Chapter Twenty Four
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“Congratulations!” Ashleigh squealed when Nate finally broke loose from the hordes of people demanding his attention.
Standing in Pops’ living room, Ashleigh had been talking to Logan and Sam, everyone waiting anxiously for the graduate to arrive.
The ceremony had gone off without a hitch, and now her nephew was officially on his way to bigger and better things. To everyone’s dismay, he hadn’t revealed what his intentions were, but Ashleigh was just happy for him. Whatever his plans were, she didn’t care, as long as he was doing what he wanted to do.
“Thanks, Aunt Ash.” Nate said, putting his arms around her for a quick hug. “I’m just glad it’s over. That was the most boring thing I’ve ever had to do.”
That she doubted, but for an eighteen year old, she could only imagine.
“So, how does it feel to be finally finished with high school?” She asked, staring back at the handsome man she loved more than words could say.
“It’s about damn time.” He said gruffly, laughing. “I didn’t think it would ever end, and to say that I’ll miss it would be a lie.”
“No, I wouldn’t think you would.” Ashleigh remembered her high school graduation and her need for independence, anxious to get on with the rest of her life. As an adult, she could look back on that time and wonder why she’d been so ready for it to be over, but at the time, it couldn’t have gotten there fast enough.
“Have you seen Alex?” Nate asked, glancing around the room.
“He’ll be here in a few minutes. He had to run an errand before he stopped by.” Ashleigh told him, wanting to ask Nate why he was looking for him.
“Don’t tell Dad, but I’m talking to Alex about a job.” Nate whispered secretively.
“A job?” That was news to her, but he already knew that. He hadn’t shared his intentions with anyone, no matter how many times they had all tried to get it out of him.
“Yeah.” Nate looked down at her in all seriousness. “I met with Sam earlier in the week, and now I want to talk to Alex before I talk to Dad.”
“You know I have to pry.” Ashleigh smiled. “What are your plans?”
“I’m hoping to become a project manager like Sam.” He told her, never breaking her gaze. “I’ve contemplated it for a long time, and she’s been nice enough to talk to me a few times. Last week, I met with her again, and I’m convinced it’s what I want to do.”
“What about college?” Ashleigh asked, knowing Sam hadn’t gotten where she was without it.
“Oh, I plan to go to college. I’m just hoping to work at the same time. Get some experience as I continue my education. Four years of school isn’t all that exciting if you ask me, but if I have something to work toward, it might make it easier.”
Holy crap. When had her nephew grown up so fast? She remembered the little rambunctious boy who ran around, pulling her hair, hiding behind chairs and making her laugh at every turn. Here before her was a grown man, his ambitions as clear as his brilliant golden eyes.
“Well, I think that’s a good plan.” She told him, touching his arm and squeezing gently. “I’m proud of you, Nate.” Ashleigh felt the tears prick her eyes.
He didn’t respond, just smiled back at her.
“Where’s that young man I saw you talking to earlier?” Ashleigh asked, turning her attention to the others in the room to keep from sobbing like a baby. Her nephew didn’t want her to get all emotional. It would likely cramp his style.
“Jake?” Nate asked with a hint of interest in his tone. “He had to go take care of something.”
Ashleigh heard the disappointment, and she wondered for a brief moment what their relationship was. Not that she would ask because quite frankly it was none of her business. But hope sprung up like a spring flower. For the last few months, Nate had come into his own, and she was so proud of him. Both for graduating high school and becoming the man he is.
Having a nephew who was so strong, so true to himself was refreshing. Especially considering the hardships he would likely have to endure for the rest of his life. Ashleigh couldn’t imagine that being openly gay was easy, but he was a confident, self-assured young man and her pride swelled up just looking at him.
“Well, if I see Alex, I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.” Ashleigh told Nate. “Now, go talk to the others before they start hounding me about monopolizing your time.” Reaching for him, Ashleigh gave him another hug before whispering in his ear. “I’m so proud of you, kiddo. So very proud.”
When he pulled back, Ashleigh saw his own tears welling up, and she turned away quickly. He knew what she was referring to, the same as he knew she would always stand behind him. Whatever he chose to do, that boy was going to go far.
“Baby girl, come here.” Pops called out to her when Ashleigh turned to go into the vast kitchen of her grandfather’s massive home.
“Hey, Pops.” She greeted, giving him a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “What’s up?”
