Morrison Read online

  “For what?” she asks, looking around.

  “Kind of like a halfway home or women’s shelter. Women with kids, to be exact. Women—”

  “Like me.” She frowns, and I see the wall going up.

  “No, like my momma.”

  She looks up at me.

  “My hope is to give them a home, a place they can go until they can do it on their own, maybe find some people in similar situations. You know, a brotherhood, or—”

  “Sisterhood,” she corrects, and squeezes my hand.

  “Maybe, if they see others who have been there, done that, and escaped, they can, too. At the very least, it’ll give them a place where their children and they can lie down at night without worrying that someone is going to come in and beat the hell out of them, force them to—”

  “I like it, but there is such a stigma attached to places like this. Some people won’t even consider coming here.”

  “But some will. Hell, if one does, that means I helped do good.”

  “How will you afford it?”

  “Sold my house in Atlantic City.”

  “You owned a house there, too?”

  “Yep. Didn’t go there much, though. My draw was more to Vegas. Now I know why.”

  She looks away, her cheeks flushed.

  “The first floor will be a front office, living area, kitchen, and dining room. Second and third floors can each house four small, three-bedroom apartments. So eight units, and all of them will be furnished. Ninety-day stays, giving them enough time to find a job, a place of their own, and hopefully gain some strength—or, at the very least, give them hope.”

  “You should consider six two-bedrooms. Put in bunk beds, four to a room. Moms would take a bunk. Hell, they’d take a floor if it meant their kids were safe.”

  “Not all moms, Hailey.”

  “The ones who really want better.” I take in her words. “You’ll end up with a place full of squatters, ‘gimme-gimme’ people, if you don’t start out tough and lay down rules and expectations. Some people don’t want to get out of their own way. Some people have no intention of doing the work it takes to break a cycle.”

  “My girl would be—”

  “Your girl?”

  “Okay, my little momma.”

  “Again, ‘yours’?”

  “I need to remind you that tonight I am in possession of my balls.”

  “I need to remind you that there is no label on this relationship.”

  “Will you be my girlfriend, Hailey? Will you exclusively date me? Will you—”

  “Shut up.” She giggles and pushes at me. “How old are we?”

  “Okay, then be my girl, and no one else’s.”

  “I haven’t been with anyone—”

  “Be mine.”

  “No one owns me, Morrison.”

  “Not an ownership thing. You’re free to call it off whenever you want. Hell, you can keep the balls unless it’s in bed or when I want to take you out. But be mine.”

  “You be mine.” She places her hands on her hips, making me laugh. Then she shakes her head and looks down. “How about we are exclusively dating.”

  I pull her up tightly against me and kiss her stupid, her body melting into mine. When I have taken and given what I need, what she needs, I pull away.

  “Deal.”

  “Morrison, I love what you are starting here. It’s admirable and speaks strongly about who you are. But please don’t ask me to be part of it.”

  “I won’t ask.”

  “I’m just not ready to take on anything more. I have my freedom, my daughter, a job, a place of my own. I need these things.”

  “I know. That’s why I didn’t ask.”

  She looks up. “Fourth floor?”

  “That’ll be my place.”

  “That’s a hike.”

  “There’s a cargo elevator, accessible only to me.”

  “It’s a big undertaking.”

  “Won’t be overnight. May take a year, but it’s going to change lives.”

  —

  After dinner, parking, and almost convincing her to let me have her in the back of the car, we head back to her place. Hendrix and Livi leave, and we end up in her bedroom, on the floor.

  I am throwing clothes on when she asks me, “So no more Vegas, Atlantic City, or—”

  “One more trip to Vegas. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about this. I’d like you to go.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Morrison. I—”

  “Your ex is in jail, going to trial on about ten different charges, and I was called to be a witness.”

  “You? Why?”

  I take in a deep breath, ready to spill it all.

  “Why!”

