Kitchen promises 1 ed 2013 1494393735

Kitchen Promises Book From Bestselling Author Brooke Cumberland Blurb Nothing ever comes easy for Molly Woods Faced with past fears, heartache, & limits… Can she make promises to the one man she can’t get enough of? Can she promise him forever…? With new obstacles, Molly must make a decision *** Drake Stagliano always gets what he wants But with a new threat, how far will he go to make sure Molly is his forever? When new secrets are revealed, Drake must take matters into his own hands Can they make forever happen? Or will promises be made that can’t be kept…? *** Kitchen Promises, the final book in the Riverside Trilogy Copyright Copyright © 2013 Brooke Cumberland The Riverside Trilogy Book Cover design by Steph’s Cover Design Literary Editor @ Rogena Mitchell-Jones All rights reserved No parts of the book may be used or reproduced in any matter without written permission from the author, except for inclusion of brief quotations in a review This book is a work of fiction Names, characters, establishments, organizations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to another person except when loaned out per Amazon’s lending program If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then it was pirated illegally Please purchase a copy of your own and respect the hard work of this author DEDICATION I am dedicating this book to all the stepparents out there! It isn’t easy co-parenting someone else’s child— emotionally, mentally, or physically Being a stepparent means that you chose to love someone else’s child as your own, and that is the true meaning of love As a stepmother to two boys, I understand the struggles of a blended family So, this book is for all of you out there! * * * It's not the blood you share that makes you a mother It's the heart you share with one another —Patty Rase Hopson A healthy stepmother knows that some days she's a stagehand, some days she’s the leading lady, and some days she's the audience, and she plays each role with grace and style —Unknown TABLE OF CONTENTS PROLOGUE CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY EPILOGUE Kitchen Promises BONUS SCENE Books by Brooke Cumberland About the Author Acknowledgement Schedule Signings Excerpts of Always You & Behind His Lens PROLOGUE Molly My mother used to tell me that there was no such thing as coincidences Rather, everything happens for a reason…like some set up plan already made for us from the beginning My mom wasn’t overly religious or anything, but she believed in God, and that he had a plan for each and every one of us No matter how much you try to fight destiny, fate always comes back to bite us in the ass Always I never once thought much about it until it knocked me right in the face Or until he knocked on my door Stanley Webber The moment I saw Denny’s face…after seventeen years, I knew my mother was right The so-called plan that was set up from the beginning…this could not be a coincidence Rather, a smack across the face My past stood right in front of me, waiting for me to deal with it after all this time But I couldn’t And I wouldn’t I wasn’t going to give him the time of day Let’s not forget he just shoulder-patted my biological father…this was way beyond coincidences This was someone way up somewhere having a good laugh at how unbelievably awkward this was Fate, destiny, coincidence—whatever it was, could fuck off Given the circumstances, I wasn’t going to give Denny the pleasure of rattling me Although, I originally believed he was behind the notes and paying Ms Hernandez in the beginning, I would never trust him As I stood in front of them completely beside myself, I took Stella’s hand in mine and made way to the restroom There was no way I would ever come clean to Mr Webber either My best option was to stay as far away as possible—from both of them Oh god—Drake How would he handle the news? I’ve already learned what keeping secrets between us can do, so it’s not as if I wanted to go that route again Drake meant too much to me, too much to Stella, and now—the father of our twins - - Molly “Travis…why? Why did you pull the trigger? Why?” I stood in front of him, pleading for answers “I had to, Molly.” His voice is firm, his eyes dark “No…no, you didn’t You were my friend.” I reach out to him, but my hand goes right through his transparent body “And I loved you, Molly You didn’t love me.” I reach for him again, moving closer “No, I didn’t But what about Jacob?” He walks backwards…reaching for the gun that’s tucked in the back of his pants “Travis, don’t!” I screamed, but it was too late The gun went off and everything went dark Dark… “Travis! No!” I scream “Molly!” Drake shook me until my eyes opened I looked around and saw I was in bed— sweating and crying “Are you okay?” he asked, turning the bedside lamp on “Yeah, just another nightmare.” I rubbed my belly, soothing myself from the trauma I seemed to be reliving “I’ll get you some juice, baby.” Drake pecked me on the forehead, pulling the sheets back I nodded, thankful for how attentive he had been the last four months Being that some women show faster in their second pregnancies, and I just happen to be one of them, and the fact that I’m expecting twins, made me look six months pregnant already “Thanks, baby.” As I watched him leave the room, I remembered the nightmare that I was having They started two months ago out of nowhere At first, I pegged them as part of being pregnant, but now it was just getting ridiculous I thought after hearing how sick Travis was, it would give me closure— that it wasn’t my fault, and that I couldn’t have saved him—but it hadn’t I still felt guilty…sad…and that I failed him as a friend How did I not notice? How did I let him fall for me so hard that I never saw it coming? I knew the burning questions in my head were making me insane, but add the hormones, mood-swings, and body aches—total hot mess I overanalyzed everything between Travis and me over the past year We kept meeting in the oddest of places before he showed up at my internship Then, in a heated moment, I gave in and kissed him I hated myself for doing that, but I was curious I hadn’t realized how bad I would hurt everyone—I should’ve known, but I was dumb, naïve, and made a bad choice—that now continues to haunt me in my sleep Part of me knows why I kissed Travis that day I was torn—I was in love with Drake, but there was chemistry between Travis and me Before Drake, I hadn’t dated, or even kissed a man, in four years…then out of nowhere, two men fall for me I was confused… “Here you go, sweetie I brought juice and cookies.” He smiled, handing me the glass “Oh my god, Oreos! Are you trying to make me fatter? I can’t eat that crap!” “Baby, I’m sorry I thought you’d like a midnight snack to help you fall back asleep.” He jerked the bag of cookies back, looking like a scared puppy “No, the only thing that will help me sleep is getting Travis out of my damn head!” I snapped unwillingly I told Drake about the dreams since the first night I woke up screaming Didn’t happen very often in the beginning, but now they seemed to be happening every few nights It’s quite exhausting “Oh god,” I cried “I’m so sorry I yelled like that.” I covered my face with my hands, letting the tears fall out Ugh, I hated this part of pregnancy “It’s okay Whatever you want, Molly I’ll get it…or won’t get it…or whatever you need!” “You’re going to get sick of me, I just know it.” If I weren’t a blubbering mess, even I’d want to laugh at myself God, I couldn’t even control my damn emotions anymore I eventually fell back asleep in Drake’s comforting arms No matter how many outbursts I had, he never left my side If I thought Drake was overprotective before—I really hadn’t known how he would be when he found out I was carrying his child * * * You know that moment when life feels frozen in time and nothing seems real? Or rather, you have an out of body experience, and it’s as if you were watching the moment happen from above? That was exactly how I felt the moment my life changed It was as if I were watching the whole thing instead of experiencing it first hand It was as if it were in slow motion—happening right in front of me That was exactly how I felt the moment Drake kneeled in front of me I hadn’t been prepared for this One minute I’m peeing on a stick, finding out I’m pregnant, and the next—Drake’s proposing “Molly?” Drake smirked, still waiting for my answer God, he looked so damn handsome The way his hair rustled in the wind and his dark eyes looking hopeful up at me; he was breathtaking I still wondered why a man like him chased after a girl like me He had no idea how happy he was making me in that moment The fact that he wanted to marry me—for me He didn’t even know I was expecting yet, unlike the last time a man knelt in front of me I knew Liam loved me, but we were young We never would’ve been engaged had I not been pregnant with Stella My hand covered my mouth in shock, unable to answer him The moment brought so many memories back, so many unwanted memories of Liam and then the pain rushed in—the pain of losing him—the pain of thinking I had lost Drake when he was shot Perhaps it was the news of finding out I was expecting, or the hormones, but I started crying uncontrollably I was so embarrassed that I spun around so Drake