The smile on AB’s face, once I got back behind the bar, told me he would find a way to get me back on that stage. As luck would have it, Kat and I sang at least twice a night—usually on Fridays and Sundays. We either sang together or she took her turn on the stage first and then later that night I would take the stage. She also got me to sing for her as a dedication to AB. So I found myself on stage, dressed in a gown that accentuated my curves and draped down to the floor. I had my hair up, and I sang one of her favorite songs, ‘Make You Feel My Love,’ which was remade by Adele.
When I started singing the second verse, I saw a familiar face in the crowd. I tried not to make him my primary focus, but as much as my body craves him, I couldn’t resist. He was in another one of his suits, and he, unfortunately, wasn’t alone. Diane was right next to him, looking beautiful as ever. She wore a stunning silver dress that contoured her exquisitely. I forced myself to move my eyes onto others in the room. As I finished my song, I acknowledged the gracious applause from everyone and moved onto another song.
As I caressed the ears of the patrons of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but think about the last night I spent at the beach. I wish I could tell you that I felt guilty about what happened. But sadly, I didn’t, and it was playing with me. I would be horribly distraught if the man that I loved, the one who was marrying me, cheated on me in the same hotel that we were staying in and with a person we were hanging out with for three days.
But the moment he put his lips on mine, I became possessive. I felt like this man belonged to me. He’s told me as much, and he had proven it over and over again. God, his touch ignited something deep inside me that’s been asleep for so long. I missed his kiss and his touch, and all I wanted at that moment was him.
But I remembered about how he touched Diane, and I felt like there was no way he wanted to be with me. No matter what he said or his actions, he couldn’t possibly feel the same way as I do. So I pulled from him and escaped to my room, only for him to follow me a few minutes later. When I opened my door and saw him standing there, I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I let him take me and, holy hell, it felt good. He felt just like he always did: fucking amazing. And now I’m paying for it.
He’s told me that he would protect me. Hell, a week ago he confirmed that he had my back, and I wish he also had me on my back.
I know you’re wondering about Cory. When he finally made it back to the room, after the party, I was sitting on the bed hugging myself. When he walked in he simply sat next to me.
He said after a spell, “I really wished it was possible that one day you would look at me the way you were looking at him this whole trip. But the more that I think about it and just by looking at you right now, I can clearly see that it won’t happen.”
I shook my head as the tears fell from my eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
He shook his head.
“Don’t be. You tried to warn me. It’s not like you have been with me under false pretenses. I’m not going to lie to you, though. I was really hoping this could turn into something. But when I heard you singing to him and saw that tattoo, I knew—no matter how hard we try and make this work, it just won’t.”
“Cory…” I started, but he cut me off.
“No, Max. It’s fine, seriously. Like I said, I would be pissed if you never told me that this would be difficult. But you’ve been honest with me. Now, I need you to be honest with yourself. You’re still in love with him. I can see it in your eyes and the way you are when he’s in the room. Your heart wants what it wants, and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. I should know…I felt the same way with Tiana.”
I sighed.
“I’m so sorry, Cory. I mean, I do love you. Do you know that?”
He nodded.
“Girl, of course, I do. And I love you too. I don’t think that’s going to ever change. I just think the love we have for each other isn’t going to ever be enough. No one’s love is going to be enough for you, except his. Look, I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I know he feels the same way for you as you do him. I can see it all over him.” He then started to chuckle. “As many times as he looked as if he wanted to rip me apart when I touched you is crazy.”
My eyes got big. “Really?”
He nodded. “Hell, yes. I mean, I was starting to fear for my life; like we were going to go golfing, and he would off me somewhere and come back saying he didn’t know where I went. That guy is dangerous if you cross him, and even more dangerous if someone crosses you.”