New Beginnings.

by E. L. Todd.

The Forever and Always Series.

1.

Mike.

All the shattered pieces of my life fused back together, returning my life to what it had been before. All the bitterness and anger disappeared the moment I felt her stomach. I didnt want to push her away anymore. I didnt want to think about those months where I haunted the streets as a ghost. Because they were gone.

What the hell is this? Cassandra picked up the small machine on the second nightstand. She turned it on and heard the quiet and constant noise.

A white noise machine.

She looked at me like I was crazy. Which is?

Its a machine that makes a constant noise. It helps me sleep. You always make these beautiful sighs during the night, and I couldnt stand the silence.

She pulled the plug out of the wall. Well, those days are over. She dumped it in the trash.

I smiled. Yes, they are. She opened her bag and shoved some of her clothes into the closet. Now it wasnt half empty anymore. The sight made me want to cry in happiness. I hated being without her for as long as I did. It was hell.

What? She turned around and spotted the look.

Nothing.

She sauntered back to me and wrapped her arms around me. Do you mind if I share the closet with you"just for a little while?

I gripped her tightly, like she was a balloon that might fly away. You can have the whole damn thing.

No. I want to share. She gave me a playful look, the same one she used to give me on a daily basis.

Im glad thats changed, I teased. Itll be nice to have room for my stuff"not just yours.

Well, wait until we get all my stuff from the apartment. Were going to need a bigger house than Sean and Scarlet just for my shoes. She returned to her bag then pulled out the shirt she took from me. Just by glancing at it, I could tell how used it was. It aged several years.

She caught my look. I wore it every day.

Looks like you need a new one.

No. I have you.

She made me melt all over again.

A knock on the door shattered my moment. It was probably Sean and Scarlet, trying to talk some sense into me. Little did they know that was unnecessary. Cassandra slept in my arms last night, and my hand automatically rested on her stomach. I was obsessed with that thing. Ill be right back.

Dont take too long. She gave me another playful look.

I was about to abandon the door and take her again at the foot of the bed. But I restrained myself and headed to the door. I opened it without checking the peephole, wanting to get rid of this person as quickly as possible.

Laura stood in a trench coat, her make up heavy and her hair done. Its been awhile.

Alarm flooded through me. What are you doing here?

Do I really need to explain? She opened the waistcoat, showing me the slutty lingerie she wore.

I automatically closed my eyes and held up my hand, feeling like I was cheating on Cassandra just by looking. Stop.

What? She stilled held it open.

I shoved her jacket closed so her tits wouldnt hang out.

Mike, whats wrong?

Shh, I hissed. Keep your voice down. I crowded her and stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind me. Go!

Excuse me? What the hell is your problem? You havent called me in almost a week.

I never said we were in a relationship, I snapped. And I dont want to sleep with you anymore.

Why? She sounded offended, hurt.

Cassandra and I are back together. And the last thing I need is for her to see you.

Laura didnt look happy. And you just werent going to tell me?

We just got back together, like, twelve hours ago. But I dont owe you a damn thing, Laura. I made it clear you meant nothing to me"repeatedly.

You really are an asshole, she snapped. A heads up would have been nice.

Im sorry, okay? I just didnt think you were going to show up on my doorstep half naked. Her jacket was still open and it was annoying me. Now just go. Well talk about this later.

I heard the door open behind me. Did you order a pizza? She stilled when she saw Laura, standing in front of me, her open jacket revealing her bra and thong.

My heart was beating a million miles a minute. I glared at Laura then nodded to her jacket. She closed it quickly, hiding everything from view.

Cassandra stared at her but didnt say anything.

Baby, Ill be there in a second, I whispered.

This is the girl you were seeing? The edge was in her voice.

Yes, I admitted with shame.

Cassandra came closer to her, staring her down. Mike is mine. Whatever the two of you had before is done. Now get out of here and offer your services to someone else, because my man isnt interested in anything you have to sell.

Lauras eyes widened then she glared back at Cassandra. But she still kept her mouth shut.

Now go, Cassandra commanded. I better not see you anywhere near him again. That pretty hair of yours might not look so nice in between my nails.

Damn. Cassandra meant business.

Laura walked off without saying a word. Her heels echoed down the hallway as she headed to the elevator.

We walked back inside, and I waited for Cassandra to scream at me, to rip into me. Baby, Im sor"

She wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a hot kiss. I just wanted to make sure she knew you were taken. She moved back to the bedroom to unpack her things. The fight I expected didnt happen. I knew for a fact that any other girl would have flipped the fuck out and ripped her face off. But, classy as always, Cassandra took the higher ground.

I walked back into the bedroom and watched her place her undergarments in my top drawer. You arent mad?

She didnt look at me. I cant hold anything against you, Mike.

I feel like shit, just to let you know.

I know you do, she said simply. Lets just forget about it.

I sighed. Theres something you should know about that girl.

I really dont care, Mike. She still didnt glance at me.

Shes Janices sister She stilled. Does she know?

No. Id prefer if she didnt.

She shook her head gently. I just hope I dont run into her again.

Wellshes Janices maid of honor. And I have a feeling Janice is going to ask you to be in the wedding when she finds out were back together. So, youll probably be seeing a lot of her.

Great, she said sarcastically. Couldnt you just pick up a whore off the street?

Ashamed, I kept my silence.

Im sorry, she said quickly. I take that back.

No. I was an asshole. I deserve it.

No, you dont, Mike, she said gently. You did nothing wrong.

I feel like dirt anyway.

She closed the drawer then came back to me, kissing my chin. Ill apologize to her.

You dont need to do that. Shes a smart girl. Shell understand.

Her face pressed against my chin and she wrapped her arms around my waist. I could hold her all day. The scent I missed moved into my nostrils. My hand moved through her hair, feeling the silk.

But theres something else you should know What now? she said with a sigh.

She works with us too.

God, kill me now. What floor?

Mine Damn it, Mike!

I gripped her waist. You got nothing to worry about, baby.

I know I dont, she said defensively. But I dont want to see the girl you were fucking every single day. So now I have to see her at work and when I clock out. Ugh.

You arent going to be working anyway so you arent going to have to deal with her.

What are you talking about?

I assumed you would stay home since youre pregnant, and then you would be a stay-at-home mom.

Thats a joke, right?

No She shook her head. I like working, Mike.

I was dating a different version of Scarlet. And thats fine. But, when youre big youre going to go on maternity leave like all women do. And I just assumed youd want to stay home and raise our own kids. No offense, Cassandra, but your income is negligent.

Thanks for being so sensitive about it. She rolled her eyes.

I dont want to fight, baby. Im just telling you my expectations. If youre set on working, you can work from home. That wouldnt be a problem.

Id rather come to the office I gripped her face and forced her gaze on me. Please trust me, Cassandra. Im not going to betray you. Youre the only woman in my heart. What I had with Laura was absolutely meaningless, and frankly, pretty damn depressing.

I trust you That means a lot to me.

What are the odds Janices sister works for your company? How long has she been there?

Well, I gave her a job.

Why? If she didnt mean anything to you, why would you do that?