Alwayz & Forever
Summary: Gwen and Fox shared a past together. But now she is engaged to Ethan. What will arise with Fox's return, will love be in the air? Or will it be disaster and mayhem? A little bit of Sam and Ivy also. WARNING: Not exactly for Theresa fans.
[:-{cHaPtEr 1}-:]
iNtRoDuCtIoN
"She needs to get out NOW!" screamed Theresa at Chief Sam Bennett referring to Ivy Winthrop (ex-Crane).
Everyone's eyes widened at the once innocent and sweet Theresa screaming for Ivy to move out of the Crane Mansion when it wasn't clear whether she had a place to stay or not. Ethan was especially shocked that Theresa could be so cruel. It was a complete blizzard out there. He looked over at Gwen and saw her concern about Ivy's well being.
How could I have at one time LOVED Theresa? This is not the Theresa I knew and loved.
Julian Crane looked amused at the scene unfolding before him. He always enjoyed a little female scuffle. Rebecca Hotchkiss' expression was shocked but eventually turned to pleasure. She was able to stay while Ivy Winthrop was about to be thrown out of the Crane Mansion.
"I'm only saying this once more. As this is my house because I am the legal Mrs. Julian Crane, I have the right of who should be able to stay in the house and unfortunately Ivy is not welcome. So, I want her out of here immediately!" Theresa said threateningly.
"Theresa, please. You're being unreasonable. In this storm, there is no hotel with vacancy and no one is able to let her stay. She can't possibly stay out in the storm, it's much too dangerous." Chief Bennett said.
Gwen was just amazed at how evil Theresa was being. Sure, it was true that they weren't exactly best friends. Actually that was an understatement they practically loathed each other. Both had fought over Ethan countless times. Gwen had finally come out triumphantly and ended up with the diamond ring claiming the to-be Mrs. Ethan Winthrop.
I didn't think even Theresa was capable of being this mean and evil. Sure, she could be a bitch sometimes but putting someone out in this weather with no place to go... someone DISABLED that's wow...
She looked over at Fox and tried desperately to know what he was thinking. His expression was unreadable as it usually was so it was pretty difficult to know. In the past, Gwen was able to read Fox like a book. They were very good friends with each and it soon blossomed into more... Then Gwen was pressured by her parents to go out with Ethan and their relationship had disintegrated. Gwen soon developed real feelings for Ethan and didn't give a second thought about Fox since he was still going to be in Europe when she came back with Ethan to Harmony. When she saw him back, old feelings began to build up in her and her heart contracted every time she saw him. She remembered the hurt she caused him when she started going out with Ethan. Her legs would turn to jelly and her stomach will fill up with butterflies when she saw him.
Fox looked on in amazement at how tough Theresa could be. Of course, she was beautiful and fiery but he didn't think she had it in her to actually kick his mother out of her... well... her old house now. He looked over at Gwen and saw her glimpsing at him but she quickly turned away when he turned to her. He loved Gwen once... he truly did... he probably still does... but it doesn't matter because she hurt him... BIG TIME. She actually started going out with ETHAN, his brother, for crying out loud. He couldn't believe that she would betray him like that. And to find out that they were engaged, well that was the last straw. Even though he promised himself a long time ago to forget about Gwen and move on with his life, he couldn't help but think back to her. She was so exquisite and unique. She wasn't just gorgeous, but sweet, caring, and actually taught him to think about other people beside himself.
Before Gwen came into his life, he was a self-absorbed and obnoxious. He was a whole new person when Gwen came along. He began to be more considerate especially to Gwen. He often treated her like a queen when they were secretly together. But when Gwen left him, he reverted back to his old self. Womanizing, conceited, and cocky. Theresa seemed like an interesting find. She was the first person he saw when he returned to the Crane Mansion. He even thought about seducing her, but then found out that she was indeed, his new stepmother. She was especially beautiful, and he knew that well, she and his father, Julian didn't want to be married to each other in the first place so he thought maybe he could get closer to his stepmother. Then he saw her in the Mansion later on. There she was, Gwen, the love of his life. The only person he's ever loved and really meant it. He looked at her; she was still as exquisite and beautiful as she ever was. Her eyes shined whenever she spoke, her hair bounced cutely when she walked, and her smile was electrifying.
