~ This chapter has some smut, just so your warned.~

Ever After

By Jules

Chapter   3

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kay recovered quickly and her smile grew even wider. Now it was getting interesting.

If she hired Ethan it really would be a family own business, all her brothers and sisters would be in on it! 

She leaned back in her chair and looked at him expectantly, "So, Mr. Crane, tell me why you'd want to work here."

Her age, and up front manor, surprised Ethan. He had suspected that the owner of the company was young, but he didn't expect still in high school.

"Well, until a few weeks ago I had been working for my father at Crane industries, but when my mother divorced him and informed me of all his infidelities I realized I didn't want to work for him."

Kay telepathically contacted Jessica, ~ Jess, Ivy Crane just got a divorce from Julian, Ethan's in my office right now! ~

~ Because he knows? ~ Jessica questioned.

~ No because he wants a job is all. But we're getting there! ~

Ethan continued, "Most of my experience is with contract negotiations so I know what I'm doing."

"Good, now, there are a few VERY important rules around here. One, love lives have to be shared with the office. Two, do NOT wear suits. We dress for comfort around here. And three, if you are going to work here, we go by first names and nicknames Ethan. So call me Kay preferably, though if you become friends with anyone here you'll probably start calling me Mike, Kayla, or Mikhaila. Your office joins with mine, plus it has a door to the main room. We have staff meetings on Wednesdays, at four; they're that late because I have school. So, do you want to work here? You'll get 2000 shares of the company when it goes on the market in a few months, but we can't pay you that much up front. We all get paid the same way, when the company makes money, you make money. Which means the more contracts you work out for us, the sooner you'll get paid. I know it's a major step down from what you're used to, but frankly, once this thing hits the market, you'll be raking it in."

Ethan smiled at her, "I'm not really in it for the money. I just like being a lawyer. I'd love to work here."

"Great! Now, we'll mostly need you for contract negotiations, but the other reason we need you is for Berg. He tends to get into trouble a lot. But he's worth it because he is a computer genius. He also probably knows the police station better then my father does. But anyway, come on, I'll introduce you to everyone."

Ethan followed Kay out the door, where she had to yell over the music of Blink 182, "YO! EVERYONE! I GOT US A LAWYER WHO'S ACTUALLY WILLING TO WORK WITH YOU BONE HEADS!"

Nikki turned down the music.

"Everyone, this is Ethan Crane. He's been briefed on the rules, and sworn to never wear a tie to work again. Ethan, this is everyone. They'll introduce themselves to you in time. Until then, I'll introduce you to the other reason I hired you if you'll please follow me."

Ethan nodded them ran up the stairs behind Kay.

Ethan and Kay could hear the guys from 20 feet away.

"NO! Not that way! Awww, see! I told you!"

"Shut up! You're making me lose concentration."

"Hey, it's my turn! Mike said we had to take turns Sergio, you've been playing for 30 minutes!"

"Leave me alone. It's only been 15 minutes Berg, wait your turn."

Kay growled then burst into the room, "Guys, WHAT did I tell you? Berg, wait your turn or you have to go back down stairs. Sergio, don't fight. Dad, don't tell people to shut up, it's not polite." Kay turned to Ethan, "I am soooo sorry, they just act like children some times . . ." She stopped talking when she saw Ethan had enthralled himself in the game and sighed, "Fine. I'm going back downstairs. Berg, Sergio, that's Ethan, our new lawyer."

Then she went back down to the offices calling out, "Alright, tell me, what is it about Nintendo that turns grown men back into little boys."

Kye and Brent all look up from the work eyes lit up, "The N64's back! Why didn't you tell us!?" Then they all jumped up and ran up the stairs.

"Oh my god. Tell me that did not just happen!" Kay growled louder then before.

"Mike, deep breaths sweetie." Dani advised, "It's just a guy thing."

Jessica was laughing, "I bet you ten bucks we could . . ." she blushed, "never mind."

Nikki looked at Jessica with a smirk on her face, "What? Walk in with only our bra's on and they wouldn't notice?"