wouldn’t see me I felt him come behind me He wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled his nose into my neck “Baby, I’m sorry if I rushed—” His hands stopped on my stomach, feeling the bloat that was making my stomach swell already I froze in place as his warm hands touched me, rubbing over my barely-there bump His lips softly kissed under my ear and down my neck “I love you,” he whispered in my ear I slowly spun around and faced him His expression was a mix of worry and lust I smiled at him as I rubbed a hand on his cheek “Yes I want to marry you.” His eyes lit up as they searched mine “Are you sure? I mean—” I hated that I made him feel doubt with my mental breakdown “I am so sure.” And I was I had never wanted anything more “I—I was just not expecting that.” He nodded as if he understood and cupped my face with both hands He leaned down and softly pecked my lips, bringing our foreheads together “I will anything to make you happy, Future Mrs Stagliano.” “Oh, I like the sound of that.” “I’m glad.” He smiled with his hands still on my cheeks “I have a confession,” I said softly Before I could continue, a loud bang sounded in the sky, jerking my attention away from Drake I glued my eyes above and saw three fireworks blasting in the air “Oh my god, what did you do?” “Did you really think I’d propose to my girl without a dramatic grand finale?” Yeah, I should’ve figured “You never cease to amaze me.” I blushed, looking into his bright brown eyes that were no longer dark and intense like the first time I met him “Now you can have a lifetime of amazing.” He grinned, lowering his lips down to kiss me room on their honeymoon.” “Well, yes But we’re in Ireland!” I gushed I couldn’t stop smiling I was so damned excited “Fine.” He smiled, wrapping a piece of hair behind my ear “Let’s go to dinner and explore the city But then I get to rip your clothes off.” He winked “Deal.” * * * The following morning, the tour officially began Since we were in Dublin, the tour started out with a tour of the city and would end with Dublin’s Abbey Tavern dinner and show We took a short tour to the Dalkey Castle where a live show began every half hour Drake and I smiled and laughed as we watched the actors get into character and put on a great show for the people It was super sweet We then headed to the Trinity College and Library We learned that it was Ireland’s first university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I Seeing and viewing all the history up close was fascinating It was nice seeing Drake in a new element He wasn’t this alpha, business male He was enjoying learning and seeing new things as well By the time we arrived back to our hotel, my feet were killing me We were scheduled for dinner soon, so there wasn’t much time to rest in between “That was an amazing tour, didn’t you think, babe?” I sat on the bed and slowly pulled my shoes off my now swelling feet “Yes, I thought it was great.” He smiled, taking his shoes off on the love chair across from me “My feet are killing me though I think I’m going to soak them for a bit.” I started rolling my pants up so they wouldn’t get wet “Here,” Drake said, kneeling down and taking one foot in his hands “Let me take care of that.” He grinned I could tell he was up to something—he normally was I lay back on the mattress in surrender as Drake slowly and seductively rubbed my feet He dug his knuckles in nice and deep, releasing all the tension “Oh my god…that feels incredible,” I moaned, closing my eyes as I enjoyed the sensations “You have talent.” He dug his knuckle in deeper, rubbing a touch spot out “I have lots of talents.” “Yes…I know.” I smiled, my eyes still closed I heard him grab something out of a nearby bag Shortly after, he lathered up his hands with lotion and pressed his thumbs deep in the arch of my foot “Holy…mother of…foot massages.” “Damn…had I known how to make you scream like that, I would have done this ages ago.” “Oh, stop it You act like I’m never verbal,” I retorted, embarrassed “In fact…” he dropped my foot and rose over me, “now it’s my mission to make you scream like that.” “Stop.” I laughed, pushing against him “We’re supposed to meet for dinner in less than an hour.” “Make you scream before dinner? Challenge accepted.” - - Books by Brooke Cumberland - - Available on Amazon, B&N, and iBooks The Riverside Trilogy Kitchen Affairs, Book Kitchen Scandals, Book Kitchen Promises, Book * * * The Spark Series SPARK, Book BURN, Book FLAME, Book Coming Soon! - - About the Author - - Brooke is a Midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black furry dog She studied Psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her