Ivy Winthrop looked horrified at the possibility of being homeless. Ivy Winthrop, who was once a Crane, the most powerful family in all of Harmony, homeless, the irony was overwhelming. But on the other hand, the one person she's loved with all her heart and would do anything to win back, Sam Bennett looked concerned for her. They were once in love but Ivy and Julian's parents conspired against them so that they would not get married. Sam was heartbroken and found a beautiful woman who he was now proud to say was his wife, Grace. Between Grace and Ivy there was always animosity, but with good reason. They were both in the love with the same man. Ivy even hired a man named David Hastings to pretend to be Grace's first husband. The plan was going great, and Grace and Sam's relationship seemed to be on the rocks.
"Look, Theresa... there are no hotels available currently and the storm looks like it can cause some serious damage. Won't you reconsider thinking about kicking my mother out?" Ethan asked, his eyes full of concern.
Theresa looked hesitant at the moment. Torn between giving in to the man she's loved almost all her life and doing something she's wanted to do for the longest time. And that was to finally able to put Ivy Winthrop in her place. Revenge eventually won out and it was all a part of her plan to win back Ethan. She had to show Ethan that his mother was the one who caused all the problems in their relationship and that when she was determined to get something done she did it. She wasn't a person who backed out on their word and wanted to show Ethan how strong she was. Theresa didn't care that a diamond ring was currently, securely in place on Gwen's left ring finger, what mattered was whose finger it was going to be on and stay on forever.
"I'm really sorry, Ethan but I've made up my mind. Ivy has got to go! And preferably in the time of, oh, how about NOW?" Theresa said.
Ethan looked angry and was beginning to look at Theresa in disgust. He couldn't believe that this woman was once his fiancée. But people change. Theresa definitely did. Ever since being married to Julian, she has taken advantage of all the money she has access to. Even though both Julian and Theresa would be willing to sign divorce papers, Theresa won't let it happen for the risk of her losing so much. She was nothing but a little gold-digger. But when she was convinced Ethan was going to propose to her, she was in quite a hurry to get a divorce from Julian. However, as Ethan chose Gwen and not Theresa she wasn't going to give up the title of the legal Mrs. Julian Crane.
Theresa walked up to the Mansion front door and opened it, bringing the shivering tingle of the storm breeze into the Mansion. She raised her eyebrows in expectance for Ivy to leave the household. "Ivy... what are you waiting for? GET OUT!" yelled Theresa.
"Wait a minute. There is a place for Ivy to stay after all." Sam said thoughtfully, scratching and rubbing his chin.
"Really? There's a place for Mother to stay?" Ethan asked hopefully.
Theresa looked abashed and angry at the thought that this situation still didn't cause Ivy to live out in the cold, suffering.
"Yes... but I'm afraid that well... look... Ivy can stay with me." Sam said, finally.
Ivy tried desperately not to look overjoyed but it was very difficult. It was very nearly her dream come true. The man she loved with all her heart was about to let her live with him in his home. Saint Grace is going to have FIT!
Theresa looked stunned, her plan and revenge has gone down the drain.
Gwen and Ethan looked relieved. Rebecca had the look of wonder on her face, Julian continued drinking his wine, and Fox looked half relieved but also a little bit disappointed. There was no doubt that he did love his mother, but she never treated him with the love and attention that she showered on Ethan. For that, Fox was always envious of his brother. Ethan was the perfect child in his mother's eyes. He was the son and heir of the richest and most powerful family in Harmony. He excelled in academics and athletics and generally a well behaved, well-rounded, young man bound to be successful. Fox, on the other hand was a womanizer, troublemaker, and cocky. He was athletic but whenever the chance to cause mayhem arisen, Fox would accept it. But it didn't matter anyways; his mother would always love Ethan more, no matter what. After it was found out that Ethan was not Julian Crane's son but the son of Sam Bennett, it became clear as to why she loved him most. Ethan was the only son conceived together with the man, the only man, she has ever truly loved.
