoots him a look.

“It’s okay,” Cade chuckles. “Yeah, I’m Cade Thomas.”

“Wow, I can't believe you’re Cade Thomas. No one will believe me when I tell them I met you.”

“Got a pen or anything? I’ll sign you an autograph.”

He frowns. “I don’t. Would you mind a quick picture?”

“Not at all.”

The man fumbles to get his phone out of his pocket, and his wife rolls her eyes.

“Sorry about this,” she says to Serena.

“It’s okay,” I tell her. “Happens all the time.”

“You’re a scientist, right?” the woman asks me.

“Astrophysics, yes,” I reply.

“I heard that you two are writing a book together,” she adds.

“Good news travels fast,” I smile.

“Our son loves football, but he loves science more. He’s already asked me for the book for Christmas.”

I take the hotel bag from Cade as he poses for a picture and start to dig out something to write on when I remember no one had a pen. “Do you have Facebook?” I ask.

“I do,” she replies.

“Message me your address and your son’s name; I’ll mail you an autographed copy when it comes out.”

“Oh, it’s Alan; he turns fifteen this year,” she says as she pulls out her phone and starts searching for me immediately on Facebook.

“Great name,” I tell her.

She keys out her information and hits send. “We should let you guys go,” she says, nudging her husband.

“Enjoy yourselves,” I tell them.

“Thanks for the picture, man,” the husband says to Cade.

“Thank you for the book. I know Alan will love it!” the wife says to me.

“Enjoy your vacation,” Cade replies. We all smile and wave as we head in separate directions. When we’re out of earshot of the couple, I start to laugh.

“What’s funny?” Cade asks me.

“If they had come down that path just a few minutes sooner, that entire scenario would have gone much differently,” I laugh again.

“Maybe they did, but they went back until they could see us out in the open and not embarrass us.”

Immediately, I blush and my eyes widen. He chuckles. “They didn't see anything, baby. I promise.”

“You’re sure?”

“Positive. That guy definitely would have congratulated me if they had.”

I slap his arm.

“Okay, maybe not. But he’d have acted completely different,” Cade assures me.

We make the rest of the hike in quiet and drive back to the resort. Cade made us appointments in the spa for a couple’s massage. We only have just over an hour, so we head to our room to shower and change. We are almost late for our massages, though, since he decided to join me in the shower and we ended up having sex against the shower wall. We hurry to dress, and I quickly braid my hair in a modified fishtail braid over my shoulder.

“Ready?” he asks as I put a hair tie at the end of the braid.

“Ready.”

“Then let’s go get somebody else's hands all over us so I can get you back here later and put my hands all over you again.”

 

 

Chapter 39

Cade

When we return to our room from the spa after a pretty great massage, I’m feeling a hundred percent blissed out and relaxed. I pull Serena onto the bed with me just to lay there and we both promptly fall asleep for a little cat nap. I awaken before she does and call down to order some room service for dinner, and when I hang up the phone, I see Serena stretching on the bed. I watch her and when her eyes flutter open, she smiles at me.

“Hey, you been awake long?”

I shake my head. “No, only a few minutes.”

She nods. “Do you want to sit out on the balcony with me and watch the waves roll in?”

“With some wine?” I offer.

“That sounds perfect.”

Serena heads out onto the balcony, and I stop to grab two glasses and a bottle of wine that has been chilling in the kitchen of our suite. I pick up the cork screw and then walk out to join her.

“You always have the absolute best ideas,” she says as I pour a glass and hand it to her. She sips as I pour myself a glass and sit down on the chaise next to her.

“Are you having a good time?” I ask her.

“The best. You’re amazing, Cade. I didn’t think I needed a getaway with you like this, but I was so wrong.”

“You’re just saying that because I gave you an amazing orgasm in a lush, tropical forest.”

“And, one in the shower,” she winks. “I’m just happy right now. Thank you.”

This is exactly what I want to hear. Serena looks completely content, and it’s how I’m feeling, too. “Are you excited about the book?”

“So excited,” she gushes. “I think people are going to love it. It’s going to be really amazing. And, I’m so glad we get to do it together.”

“Have you thought about what you’ll do when you become a bestseller?” I ask.

“Oh, I don’t know about all that, Cade.”

“You might not, but I know. You’re going to be a rock star in the astrophysics world.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so. So, tell me what you want do after it takes off.”

“Well, you know how passionate I am about science outreach,” she starts.

