DEDICATION
OTHER BOOKS
By Brooke Cumberland
KITCHEN AFFAIRSTable of Contents
AUTHORS NOTE 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 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my readers who inspire and support me to keep going. Your kind words and messages mean more to me than I could ever say! I love interacting with all of you on a daily basis on Facebook and
Twitter! I truly from the bottom of my heart appreciate it! Thank you!
And a quick acknowledgement to all my Facebook Authors & Bloggers/Reviewers who continuously share and post on my behalf. I love being in our Author/Blogger community where we can talk about books & reading!
Thank you to my cover designer, Steph, for making me a mouthwatering cover! And to my editor, Rogena, for always working her butt off to get my pages back to me on time.
There are too many blogs/FB pages to mention them all, but please know you make a difference and are amazing!! There are some I do want to mention that are always promoting me, guiding me, and sharing my posts!
Nose Stuck in a Book Inside the Pages of a Book
2 Chicks and a Blog – Book Soul mates Romance Book Worm
Hook Me Up Book Blog
…and any others I forgot to mention!
Also, a quick thank you to the blogs that were in my blog tour! Thank you for loving this series as much as I do!
AUTHOR’S NOTE
I wanted to give my readers a more intimate story, so I’ve included multiple exchanges of Molly & Drake’s point of view. I hope it brings the story together well and you all get a better understanding of
PROLOGUE Drake
From the moment I walked into the conference hall, which was large enough for a social gathering, I spotted her from across the room. She was wearing a gorgeous red knee length V-neck dress with black stilettos. Simple, but stunning. Her long brown hair lay beautifully on her shoulders with loose curls at the end. She was casually standing near another woman, holding a drink in one hand, twirling the straw with her other hand. She looked bored at best. I didn’t blame her. These orientation gatherings normally were. They were the official meet-and-greet of the new interns for the semester.
I stood there and stared at her for a moment, taking her in completely. I studied her as if she were a painting. I couldn’t help myself. She stood with such grace you would have never guessed at how clumsy she was. I lost all track of time staring at her that I barely noticed it was my time to speak.
I cleared my throat and fixed my tie before heading to the stage. I always welcomed the new interns at orientation seeing as I was the one who oversaw the program and looked through the
applicants. I needed to know her name. Somehow, I needed to hear her voice.
“Welcome. Thank you all for coming tonight, showing your pride as you enter a new stage in your career. Riverside is excited to have you become a part of our family! You will struggle, you will fail, and better yet, you will succeed. If you don’t struggle and if you don’t learn to fail, you will never know what it feels like to succeed. So, before you get down on yourself, remember that. This program is hard, time-consuming, and will mentally drain you, but I promise you, it’ll all be worth it.” As I was delivering my speech, I tried my hardest to scan the room and keep eye contact with the other interns and staff, but it was hard to peel my eyes away from her. Just as I was telling a joke and ending my speech, it happened. She laughed and smiled so big it made her cheeks turn pink. She had the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. She looked so carefree and full of life. I wondered if she had ever had any heartbreak in her short life. I certainly hoped she hadn’t.
By seeing her big, bright smile, you would have never known the pain she had been through. I would have never guessed her fights and struggles. She made it look easy. Too easy.
“Excuse me? Mr. Moon, I need to know that woman’s name.” I said to my assistant, nodding my head in her direction. It wasn’t anywhere near an odd request on my part. My assistant was used to my strange requests. After being with me for six years, he never questioned anything I asked.
I decided to keep my distance from her that night knowing I wouldn’t be able to keep myself composed around her. I didn’t even know her name, and I wanted to sweep her away and kiss her until our lips were bruised. I decided to stay as close to her as I could without being too obvious. I continued to hear her laugh as she spoke with the other woman standing near her. It refreshed my heart every time. Then I saw it. The ring on her left hand.
just couldn’t be true. Engaged? Perhaps. But I was determined to find out.
“Mr. Stagliano?” My assistant tapped me on the shoulder taking my attention away from her. “I have the information you asked me for.” I could see a manila folder under his arm. Her portfolio. Finally.
“Let me have it, please.” I reached out and took it from him. “Thank you.” I walked away so I could look without being distracted. At events like these, I rarely had a free moment to spare, but tonight I was making time.
“Molly Woods,” speaking aloud to myself. “Twenty-three, scholarship applicant, lives in Chicago, graduated high school with honors.” I continued talking to myself in hopes of getting the information I needed. And then, there was a little box checked with her marital status. “Single.” I smiled as I read that. Perfect.
I handed my assistant the folder back, sneaking back into the conference room. A staff
member was now going over a power point presentation on basic “dos and don’ts.” Orientation was a bore, but it at least gave me one hell of an excuse to watch her. She playfully twirled her hair around her finger and sipped on her drink. I noticed a guy walking up to her, and my face flattened as I saw him sit next to her. She began playing with her ear as she nervously looked down trying to avoid the man’s eye contact. I could tell he was making her nervous and uncomfortable. I flinched as I told myself not to get involved. Not here.
As the orientation ended, I noticed she was getting ready to leave. Hopefully by herself. She waved to her friend as she walked out the door. And just like that, my heart sank. I felt drawn to her as if we already had a connection somehow. It was a feeling I’ve never felt before, and I wasn’t sure how to handle it. Come on, Drake. Shake it off!
Deep down I knew I was crazy for feeling like this. It could never turn into anything, at least while she was interning at the Riverside. That would break so many rules of staff dating, especially the owner’s son dating an intern. But I also knew deep down that I really didn’t care. Nope, don’t care. I would risk it for her. If she wanted me, to...
---<>---The following week dragged on as I went to meetings and worked in my office. I knew the following Monday would be her first day here, and I couldn’t wait to see her again. She was on my mind the entire time. I wondered what she was doing, who was she with, or where she had been. My mind was consumed of only her, and I had yet to speak a single word to her. To say she was beautiful would be a vast understatement. When I first noticed her, it was as if the entire room stood still as I watched her stirring her drink, twirling her hair, and biting the inside of her cheek. She made looking bored sexy. Sexy as hell.
Since this was the first day for my interns, I decided I would go down, speak with Mr. Cooper, and see how his students were doing. Yeah, that was a valid excuse. I walked through the doors with confidence and casually searched for her. She was at the back counter station looking much different from the first time I saw her. She wore a white button-up chef’s coat with perfectly smoothed-out black cuffs and collar. She had a white apron wrapped around her waist, and tied in a knot in the front. Her hair was pinned up this time and tucked underneath her chef’s hat. Her face had less makeup than before, but just as beautiful. She was chewing her lip as she remained focused on what she was doing.
I fidgeted with the change in my right pocket before getting the nerve to walk up to her. She had just turned around to grab something up high, so I took this opportunity to approach her. After asking her if she were married, she quickly spun around, clearly shocked by my straight-forwardness. Way to freak her out!
I couldn’t stop gazing into her beautiful green eyes. When she wasn’t looking, I eyed her lips. They looked soft and plump. I had imagined kissing those very lips for the past week. I was unsure how much longer I would be able to wait.
I chuckled as she told me her ring was to keep danger away. I knew exactly what she meant, but I was still determined to find out more about her. I could tell I was making her uncomfortable with my questions about her ring, so I knew I would have to resort to plan B.
As I walked away, I heard the pot she was grabbing drop to the floor. I smiled as I hoped I had rattled her. In a good way, of course. I had plotted my next move, and I wasn’t going to wait long to see her again.
