As Long As You Love Me (Love Me Series Book 4) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Epilogue

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Jensen

  Sarah

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Links

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Jensen

  Sarah

  Epilogue

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Links

  As Long As You Love Me

  Love Me Series

  Book 3

  Jaime Russell

  Copyright

  As Long As You Love Me

  Copyright © 2017 Jaime Russell

  Edited by: Debbie Barbosa Dumke and Nicole Ynonne of Two Naughty Book Babes Editing

  Cover Design: Judie Perkins of Concierge Literary Designs & Photography

  Cover Models: Cassia Brightmore Model and Lance Jones - Tattoo model

  Formatting: Jaime Russell

  Art in the book: Author Torrie Robles

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

  Dedication

  “It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell me children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.”

  Joyce Maynard

  Acknowledgements

  I’m never good at this part, I think I almost like writing the synopsis better. I don’t ever want to forget someone which always happen but I truly love all of you.

  I want to begin with Debbie and Nicole of Two Naughty Book Babes Editing. You women are so amazing. I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me in the short amount of time that I’ve been working with you. The suggestions, challenges, and you striving to make me better. I love our talks in messenger because we are just not author/editor but we are friends and I thank you for that most of all.

  Judi “Flip Flop” Perkins, you have done it again. This cover I bought over a year ago and I’ve been dying to write it. When we started talking about colors, fonts, and whatever else comes to me giving you all the information that you need, I knew that I would love it but you lady, knocked it out of the park. I love everything about it and purple being my mommom’s favorite color; makes this cover even more special. Thank you so much for it.

  When I was first writing the Love Me Series and Sarah popped into my head and as I described her, I never knew that I was describing the beautiful Cassia Brightmore (despite the difference in eye color) who I didn’t know at the time. When Judi posted this premade, I had to have it. I bought it and couldn’t wait to write this book. You were the first author that I met face to face and have been in awe of you ever since. I love your writing, your pictures and most of all your heart.

  Mr. Lance Jones, you are a talented photographer. I am honored to have you on the cover of one of my books. I’ve been wanting to have you on the cover and when this came available, I believe I bought it in ten seconds flat! I had the opportunity to meet you in Louisville, KY last year and I enjoyed talking to you and getting to know you on a personal level. You truly are an amazing guy. I look forward to working with you more soon.

  Amanda Stockford, I love you and have no words to explain how much you mean to me. Your friendship has gotten me through some dark days. You are my fibro warrior sister and I can’t wait to hang out with you at signings. Never give up!

  Torrie Robles, you are my friend and we’ve been through thick and thin in this world. Thank you for being there every step of the way.

  To My Family, thank you for being with me through all of this. Your excitement and support keeps me going especially when I want to give up because of people discouraging me. You accept me as I am and never let me forget it. I know I miss out on a lot of things due to my health and my writing but thank you for not letting me feel bad about it. I love how you ask questions about what I do, why I do it, and how I do it. Thank you for believing in me and never letting me get too down on me.

  The Seven Horsemen of the Author Apocalypse, you six women are exactly what I needed. The support we give each other, the cheering each other on, and always having each other’s backs makes me grateful to be in this group with you. You never make me feel like my questions are stupid and are always willing to listen to me vent because no one else understands it. I can’t wait to see what the seven of us accomplish together.

  Misfits, I know I haven’t been around a lot lately trying to deal with some personal health issues and some book community drama but you stuck by me through thick and thin. I love our conversations, our laughter and sexy eye candy. I hope that you will continue to stick with me when I go offline occasionally.

  To the bloggers, authors, and readers who have shared, read, reviewed any of my books. As a new author who is still climbing the ladder, it means the world to me that you would take the time for me. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the Love Me Series characters as much as I have loved writing them. No one of us would be here if it wasn’t for your support. Make sure you come to see me at the signings and take a shot of fireball with me!

  Prologue

  I pull into my two-car garage and hit the control to close the door behind me. I get out of my Mercedes Benz and groan. It was a long three days of work. I’ve been working doubles and just staying in the on-call room since it’s an hour drive home. I miss my wife, Michelle and my two kids. I open the door into the mud room and take off my shoes so I can try to sneak in on Michelle.

  I quietly close the door to listen for sounds. I hear Bennett and Jana laughing in the living room. I can hear Michelle on the phone with someone
. “I’m telling you, if this keeps up then I am out of here. He doesn’t seem to care that I have a job too. It’s always been what Jensen wants without any consideration for me.” I stand in the doorway eavesdropping and what I hear breaks my heart.