"Ivy, I guess you should pack up now. I'll drive you to my house and you can stay there as long as you need to until you find a place to stay." Sam said.
Theresa narrowed her eyes and stomped up to her room to feed Little Ethan. Julian and Rebecca returned to their bedroom, doing who on earth knows what. Ethan offered to go along with his mother and Sam. Gwen offered to come along with him, but Ethan said that he wouldn't be gone very long. The door opened and shut, leaving Gwen and Fox alone in the Crane living room.
Gwen seemed uncomfortable and went to get a drink. Fox followed her and also got a drink. They looked at each other while drinking, tension and silence filling the air between them.
"This is ridiculous. We were never speechless like this back then. Gwen, there's so much that you have yet to tell me." Fox said, finally.
Gwen sighed heavily, contemplating this moment. She finally replied, "Nick..."
"You were practically the only person who called me Nick or Nicholas. Why is that? I always wondered."
"Because I never really thought of you as a fox... you were always Nick... just Nick."
Fox finally got tired of the BS and grabbed Gwen's shoulders. "Look, I'll get straight to the point. Why did you leave me? Why did you go to Ethan? Was one Crane not good enough for you?" He finally got it off his chest and felt a heavy load come off of his shoulders. He's wondered these questions for years and finally it's out in the open. He stared at her intensely, angrily.
To his surprise, Gwen said nothing. She looked down at her feet. Finally, when she lifted her head, he saw tears glistening in her eyes and sliding down her cheek. She brushed them away abruptly. Then she stared back at Fox defiantly. How dare he treat me this way? Like he's the only one who's been betrayed! He slept with at least a million girls and not to give a damn about me!
Gwen slapped Fox accurately right across the cheekbone. "How dare you, Nick! When you're the one sleeping around 24/7! I've wanted to tell you for the longest as to why I would have broke up with you! Remember that night? The night you told me you love me?"
The night air was sweet and delicious. The full moon was winking and shining brightly against the sea. The fountain was spurting water from a stonefish. It was the perfect evening. The perfect day, perfect weather, perfect timing, everything perfect for two people to share their love. But not for two certain people, named Nicholas Foxworth Crane and Gwen Hotchkiss.
Fox sat near the fountain watching the water squirt. He was dressed handsomely in a tailored suit. His expression was unreadable.
Gwen, in a silk lavender halter dress, which showed off her slim body perfectly and made her skin shine, was watching Fox. To anyone else, Fox would seem to be relaxing or getting fresh air. But Gwen knew better. And it made her depressed. She slowly walked toward him. She touched his shoulder lightly, causing him to turn around toward her. His eyes lit up when he saw her but returned to its impassiveness quickly. She sat next to him and took his hand. She intertwined their fingers. She lifted up his chin so that he could look at her.
She was shocked to find tears nearly falling out of his eyes. She cradled his head in her arms and kissed his cheeks. Nothing had been said, but this spoke for more than words could. Finally, Gwen broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, Nick." She said, quietly.
"Why, Gwen? I thought we were happy together."
"You don't understand!"
"Well, enlighten me, then!"
"I'm not doing this anymore! You won't even listen to me seriously!" Gwen got up and was about to walk away when Fox stopped her.
"Gwen..."
"Nick, I am happy. You were always there to brighten my day and I don't think I could live without-" Gwen was cut off by Fox's kiss.
They kissed and their tongues crashed and mingled together. After what seemed like eternity, they broke away and breathed heavily. Fox pressed his forehead against Gwen's and looked into her eyes. This was the woman he couldn't live without. She was his best friend. Beautiful, smart, sexy, and funny. He felt her smooth blonde hair and ran through it with his fingers.
"Gwen..."
She looked up into his eyes and hers widened. She looked at him expectantly.
"Gwen... I love you. Honestly, I love everything about you. I love you so much that it hurts, sometimes. I can't live without you, plain and simple."