“I do, and I know you’d be amazing at it.”

“Thank you. I like research, but I love outreach so much more, so I guess if I had to leave the academic world, I really wouldn’t be that sad about it.”

“You sound a little bit like me when I was deciding that football wasn’t the life I wanted anymore but had no idea what was next. The night I met you, actually.” I wink at her and nudge her a bit.

“How did you know? I’ve never asked.”

“Truthfully? You were a part of how I knew.”

“Really?”

I nod. “I was pretty sure that I was ready to walk away before I even played in my last Super Bowl. Then, after that was over and we won, I was positive I was done. I just didn’t know what the next step was. Then I met you in that bar, and you encouraged me. When I said that I hoped I’d know when the next thing came along, you said you were certain I would. You encouraged me to follow my instincts. And, you were right. I signed on for the show with Tyler a few weeks later, and it’s been the best career move I’ve made. And now, it’s your turn.”

“I’m proud of you, Cade, even if I still don’t understand half the things you and Tyler talk about.”

“Hey, I don't understand three quarters of the scientific stuff you talk about, so I think we’re even.” I laugh along with her. “Do you remember when we met, and you told me bad jokes?”

Serena’s face breaks into a huge grin and she laughs again. “Oh my God! I’m so lame!”

“No, it was perfect. I love your jokes,” I tell her.

“Oh, I have more where those came from. Did you hear that oxygen went on a date with potassium? It went OK,” she smiles like she has some kind of secret — and she kind of does because I have no idea why it’s supposed to be funny.

“I am sure there is a pun in there, but it’s over my head, babe,” I laugh, but only because she’s amusing herself and it’s adorable.

“On the periodic chart, the atomic symbol of oxygen is O, and for potassium it’s K,” she explains.

“Oooh. OK.” I chuckle. “That’s good.”

“One day, I’ll learn bad football jokes just for you,” she scrunches her nose and smiles at me.

“I appreciate that.”

A knock at the door startles Serena. “Who could that be?”

“It’s probably the room service I ordered. I called down just before you woke up and ordered some things for dinner. Is that alright?”

“Perfect. I want to spend the rest of the night sitting here with you, watching the sunset from our balcony.”

“Me, too,” I tell her as I stand. I kiss the top of her head before going inside to let the hotel staff deliver our dinner. He wheels in a cart, and I direct him to leave everything on the table in the dining area. I tip him, and he nods with a smile and a thank you before he leaves. As the door closes, Serena comes up behind me and wraps her arms around me.

“Flowers, too?”

I grin. “No expense spared for you, my love,” I tell her.

She walks over and leans in to smell the white roses. “They’re amazing, Cade. You spoil me too much.”

“I like spoiling you. Come on, let’s eat,” I tell her. She nods and grabs two plates, and I follow with the large covered tray out onto the balcony. After she sits, I uncover the tray with a flourish. “Voila!”

Serena laughs at the mountain of fried chicken on the silver platter. “You ordered fried chicken?”

“I told you, nothing but for the best for you.”

“You get me so well.”

“There’s also potato salad, some kind of broccoli concoction, too. Dig in,” I instruct.

She takes a bite of her chicken, and I watch as she savors it. “Oh my gosh, Cade, this is soooo good. Try it,” she encourages me.

I grab a leg, take a big bite, and nod with satisfaction. “I gotta admit, I was never much of a fried food kinda guy until I met you, and now I feel like I’m at the very least a connoisseur of fried chicken.”

“You’re a fast learner.”

“Good teacher,” I wink.

When we finish eating, Serena sits back with her eyes closed. “Don’t go to sleep on me, babe, not before dessert.”

“There’s dessert?” she perks up.

“Of course. Stay right here, and I’ll bring it out.”

“Let me help you,” she offers as she begins to stand.

“I got it, babe. You stay right here and relax.”

“Okay,” she nods.

I collect the dishes and take them inside, placing them on the cart the staff left behind. From a second lower shelf, I pull out a small silver tray that I asked for them to send up. From my pocket, I pull out the ring box and flip it open. The oval-cut diamond sparkles at me, it’s eight carats are surrounded by another two carats of pave set diamonds, all set in platinum. It catches the light as I take a deep breath.

You can do this, I tell myself. All you have to do is ask.

I nod to myself, my resolve setting in, and place the ring box in the center of the tray and cover it up before I rejoin Serena. She looks up at me with a smile.

“I love you, Cade,” she tells me.

