Page 31 of Hard to Love

Walking into my office early, no one’s around in either building, so I get to work on my current order. An hour later, my secretary has stepped out to make a run for samples when I hear my door chime. Thinking it’s a customer, I walk out to meet them.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Hardy tugs me into a kiss. His hands find my ass so he can press his growing cock into me. I’m wet and more than ready to take him to my office for a quickie.

“Hey, handsome. Wanna go mess around in my office? I’ve got about twenty minutes before Joyce gets back,” I say, tugging at his waistband as I step backward.

Just as I think he’s going to agree, the chime on the door rings out. Hardy rolls his eyes as I peer around him, praying I can hand over a business card and set up a meeting later. No such luck. One stands in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest, trying his best to look intimidating. Oh, damn it to hell. My hesitation makes Hardy turn toward the door, and suddenly his face washes out of all color. Is he gonna faint?

“Well, what do we have here? You two been sneaking around long?” Hardy spins around, grabbing my hand.

I have to admit, it takes me by surprise. I really thought he wouldn’t stand up to One. Not because he’s scared of One but out of respect for him. He loves One as much as I do, and I can’t help but think, if One asks him to break up with me, Hardy may very well do it.

“We chose not to tell anyone until we were sure where it was going. I’m sorry if you feel like I’ve betrayed you, brother. I love her, One. I want to marry her. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want her. I hope you can respect that and accept us. I know I’m not the man you may have wanted for her, but I’m going to be the man she wants. The man she deserves.” Hardy’s hand squeezes mine and releases on tempo with his words. His conviction behind everyone spoken.

“I see. Thayer, do you have anything to say?” Hardy tightens his grip on my hand as I clear my throat.

“I love him. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but honestly, you raised me strong and independent. You taught me to be discerning, how to look past mistakes, and give credit for triumphs. Hardy is a good man; I hope to always be by his side. I pray you all will love us and accept our decision.” Leaning into Hardy’s shoulder, his hand begins to sweat. He wants One’s permission so severely.

“Well, kiss your woman. We need to talk and get some work done today. The insurance commissioner is breathing down my damn neck. I’ll need Hardy a little more over the coming weeks, Thayer, until this is resolved. I hope you both can understand; it has nothing to do with your relationship.” His arms fall to his side in a relaxed position.

“Of course, it’s fine.” Hardy stands there, his eyes flicker between us. “Love you; I’ll be home around six.” I smile at him, hoping he’ll move or breathe.

“I’ll call. I, ah, I’ll call.” Hardy must be in shock by the looks of him as One stands there chuckling.

“Well, hell, Hardy. Kiss her, or I’ll never hear the end of it. Hurry, we need to move. Go see Lea; she’s having a tough time.” One walks over, leans in, placing a kiss on my head, like when I was a little girl.

“Will do.” Tiptoeing, I kiss Hardy and send him on his way.

Before One gets out the door, I add, “Please, for the love of all that’s holy, be good to him. For me. For him, he loves you as much as I do.” One smirks as he grunts.

Watching as they pull away in One’s truck, I have an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. On the other end of the parking lot, I see that old, beat-up Ford pickup. It looks exactly like the one from the hospital and Hardy’s house. Slowly, it pulls onto the highway, driving in the other direction.

Finishing up my orders early, I call Lea and drive over for a visit. It’s a hot day, and the traffic is heavy due to vacationers. Still, I don’t mind. I spend the extra time thinking of Hardy. He was so worried about One, but his reaction was more shocked than anything.

I make the final turn onto Lea’s street when I see the old Ford behind me. Pulling into Lea’s driveway, the truck slows to a stop just before the turn. I jump from my car, running to Lea’s door, and beat on it as hard as I can.

“Lea, it’s me. It’s Thayer; please open your door!” I’m screaming at this point. Her door moving with every blow I land before it swings wide, and I rush inside.

“What the hell? Are you okay?” Lea checks me like one of her kids to see if I’m harmed. Glancing over her shoulder, I know the door is still open.

“Shut the fucking door; someone’s following me!” Lunging at the door, I slam it shut, locking it after.

“Where’s your brother? Who is it?” Lea peaks out the blinds just as the truck moves on. “Was that it?”

“Yes. I’ve seen it four times in the last few weeks. Just sitting. It was at the office earlier today, and it followed me here.” My voice quivers as my body shakes. I can’t rid myself of the bad feeling I’ve had all day.

“They’re gone now. Do you want to call the police?” Lea yanks her phone from her back pocket.

“No, it’s fine. Stupid shit just gave me the creeps.” I shudder at the thought.

“I get it. Drinks?” she asks as she gives me a reassuring smile.

“Please,” I answer with a sigh.

“So tell me about you and Hardy. How’s it going? Why the hell did it take him so long?” Lea cocks an inquiring eyebrow.

“Really? You’re asking why someone waited? Should we call One for this talk?” I giggle as I twist my face trying to look astonished.

“Touché. But we’re talking about Hardy and not me. Spill, bitch.” Lea hands me a Sangria as we walk to the couch.