  “A game, a bet he thought he won, but in the end, he didn’t. He—”

  “What game? What bet?”

  I lay it all out for her, hold nothing back. Once I finish, she stares at the ceiling for a while before she finally speaks.

  “So, that’s why the interest in Marisa. You feel like you—”

  “The interest in Marisa started because I was falling for her momma. But understand, I would have done it for anyone some scumbag motherfucker thought he owned. No matter how many times I tell you I want you to be mine, I don’t want to own you. Not in that way.”

  “You need to leave.”

  “I’m not done here. Not even close, and because I still technically own my balls for now, you’re gonna listen to me.” Her face turns red, letting me know she’s ready to blow. “When I was driving out of Vegas, I was followed. At a stoplight, a black truck physically mounted my fucking Porsche. When I got out, your ex jumped from the truck with a tire iron and had some fun with my ribs, then my face. That’s why I was late coming back, but I didn’t want you to know that, because it wasn’t your fucking fault.”

  “Then whose was it?”

  “Mine. I could’ve taken his ass, could have walked away unscathed, but I kind of enjoy pain. I let him beat the hell out of me, knowing the cops were watching. I knew he would get put away. What I didn’t expect was having him threaten my life when he was in cuffs, the stupid fuck. I have no clue how he is still alive. A man like that, fucking with people the way he does, should have been dead a long time ago. But now, he can rot behind bars while you and Marisa live.

  “If you wanna tell me to go fuck myself, Hailey, if you want me out of your life because you still can’t see what you mean to me, then I will walk away, knowing you’re safe. But if you can trust in your feelings and what I am saying to you, then this could be so fucking perfect. Take your time and think it over.” I turn to walk away, then stop.

  “I want you sitting beside me in that Vegas courthouse. I want you to see with your own eyes that he can’t touch you. I also want Wednesday nights with Marisa, ’cause that shit is gonna hurt to walk away from, just as bad as it’s gonna hurt if I have to walk away from you. Two weeks till Vegas. Do whatever thinking you need to do; just let me know.”

  I walk to the door, with her following, then turn and look into her eyes. “You deserve so much more than to live your life in fear.”

  “I’m not afraid of anything,” she hisses as a tear falls down her face.

  “Prove it.”

  Chapter 20

  Hailey

  He gave up his house for my daughter—and hasn’t asked me for anything in return yet. Can someone truly be so selfless?

  Doubt consumes me. I have spent the last two weeks dwelling, overthinking, and trying to keep pushing forward. True to his word, Morrison has given me space. He also has had his Wednesday nights with Marisa, without fail.

  I pick up the envelope on my kitchen counter for what feels like the thousandth time. The contents are still the same—one round-trip ticket to Las Vegas, Nevada. One last trip to settle it all behind me. One last opportunity to face Monte and see with my own eyes that he is going away. One chance to stand there and show him I made it without him. One last moment to stand fi
rm in my future while leaving the past where it belongs…in the past.

  He no longer has the power. The scale is broken beyond repair, and there are no checks and balances left, no debt to repay. I’m his whore no more.

  One trip to stand beside the man who has been my saving grace. One opportunity to move forward into my uncertain but promising future. One chance to show Morrison I want him to be mine and for me to be his. One moment to begin my future while truly letting go of my past. Morrison freely gives me his “balls,” he says. Now I can give him my heart.

  For someone who has never known the true love of a man for a woman, I am scared out of my mind. Can this be real?

  In the game of love, the Queen of Hearts is wild. She is unpredictable. She is untamed. She sees beauty in the ugliest of situations. She knows what the heart desires, and she may take her time about giving it, but when she’s ready, she lays it all before your feet.

  Everything I ever dreamed about is right in front of me if I can only find the courage to take the leap. I have my freedom. I have my daughter. For the first time in my life, I have a true partner. Morrison takes my needs into consideration first. He is patient, he is understanding, and he is damn good in bed.

