Winniehope3. Here's to starting all over again and actually reading all the chapters this time.

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       JR sat in his office staring at the world outside. The tall buildings competing to graze New York's skyline, the sun glaring down at them, the horns blaring so loudly that he could hear them all the way up. The world outside kept moving on while he was stuck, uninspired to do anything. It was almost noon and he hadn't done anything meaningful since he arrived at the office that morning. In such a short amount of time, one woman had changed his life completely. He hadn't seen her coming or prepared for her presence in his life. When his father had announced their engagement to the world a few months ago, he was ready to pack his things and tour Europe for a year.

He did that a lot when Jim brought him a prospective wife. Running was the only solution that had worked with his old man. But Hayley had intrigued him. She didn't smile, or giggle or try to get in bed with him despite the instant attraction they felt towards each other. She'd resisted him, making him work for her attention. One time he'd told Nick that he wasn't afraid of the feelings he had for her but he wanted to know when they had grown into something so strong. Now he knew without a doubt that he wouldn't have stopped himself from falling in love with her. So then how was he going to forget her if she didn't come back to him?

The advice Lucinda had given him was good but he wondered if he'd screwed everything up already beyond repair. Curse Nick for misleading him. But he wasn't going to give up. Not yet. Deep in his heart he knew Hayley was meant to be with him. They were destined to be. She was the other half of him..... And she was standing behind him on the other side of his desk. He could see her reflection in the glass door that led to the balcony. JR sighed. He missed her so much that he kept seeing her everywhere now. What will it be like after five, ten years? Would he have gone insane from hallucinating about her? Christ. He had to win her back or he would really go mad.

"A penny for your thoughts?" her voice said from behind him. Startled, JR spun around almost tumbling to the floor in his chair. He grabbed the edge of his desk to keep his balance and blinked rapidly. When she didn't disappear, he stood up.

"You're here? You're really here right now?"

She nodded "Yeah. But I can leave if you're busy....."

"No, no, no" he rushed to say walking around his desk. He tripped on something and looking down, he realized it was a stapler and kicked it. "Don't leave. Please stay. Stay" he was rambling, not knowing what to really say. She was there. She'd actually come to him, alone. Her bodyguard was nowhere to be seen.

"How are you?" she asked sitting down. God she was so beautiful. Her hair was longer, having not seen it when he'd dropped Alexis off since it was wound in a bun. There was color in her cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes. He sat on the chair beside her, mostly because his knees were about to give out on him but also because he wanted to breathe in her sweet flowery perfume.

"I-I I'm fine. You?"

"Fine too. How's Giselle?" she asked so casually that he turned his chair towards her looking her straight in the eyes.

"Back in Italy I guess. Hayley nothing....." she raised her hand stopping him.

"If you're going to lie I'd rather you just kept your excuses to yourself"

He stared at her shocked. How could she think he had been with someone else especially Giselle when he hadn't stopped thinking about her for a second? "Have I ever lied to you?"

"I don't know. Have you?"

"Hayley...."

"Are you telling me you didn't know I was your brother's widow?"

JR couldn't conceal the horror in his face even if his life depended on it "God no. I would have told you if I knew. I swear Hayley I would never hide something like that from you"

"I don't believe you" she said standing up and walking to the window.

"I'm not lying to you. Please believe me. I had to force it out of my father because he didn't want to talk about it"

"Okay" she sighed turning around. "That's all I needed to hear. Have a nice life JR" he shot from the chair moving with lightning speed to block her way.

"You're leaving?"  he asked his stomach dropping.

"Yes. Like I said I've heard all I needed to hear and since I don't believe you, I'm leaving. Now move out of my way"

"You can't be serious Hayley. What do I have to do to make you trust that I'm telling you the truth?"

