A Playboy's Love Affair (18 page)

Chapter Twenty-One

Why did shit have to happen when things were turning around? Celine had shown up unexpectedly at his office with an invitation to join her in her upcoming weekend getaway. Alex politely declined her offer and was pushing her away from him when Carly walked in. He ran out calling Carly’s name not caring about the looks others gave as he passed.

She stepped into the elevator. He’d missed her by a few steps. He had frantically pressed the down arrow for the elevator. It wasn’t long before another opened its doors and he rushed in, swearing under his breath, hoping its occupants were heading straight down to the lobby and didn’t need to stop at every floor. Alex had to catch up to her, but she was gone by the time the elevator finally made it to the lobby. He dashed to the street through the glass revolving door.

Carly was gone.

Alex decided to give her some space, let her cool down. Knowing that if he went looking for her right at that moment, she wouldn’t hear him out.

Well, that hadn’t been the best course of action because when he did go looking for Carly the next day, the concierge didn’t even allow him up to her condo. The concierge informed him he wasn’t to let Alex in. He added that, even if he were allowed in there was no use because she was out of town. They had instructions to hold her mail until she returned. And no, there wasn’t a return date on file. Alex bit the inside of his cheek as he processed the news. Was she avoiding him, or had she really left?

The sun didn’t rise and didn’t set for Alex since he learned Carly left. During the past three weeks he’d called her a million times, left her twice as many messages, but she wouldn’t return his voice mails. The ring tone didn’t even sound off when Alex called her. Instead, his calls were sent straight to voice mail. Alex tried texting her too but still no response. Calling her assistant didn’t work either. Liv’s responses were always the same: Carly was gone, no one knew where she was or when she’d be back. Even if they knew, they wouldn’t care to give him a hint of her whereabouts. Alex had stopped by her office too only to be told yet again by Liv that Carly wasn’t there.

He was losing his mind, how could he have been so dead wrong? He felt like such an idiot.

Alex had also stopped by her condo a million times and felt like a bigger loser when the concierge just shook his head in disapproval every time. Definitely, the joke was on him. Alex had really lost her this time. Letting her cool down had been a mistake, one he regretted a thousand times over. What had he been thinking?

It was Thursday night. He had no idea how he’d make it through another week without knowing anything about her. Alex instructed his housekeeper not to bother him. He locked himself in his study and hurled against the wall everything he found within his reach as he paced around the room. “Fuck!” His voice was full of rage. “You got an F plus on this one for big time fucked up, Alex.” He flung another item against the wall, smashing it into pieces.

He craved to hear the sweet sound of her voice, her infectious laugh. For crying out loud, he even missed their arguments. Alex longed to hold her in his arms, drown himself in her sweet scent, and never again let her go. He missed her. If only Carly would hear him out, Alex would tell her how he felt about her, even if she didn’t feel the same way about him anymore. This was all his fault, he’d lost it all. It was too late for regrets on what he didn’t do, what he could’ve, or should’ve done. What a jackass he’d been.

Alex was concerned because he still didn’t know if she was pregnant or not. He wasn’t ready to be anyone’s dad, but if Carly was having his baby he wanted to be there for her—for their baby. Alex would give anything to know where she was, if at least to let her know she wasn’t alone, that he’d always be there for her was all he’d ask. Alex ran his hands through his hair, cussing under his breath.

Alex grabbed a bottle of vodka from his wet bar and sat on his couch scanning his ultimate destruction. So like him.

Apparently he was master at destroying everything that crossed his path. He closed his eyes and resolved on drinking himself to a stupor, perhaps that’d make the pain throbbing in his chest go away, even if for only a little while.

Alex had never known such a misery existed until now. “M-make it go away,” he muttered, looking at the bottle in his hand.

Alex flinched at the loud knock sounding from the door. “Leave me alone,” he yelled, stretching on the couch where he’d spent the night. Alex opened and closed his eyes until they adjusted to the sunlight coming through the tall glass windows in his study, glaring at the wreck he’d made. The knocks on the door became louder, sounding like a sledgehammer was hitting his head. “Stop that, would you?” Alex said, rubbing his temple.