Gwen's eyes widened even more and her mouth dropped open slightly. She looked into his eyes, which indeed were full of love and longing. His face was filled his anticipation and sorrow. That's when she realized it. She loved him, too. He was her best friend. He was extremely handsome, cocky, funny, and sexy as hell. He was everything she ever wanted in a man. But she was about to throw it away and she didn't know how to answer his earlier questions. So she did the only thing she could.
"I love you, Nicholas." Before he could utter a word, she grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him fiercely. Out of nowhere, fireworks began to explode behind them and crackled. Neither of them seemed to notice, they were too wrapped up in each other.
Fox would never, ever forget that night. It was passionate and loving. He didn't think he would ever be able to love a person. But Gwen Hotchkiss changed his life. She wanted to tell him something that night, but they never got the chance, and those questions stayed unanswered.
Fox stayed silent. Gwen was nearly shaking.
"Shh... they'll hear you. Let's go up to my room. Ethan might be back soon. I still need to talk to you." Fox said to her softly.
Gwen reluctantly took his hand as he led her to his bedroom. She sat on his bed and avoided his eyes.
Fox sat next to her. They stayed silent until Fox brought up the subject again.
"Nick. You want to know the reason I broke up with you? My mother always thought that I should be with someone more respectable. And someone who was next in line to inherit the Crane fortune. And that person was Ethan."
"What I need to know is, Gwen. Do you love him? Do you still love me?"
"I... I... don't know anymore. I still have feelings for you, but I also have them for Ethan. I just don't know anymore." Gwen looked lost and sad.
Fox was both happy and mad. He was glad that Gwen still had feelings for him but angry that she also had feelings for his brother. He gathered her in his arms and desperately wished that they could forget who was around to relive the passion that they had before. He gently rocked Gwen as she sobbed in his arms.
"Does Ethan know anything about us?" Fox asked.
"No. He had no idea."
"Gwen, I just want you to know, I love you still. I always will. Forever. You're the first person that I ever loved and ever will. You made me trust in myself. You were the best thing that ever happened to me." Fox revealed.
Any girl would be ecstatic to have someone confess that to them. To Gwen, this only complicated matters. Of course, she was touched and she loved Fox, too. But she was in a dilemma. She loved Fox but also has feelings for Ethan and she's engaged to him. She was about to get married soon.
Gwen started crying again. Fox was at a loss. He held her, said soothing words, and stroked her hair. He tried to do anything to try and comfort her.
"I can't do this anymore, Nick."
"Do what?"
"Be engaged to Ethan when I really love you. You're the one I always loved. I did develop feelings for Ethan but they never compared to what I felt for you. But I will be hurting Ethan, my mother, Ivy will be stunned. I just... I don't know what to do."
"We love each other, Gwen. That's all that matters. We'll get through this."
Gwen desperately wanted to let Fox take her away and escape her world. Take her somewhere that Fox was her world. She wanted to make love to him, see his face everyday, and be able to call him her husband. But those things were nearly impossible.
"Remember our first time, Gwen? I'll never forget that night. You were so beautiful, you still are. I can't imagine loving someone else the way I love you."
"I remember. I just wish we could relive that."
"We can." Fox began kissing her and rubbing his hands over her body.
Gwen felt incredible but she knew that she couldn't let this happen. Ethan was going to be home any minute and she was engaged. She shivered as Fox's talented mouth sucked softly on her neck. His hands gripped her waist and soon started caressing her behind. She didn't want it to stop but the little voice in her head screamed at her to stop before this went any further.
Gwen pushed Fox off her regretfully.
"Nick, we can't! Ethan will be home soon, and have you forgotten that I'm engaged?"
"Yeah... and who's fault is that?" Fox snapped.
Gwen blinked. It was the truth but it still stung.
"Oh... Jesus... Gwen I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I was just being an asshole." Fox said.
"I have to go." Gwen quickly got off his bed, opened the door, and left his room.
Fox stared at her retreating form and debated whether to chase after her or not. This was going to be harder than he thought. But he knew that he would never give up on her. When Fox set his mind on something, he was going to get it. He loved Gwen and didn't care what he had to do to get her.