passion Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants Find Brooke Facebook www.brookecumberland.com Twitter @blcumberland Follow on Pinterest – bcumberland8 Follow on Instagram – blessedmama26 Please consider leaving a review! I’d appreciate it very much! Thank you for reading! Brooke xoxo - - Brooke’s Signing Schedule - Wicked Girls Book Weekend, March 7-9, 2014 Ft Lauderdale, FL Authors in the City Signing, March 15, 2014 New York City, NY North Shore Author Signing, April 12, 2014 Boston, MA Cleveland Author Event, April 26, 2014 Cleveland, OH Tennessee Valley Author Event, July 12, 2014 Knoxville, TN Indie Mashup, July 26, 2014 Springdale, AR Penned Con, September 12-13, 2014 St Louis, MO Rebels & Readers, November 8, 2014 Huntington, WV - - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are so many important people that helped me along the way in creating this book and the entire series First, my amazing beta readers—Tabby C., Kelly M., Shirley W., Manda G., Stefanie N., Heather M., Laura F., Lisa P., Melanie S., Ashley S., Cindy G., Rachael B., and Debbie D Thank you for always being ready to read when I need you short notice for feedback and for being fast readers ready to give me input…especially when you have to get up early for work or school tests! I appreciate it SOOOOOOO much! :) I’m not sure this book would’ve finished without you all To my street team for being the best book pimps ever I can’t tell you how much it still feels surreal to know that people are talking about your book long after it’s been read I feel like we are one big book lovin’ family and I love and appreciate your support so much! To my husband, for always supporting me even when I neglect you for my laptop and weekend getaways to work I love and need your support and I’m so grateful to have it To the fans and readers—thank you so much for being here! I can’t express how much your messages and comments mean to me I NEVER imagined loyal and sweet fans Hell, I feel weird saying fans But I want you to know, I appreciate you for reading my stories, asking about them, interacting with me online, and begging for more! It makes me love my job even more! To the authors, bloggers, and readers I’ve met along the way—I love our little community! I love getting to know everyone, helping each other out, asking for advice, asking for book recommendations, and helping out complete strangers I’m a firm believer in karma and paying it forward This community is just so welcoming and warm We’re all here for one purpose and that purpose is for the love of reading and fictional characters I can’t wait to meet you all at signings next year! Please come say hi to me! I’ll be the awkwardly shy one behind her table! Thank you for reading! All my love, Brooke xoxo - - Continue reading for a sneak peek at ALWAYS YOU… By Missy Johnson Synopsis: I was thrilled when I was offered a graduate teaching position at the prestigious Tennerson Girls Academy At twenty-three, this would be my first ‘real’ teaching assignment Working at the elite boarding school, home to the daughters of some of the wealthiest people in the world, was a great opportunity that I would’ve been stupid to pass up One week into my new job, and I suddenly had no idea why I chose high school…I was a seventeen year old boy once, I knew how teenage girls behaved You can’t even imagine the hell of trying to teach thirty, hormonal driven seventeen year olds who have been cooped up, away from any male contact I could handle the whispers every time I entered the room I could even handle the obvious attempts at gaining my attention What I couldn’t handle was her… Rich bitches and way too many rules Was it any wonder that I hated school? Add to that the lack of male contact, and I was going insane Like literally I wasn’t used to this A year ago I was normal I had a boyfriend, friends and a loving family There is nothing normal about me anymore, and nobody here lets me forget that My name is Wrenn, and I’m only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy…Can you see my problem? I’m hated for my lack of money, and I’m hated for who my Aunt is Then he arrived Dalton Reed My new history teacher Slowly, he helped me see that even in the worst situations, there is always hope Excerpt He dropped me back at my car just before half ten I was shocked at how late it was We had been talking for hours I felt so relaxed around him, yet at the same time, nobody had ever had me feeling so damn wound up “So, you still want to see this movie tomorrow?” he asked, raising an eyebrow “Are you asking me out?” I asked, my tone sweet “No I’m merely trying to broaden the cinematic