Seventh Heaven: Whychoose Contemporary Romance (The Allendale Four Book 4) Read online

  Seventh Heaven

  The Allendale Four (Book 4)

  Angel Lawson

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Epilogue

  Untitled

  Untitled

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  1

  Heaven

  “Look, I know it may be a little soon for something like this, but…”

  “Well, think about it. The little eyes. The nose.”

  “I don’t know. I’m not sure we’re ready for the responsibility. I’m not sure I’m ready for the responsibility,” I said. The guys were surrounding me, faces eager. They wanted this and wanted it bad. And I understood. Part of me wanted it too, but I was scared. Really scared. Nothing sounded more terrifying to me than being responsible for another living thing.

  “The way I see it,” Oliver said, leaning forward in his chair, “is there’s no good time. It’s something you just have to dive into. Make a decision and go with it.”

  I glanced at Anderson, sure he would feel the same way I do. He’s not a fan of change or disruption at all, but oddly, his green eyes show interest. He shrugs. “A few months ago, I would have said no, but now?” He cast his handsome face in my direction, the face I’d never been able to resist. “We’re all in the same place. There’s usually someone home, so there would be no need for outside help. Everyone’s matured a lot in the last year. It just seems like the next logical step.”

  Jackson punched him. “Dude. This isn’t about logic.”

  “You know I can’t help but think logically.”

  I glanced at Hayden. “What do you think?”

  “I think we all have to be in agreement.”

  “But what do you think, personally.”

  He leaned forward and took my hand. “I’m ready. I’m ready when you are.”

  I exhaled and fell back against the cushion. With four deadly smiles aimed at me, I’d had little chance of changing their minds. And the truth was that I wasn’t sure I wanted to. I was ready for the next step. The logical step. The big step.

  “Fine,” I said, embracing the excitement. “Let’s get a dog.”

  Two weeks later, Sadie dragged me down the sidewalk, eager to get home. I found her desire to come home ironic, because she’s always so excited to leave for the walk. I guess really, she’s just excited all the time regardless. Thank god I kept up my running, because she needed a ton of exercise.

  Once we decided to get the dog, things moved quickly. We all agreed on a rescue and we all agreed on a mutt. We went to the shelter and visited and finally settled on this adorable, stumpy-legged black dog that looked like a mix between a pit-bull and a corgi. It didn’t take Sadie long to acclimate to our home and five loving owners, but soon it became clear that she had a fondness of me (and my runs) and followed me around all day.

  Since we all moved in, we’d done our best to turn Oliver’s house into a shared, cohesive space. We still had our own rooms and there was a bit of adjustment with both Anderson and Hayden moved back full time. Anderson was looking at one last Olympic games in two years, and Hayden shifted to a coaching position with our local team. Oliver and Jackson’s gym, A5, had continued to thrive in Allendale’s market and they were in the process of opening a new gym a few towns over.

  “Good afternoon,” our neighbor, Mrs. Richmond, said as she got her mail from her box.

  “Hi, how are you today, Mrs. Richmond?”

  Things with Mrs. Richmond and the other neighbors were always slightly tense. Oliver inherited the house from his parents and the people that lived nearby understood that. They’d also seen the boys come and go for years and even were familiar with my presence, but once we’d all moved in together there was no doubt a few had questions. Especially that lady down the street—Monique—who’d just moved in with her husband and two little kids. I saw her watching me and the guys when she strolled them up and down the street. Okay. I saw her watching the guys. I didn’t blame her.

  “Well my arthritis is acting up again, but that’s what happens when the weather changes and it starts getting a little cold.” She glanced down at Sadie, who was sniffing the ground like she was looking for a good place to pee. I gently jerked her leash. “I see you got a new dog.”

  “Yep, a few weeks ago.”

  “And this dog belongs to…”

  “Oh, all of us, really, we take turns taking care of her.”

  “That seems like it will be complicated when one of you moves out.”

  I nodded. “I guess we’ll have to play it by ear.”

  We’d all agreed not to make our relationship status known unless it was with people close to us. Mrs. Richmond didn’t count, even though her house was right next door. I had a feeling she kept one eye out her kitchen window, where she had a good view of the pool.

  Sadie, thankfully, lunged toward the house, eager to get home. “Guess that’s my cue,” I said, waving and letting the dog drag me down the driveway.

  I opened the back gate and let Sadie off her leash. She darted across the patio, making a beeline for the pool. Anderson leaned over the edge, his broad shoulders and sculpted chest dripping with water. He shook his hair and Sadie rushed for him, wagging her tail excitedly.

  “Looks like someone is happy to see you,” I said, dropping the leash and kicking off my shoes. I sat by the edge, dipping my legs in the cool water. Anderson’s eyes skimmed my legs, and his fingers trailed water over my skin.