"Nothing. There's nothing you can do" she pushed him aside and this time he moved. So this was it then. There was nothing he could do to convince her he wasn't lying let alone get back together with him. Out of reflex, his  hand reached out, grabbing her wrist "Hayley"

"James" her voice was so cool, calm. That he dropped her hand watching her walk to the door with a part of him. He couldn't think. He felt numb and cold, chilled from the inside out. She was leaving. Just like that she was walking away and there was not a damn thing he could do. Before that moment, he knew he had a chance to win her back. Now? With the way she said his name with such finality, like putting the last nail on the coffin. Yes she had come to him alone. But that was because she wanted to tell him goodbye. He realized that whatever he'd told her, she wouldn't have believed him. Hayley had made up her mind before she stepped foot in that building deciding he wasn't worth fighting for.

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Hayley stood outside his door wondering if enough time had passed. That idiot deserved what she was doing to him for at least a month or two. She checked her watch and decided ten minutes were enough. Ten minutes that had already passed. Slamming the door open, a startled JR had a second to duck her handbag before it hit him in the face. Since he was too dazed, he didn't even move an inch and she nailed him. "That was for sending me those magazines you jerk" she said her hands on her waist.

"W-What?"

"You didn't think I would find out that it was you who sent Nick to deliver them?"

"I.... What are you...." he stopped. If she could come up with a word for him it would be tongue tied. Maybe she should have waited another ten minutes?

"Cat got your tongue?"

That got him moving. He kicked her handbag aside stalking towards her "What are you saying?"

The look in his eyes made her take a step back. Bad idea Hayley. Just shut up. But her mouth wouldn't oblige. It moved on its own. "I'm saying, I know it was your plan to make me jealous...."

"No" he stopped in front of her "Do you mean all that was an act? You, saying you don't believe me, walking out?"

"Yap. How do you think I felt when I saw you and Giselle looking all lovey dovey in that magazine?" JR breathed in then out looking like he was trying to control himself. It wasn't working because he was visibly shaking.

"Where do we stand?"

"What?" Hayley asked confused.

"Our relationship. Where do we stand right this second? Are you ending it or are you here to fix things?" he asked spearing her with a gaze so intense she stumbled back.

"T-The... The latter?" it came out as a question. She didn't know why she was asking but she was hesitant. He had that predatory look in his eyes and as much as it was making her hot all over, they still had things to talk about. Things she had to tell him so he could choose if he still wanted to be with her or not. But apparently their talk didn't matter because he grabbed her hand pulling her forward so she that her body was inches away from her while he banged the door shut. "JR... " she started but he cut her short.

"Quiet. The only thing you're allowed to do for the rest of the day is moan, breathe and scream my name. Do you hear me?"

Holy mother of...

Hayley nodded swallowing visibly.

"Good. Now you're going to undress for me slowly. Then you'll sit on my desk and spread yourself wide for me. Am I clear?" another nod. She couldn't speak let alone think. His voice was low, husky, sexy burning her from the inside out. Hayley forgot why she wanted to talk to him in the first place. How could she think anyone would ever replace him? The words coming out of his mouth alone were enough to bring her to her knees. Who would ever make her feel that way? 

"You should already be naked Hayley" he said pocketing his hands. That action drew her eyes to his waist and she was pleased to see the bulge fighting to get out of the confines there. "Get moving. We're loosing light" he ordered his voice impatient. She snapped her head up feeling a streak of rebellion course through her.

"Don't you dare.... " her words were muffled by his mouth that was instantly on hers. Shocked, it took her a minute to respond. How had he moved so fast? One hand was on her neck while the other in her hair, he whispered

"Don't I dare what?" he asked trailing his mouth toe her ear "Keep you on edge for hours for pulling that stunt on me? Or don't I dare make you come until it hurts to even think about it?" having nothing to say she just stood still. "I'm going to take you in every position that I know, in every corner of this office, on every surface. So when I say get undressed, you get undressed or I will rip off all your clothes without caring what you'll walk out of here in." he took a step back prompting her to start moving. The sweater she'd worn came out first, over her head. When she looked up at JR, his gaze was on her breasts. The black lace bra she'd worn did nothing to conceal her hard nipples. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her but they couldn't go forward without talking first. Walking around his desk she stood on the other side putting the furniture between them.