Jessica nodded her head and blushed harder.

Dani jumped up, "Let's try it an see!"

Jessica turned pale, "No way, my father is in there."

Kay smirked, "Yeah, we'll just do it tomorrow when he's at work!"

"But don't you have school?" Dani questioned.

"I have a feeling that going to school tomorrow, the day after I've found out my parents are getting a divorce and I've moved out of my home will be too traumatic for my sister and I."

Nikki smiled, "Girls, you have just seem the amazing workings of the brain of The Master."

~*~

** Ivy and Ethan's new mansion **

Theresa looked up at her employer's new home. It was impressive, and very beautiful. She knocked on the door, which was quickly answered by her mother.

"Hello Theresa, Miss Winthrop is in her room."

"Thanks Mama. It's so strange to hear her called Miss Winthrop." Theresa remarked.

"Yes, after over 20 years, it is a bit strange."

Theresa said good-bye, then went up the grant staircase in the back of the foyer then went up the second flight straight to Ivy's room.

"Ivy, I'm here!" Theresa called out into the massive room.

"Theresa? Thank goodness! There's a number on my desk, will you call it and please inform Mrs. Kellermen  to set up the house. And that I'll be there on Monday. I was so busy packing I forgot to!"

"Of course. Where are you going?" Theresa questioned, picking up the phone.

"The Caymans."

Theresa quickly took care of it, "Everything's taken care of. They will be waiting for your arrival. A driver will meet you at the airport too."

"Wonderful. I don't really have much work for you to do today . . . oh my, how could I forget. Theresa, I've owned this fashion design business for years, and my head designer just retired. I am in desperate need of a new one. I've seen your drawings, and they are absolutely gorgeous. How would you like to take his place?"

Theresa's eyes were wide with shock, "Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. I want to start seeing the Poison Ivy label at the Emmys with in two years. And you're amazing creations are the exact thing I need. Why don't you go down into the den and start working on some sketches. Summer wear, things people would actually wear though. I'm going to rest for awhile."

"Are you alright Ivy? You've been doing that a lot."

Ivy could see that Theresa was truly concerned, so she decides to confide in her, "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course I can Ivy, especially for you." To herself Theresa thought, ~ You have NO idea how well I can keep a secret! ~

"Well, I'm pregnant. And it's not Julian's."

"Congratulations, when are you due?"

"November. But you can't tell anyone. Not even Ethan or Pilar. Neither of them know yet." Ivy enlightened her.

"Is that why you're leaving?"

Ivy nodded.

"But why?"

"Theresa, sometimes a baby is a blessing, an event that everyone is happy and excited about. And others times, it's best that other people do not find until they are ready to deal with it. This is one of these times. I have loved this baby's father for many years. Since I was a teenager, but I was forced to leave him. I never forgot him, but the pain in my heart and how much I missed him faded through the years, because I never saw him. Then out of the blue, there he was, back in my life. He, like I, pretended to have never even been acquainted with each other when we were around other people. I quickly realized I still needed him, so I integrated myself into his life. One night a couple months ago our paths crossed and we spent one beautiful night reliving the passion and love we both had been missing from each other the entire time we'd been apart. Especially the sanctuary and loyalty we got from each other. I thought my chance to be happy had finally come. Then a few days later, he told me the whole thing was a mistake. So the knowledge that I'm pregnant is not a good thing, he wouldn't want the baby."

Theresa dabbed her eyes with a Kleenex sniffing, trying to stop herself from crying, "Oh my gosh. That's just so sad. I don't know how you can bare it. I'm sorry Ivy, I shouldn't have asked."

Ivy shook her head, "Oh it's alright. Actually it feels better to have gotten that all out."

"I'm glad you feel a little better . . . . Well, I'm going to get to work. I'll tell Mama not to disturb you."

"Why thank you Theresa." 

Theresa left the room, closing the door behind her.

** Hours later **

Theresa used the huge glass windows in the den to her great advantage. She'd made a quick trip back home to get her supplies, and then gotten right to work.

