EPILOGUE from HOLDING ON FOREVER
Holding on Forever
Victoria Monroe
~ASHE~
Brinley disappearing into the ladies’ room for so long isn't a bad thing. She's really a nice girl, pretty, but I'm not feeling any real attraction to her. I'm glad I had the chance to spend some time with her and get to know her. As far as romance, as far as wanting her, it's just not there. My wants right now, are more singular than they have ever been. There is only one woman I crave and I don’t know how much longer I can fight it, business partner or not.
The agenda for tonight's event has been so tight I haven’t had the opportunity to look for Emerson. I actually hope, she decided against attending, and didn’t come. Come. Fuck. I fantasize about making her come. I fucking dream about it. I know she wanted to ask me to go to the gala with her tonight. I wanted her to ask me. I would've said yes. I would have agreed knowing damn well, spending the evening with her would mean there would be no way in hell I could stop myself again. I’ve stopped myself with her twice. My restraint is running very low. Just the smell of her sweet skin is enough to make me lose my mind. She appears so innocent. But I've had a taste of her from behind closed doors. She's far from innocent. Emerson has wants which run as deep as mine. I know without a doubt, together, we can satisfy every single one of our wants. When she came to my place in her short, sexy dress, with her hair down and makeup on her face. I couldn’t keep my hands – or my mouth – off of her. Thank God she's mostly in pants at the office. She keeps her long hair in a ponytail and wears minimal makeup. Even then, she's sexy as hell. Experiencing her like she was the day she came to see me at my house...damn. I could burn in hell for the thoughts I have about her. I need to find her.
“The photographs taken upon arrival are up there for display.” Gage says and nods. I turn my head in the same direction. Immediately, I lose all of my senses and all I see is her.
Fuck. Me.
Emerson?
What the fuck?
Here I sit, in a room full of people with a hard dick, looking at the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on, and she's with another man.
“Do you have a pulse?” Gage claps his hands in my face. All I can do is shake my head. The tension in my body has me practically immobile.
Fuck.
She’s wearing orange, over what skin is actually covered. Her shoulders and back are bare except for one delicate strap which goes diagonally over one sexy shoulder and across her back to her tiny waist. Then there is just long, flowy material to the floor. Laken is hugging her. She’s talking and laughing with my sister. Emerson pushes her hair over her shoulder to hang down her back. She changed it. It looks darker in some parts and lighter in others. It’s full of big twists. Curls maybe. Whatever they are, I want to put my fingers through them. Now Rainne’s up there, blocking my view. Damn. Oh, good. Yeah baby, turn. Turn around so I can see your face, keep coming. . .
Holy. Fuck.
The slit in her dress goes the whole way up to her fucking waist. How high are those heels and why are there so many straps? They look like the kind of shoes chicks leave on in a porn, only sexier, more tantalizing, subtle. . .
Fuck.
He’s got his fucking hand at the small of her back, on bare skin…and it’s obvious, there’s no way she’s wearing any lingerie.
“Excuse me?” I hear Ryan say.
“Pardon me?” Gage asks.
“What?” I look back and forth between them. They start to look the same as I look at them like this, it’s fucking weird. For a minute, I’m distracted while the three of us look like the fucking stooges looking at each other with stupid expressions on our faces.
Ryan asks, “Didn’t you just say something?”
“No.”
“I swear I heard you say something about wearing something.”
“Hey, sorry I was gone so long. I ran into Vaughn and didn’t realize how much time has passed by, forgive me.” Brin sits in her chair next to mine and settles into me, linking her arm through mine and looking up at me. Her interruption is very welcomed and curbs the Scott brother’s Q & A. I must have actually uttered my thoughts about Emerson aloud. Emerson. I look back to where she’s standing. Brin leans into my neck, talking into my ear, telling me she’s ready to leave. At the same time, a smiling, giggling Emerson turns her radiant face towards me. Our eyes lock. Her eyes dart to the left of me, to Brin and what appears to be her nuzzling, then back to mine. The smile and the light in her eyes melt away. Instantly.
Fuck.
Laken and Rainne motion for Emerson and her date to follow them to our table. As they approach, Emerson is smiling again, but it’s fake. I can see it and I can feel it.
Emerson breaks the ice, putting her hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Hey Ryan. Hello Gage, it’s so good to see you back here. I heard you’re staying. I’m really glad.” Her smile is genuine. Killian looks to Laken and winks, while Emerson’s talking. Why in the hell is he winking at Laken? Fucker.