"We need to talk first JR. You need to know everything before you decide whether or not you still want to be with me"

He narrowed his eyes then walked towards her. She backed up but he kept going until he'd pinned her on the wall. "You're right we do need to talk"

She looked up at him using her hands to brace herself on the wall. She couldn't touch him. Not before they cleared any misunderstanding between them. But she also couldn't stop picturing what was underneath the three piece suit he wore. She wanted to unwrap him like a piece of candy and lick him all over until she couldn't feel her tongue. "Did you sleep with him?" his question made her snap her head up.

"What?"

"You heard me. Did you sleep with him?"

"No"

"So nothing happened between you two?"

"Well....."

"Hayley....." JR said through gritted teeth

"We kissed. Once... Twice.... Maybe....." he pushed his body into hers plastering her against the wall. Taking her face in his hands he kissed her savagely reminding her who she belonged to.

"Never again. Do you hear me?" he asked nibbling on her lips. "You're mine Hayley. All mine"

"JR...." she said out of breath but he wasn't listening to her. He was busy waking her sleeping body up.

"I don't care about anything else." he stopped bringing his gaze back to her. "I want you. Only you Hayley. What happened in the past doesn't matter. Give me a chance to replace those horrible memories with happy ones. Let me show you how much I really love you" the look in his eyes made her eyes water. He loved her. He truly loved her and he was willing to fix her. He didn't care if she was broken or if she had trust issues. He still wanted her. Lifting her hand she placed it on his cheek. Vince was right. He would do anything for her.

"I love you." she told him. JR's face transformed lighting up like a Christmas tree and he kissed her again. This time sloppily, not caring with finesse. Pulling back he grabbed her wrist heading to the door. She tugged on her hand "What are you doing?"

"Change of plans. We're going home. This isn't happening here"

"That's fine with me but I'm half naked" he stopped turning to look at her as if he'd forgotten she'd started to undress on his orders.

"Did you come here like that?"

"No. You told me to undress. Did you forget already?"

"I'm sorry. After you said you loved me everything else evaporated from my mind"

"Let go so I can put my clothes back on."

"No." he said walking back with her to where her sweater was lying on the floor. "I'm not letting you go ever again." 

"At least let me put it back on then"

"I'll do that and everything else for you. Just promise me you'll never leave me again"

"I promise."

"And promise me you'll wear that wedding dress again so I can take it off you" Hayley rolled her eyes smiling.

"I promise. Now you promise me something"

"Anything" he said slipping his hands inside her sweater just to feel her skin.

"We'll name our child after Vince"

"You're pregnant?" Hayley laughed at the way his voice rose an octave.

"I think so. I'm late but I haven't confirmed it yet"

"We're having a baby? My baby?"

"I just said..... Ah" she shrieked when he lifted her up twirling her in circles.

"We're having a baby."

"Yes. Now stop you're making me dizzy" she said laughing. Maybe she shouldn't have told him without making sure she really was pregnant. She didn't want to build his hopes up only to disappoint him later. "I'm really not sure JR so don't get your hopes up"

"I don't care. If you're not pregnant yet, you will be. We're definitely having a baby" not willing to put her down, he carried her outside with her legs wrapped around his waist. Alina his secretary looked on in amusement while JR told her to cancel his meetings for the next two months.

"What will you be doing for the next two months?" Hayley asked when they were in the lift.

"I'll be on my honeymoon trying to get my wife pregnant. Any objections?"

"None" she said sealing the deal with a kiss. Someone cleared their throats and they broke apart, realizing they had already reached the ground floor.

"She's going to be my wife. And we're having a baby" JR told the man standing on the other side waiting for them to exit the lift.