Summary: Gwen and Fox shared a past together. But now she is engaged to Ethan. What will arise with Fox's return, will love be in the air? Or will it be disaster and mayhem? A little bit of Sam and Ivy also. WARNING: Not exactly for Theresa fans.
[:-{cHaPtEr 1}-:]
iNtRoDuCtIoN
"She needs to get out NOW!" screamed Theresa at Chief Sam Bennett referring to Ivy Winthrop (ex-Crane).
Everyone's eyes widened at the once innocent and sweet Theresa screaming for Ivy to move out of the Crane Mansion when it wasn't clear whether she had a place to stay or not. Ethan was especially shocked that Theresa could be so cruel. It was a complete blizzard out there. He looked over at Gwen and saw her concern about Ivy's well being.
How could I have at one time LOVED Theresa? This is not the Theresa I knew and loved.
Julian Crane looked amused at the scene unfolding before him. He always enjoyed a little female scuffle. Rebecca Hotchkiss' expression was shocked but eventually turned to pleasure. She was able to stay while Ivy Winthrop was about to be thrown out of the Crane Mansion.
"I'm only saying this once more. As this is my house because I am the legal Mrs. Julian Crane, I have the right of who should be able to stay in the house and unfortunately Ivy is not welcome. So, I want her out of here immediately!" Theresa said threateningly.
"Theresa, please. You're being unreasonable. In this storm, there is no hotel with vacancy and no one is able to let her stay. She can't possibly stay out in the storm, it's much too dangerous." Chief Bennett said.
Gwen was just amazed at how evil Theresa was being. Sure, it was true that they weren't exactly best friends. Actually that was an understatement they practically loathed each other. Both had fought over Ethan countless times. Gwen had finally come out triumphantly and ended up with the diamond ring claiming the to-be Mrs. Ethan Winthrop.
I didn't think even Theresa was capable of being this mean and evil. Sure, she could be a bitch sometimes but putting someone out in this weather with no place to go... someone DISABLED that's wow...
She looked over at Fox and tried desperately to know what he was thinking. His expression was unreadable as it usually was so it was pretty difficult to know. In the past, Gwen was able to read Fox like a book. They were very good friends with each and it soon blossomed into more... Then Gwen was pressured by her parents to go out with Ethan and their relationship had disintegrated. Gwen soon developed real feelings for Ethan and didn't give a second thought about Fox since he was still going to be in Europe when she came back with Ethan to Harmony. When she saw him back, old feelings began to build up in her and her heart contracted every time she saw him. She remembered the hurt she caused him when she started going out with Ethan. Her legs would turn to jelly and her stomach will fill up with butterflies when she saw him.
Fox looked on in amazement at how tough Theresa could be. Of course, she was beautiful and fiery but he didn't think she had it in her to actually kick his mother out of her... well... her old house now. He looked over at Gwen and saw her glimpsing at him but she quickly turned away when he turned to her. He loved Gwen once... he truly did... he probably still does... but it doesn't matter because she hurt him... BIG TIME. She actually started going out with ETHAN, his brother, for crying out loud. He couldn't believe that she would betray him like that. And to find out that they were engaged, well that was the last straw. Even though he promised himself a long time ago to forget about Gwen and move on with his life, he couldn't help but think back to her. She was so exquisite and unique. She wasn't just gorgeous, but sweet, caring, and actually taught him to think about other people beside himself.
Before Gwen came into his life, he was a self-absorbed and obnoxious. He was a whole new person when Gwen came along. He began to be more considerate especially to Gwen. He often treated her like a queen when they were secretly together. But when Gwen left him, he reverted back to his old self. Womanizing, conceited, and cocky. Theresa seemed like an interesting find. She was the first person he saw when he returned to the Crane Mansion. He even thought about seducing her, but then found out that she was indeed, his new stepmother. She was especially beautiful, and he knew that well, she and his father, Julian didn't want to be married to each other in the first place so he thought maybe he could get closer to his stepmother. Then he saw her in the Mansion later on. There she was, Gwen, the love of his life. The only person he's ever loved and really meant it. He looked at her; she was still as exquisite and beautiful as she ever was. Her eyes shined whenever she spoke, her hair bounced cutely when she walked, and her smile was electrifying.