Eight crumpled up sketches later, Theresa was finally getting into her zone. A radio was playing music in the background, to which Theresa was singing along.

~*~*~*~*~*~

 If you had my love and I gave you all my trust

Would you comfort me
Tell me baby
And if somehow you knew that your love would be untrue

Would you lie to me
And call me baby?

Now if I give you me, this is how its got to be
First of all I won't take you cheating on me
Tell me who can I trust if I can't trust in you
And I refuse to let you play me for a fool

You said that we could possible spend eternity
See, that's what you told me, that's what you said
But if you want me you'll have to be fulfilling all my dreams
If you really want me baby     

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan came home, and happily strolled into the den. He was surprised to find Theresa sitting there drawing and singing along to the lyrics.

~*~*~*~*~*~

If you had my love and I gave to all my trust

Would you comfort me
Tell me baby
And if somehow you knew that your love would be untrue

Would lie to me
And call me baby

You say you want my love and you got to have it all
But first there are some thing you need to know
If you wanna live with all I have to give
I need to feel true love or its got to end, yeah

I don't want you tryin' to get with me and I end up unhappy
I don't need the hurt and I don't need the pain
So before I do give myself to you I have to know the truth
If I spend my life with you    

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ethan was entranced by Theresa's beauty. The way the light just shone off her long, dark, beautiful, thick, silky brown hair.

~*~*~*~*~*~

 If you had my love and I gave you all my trust

Would you comfort me
Tell me baby
And if somehow you knew that your love would be untrue

Would you lie to me
And call me baby      

~*~*~*~*~*~

The song finished and Ethan finally revealed his presence, "You sing that better then she did."

Theresa looked up totally surprised and blushed, "No I don't."

"Yes you do! You have a wonderful voice." Then he looked down to what she's working on, "So, what on earth does my mother have you doing?"

"Well, this isn't for her exactly. Actually, she just hired me as head designer of her clothing line, Poison Ivy." Theresa explained, putting down her tablet and rendering pencil.

"Oh my God! Ressa that's wonderful!" Ethan exclaimed, hugging her and swinging her around.

Theresa laughed, "Isn't it thought! I'm so excited. I still can't believe it."

"Let me see what you've done so far." He demanded, picking up her sketchpad before she could protest.

Theresa wrung her hands nervously, "They're not very good. Just rough sketches and . . .

"Theresa, these are wonderful! You are very talented. I knew you were good, but these are just amazing."

"Thanks . . ." Theresa blushed, then changed the subject to Ethan himself, "So, where have you been all day? Did you find a job?"

Ethan looked at her surprised, "You knew I quit?"

"Of course I did! You're one of my best friends, so I have my ways of finding you out."

Ethan beamed at her, "Well, for your information, I did. And you'll never guess who for . . . Mikhaila Bennett."

"Kay?! But she's only 16!" Theresa protested.

"I know! She started this Web design thing, Mikhaila Web Design Inc. Apparently it's really starting to boom. She has ten employees, counting her brother, sister, and me."

Theresa frowned, "How is she doing? She and Miguel used to be inseparable . . . then Charity came into town and it was like Kay faded out of the picture. I have always thought Kay and Miguel would get together one day, but Miguel fell for Charity. I liked Charity at first, but she is starting to get on my nerves."

"Well, she seemed fine . . . for the brief time I saw her. Then I kind of got hooked in the N64 system upstairs in their apartment with the other guys." Ethan admitted sheepishly, and then frowned as he thought about it, "But actually, I'm not sure if she's ok. I asked Chief Bennett about all the boxes that were sitting around the apartment and he told me that he'd asked his wife, Grace, for a divorce this morning. Then he and the girls had moved out later today! He's asked for custody, and from what I heard, he's good a good chance."

"Oh my gosh, Sam's divorcing Grace?! I wonder if Miguel knows."

"I don't know. But here's the weirdest thing, after he told me about Grace, he asked me about Mother, and how she was."

"You're right, that is odd . . ."

