Forever After Read online

  He yawned and started to purr as I continued with my affection.

  Who needs a man when you have a Bob?

  I leaned back against my pillow while my wondrous dream slowly faded in my mind. I wanted to remember so badly. I wanted the real thing.

  Perhaps some special time is in order this morning. I reached beneath the blankets and took off my panties. I slid open my nightstand and retrieved the contents: a rather well-endowed dildo.

  When I finished, I climbed out of bed and dragged my ass to the bathroom. “Bob, I think a cold shower is in order today.”

  No response. I looked out and saw the big cat lying on his back sleeping.

  “Lazy cat.”

  Chapter 5

  I stumbled out the door while slipping on my high heels. Glancing at my watch as I ran down the hallway, I groaned. Fifteen minutes to get to downtown.

  “This is not going to happen,” I grumbled to myself pushing open the front doors.

  Ramming my hand into my purse, I yanked out something disgusting and gooey.

  “What the fuck did this use to be?” I asked myself, eyeing the mass of purple and pink goo. I was at a loss.

  I grimaced and dug around again for my keys. Finding them, I unlocked my car and climbed in. I let the car rev to life and sped out of the parking lot toward my office.

  If Mr. Williams finds me late again. Oh man!

  I drove as fast as I could, hoping that I wouldn’t get pulled over. I kept glancing at the clock on my dash. The cruel minutes quickly ticked away.

  Why does time go by so much faster when you’re late?

  I slid into the garage across from the office and parked in the closest space, Mr. Williams’s parking spot, and a huge wave of relief rushed over me. He wasn’t there yet. I slowed to a brisk walk and was surprised when I did not see my assistant at her desk.

  “Gabriella? Gabriella, where the hell are you?” I entered my office flabbergasted at the thought of the entire office being late. I tore off my scarf and tossed it, along with my purse, onto a couch that sat in front of my wall of windows.

  “I’m right here.” She smiled while holding up a card and mug of coffee.

  In front of her sat an enormous bouquet of roses in a gorgeous black vase.

  “What are those?” I took the coffee and eyed the card suspiciously.

  “Oh you mean this obscenely gorgeous flower display?” she asked, still holding the card out.

  “Yeah.”

  “It would be a dozen thornless red roses.” She resorted to shaking it at me.

  “From whom?” I asked, snatching it from her.

  “Oh well, someone that I did not know you knew.” She arched her well-manicured eyebrows at me.

  “How the hell did Declan Press find me here?” I gasped, staring at the expert penmanship on the simple white square.

  “How the hell do you know Declan Press?”

  “Old friends,” I mumbled, shoving my head into the fragrant bouquet. I loved the smell of roses.

  “Uh-huh.” She removed a ticket from behind her back.

  “What is that?”

  “Oh a ticket to the big symphony tonight.”

  I read the back of the card. “And someone is picking me up at eight? What the . . .?”

  I plopped onto the sofa in shock.

  “What do I do, Gabby?”

  “What do you do? A multi-billionaire is sending you roses and tickets to a sold-out symphony and you ask what to do?” She peered over the rim of her glasses at me. Her wild, red curls bounced around her shoulders as she shook her head at me.

  “Yes.” I looked up at her with hopeful eyes.

  “You go!” She threw her hands into the air.

  “Yeah, but he’s supposedly a notorious womanizer.”

  “Sarah, I don’t know what to tell you then.”

  “Wait. You are at a loss for words?”

  “I know it’s shocking. Oh, and Samantha called this morning. Call her when you can.”

  “Sure,” I mumbled, making my way to the desk. I vanished behind the roses.

  “You go!” Gabby got in her last word before shutting the door.

  I smiled as the aroma from the flowers filled my office. I sat back and closed my eyes, prying my memory for a glimpse of his unbelievable smile from the night before. I glanced out my door as Mr. Williams paused in front of it. I grabbed the closest file pretending to read the document inside, all the while acting as though I did not see him standing there. I could feel his eyes burning into me.

  “Miss Evers?” the soothing voice asked from beyond the mound of red flowers.

  I let my eyes drift up to meet the handsome man’s piercing stare. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back and his broad shoulders put his shirts to the test and his pants hugged at his slim waist. He was dressed sharply in an Armani suit with a silk purple tie. My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel my cheeks heating up.

  “Yes, Mr. Williams?”

  “Are those from your boyfriend?”

  My cheeks went from heating up to burning up. “Oh, I was surprised to see them when I got here. Especially since I do not have a boyfriend.”

  “Who are they from?” he prodded, narrowing his eyes at me.

  “Well, um, Declan Press,” I mumbled, watching his eyes widen in surprise.

  “Did you say Declan Press?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “The Declan Press?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He nodded and turned away without another word.

  I breathed slowly, not sure what to think or do. I removed the rest of my files from the drawers and attempted to get some contracts finished. Distraction took over and I picked up my phone.

  “Sam?” I said into the receiver.

  “What happened to you last night?” she asked with a hint of irritation in her voice.