Ivy Winthrop looked horrified at the possibility of being homeless. Ivy Winthrop, who was once a Crane, the most powerful family in all of Harmony, homeless, the irony was overwhelming. But on the other hand, the one person she's loved with all her heart and would do anything to win back, Sam Bennett looked concerned for her. They were once in love but Ivy and Julian's parents conspired against them so that they would not get married. Sam was heartbroken and found a beautiful woman who he was now proud to say was his wife, Grace. Between Grace and Ivy there was always animosity, but with good reason. They were both in the love with the same man. Ivy even hired a man named David Hastings to pretend to be Grace's first husband. The plan was going great, and Grace and Sam's relationship seemed to be on the rocks.
"Look, Theresa... there are no hotels available currently and the storm looks like it can cause some serious damage. Won't you reconsider thinking about kicking my mother out?" Ethan asked, his eyes full of concern.
Theresa looked hesitant at the moment. Torn between giving in to the man she's loved almost all her life and doing something she's wanted to do for the longest time. And that was to finally able to put Ivy Winthrop in her place. Revenge eventually won out and it was all a part of her plan to win back Ethan. She had to show Ethan that his mother was the one who caused all the problems in their relationship and that when she was determined to get something done she did it. She wasn't a person who backed out on their word and wanted to show Ethan how strong she was. Theresa didn't care that a diamond ring was currently, securely in place on Gwen's left ring finger, what mattered was whose finger it was going to be on and stay on forever.
"I'm really sorry, Ethan but I've made up my mind. Ivy has got to go! And preferably in the time of, oh, how about NOW?" Theresa said.
Ethan looked angry and was beginning to look at Theresa in disgust. He couldn't believe that this woman was once his fiancée. But people change. Theresa definitely did. Ever since being married to Julian, she has taken advantage of all the money she has access to. Even though both Julian and Theresa would be willing to sign divorce papers, Theresa won't let it happen for the risk of her losing so much. She was nothing but a little gold-digger. But when she was convinced Ethan was going to propose to her, she was in quite a hurry to get a divorce from Julian. However, as Ethan chose Gwen and not Theresa she wasn't going to give up the title of the legal Mrs. Julian Crane.
Theresa walked up to the Mansion front door and opened it, bringing the shivering tingle of the storm breeze into the Mansion. She raised her eyebrows in expectance for Ivy to leave the household. "Ivy... what are you waiting for? GET OUT!" yelled Theresa.
"Wait a minute. There is a place for Ivy to stay after all." Sam said thoughtfully, scratching and rubbing his chin.
"Really? There's a place for Mother to stay?" Ethan asked hopefully.
Theresa looked abashed and angry at the thought that this situation still didn't cause Ivy to live out in the cold, suffering.
"Yes... but I'm afraid that well... look... Ivy can stay with me." Sam said, finally.
Ivy tried desperately not to look overjoyed but it was very difficult. It was very nearly her dream come true. The man she loved with all her heart was about to let her live with him in his home. Saint Grace is going to have FIT!
Theresa looked stunned, her plan and revenge has gone down the drain.
Gwen and Ethan looked relieved. Rebecca had the look of wonder on her face, Julian continued drinking his wine, and Fox looked half relieved but also a little bit disappointed. There was no doubt that he did love his mother, but she never treated him with the love and attention that she showered on Ethan. For that, Fox was always envious of his brother. Ethan was the perfect child in his mother's eyes. He was the son and heir of the richest and most powerful family in Harmony. He excelled in academics and athletics and generally a well behaved, well-rounded, young man bound to be successful. Fox, on the other hand was a womanizer, troublemaker, and cocky. He was athletic but whenever the chance to cause mayhem arisen, Fox would accept it. But it didn't matter anyways; his mother would always love Ethan more, no matter what. After it was found out that Ethan was not Julian Crane's son but the son of Sam Bennett, it became clear as to why she loved him most. Ethan was the only son conceived together with the man, the only man, she has ever truly loved.