After only a few hours I was anxious to see her. I wanted to ask her to dinner so we could spend some time alone together. I just needed some time with her so she would feel what I felt. It was inevitable that we belonged together. I just knew it.
I came up with another excuse to walk through the kitchen. I searched for her again, but I didn’t see her. I walked to the back and noticed the freezer door open. Peeking my head in, I saw she was putting something away. She had her back toward me, so I walked in, slamming the door behind me. Shit, a little too loud, though.
I startled her as she jumped at the sound of the door slamming. She turned around, and her eyes grew big as she saw me standing there. I wanted to come off charming by asking her to dinner, but I could tell she was alarmed by my forwardness. Denied. As she passed me, and exited the freezer, I inhaled her scent. Cucumber Melon.
Fucked it up again. Moving to plan C.
Molly remained on my mind for the rest of the day. I had made two attempts already having been shot down both times. This was unusual for me. I never had to go chasing a girl before. Molly was different. She made me want to be different. I was simply infatuated with her. Even her turning me down was sexy.
in her own home, and I could ask her out that way. Yeah, that would work. I convinced myself to go to her house that night.
---<>---The moment she opened the door, and was stunned to see me, I felt like running away. Shit, this will for sure scare her off. I tried to act nonchalant as she greeted me and gestured me in. Her place was beautiful, and I secretly wondered how she could afford something in downtown Chicago. Most interns were broke while living with their parents. It didn’t cloud my mind too long before she handed me a glass of wine. I suspected she was curious as to my unannounced visit.
Seeing her in her natural form was more beautiful than I could describe. She wore yoga shorts and a sweet V-neck tee, clearly without a bra. It was a little sexy since she was trying to cover her hard nipples up. After all, it wasn’t cold in the room.
I didn’t have much of a reason as to why I was there except for the fact that I just wanted to see her again. I wanted to know her, learn about her, and mostly just look at her. After failing
miserably once again, I convinced her we could be friends. For now at least.
The moment I saw her little girl, everything about her made sense. She was not only single, but she was a single mother. Knowing that she wasn’t married and not knowing about the father, left many unanswered questions. Now I could understand why her guard was up, and why she was so reluctant to get to know me.
Leaving her for the third time had damaged my heart. No other woman has ever made me feel like this. I attempted three times in one single day to get her attention, and each time she denied me. I wasn’t mad. I just had to get more creative next time.
---<>---I had been sitting outside in my limo when ---<>---I spotted Molly and a few others exiting the
Riverside. She's laughing and chatting with them, so I tell my driver to follow closely behind to watch where they go. Just a couple blocks down, they entered inside an old tavern that I had never been to before. I waited a few minutes before going in.
I noticed Molly right away and I knew she spotted me. Her eyes grew big as I winked and smiled at her. I sat at the bar and ordered a beer, casually pretending that it was my normal ritual. Within a few minutes, Molly exited the bar and I stood wondering if she left on my account. Not giving her much time to get too far, I quickly left the bar after her.
I stayed my distance so she didn’t feel me walking behind her. As Molly is flagging down a cab, I waved to my driver to leave. He nodded and put his turn signal on. I caught up to Molly just in time, as she tripped reaching for the handle. I smiled to myself as I realized she was quite the klutz.
My heart raced as she thanked me, not realizing who I was yet. As she turned around, I am slapped in the face by her scent again. I closed my eyes for a split second as I stabled her, taking it all in. I took the opportunity and slid into the cab with her, which took her by surprise.
CHAPTER ONE Molly
I TOSSED AND TURNED as I tried to find the right position on my side of the bed. No matter what I tried, I could not get comfortable. Drake had been passed out for at least two hours while I laid there wide awake. I was reflecting back on the past twelve months of our time together. I couldn’t believe, at the beginning of the year, I was just a chef intern, and now I was working at The Riverside amongst remarkable chefs. There had been a huge turn of events in my life once I started my internship. Drake had changed my life – for the better.
“Kendra…” My eyes shot open as I heard Drake mumbling in his sleep. I turned towards him for a moment, waiting to see if he were talking in his sleep again. “Kendra… don’t.”
Apparently he was.
I cringed at the thought of him dreaming about her. We hadn’t spoken of Kendra in a long time, so it was surprising he would be mumbling her name now.
Most nights I would debate whether to wake him up or let him sleep. Usually he mumbled about work, or moaned my name, but never had he said Kendra in his sleep. My body twitched at the thought of her being in his head. I continued to stare at him, waiting to see if he said anymore.
Suddenly, his eyes popped open staring directly into mine. He looked around baffled as he realized it was still dark out.
“Are you alright?” I asked, as I noticed he was sweating, and his eyes had a look of fear. He rubbed his hands over his face. “Yeah…I just had the weirdest dream, that’s all.” “Do you want to talk about it?” I offered, hoping he’d mention why he was dreaming about Kendra. I leaned up on one elbow, urging him to tell me.
“No…it’s nothing. Don’t worry, baby.” He leaned over and kissed me hard on the lips. I gave in, kissing him back. His hand drifted up my shirt, clenching my bare skin. His greedy kiss urged me harder, leaving me begging for air. And more of him. His lips moved down my neck and to the curve of my collarbone, where he pulled open my shirt, making more room for his lips to explore. His body moved quickly, hovering over me as his hands grasped my sides. His hands brushed my shirt, pulling it up and over my head.
He grabbed my breast in the palm of his hand and tugged the nipple hard. I moaned at the sensation as it jolted electricity through my body. His lips moved down to the other breast as his tongue played with my now sensitive nipple.
He lowered his lips down my torso and hovered over the lining of my lace panties. I arched my body up pressing his mouth inside me deeper. I gripped his hair in my hands, squeezing his locks between my fingers.
“You are going to put me in orgasmic body seizures,” I moaned against the intense sensation. He lifted his head up to meet my eyes and smiled. “Seriously, you’re torturing me… I’m going to go into fucking convulsions if you don’t hurry,” I pleaded playfully urging him inside me.
“Patience, patience my love. I’ve hardly started with you yet.” “Oh god…”
He brought his body up and pressed himself inside me. His pelvis continued to dig deeper and deeper against mine making every solid movement pulsate electricity throughout my entire body.
As our moans and pleads echoed throughout his room, I clawed the sheets holding on for stability. His body pressed firm against mine, making perfect rhythmic movements with mine putting my body through holy orgasmic spasms. Holy fuck.
The way Drake could make me feel was nothing I had ever felt before. We weren’t just having sex…it was more than that. Much more. We made love…hot, steamy, erotic love.
I lay there breathlessly underneath Drake’s sweaty body. His hair tousled, and covering my chest as he rest his head down on me. I tried to sync my breathing with his, but I could no longer control it.
“You are going to give me a frenzy stroke one of these days if you keep this up,” I teased, running my fingertips up and down his back, slowing his rapid breathing down.
“At least you would die a happy woman,” he mocked, knowing damn well what he could do to me. Red hot spasms…
“Okay, mister.” I turned and smiled at him. “My turn,” I said, pushing him away from me as I straddled my legs over him. “Don’t you dare move,” I ordered.
“Yes, ma’am.” He smirked as he placed arms behind his head ready to receive anything I was willing to give him.
I lowered my lips to his chest biting at his skin on my way down. “Hold on.”
---<>---The following morning, I woke up to the strong smell of bacon. And peanut butter. What the hell? I swung my legs over the bed, looking for my clothes that were sprinkled across the floor
everywhere.