knowledge of one of my students.” His expression became serious “Asking out one of my students would be incredibly unprofessional on my part, and unethical I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that.” “What if I wanted to be taken advantage of?” I moved toward him—very slowly, gauging his reaction He held his breath as I edged closer, until our lips were almost touching I paused, looking into his eyes, so desperately wanting to feel his lips against mine, but not wanting to step over that boundary without him wanting it equally He tilted his head so his lips brushed over mine, the sensation making me dizzy His hand wandered up to my face, his fingers gently running along my hairline Then suddenly my lips were crushed up against his with a passion even I wasn’t expecting As quickly as it began, he was away from me, his eyes a mixture of lust, regret and confusion I was a hot mess My heart was beating out of control, I felt hot and cold and lightheaded Thank God I was sitting down, or I was sure I’d have ended up fainting “I’m sorry, Wrenn I shouldn’t have done that,” he said quietly “You didn’t anything I didn’t want,” I replied He sat, his hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel, not speaking “Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked He glanced at me, confused “The movie,” I reminded him He exhaled loudly “Do you think that’s a good idea?” he asked, raising his eyebrows “Maybe not, but I think we need to talk about this ” He nodded as my voice trailed off “I’ll call you.” His voice had softened, as had his expression His eyes were no longer hard I nodded, and got out of the car, closing the door He drove off, and I stood there on the curb, staring until I could no longer see his taillights Once he was gone, I stepped into my car I sat there, trying to digest what had just happened Kissing him had evoked everything in me I felt like a hurricane of feelings and emotions had ripped through my body, leaving me a muddled mess inside Find Missy Johnson Facebook Twitter @missycjohnson - - Continue reading for a sneak peek at BEHIND HIS LENS… By R.S Grey CHAPTER ONE Jude “Bulliet neat, please.” I offer a half smile to the young bartender glancing up at me A rosy tinge dots her cheeks as her eyes scour down my body like I’m a brand new Maserati with a cherry-red bow The girl looks like she’s been on her feet for the past ten hours; she’s probably nearing the end of her shift I notice this, not out empathy, but for a more self-serving purpose After all, I’ve never been with a bartender who wasn’t more than willing to display her keen talents for me in the bedroom “Anything else, sir?” she drawls seductively, looking back over her shoulder as she reaches up on her toes to grab the bottle of bourbon Her brown eyes linger on me a beat too long, as if she’s hoping I’ll ask for her number instead of another drink I let my dimpled smile spread an inch wider, and just like that, I know I could take her home if I wanted Girls are easy and that’s the way I like it “That’ll be it.” I toss down a hefty tip as waves of laughter overtake the guy next to me at the bar Bennett, my best friend and lifelong wingman, is taking a swig of his IPA, apparently entertained by the spectacle Pulling my glass of bourbon toward my mouth, I lean back against the bar, waiting for the bartender to walk out of earshot “Sorry, man, I guess some guys just have all the luck,” I mock before tipping back a sip of the dry, smoky liquor It warms my stomach like sunshine “Yeah right, asshole She’ll come back around and I bet she’ll only have eyes for me,” he goads This is exactly how our friendship works Bennett and I each have our own style He’s uptown; I’m downtown He’s a fancy accounting exec and always wears a suit to the bars right after work His dark blond hair is always slicked back with pretentious hair gel, but women eat it up I, on the other hand, prefer brown leather boots to loafers, and I always have an afternoon’s worth of stubble to run my hand across Nevertheless, women usually go for one or the other, which is why our setup is flawless We never leave a bar alone “Is that girl you met the other night meeting you here?” Bennett asks, scanning the dark club for any prospects Natasha I should be excited to see her again, but it is what it is She’s hot and wanted to meet up; I didn’t feel like saying no It’ll make tonight a lot easier, and after a long day, that’s exactly what I need Don’t get me wrong, she knows exactly what the score is My M.O has been the same for four years I meet women that want exactly what I can offer: sex with no strings attached and no hope of any kind of relationship— Ever