  “I wasn’t feeling well, so I went home.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me, Sarah?”

  “You were a little preoccupied. I sent you a text.”

  “God, I thought someone kidnapped you!” she yelled.

  “Nobody is going to kidnap me, sheesh.”

  “What are you doing tonight?” Her mouth was full of something.

  “I’m going out with Declan,” I said quietly.

  The other line was silent for a long while.

  “Sam?”

  “You’re kidding, right?” she asked, irritation replaced with disbelief.

  “No. He sent a dozen roses to the office with a ticket to the symphony tonight.”

  “How did he find your office?” she asked.

  “He’s Declan Press. I’m sure he has his ways.” I stared at the ticket propped against the black vase.

  “I don’t trust him.”

  “I guess it’s a good thing you’re not the one going then, huh? I have to get to work. I’ll talk to you later,” I mumbled. I ended the call before she could say anything else and sighed heavily.

  What was that all about?

  Chapter 6

  “It’s time to leave.” Gabby poked her head in my office.

  “Mm, hmm,” I replied, staring out the window.

  “Did you get any work done?” She sat in the plush, leather chair across from me.

  “Not really.”

  “Thinking about a certain Mr. Press?”

  “I can’t help it, Gabby. He’s so incredible.” My head fell back and I stared up at the ceiling dreamily.

  “Are you going to tell me how you know him?”

  “I met him last night.” I spun the chair to face the woman, a smile plastered on my face.

  “You met him last night and he send
s you a two hundred dollar bouquet of roses?” Her mouth hung open.

  “I guess when your grandfather owns the biggest corporation in the country and the second largest in the world two hundred dollars doesn’t mean much.”

  “So how did you manage to get the attention of the most eligible bachelor ever?” she asked, putting her chin in her hands.

  “I ran into him in the street. Literally. I was a complete asshole toward him. Then he showed up at the bar. People were staring at us while we talked, and he kissed me.”

  “He kissed you?” Her voice rose an octave and she slid to the edge of her seat.

  “Gabby, it was the most amazing kiss I’ve ever experienced! He’s the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”

  “Then you’re going with him tonight, right?”

  “I can’t say no. I don’t want to say no.” The biggest smile spread across my face.

  It was the first time in a long while that I smiled so much because of a man. The thought of opening myself to a man again was terrifying. I had guarded my heart and body so much over the past two years and in one night Declan had wiggled his way in.

  I stood in front of my full-length mirror staring at my reflection. My pale skin contrasted horribly with the red dress I had on.

  “Oh God, Bob. Why did you let me buy this?” I asked my cat.

  He opened one sleepy eye and meowed in response. I dug through the closet and took out a short black number I didn’t even know I owned.

  I don’t think this is mine.

  I tore off the red dress and tossed it in a corner to be forgotten and slipped on the black one. It reached right below my knees and was sleeveless. The front reached to my collarbone and the back dipped down to my tailbone.

  “What can I add to make this hotter?” I asked the cat. “Why am I talking to you?”

  Bob rolled onto his back and curled his paws, his eyes half-open as he watched me run around my room like a maniac. I went to my jewelry box and searched around for the delicate gold necklace with a pink pendant on it. The diamond stud earrings my mom got me for graduation years ago completed the look. I stood back in front of the mirror and nodded with approval. For once I liked how I looked.

  “Seven-thirty. Time to go.” I kissed Bob on his furry cheek. “Maybe I won’t end up a crazy cat lady!”

  I slipped my red peep-toe pumps on and headed outside to wait for my ride. Standing in front of my apartment building with a shawl draped over my shoulders, I looked for something that may be coming for me. I checked the time on my phone. Seven-forty. Sighing heavily, the worst possible thoughts ran through my mind.

  This is all a set-up. Declan isn’t sending for me. It’s all a cruel joke.

  As tears welled in my eyes and I was about to go inside, I saw a black limousine pull onto my street. I paused under a streetlight and waited to see if it was going to stop in front of me. It did.

  “Miss Sarah Evers?” a short, portly man asked, getting out of the driver’s seat.

  “Yes?” I responded, wary at first.

  “Your ride awaits. Please forgive the delay. Mr. Press wanted to make sure everything was perfect first.” He smiled, holding the door open for me.

  I peeked inside, confused why it was empty. “He’s not here?”

  “No, Mr. Press regrets he will not be able to join you. He had urgent business to attend to, but he wishes you to enjoy the evening.”

  I tried to hide the disappointment. “Oh. Thank you.”

  I stared out the window, swallowing the lump that formed in my throat and wishing I were going to see Declan. My neighborhood, Oakland, and downtown Pittsburgh seemed to whiz by. Before I knew it, the limo stopped in front of Armanda’s, the most exclusive restaurant in the entire city.

  “Excuse me? I think there’s a mistake. I’m supposed to go to the symphony.”

  “Mr. Press had made reservations for dinner. He hopes that you enjoy yourself.”

