Hold Me Close

  Hold Me Close

  Book Thirty One The Forever and Ever Series

  E. L. Todd

  Chapter One

  Jared

  I thought it was a little weird Beatrice’s brother invited me over for dinner but I wasn’t going to be a dick about it and say no. Judging the look on Beatrice’s face, she was irritated David assumed there was something romantic between us. I’m sure she straightened it out so there wouldn’t be any confusion. Beatrice and I were just friends, and that’s all we’d ever be.

  When I arrived at her apartment, I was empty-handed. “I couldn’t think of anything to bring.”

  “Why would you bring anything?” She locked the door behind her and walked with me.

  “Because it’s rude not to,” I snapped. “Or were you raised by wolves?”

  “If I was, I wouldn’t be so stiff.” She shot me a playful look.

  I smiled against my will. “I was going to bring wine but I thought that would be stupid since you guys know everything about it. I’d probably bring a bottle from a rival then you would throw me out.”

  We got into the car then left the city.

  “Why are you nervous?” she asked. “My brother knows we’re just friends. You can chill out.”

  “If he knows we’re just friends, why did he invite me at all?”

  “Well…he thought there was something between us but I cleared that up.” She looked out the window, her hair a curtain of silk that blocked her face.

  “And he believes you?”

  “Why wouldn’t he believe me?” she asked. “My brother knows I wouldn’t lie about that. I told him we’re opening a business together. He seemed interested in that.”

  “Cool.” The heat was off. Now there wasn’t any pressure. I should probably get to know her brother anyway since he would be a good ally to have in the business world. “So, how was your day?”

  “Good,” she said. “I showed this moron around the vineyard. He didn’t know anything about wine.” She shot me a teasing look.

  I gave her a playful push. “Don’t be a brat.”

  “I’m always a brat. Just ask my brother.”

  “Don’t need to,” I said. “It’s implied.”

  We arrived at the house. It was average size, and the lights lip up the driveway. A tire swing hung from a tree in the backyard. It looked like the ideal place to settle down and raise a family.

  “Nice place,” I said.

  “It is,” she agreed.

  “Anything I should know before I walk in there?”

  “My brother’s wife is Theresa. She’s very nice. And they have a daughter named Raisin.”

  I cocked an eyebrow. “Raisin? As in, the fruit?”

  “Yes.” She clearly didn’t think it was an unusual name.

  “Okay…”

  “I like it. She’s cute like a raisin.”

  “If you say so…”

  We left the car then approached the front door. I kept my hands in my pockets then noted the jeans Beatrice wore. They were skin-tight and clung to every inch of her body. She had wide hips and thin legs that were long. Her body was a mass of endless curves. She wore a purple cardigan with a bracelet on her wrist. She always looked classy without trying.

  “What?” She noticed my stare.

  “Nothing…” How long had I been looking at her?

  “Well, your eyes were glued to my ass for a long time.”

  “I wasn’t staring at your ass,” I said defensively.

  “I just saw you.” Fortunately, she wasn’t mad. There was a smile on her lips.

  I relaxed, glad that she wasn’t prissy about it. If this were a few months ago her reaction would have been completely different. “Okay…maybe I was.”

  “Pig,” she said as she shook her head. She knocked on the door.

  “Those jeans are so tight they look like another layer of skin.”

  “So?” she asked. “I like them.”

  “Well, don’t expect people to not check you out.”

  “You were checking me out?” A grin was on her face like she caught me in the act.

  “Uh…” I was getting tongue-tied.

  She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a victorious look. “You were.”

  What was the point in hiding it? “So what? You’re beautiful, B. Even I’m not immune to that.”

  She gave me a satisfied look before she turned away. “Beautiful? Not hot?”

  “Hot is a term you used for a girl when you want to fuck her. I don’t want to fuck you.” That was the honest truth. Of course I thought she was attractive. She could work the runway if she wanted to. But she was my friend and I cared about her. I would never disrespect her like that.

  She turned back to me, and a touching look was in her eyes. “I appreciate that. It seems like that’s all guys ever think when they look at me.”

  “Well, when I look at you I think you’re annoying.”

  Her eyes narrowed on my face. “No, you don’t. I’m your best friend.”

  I shrugged. “Just because you’re my best friend doesn’t mean I can’t think you’re annoying.”

  “Well, you’re annoying too.”

  “No, I’m not,” I argued. “I’m awesome.”

  She rolled her eyes. “If you say so.”

  The door opened and David appeared. “Hey, thanks for coming.”

  Beatrice walked inside and said hi to her brother. When I reached him, he shook my hand.

  “Welcome to our home,” he said. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

  “Thanks.” I sniffed the air. “Man, that smells good.”

  “My wife is a good cook,” he said. “It’s why I married her.”

  “You married me because you love me.” Theresa came out of the kitchen and shook my hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you’re hungry.”

  “I was starving the moment I walked inside.”

  She gave me a gentle smile before she walked away. “Dinner will be ready soon.” Her bright blonde hair trailed behind her back as she moved away.