“Open the damned door, Alex, if you know what’s good for you,” Jay said from the other side.

“What are you doing here?” Alex sat up on the couch. “I don’t recall inviting you over. You’re not welcome here so leave me the hell alone, if you know what’s good for you,” he replied, imitating Jay’s tone. “Or, I’ll kick you out myself.” How he’d do that in his present state would be something to see, but Jay didn’t need to know his bluff.

“You’re such an asshole. I don’t even know why I’m trying to help you.” There was silence for a moment, and then Jay added, “You know what Alex, fuck you. I only came here because of Carly.”

“Carly?” Alex jumped to his feet and threw the empty bottle of vodka on the couch as he strode to the door to open it.

“What happened here?” Jay said in shock as his gaze traveled around the room.

Alex straightened his back. “It’s none of your business. Is Carly all right?”

Jay regarded his disheveled state. “She’ll wring my neck if she finds out I’ve been here.”

“She’s back?” Alex ran a hand through his tousled hair. He could’ve sworn his heart jumped at that bit of news.

Jay tightened his jaw. “She’s back but not for long.”

“What do you mean not for long?” Alex asked.

That didn’t sound right. Not for long? Was she leaving again?

“Something’s come up and she’s quit her job. She’s moving away.” Jay looked at the time on his watch. “Alex, if you really care for her, this is your one chance to make things right. But if you’re not sure of what you want then don’t bother.” He shoved his hands in his pants’ pockets.

Alex stared back at Jay. “Why is she leaving? Does she hate me that much?” What the heck, had he really just asked that aloud? Jay of all people.

“I think it’s just the opposite, and with the ba—” Jay coughed to cover up what he’d been about to reveal.

Understanding dawned on Alex. “The b-baby…” He sighed. “She’s leaving because she loves me and she’s having my baby. And that makes so much fucking sense to me why?” Alex swore under his breath. “Your BFF is driving me insane, I don’t know what more to do.” He slid his hands over his face in frustration.

“My, my, would you look at that…how the mighty Alex St. Jones has fallen,” Jay chuckled. “If I were you, I’d get my act together. You know what’s happening tomorrow right?”

Alex frowned. “What?” If he were feeling up to it he’d punch that smirk off Jay’s pretty face, but pretty boy was being pretty nice so Alex would have to whack him some other time.

“If you can’t figure it out, then you don’t deserve her, my friend.” Jay spun on his heel.

Alex stood by the door, replaying Jay’s words. What was happening tomorrow? Of course he should’ve known pretty boy wouldn’t be that nice and tell him everything. Jay would make him work for it. “Shit!” Alex went in search of a cold shower to clear his head so he could think of what could possibly be happening tomorrow.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Carly had spent the last three weeks in Washington State visiting with her parents. Even though it’d been a last minute trip, the time away had actually done her good. She would’ve liked not to think of Alex but that had been impossible to do. Trying not to think of him made her think of him more.

Spending great quality time with her parents made up for the time Carly had been away since she’d seen them last. And that girl straight talk time with her mom was priceless. Carly spilled her guts between sobs, and told her all about the incorrigible playboy who’d broken her heart, and who happened to be the father of the child she expected.

At first she was afraid of her mom’s reaction, let alone her dad’s. However, Carly was in shock about their attitude and how happy they’d seemed at knowing they’d be grandparents soon. Carly was also growing used to the idea of being a mom at twenty-eight. In fact, she was so excited about it she couldn’t wait to meet face to face the little person growing inside of her. But she wouldn’t lie to herself—everything would be much easier if circumstances with her baby’s dad were different.

Carly wondered if Alex had even thought of her while she’d been gone. Had he tried looking for her? She didn’t know. She’d left everything behind, including her phone. Carly wanted time away from everything, taking her phone with her or checking her messages would’ve been too tempting not to give in. Right now, Carly was more collected, but even so, she still wasn’t about to look at any missed calls or messages. God knew she didn’t need anything to make her doubt her decision to move on. As painful as it was that included quitting her job, getting a new place, and even a new phone number that only selected few would have. Alex wouldn’t be one of them. At least not right away. She needed more time where he was concerned.