~*~

Sam was sitting in the apartment above his daughter's offices, staring out at the ocean, thinking about what Ethan had told him . . .

** Flashback  **

"So, how's your mother doing?" Sam questioned, trying to get info on Ivy under the guise of small talk.

"Good, she's finally wised up to what my brothers, sisters, and I have been telling her to do for years and divorced my cheating scumbag father."

"So in other words, she's good."

"Yeah . . . . that's kind of funny though, you and my mother get divorces within less then two weeks of each other . . ."

** End of flashback **

Ivy had divorced Julian. She wouldn't have done that if the child was Julian's . . . he knew her, and if she spent so many years in a loveless married, she wouldn't have divorced him if she were pregnant with Julian's child, no matter how much she hated him. Besides, why would she sleep with Julian, if she was just going to get a divorce from him.

But still, his Ivy was divorced, so what was he waiting for? He'd gotten her new address off a copy of Ethan's resume and he was on his way.

** 30 minutes later **

** The beach front Mansion **

Sam stood nervously in front of the door. He took a couple of deep breaths, then rang the doorbell.

Ethan and Theresa had heard the bell, but they were caught up in discussing her sketches, and knew that Pilar would get it.

Which Pilar did, since it was her job. She opened the door to find a very determined looking police chief.

"Where's Ivy. I have to talk to her." Sam announced.

Pilar was surprised, "She's in her bedroom. But she is resting. If you come back in . . ."

Pilar's words were lost to Sam, "Where." He demanded.

"Third floor double doors, but why?"

Sam didn't answer, he strode up to Ivy's room and burst in. Ivy was packing.

"Ivy we need to talk." He commanded, taking in the scene before him. Clothes were tossed all over the place, and bags were strewn on chairs, filled with clothes.

Ivy jumped, a shirt in her hand, which she hid behind her back "Sam! Wh-what are you doing here?"

"I know Ivy."

At first she tried to feign innocence, "About what Sam? What could you possibly know?"

Sam clenched and unclenched his fists, and demanded his answer, "Ivy Winthrop, don't you dare try to pull this crap with me. I've known you far too long to actually fall for that innocent expression."

"Oh God." Ivy went pale, "What do you know?" She asked cautiously.

"About the baby. I have to know, it's mine isn't it." Sam prayed that the child was his, a child with Ivy would be a dream come true.

"I can't lie to you anymore. There have been so many lies." Ivy broke down and started crying, "You're going to be so mad at me . . ."

Sam took her in his arms, "No I won't, just tell me."

"I am pregnant Sam." Ivy sniffed, "But that's not everything . . . I'm tired Sam, so tired. I'm tired of the lies, deceit, threats."

"Threats?"

Ivy didn't even hear him, she just went on, "I just can't do it any more, one lie becomes another, and another . . . and the lies just keep getting bigger and bigger. Secrets are covered up and get deeper and more involved. I'm so tired of it all Sam, too many lies . . ."

"Like what?" Sam pressed softly.

Ivy took a deep breath, and after all this time she was going to tell him what she had wanted to for so many years, "Sam, this isn't the first time I've been pregnant with your child. Ethan, Ethan is your son . . . our son."

Sam grew cold and stepped away from her, "What?"

Ivy sobbed harder, "I've wanted to tell you Sam. So many times. When I found out all those years ago, I wanted to tell everyone, I was pregnant with the man I love's child." Ivy sniffed, "But I didn't, I never had the chance to tell anyone. Somehow, my father found out I was pregnant with your child, and he threa-threatened me."

It was Sam's turn to become pale beneath his tan, "Your father threatened you?"

Ivy nodded her head, nearly hysterical, and continued spilling the secrets she'd held inside for so long, "He called me a whore, and told me I would marry Julian and never tell anyone. He said, because if I did, he was going to destroy you, and implied that he'd do God-knows-what to Ethan. I couldn't let that happen." Ivy sobbed, falling to her knees, "I had to protect you. I had to protect our baby."

Sam quickly cradled her in his arms and held her tightly to his muscular chest (you know I had to put that in), as she whimpered, "You just have to understand Sam. I couldn't let him hurt you two. I couldn't let him."