  David watched her until she was out of sight. “I married up.”

  “Up?” I asked.

  “We both know she’s out of my league.” He clapped my shoulder and guided me to the living room. “I want you to meet someone very special.”

  “Raisin?”

  He smiled. “Beatrice talks about her niece often.”

  Beatrice was sitting on the couch with Raisin her arms. She was gently rocking her back and forth while she sung under her breath. “How’s my sweet pea?”

  I sat beside her and looked down into Raisin’s face. I was never particularly fond of children. But I had to admit Raisin was very cute—even to me. “It’s nice to meet you, Raisin.”

  She stared at me with wide eyes.

  “She’s one,” Beatrice said. “It seems like she was just born yesterday.”

  “And she loves to cry.” David shook his head in irritation. “Even now…”

  I laughed. “I’ll hold off on kids as long as possible then.”

  “Invest in a sturdy pair of earphones,” David teased.

  “I want one,” Beatrice said.

  “Yeah?” I asked. Beatrice seemed too stiff to be motherly. But when I watched her with Raisin I realized I was wrong. She was playful, fun, and affectionate—around people she trusted.

  “I want three,” she said. “Two boys and a girl.”

  “Just don’t raise them to be stiff like you,” I teased.

  David chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

  When dinner was ready, Beatrice put Raisin in her playpen and we gathered around the table. Chicken and waffles were on the menu. I’d never had it before—but it was damn good.

  I devoured mine and
forgot my manners for a second.

  Theresa seemed amused. “You like it?”

  I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “Sorry, a home-cooked meal is a rare treat for me.”

  “At least someone appreciates it.” Theresa shot her husband a hateful look.

  David leaned toward her and kissed her on the cheek. “I appreciate everything you do for me—including making a home and giving me a daughter.” The look he gave her was full of endless love.

  The intimacy was too much so I looked away. I felt like I was seeing something private that only they should experience. It was obvious how in love they were.

  Beatrice leaned toward me and lowered his voice. “They’re cute, huh?”

  “I guess…”

  She ate half of her food but not another bite. Beatrice didn’t eat much so I knew she made the effort so she wouldn’t seem rude.

  After David stopped staring at his wife, he turned to me. “I hear you own a bar.”

  “I do,” I answered. “It’s in Manhattan.”

  “How long have you been doing that?” he asked.

  “About seven years,” I said.

  “Cool.” David sipped his beer before he returned to eating. “You like it?”

  “I don’t have any complaints,” I said. “I like running my own business. It’s nice not having a boss.”

  “I hear ya,” he said. “So, you and my sister are opening a wine bar together?”

  “That’s the plan.” I playfully nudged Beatrice in the side.

  She nudged me back.

  David watched us closely. “Have you put a lot of thought into this?”

  “Yes,” I answered. “I intend to invest all the money in the business. Beatrice would primarily be the wine aficionado, the person who decides what we serve and what appetizers we serve it with. She’s actually pretty instrumental to the whole thing, which is why I’m giving her forty percent.”

  Beatrice shot me a glare. “You said fifty.”

  “Damn, I was hoping you forgot.”

  “Women never forget anything when it comes to money,” Theresa said.

  “How do you two know each other?” David asked.

  Beatrice rolled her eyes. “Would you stop interrogating him? We aren’t dating.”

  “I’m just curious,” her brother said.

  “Just because Dad isn’t around doesn’t mean you need to take his place as the over-bearing control freak,” Beatrice said.

  “Actually, I do.” He said it with a straight face. “Now, how did you meet?” David seemed like a fair guy. He was protective of his sister but he was also laid back. It was clear how fond he was of her just by watching his interaction with her.

  “It’s a long story…” And an awkward one.

  “We got plenty of wine and food to last us through the night,” Theresa said.

  “Well…Beatrice used to see Conrad…” How did I even begin this? “And Conrad is now dating a girl named Lexie. I used to be married to her.”

  David’s eyes narrowed on my face.

  Theresa was clearly surprised.

  “I’m not over my ex yet. I tried getting her back but our relationship was too far broken to be fixed. So, she’s with Conrad now. And Beatrice isn’t over Conrad so…we’ve bonded over it.” The story sounded even worse out loud.

  David just stared at me. “Oh…”

  “I told you,” Beatrice said. “We’re just friends.”

  “When did you get divorced?” David asked.

  “About three years ago,” I answered.

  “And you still aren’t over her?” he asked in surprise.

  “Well, I was over her then I wanted her back…” This was weird to talk about with someone I hardly knew.

  “Stop prying,” Theresa whispered. “You’re making him uncomfortable.”

  “Very,” Beatrice said.

  “I just…I’m surprised is all,” David said. “Of all the things I expected to hear you say that wasn’t one of them.”

  “It’s pretty weird, I admit,” I said.

  “Not really,” Beatrice said. “Why can’t we be friends when we’re going through the same thing? We keep each other company so it doesn’t feel so lonely. I’m a million times better now than I was a few months ago.”