  I laugh to myself at the thought. He stirs up emotions in me that I have never felt before.

  He also scares the absolute shit out of me. Morrison Caldwell has the ability to break me in a way Monte never could. Monte held my body, held my loyalty out of duty, and he controlled my life. Morrison holds my heart, captures my body with a simple touch, and he controls my future.

  The mere thought of not seeing where things could lead with him has me just as scared as the thought of things falling apart.

  Checks and balances—the scales are even. If I don’t give us a chance, I could lose out on having a future that fairy tales are made of. If I take the risk and it falls apart, I will fall apart, and I’m not sure I will be able to pick myself up.

  Love is a gamble. It is a game where the winner takes all, and the loser is left empty.

  My phone pings, alerting me to a text and snapping me out of my thoughts. Looking at the screen, I find it’s not from Morrison like I expected. It’s from Livi.

  He is off to the airport. Thought you would want to know. Time is up, girlie.

  Her words hit me.

  Time is up.

  Time is a fickle thing. It passes in a blink, in a blur, and before you know it, it’s gone. Whoosh—disappeared and never to be seen again.

  My mother never got the opportunity to know real love. Morrison’s mom never felt unconditional love outside of what she had with her sons. I told myself when I got away from Monte that I was going to break the cycle for my daughter. Well, today is the day.

  I look at my phone screen once more, the clock in bold print staring at me in challenge. With shaking hands, I swipe the screen and hit reply.

  Pick me up?

  Three simple words seal the deal. I am going to leap. The question now is, will I fall, or will we soar together?

  Outside waiting, Livi’s text comes back immediately, followed by a winky face.

  Without hesitation, I throw together a duffel bag of clothes, then pray I remembered panties. I don’t worry about a bag for Marisa since she’s staying around, and Livi has the spare key to my place if she needs it.

  Gathering Marisa up, I rush down the stairs and out the door.

  “You’re gonna stay with Miss Livi for a few days. Jagger promises to read to you, and Livi will call me every night and put you on the phone. Love you, Ris Priss.” I kiss her forehead as I buckle her into the car seat while Livi beams at me from the driver’s seat.

  “It’s a ’lumber party, Mommy. Don’t worry, we’ll have fun.”

  Oh, the carefree world of a three-year-old. Untouched, unharmed, and innocent. Although her father is a bad person, he sheltered her by his absence. One day I may have to address it all, but for now, she has not a single worry—while my mind races in questions. Am I really doing this? Is this smart? Again, am I really doing this?

  We take off for the airport with Livi chatting up Marisa, keeping the mood light. It isn’t long before she drives up to the drop-off.

  Handing me a small gift bag, Livi winks as I hug and kiss Marisa bye before taking my bag and heading inside.

  The airport is overwhelming, and my emotions are running wild. In a blur, I manage to check in, get through security, and find my gate. I get to the waiting area and immediately see him leaning against the wall, and I drink him in.

  His hair is a mess, like he’s been constantly running his hands through it. Long gone is the slick, suit-wearing fucker I met that first night. No, in front of me is a man who is willing to go the distance for his girls. My heart beats faster as I admit all of this to myself.

  Morrison Caldwell isn’t an entitled prick like so many others. He doesn’t hold people to a crazy standard or manipulate situations to his benefit. No, he takes everyone in his life as they are. The good, the bad, the ugly—he is there, through and through. He is a man with heart, dedication, and a drive to be better than what he has been before.

  As his head comes up, he meets my gaze, and his eyes dance in thoughts and emotions, but he doesn’t move. Regardless, I continue to walk toward him, and when we’re toe to toe, he still doesn’t move.

  “Morrison,” I whisper.

  “You’re here?” he questions as if he’s dreaming.

  I nod. “I’m here.”

  Without another word, without hesitation, his arms wrap around me as his mouth crashes down on mine. When he pulls away, he smirks at me while I smile.

  “What?”

  “My little momma isn’t afraid.”