“Nothing, besides my favorite granddaughter doesn’t seem to have enough time to come visit her old grandpa these days.” Xavier said good-naturedly.
“What are you talking about?” Ashleigh laughed. “I stop by at least once a week.”
“Like I said, not nearly enough.” He grinned. “Where’s Alex?”
Ashleigh tried to read her grandfather’s expression, but couldn’t tell what he might be up to. He was the second person who had asked her where Alex was and if she wasn’t mistaken, her family had come to realize that the two of them had become nearly inseparable.
“He’ll be here shortly.” She told him. “Why? What’s up? You aren’t going to talk about work, are you?” She teased.
“Don’t I always?” Xavier said with a smile.
“Of course you do. If you didn’t, we’d think something was wrong.”
Xavier chuckled, but then his eyes turned serious. “Have you seen your brother?”
Ashleigh hadn’t seen Dylan since the graduation ceremony. She expected him to show up at any time, but they hadn’t had a chance to talk, so she wasn’t sure. “No, I haven’t.”
“Well, if you see him, tell him that I’m looking for him.” Xavier glanced behind Ashleigh, smiled. “And don’t run off without saying goodbye. I’ve got something I want to tell you.”
Ashleigh glanced behind her to see Veronica Sellers, Xavier’s exotically beautiful administrative assistant, as well as Sierra’s mother, walking their way. If she wasn’t mistaken, the woman was glowing.
“Hi.” Veronica greeted Ashleigh when she came closer, keeping a couple of feet between herself and Xavier.
Ashleigh grinned. Those two were up to something. “Hi.” she returned the greeting and turned back to Pops. “I’ve got to go talk to a couple of people, but I’ll make sure to check in before I leave.”
Ashleigh hugged her grandfather again before she left the kitchen. She heard hushed whispers behind her before Pops laughed again and she had the sneaking suspicion that they were about to get some really good news.
A half hour later, Ashleigh was wandering through the house until she caught a glimpse of her brother standing on the veranda. Before anyone could stop and talk to her, she snuck out the door and joined Dylan standing by the railing.
The skies were gray, lined with black clouds rolling in from afar, a few flares of lightening off in the distance. An early summer storm rolling in on the horizon.
“Hey.” He greeted in that intense drawl he had.
“Hey, old man.” Something was bothering him, she could tell, and she was pretty sure it wasn’t the weather he was worried about. “How does it feel to have both kids now out of high school?”
Dylan turned to look at her and Ashleigh noticed the harsh lines bracketing his mouth and the dark circles beneath his eyes. Her heart cracked a little, knowing exactly what he was thinking about.
“She would have wanted to be here.” Dylan said quietly.
Ashleigh touched her brother’s arm, moved in a little closer and leaned against him. “I have a feeling she was.”
“Yeah?” He didn’t sound convinced, but he didn’t say another word.
“Meghan’s been with those kids every single day since the day she died, Dylan. She’ll always be with them. And you.”
“Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to let go.” He stated, but there wasn’t an ounce of humor in the words.
Ashleigh squeezed his arm. “You love her. Plain and simple.” Turning to face him, she waited until he looked at her. “Dylan, it’s alright for you to move on. Meghan would want you to be happy. You were the love of her life, and you gave her those two miracles. Just because she’s gone, doesn’t mean you have to merely exist in this life. It’s not fair to you and it’s not fair to her memory.”
Dylan’s mouth hardened even more, and Ashleigh knew he was going to argue with her. She put her hand up to stop him. “I would never tell you how to feel. I couldn’t imagine what you’ve been through, and I won’t pretend to. But I can tell you that you’re missing out on so much by letting her memory haunt you like this. You’ll never forget her, no one would ever want that, but you’ve got to see what you’re doing to yourself and to your kids. Think about it, Dylan.”
“That’s the problem, Ash.” Dylan said, his voice husky with emotion. “I think about it all the time. And I’m ready to move on which I think is part of the problem. I’m scared I’ll forget her.”
“You will never forget the love of your life. She was your soul mate. That will never change, even if you meet someone new, fall in love, Meghan will always be in your heart.”
Dylan laughed, without mirth. “I can assure you, I’ll never fall in love again.”
Ashleigh wasn’t about to argue with him. She begged to differ, but again, she’d never been in his shoes. She couldn’t imagine life without Alex in it, and she was pretty sure if he was tragically taken away from her, she’d never fall in love again, so Dylan might be on to something.
