Felicia.I lift my heavy eyes to his eyes; then I press myself more firmly against his hard body."I don't want to stop, Collins.""Good," he buries his face in the space between my neck and shoulder, then continues to nibble down my shoulder. In a gruff voice, he states, "I'm going to fuck you, Felicia." I shiver at the promise in his words.He suddenly reaches down and picks me up as if I weigh nothing at all, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He carries me into his bedroom. Then, when he loosens his hold, I slide down his front. He seems to revel in my softness as my curves mold to his hard contours.When he finally lets me go, I sway on my feet for just a moment.My hands tremble as I unbutton his shirt, and then I slide my hands softly over his chiseled chest and shoulders. I push his shirt off of him so I can trail my fingertips over his black tribal tattoo that runs over his shoulder and down his arm. I make my way back down his hard chest and flat stomach. I see he has anot
Collins.My mom opens the door and gives both Felicia and me a hug. She ushers us into the living room, where some of the family members are already seated. They stand to give Felicia a hug or a handshake."Everyone, this is Felicia, Collins's wife," I can tell Felicia's head is spinning as she meets numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. It looks like our entire extended family is here.When Carson enters the living room, I rescue Felicia away from my Great Uncle Harvey, who will continue to talk as long as anyone will listen. Felicia's too nice to make up an excuse and walk away as everyone else does."Felicia, this is my oldest brother, Carson Donovan.""Nice to meet you.""Welcome to the family, Felicia. I've heard a lot about you. The way Collins talks about you, I knew you were more than just a friend."I watch as a pretty blush covers Felicia's cheeks."Okay, everyone, dinner is ready. We follow my mother into the dining room. The table is huge, as my mother insisted that it acco
Collins.Collins has been working nights for the past few days. He goes in around midnight and doesn't get home until eight o'clock the next morning.It's only me in the bed, alone. It's amazing how quickly I've become used to having Collins in bed with me. Not just the great sex. I also miss his warm body and snuggling up against him during the night. Waking up in his strong arms.I sigh as I think about the last time we had sex. I woke him up by tracing his tattoos with my lips. I shiver as I remember the intense look in his blue eyes. The man just has to look at me to turn me on, so I'm glad I can make him feel that same level of desire.I blink as I come out of my sensual daydream. It's around eight-thirty now. I was going to work from home this morning, hoping to spend more time with Collins, but he's running late.My cell phone starts to ring."Felicia? Hi, it's Ellen. Listen, I wanted to know if you could stop by the office today. We've found a problem with the new software.""
Collins.It's the weekend, and I don't have to work tonight. My brother Carson finally agreed to meet me and our uncle at the Wild Riders club tonight. I forgot to let Felicia know as I've been working nights, so I shoot her a last-minute text as I leave the offices of Donovan Security.I glance down at Felicia's answering text. "I'll try to look like I belong in a biker club. Where can I buy biker babe outfits?" With a couple of cute emojis.I smile in anticipation. I wonder how she thinks a biker babe would dress?After I get home and take a hot shower, I get dressed in jeans and a blue T-shirt and throw on my Harley leather jacket. I pull on some black biker boots and then check the time.Felicia said she would get ready in her apartment. She's supposed to meet me here in the next fifteen minutes. I saw her car outside when I pulled up, so she should be here soon. That should get us to the club right on time.I hear the door open and I turn to greet Felicia."Holy shit, you look ho
Felicia.I look around at the circle of motorcycles and people. We're all here to take our Basic Rider Course (BRC). We have to take and pass the BRC before we can legally ride a motorcycle. Once we pass the course, we can then have the motorcycle endorsement added to our driver's license.We're in a huge parking lot with orange cones placed strategically. I look at the others who have signed up for this class. You can pick out the newbies like me, and then there are some younger people who look like they are already familiar with motorcycles.How in the world did I allow Collins to talk me into this? I would much rather be on the back of his bike, holding on tightly to him.Then I remembered he didn't play fair. He caught me at a vulnerable moment. I told him I didn't want a motorcycle and preferred riding behind him. He said taking this course would teach me how to ride safely behind him. It sounded logical at the time. He also had a point that if something happened, he'd feel bette
Collins.I'm glad I'm back working normal business hours. Felicia is meeting me today for lunch. I promised to show her around and tell her more about my work here.Clara, our front receptionist, an older woman who worked with my dad and watched me and my brothers grow up, buzzes my office phone."Collins, your wife is here to meet you for lunch.""Thanks, Clara. I'll be right down."As I walk into the reception area, I find Felicia chatting easily with Clara."Hey, Felicia. I see you've already met Clara," I give her a quick kiss."Oh, yes. She's been telling me all kinds of childhood stories about you and your brothers.""And you believed her? Everybody knows Clara likes to embellish.""Collins Donovan, you take that back. You and I both know you're the one who put colored dye in the fountain out front when you were ten. It took weeks for the green color to fade.""Oh, well, some of her stories may be accurate."Felicia laughs while Clara just shakes her head as I show Felicia aroun