Sam tried to sooth her, rocking back and forth with her, chanting, "It's alright. Shhh, it's ok now. I do understand. Shhh . . ." he repeated it over and over again until she fell asleep, exhausted from breaking down. Gently he laid her in the bed. He kneeled down next to her, wiping away her tears, and caressing her cheek. He took her hand in his, and vowed to her sleeping figure, "I swear, I will not let anyone hurt you once more or let anyone ever take you from me ever again." With that he laid a kiss on her forehead and went downstairs, to talk to his son.

Ethan and Theresa were arguing which band had better acoustics, Third Eye Blind or the Bare Naked Ladies, when Sam walked in, looking out of sorts..         

"Ethan, there's something really important I have to talk with you about . . . . It's private." He said in the direction of Theresa, apologetically.

Theresa observed the solemn look on Sam's face, and then quickly gathered up her sketching stuff. Before she left she laid a hand on Ethan's arm, looking deeply into his eyes, "I'll just be in the next room if you need me."

Ethan gazed back into her eyes, and put his hand on top of his, preventing her from leaving for a few more moments. 

Even Sam could feel the connection between the two, and the electricity in the air.

Finally Theresa tore her eyes away, and left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

Sam gave Ethan a funny look, (in Ethan's eyes) then he revealed what Ivy had told him, "Ethan, I really don't know a better way to tell you this, because no matter how you find out, you'll probably get upset. Your mother just told me that . . . Julian's not your real father. That I am."

"What?! That's impossible! You and my mother never even knew each other back then." Ethan disputed.

"Ethan, your mother and I met and fell in love when we were 17 . . ." Sam launched into the tale of their romance and what Ethan's grandfather had done, " . . . so she did it to protect us. To save you."

"Where is my mother? I want to talk with her." Ethan requested in a strained voice.

"She cried herself to sleep. This has been eating at her for a long time. Please, don't be angry with her. And your grandfather is dead." Sam wasn't quite sure what to do now, "Um, if you need me, you know where I am, but I need to get home to your sisters . . . ."

Ethan held up his hand to stop Sam, "I need to think . . ." then he rushed up to his room to process what he'd just been told.

Sam stood there alone for a moment, and then went to Theresa, who was pacing in the next room, "Ethan's in his room. He's just got a big shock . . . I think he'll need you."

Theresa nodded, then left the room, following the same path Ethan had taken just moment before.

** Ethan's room **

Ethan sat on his bed, practically hyperventilating. His head was cradled in his hands, elbows propped on his knees, having no idea just how much he looked like his biological father at that precise moment. Ethan's mind couldn't process all the thoughts that were racing through his brain. He looked up at the soft knock on the door. It opened, and Theresa was standing there, with a very worried look on her face.

"What happened?" She inquired softly.

"He told me that, that, he told me that, he's my father, my real father. Julian Crane's not my father."

Theresa closed the door behind her and sat next to him on the bed, "Oh my gosh . . ." then her eyes get wide, her mind connecting things, "Oh my god! Oh Ethan." Theresa hugged him.

Ethan held on tightly, "All those years, thinking that vile man, no, thing, was my father."

Theresa whispered words of comfort in his ear.

Ethan took deep breaths, breathing in the scent of her hair. Enjoying the feel of her body next to his. He pulled away slightly, then started kissing her neck.

Theresa was totally stunned, Ethan was kissing her, it was her dream come true. She was terrified that it was just because of the information he'd just gotten, but she just didn't have the will power to pull away from Ethan, because of the feelings his kisses were sending through her body. Ethan gently lay down on the bed, pulling her down with him, kissing up her jaw, and then moving to her lips. Theresa immediately responded, but after a minute pulled away, searching his face.

"Please, stay with me tonight." He begged, gazing deeply into her chocolate eyes.

"Ethan, are you sure you know what you are doing?" She questioned nervously.

Ethan nodded his head, "What I should have done a long time ago."