The door behind them clicked as it opened and Ashleigh turned to see who it was. There behind them was a tiny, petite woman that rivaled Sierra in height. Her curly blond hair bobbed sweetly in the breeze, and Ashleigh didn’t miss the way she eyed Dylan.
“Sara?” Dylan called out to her, his voice sounding different than only moments before, causing Ashleigh to turn and look at him.
So, maybe this woman was the reason for all of his internal turmoil. The way Dylan was looking at this waif of a woman was laced with heat and longing, something she feared she’d never see in his eyes again.
“This is my sister, Ashleigh.” He introduced them. “Ashleigh, meet Sara Fulton.”
Ashleigh held out her hand to shake the other woman’s, noting the delicate hand that met hers. The warmth in Sara’s navy blue eyes was unmistakable, making Ashleigh like her immediately.
“Nice to meet you.” Sara said, her voice whisper soft. “I’m Jake’s aunt.”
Jake? Oh. Ashleigh could only assume she meant Jake, the man Nate was talking to earlier.
“Jake’s one of the sales reps I recently hired.” Dylan offered, and Ashleigh suddenly felt like an intruder. Turning to her brother once again, she smiled because the storm clouds in his chocolate brown eyes had dissipated. At least momentarily.
“Nice to meet you, too. I’d better get back inside,” Ashleigh told them. “Oh, and Pops said to let you know he’s looking for you.”
Dylan nodded, but didn’t say a word as his eyes seemed locked on Sara’s. Without another word, Ashleigh snuck away, leaving the two of them alone.
Maybe the sun would come out after all.
~~*~~
Alex walked through the front doors of Xavier’s grand estate, glancing quickly from person to person, looking for Ashleigh. He was late, he knew, and that was his fault.
Or rather Jessie’s.
She had called him just after they walked out of Nate’s graduation ceremony, and he’d ignorantly answered the call. As much as he wanted to ignore her, he hadn’t been able to. During the short drive to her house, he’d wanted to kick himself in the ass for leaving Ashleigh, but by then it had been too late.
When he told her he needed to take care of something, he’d seen the concern in her eyes. And the worry. But she didn’t ask any questions so he’d taken the easy way out.
Thankfully Jessie had just wanted to talk. Jeff wasn’t at the house, and when he’d walked in, he’d been pleasantly surprised to find the house clean for a change.
When Jessie mentioned that she was going to start going back to her AA meetings, he’d been happy to see a turn for the better with her. For the first time in months, he actually thought he saw a glimpse of hope in her eyes, and he wanted to support her. Unfortunately, he’d done it at Ashleigh’s expense, and that was bothering him more than he was willing to admit.
Why did he keep doing this to himself? He owed nothing to Jessie, yet he found himself going to check on her when she needed him. Not to mention, he continued to pay for everything she had, despite the fact that she didn’t seem grateful in the least.
During their brief conversation, Alex had mentioned Ashleigh and alluded to the fact that what he felt for her was serious. Although Jessie seemed to take the news in stride, he wasn’t so sure she was handling it as well as he’d given her credit for.
Only time would tell, though. And since he’d finally settled into the idea of being with Ashleigh, he wasn’t as worried about what Jessie thought or even what she needed from him. He’d decided on the quick drive to Xavier’s that it was time to let Ashleigh know his true feelings.
Now as he searched through the crowd, trying to find her, he felt his heart swell. That tended to happen just from the thought of seeing her, and being in her presence normally left him feeling elated. Something he wasn’t used to feeling, because, in all honesty, he hadn’t had a relationship thrive the way theirs was. He only hoped she felt the same because it was time they take things to the next level.
“Alex!” A deep, booming voice called out from across the room, and Alex turned to see Nate Thomas coming his way.
“Congratulations, man.” He told Dylan’s son when he approached, holding out his hand.
Nate clasped his hand with a firm grip before returning his hands to his pockets. “Thanks. Glad you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it.” Alex admitted.
“Look,” Nate began, looking a little intimidated but a strong sense of determination in his steely blue eyes.
That must’ve been a family trait because he’d seen the same look in both Dylan and Ashleigh’s eyes from time to time.
“I’d like to come talk to you sometime this week if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, what’s up?” Alex asked, trying to get a read on the kid.