“I love you, too,” I say, leaning down to capture her mouth with mine.

“What’s for dessert?” she asks.

“You,” I answer, my eyes roaming over her hungrily. She blushes. “You know how much I love that I can still get that reaction out of you, right?”

“So you say,” she teases.

“I can show you,” I tell her raising my eyebrows mischievously as I sit down next to her. She laughs at me and reaches for the lid of the tray.

“What’s for desse-” The words die on her lips, and she is frozen as her eyes widen and her mouth falls open. She looks over at me and back at the ring. “Cade?” she whispers.

I take the lid from her hand and set it aside before kneeling in front of her and taking her hands in mine. “Serena, I love you. I think I’ve loved you since the minute I laid eyes on you in that bar and realized you had no idea who I was. When you skipped out on me the next morning, I was disappointed, maybe even a little heartbroken, but life had to go on. Then three years later, I see you and it all comes rushing back, reminding me of how I felt. I knew I had to find you and see you again. I knew I had to do whatever it took to make you mine.

“I had no idea you would mean as much to me as quickly as you did, but I did know that you were giving my life new meaning, even on that first date. I was so lost back then, trying to figure out my life, and you gave me perspective that night. You gave me direction. And now, you’ve given me a son, and I can’t begin to tell you how happy it makes me to have the both of you in my life. It would mean everything to me to have you, and Alan, forever. Will you make me the happiest man ever and do me the incredible honor of being my wife, Serena Jacobs?”

“Oh my God, Cade,” she cries, tears streaming down her face.

“While normally, I love it when you say that, right now I’m just looking for one word.”

She laughs and leans forward to kiss me. “Yes,” she whispers against my lips. “Yes, yes, yes.”

I grab her in my arms, lifting her up, and twirl her around. When I set her down, we’re both crying, and I pick up the ring box. She holds her hand out and covers her mouth with the other as I slip the ring onto her finger.

“Is this real life?” she asks.

“You better believe it.”

She puts her arms around my neck and leans in to kiss me. “We should celebrate.”

“Have you ever made love on a balcony?” I tease.

“Cade!” she admonishes me.

“I’ll settle for the bedroom,” I say as I lift her up and carry her inside.

***

The rest of our trip is spent relaxing by the pool or on the beach. I catch Serena staring at the ring on her hand on more than one occasion, and even though I know my publicist would love it if she would let me sell the pictures, I put a picture on my social media of Serena and me, embracing with her holding her hand out to the camera in the foreground to announce our engagement.

When we land back at LAX, I'm not surprised to find paparazzi waiting for us, snapping pictures and yelling questions at us. We ignore them, and I keep a hand on the small of Serena’s back as I guide her toward our waiting car. I make sure she’s inside as the driver loads our luggage, and then I walk around to climb in the back of the SUV myself.

“I can’t believe how many of them are here,” Serena says, peering through the darkened windows at the swarm of reporters and paparazzi on the sidewalk.

“We’ll probably have to get used to them for a while.”

“It’s okay; I’ve learned to live with it. I just want to get home so we can tell Alan.”

I’m glad we decided not to tell Alan over the phone when we called to tell Ashley. I want to see his face when we tell him we’re going to be an official family. I reach over and squeeze Serena’s hand.

“I can’t wait for that, either.”

Traffic is hellacious, and it takes twenty minutes more than normal to reach home. We had given Ashley a key before we left so she could meet us at home when we returned. Sure enough, her car is in the driveway as expected.

Serena heads inside as I gather the luggage and tip the driver. I can hear the two sisters squealing from the open front door. I chuckle to myself as I make my way up the front steps with the bags. I set them just inside and follow the sounds of the two women talking excitedly.

“Hey, Ashley,” I greet her.

She runs over and hugs me. “I can’t believe you proposed! That ring! You’re going to be my brother! Congratulations! Ahh!” she rambles out.

I laugh at her enthusiasm as she steps back. “Thanks, Ashley. I look forward to being your brother.”

“I hope you have some good prospects lined up for me for a wedding date,” she jokes.

“I’ll work on it,” I laugh.

“I’m gonna get out of here, let you guys have some family time with Alan. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Serena hugs her sister. “Thank you again for watching Alan.”

“It was no trouble. I love spending time with the little man,” Ashely offers.

“He loves spending time with Aunt Ash,” Serena replied.