Felicia.As I leave for work the next day, I get to my car and realize I forgot the notes I wanted to look over at home. I want to work from home tomorrow, so I need to get my notepad.I take the elevator back to my office, and most of the team has already gone home. When I finally locate my notes and stuff what I need into my bag, I stand up. I turn to walk into the main room of our department. I'm surprised to see my cousin Cristina talking to Dave. There's something about the way she's leaning in and looking into his eyes that is almost like she's interested in him.Cristina casually places her hand on Dave's arm while she talks. I see him look down at her hand with an almost stupid look on his face. Cristina then smiles at him, slowly turns, and leaves the department.Could Dave be unwittingly giving Cristina information about our progress? I lean back against the wall as the truth hits me. Of course, he is!Dammit! How could Dave let Cristina manipulate him like that? First, Tony
Collins.It's the middle of the week, and my mom has invited Felicia and me over for dinner.My mom gives us a hug before we follow her into the kitchen."Can I help with anything, Bonnie?""No, Felicia, but thank you. I hope you like lasagna.""I know it's Collins's favorite, and I like it, too.""Great. Let's all have a seat. Collins, do you mind bringing in the serving dish? It's hot.""Not at all."When I set down the huge tray of lasagna, I ask, "Where's the garlic bread?""Right, here, Son.""Is it just Felicia and I tonight, no Carson?""I invited Carson, but you know him. He said he was busy. I worry about him. He works so hard. I wish he'd take more time for himself."My mom dishes me up a huge plate of her lasagna. Then, she gives Felicia and herself a smaller portion. I grab three pieces of garlic bread, and I'm set."I made salad, but I knew Collins wouldn't eat any. He never was much of a salad man. None of my boys are. I think they get that from my late husband, Carlton.
Felicia.We both stand and see two police officers exit the doors as we approach. We follow the nurse to a room.We see Collins sitting up in the bed; his arm has a big patch of gauze, and his shirt is bloodied, but he's alive.He looks up and smiles at both Carson and me."So, you got shot, little brother. I'm glad you're okay. You scared the hell out of us.""You just missed the police. They already have the men in custody.""Good. How are you feeling?""I'm fine. And so is Dale. He did well for a recruit.""Good. Felicia said you were wearing one of the new vests.""I was. But, I went by the office and grabbed one of the older ones before I went downtown."Carson gives me a searching look then looks over at Felicia, "Well, I'll leave you two alone. I'll go check on Dale."Collins looks over at me and then opens his arms. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him being careful to avoid his injured arm, but I forget about his back."Ouch.""Oh, Collins, I'm sorry.""Don't worry
Felicia.My cell phone rings, "Hello?""Felicia, it's Carson. There was some trouble downtown. Collins and a guard have been taken to the hospital. I don't know the extent of their injuries.""Oh, my God," my head swims with the news. I weakly sit down."Are you home?""Yes.""Look, I'm headed to the hospital; why don't I stop by and pick you up?""Okay, thanks, Carson."I look down at my hot pink lingerie, I had planned on opening the door to Collins wearing it. I go into the bedroom and throw on the first clothes I touch—a pair of jeans and a black shirt. I slip on some shoes and hear a car pull up in the drive. I pick up my purse and rush out the door.As I approach Carson's car, my eyes land on my Can-Am Spyder. I see the word 'Bella' airbrushed on the side of my motorcycle. I give a small smile, then turn and hurry to the car where Carson is waiting.Once I'm in the car and Carson is driving to the hospital, before I can ask, he looks over at me grimly, "I wish I could tell you m
Collins."Good," I say with relief."You're not? Then who is?"Ellen and Dave both ask at one time.Felicia gives a proud smile, "I recommended to the board that it be a shared responsibility. Two Co-CEOs. While most companies only have one CEO, some are having great success with Co-CEO positions. I think a good balance of work and family is important.""That's a great idea. So, who will be Co-CEO with you?" Asks Ellen."Who do you think they'll pick?" Dave asks Felicia."I don't know who the board will select. Even though I have a controlling interest, I feel the board should make most of these types of decisions. However—"Felicia stops and looks at Ellen, "I made a recommendation. I recommended Ellen Stone and Beth Smith from gaming for joint leadership."Ellen looks stunned, and then her eyes begin to light up at the thought, "Thanks, Felicia. I love the idea of joint leadership. Beth knows the gaming side very well. We've worked on other projects together. She and I get along gre