“I’d like to talk to you about a job.” Nate said quickly. “I’m not looking for a hand out, but I’d like to get your feel on what I might be able to contribute to CISS. I’m starting school in the fall, and I’ve talked to Sam a few times, and I’ve decided what I’d like to do.”
Alex listened as Nate rushed through his spiel quickly, nervously. “I’d be happy to talk to you, Nate.”
The idea of Nate Thomas working for CISS thrilled him. If the young man had half the determination and strong will as his father, Alex would definitely benefit from having him onboard. “Let’s meet on Tuesday, at my office. That work for you?”
“It does.” Nate’s eyes lit up, and he thrust his hand out once again. “Thanks, Alex.”
“Sure thing. Have you seen Ashleigh?” He asked when he realized Nate had nothing more to say.
“She was wandering around here earlier. I thought I saw her outside talking to my dad a few minutes ago.”
Alex patted Nate on the back as he turned to walk away. “Congrats again, Nate.”
With a smile, Ashleigh’s nephew turned and walked away.
“Hey.” That sweet, familiar voice sounded from behind him, causing Alex to turn.
“Hey, beautiful.” Ashleigh looked stunning in a frilly sundress, something he never imagined her wearing, but suddenly wished she’d do it more often.
“Everything ok?” She asked, that worried look haunting her eyes again.
“It will be.” He told her, pulling her to him and kissing her softly on the mouth.
He was overcome with a sudden, intense need to take her to one of those empty guest bedrooms and have his wicked way with her. Leaning down until his lips brushed the soft curve of her ear, Alex whispered, “Can you sneak away for a few minutes?”
When she pulled back, he realized the worry was now replaced with a firestorm of intensity in the amber depths of her gaze.
“I think that can be arranged.” She said, taking his hand and leading him toward the back staircase.
Once upstairs, Ashleigh pulled him down the hallway, toward one wing of the house that had been hers alone when she was growing up. When they reached the end of the hall, she opened the closed door before sneaking them both inside like she expected someone to find them at any moment. He wondered for a brief moment when this had turned into her idea.
When the door shut behind her, she flicked the lock, assuring them some privacy.
Her old bedroom looked just the way he’d remembered. Although he’d only seen it once or twice, and never when she was around, Alex had been fascinated with it. For such a tomboy, Ashleigh’s bedroom was the complete contradiction of her outward appearance.
Pink, that’s what it was. From the walls, to the rug covering the hardwood floor, to the comforter and endless supply of throw pillows. Everything in the room was pink and girly, and spoke volumes about the girly girl he’d come to know.
Remembering why he’d snuck away with her in the first place, Alex pulled her flush against him, pressing his now rock hard cock between her legs, letting her feel exactly what she did to him.
“Damn, I’ve missed you.” He groaned as she began to grind her hips against his.
“Not as much as I’ve missed you.” She said, her voice husky with need.
“I hope you aren’t wearing anything beneath that dress.” He groaned as he eased the silky fabric up her legs.
“I’m not.” She smiled seductively. “Just for you.”
“Ashleigh.” He exhaled her name on a groan so intense, he worried others might hear them. “I need to be inside of you. Right now.”
“What are you waiting for?” Her response was punctuated when she placed her lips on his neck, nipping lightly and licking away the stinging pleasure.
Turning her so that she was backed against the wall, away from the door, Alex lifted her dress to her waist, noticing that she hadn’t been lying. She didn’t have a stitch on underneath and the smooth skin at the apex of her thighs begged for his touch. Separating the soft, swollen lips, he found her wet and ready for him.
He had to let her go so he could undo the button and ease down the zipper of his slacks before freeing his throbbing cock. She had him so fucking hard, even the slightest graze from his own hand was nearly too much.
“Come here.” He demanded, pulling her to him. “Hold your dress up.”
With his slacks below his hips, he lifted her until she wrapped her sexy long legs around his waist, and threw her arms around his neck. There was no time for foreplay, nor did they need it. They were in tune to one another, and they both knew what the other needed, what the other desired, so they bypassed the small talk. Alex used the wall for stability, pressing her back against it before easing one hand between them so he could guide his cock into her velvety soft pussy.
Her body sheathed him like a glove, pulling him in deeper as her internal muscles clamped down on him. “Fuck. Do you even know what you do to me?” He asked, throwing out the first thing that came to his mind.
“Tell me.” She whispered as she began to grip him tighter with her arms and her legs.