I walked the rest of the way down the steps, and sat at the breakfast bar watching him intently. He had quiet music playing as he stepped from the stove to the toaster.
He spun around, nearly losing his grip on the pan of greasy bacon. “Good morning.” He smiled and leaned in for a kiss. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.” I smiled, admiring how good he looked in the kitchen. “What exactly are you doing?”
“Cooking breakfast for my love,” he said proudly.
“I can see that.” I stood up and walked to the sink. Turning on the faucet to rinse my hands, I turned and asked, “Why exactly are you cooking breakfast?”
Drake never cooked. I’m actually surprised he can cook, or is attempting to at least. I turned back around to rinse the soap from my hands. My body was hyper-aware of his presence as my thighs tingled from last night’s events.
“It’s a very special day, sweetheart.” He placed the hot pan down, and walked behind me. He pulled my hair to one side and kissed the sensitive skin just under my ear.
“It is?” I asked, not knowing what the hell he was talking about. Not his birthday…not my birthday…what am I missing?
“Yes.” He spun me around, so I was now facing him. With my back to the sink, he leaned in just barely grazing our noses, placing his hands on the counter behind me. “It’s our one year
anniversary.” He slowly pecked my lips and backed his face away to watch my expression. “We have an anniversary?” I asked, raising my brows.
“Yes. January twelfth,” he said matter-of-factly. How did I not know this?
“Oh.” I looked at him curiously. “And how did you come up with that exactly?” I giggled, amused that he knew we had an anniversary, and I didn’t.
“It was our first time.” He smiled. “The day I made you mine,” he teased, biting my lower lip between his teeth. Ahhh…that day…
“That was a good day.” I smiled at the memory. “But I wasn’t aware that’s what made me yours.”
“Of course, it did.” He pressed his body against mine, reassuring me of exactly what was his.
“I don’t remember signing any contract, or agreeing to that,” I teased, remembering our conversation about previous women he dated.
“Oh really…well, the moment your lips touched mine was your verbal agreement to only be mine.” He pressed his body harder into me, making it clear he was serious. “You aren’t getting
“Does that mean I’m your sex slave?” I managed through aching lips. “I prefer to call you my Sex Goddess,” he responded.
I busted out laughing at his cheesy remark. “I won’t protest to that…as long as you’re my Sex God.”
“Deal.” He smashed his hands around my ass and picked me up, wrapping my legs tightly around his waist. “Now let’s go finish that marathon we started last night.”
I couldn’t help the giggles that slipped out of my mouth as he made a dash for the stairs. “Our breakfast is getting cold,” I pouted as we lay in bed with the sheets ripped off. Drake was aggressive in the morning. Very aggressive. Not that I minded.
“Don’t worry. We still have lunch and dinner,” he teased, rubbing his fingers softly over my skin.
“You are going to leave me a very hungry woman,” I teased back, knowing exactly what he meant.
“Just the way I like you.” He kissed my lips and slammed his body into mine once again. “You have the sexual appetite of a sixteen year old boy,” I teased, rolling back onto my side of the bed.
“Well, if that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black?” he teased, tickling the very sensitive skin over my ribs.
“Hey!” I shouted, pretending to be offended. “That is all you! I was a quiet, sweet girl before you corrupted me.” I laughed, pushing his fingers off me.
“I wouldn’t say quiet, but I’ll take credit for waking up the beast inside you.” He smiled again, making me laugh at his overconfident ego.
“Okay, seriously. We need to get out of bed.” I laughed, realizing it was late in the day already. “My legs are jelly.”
“Mine, too.” He huffed a laugh, clearly content.
“Guess we need to order in.” I winced as I tried to swing my legs off the bed. Damn he really did rough me up.
“Let’s get that sore body of yours in the hot tub.” Before I could respond, Drake had me up in his arms carrying me to the bathroom. Somehow he managed to turn the water on while still holding onto me. He lowered me into the steaming hot water, and told me to relax while he ordered dinner.
I lowered my body deeper into the water, letting the heat relax my extremely sore and
Drake returned a half hour later wearing only an old pair of jeans that had holes and rips in the ass pockets. Fuck those are extremely hot. No… no thinking of naughty things. You are fucking sore, Molly.
Drake held up a few white containers from his favorite Chinese restaurant. That was one of the best things about Chicago. Food delivery didn’t take long in the city.
He opened one container and with a quick swirl of his chopsticks had a large amount of noodles ready.
“Open up.” I complied, and let him feed me. I think I’m liking this whole anniversary thing so far. He fed me a few more bites and then finished the box himself.
He rose out of his chair and stood behind the tub behind my head. I closed my eyes as he rubbed my shoulders, massaging the water into me.
“Wow. That feels amazing.”
“You haven’t felt amazing yet, baby.” I could tell he was smiling, and secretly torturing me. “I don’t know how much more amazing my body can take.”
“I guess we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
“As long as you leave me in one piece.” He lowered his lips to my ear, sucking the water off them. His hands continued rubbing as they lowered down my chest.
Drake
I’m hovering over a still body. Kendra is covered in blood and sweat. Why did she pull these ridiculous stunts?
“Kendra, wake up!” I shook her viciously, hoping she was still conscious. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder her freshman year of college. She would do great for long periods, and after awhile she thought she didn’t need to take her medication anymore… which would bring her here to this moment of insane behavior.
Kendra started cutting herself just a few months after we started dating. Or at least that’s when I found out about it. She would threaten me with harming herself anytime we fought, or if I tried to end things with her.
“Drake, I’ll do it!” she warned, holding a knife up to her neck. If she wasn’t cutting herself, she was threatening to kill herself. She was unstable, and most times she ended up in the psych ward for a week or two until she recovered.
“Kendra, don’t!” I fought with her while trying to grab the knife out of her grip.
---<>---After getting Molly out of the tub, I carried her back to our bedroom where I surprised her with rose petals and champagne.
“Wow, you really go all out for these anniversary things,” she said taking it all in. “Actually, it’s my first one. I wanted it to be special.”
“Really? It’s your first one?” she asked, curiously.
“Well, my first one that was worth making special.” I dropped her to her feet and took her mouth in mine. I planted my hands on her cheeks, forcing her body to press hard against me. Most days I couldn’t get enough of her. Fuck, make that every day. She hypnotized me, and what made it even worse was that I don’t think she even realized what she did to me.
I wanted to celebrate our past year together all day and night. She was worth it, and she deserved everything. She was the first woman that ever made me feel the way she does. In previous relationships, there was usually only sexual chemistry that brought us together, but that was it. There was no connection, no need to be around them, and most times nothing in common. Molly was
different – so different in that it drove me fucking insane how much I needed and desired her. The way my body reacted to hers was something I couldn’t fully explain. It was as if my body had a brain of its own—never minding the consequences of its actions.
“So, I have something for you.” I turned and grabbed a box out of my dresser. Her eyes widened, looking panicked almost.
She grabbed it out of my hand and slowly opened it. Her eyes softened as she realized it was a key. She pulled it out and held it up while for an explanation.
“Molly,” I started, slowly. I bent down so that I was in between her legs looking directly into her eyes. “You already have the key to my heart, but now I want you to have this key—the key that brings you home.” She stayed still trying to wrap her mind around what he was saying. Did she know what I was asking, or was I confusing the hell out of her? “I want you to move in with me, Molly. You and Stella,” I confirmed, making sure she knew exactly what I wanted.