Felicia.I give Collins a nod. Then I turn toward Ellen and Dave, "All of us will be attending the meeting," I inform them firmly."We will?" Ellen and Dave both look at me wide-eyed.I then hand them each a small stack of papers, "Yes, Ellen, you helped prepare these for me. If you and Dave could pass them out to the board members while I review the numbers, it would be helpful. Then, we will all be available to answer any questions that might be asked. Okay?"They both nod. I turn back to Collins and take his hand. Then, with a spring in my step, we walk out of the copier room and cross over to the boardroom.When I open the conference room door, I give everyone a wide, friendly smile. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Board catch my eye, and they nod solemnly to me as I enter. I nod back."Good morning," I walk toward the head of the conference room and gesture for Collins to take my normal seat. I remain standing between Collins and my uncle, who's at the head of the table. I notice
Collins.When I arrive home later that night, the house is dark. Felicia would always leave a light on in the house, so I know she's not in the apartment before I even open the door. I grimace as I flip on the light switch. I look around and everything looks exactly like it did when I left. Except Felicia isn't here. The empty apartment seems to mock me.I can't believe how the night ended. How arrogant I was to believe that she wanted something more than friendship. I pull out my cell phone and look down at the red beating heart that made me think she might feel the same way about me as I feel about her.I go to delete the heart, but at the last minute, I don't. I can't. It's the last text I may ever get from Felicia. I'm not only losing my wife, I'm losing my best friend. She gets me. She always has.I could tell earlier tonight that she felt bad. She probably didn't know how to tell me how she's been feeling. She wants to move on with finding someone she can love. And it's not me.
Felicia.When Serena and I walk out of Donovan Security a little after one o'clock, we both feel satisfied with the contract.Serena looks over at me, "I think everything went very well. That was one of the smoothest negotiations I've dealt with. Both you and Carson were flexible and fair. I think both sides basically got what they wanted, leaving Hayford Software in a very good position.""I'm glad the negotiation part is behind us. I can't wait to tell the team we have a signed contract from a major buyer, and we're ready to launch."We say our goodbyes, and then I drive to Hayford's.When I enter my department, every single member of the team watches me walk in. I can tell they've all been waiting. I give a huge smile and then hold the signed papers up over my head like a trophy."We have a signed contract, and we're ready for launch!"There are hoops and hollers as everyone gives a cheer. Then comes a lot of backslapping and high-fives.Ellen comes over. "So, are you nervous abou
Collins.It's Thursday morning, and I'm early. I want to be at the ten o'clock meeting to show Felicia my support. She's worked so hard on putting this deal together.The night before last, I started training one of the supervisors to be Hawkin's backup. Smitty, the guy I've been training, appears to be catching on quickly.I really don't want to work another night shift ever again. I'd rather be home at night, in bed with my wife.Damn, I can't believe how much I've missed being with Felicia. It's only been since Monday night, but I've gotten used to spending our evenings together.It doesn't matter if we're sharing stories about work, watching a movie and eating popcorn, sitting out on our deck, or riding our bikes. What's important is doing all of these things together, doing them with Felicia.I pull out my phone and look down at the last text she sent me. I saved it like some love-sick teenager simply because Felicia sent me a red beating heart. Damn, I've got it bad.I haven't h
Felicia.It's Wednesday, and I've been on pins and needles, waiting for everything to come together.Our department has been working around the clock to get the changes to the software ready. It's come a long way from the rough draft that Carson was originally shown.The team took my ideas and ran with them. They came up with some very innovative improvements on their own. Excitement is high.I've barely seen Collins as we're working opposite shifts.I'm getting ready to grab some lunch because I'm hungry. I skipped breakfast again this morning. My stomach has been acting up. Maybe Ellen was right, and I'm coming down with something."Felicia, it's Jaxson Gibson. Would you be able to stop by my office today?""Hi, Jaxson. Yes, I was getting ready to leave for lunch in a few minutes. I could be there in about fifteen minutes if that works?""Great. I'll see you then."When I walk into Jaxson's office, I'm shown into a small conference room in the back.Jaxson comes in. "Felicia, thanks
Felicia.It's Monday, and I spent most of Sunday looking up information about ReConstruct.Collins suggested I hire Jaxson and his team to look into the company's finances and bank records. I called Jaxson from the parking lot before I entered the building, so I'm running a little late.When I enter our department I find Ellen waiting for me in my office."Uh oh, are you here with good news or bad news?""You decide. Here are the projected sales from the third-party company. They re-ran the numbers based on the new marketing and pricing plan."I carefully put down my briefcase, sit down, and only then do I pick up the file in front of me.I quickly skim through their findings. Then I look up with a beaming smile."Let's get these over to Donovan Security.""Already done."After Ellen leaves, I lean back in my chair and just sit there with a smile on my face for a few minutes until I get a text from Collins.'I bet you're smiling!' With a smiley face emoji. My response is just a row of