“If Cade fails me in the date department, at least I’ll always have Alan.” She waves as she grabs her purse, and I follow her to the door. I watch until she pulls out of the driveway before I join Serena who has gone upstairs to see Alan. He’s in his room, giving her a complete play by play of everything that he’s done with Ashley the last few days. Serena listens attentively, and I sit down beside her, and Alan climbs into my lap to continue telling us his story.

As he winds down, I clear my throat. Serena takes my hand and squeezes it. “Alan, your mommy and I have something we wanted to ask you.”

“What is it, Daddy?”

My heart seizes. I still haven’t gotten used to Alan calling me dad and it makes my heart want to burst with pride every time he says it.

“Alan,” Serena starts, “Daddy and I want for us to become a family in every way.”

“I asked Mommy to marry me, and she said yes. And, if it’s okay with you, I want to file some paperwork so that once mommy and me get married, we’ll all have the same last name. How does that sound?”

“Okay, Daddy,” he shrugs as he scrambles off my lap. “Do I have to wear a dress?”

Serena and I laugh. “Why on Earth would you think you would wear a dress?” she asks.

“Because when you get married you wear a dress,” he answers matter of factly.

“I’ll wear a pretty dress, but you can wear a suit and tie,” Serena tells him. “No dresses...unless that’s what you want to wear.”

“No, I wear a tie, like Daddy.”

“Just like Daddy, my two handsome men,” she tells him as she leans into me. “My beautiful family.”

 

 

Epilogue

Serena

It has been three years since Cade came back into my life, two and a half since my writing career took off, and two years since we got married. Our life has been a whirlwind, to say the least, but it’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The Science of the Super Bowl book that Cade and I wrote was a huge success. I quit my job as a researcher and professor and started to develop a science outreach program that took off. Now, I spend my days working with kids and watching them get as excited about science as I am, or I spend them writing. My third book, Movie Science Meets Movie Magic came out a month ago, and I’ve been doing a small book tour to promote it. Tonight is the last book signing I have on the tour.

I still can’t believe how many people actually come wanting me to sign their copies. Every book signing is beyond my expectations. It seems like every event is more popular than the last, but I enjoy every second I spend with the people who buy my books and I always stay until the very last copy is signed, even if it means I go into overtime.

I’m only ten minutes into the signing when Cade shows up and the energy of the crowd reaches fever pitch. Cade smiles and waves as he makes his way toward me carrying Alan. Ashley trials not too far behind. When they reach me, Cade sets Alan down and leans down to kiss me. An awwwww races through the crowd, and I can practically hear some women swoon as Cade sits beside me. I give Alan a kiss before Ashley swoops in to usher him away. I smile gratefully at her, and she returns the smile as she squeezes my shoulder.

“How about a little extra help with the autographs tonight?” Cade asks. “I have a little experience.”

I laugh at him, but stand up. “I know this is a signing for Movie Science Meets Movie Magic, but if anyone would like to purchase Science of the Super Bowl, Cade and I will both be happy to sign it for you tonight.”

Despites its length, the line moves efficiently, and some people even buy both books. Cade seems to be enjoying himself, and I love having him beside me. When we finally finish, Alan and Ashley wander back over, and Alan has a stack of books Ashley has bought him.

“I had a driver bring us over. He’s waiting outside for us,” Cade says. I nod and let him lead us out to where a limo is parked in front of the building.

“A limo, Cade? Really?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Only the best for my bestselling author.”

“Let him spoil us. You,” Ashley corrects herself. “I mean you,” she smiles as she climbs into the limo with a shit-eating grin. Alan hops in after her, and then I slide in, followed by Cade.

“It’s for the best, babe,” he tells me. “You’re a celebrity now.”

“I still think it’s silly you arranged a driver for every signing event I’ve had.”

“Gotta keep you safe, love,” he states.

We drop Ashley at her house first and then the driver heads toward our home. Alan falls asleep on the way there, and when we reach the reach house, Cade carries him inside. Once we have him put to bed, we head to our bedroom. I undress and slip into a wine-colored super soft tank top-like gown.

“I love your PJs,” Cade murmurs as I slip into bed beside him.

“I could say the same about yours,” I reply as I run my hand up the front of his boxer briefs. He growls in response and rolls me to my back, pinning my hands over my head before claiming my mouth with his kiss.

We kiss like two teenagers making out for the first time. It’s several minutes before Cade finally rolls off of me onto his back, and I snuggle against his side.

“I have something to tell you,” I start.