“Are you sure?” she asked nervously, gripping the key in her palm.
“I have absolutely no doubts, Molly, that we are ready to take this next step.” I looked her in the eyes, making sure she knew just how much I loved her, and how much I wanted this for us.
“But I mean… are you sure about all this?” She waved her hand around to represent she came with more than just her. “We can be a handful.” She grinned. “We’re a two-for-one package.”
“I know.” I smiled. “I love a bargain deal.” She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me tight against her chest. “Does that mean yes?” I teased, still wanting to hear her say it.
CHAPTER TWO Molly
Six Weeks Later
I had been packing all day and night. Make that all week, and all last week too. God, I hate packing. Drake and I were officially moving in together, and as a bonus, Michael was coming with us. Drake liked Michael, and knew I wouldn’t want to leave him behind, especially since Stella loved him so much. It made sense for us to be moving in together, seeing that either Drake was at my place, or I was over at his. It was the perfect move for us… the perfect next step. Also, this way I could spend time with my three most favorite people in the world.
“Almost ready? The movers are here.” Drake peeked into my bedroom. I did a once over, looking back at the years I’ve called this place home.
“Yes.” I smiled and grabbed his hand. I was excited about our new journey. I wondered where it would take us. I only ever lived with a man once before in my life, so apart of me felt nervous, but for the most part, I felt excited to be moving on.
We left my apartment for the last time, leaving the movers to do their job. I couldn’t believe all the stuff I had accumulated over the past four years. Stella was now five and already in
kindergarten. I couldn’t believe the little personality she had. She was my mini-me, but at the same time, I saw so much of Liam in her.
We walked down to where his limo was waiting. Michael and Stella were already back at the penthouse, waiting for the movers to arrive. Michael had his room packed up a week ago, and had no desire to help move. He couldn’t wait to live in Drake’s penthouse. But who could blame him?
“Are you excited to be moving in?” He inched closer, rubbing his lips down my neck.
“I’d be more excited if you were naked.” I arched my neck back, giving him easier access. I loved his lips on me, but the neck, that was my sweet spot.
“Oh, I’ll be naked alright. In the bedroom. In the bathroom. In the kitchen. On the balcony,” he teased in between nibbling and kissing my neck, making it raw. He could put my whole body into a frenzy just kissing that one spot.
“Fuck. That’s a lot of naked,” I gasped, flashing the thought through my mind at how much I would enjoy that.
“You bet.” He smiled, and played with my strap, inching his hand down further my shirt. The limo reached our penthouse, but instead of stopping, Drake ordered his driver to keep going.
He lowered his mouth down, pushing my dress up towards my hips. He placed soft, wet kisses up my thighs, making sure he didn’t leave any bare skin untouched.
We arrived back to the penthouse as he released me into an intense body spasm. He kissed my forehead as he helped push my dress back down over my legs. He grinned as he noticed how spent I was.
“Good thing we hired movers,” he teased, taking my hand as we exited the limo. I’d been to Drake’s several times over the last several months, but today was different. I was no longer just visiting. It was now my home. Our home.
The following morning we went into full-on unpacking mode. Stella left early for school and Michael had to get back to writing. I had Monday’s off, so Drake took the day off with me.
“I wasn’t aware of all the shit you had,” Drake groaned as he continued unloading my clothes and shoes. There were boxes everywhere, leaving little space to actually move around.
“It’s a good thing I moved into a seven bedroom penthouse then,” I recoiled at his whiney tone. He grinned back, giving me a look of desperation. Quickly he dropped whatever the hell he was holding and charged towards me. I sprung back, not letting him catch me. Unfortunately, Drake was much faster than me and whirled me around on the bed, making him land on top of me. Fuck, he’s strong. He pulled my arms apart, pressing them against the mattress. I tried to wiggle out, but the more I fought, the firmer his grip was. He placed aggressive, greedy kisses up my stomach, inching his way up to my breasts and up my neck. My body was a traitor and greeted him willingly as the intensity grew between my thighs. My back arched up to his lips, begging for more.
A moan escaped my lips as he tugged on my ear with his teeth. My body was hungry and desperate for his touch, and just as I was ready to give in, he hopped off leaving me completely breathless and frustrated.
“You’re evil,” I groaned as he smiled at my expression. “Get your naked ass back over here.”
He dipped his body back down and pressed a quick kiss on the tip of my nose. “Unpack now, and maybe I’ll reward you later,” he counter-offered. I let out a frustrating moan as I swung my legs off the side of the bed.
“Fine. Better be worth it,” I pouted. “I always am.”
Stella arrived home just before dinner, and although a couple dozen boxes were still left unopened, I wanted to cook a special dinner for our first full day of living together.
“What’s on the menu?” Drake asked as he watched me dig thru the fridge. “You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
relationship, and out of nowhere, this amazing man walked into my life.
After I started working at the Riverside full-time, Drake and I developed a healthy routine that consisted of him coming down to the restaurant to see me any chance he could, and I went up to his office to see him, as well. It wasn’t always about the intense chemistry and sexual tension. We would also just sit together and enjoy each other’s company over lunch. Most days I found myself talking about work, and how I loved being able to cook everyday and hear people complimenting the food.
Nikos Castellanos was the man who interviewed me for the chef position. He’s also the one I worked side by side with. He has taught me the most amazing techniques, and continued teaching me long after my training period. He had shaggy, long dark hair—almost black, that he tied back when he was in the kitchen. He had a thick, Greek accent that sometimes was hard to understand, but after awhile I got pretty good at decoding his language.
Mr. Rizzo was the assistant restaurant manager who was often busy with paperwork and handling customer complaints. Not that there were many, but serving top executives and politicians often led to nervous servers.
My life has changed so dramatically in the past several months. Stella started school, Michael gained immense popularity with his fashion blog, especially after appearing in Quest magazine, and Drake and I were happily in love. It was bliss.
After our first official dinner living under the same roof was over, Stella took a bath and headed to bed. Her days at school were longer and she could hardly stay up past eight. Michael usually met up with his boyfriend, Troy, or hid away in his room to write. Troy never came around, but I think that was to keep Stella out of the loop until she was old enough to understand.
Even so, it was nice being alone with Drake at the end of a long day…having him to myself, and just being together.
“So, I have a little surprise for you,” Drake announced as I dried the last of the dishes. “Does it involve…cheesecake?” I asked, really craving some sweet dessert.
“It could…” He rushed over to me and slammed me against the wall, taking me by surprise. He pinned my hands up behind my head with his as he smashed his lips to mine. I felt a sudden tingle between my thighs, ready to devour into him at any moment. “If it did involve cheesecake, I’d set a piece right here…” He paused, kissing my shoulder. “And right here…” He paused again, kissing the other shoulder. “And possibly down here…” He then trailed his kisses down my chest, moving the fabric of my shirt out of his way with his teeth.
“Oh, sweet, Jesus, please tell me we have cheesecake,” I pleaded, urging him down further. He released my hands as his mouth lowered down my body placing tender, sweet kisses on my bare skin. “If you keep this up, I’m going to be forced to take you right here and now.”
by now.
Slamming us against the mattress, he frantically ripped my clothes off. I reciprocated by unbuttoning, unzipping, and taking everything off him. Fuck, he wears too many layers. He rubbed his hands over my stomach making me cringe every time he brushed a finger over my bare skin.