  I giggle. “I told you I’m not afraid of anything.”

  “You mine?”

  I bite my lip and look into his eyes. “We’re yours.”

  “Fuck, yes,” he replies before kissing me breathless again.

  —

  The plane ride is nothing out of the ordinary. Morrison holds my hand or keeps his arm around me at all times. We get off, rent a car, and he takes me to a hotel. Wheels had offered us a spot, but Morrison thought that staying at his old house might remind me of Monte’s twisted play with Marisa. I’m beyond thankful for his forethought. Sometimes, I think he knows what I need even before I do.

  We go to dinner with Jamie before coming back for the night. Exiting the elevator, I freeze: Standing in front of our door is Marshall.

  “Fuck!” Morrison barks out before tucking me in behind him. We walk down the hall and stop in front of Monte’s right-hand goon.

  “I’m no threat, Aces. Just wanted to talk to Hailey.”

  “Nothing to be said, Marshall,” I reply, moving to the side of Morrison, who tries to slide me back behind him. The chivalry is nice, though not necessary.

  “I can understand that. Just wanted you to know I’m sorry I didn’t step in for you or Marisa. You gotta understand the players and the game. The life I’m in, I couldn’t help but so much.”

  “Reasons and excuses, Marshall. If your reasons are wrong, don’t make excuses for the behaviors. And if you have to make excuses for something, double-check your reasons. In the end, wrong is wrong, and the life you’re in is wrong. I want better for my daughter, and I’m damn sure gonna give it to her.”

  “I wish you the best, Hailey.”

  “You’re done here,” Morrison barks out, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together.

  Marshall nods and walks away.

  I say nothing more, because there honestly isn’t anything to say. Marshall had a job to do, and he did it. If he’s not sleeping at night because of it, those are things he has to sort out. It’s not my burden to bear or my debt to pay.

  We make our way inside. Morrison tells me I need to relax, and goes to draw me a bath. I head to my bag and pull out pajamas—and sure enough, in my haste I forgot to pack panties.

  In all the shuffle, the gift bag from Livi falls out
onto the bed, as do the contents. I laugh, thinking my girl knows me well, when not one but three pairs of panties fall onto the bed.

  There is a card, which I open before studying the undergarments further.

  Hailey,

  As you read this, I want you to know you inspire me. Once, my choices were taken from me, and it took me what felt like a lifetime to understand it wasn’t my fault. Bad things sometimes happen to good people, just because bad things happen.

  Monte took your choices away. Always remember in life, consent is fucking required. I have given you a new pair of panties with this very reminder for you. Monte took away your consent; take it back from him during this trip.

  Morrison cares for you, even if he hasn’t said it yet. We can all see it. I had these panties made to remind you he’s got your back. We all do. ace in my pocket. You’ve got nothing but aces, babe. Caldwell aces.

  After spending time with you and Marisa, I know you are an amazing mother, Hailey. You are also a tiny spitfire of a woman. caldwell’s little momma. You are part of this family. Don’t ever forget that.

  Take your time on this trip to sort your past. Your future is here in Detroit, and Marisa will be fine with us until you are done.

  With love and inspiration,

  Livi Caldwell

  Tears fill my eyes as I take in all of Livi’s words. I am part of a family, one with three strong brothers and a quirky, lovable woman, all proudly carrying the Caldwell name.

  Morrison once told me his momma gave them all her last name to leave a legacy of good. I look up to the popcorn ceiling of the hotel and smile.

  “He’s my good in a world of bad, Momma Caldwell,” I whisper before wiping my eyes of tears and gathering my things.

  Then I run my hands over the lettering on the panties before picking a pair and making my way to the bathroom, where my future is waiting.

  Chapter 21

  Morrison

  I look up when she walks into the bathroom. She is smiling, emotions filling her eyes, and my heart swells.

  “You ready for your bath, little momma?” I ask as I test the water one more time. “Hot and wet.”