Sooner or later, she’d have to let him know he was going to be a dad, but there was still time to figure that out. She didn’t yet know how to approach him. Whether she’d do it over the phone, face to face, or via email, Carly had no clue. The thought of telling him face to face: “um, yeah, you’ll be a dad in less than nine months,” made her knees tremble. She was certain to make a fool of herself if she told him face to face. Her stupid hormones would take over and she’d sob before she finished telling him. No. That was definitely not the way. Alex could wait a little longer to hear the news. He probably wouldn’t even care. She’d tell him anyway, but only when she was ready.

First things first. Carly had to finish arranging the boxes for the moving crew to take. She’d already packed her belongings. The moving guys were coming tomorrow to take all the large items. During the time she spent with her parents, an old friend from school approached her about an immediate opening in his interior design firm that fit her perfectly. It was a small firm, so the hiring process hadn’t been long and arduous. Carly was hired pretty much on the spot. Then, someone must’ve been sending positive thoughts her way because soon after, she found a pretty, cozy house near her parents.

Carly never imagined that her life would change this much in such a short timeframe. Life was indeed peachy. No one could beat it or cheat it. Carly scanned her condo, her heart full of melancholy, tonight would be the last night she’d spend in this place. She’d talked to the realtor. The place would be up for sale in another week, but Kiera would help her with that, so Carly could settle in her new place and start her new job.

Today was the last game of the tee ball season. She wouldn’t miss the chance to watch the Little Boys Big League play one last time. Carly planned to continue sponsoring the team but she’d miss them dearly. The least she could do was watch their last game of the season. She took her time walking to the park, stealing one last look at what had been her neighborhood the last few years.

All parents and other family members were there waiting for the game to start. Carly exchanged greetings with some of the moms, as she found her way to her usual bench. She sat as comfortably as was possible on the hard surface waiting for the game to begin. Everyone at the field grew suddenly quiet when ten kids from the Little Boys Big League walked in a disorderly formation and stopped right in the middle of the field. The boys looked adorable in their uniforms.

The coach stood behind the kids. “As you all know, today is a home game and our Little Boys Big League’s last game of the season.” The coach paused clearing his throat. “This year we’ll kick off our game a little different than you’re all used to. Enjoy!” A secret telling smirk formed on his face as he stepped back. Parents looked one another in question, even Carly wondered what that was all that about.

Then the first kid moved one step forward and turned in Carly’s direction. “I know I can be a jerk,” the kid said. Most parents laughed, while others looked around confused.

Carly smiled but her gut told her something wasn’t right.

“What’s a jerk anyway?” The kid twisted around facing his coach. The coach mouthed something back and the kid took his place back at the front of the line.

The crowd hadn’t stopped laughing when a second kid stepped forward looking at her. “I know you hate my guts,” the kid said aloud over the crowd.

Carly shifted in her seat as all parents laughed even harder.

A third kid stepped forward. “I know you hate that I won’t leave you alone,” the kid shouted over the crowd’s hilarious cackle.

The crowd soon realized every time a kid stepped forward, the message was directed at Carly. Many amused gazes settled on her.

A fourth kid moved up, pushing the other three in front of him off to the side. “I know you hate that I make you sad,” he called. Instead of laughing this time the crowd, “Aaawed” and one-by-one turned their full attention to Carly.

This was no longer funny. This had Alex written all over it. She wasn’t going to be anyone’s joke. Not this time. Her heart was beating so fast she could almost hear it. Carly stood up, walked to the side and went down the steps.

“Don’t leave,” a fifth kid yelled. “I still have to say my line!” he exclaimed, causing the crowd to laugh. “I know you hate that I’m right.”

The crowd grew silent as Carly made it to the last step and turned to leave the field.

“But I ask you to give me a chance,” Alex’s deep voice called behind her. “Let me make it up to you for the time lost. Let me show you I can, but if you say no, I’ll press no more.”