“You are seriously torturing me,” I moaned, enjoying the sensual desires that were firing up within me.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’m going to take good care of you,” he promised. He hovered on top of me, placing light kisses from one shoulder to the other. He spent the next hour taking his time with me, kissing me, and caressing me with his hands over my bare silky skin.
“I hope we never get tired of that,” I whispered as we lay in bed, linking our bare, sweaty legs together.
“Not a chance in the world.” He leaned over and kissed me. My body was beyond exhausted to reciprocate. He laughed at my inability to move knowing damn well he tired me out. “Come on. Bath time.” He grabbed under my ass and lifting me up, carrying me once again.
“I like the sound of that,” I moaned as my body was screaming for a break. He set me down next to the tub and turned the hot water on. As soon as steam covered the room, he lifted me up and placed me into the hot water filled with the sweet smell of bubble bath. “Ahhh, god this feels
amazing.” I leaned back and closed my eyes, enjoying every drop of water that soaked my sore and overworked body.
Drake left me to relax in the tub. I lay there, thinking back on my journey that got me right here in this moment…
After a few months of working at Riverside, I was chosen to run as the lead assistant. Nikos had been training me extensively, making sure I was ready. He was an amazing man who always said the sweetest things to me. No matter how much I screwed up, he always knew how to encourage me to do better.
Nikos had a little crush on me, okay…maybe a big crush, and even though he was well aware of my relationship with Drake, it didn’t stop him from making sure I knew how he felt. He would often tease me for being so clumsy, but he used it to his advantage. Whenever I’d reach for something on a high shelf, he would stand behind me and watch intently as everything I grabbed fell on top of me or on the floor. He would make sure to be there to catch anything that went flying. He would offer to do it for me, but I was tired of asking every time I needed something high on the shelves.
Eventually, he made sure to only have me get things that were within reach or things that wouldn’t break if dropped. He also learned quickly how I often ran into things and that he would have to be there to make sure I didn’t face plant into the wall. I don’t know why it seems impossible to stay on my two damned feet.
dissociative identity disorder as Liam had taught me. From early on, Nikos started calling me Philia, which in Greek meant loyal friend, or love between friends. Most times I didn’t mind him calling me that, but other times he would growl it in such a sensual way, it made me uneasy.
---<>---Oh, and then there is Travis. Four months ago, he surprised me and made a trip out here to see me. One of the servers came back to the kitchen saying a customer was complaining that the steak I had prepared was made wrong. I highly doubted it, but I made a new one per the customer’s request. Five minutes after the server took the new steak out, she was back. The steak was too dry. I about flipped. I knew there was no fucking way my steak was made wrong two times in a row. The server grinned as she saw red heat in my eyes. I knew she was up to something. I grabbed the plate of too dry steak and stormed out of the kitchen.
I approached the table where a gentleman sat with his back to me. I slammed the plate down in front of him, ready to start a battle. Not the most professional, but this man is messing with me! As soon as I glanced down and had a better look at who he was, I punched him right in the shoulder.
“I fucking hate you!” I teased, laughing. He cringed, pretending that I actually hurt him. “What the hell are you doing here?” I bent down and hugged him.
“I wanted to surprise you.” He stood up and squeezed me again.
“I’m definitely surprised. It’s good to see you, Trav.” He was in town for a conference and wanted to come in and mess with me. Jerk. I took the rest of the afternoon off, and decided to sit down and eat with him.
It was great spending the afternoon with him, catching up with each other. He had Jacob over the summer, and every six weeks he flew Jacob out to see him. He told me about a new girl he met, who happens to be a server at the restaurant he works at. She’s nineteen and attends college, and with the way he talked about her, I could tell he had it bad. I teased him at how mushy he was being, but it was so good to see him happy.
---<>---“Almost done in there?” Drake peeked his head in the door, bringing me back from memory lane. He was shirtless, which always made me smile as I got to stare at his strong chest, and his hairline that went just below his briefs.
“Not unless you want to join me?” I turned to get a better look at him.
“Hmmm…that’s very tempting.” He pushed the door, letting himself in. He stripped down in four seconds flat, and crawled in the tub behind me.
“Now this is what I call a party.” I grinned, inching closer to him.
“Speaking of a party, what do you say we have one here in a few weeks?” he asked, hesitantly.
that were coming up.
“Well, I was hoping it could be like an engagement party but a ‘We just moved in together’ party.” He slowly moved his hands up and down my arms, making the goose bumps more apparent.
I couldn’t help but freeze on the word ‘engagement.’ We haven’t even discussed the possibility of getting engaged, or getting married. Moving in was a huge step for me. I still had an indent on my left ring finger from where Liam’s ring had been for four years.
“So you want to have a ‘we just moved in together’ party?” I asked, making sure I heard him correctly. He nodded, moving his hands up my back, rubbing out each muscle spasm.
As long as it wasn’t a ‘Surprise, will you marry me?’ party I was all for it. I was used to all the events this past year that Drake brought me to. It took awhile, but after the third event, it was like clockwork. Smile, shake hands, nod, smile, eat as little as possible since I can barely breathe in the stupid too tight gown, keep smiling, and applause after every speech… always applause.
Other than the one event where Kendra expressed her opinion on how my relationship
wouldn’t last, I actually didn’t mind going to all of the events. Drake’s family even hosted a memorial benefit after Kendra passed away. It was a nice gesture on his family’s behalf…mostly because all the donations went to the hospital where Kendra passed away.
CHAPTER THREE
“Are you ready?” I asked Stella as I opened her bedroom door. Stella had been talking about the party for weeks now. She was stoked that she was finally going to one of the events that Drake and I had always talked about.
“Ready, mommy! How do I look?” She spun around giving me a 360-degree look at her dress.
“Fabulous!” I glowed watching her fan out the bottom of her dress. She wore a pink, frilly gown that made her look like a little princess. I grabbed her hand, and ushered her out to where our guests were waiting. I had met most of them at other events, but some I was meeting for the first time.
“Michael? Jesus, boy, I can smell you from over here.” I crinkled my nose at the overwhelming smell of aftershave and cologne.
“That’s just my ‘ready to mingle’ scent, baby doll.” He rounded the corner, grinning ear to ear. He pressed his hands down his shirt, smoothing the red silk under his palms.
“Well, it smells like a Macy’s perfume counter on cocaine.” Michael tossed me an annoyed look as Stella giggled in the background. She was used to Michael’s odd tactics.
I locked my fingers with Drake in one hand, and held Stella’s hand in my other. People stood around the balcony with glasses of champagne, while servers walked around with trays of mini
stuffed crabs. Nikos and Mr. Rizzo walked in together, greeting us as they found a spot to settle in. Nikos wore a black suit with a sharp dark blue tie. I wasn’t used to seeing him dressed up since at work we wore white from head to toe. Chef’s hat, coat, apron, and pants. Hair tied up. He looked so elegant and…normal. His hair was down as if he had been brushing his fingers through it to form natural waves at the ends. He was dark with natural tanned, Greek skin, and whenever he smiled it was hard to ignore his extremely white teeth. He had a beautiful smile…big smile. His accent was to die for…thick and deep. Although Nikos was very attractive, I just didn’t see him that way. Even if I were single and looking, he wouldn’t be someone I would ever date.
“Check out this view,” Nikos radiated, looking over the balcony at the city’s bright lights. “Gorgeous, isn’t it?” I stood near him, looking over the ledge. I loved working with him everyday. It made the job feel real, like it had purpose. He was always teaching me something, or helping me master a technique.