“Thank you, Emerson. I’m very happy to be back permanently and start my life.” Gage’s eyes drift to Laken and she comes around the table and sits right down next to him smiling. I know Gage is my sister’s future, and it honestly could not make me any happier. I think I always knew they would end up together. I see Killian look to Laken again, and smile. I think the son of a bitch is happy for her too. Sure he’s happy, he’s with Emerson. Emerson – the woman who is wearing a sexy fucking dress, sky high heels, and nothing else.
“Ashe. Brinley. You both look very nice this evening. It’s a lovely event for such a great cause, isn’t it?” Emerson is pleasant in her conversation, although there is an iciness in her eyes.
Brin smiles and stands, giving Emerson an embrace. “It really is, Emerson. I have to tell you; you look absolutely amazing. Your dress and shoes are incredible. Your hair. Your make-up. I’m telling you the same thing I told Rainne and Laken this evening, you’re gorgeous!”
“Thank you, Brin. That was kind of you to say. You look beautiful, too.” Emerson blushes a lovely color.
“It’s a privilege to be her escort this evening. Hi, I’m Killian Peterson. And you are?”
Eat shit and die, fucker.
“Please excuse us, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Gage, says. “We’re going to go and start making our way out, and head to the house for the engagement celebration. It was good seeing all of you, if we don’t see you later, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“We are doing the same,” Ryan says.
We all exchange goodbyes and small talk. Ryan, Rainne, Gage and Laken depart and start moving though the guests making their way out.
“There was a little detour there…Hi, Killian, I’m Brinley Foster. You can call me Brin.” She offers her hand, and a bright smile, to Killian.
“Alright, Brin, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Killian has a smile on his face that goes a little beyond, hey, nice to meet you. The two of them continue with the – getting-to-know-you-conversation – they started. It leaves me a moment to talk to Emmie. I sweep my gaze over her exposed leg and up her body until I meet her eyes.
"You changed your hair." It's so fucking sexy. I'm speechless.
"Yes, I did. I got a few caramel highlights and some soft black low lights. Something to break up the endless dark brown." She looks nervous.
"Oh." Sweetheart, there's nothing wrong with your endless brown. But these extra colors make you look even sexier.
"You look handsome, Ashe. Are you enjoying yourself?" She asks. Her voice is so soft.
"Oh yea, I'm having a great time." Why am I such a dick? I get stupid around her.
"Emerson? Ready to go?" Fucking Killian. Back off dude. I’m trying to talk to her. I would be talking to her, if I wasn’t an asshole.
"Ashe, I'm ready to head out if you don't mind." Now Brin…I just want to fucking scream for everyone to leave Em and I the fuck alone.
"Um, sure Killian. I'm ready to go. I hope you both have a nice evening. Are you going to the engagement party?" Emerson is looking at both Brin and I as she asks the question. Brin has to go home but I'll be going to the party. Maybe that's where we can talk.
"Unfortunately, we're not. We're going back to my place." Brin chimes in, what the hell? Me and my damned nonstop thoughts. Brin's answer sounds like we are going back to her place, as in – sex. As in – NO. Fuck.
"Oh! Well, enjoy yourselves." Emerson snaps quickly. "Yes, Killian. I'm ready." She looks to him with a smile. As she takes two steps away from the table. Away from me.
"Let's go," he says offering his arm to her. She snakes her arm through his and turns exposing her entire leg from her ankle to her tantalizing length of thigh to where the slit stops just below her waist. As they start to walk away, she drapes her long hair over her shoulder and I see the bare skin of her back. Killian moves his hand just above her ass, where her skin meets the fabric at her waist as they make their way to the door. I know what her skin feels like in some areas, but I don't know what it feels like there. I need to know. Every part of her I touched, felt like fucking silk.
It should be my hand. Oh Emerson, you look so beautiful. You look like a dream. I didn't even tell her. What did I do instead? I tell her she changed her hair and never even say I like it. I don't like it. I love it. All of these fucking interruptions. Brin couldn't have been any more inexact, if she tried. She could not have insinuated sex any more unless she would have said, I'm going to fuck Ashe, tonight. Fuck.
"Ashe, are you okay? You look a little pale." Brin seems genuinely concerned.
“Brin, I better get you home.” I have things to do tonight. I offer her my arm and escort her out.
Emerson, wherever you are tonight, I’m going to find you.