Seeing Natasha for a second time is pushing it, but she made it clear that she knew what the arrangement is As if my thoughts have conjured her on the spot, I peer over just in time to see Natasha saunter through the club’s front door In the smoky room, it takes her a second to find me by the bar, but once she does, her seductive smile amplifies tenfold I ignore the emptiness in my stomach I don’t feel a thing for her, but she’s hot and one part of my body doesn’t seem to mind watching her head over She’s wearing a skintight, red dress and heels Her brown hair falls straight to the top of her shoulders and her dark brown eyes gleam with excitement as she steps closer “Hey, Sexy,” she coos once she’s standing in front of me Her gaze drifts down my body and I have to fight the urge to roll my eyes Any concern I had about meeting up with her again is completely vaporized We both only care about one thing I arrogantly drag my gaze down her body, not bothering with any pleasantries as I rub a finger across my jaw “This is my friend, Bennett,” I finally offer, trying to feign politeness as I gesture toward him She flits her eyes in his direction for the briefest moment “Nice to meet you.” Bennett lifts his beer in greeting, but by then, Natasha is already turned away, locked onto her prey: me She looks like she’s about to straddle me on the bar, and I can’t help but let those images take root “Are you ready?” she asks, leaning forward to whisper in my ear I bristle as her cheap perfume overwhelms my senses, but I ignore the sensation My dick doesn’t care how she smells With a sturdy hand I brush her curvy figure aside “Let me finish my drink first Do you want something?” This is as close as I get to dating I’ll buy her one drink and then we’ll leave so we can finish the night off I have to get up early for a shoot and I don’t want her thinking she can sleep over She pushes her arms under her pronounced cleavage, making sure it’s visible to everyone at the bar, and leans closer “A beer would be great,” she sighs, running her fingers down the buttons of my shirt The act feels much too intimate and I instinctively pull her hand away with a laugh Easy tiger As the bartender approaches I order Natasha an import and watch as she brings the bottle slowly to her lips She really is hot She has exotic features and dark, sultry eyes Too bad I’m not interested in getting to know the person behind them As the club’s music grows louder, her free hand shifts to my thigh and Bennett clears his throat as she runs her hands up and down suggestively I have to fight back a laugh We could probably just head to the restroom here and make it a lot quicker I brush the hair away from her shoulder and lean in to whisper those exact words I know she’s game, and honestly, it’s easier I don’t even have to worry about getting her to leave my apartment afterward God, I’m an asshole I chug the rest of my bourbon in a silent toast to that thought and slam it on the bar, making eye contact with the cute bartender and flashing her one more languid grin Natasha giggles like a slutty school girl behind me, drawing my attention away I nod a goodbye to Bennett He knows exactly what I’m planning, but he’s not one to judge Putting my hand on the small of Natasha’s back, I lead her through the crowd, trying to decide if I want to take her in a dark corner or in one of the bathrooms I pat the back of my jeans to confirm that my wallet and condoms are still tucked away safely Check— I’d never fuck around without one “I’ve been thinking about this all day,” Natasha oozes sensually as we wind through the club with my hand gripping her ass I bite my tongue instead of commenting because to be honest, I hadn’t thought of her until Bennett brought her up She’s a means to an end, and I thought we were clear about that fact I brush her words aside and am about to lean in to whisper some bullshit about fucking her against the wall, but the sentiment stalls on the tip of my tongue when I see her She’s across the dim room on the dance floor The crowd has parted so that she’s barely visible between a thin gap of dancing bodies A few seconds later, the dancers move and she’s hidden away again like a distant mirage When the thump of the dubstep song fades into a pop remix, the crowd dwindles and I’m left with a perfect vantage My jaw hits the floor as I watch her persuade the world around her to bend toward her presence My eyes scan up and down her body, caught in her allure She’s wearing a white, flowy dress, and I can’t tell if it’s that or her long, light blonde hair spilling down her back that makes me think she’s a fucking angel There are bodies all