Always (Bold As Love 4)

“Extremely.”

Relief replaces the nerves. I’m thrilled to hear that Conrad is happy. He deserves it. Conrad’s place is quaint and homey. There are pictures of him and Logan together on the mantle and coffee table. Toys are scattered throughout the entire house. If I didn’t pay attention, I would trip.

“I’d have thought you would have cleaned the house,” I tease.

“It is clean,” he laughs.

We stand in the doorway of a disaster of a room. Toys are everywhere. Pieces of carpet sticks out here and there with Drake and Logan in the middle of it.

“When is she coming?” I ask, hoping for some time alone with Conrad and the boys before she arrived.

“Around five.”

Great. That gives me plenty of time. I leave Conrad’s side to play with Logan. My heart pangs at the thought that I could be here with my baby, showing him or her off to Conrad. It simply wasn't the right time, I repeat the mantra in my head. Slow

ly, as if breathing too quickly would break me down, I inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. My composure is back and I focus on playing with this cute, little boy in front of me. Conrad even gets down and plays with us. Soon, it’s time for lunch. Conrad orders pizza and gets it delivered.

Logan is such a chatterbox, but it’s too cute to be annoying. Conrad has to tell him several times not to talk with his mouth full, but it only works for about two seconds. Finally, the time arrives for Conrad’s girlfriend to show up.

It's obvious Logan loves her as he races to the door and jumps into her arms. She’s pretty. Really pretty with black pixie-like hair and a petite figure. My heart smiles as Conrad walks over and places a kiss on her forehead.

“Emily, I’d like you to meet Lily. Lily, this is Emily.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Conrad has told me so much about you.”

“It’s great to meet you,” I greet her and all of a sudden, I feel like an intruder. Conrad, Lily, and Logan look like a picture perfect family. I don't belong here with their lovey dovey looks and Logan's excitement that she's here. This is Conrad's family now, and I couldn't be happier for him. “Drake and I should probably be going. We don’t want to stay too late.”

“You know you can never overstay your welcome, Em. Visit anytime. It’s been wonderful seeing you.”

“Same here. Thanks, Conrad.”

I take a few steps forward and give him a hug. Drake falls asleep on the ride home, leaving me plenty of time to think. Jake hasn’t been gone long and already I miss him.

His touch.

His kiss.

Everything that makes him mine.

He warned me that while he is gone, it will most likely be late when he talked to me. I ache to text him, but it will be pointless. I yearn to hear his deep voice calling me Sweetness and telling me that he loves and misses me. Sighing, I shut my thoughts down for the rest of the ride.

It’s too hard. I practically whine to myself. Jake is my everything and he’s miles and miles away. This is going to be a long two weeks. I don’t even want to think of how it will be when Jake makes it to the NHL. Instantly, our future is shining in a new light, one I’m not sure I like.

6

Jake

Today, wow. Today has been exhilarating. Exhausting as well, but wow. I’m kind of speechless. Working with some of the greats will do that to a guy. It’s midnight at home by the time I get back to the hotel. All I want to do is crawl into bed and fall into a deep, relaxing sleep.

However, I’m sure Emily is wanting to hear from me. I know I want to hear her sweet voice. Hopefully, she’ll be awake. Lying in bed, I grab my phone and speed dial her.

“Hey, love. How was your day?” she answers rather quickly.

“Fantastic. I’m worn out though. How was your day? You went to see Conrad, right?”

“Yeah. He’s got a girlfriend. I think she’s the one for him. He was practically shining like a star around her. Drake and Logan had fun together too.” Emily pauses and then continues. “I should let you go and let you get some sleep.”

“While that sounds great and all, I’m not getting off of here until I feel as if I’ve had my daily dose of Sweetness.”