One Night Only

Chapter 2

Six weeks later...

Today was finally the day that Michael and Owen were returning home. Owen stuck to his word and returned home every Sunday, but this last time he took Bryant with him. I was glad he was spending time with his son and it gave me some time to plan for the wedding but it was odd with him not around considering I've been watching him for the last twelve weeks. Damn. I can't believe I've already been here for almost four months. Time has passed quickly, especially with Owen being away. And soon, we'll be getting married. Sometimes I worry that we're doing this too fast but I tell myself that I can still leave at any time. They're a part of my life and the last thing I'd want to do is leave them.

Since I've been alone this week, I decided to stay at the Bellevue house so the girls could keep me company. I'm sitting at the bar wearing a simple dress when my phone buzzes with a text from Owen saying he's here. I make my way towards the garage where I see the three boys. Bryant begins running for me so I bend down to catch him. "Mommy!"

I stand up, hugging him tightly, my eyes wide. Owen looks equally surprised then frowns, staring down at his son. "Hey, Bryant. I missed you," I say, feeling emotional.

I kiss his cheek and he smiles at me. "I had so much fun with Daddy and Uncle Michael."

"That's good," I smile.

I lean towards Owen for a kiss and he pecks the corner of my mouth. "Michael and I are expecting someone so take him to the daycare."

"I can watch him," I say.

"No, I want to speak with you after the meeting," he says.

"Okay," I glance at Michael. "Welcome home."

"Thanks."

I take Bryant to the daycare and he runs to join the other children. As I pass by Miles' door, I wonder how he's been. We don't speak as much as we used to. In fact, I speak to Dominic more than anybody now. When I turn to head towards our room, I see Dominic heading in my direction while speaking on the phone. He ends the call before reaching me and smiles. "Hey, Bubby."

I can't help but smile. I made the mistake of telling him about one of my childhood nicknames and it's the only thing he calls me now. "Hey. One of these days I'm going to come up with a nickname for you."

"Come on, Bub. You know you love it when I call you that."

I shake my head. "I definitely do not."

He slings his arm over my shoulders and we walk towards the room. "So how is the wedding planning going? Is everything already set for next month?"

I nod. "Pretty much. There are still a few minor details I need to finalize by the end of this week."

"That's good," he responds. "How are you?"

I glance up at him. "I'm okay. I'm glad he's back. I just hope he hasn't changed. I mean, yeah, he came back every Sunday. But when he wasn't with Bryant we weren't exactly talking. You don't think he'll change his mind about me, do you?"

He shakes his head. "I don't know, Madison. He's very hard to read and very closed off with everyone. It's hard to tell with him."

"You'd tell me though, right? If he was having second thoughts," I elaborate.

"Of course," he agrees. "I'm hoping that doesn't happen for your sake but if your relationship ever ended with him, I'd help you in any way possible."

The thought makes me sad yet happy at the same time. I'm glad he'd help me but I hate to think that Owen and I won't last. "Thanks, Dominic. I really appreciate it," I say, hugging him.

He rubs my back before pulling away. "No problem. Your fiance is headed this way so I'm going to leave now."

"Okay," I chuckle, turning as he leaves.

Coming toward me is Owen, giving me the chance to finally look him over. He is wearing dark jeans that fit him perfectly and a snug black t-shirt. He was muscular when we first met but nothing compared to now. He must've been working out a lot over the last three months while he was away. "Hey, baby," he says, slipping his arms around my waist.

"You look good," I mumble in appreciation.

He smiles. "I would say the same to you but you're wearing far too much clothing to tell."

I bite my lip. "So what are you going to do about it?"

He leans in toward my ear, tugging at my earlobe with his teeth. "Undress you then fuck you right here on the floor."

I glance around. "You'd never let all of these men see my body."

He chuckles. "You're right about that. Let's go to my office."

I pull away from him and he stares at me, confused. "We need to talk first."

"We can talk after."

"We both know that you'll leave as soon as you're dressed."

He sighs. "Fine. We'll talk first. Let's go."

"We need to be around other people otherwise we'll just end up having sex."

He rolls his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I don't want anyone listening to our conversation. I'll sit behind my desk and keep my hands to myself."

"Fine."

I follow him to his office where he locks the door before sitting in his chair behind his desk. He looks at me expectantly as I take my seat. "There are some things I want to go over for the wedding."

He groans, rolling his eyes. "Babe, I love you but I honestly don't give a shit about the details. All I want is a steak and some alcohol at the reception."

Part of me wants to laugh but the other part of me is saddened at the fact that he doesn't want to be a part of the wedding planning. It's not like I'm asking much, just his opinion on a few things. Not wanting to express any emotions, I sit impassively. "They're minor details. I just want your opinion."

He shakes his head. "I don't care. Choose whatever you'd like."

"Could you at least pretend to give a shit about the wedding?" I snap, standing up. "If I remember correctly, this was all your idea yet I'm the one stuck with dealing with all the bullshit details."

"I thought you'd enjoy doing it," he states.

"Yes, I fucking love it," I say sarcastically. "I'd love to meet your family and friends expectations. This wedding isn't about me - it's all about you."

"How so?"

I roll my eyes. "I don't have any family or friends. The only people that will be there are connected to you. No one will be looking at me."

"Why are you so damn angry?" he demands. "Sit the fuck down. This is our wedding. Everyone is coming to see us."

"I'm angry because you don't talk to me. All you want to do when you're with me is have sex. The sex is great but there has to be more to our relationship than this."

"I've been away for twelve weeks. What do you expect?"

I groan in frustration. "I expect you to take me on dates every once in a while, to talk to me, and to spend time with Bryant and I."

He stands up, walking around the desk. "Fine. Let's go out tonight. Just you and me. We'll spend tomorrow with Bryant."

Although this didn't change much, I agree to go. It'll give us some time to spend alone and talk. I need his reassurance about this wedding or I'll fall apart. The stress of planning it and him being gone has taken its toll on me.

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