"Congratulations sir"

"Thank you. You're invited to the wedding. In fact everyone is" JR shouted so that everyone in the lobby heard him. People clapped making way for him to pass with Hayley still in his arms, her face buried in the crook of his neck. It was going to take her awhile before she got used to the attention JR received from people.

They didn't get far. Just as they got in the apartment, JR slammed her on the wall his lips on hers. They were alone having decided the mansion wasn't private enough for what was coming next. Coaxing her mouth open, he licked every corner swallowing her moans but stopped abruptly. "What's wrong? Why did you stop?" Hayley asked breathing heavily

"Did you just say you wanted to name our child after Vince?" she bit her lip.

"JR....."

"No Fucking way"

"It was the one thing he asked of me."

"I don't care. No child of mine is going to be named after that imbecile."

"Fine. I guess he'll have to settle for Alexis keeping his last name then" Hayley huffed walking ahead into the apartment.

JR was right on her heels "Like hell he will. Alexis is mine too. She is a Rutherford not a Lachlan. Never a Lachlan"

"I know that. But I had to fill the father's name on her birth certificate in case something ever happened to me and Vince was there. In the eyes of the law, he's her father"

"Not anymore" he said taking out his phone. Which reminded Hayley that she'd forgotten her purse in his office. "How soon can you draw up adoption papers? No. She's a Rutherford but her birth certificate indicates someone else as her father. Then do whatever you can to speed up the process. I want my name there Paul. Yes I'm sure. Yeah. Okay" he hung up throwing his phone on the sofa carelessly.

"What did you just do?"

"I called my lawyer and started the process of becoming Alexis's father. Can we start on our second child now?"

"James......."

"No. We're done talking" picking her up, he threw her over his shoulder heading to the bedroom. He was going to reacquaint himself with her body. It had been to long and it was unacceptable that he was forgetting how she tasted. How lidded her gaze was when she came apart beneath him. "I love you just the way you are Hayley. I don't want to change you or pretend you're perfect because I'm not. We are two imperfect souls coming together to create one perfect union." he said sealing their lips together. He loved her and she loves him. It was all he ever wanted. Someone to call his own. His family. Together with Alexis, he was going to make them the happiest people alive. He would make sure of it.

The fire that had been burning rampant in the office had simmered down to a slow sizzling. JR didn't think there was a time he didn't want her. That was always a constant ever since he met her. Even without knowing her, he'd been jealous of his father that first day he'd seen her walking beside him. Even when he thought she was one of his girls, he'd still wanted her. Always. And from that day, he was going to make sure she wanted him back with the same ferocity. So he took his time undressing her, removing each piece of clothing with the utmost care. Then he kissed her forehead, moving down to her eyes, nose, cheeks, the corner of her mouth. He didn't stop to kiss her lips but continued to her jaw, then neck where he sucked and licked until she was wreathing beneath him.

Her fingers moved to his half coat unbuttoning the three buttons and pushing it off him while his mouth was on the swell of her breasts. Her breaths were heavy like she had trouble breathing but she didn't stop. His shirt came off next then she ran her hands over his chest, making him shiver. While he worked on her bra, she worked on his belt, both moving in sync with each other until they were bare. He moved her up the bed a few inches then spreading her knees apart he climbed over her covering her body with his without putting any weight on it. He wanted to see her eyes when he finally joined them. He wanted her to know he was the only one made for him and vice versa. Bending his head, he kissed her just as he pushed inside her slowly. She bent her knees, opening herself up to him, making him go deeper and when he was sheathed to the hilt they both froze opening their eyes. "I love you" she murmured brushing his hair back from his forehead.

"I love you too my love. So much and I want you to know that I'll always be here whenever you need me. Always. Because this bond we have between us is unbreakable. The past doesn't matter. Only the future"

"Only the future" she repeated nodding. JR started moving knowing that whatever happened from there on out, she was his forever just like he was hers.

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😢 😢 it's over.

But seriously I cannot believe it either. Which is why you guys are getting an Epilogue. And a surprise I'm hoping you'll like. See you at the finish line love. 😘