  “Me too,” I said in agreement.

  “Well, it’s a good thing you two have each other,” Theresa said. She held her glass up to us and nodded.

  “When she’s not being annoying.” I gave Beatrice a smile so she knew I was kidding.

  “You’re annoying,” she said back.

  “Not as annoying as you are,” I countered.

  She shoved me gently.

  I dug my hands into her side and tickled her. “Push me again and see what happens.”

  She laughed and clutched her stomach as she tried to get away from me.

  I pulled my hands away. “I hope you learned your lesson.”

  Theresa leaned toward her husband and whispered something.

  He turned to her and said, “I know.”

  Chapter Two

  Silke

  Arsen and I hadn’t spoken in a week. He didn’t call me so I didn’t call him. He said he needed space and I gave it to him. But that didn’t mean it was easy for me. I hated sleeping alone in my apartment. I hated wondering what he was doing.

  I missed him.

  Unable to stay away a second longer, I drove to his shop and pulled my car into the garage. I purposely disabled my engine thermometer so the check-engine light would come on. Arsen was a genius when it came to cars, so whom else would I bring a car problem to?

  I walked inside and saw Scott behind the counter. He recognized me because I came in pretty often to see Arsen. And there were pictures of me on Arsen’s desk, so there was no mistaking who I was. Without questioning me, he turned back to his computer and allowed me to approach Arsen’s office unhindered.

  I approached Arsen’s door then stopped outside it. I stared at the wood for a long time, feeling nervous. Arsen and I would work out our problems, but that didn’t make this situation easier. I missed him more than words could say. After I found my courage, I tapped my knuckles against the door.

  “Come in,” he said.

  I stepped inside and saw him sitting at his desk. He wore a blue collared shirt and a half eaten apple sat on the surface. His eyes were glued to his computer like he was reading something important.

  I stepped further inside the room then faced him.

  He finally tore his gaze away and looked at me. Once he realized it was me, his expression changed. It became somber and almost defensive. It didn’t seem like he wanted me to leave but he didn’t want me to stay either.

  “My car is acting up…” My car was only a few years old, and since I never drove it was practically brand new.

  His features immediately changed. “Acting up how?”

  I shrugged. “The check-engine light is on and it says the car temperature is really high.”

  He stared at me blankly while his mind worked behind his eyes. “Have you been driving it a lot?”

  “No. I went to Sean and Scarlet’s the other day but that’s only an hour round trip.”

  He continued to think. “I’ll take a look at it.” He left the chair and came around the desk.

  Now that we had something to talk about it wasn’t so tense.

  He walked outside and I followed behind him. I noted his strong back and tight ass. I missed running my hands down his body when he was on top of me. My lips wanted to run along the area and taste him. But I shook the thoughts away because I knew I couldn’t have that right now.

  Arsen rolled up his sleeves then removed his watch. He shoved it deep into his pocket then popped the engine. He stared down and examined all the endless parts. His mind worked furiously.

  To me, it was just a mesh of parts. I couldn’t tell what was what.

  “Start it.”

  I obeyed him and turned on the car.

  He cross
ed his arms over his chest and stared at the engine. A minute passed before he spoke. “Kill it.”

  I turned off the ignition.

  He dug his hand inside then found a few wires. Immediately, he found the temperature gauge and examined it.

  Damn, he figured that out fast.

  He stared at it for a long time before he turned his look on me.

  I held his gaze.

  There was something deep in his eyes, like he was thinking about something complicated or breaking down a difficult calculus problem. Then he walked away without saying a word.

  I didn’t like this Arsen. I had no idea what he was thinking.

  Arsen returned with a few tools. He worked on the engine, and within a few minutes he was finished. He got behind the driver’s seat and started the car. The temperature gauge returned to normal and the engine light was off. Then he turned it off again.

  “Did you figure it out...?”

  He closed the hood then walked into the building without saying a word.

  Okay…

  I followed him and saw him enter the bathroom. A minute later he came out as he dried his hands with a paper towel. Then he tossed it in the wastebasket as he entered his office.

  Seriously, what was going on? I entered his office and watched him with rigid shoulders. “So, everything is okay?”

  He sat behind his desk, and an irritated look came into his eyes. “Don’t fuck with your car again.”

  Shit, he knew?

  “That was really stupid. If you did something worse it could cost a lot to repair.”

  I held my tongue so I wouldn’t say something stupid.

  “If you want to talk to me, just talk to me.” He stared at me with dark eyes. It was the same look he used to give me in a different lifetime.

  He clearly knew what I did. There was no point in trying to lie my way out of it. I wasn’t sure how he figured it out but he obviously saw something that told him what I did. “You said you needed space but…I missed you.”

  “And you think this is a good way for us to bond?” Irritation was heavy in his voice.

  His venom was making me defensive. “I didn’t know what else to do, okay?”

  He rubbed his temple like he was irritated. “Surely, you could have thought of something better than that.”

  “Well, it worked, didn’t it? We’re talking.”