Victoria Monroe
~ASHE~
Brinley disappearing into the ladies’ room for so long isn't a bad thing. She's really a nice girl, pretty, but I'm not feeling any real attraction to her. I'm glad I had the chance to spend some time with her and get to know her. As far as romance, as far as wanting her, it's just not there. My wants right now, are more singular than they have ever been. There is only one woman I crave and I don’t know how much longer I can fight it, business partner or not.
The agenda for tonight's event has been so tight I haven’t had the opportunity to look for Emerson. I actually hope, she decided against attending, and didn’t come. Come. Fuck. I fantasize about making her come. I fucking dream about it. I know she wanted to ask me to go to the gala with her tonight. I wanted her to ask me. I would've said yes. I would have agreed knowing damn well, spending the evening with her would mean there would be no way in hell I could stop myself again. I’ve stopped myself with her twice. My restraint is running very low. Just the smell of her sweet skin is enough to make me lose my mind. She appears so innocent. But I've had a taste of her from behind closed doors. She's far from innocent. Emerson has wants which run as deep as mine. I know without a doubt, together, we can satisfy every single one of our wants. When she came to my place in her short, sexy dress, with her hair down and makeup on her face. I couldn’t keep my hands – or my mouth – off of her. Thank God she's mostly in pants at the office. She keeps her long hair in a ponytail and wears minimal makeup. Even then, she's sexy as hell. Experiencing her like she was the day she came to see me at my house...damn. I could burn in hell for the thoughts I have about her. I need to find her.
“The photographs taken upon arrival are up there for display.” Gage says and nods. I turn my head in the same direction. Immediately, I lose all of my senses and all I see is her.
Fuck. Me.
Emerson?
What the fuck?
Here I sit, in a room full of people with a hard dick, looking at the most stunning woman I've ever laid eyes on, and she's with another man.
“Do you have a pulse?” Gage claps his hands in my face. All I can do is shake my head. The tension in my body has me practically immobile.
Fuck.
She’s wearing orange, over what skin is actually covered. Her shoulders and back are bare except for one delicate strap which goes diagonally over one sexy shoulder and across her back to her tiny waist. Then there is just long, flowy material to the floor. Laken is hugging her. She’s talking and laughing with my sister. Emerson pushes her hair over her shoulder to hang down her back. She changed it. It looks darker in some parts and lighter in others. It’s full of big twists. Curls maybe. Whatever they are, I want to put my fingers through them. Now Rainne’s up there, blocking my view. Damn. Oh, good. Yeah baby, turn. Turn around so I can see your face, keep coming. . .
Holy. Fuck.
The slit in her dress goes the whole way up to her fucking waist. How high are those heels and why are there so many straps? They look like the kind of shoes chicks leave on in a porn, only sexier, more tantalizing, subtle. . .
Fuck.
He’s got his fucking hand at the small of her back, on bare skin…and it’s obvious, there’s no way she’s wearing any lingerie.
“Excuse me?” I hear Ryan say.
“Pardon me?” Gage asks.
“What?” I look back and forth between them. They start to look the same as I look at them like this, it’s fucking weird. For a minute, I’m distracted while the three of us look like the fucking stooges looking at each other with stupid expressions on our faces.
Ryan asks, “Didn’t you just say something?”
“No.”
“I swear I heard you say something about wearing something.”
“Hey, sorry I was gone so long. I ran into Vaughn and didn’t realize how much time has passed by, forgive me.” Brin sits in her chair next to mine and settles into me, linking her arm through mine and looking up at me. Her interruption is very welcomed and curbs the Scott brother’s Q & A. I must have actually uttered my thoughts about Emerson aloud. Emerson. I look back to where she’s standing. Brin leans into my neck, talking into my ear, telling me she’s ready to leave. At the same time, a smiling, giggling Emerson turns her radiant face towards me. Our eyes lock. Her eyes dart to the left of me, to Brin and what appears to be her nuzzling, then back to mine. The smile and the light in her eyes melt away. Instantly.
Fuck.
Laken and Rainne motion for Emerson and her date to follow them to our table. As they approach, Emerson is smiling again, but it’s fake. I can see it and I can feel it.
Emerson breaks the ice, putting her hand on Ryan’s shoulder. “Hey Ryan. Hello Gage, it’s so good to see you back here. I heard you’re staying. I’m really glad.” Her smile is genuine. Killian looks to Laken and winks, while Emerson’s talking. Why in the hell is he winking at Laken? Fucker.