Theresa and Ethan stared into each other's eyes for several long moments searching the depths of the other's soul, then Theresa gave in to her heart's demands, kissing him passionately. Ethan giving into the passion he'd felt for months for Theresa, and taking comfort in her arms, Theresa, her life time of dreams finally coming true.

Both kicked off their shoes as they slowly kissed, exploring each other's mouths. Their hands roamed freely, familiarizing themselves with the feeling of the other's body.

Theresa's fingers began to nimbly unbutton Ethan's shirt, and pulled out from his pants, and pushed it down his shoulders. She ran her hands all over his abs, pecks, and biceps; the feeling of the toned muscles was a major turn on.

Ethan had never felt anything as soft as her skin. He pulled her close to him, focusing on her collarbone as he unzipped the back of her dress, and then pulled it down her body. The sight of her body made him go hard, and he pulled away and watched as she panted, her breasts straining against their confinements with each heavy gasp for air. He'd never seen anything more beautiful in his life. He placed delicate kisses on her shoulders, then began to suck on her nipples, switching back and forth as they grew hard. He unhooked the bra, and slipped it off her body, and returned to his task.

Theresa had never felt such desire as the feelings coursed through her body. Her hands fumbled for Ethan's belt, which she quickly unhooked, then moved to his button. She groaned when he nipped at her left breast. She felt as if she was on fire. She began rubbing Ethan through his pants with her palms, causing Ethan to growl.

"Oh God Theresa."

"Don't stop." She pleaded.

Ethan grinned, then returned to her breasts, his hands traveling down to her small white panties began rubbing her over the fabric.

She unzipped Ethan's pants and pushed them down his legs, taking his boxers with them, then coming back up to run up his chest and play with his hair.

Ethan had never felt anything as good as her petite hands playing with his hair. He tore of her panties, kissed his way down her stomach and grinned up at her playfully, then began to pleasure with his tongue.

Theresa had never felt anything like it, soon she felt her body tense up, and her first orgasm raced through her body, "Oh yes ETHAN! SI, SI! TIAMO! Mi corazon. Madra dos mio!!!!! YES!"

Finally she fell back against the bed, and Ethan kissed his way back up her stomach.

"Oh my God, Ethan, please, I need you, inside me, now." Theresa begged.

Ethan propped himself over her body, and looked deep into her eyes, "Are you sure about this?"

Theresa nodded, "I've never wanted anything more. Please Ethan, make love to me."

Theresa's breath was caught in her throat as she felt Ethan enter her for the first time. When Ethan felt himself come up to a barrier, he was shocked; he'd had no idea that this would be her first time. Beneath him, Theresa winced, and when he broke through her hymen, she let out a little whimper.

"Do you want me to stop" Ethan questioned considerately.

Theresa shook her head, "No (pant), just wait a second."

"It'll get better, I promise." He told her, giving her a tender kiss on the lips.

"I believe you . . . just . . . go slow."

Ethan was right, soon it began to feel good again, very good. Her hips thrust up against his, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting him as deep inside her as possible. Theresa pulled Ethan's head down to hers, and began kissing him once more.

As they grew closer to climaxing, they moved faster, the headboard began pounding against the wall.

"Oh god Theresa" Ethan groaned.

"Ethan." Theresa gasped.

Both froze as they simultaneously came. Ethan collapsed next to Theresa, holding her close to his body, kissing her neck.

"That, was amazing." Ethan was in a conflicting state of contentment and astonishment; he'd never known it could feel like that, so passionate, so wonderful, so, so perfect.

Theresa nodded her head in agreement, "I have never felt anything like that in my life . . ."

She rolled on top of him, straddling his stomach, staring down at him, a smirk on her face, "Wanna go again?"

Ethan grinned from below her, and pulled her down into a savage kiss.

They made love long into the night, until both fell asleep, exhausted.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I give credit where credit is due, and the song in this chapter was If You Had My Love by Jennifer Lopez.

Please, I want replies, I know it sounds pathetic, but I live for feedback, good or bad! I need to know what you think so I know where to go with this.

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