“Drake is a lucky man.” He looked me over. “And I don’t mean because of the city view.” “Stop it, Nikos. Envy doesn’t look good on you,” I fired back, hoping to keep the
“Sorry, philia. You’re really amazing. I hope he treats you well.” He gave me a half smile, leaned down, and pressed his lips to my forehead. It was innocent, but I’m sure from afar, it looked intimate. I could tell he cared about me, but on a much more intense level than I cared for him.
“He does, don’t you worry.” I smiled, reassuring him that I was happy. He chugged the rest of his champagne down and walked away.
The rest of the evening went smooth. People laughed, drank, ate, congratulated us… the whole shebang. Stella passed out before the last of our guests left. As the staff finished cleaning for the evening, Drake and I went upstairs to our room. I was ready to rip my clothes off and pass out next to Drake.
“Oh my god!” I squealed, frozen in my tracks. My eyes were wide open, jaw dropped, as Drake stood beside me taking it all in. Someone had slipped into our bedroom sometime during the evening, and placed rose petals on our white feather comforter spelling out, ‘She deserves better.’ The image was…unnerving. Who the hell would do this?
Nikos…was my first thought.
“What the fuck!” Drake stormed past me, looking down on our bed. “Who the hell was up here?” he asked, more to himself than me.
“I have no idea. I didn’t see anyone come up here.” I started looking around to see if anything was missing, but nothing was out of place. It was exactly the way I left it down to the
pantyhose I left on the edge of the loveseat that once sat in my living room. “It’s probably just a joke,” I said, walking towards Drake hoping to calm him down. Hoping to calm myself down rather…
“I don’t fucking care. This isn’t a joke.” He was furious. I was furious. Knowing that someone had been in our bedroom without us knowing was unsettling. I stormed past Drake,
sweeping the petals off the bed. He came up behind me and pushed me aside as my frustration grew more intense. “Baby, stop.”
He grabbed me around the waist and swung me around to face him. I wasn’t one to get upset easily, but the fact that someone had the nerve to break into our room and do that had me over the edge pissed off.
“It’s just some jealous asshole,” he tried to reassure me, as well as himself. Jealous asshole or not, this was absurd.
---<>---The following week dragged on as the memory of the party still lingered in my head. Part of me watched for any signs from Nikos that he had done something, but he acted exactly as he always had.
“Oh, nothing. Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind.” I faked a smile and continued chopping red peppers.
“Are you sure? You’ve been pretty out of it all week.” He leaned closer, placing his large hands on my shoulders. He was looking at me as if he were trying to read me. I nodded, smiled, and once he was pleased with my response, he took a step back leaving me to finally exhale the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
The days at the restaurant were always different. When we weren’t hustling around the kitchen during lunch and dinner rushes, Nikos and I prepped food and stocked the freezers. When Drake stopped by, I was able to give him a few minutes of my time, but I didn’t want dating the manager to get in the way of my work.
I was concentrating on slicing tomatoes when a pair of large, cold hands covered my eyes from behind me. Shocked, I dropped the knife on the cold, metal counter that echoed a loud clanking noise throughout the kitchen. The man lowered his mouth to my ear, whispering, “Do as I say and no one gets hurt.”
Without thinking, I plunged my elbow into his ribs, knocking him down off his feet. I quickly turned, grabbed the knife, and ran out without glancing back to see who it was. It didn’t matter. I wanted out.
“Philia, what’s wrong?” Nikos caught up to me as I shoved my way out the kitchen doors. I bent over leaning my hands on my knees, breathing heavily as I tried to get the words out. He saw the knife in my hand and slowly grabbed it from my shaking palm. “What the hell?” He looked back to where I ran from, and took the knife with him as he walked back into the kitchen.
A few moments past before I heard anything. I anticipated a brawl, maybe some yelling, screaming, or body slamming. But I heard…laughing? What the fuck? Why is Nikos laughing?
I stormed through the kitchen doors to find Nikos leaning over Drake helping him to his feet. Drake was holding his side with one hand as he let Nikos pull him up.
“What the hell?” I stood dumbfounded, waiting for an explanation of some sort. “Drake?” “Damn, philia, what did you do to your man?” Nikos was still chuckling, as he was able to put the story together in his mind.
I ran over to Drake as he leaned against the metal counter. I couldn’t believe how jittery I had been to assume a strange man was behind me. Ever since the bedroom incident I had been on edge.
“Oh my god! I’m so sorry, baby!” I ran towards him, crushing my hand against him staying clear of the rib I elbowed just a few moments earlier. “You scared the living shit out of me!” I scolded.
just got a first look at what it was doing to me.
---<>---“How are you feeling?” I turned, and asked Drake as he was pouring a cup of coffee. It had been a week since I elbowed him in the ribs, and it was bruised for a few days after.
“I’m fine, babe, really. Stop worrying about me.” He turned to look at me. Damn, he looked good in a suit. Hell, he made that suit.
“Well, that’s great to hear. Amazing, actually.” I walked towards him, slowly pulling the straps of my nightgown off my shoulders. Stella and Michael had already left for the day, and today was my morning off. I had to be careful with Drake the past few days so his ribs could heal, so today I was determined to give him a proper apology.
“What are you doing?” he asked as he watched me strip down to nothing in the kitchen. I propped myself up on the counter, crossing my legs, and seducing him with my eyes. He chuckled at my attempt to get what I wanted from him. Keeping my eyes locked on him, I grabbed the whip cream that Drake normally put on his coffee, and sprayed a circle around each breast. His jaw hit the
floor…along with his coffee cup that shattered across the wood. He didn’t flinch.
I didn’t flinch.
I continued using the whip cream as my secret weapon to seduce the hell out of him. It was working…slowly, but it was working. I sprayed a line of cream from each nipple, down below my belly button. He watched as I put a finger to my mouth, licking the cream off. This was so cheesy, and a little cliché, but sometimes life needed a little cheesy.
“You are wearing my breakfast, Miss Woods,” he badgered, walking towards me as he shuffled out of his suit jacket.
“That’s the idea.” I smiled, licking another finger. He stood in between my legs, adjusting my hips to his. I slowly unbuttoned his white shirt that was no longer needed. He could be a few minutes late…or so.
He planted his mouth on mine as I pulled the shirt off his muscular arms. He moaned an earth shattering sound as I reached down and unzipped his pants. Oh sweet, Jesus…that sound. His mouth moved down my neck, and he held his lips right at my collarbone, suckling. I pushed his pants down, urging him in closer to me. The cream was now smashed between our bare skins as we continued kissing, touching, and licking.
“You are going to make my body convulse into insane shock waves,” I muttered as he entered deep inside me. A deep, torturous groan escaped his throat as he continued to have his way with me.
harder, making me clench his biceps as he brought me to an overwhelming spasm release.
He dipped his head in the nape of my neck as he grinded harder into me, taking me over the edge once again.
“Ohhh…god,” I moaned as he held on to me tighter and tighter. “You are going to make me have an orgasmic seizure with all this mind-blowing counter sex,” I teased, smiling back at him as he succumbed to his release.
“Holy fuck.” He leaned his head all the way back and let out a seductive growl as he filled me.
“I think we have officially christened the kitchen,” I teased, smiling as Drake kissed me one more time on the lips. He was trying to pick up the clothes that were now sprayed across the kitchen floor, covered in cream, and coffee cup glass.
“I think our maid’s going to quit,” he laughed, picking the rest of his clothes up. “We have a maid?” How did I not know this?
