Delusional Love (2nd Edition) (21 page)

“Yes, I was just wondering if your offer is still open.”

“Of course it is
,
did you make a
decision?”

“I did. Do you have time this evening to come over so we can
talk about it, I will make you dinner.
”

“Don’t bother because if you are considering coming with me,
I will bring dinner over to celebrate.”

“How about you bring dessert I will cook and after we can
talk. You can decide if you want to celebrate.”

Mark came over at six o’clock and dinner was ready. After
dinner and dessert Stephanie and Mark sat on the sofa to discuss Stephanie’s
decision.

“First, I just want to thank you again for the offer to stay
with you.”

“This doesn’t sound like the response I was hoping for.”
Mark said suspiciously.

“Hear me out, like I said I want to thank you for the offer,
but I need to know something?”

“What is it?”

“I don’t understand why you are willing to take on another
man’s responsibility.” She said and looked him directly in his eyes for any
hints of deceitfulness.

“Well if you are asking me what my intentions are towards
you, I would have to say that I love and care about you. I get that you are
still in love with your babies’ father and I can accept that. I want to do this
for you. He said earnestly. “You can’t even imagine how I struggled with not
having you in my life when you left, I wanted to make it right and even if we
never get together again I can move on knowing I did right by you.”

“Thank you for saying that. I would like to take you up on
your offer, but we have to set ground rules. First, you need to know why I came
to this decision. Both Bri and Ty offered for me to move in with them, when it
was close to my due date, but I can’t bear to live in the same city with Ivan
and his soon to be wife and their new baby. He thinks I’m pregnant by you, and
I am still so angry with him for thinking that I would jump into bed with
someone else so soon after our breakup. I am not ready to tell him about the
babies yet, if ever.”

Mark interrupted her. “For the record, I think that’s a bad
idea Steph. As much as I don’t like the man he has a right to know about his
babies and….” Stephanie put her hand up to stop him.

“It’s my decision and I will decide if and when I tell him.”

Mark continued. “Okay, but I think you’re wrong.”

“

Whatever.” Stephanie said harshly. “Anyway, if I move in
with you it will be like having a roommate, you have to let me pull my weight
financially.” Mark started to protest and she interrupted. “Mark, that is the
only way I will agree to this arrangement, otherwise I will have to move in
with my parents.” She winced at that thought.

“Go on.” Mark said irritated.

“I don’t want to be more of a burden than I’m already going
to be, so you have to promise me that if there is someone you are interested in
dating that you will pursue it. I couldn’t bear staying with you knowing that I
am putting a cramp in your love life.” Mark stared at Stephanie, but did not
respond.

“Lastly, I don’t want you to feel obligated to get involved
with the babies.

You don’t have to attend their doctor’s appointments or be
there for the birth. I’m sure my mom, my
sister,
Bri
and Ty will be there.
      
I
want me moving in with you to be as least disruptive as possible for your
life.” Mark looked into her eyes, but did not speak right away. He moved closer
to Stephanie on the sofa, and put his arm around her shoulder.

“When I asked you to move in with me, I was fully aware of
what I was asking. I intend to be there for you every step of the way with your
pregnancy.

I intend to go to every appointment, help you through all
your aches and pains, and if you will have me I would be honored to be there in
the delivery room.

I am in this with you for the long haul. You need to know
this before we move together; I am not your roomy. I am someone who loves and
cares about your well-being and will help you through this difficult time in
your life.” Mark turned his body towards her palming her face with his hands.
“Stephanie, look at me.”

She lifted her eyes to meet his gaze.

“I am not asking you to fall in love with me again. I
acknowledge that I blew that opportunity, but let me take care of you, even if
it’s only for a few months.” Stephanie could see the sincerity in his eyes. She
kissed him on the cheek and thanked him. He noticed a tear rolling down her
cheek. Mark placed his lips softly on her eyelids and trailed kisses down her
cheeks until he reached her lips.

He kissed her continuously giving her light pecks on her
soft lips. Finally, he brought his lips on hers firmer rubbing his tongue along
her bottom lip encouraging her to open. Reluctantly, she did, and he used the
opportunity to take her tongue into his mouth and sucked on it feverously.
Stephanie closed her eyes taking in and enjoying the intimacy. God she missed
this, she missed Ivan. The thought of Ivan caused her to pull back, feeling
such a sense of guilt. Mark placed his forehead on her forehead.

“I’m sorry.”

“Its fine, but you have to know that I still love Ivan and
if you can’t handle that, I can’t move in with you.”

“Okay Steph, I will never pressure you, but know that I
still love you, and that has never stopped. I only ask if your feelings start
to change that you won’t fight them.”

She nodded. “Then we’re good.” He pulled Stephanie into an
embrace. Her mind reeled from everything going on in her life, but she knew she
needed to move on. Ivan did not want her. She needed to realize that as she was
entering a new chapter living in a new city and preparing to be a new mom. She
rubbed her stomach and smiled. Mark placed his hand over hers as they rubbed in
unison. Mark felt her hand slowly fall away as he continued to caress her
belly. He heard a soft snore and realized she was sleep. He looked at her while
she slept.
‘You are so beautiful. I will
show you how much I love you and deserve a second chance.’
This was his
opportunity to show her how good they could be together. He already loved the
babies she was carrying and if given the opportunity would make her a great
husband and father to her babies. Mark stood, scooped Stephanie in his arms and
carried her to the bedroom. In a couple of days they would be in their new
house, and with any luck, ready to start a new life with the woman he loved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sage Young is a writer of erotically sensual novels.
Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA she is entering the literary arena this summer
with her debut novel, “DELUSIONAL LOVE”. Sage is an avid reader of all things,
but erotic romance novels in particular.

Sage uses every spare moment to indulge in her second
favorite passion, writing. Her favorite saying is, “Always Explore the Possibilities”.
She hopes that you will enjoy her novel and looks forward to your feedback.

COMING THE WINTER OF
2013

THE SAGA CONTINUES

DEFINED LOVE

Prologue

‘How did my life get
here?’
Thought Ivan Quinn, founder and CEO of The Quinn Corporation.
Handling the day-to-day operations of a billion dollar company was not
difficult for him but dealing with all the drama in his personal life was
taking its toll.

Ivan sat in the living room of his condominium, in the dark
and nursed another drink. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture
of his beautiful baby girl Angel.

He kissed the picture as he closed his eyes and thought of
happier times, a time when his life was not so complicated. He had Stephanie,
the love of his life by his side his business was expanding and he was happy,
truly happy. Then the bottom fell from under him.
 
He was now engaged to Ashley Ross who
was the mother of his child.

Ivan did not love Ashley, in fact he despised her, but he
made a promise to his mother. The hospital had to deliver his beautiful baby
girl, but Ashley remained in a coma since the car accident.

Stephanie Young, the love of his life was pregnant by
another man and had moved to Florida with him. Could my life get any
worse?
 
He thought as he continued
to nurse his drink, knowing that he would soon have to return to the hospital
where he spent most of his time, at Ashley’s bedside, since the accident.