  “Honey, I’m home.” I say with a smile on my face.

  “The doctor has come home. We’ll do lunch tomorrow. Love you too. Bye.” Michelle twirls her hair in her finger and smiles shyly like a school girl crush.

  “Who were you talking to babe?” I lean in to give her a kiss and she turns her head so I can kiss her cheek.

  “A work friend. You decided to grace us with your presence? What did us mere mortals do to deserve it?” Michelle’s tone is full of bitterness.

  “Michelle, I just got home after working fifty-six hours in the last two days. Can we please not fight within the first ten seconds?” I rub my hands over my face in frustration. Michelle is my high school sweetheart. We both had big dreams, attended the same college before going off to med school and law school.

  Our parents always knew that we would get married and start a family. Michelle and I did it backwards as we started the family first. I was almost done with medical school when Michelle comes to me to let me know that she was pregnant. We cried, yelled, cried some more and then laughed in excitement because Michelle was caring my child. Michelle’s parents made us get married in a quiet ceremony and made her quit law school. Michelle’s parents were raised that once a woman is pregnant, her career is now a stay at home mom.

  My parents tried to talk her out of quitting but she was daddy’s little girl and did as she was told. My parents bought us this house and continue to pay for it until I can get a full-time job at Miami General Hospital.

  “Jensen, until you start making me a priority, then yes the fighting will start in the first ten seconds.”

  “Da-da” I hear my daughter, the spitting image of me walking towards me with her arms out to balance her. Jana and Bennett our twins are now two and have mastered the “run and crash into you” thing. I pick her up and spin her around before pulling her into my arms.

  “Janabanana” Jana gives me a slobbery kiss. “I’ve missed my baby girl.”

  “Glad you missed someone. I have a headache, I’m going to bed.” Michelle throws the towel onto the island in the kitchen. “Jensen,” Michelle says my name but doesn't look at me, “I can’t do this anymore. I’m tired of being thought of last. I can’t compete with the kids, work, your family, or even your friends.” Michelle goes up to our bedroom and slams the door. I cringe.

  “Headache my ass.” I mumble.

  “Ass” Jana squeals then kisses my nose.

  “Let’s find Bennett.” Jana and I take off to the living room to go watch a movie while I order a pizza.

  The kids and I ate then they fell asleep watching Rugrats. I start to lock up the four-bedroom house that my parents gave us. I haven’t changed too much of it as I have allowed Michelle to decorate it. I grab the two sleeping angels and put them each in their beds with a kiss on the forehead. “Sweet dreams my loves and don’t forget daddy will never leave.” I’ve been telling them that since Michelle was pregnant with them. I reach for the doorknob of our bedroom to go in but it’s locked. My forehead rests on the bedroom, “I’m sorry Michelle. I wish I was better.” I head to the guest room to try to sleep, which could be my bedroom since I’ve been sleeping here the last thirteen months. I drift off trying to think of what I can do to make things better for Michelle.

  I’m startled awake by the screams and cries of my kids. I jump out of bed and take two steps at a time when I saw their bedroom doors open. I get to the kitchen to find Jana and Bennett covered in floor. “What the fuck?!” I start grabbing the kids to take upstairs. “Michelle!” I keep yelling for her while I put the two kids in a bath together. They are having fun as the flour turns to paste. “MICHELLE!”

  After thirty minutes of removing paste from them to get them all clean. We walk out of the bathroom so I can find Michelle. I close the gate at the top of the stairs so the kids can’t go downstairs. I try my door and it opens. The bed is made, drawers are open and empty.

  “What?” I say out loud. The kids are running around the master bedroom and start heading into the closet to play hide and seek. I look at her vanity that held all her jewelry and pictures. I see her plain gold wedding band and solitaire diamond laying on an envelope. I open it to read

  “Jensen,

  Goodbye

  Michelle.”

  I stumble backwards like the wind had been knocked out of me. My eyes burn from the strain of holding back the tears and see a big white envelope. I take it to the king size bed that sits in the middle of the room. My hands are shaking as I open it. I open the large folded papers. Michelle filed for divorce and signed over her parental rights. The kids start crying as I’m flipping through the pages. I grab the house phone and hit speed dial.

  “Gram Gram, I need you. Michelle left me.” I cry into the phone.

  “I’m on my way.”