  “I know I’m happy to see you. How was your run?”

  “Well, we had to stop every few minutes to sniff and pee and check all the things out. Twice, we had to consider if Sadie could catch a squirrel, and then one of the neighbors down the street was at their mailbox, so obviously we had to visit.”

  Sadie loved attention, so if anyone else was around, she would make sure she got it from them, too.

  “Mrs. Richmond or Monique?”

  “Mrs. Richmond. She had a lot of questions about dog ownership and tossed in another hint about when we move out.” I frowned. “Who’s Monique?”

  “The mom down the street—with the two kids? They always want to pet Sadie when we go out.”

  I snorted. “Sounds like an excuse to talk to you.”

  “The kids?”

  I splashed him with water. “The mom. I’ve seen her watching you guys.”

  Truthfully, I didn’t get jealous over other women checking out my men. They were handsome, sexy, and absolutely, totally mine. If I was going to have an issue over women, or men, finding them attractive, this relationship would have ended years ago.

  “She’s probably just curious, like Mrs. Richmond, wondering how we got such a smokin’-hot girl to move in with us.”

  My skin was hot from the exercise and Anderson’s cool hands felt good. He ran them along my arms and I felt the buildup of anticipation in my belly. We were at the point in our relationship where th
ere wasn’t any question about where we stood or what we wanted. He wanted me and I wanted him, so when he rested his hands on my hips and pulled me into the water fully dressed, I let him.

  The cold water hit my belly and I shrieked, pressing my body against his for warmth. My tank and shorts were quickly discarded, along with Anderson’s trunks. The feel of his naked body in the water was electric and we floated together, fully intertwined. I loved kissing him and it took a force greater than the two of us together to get us to stop. The whining on the edge of the pool should have been a signal but I was too into Anderson’s mouth and the way his hands cupped my breasts, the feel of his thumbs grazing my nipples, the nudge of his cock against my belly, to notice our agitated dog until it was too late. The splash of water rained down on us.

  “Sadie!” The dog happily swam in our direction. Anderson shook his head. “So desperate for attention.”

  The sweet pup swam across the pool, bobbing up and down in the water. Anderson pushed her toward the step and climbed out after her, giving me a fantastic view of his body. He wrapped a towel around his waist and brought one over to the edge of the pool. Sadie licked the water off his legs and feet.

  I exited the pool, covering myself with the towel, and pushed up on my toes, giving Anderson a kiss.

  “Guess we have to consider the dog now when we make out in the pool,” he said, brushing a wet strand of hair off my neck.

  “That’s okay.” I link my fingers with his. “I had plans that require a bed anyway.”

  His eyebrow lifted in curiosity. “I’ll dry off the dog. You get in the bed.”

  “Deal.”

  I’d taken a few steps when I felt my towel yank off my body. Cool air hit my skin and he grinned mischievously. “Sorry—I need it.” He looked down at Sadie. “For the dog.”

  “Sure you do,” I said, but I didn’t mind one bit and walked off, knowing he had his eyes glued to my backside and that he’d be in my bedroom faster than he could swim the fifty free.

  2

  Heaven

  I was sitting in my car in the parking lot after work when my phone buzzed on the seat. I was still working on Creature Feature, which had turned into a bonafide hit, entering its third season. We’d been working non-stop for the last six weeks and hiatus was on the horizon. I couldn’t wait to have a few weeks off, especially since I’d been fighting the same cold for weeks.

  I picked up the phone and saw Amber’s picture flashing across the screen in a video call.

  “Hey girl,” she said when I answered.

  “Hey!” I replied, but my breath caught and I turned my head to cough.

  “Holy shit. You’re still sick?”

  “Ugh, it’s just this stupid, lingering cough.”

  “You sound awful. Have you been to a doctor?”

  “Yeah, actually I have. The guys got tired of me hacking all the time and forced me to go. I’m on antibiotics—it’s just a nasty case of bronchitis.”

  “Well good, I know you’re busy and the last thing you need is to get sick.”

  “Yeah, none of the guys want to get sick either.” I shifted in my seat. “How’s everything? New York? Ginger?”

  “Things are good. Just busy, you know. Ginger’s about to finish up her master’s program, which should give her a little more time to be at home.”

  “That sounds great. I know she’s worked really hard in physical therapy school.”

  “Too hard,” Amber said, with a sigh. “But it’ll be worth it.”

  “Definitely.”

  “How are you and the guys?”

  I looked out the window, watching the crew leave the set. “I’m good. They’re good. Actually, we did something crazy a few weeks ago and—”

  “I need to tell you something,” she blurted.

  I blinked. “What? What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong,” she promised. “I just have some big news and I really want to share it with you. Like really, really, really want to share it with you. Actually, two big things.”

  “Well, tell me! Now I’m freaking out.”