"Ivy, I guess you should pack up now. I'll drive you to my house and you can stay there as long as you need to until you find a place to stay." Sam said.
Theresa narrowed her eyes and stomped up to her room to feed Little Ethan. Julian and Rebecca returned to their bedroom, doing who on earth knows what. Ethan offered to go along with his mother and Sam. Gwen offered to come along with him, but Ethan said that he wouldn't be gone very long. The door opened and shut, leaving Gwen and Fox alone in the Crane living room.
Gwen seemed uncomfortable and went to get a drink. Fox followed her and also got a drink. They looked at each other while drinking, tension and silence filling the air between them.
"This is ridiculous. We were never speechless like this back then. Gwen, there's so much that you have yet to tell me." Fox said, finally.
Gwen sighed heavily, contemplating this moment. She finally replied, "Nick..."
"You were practically the only person who called me Nick or Nicholas. Why is that? I always wondered."
"Because I never really thought of you as a fox... you were always Nick... just Nick."
Fox finally got tired of the BS and grabbed Gwen's shoulders. "Look, I'll get straight to the point. Why did you leave me? Why did you go to Ethan? Was one Crane not good enough for you?" He finally got it off his chest and felt a heavy load come off of his shoulders. He's wondered these questions for years and finally it's out in the open. He stared at her intensely, angrily.
To his surprise, Gwen said nothing. She looked down at her feet. Finally, when she lifted her head, he saw tears glistening in her eyes and sliding down her cheek. She brushed them away abruptly. Then she stared back at Fox defiantly. How dare he treat me this way? Like he's the only one who's been betrayed! He slept with at least a million girls and not to give a damn about me!
Gwen slapped Fox accurately right across the cheekbone. "How dare you, Nick! When you're the one sleeping around 24/7! I've wanted to tell you for the longest as to why I would have broke up with you! Remember that night? The night you told me you love me?"
The night air was sweet and delicious. The full moon was winking and shining brightly against the sea. The fountain was spurting water from a stonefish. It was the perfect evening. The perfect day, perfect weather, perfect timing, everything perfect for two people to share their love. But not for two certain people, named Nicholas Foxworth Crane and Gwen Hotchkiss.
Fox sat near the fountain watching the water squirt. He was dressed handsomely in a tailored suit. His expression was unreadable.
Gwen, in a silk lavender halter dress, which showed off her slim body perfectly and made her skin shine, was watching Fox. To anyone else, Fox would seem to be relaxing or getting fresh air. But Gwen knew better. And it made her depressed. She slowly walked toward him. She touched his shoulder lightly, causing him to turn around toward her. His eyes lit up when he saw her but returned to its impassiveness quickly. She sat next to him and took his hand. She intertwined their fingers. She lifted up his chin so that he could look at her.
She was shocked to find tears nearly falling out of his eyes. She cradled his head in her arms and kissed his cheeks. Nothing had been said, but this spoke for more than words could. Finally, Gwen broke the silence.
"I'm sorry, Nick." She said, quietly.
"Why, Gwen? I thought we were happy together."
"You don't understand!"
"Well, enlighten me, then!"
"I'm not doing this anymore! You won't even listen to me seriously!" Gwen got up and was about to walk away when Fox stopped her.
"Gwen..."
"Nick, I am happy. You were always there to brighten my day and I don't think I could live without-" Gwen was cut off by Fox's kiss.
They kissed and their tongues crashed and mingled together. After what seemed like eternity, they broke away and breathed heavily. Fox pressed his forehead against Gwen's and looked into her eyes. This was the woman he couldn't live without. She was his best friend. Beautiful, smart, sexy, and funny. He felt her smooth blonde hair and ran through it with his fingers.
"Gwen..."
She looked up into his eyes and hers widened. She looked at him expectantly.
"Gwen... I love you. Honestly, I love everything about you. I love you so much that it hurts, sometimes. I can't live without you, plain and simple."
