4. Melissa

Chapter four

Melissa

I 'm standing behind the counter when I hear the rumble of a bike. I'm immediately on alert, looking to see who it is. My heart clenches when I see Earl's familiar bike pull up.

"Can you handle this?" I ask AJ quickly. When she nods, I scurry to the back and head straight for my office. I'm not in the mood to deal with Earl today.

It was bad enough that Ash and the guys were in here earlier this morning, trying to convince me to give him another shot. They even played dirty, saying how awesome it would be if I became Jacey's grandmother for real.

Then, as if that wasn't enough, Jax cornered me in the cooler and we had a quick make-out session. What the hell is going on? All these years of no one, and now I have two men. Jax, who made no qualms about telling me I'm who he wants, and Earl, who I've longed to be with for so long, but tossed me to the side so easily. Maybe I should just be a nun.

There's a knock at my door and without even thinking, I call out, "Come in."

I was expecting to see AJ, hell, even Jax, but not the person who steps inside and shuts the door behind him.

"What do you want, Earl?"

"To talk to you."

"We have nothing to talk about."

"You see, Mel, that's where you're wrong. I have a lot to say and I want you to listen. To truly listen to every word."

"Fine, say what you need to, then get out of my office." I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest, and wait to hear what's so important he felt the need to barge into my personal space.

"First, I'm sorry. I fucked up all those years ago. But no matter how badly I handled that situation, I'm not sorry it happened. It gave me Ashlynn and Jacey."

"Earl, we've been through this before, so it's nothing new," I speak up, really not in the mood to hear the same shit like it's some new revelation.

He steps closer, moving behind the desk and sitting down on it. "Mel, it took me years to realize I'm a damn idiot. I had the most amazin' woman in front of me the whole time. When everything came to light about Ashlynn, I spoke out of rage. Then later, I didn't know what to do to make it right. I want you, Melissa, body and soul. You're it for me." He blows out a breath as he gazes at me, and I can feel the sincerity in his words.

"And what if I've already started something with someone? What then?" I know what his answer will be. At least, I think I do.

"As much as I hate it, then I'm happy for you. But I won't stop fighting for you. The kids make their relationship work. We could do the same." What the actual fuck!? Did he just say what I think he did?

"You'd share?"

"It would be an adjustment, but I'm willing to do anything to make you happy." He leans in, taking my hands in his and pulling me up as he stands. Without a second thought, he wraps his arms around me and kisses me so fiercely, I lose control and give in willingly.

He spins me around and lifts me up onto my desk, my legs wrapping around his waist like they were meant to be there. His hand slips between my legs, cupping my pussy as he rubs back and forth. Like a bitch in heat, my hips start moving, increasing the friction on my clit. It's been so long since someone touched me there, I instantly feel pressure building and it isn't long before an orgasm erupts out of me forcefully. He captures every bit of my moans in his mouth.

Only when I begin to come down from my high do I realize what I just allowed. I shove him away as I try to gather my senses.

"I love you, Mel. Give me another chance. I think what just happened proves we belong together."

"Get out," I tell him.

"Please, Mel."

"Earl, I need to think. If you want me to make a decision right now, you won't like it. Please leave."

"Mel."

"I said get the hell out of here!" I shout. Earl holds his hands up in the air and steps back.

"I'll leave, but you're mine. I don't give a fuck who this other dude is. You're mine, now and forever. God gave us a second chance, and I fucked it up. This third chance is mine and I'm goin' to do everything in my power to ensure we end up together. Know that, Mel." He steps forward, giving me a soft kiss on my forehead before turning and leaving, making sure to shut the door behind him.

What the hell? What am I going to do? Who do I choose?

Before my thoughts can spiral anymore, my cell phone rings. It's a number I'm not familiar with. Rolling my eyes, I almost don't answer, thinking it must be some kind of scam call. But the pissed-off bitch in me takes this as an opportunity to fuck with someone today.

"Hello." I keep all the emotion out of my voice.

"Is this Melissa Dolson?" a husky, masculine voice drifts through the line.

Hearing that name causes my heart to race. It's one I haven't used for years. Sweat beads on my forehead as I try to come up with something to say. I need to end this call, clean out my accounts, and get the hell out of here.

"No, you have the wrong number?"

"No, I don't think so. Hi, Mom. It's your son." The phone slips from my hand, the harsh sound of it breaking as it hits the floor is almost drowned out by the beating of my own heart. I walk backward until I hit the wall and slide to the floor. This can't be.

What the hell am I going to do?