“Yeah…she comes during the day normally, so you probably haven’t met her yet.” “Oh.” It was a her?
“Want to ride into work together? Seeing that we’re both going to be late…” He leaned in for another kiss, but I quickly grabbed the can of whip cream and sprayed it right in his mouth taking him completely off guard.
“Oh, you are so dead!” he said as I yelped, jumping off the counter and running around the kitchen island. He scooped me up, stealing the can from my hand, and spraying whip cream all over my naked body. Holy shit, that’s cold!
We continued laughing as we saw what a mess the kitchen had become. He carried me upstairs and walked right to the shower.
“Damn, this is some sticky shit,” he mumbled, trying to help me wash it out of my hair. “How the hell did it get in my hair?” I asked, noticing he was struggling.
“I play dirty.” He turned me around, cocked a smile, and planted his lips to mine.
“You keep this up, and we’re never going to make it to work.” He laughed as we continued a long, steamy shower anyway.
---<>---“Good morning, philia,” Nikos greeted me as I finally entered the kitchen.
“The special today is Crab Stuffed Chicken, so I need you to stuff the shit out of them.” He wagged an eyebrow, grinning.
“Well, then.” I chuckled, grabbing the trays and taking them to my station. “I’ll get right to stuffing!” I smiled back.
The morning breezed by, lunch specials were flying out faster than I could stuff, and soon I was ready for a break, but knowing I had been late to work, I decided I needed to work through my break.
“Are you doing alright back there?” Nikos called to me. I forgot to eat breakfast this morning and worked well through lunch. I was beginning to feel light headed and nauseous. I slowly nodded at him, and just as I was about to body slam the floor, Nikos was at my side catching my fall. “Molly, dear, you are ill.” He pressed his hand to my face, circling my cheeks.
“Oh god…this is embarrassing. Nikos, I’m so sorry. I just need to eat something that’s all,” I insisted, trying to reassure him. He had a tight grip on me, and looked intense. He helped me to my feet and continued staring at me. Nikos still had a firm grip on my waist to make sure I stayed up right when Drake walked in.
“What the fuck?” Nikos and I both turned our heads at the same time realizing what this must have looked like. Drake’s face turned red as his hands turned into fists.
“Molly fainted,” Nikos said as he let go of my waist. He backing away allowing Drake to come to my side.
“You fainted,” he said more as a statement than a question. I nodded. He then squeezed me against his chest not leaving me much room to breathe.
“I’m really fine. I just need to eat something.” I pushed back against his firm chest looking him in the eyes. “I skipped a couple meals, that’s all.” I winked, reminding him of our breakfast activities.
“I can make you lunch, philia.” I forgot that Nikos was standing behind us watching. Drake nodded in approval as Nikos went to whip something up.
The first time Nikos called me Philia, Drake about had a man-fit. I told him it was harmless and he never mentioned it again. He knew he could trust me, but part of me wondered if he checked on me daily to give Nikos a secret “man message.”
Nikos placed a plate of asparagus and stuffed chicken in front of me. “Eat,” he demanded. Gladly.
CHAPTER FOUR Drake
Seeing Molly so close to Nikos made fire erupt in my gut. I knew Molly loved me, but I also knew she was an amazing woman. She was genuine, smart, sweet, and caring. She was also
independent, outspoken, and best of all, she was fun. She had a lot to offer, and although I acted as if I were confident in most things, she was definitely something I didn’t want to take for granted.
Asking Molly to move in with me was a huge step, not only for us, but for me as well. I had never lived with a woman before, and I especially had never lived with a woman, her child, and gay roommate before. Molly was different. She made it all worth it.
“So what do you say we take Stella to Navy Pier this weekend? There’s not much going on this time of year, but the museum and gift stores are open. Plus, the view is amazing,” I asked Molly as she continued to unpack boxes still left over from the move.
“That’d be great! Michael and I took her a couple summers ago, but I doubt she remembers.” I loved taking Molly and Stella out, especially because of the way Stella acted towards me. I had always heard horror stories of being the “boyfriend” but Stella was such a sweet, well-mannered little girl; there were no horror stories to tell. After we announced we were moving in together, she even insisted on calling me Daddy. I didn’t mind, but I wanted Molly’s approval first.
Molly’s smile widen as she looked between Stella and me. She nodded and ever since then, I’ve been referred to as Daddy Drake.
“So what do you say we ask Michael to watch Stella after we get back from Navy Pier, so you and I can have a little ‘mommy-daddy’ time?” She laughed her sweet, amazing giggle. She always teased me when I said ‘mommy-daddy’ time, but it was true. Most nights were focused on making dinner, getting Stella’s school work done for the following day, giving Stella a bath, and reading to her in bed. It was amazing to feel needed in a new way, and I loved every moment of it.
“Did you have something particular in mind? Or do you plan to just wing it?”
“Oh, I never wing it, baby.” I tackled her down to the sofa, wrapping my legs around her so she couldn’t escape. “I—,” kiss, “always,” kiss, “take my,” kiss, “time with you.” Kiss, “I never—,” kiss, “wing–,” kiss, “anything—,” kiss, “with you.” kiss kiss.
I could feel her melting underneath me as her thighs quivered. I held her hands over her head, not letting her move. I kissed down one side of her neck, slowly moved to the other side, down to her collarbone, and back up to nibble on her ear. She arched her back, trying to squirm, and give me better access all at the same time.
“Stop moving,” I demanded. “You are mine to please.” She smiled and finally surrendered. I released her hands as I lowered down her body kissing her bare skin.
“I can’t, baby. Be right back.” I stood up, zipped my pants, and walked to the door. I looked through the peephole, but I couldn’t see anyone. I slowly opened the door, and looked around until I noticed a small envelope sitting on the welcome mat.
It was addressed to Miss Molly Woods. I shrugged and tossed it to her. I hovered back over her, kissing her neck, and then back up to nibble on my favorite part of her ear.
“You’re being very distracting,” she mumbled as she fought to open the envelope. I laughed at her ability to keep a straight face as she tried to avoid my kisses. She managed to rip it open as I kept my lips on her bare skin. She tensed up, freezing in mid-conversation.
“What is it?” I asked, noticing her shocked reaction.
“It’s—” she couldn’t finish her sentence. She just stared at whatever was inside the envelope. I grabbed it out of her hand after a few moments of just silence.
It was a memorial service for Liam–five years after his passing. Molly’s face became pale white. His family wanted to honor him on the five-year anniversary of his death, which I could understand, but I think Molly finally moved on, and this would bring up many unwanted emotions.
“Are you okay?” I knew she wasn’t, but I had to see where her head was. She nodded slightly and stood up. She didn’t say a word as she walked upstairs. I didn’t know whether I should comfort her or give her space. I didn’t know what it felt like to lose someone, so I didn’t know how to be there for her other than just give her time.
Molly
I knew the five-year anniversary of Liam’s death was approaching. It’s a date I’ll never forget. Yet, I felt like I had just been bitch slapped. It was an unwelcomed wake up call. Five years. It’s been five years. Stella just turned five and two months after her birthday, she would always remember that her father had died.
I needed air. I didn’t know why this bothered me so much. Maybe it was because I was finally moving on with my life and was extremely happy. Did I feel bad for being happy? I knew Liam would want me to move on, but some part of me still felt guilty for it.