Gwen's eyes widened even more and her mouth dropped open slightly. She looked into his eyes, which indeed were full of love and longing. His face was filled his anticipation and sorrow. That's when she realized it. She loved him, too. He was her best friend. He was extremely handsome, cocky, funny, and sexy as hell. He was everything she ever wanted in a man. But she was about to throw it away and she didn't know how to answer his earlier questions. So she did the only thing she could.
"I love you, Nicholas." Before he could utter a word, she grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him fiercely. Out of nowhere, fireworks began to explode behind them and crackled. Neither of them seemed to notice, they were too wrapped up in each other.
Fox would never, ever forget that night. It was passionate and loving. He didn't think he would ever be able to love a person. But Gwen Hotchkiss changed his life. She wanted to tell him something that night, but they never got the chance, and those questions stayed unanswered.
Fox stayed silent. Gwen was nearly shaking.
"Shh... they'll hear you. Let's go up to my room. Ethan might be back soon. I still need to talk to you." Fox said to her softly.
Gwen reluctantly took his hand as he led her to his bedroom. She sat on his bed and avoided his eyes.
Fox sat next to her. They stayed silent until Fox brought up the subject again.
"Nick. You want to know the reason I broke up with you? My mother always thought that I should be with someone more respectable. And someone who was next in line to inherit the Crane fortune. And that person was Ethan."
"What I need to know is, Gwen. Do you love him? Do you still love me?"
"I... I... don't know anymore. I still have feelings for you, but I also have them for Ethan. I just don't know anymore." Gwen looked lost and sad.
Fox was both happy and mad. He was glad that Gwen still had feelings for him but angry that she also had feelings for his brother. He gathered her in his arms and desperately wished that they could forget who was around to relive the passion that they had before. He gently rocked Gwen as she sobbed in his arms.
"Does Ethan know anything about us?" Fox asked.
"No. He had no idea."
"Gwen, I just want you to know, I love you still. I always will. Forever. You're the first person that I ever loved and ever will. You made me trust in myself. You were the best thing that ever happened to me." Fox revealed.
Any girl would be ecstatic to have someone confess that to them. To Gwen, this only complicated matters. Of course, she was touched and she loved Fox, too. But she was in a dilemma. She loved Fox but also has feelings for Ethan and she's engaged to him. She was about to get married soon.
Gwen started crying again. Fox was at a loss. He held her, said soothing words, and stroked her hair. He tried to do anything to try and comfort her.
"I can't do this anymore, Nick."
"Do what?"
"Be engaged to Ethan when I really love you. You're the one I always loved. I did develop feelings for Ethan but they never compared to what I felt for you. But I will be hurting Ethan, my mother, Ivy will be stunned. I just... I don't know what to do."
"We love each other, Gwen. That's all that matters. We'll get through this."
Gwen desperately wanted to let Fox take her away and escape her world. Take her somewhere that Fox was her world. She wanted to make love to him, see his face everyday, and be able to call him her husband. But those things were nearly impossible.
"Remember our first time, Gwen? I'll never forget that night. You were so beautiful, you still are. I can't imagine loving someone else the way I love you."
"I remember. I just wish we could relive that."
"We can." Fox began kissing her and rubbing his hands over her body.
Gwen felt incredible but she knew that she couldn't let this happen. Ethan was going to be home any minute and she was engaged. She shivered as Fox's talented mouth sucked softly on her neck. His hands gripped her waist and soon started caressing her behind. She didn't want it to stop but the little voice in her head screamed at her to stop before this went any further.
Gwen pushed Fox off her regretfully.
"Nick, we can't! Ethan will be home soon, and have you forgotten that I'm engaged?"
"Yeah... and who's fault is that?" Fox snapped.
Gwen blinked. It was the truth but it still stung.
"Oh... Jesus... Gwen I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I was just being an asshole." Fox said.
"I have to go." Gwen quickly got off his bed, opened the door, and left his room.
Fox stared at her retreating form and debated whether to chase after her or not. This was going to be harder than he thought. But he knew that he would never give up on her. When Fox set his mind on something, he was going to get it. He loved Gwen and didn't care what he had to do to get her.