“If it’s that you were on XYZ again today without me, I already know. Tyler has a really good time rubbing it in every time they refer to me as Mr. Dr. Thomas.”

I laugh a little. “That was not what I was going to tell you, but since you brought it up, isn’t it funny how karma works? I’m on that site more than Josephine now. Who would have ever thought three years ago that I’d be a bigger celebrity than Josephine Lowell?”

He laughs. “Umm. Anyone that actually knew her. She was always a bear to work with, and now she’s living up to her diva reputation. She’s a washed up has been and you, my beautiful wife, are a rising star.”

“You’re biased,” I tell him.

“Maybe, but I know a good thing when I see it. Josephine’s attitude is why she hasn’t been able to get a starring role in a blockbuster movie in over two years. You, meanwhile, have written two bestsellers and charmed countless fans with your wit and kindness. And, you married me. You’re definitely winning, as they say.”

“You’re a nut, you know that, right?”

“Yeah, I know. Nutty for you,” he adds.

“Now who's got bad jokes?”

“Oh, that’s still you, babe. Your sciencey jokes still take the cake.”

“You’re just jealous,” I state and stick my nose up in the air playfully.

“You’re right, I am. Maybe your next book should be science jokes.”

“Now, that is an idea, Mr. Dr. Thomas.”

He groans. “Serena!”

I giggle and lean up to kiss him. “You’re so cute when you’re sensitive.”

He pouts. “I think you have to make it up to me now.”

“Oh really?” My eyebrow cocks, and I climb on top of him, straddling his hips only to realize he’s already ready to go. I situate myself over his rigid cock and let the satin of my panties rub against his boxer brief-clad erection. He groans and grips my hips, moving me how he likes.

“Mmmm,” I moan as I feel my panties dampen. He shifts, and the tip of his dick is hitting me just right and the friction of our dry humping has me perilously close to orgasm.

“You wanna cum baby?” he asks huskily.

“Please, Cade,” I beg as I move faster against him. He lets go of me and lifts his hips, shimmying his underwear down so his cock springs free. He shoves my panties to the side and slides inside of me while I moan loudly.

“Oh God, yes, Cade!”

“Like that?” he asks as he thrusts up.

“Just like that,” I whimper as I begin to ride him. His thumb caresses my clit through the fabric of my panties, and I inhale sharply. “Cade!”

We lock eyes as his thumb strokes my clit in a hard circle. “Cum baby, cum all over my dick,” he tells me.

With his words, I feel an orgasm roll through me, and I cry out. He grabs me around the waist and flips me over to my back, still inside me, I wrap my legs around him as he keeps pounding into me. I grip him with my legs and with my pussy until I feel him tense, and then the hot spurts of his release take hold as he groans out my name.

Cade falls to his elbows, and I loosen the grip of my legs from him as he rolls to the side. “I fucking love you, Serena Thomas.”

“You better.” I smile before adding, “I love you. too.”

“You didn't tell me your news,” he says, sitting up on an elbow to look down at me.

“Oh that,” I say nonchalantly with a shrug. “I’m pregnant.”

Cade stares at me and his mouth opens and closes several times before he can make words. “Pregnant?”

“I took a test this morning. We’re pregnant.”

“For real?” He jumps off the bed and pulls me with him, picking me up and twirling me around in excitement.

“For real.”

“This is amazing,” he says when he sets me down.

“Excited much?” I laugh happily.

“I wasn't there for all this last time. I can't wait to experience every moment of it with you. And, we've been talking about it for over a year now. I wasn't sure it was ever going to happen.”

“Well, it happened, so get ready.”

“I know you’re going to go clean up before bed now, so...go, so we can talk more about this.”

I turn to go into the bathroom with a smile, happy that Cade is so excited. I discard my panties into the dirty laundry before joining him back in bed. He pulls me to him and holds me for several minutes before I speak up.

“So, what do you want?”

“What do you mean?” he asks.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?”

“I don’t know. A little girl as pretty as her mom would be nice, but then again, another boy would get us well on our way to eight, so we can start a football team.”

“Eight?” I ask incredulously. “No way eight kids are coming out of this,” I motion around my midsection. “Let’s start with two. They can maybe play doubles tennis or one-on-one basketball,” I joke. “And then we’ll decide about more.”

“Two is a start, and honestly, I don’t care what we have, as long as it's healthy and ours. Besides, girls can play football too, so win-win.”

I laugh. “You’re too much, Mr. Thomas.”