  “Don’t freak. It’s a good thing. A really good thing.” I could hear her nerves through the phone, but just looking at her I could tell she was about to burst. “First of all, once Ginger graduates, we’re moving back to Allendale!”

  “You’re moving back? To Allendale? You’re kidding!” That was a shock. I thought once Amber got out of here, she’d never look back. Despite my surprise, the biggest wave of relief washed over me. I’d missed having my best friend local. “That’s the best news ever! Wait…what’s the second thing?”

  “Ginger and I have decided to have a baby.”

  “A baby?” I was floored, unable to even keep the astonishment off my face. “What? How?”

  She laughed. “How? Good grief, Heaven. We’ll find a donor.”

  “A donor, right, duh.” I rolled my eyes at myself. “Who’s going to carry the baby?”

  “I am. Or that’s the plan, at least. Ginger’s eager to get in the workforce and use her degree and I’m ready to take a break. I’ve supported her while she’s been in school and I think it’ll be good.”

  “Wow. I’m just stunned. You’re going to be a mom!”

  “Hopefully!”

  “I’m just…I’m really excited for you guys. Surprised, but excited.”

  “Thanks. You know you’re my best friend. I just feel weird when I don’t share big life things with you, you know?”

  “Right. Yes, I know.” Sharing with others had never been my strong suit. It was just my nature.

  “Now, what were you going to say you and the guys did? Something crazy?”

  “Oh, right.” The dog. Sadie. Something I thought was a major decision in our lives. Not that super-big-thing that people my age were doing. Nope. Once again, Heaven was out in left field doing her own, socially immature stuff. “Well, it’s not quite as big as having a baby news, but we got a dog.”

  “You got a dog! What? When?” Her eyes were wide.

  “Two weeks ago.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It’s just been crazy. She’s super sweet and fun and has brought a lot of joy to the house.”

  “I bet. Well, I need photos. Dozens of photos. And when I get down there, puppy kisses. Oh god, I bet she’s cute.”

  “Super cute.” I felt stupid for not telling her sooner, when she obviously wanted to know what was going on in our lives. That was what happened when you lived in a bubble. A bubble with four sexy men that kept me thoroughly occupied. I leaned back against my seat. “I really am excited for you. It’s okay if I tell the guys?”

  “Maybe hold off for a few weeks until I figure out the donor thing? Is that cool? I don’t want you to feel like you’re keeping secrets.”

  “No, it’s totally understandable. It’s a lot of pressure and excitement and new stuff.”

  “It’s also a lot of girly-body part stuff and I don’t know, you know how they get about all of that.”

  “Squeamish.” We both laughed. The guys were the worst about girl stuff, although all of them have gotten used to buying me tampons and other things at the pharmacy. “Good luck, babe, and keep me posted, okay?”

  “I will.” She smiled into the phone. “Love you, Heaven Reeves.”

  “Love you, too.”

  We disconnected and I sat in my car for a few minutes, processing the information I’d just been given. Amber was going to have a baby. She was going to be a mom. Two things that absolutely terrified me. I was relieved she didn’t want me to bring it up to the guys yet, because once I did the door would be open to us having “the conversation.” The kid conversation, and I didn’t think I was ready to do that yet. Not because they wouldn’t want to—I knew how they felt. I wasn’t the one being honest. I hadn’t told them yet.

  I’m really not sure if I ever want to have kids.

  3

  Oliver

  “Can you remind me what time the me
eting is on Friday?” Jackson asked, sticking his head in my office.

  “Ten.”

  “In Oceanside?”

  “Yep.”

  “Cool. I’ll swing by here and pick you up. I’m sure you’ll be here.”

  He had me there. Ever since word got out about our training programs for the celebrities that came through town for movies and TV shows, we we’d been busy as hell. So busy that we decided to expand to a second gym—closer to where a lot of the movies were filmed down near the beach. At first, we were opposed to creating a business in the racist, homophobic, backwater town, but then we decided to do it to spite them. Like the industry, we decided they could join us willingly or by force. We weren’t going away.

  The grand opening was a month away and my days were filled with contractors and designers and everything in between. That left Jackson managing the gym and me having to trust he was on top of everything. I possibly had a few control issues when it came to work.

  My phone beeped—programmed in by Heaven—reminding me of our standing appointment.

  Jackson’s eyebrows rose, recognizing the chime. “Is it eleven? Fuck. I have a training session. Tell her I said I’ll see her later, okay? We’re taking Sadie to the pet store for treats.”

  I rolled my eyes. Jackson was majorly into this dog. “I will.”

  “You better get moving too, you know she doesn’t like it when you’re late.”

  I grabbed my phone and keys, following him out the office door and down the stairs to the gym floor. If I walked through the workout area I’d get stopped, so I ducked down the back hall and exited through the alley behind the gym. The phone rang before I left the parking lot.