around her, shuffling and dancing Every guy that spies her tries to get closer, but her friend doesn’t seem to allow it She’s like a queen among peasants Would her friend let me get close? I doubt it The two girls dance together, smiling and getting lost in the moment, oblivious to the club goers around them Her friend is pretty too, exactly the type of girl Bennett would lose it over, with dark hair and a dark complexion Has he seen her yet? This could work out perfectly No, it wouldn’t I’ve already found a girl for the night I’m not in the habit of exerting unnecessary effort, especially when girls are just so compliant I become vaguely aware of Natasha rubbing my thigh and whispering in my ear, but it’s nothing more than a faint buzzing I would rather watch the Angel move on the dance floor She’s completely unaware that she has the attention of every single person around her She lifts her arms in the air, as if reaching for the wild hues strobing above her head Then she runs the fingers of her right arm down to her left elbow, swaying to the beat of the song I’ve never seen someone move so erotically, and I can feel my dick stir in my pants just from watching the innocent act What the fuck? What the fuck am I doing? I shake the thoughts from my head, but I can’t tear my concentration away from her I don’t want this hazy dream to end “Baby, kiss me.” Natasha shoves her pink, glossy lips directly in front of me, forcing the rest of the club into hazy submission behind her With a gruff sigh, I reluctantly oblige This is who I am Wrapping my hands around her neck, I lean back against the wall and drag her in front of me She sidles between my legs, skimming the top of my jeans with her fingers and pushing her greedy tongue into my mouth I kiss her hard, willing every other thought out of my mind, but it doesn’t help Her mouth feels wrong I pull away harshly, breaking our kiss, but Natasha takes it as an invitation to string kisses down my neck Good It means I can gaze over her head toward the dance floor The Angel is still there, laughing with her friend and drawing me in further Somehow the club’s spotlights only seem to cast their gentle glow around her, and I can’t help but want to bust the bulbs out so that no one else can see her The thought makes me clench my eyes closed as I remind myself of what reality is I don’t want a girl like that She doesn’t look like the fast and easy type, and I have no business thinking about her Get it together Natasha’s prying finger dips between the buttons of my shirt and it hits me like a semi truck — I have a gorgeous girl ready to let me fuck her in the back of a club and I couldn’t care less Since when? I’ve got to leave I don’t want Natasha anymore and I don’t trust myself to move closer to the blonde angel She doesn’t belong to me and it’s better if I leave now “I’ve leaving,” I bark, grabbing my wallet and pulling out a fifty for Natasha’s cab fare It’s the least I can considering I’m leaving her hanging “Jude! What the hell?” I shove the bill into her hand, ignoring her confused expression Not my problem “I’ll see you around,” I mutter flatly over my shoulder as I push through the crowd toward the front door, never once looking back “Jude!” Natasha calls behind me, but I keep walking I’ll text Bennett later He’s probably already found a girl anyway He doesn’t need to know about the blonde I plan on forgetting her myself just as soon as I get home I usually run in the mornings, but tonight I’ll take on the city’s abandoned asphalt until I can’t fucking move if it means I’ll go back to the way I felt thirty minutes ago— before I saw her As I stumble out onto the curb, I inhale a mouthful of crisp night air, trying to cleanse my senses After a few more clarifying breaths, I realize that seeing that girl, that Angel, was probably the closest I’ll ever come to finding love at first sight A twisting sensation pierces my gut at the thought Good thing I lost my heart four years ago or I’d be a fool for leaving without getting her name and number Find R.S Grey Add to Goodreads Facebook - - ... laughed as he worked his fingers in and out of me, hitting the perfect spot over and over I ignored him and grabbed the bedrail behind me, arching my body up to him as I needed and wanted to... bantered “Oh, you poor thing I almost feel sorry for you.” I rolled my eyes He kissed me lightly on the lips before rolling off the bed I just watched as he walked to the bathroom I listened as... watched as she escorted him in and offered a beverage He denied and thanked her kindly She closed the door quietly as Stanley walked toward my desk “Come, sit down,” I ordered, motioning to the