  I grab the kids and we head downstairs so I can make some breakfast for them. I finish cleaning them up from the oatmeal that I made when in walks my grandmother with her suitcase close behind her. I’m the type of person when I am with my kids, I don’t want the television to be a babysitter but right now I need it. I put on their favorite Rugrats movie and sit on the couch with my gram. I start to cry and she puts her arm around me, “Shh! Let it out, Gram Gram has you.” I laugh through the tears, “You have always said that to me with every injury, cold, or broken heart.

  “Hey like, I’ve always told you, I have you. Ever since you were born, I protected you or helped you through things. I know this is hard but we will get through this, I promise. Now go get a shower, clean up and we’ll figure out what to do next. You need to be strong for them.” My grandmother points to my children who look at us and smile. I nod my head and head to my bedroom.

  I look at the picture of me holding Bennett and Jana, “I will spend the rest of my life making up for your mother leaving. It’s my fault, not yours.” I get naked and walk into my shower, I set the water to the hottest setting. As the water burns me on contact, I slide down the wall and cry into my hands. “I’m sorry Jana and Bennett, I failed you.”

  Beginning of September

  12 years later

  “Bennett, All the time in the world won’t fix your face since you were beat with the ugly stick so come on!” Jana yells from the bottom of the stairs. When the kids were growing up, they were inseparable. I think the shock of their mother walking out on them, but now that they’re fourteen years old, they live to annoy each other while torturing me.

  “Jana, must you yell at 6:30 in the morning?” I sigh.

  “Yes, dad I do need to do that.” Jana rolls her eyes as she pounds on the wall, “Bennett get your ass out of there so I can finish getting ready.” Jana turns and has a scowl on her face so I raise my hands in defeat, “We need another bathroom. I need my own bathroom.”

  “We have two and a half bathrooms is that not enough?” I grab my iPhone, “Siri, remind me on my break at 10:30 to call and look for a contractor to add a third bathroom for the princess.”

  “Okay I’ll remind you.” Siri answers back.

  “I wish I could do that with you and Bennett and never have to worry about back talk.” I laugh as Jana throws an apple at me but I caught it before it hit me then took a bite of it. Jana sticks her tongue out at me.

  “I’m the only girl in this house and you and Bennett take more time trying to look good, which by the way, it never helps.”

  “I roll out of bed looking this good.” I toss my imaginary hair off my shoulder.

  “You are both dorks and will never look as good as I do.” Bennett mentions as he walks into the kitchen and I try not to breathe in the air. Jana coughs and runs upstairs. “What’s her problem?”

  “What are you wearing?” I sniff at him and gag.

  “I sprayed some cologn
e on why?” Bennett sniffs his shirt.

  “Did you use the whole bottle?” Bennett nods.

  “You only need to use a little. Go into my shower and shower again. I hope you can douse yourself with a normal smell. Next time, I’ll show you how to put the cologne on.” Bennett shrugs and runs upstairs.

  Reagan:

  Max is going to pick the kids up from school and bring them to the store.

  Me:

  Thank you. I forgot that Bennett was staying.

  Reagan:

  Is Jana staying too or coming home after you get done with work?

  I decide to call Reagan to talk to her. Reagan is the aunt/mom to Bennett’s best friend Jonathan. The boys have been inseparable since kindergarten. Reagan even helped me out with Jana saving me from the uncomfortable women's monthly thing talk.

  “It’s easier to talk than text.” I say when Reagan answers.

  “Yes, Jana can stay, that’s not an issue. I have about ten kids tonight; so the more the merrier.”

  “Ten kids? Are you nuts?” Reagan lets me know who all will be there so I can put Jana at ease.

  Reagan laughs, “Yes but we all take turns watching the kids so the adults can get a night out. Max and I are doing pizzas, gaming and movies. It’s a lot of fun.”

  “If you don’t mind that would be great. I can get some work done or go out for the night.”

  “Max can stop by so they can grab their stuff. They can stay the weekend too. I remember you telling me it was your off week.”

  “I owe you big time.” I hear the kids arguing as they come down the stairs. “Good luck tonight.” I laugh hanging up with Reagan.

  “Who were you talking to?”

  “Reagan. Max is picking you two up from school then you guys are staying over there for the weekend.”

  “Yes!” Bennett high fives me and Jana looks nervous.

  “Annie and Leah will be there too.” Jana hugs me like it was my idea or something. I’ll take it. “Alright you brats, out. You are going to be late for school and I’m going to be late for work.” I pour my coffee into my travel mug and head to the garage. Since the school is on the way, I usually take them. It’s one time where I can enjoy them because they are busy with text messages and music.