  “Right,” I replied sadly, climbing out of the car.

  I entered the magnificent restaurant, astounded by the phenomenal décor. The walls were soft beige adorned with the most beautiful paintings. The tables had black tablecloths, white china, and red napkins.

  “Hello, and welcome to Armanda’s. Do you have a reservation?” the hostess asked with a broad grin on her face.

  “Yes, I was supposed to meet Declan Press.”

  “Ah, yes, right this way, please.” She stepped from behind the oak podium.

  She led me through the dining room to an intimate table in front of a wall of mirrors that overlooked the city.

  “What a view,” I said breathlessly, trying to take in the entire city.

  “It is something else. This is my favorite table.” She pulled out my seat.

  “Thank you. Oh, is there a menu?” I asked as she left.

  “It’s taken care of.” She winked.

  “Oh,” I replied, surprised and unsure what to do. Or what was going to be brought out to me.

  A waiter approached the table silently and poured a glass of white wine. Before I could ask any questions, he bowed and disappeared. I never even caught a glimpse of his face, just the back of his head. Nervous and confused, I sipped at my wine. Soft, beautiful music played from somewhere. I scanned the dining room and stared longingly at the happy couples who were enjoying each other’s company.

  Not fair.

  A violinist drifted amongst the tables before he stopped by mine. I could feel my cheeks flush a crimson red as the people around me stared at the empty seat across from me.

  “Thanks, but I think other tables may enjoy the music more,” I whispered, trying to get the attention off of me.

  He ignored my plea and continued to play. I kept my eyes down but was disturbed when the waiter returned with a covered silver platter. He placed it in front of me and removed the dome. A single red thornless rose sat on the tray. The waiter took a seat across from me and poured himself a glass of white wine. I looked up and was met with the gorgeous face of Declan Press.

  “Surprise,” he said quietly, sliding into a seat.

  I sat there, speechless. My heart swelled and it took everything in me not to leap over the table to take complete advantage of the remarkable man.

  “You don’t like it?” His brows stitched together.

  “I love it,” I told him, finally finding my voice.

  “Do you? Really?” He looked like a schoolboy searching for reassurance from his teacher.

  “This is the most remarkable thing anyone has ever done for me. I feel like a princess.” I blushed.

  “You are an amazing woman.” He grabbed my hand and stroked it while staring into my eyes.

  “You don’t know me,” I blurted. I quickly bit my lip and diverted my gaze to the table.

  “But I do, Sarah Evers.”

  “How?” I hated half-assed answers and that was very half-assed.

  He arched his eyebrows at me.

  “You have your ways, right?” I shook my head.

  “I do.”

  “Well, I don’t know you.” I took my hand back and folded them in front of me. I chewed at my bottom lip.

  “What do you want to know?” He reached across the table and clasped his hands around mine.

  “Everything.” I smiled.

  A sly grin spread across his face as he delved into his life from his childhood in Dublin, Ireland, to how he ended up in Pittsburgh. He kept me captivated the entire hour and a half. When the last of our wine was drunk and the food cleared, he held out his hand for me.

  “Miss Evers, would you be so kind as to accompany me to the symphony?” His cheeks developed a slight hint of pink to them.

  “I would be delighted to, Mr. Press.” I giggled.

 
I stood and laced my arm through his as we left the restaurant. The limo out front took us the short ride to the cultural district. A few blocks away, the bar where we shared our first kiss was lit up and across the street was where we’d had our chance meeting that had changed my life.

  Chapter 7

  The elaborate inside of Heinz Hall was lit up and alive. People milled about chatting and laughing with one another. The festive atmosphere was exhilarating. Declan and I paused at a few different groups so he could say hello to those he knew. Most of the woman stared down their noses at me, most likely figuring me to be his flavor of the month, but I didn’t care if I was his flavor of the night. I was on cloud nine.

  There was an unrelenting sexual savage hidden within Declan. I could see it in his eyes whenever he looked at me. A lustful monster that searched for satisfaction. He wrapped one arm around my waist and led me into a dark alcove. His hand rested on my hip, caressing it softly. He trailed his fingers up my side sending tremors through my body. I placed my hands on his sculpted chest and let them run down to his stomach doing the exact same thing to him. I could feel every muscle through the soft material of his shirt. My dream came flooding back. The water, the nakedness, the almost having dream sex . . . the giant cock.

  “We could . . .” His voice trailed off before he bit his bottom lip rather seductively.

  “Is this the right place for that?” I asked, our noses touching.

  “No, but that’s what makes it so great.” His hands ran up and down my back.

  “We shouldn’t, Declan.”

  He nuzzled my neck and buried his face in my hair. “You smell so good. It’s intoxicating.”

  “Thank you.”

  He lowered his head to mine kissed me. A long, passionate, deep kiss. There was a hunger behind it. “Let’s go watch the symphony before we’re kicked out of here.”

  I stood frozen in my spot. Declan grabbed my hand and led me to the stairs leading up to our seats on the balcony.