“I know, but I’m your too much and I love you. Forever and then some.”

He leans in to kiss me sweetly.

“Forever and then some,” I repeat to him.

That’s the end of Quarterback’s Secret Baby.

 

HERE’S SOME BONUS BOOKS

 

STROKE IT

By Ivy Jordan

 

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

 

Copyright © 2017 Ivy Jordan

 

Chapter One

Caleb

 

“Are you even listening to me, Caleb? Because your goddamn stance alone is making me absolutely crazy!”

I looked back at my golf coach, Gabriel, with fire in his eyes. We had been working on my swing all morning, and even though I was an excellent golfer, I was falling apart all morning long, to the exasperation of my coach. He looked like he was ready to murder me, and I really couldn’t blame him. My head hurt from partying the night before, and the last thing I wanted to do at that moment was to hit a ball repeatedly with an ornery man barking behind me. It was enough to make anyone crazy.

The man was a legend, no doubt, in his forties with short dark hair and angry brown eyes that were staring me down. Gabriel had been to the majors a few times when he was in his glory days, and he never let me forget it. He was an amazing coach and had been working with me for most of my career on my swing.

I just wasn’t in the mood for it today. I had been getting a lot of pressure from my parents lately, and I just felt like I was going to blow.

“Move it, Caleb!”

I threw my driver across the driving range, to the surprise of the person next to me, and threw my hands up in the air. “Fuck it. Let’s call it a day.”

Gabriel shook his head. “Yeah, good call there, Caleb. With that kind of attitude, you will win the majors for sure.”

“Don’t start. I get enough of that from my parents.”

“Well, maybe you need to hear it just a little bit more there, guy. Today, you are doing shit, and you need to consider working on your bad days because if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed at the majors, guess what? You still have to find a way to make it a good day.”

I stared out across the driving range. We had already been there all morning, and at that point, all I wanted to do was grab a drink somewhere. Stress was mounting to the point where I could barely stand it.

I knew why Gabriel was riding me hard. I had made it to the majors a few times in my career, but I always choked when it mattered. I was a choker, and it was ruining my career. Nothing was worse than hearing all about it on the nightly news, as well. People were laughing at the fact that I couldn’t seem to get my shit together. Especially since my father was a legend in their eyes.

Why can’t I just be like my dad? I wondered. He never choked, not once; he was always so cool and collected. Never doubted himself, but he had all the doubt in the world for his son these days.

I didn’t know why I choked, but it happened every single time. I had to break the streak, or my career would be over; I knew that much. I just didn’t know how. I had the talent and skill. I certainly had all the resources to get me to the top. I just had to get over the fear, the ever-mounting fear that grasped onto my throat and threatened to kill me as soon as I got to the majors.

Maybe it was because my father was a PGA Tour multi-champion, and he had all the expectations in the world that his son would be, too. My parents had sunk a lot of money, never mind the time and energy, into my career, and in four years, I had screwed it up every single time.

It was essential to my career that I make it this time. Otherwise I could lose everything. Then I would have to listen to my father rant about what a failure I was. That was too much to bear.

I rubbed at my eyes, wishing I was anywhere but there.

“Gabriel, man, give me a break.”

He sighed. “Caleb, what the hell is going on with you today? We really need to work on that swing of yours.”

“Long night.”

“Partying? C’mon, man, at least come to practice with a straight head. I know you want this – the desire to win is practically leaking out of your pores.”

“I do want it. I’ve never wanted anything more.”

“Then, what the hell are you doing partying so much? Can’t you just leave the celebrations until after you win? You need your head straight at all times. The tournament is just three months away.”

“No, I need the freedom. Blowing off steam is the only way I don’t lose my mind at this point.”

He nodded his head slowly. “Is your father giving you a hard time?”

“When is he not giving me a hard time? It’s a daily event.”

“He just wants what’s best for you.”

“No, he just doesn’t want me to embarrass him. He can’t figure out why his only son can’t make it to the top like he did.”

I turned when I heard a phone ringing. I made my way to the cart to dig around in my bag. Pulling out my phone, I saw it was a call from my father. Speak of the devil, and he appears, I thought. I clicked on the green button and said hello.

“Caleb, how are you?”

“I’m good, Dad; how’s it going?”

“Are you out with Gabriel right now?”

“You know I am.”

“Good. That’s good to hear.”

“What can I do for you, Dad?” I looked over my shoulder at Gabriel, who was watching me intensely.