“I walk around with a hard on every time I think about you. Knowing your pussy is begging for my cock, makes me fucking crazy.”
“Fuck me, Alex.” Ashleigh bit out, her fingernails biting into his shoulders. “Fuck me hard.”
Alex didn’t deny her; he rammed his cock into her pussy, his hips thrusting him deeper until they were both panting with the sheer pleasure of his cock gliding through the silky warmth of her body.
“It feels so good.” Ashleigh’s words spurred him on, his hips pistoning at a frantic pace, the overwhelming need billowing around them, consuming his senses. He never wanted it to end, the feeling of being lodged inside of her, filling her luscious body while she ground her hips against his, trying to take him even deeper than was possible.
“Harder.” She nearly screamed the command, her head pushing against the wall as she fought the same explosive urge to let go as he did.
Alex tilted her hips, pushing her into the wall as he slammed into her, slowing his movements as his cock tunneled in and out of the silken vice gripping him to the point of near pain.
“Come for me, Ashleigh. Let go and come on my cock, baby.”
Ashleigh’s body tightened around his cock as he continued to pummel her over and over, his legs straining as he fought to keep from coming. It was too intense, the feelings more than he could take as his body ignited, flames licking his balls as the sharp, tingling sensation started at the base of his spine.
“Fucking come for me.” He groaned, using one hand to grip her hair because he knew she liked his rough side and she didn’t disappoint, her pussy clamped down on his cock as she came with a muffled scream, her fingers scoring his skin through the shirt he still wore.
Alex let go, his orgasm ripping through him, his cock buried to the hilt in her body’s sweet grasp as he came, filling her with his seed. For a brief moment, an image of Ashleigh round with his child flittered through his mind, and he couldn’t hide the grin.
If he hadn’t known it by then, he knew it now.
This woman owned him. All of him.
The rest of the evening was spent laughing, talking and ribbing the McCoy brothers who had shown up. By the time they were ready to call it a night, Alex wanted nothing more than to take Ashleigh home and hold her next to him for the better part of eight hours while they slept. He was exhausted.
“You about ready?” He asked when he located Ashleigh standing in the kitchen with Sam and Sierra.
“I am. I just need to find Pops before I go. He said he needed to tell me something.”
As though Ashleigh’s thought conjured the man up out of thin air, Pops walked into the kitchen with Dylan, Stacey, Nate and Veronica following behind him. Not far behind them were Luke, Logan and Cole. Everyone dispersed throughout the kitchen, turning their attention to Xavier.
“First, I want to thank each and every one of you for coming today. Today has been about my boy, Nate.” Xavier said, turning toward his great grandson. “I’m proud of you, son. In more ways than you’ll ever know.”
Alex felt the emotions that flowed from Xavier’s words, the man’s pride obvious.
“And as for the rest of you, well, I’ve got some news to share.” Xavier looked almost bashful for a moment, and Alex steeled himself for what was to come.
“I’m a very blessed man, to say the least. I’ve got my family,” he said, glancing at Ashleigh and then Dylan, then to his great grandchildren, “I’ve got my company and no, it wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for those of you who run it like it were your own.” Xavier’s gaze landed on Logan first, then Alex.
“And more importantly, I’ve had a second chance in life. Something I never expected.” Xavier’s gaze turned to the woman standing just inches from his side, and Alex didn’t need to hear the man’s heartfelt declaration to know what he was about to say. The love in his eyes was evident.
“I’m happy to say that Veronica has agreed to marry me and though I’m not sure I’ve ever done anything to deserve her, I’m selfish enough that I’m going to make her my wife.”
Veronica blushed prettily when Xavier pulled her into his arms. Ashleigh, Sierra and Sam all three sighed, almost simultaneously. Alex glanced at Logan who shrugged, his admission that he had no idea. Alex had suspected as much, but neither Veronica nor Xavier ever gave the impression that they were more than business associates.
“Welcome to the family, Veronica.” Dylan stated. “If you can put up with him, you’re welcome to him.”
The room erupted in laughter and then a round of congratulations before the conversations commenced. Alex just looked around, baffled at how much of a family they’d all become over the years.
Looking at Ashleigh, his heart swelled yet again.
He wouldn’t do it now, but he promised himself that very soon, he’d show Ashleigh exactly what she meant to him and how he hoped to make her his family permanently.