* * *
"So what is your story,Detective? I feel like you know everything there is to know about me, and I hardly know you."
He takes a swig off his beer. “You’re the author, living on the edge,” he sidesteps.
“Who broke your heart?” I ask softly, my eyes meeting his sad ones.
"Believe it or not, it was a long time ago. She belonged to another man, when we got together, I never knew that. She left. And here I am."
"I'm sorry." I realize that this situation must be hard for him, with me still being legally married to Cohen. We agreed to separate while the divorce goes through.
“It’s in the past. Lauren made her choices, and I'm at peace with that." He reaches across the table, placing his palm against my cheek. "You're something extraordinary, Sin. It's hard to stay in a place I no longer belong in when I'm with you."
"I'm not like her, you know. Even if I hadn't met you and fallen for your ass, I would have wanted to start over with my girls. No Cohen. A life built on lies isn’t what I signed up for.”
He brings my hand to his lips. "I know, and that's what makes you so much more irresistible. You're a brave woman, Sin, so much more than you give yourself credit for."
Brave is the last thing I feel. But I’ll take it. I’m not under any delusions that everything is going to fall into place overnight. Life isn't like that. But when Creed stands and takes my hand, leading me to the dancefloor, I go willingly. He wraps me in his arms, and we sway together, not really paying attention to the song. He kisses me then, slow and sensual, his lips like velvet against mine. This right here is pretty amazing. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
* * *
I walk into the house,I used to call home, a month after we found Willow. I got a U-Haul to move most of my stuff into storage. I'll live with my parents until I find a place. It's quiet. "Cohen!" I shout. I walk into the kitchen and find him sitting at the island. He looks a state. He hasn't shaved in days, he's halfway through a bottle of whiskey. He looks up at me with bloodshot eyes. A tear slips down his cheek.
“I’m sorry, Sin,” he tells me. I sit at the island across from him. “I should have done better by you and the girls. There is no excuse for what I did, to all of you, even Chelsea.”
It still stings to be reminded.
“I forgive you, Cohen. You are your greatest enemy. You always have been, but I am not holding on to any more hatred or anger.”
He stands and walks over to the kitchen counter. “I’ve decided to get some help. There’s shit I haven’t worked through. I need to. If I’m going to be a father to those girls.” He hands me a brown envelope. “I’ve signed it.”
I feel tears spring to my eyes. He'd refused to sign the papers when he got them. I pull out the papers, and he's really signed. "I just want you to be happy."
"Thank you," I tell him. I stand and walk toward the doorway. "Take care of yourself, Co."
Chapter 38
Creed
When I open the door, she flings herself into my arms, and I catch her, drawing her to me.
“Well, this is a nice surprise.”
She pulls away and hands me some papers. I look at the heading, and my eyes widen. "This is real?"
She nods, biting her lip. I draw her into my arms and kiss the top of her head. "I am so happy for you, Red." She looks up at me, grinning at her nickname. I cup her face in my hands and smile down at her. "You're beautiful when you're happy."
I touch my lips softly against hers. She moans and presses closer to me.
“I place a thumb against her lips, my forehead against hers. “We can take this as slow as you want to.”
"I don't want to take it slow." She slides her hands into my shirt, pushing it over my head. My erection strains against my pants. This can’t be real. How can she feel this good?
Her hands slide over my abs and around my back. I lift her, and she wraps her arms around me. I kiss her all the way to my bedroom, where I place her on my bed. I remove my jeans and hover over her. "You'll drive me crazy, Red if we don't take some of this off."
She giggles, and I nuzzle my nose between her breasts. I lift her T-shirt over her head and admire her black lace bra that covers her perfect full breasts. I cup them both, eliciting a moan from her when I squeeze them. Unclipping the clasp, her tits spring free. I lean down and worship each one with my tongue. I push down her shorts, and she lifts her ass off the bed. I don't stop kissing her breasts, her neck. "You taste so good."
“I want to feel you, Creed.”