“I’m just calling to let you know I would like you here tomorrow for dinner at the house.”

I groaned inwardly; I wasn’t in the mood for any of it. “I don’t know if I can make it.”

“Caleb, I insist. The majors are right around the corner, and I would like to have a game plan ready. I want to make sure that you are preparing for it properly.”

“Geez, Dad, I’m not a kid. Besides, Gabriel has it under control.”

“Oh, there is much more to it than just getting your swing ready. Be here at seven.”

I hung up the phone without another word. The man aggravated me to no end, but there was no point in dragging on the conversation longer than I had to. We both knew I would be at dinner the next evening whether I wanted to be or not. There was no point in arguing with my father – he got his way, no matter what.

I could just imagine the kind of plan he had in store for me. He was adamant that I was to go to the top at all costs. Maybe then he would be proud of me.

I sighed as I started walking back towards Gabriel. I was under a ton of pressure to perform in the majors, and if it didn’t go well for the fourth time, I wasn’t sure what I would do. I needed to get over the fear of failing; I just didn’t know how.

It came up on me so quickly, and no matter how much I wanted to win, I couldn’t get past the feeling. It seized me like a vice, and even though I knew I had the skill and talent to be the best, I would stand there frozen, unable to do exactly what I had been trained to do. It was the most helpless feeling in the world. When it was all said and done, I was just left with regrets, knowing I could have made the shot if I just didn’t choke on it.

That was my Achilles heel, and I didn’t know how to get past it. I would need to if I was ever going to win, however, and get a sense of accomplishment, not to mention make my father think he hadn’t wasted his time on me.

I was no hack – hell, no. I had led all the tournaments to greatness every single time. It was just the majors that killed me. It had been three years of embarrassments; three years that I could have seriously lived without.

This year had to go right. I wanted it so badly that I could feel it in my bones. The ache of wanting literally lived beneath my skin, and I needed this year to be different. I couldn’t stand any more embarrassments. I was not the “boy who choked.” Gabriel was right about one thing: I needed to get my head on straight and figure out why I was choking, what was stopping me from getting to the top.

I was rubbing my temples when I got back to where Gabriel stood.

“Was that your father?”

“How could you tell?” I said sarcastically.

Gabriel nodded; he knew what it was like to go to the top. The expectations involved, the stress. But he also knew how great it felt to win, to prove everyone wrong to stand there knowing that you were the best. I had no idea how that felt, despite all my accomplishments during tournaments.

Despite his barking, I was happy to have Gabriel at my side. He had been there with me from the beginning and genuinely wanted me to succeed. I wouldn’t be where I was in my career without him, and for that, I would always be grateful.

“I know your father can seem… Well, like a dick at times. But he loves you, Caleb; he just doesn’t have great ways of showing it.”

“Well, winning the majors would sure get him off my back.”

“Then that’s what we are going to do.”

I smiled. “Hey, Gabriel, why don’t you come out with me tonight? There’s a new club opening on the beach tonight, and it’s going to be one hell of a party. You would have a good time. Hey, you might even meet someone.”

He laughed. “Oh, I do pretty well for myself.”

“I bet you do. So, what do you say? Come; everyone is going to be there.”

“I’m not sure. Maybe. I’ll think about it. While we are talking about it, I should warn you to not get up to any shenanigans tonight. The closer we get to the majors, the more people will have their eye on you. If you are getting into anything nefarious, you could get yourself in some hot water – and not just with your dad.”

“C’mon, Gabriel, don’t lecture me after I invite you out.”

He chuckled. “I’m not. I just want you to protect your image, at least for the next three months. People are watching you, Caleb, whether you care or not.”

“I think you worry yourself too much.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s work on that swing for another thirty minutes, and I’ll think about your beach party.”

I smiled and got back into position. I could give Gabriel another thirty minutes of swinging if it meant I could have some freedom for the rest of the day. To hell with the people watching me. Who did they think they were, anyway?

I was in control of my own destiny; I was sure of it. I would get past my issues and win the majors. I had to. But I wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of feeling free and having my fun. It was the only thing that made me feel better these days, especially when people were talking about how I was going to play this year. They were all just sitting there waiting, wondering if I was going to choke again.

Well, they could talk all they want because this year was going to be different. It had to be; it just had to be.

I was going to go out that evening and not worry about anyone. Gabriel was way too overprotective. He could probably do with going out and having a good time. Fuck it all. They could watch me. In fact, I would let them watch me.