“Thank you, Emerson. I’m very happy to be back permanently and start my life.” Gage’s eyes drift to Laken and she comes around the table and sits right down next to him smiling. I know Gage is my sister’s future, and it honestly could not make me any happier. I think I always knew they would end up together. I see Killian look to Laken again, and smile. I think the son of a bitch is happy for her too. Sure he’s happy, he’s with Emerson. Emerson – the woman who is wearing a sexy fucking dress, sky high heels, and nothing else.
“Ashe. Brinley. You both look very nice this evening. It’s a lovely event for such a great cause, isn’t it?” Emerson is pleasant in her conversation, although there is an iciness in her eyes.
Brin smiles and stands, giving Emerson an embrace. “It really is, Emerson. I have to tell you; you look absolutely amazing. Your dress and shoes are incredible. Your hair. Your make-up. I’m telling you the same thing I told Rainne and Laken this evening, you’re gorgeous!”
“Thank you, Brin. That was kind of you to say. You look beautiful, too.” Emerson blushes a lovely color.
“It’s a privilege to be her escort this evening. Hi, I’m Killian Peterson. And you are?”
Eat shit and die, fucker.
“Please excuse us, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Gage, says. “We’re going to go and start making our way out, and head to the house for the engagement celebration. It was good seeing all of you, if we don’t see you later, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“We are doing the same,” Ryan says.
We all exchange goodbyes and small talk. Ryan, Rainne, Gage and Laken depart and start moving though the guests making their way out.
“There was a little detour there…Hi, Killian, I’m Brinley Foster. You can call me Brin.” She offers her hand, and a bright smile, to Killian.
“Alright, Brin, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Killian has a smile on his face that goes a little beyond, hey, nice to meet you. The two of them continue with the – getting-to-know-you-conversation – they started. It leaves me a moment to talk to Emmie. I sweep my gaze over her exposed leg and up her body until I meet her eyes.
"You changed your hair." It's so fucking sexy. I'm speechless.
"Yes, I did. I got a few caramel highlights and some soft black low lights. Something to break up the endless dark brown." She looks nervous.
"Oh." Sweetheart, there's nothing wrong with your endless brown. But these extra colors make you look even sexier.
"You look handsome, Ashe. Are you enjoying yourself?" She asks. Her voice is so soft.
"Oh yea, I'm having a great time." Why am I such a dick? I get stupid around her.
"Emerson? Ready to go?" Fucking Killian. Back off dude. I’m trying to talk to her. I would be talking to her, if I wasn’t an asshole.
"Ashe, I'm ready to head out if you don't mind." Now Brin…I just want to fucking scream for everyone to leave Em and I the fuck alone.
"Um, sure Killian. I'm ready to go. I hope you both have a nice evening. Are you going to the engagement party?" Emerson is looking at both Brin and I as she asks the question. Brin has to go home but I'll be going to the party. Maybe that's where we can talk.
"Unfortunately, we're not. We're going back to my place." Brin chimes in, what the hell? Me and my damned nonstop thoughts. Brin's answer sounds like we are going back to her place, as in – sex. As in – NO. Fuck.
"Oh! Well, enjoy yourselves." Emerson snaps quickly. "Yes, Killian. I'm ready." She looks to him with a smile. As she takes two steps away from the table. Away from me.
"Let's go," he says offering his arm to her. She snakes her arm through his and turns exposing her entire leg from her ankle to her tantalizing length of thigh to where the slit stops just below her waist. As they start to walk away, she drapes her long hair over her shoulder and I see the bare skin of her back. Killian moves his hand just above her ass, where her skin meets the fabric at her waist as they make their way to the door. I know what her skin feels like in some areas, but I don't know what it feels like there. I need to know. Every part of her I touched, felt like fucking silk.
It should be my hand. Oh Emerson, you look so beautiful. You look like a dream. I didn't even tell her. What did I do instead? I tell her she changed her hair and never even say I like it. I don't like it. I love it. All of these fucking interruptions. Brin couldn't have been any more inexact, if she tried. She could not have insinuated sex any more unless she would have said, I'm going to fuck Ashe, tonight. Fuck.
"Ashe, are you okay? You look a little pale." Brin seems genuinely concerned.
“Brin, I better get you home.” I have things to do tonight. I offer her my arm and escort her out.
Emerson, wherever you are tonight, I’m going to find you.
No comments have been added yet.