I decided I needed to soak in the tub for a while. I needed time to digest everything. The water was scalding. Perfect. I dipped in, pouring some bath salts under the faucet. I knew this was unfamiliar territory for Drake, and he normally just let me deal with it on my terms, but sometimes I wish he knew how I felt so he would stop giving me that pathetic, pitiful look.
I leaned my head back against the cold tub and let the water consume me, lying there for what felt like hours. The water turned cold, and my skin was pruned and wrinkled. I decided. that I was ready to talk about it. I needed to talk about it.
“I wanna go,” I said, approaching him.
“Do you want me to go with you?” he asked genuinely. I wasn’t sure. I knew it would be good for Stella to go. She’s been asking to go back and see her daddy’s gravesite. It would give us a chance to really bond, and to allow Drake into that part of our lives.
“Yes.” He stepped closer to me, touching his forehead to mine. He inhaled and closed his eyes. I could tell he was trying to find the right words to say. Too bad there weren’t any right words for a situation like this. I tilted my head up and pressed my lips to his. “I love you.”
---<>---Drake and Michael helped pack up ---<>---Drake’s car. Liam’s memorial service wasn’t for three days, but I wanted to spend some time with my family while we were in Iowa. We had to skip our plans for Navy Pier, but it didn’t matter because this was something I couldn’t miss. Part of me still felt like my heart had been left in Iowa all those years ago. I would never fully have it back, and Drake understood that. Once you have a first love, nothing is ever the same.
Stella was psyched to be going, and even told Drake she was going to tell Liam all about him. It was the most adorable thing ever. Drake’s eyes lit up as he smiled, and he told her it was a great idea.
Michael loved a good road trip. I looked back at him with his hair wild and messy from the window down, and his eyes covered in Coach sunglasses. He really is a diva.
It felt great to be back in Iowa again. Even though most of my memories back here were fading, I would never forget those years I had with Liam. I wanted Stella to have those memories too, but she would just have to get them in a different way.
“I want to go to his accident site,” I whispered in Drake’s ear so Stella wouldn’t overhear me.
He turned to look at me making sure he heard me right. “Why?” he whispered back. “I need to see it.” He nodded and didn’t oppose.
We arrived at our hotel, and Stella was now passed out in the back on Michael’s lap. Some days I really felt sad for her not having Liam in her life, but other days, I felt she was really blessed. She had three loving parent figures who looked out for her and cared for her. I knew Drake would be a great role model for her, and after seeing them together for the past several months, I was blown away. Drake was a natural, which was something I hadn’t anticipated. On the outside, he’s macho and masculine, but as you get to know him, he’s a big softy that’s sweet and caring.
Drake carried Stella to our hotel room, laying her on the bed. She was still sound asleep, so I took a shower and lay in bed next to her. I knew these next few days were going to be overwhelming and I wanted to do this with her. I needed to give her those memories she deserved. I wanted her to be able to look back and remember visiting her daddy and honoring his life.
always teaching her things and talking to her as if she were an adult. She easily understood new situations, which made me incredibly amazed. She was like a thirty year old woman living in a five year old body.
After dinner, Michael agreed to stay with Stella while Drake and I drove out to where Liam’s accident had happened. I was filled with emotions of anxiety, sadness, fear and was very distraught.
“Turn left up here,” I instructed. Drake followed my directions and kept a straight face the entire time. He squeezed my hand every few minutes just to let me know he was there for me. “Okay, pull over up there.” I pointed just beyond a large oak tree. Liam and his friends were out late on this country road, and the car that was coming towards them didn’t have their lights on. They ended up hitting head on, instantly killing Liam and the other driver.
His other two friends were considered critical, but after a few weeks they were released from the hospital. They tried their best to be there for me as I mourned my fiancé, but part of them lived with the guilt as they mourned for him, too.
Drake pulled over, killing the engine. He sat there a moment waiting to see what I wanted to do. I pushed the door open and stepped out. I hadn’t been out here since before the accident. Friends and family told me how they placed flowers and candles in honor of Liam, but I found every excuse to avoid driving out here. However, it was something I felt I needed to do now.
I stood by the oak tree, imagining the accident scene. I don’t know why I tortured myself, but part of me needed to visualize it in order to fully heal. I was grateful he hadn’t suffered, but it still wasn’t fair. He was just driving with a couple of friends having fun and laughing. He didn’t deserve to die.
“Doing alright?” Drake approached me and held me from behind. I held back the tears that lingered in my eyes. He leaned his chin on my shoulder as he waited for me to respond.
“I think so.” I cleared my throat, wiping the tears off my cheeks that slipped through. I clasped his fingers through mine. “I just can’t believe it’s been five years, and there are still skid marks on the road.” The scene had been ugly. The Sherriff report mentioned a lot of blood at the scene, and car parts scattered all along the highway. There had been a couple of pictures in the local newspaper with dark rubber marks, and metal pieces that flew in the ditch near by.
We stood there for what felt like an hour. It was chilly, but Drake’s overheated body kept me warm. “Okay, I’m ready.” I nudged him with my head letting him know it was alright to leave. He grabbed my hand and led me back to the car. He opened the door for me, and waited until I was seated and buckled in before closing it. He kept his eyes locked on mine until he walked to the other side.
We stayed silent as we drove back to the hotel. I finally felt ready to do this. I wanted to celebrate Liam’s life, and honor him for being such a great person, and for giving me Stella.
take her over there, as well. Their house had pictures of Liam and Stella plastered all over their walls. They had taken several dozen pictures of her when she was born up until Liam passed away.
I hadn’t been in their house in so long, it felt foreign to see pictures of Liam again. I used to come over here all the time, but now it no longer felt familiar.
“Molly, dear! We are so happy you guys came!” Liam’s stepmother, Trish welcomed us. Long after Liam’s mom died, his father remarried. She always gave me the impression that she tried too hard. She wore a fake smile, and stood as if she had a stick up her ass.
“Thank you. We’re glad to be here.” I ushered Stella in and did the introductions. Michael and Drake came with us. Michael and Liam didn’t always get along, mainly because they both begged for my attention, but once I got pregnant and Liam proposed, Michael knew it was a serious deal for us. As we walked through the house, Stella clung to my hand as she was unfamiliar with the territory.
“Stella, baby. This was your daddy’s home before we moved in together. This is your
Grandpa Ray and Grandma Trish.” She peeked out from behind me and gave a small smile. She soon was sidetracked as their three dogs came barreling down the hall.
She laughed as one licked her face furiously, and the other two sniffed her. “I guess they’re welcoming you,” Trish said, trying to lighten the mood. She escorted us into the living room and offered us lemonade. Stella enjoyed playing with the dogs as Trish and I talked. Michael and Drake sat close by, taking everything in. Michael was extremely protective of Stella and I. I could hear him whispering in Drake’s ear as he eyed Trish suspiciously. He had been around continuously for the past five years, but unlike my previous situation, Drake and Michael loved each other.
“Would you mind speaking?” We had been talking about the memorial service that was in two days, and now she was asking me to give a speech. It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say, or that I didn’t want to talk about him, but I didn’t do well in public speaking situations, especially emotional ones.
“I—I guess I could,” I stuttered. “I’m not very good at public speaking though.”
“Oh, nonsense! Just speak from the heart, dear. You don’t have to be up there long. Just say a few words.” She smiled as she refilled my glass that was only half emptied. Her eyes were tense as she glanced over to Drake and Michael. I suspected she was uncomfortable with Drake being there. She never spoke to him after I introduced them to each other.
“Okay, I’ll do my best.” I took the glass up to my mouth as I tried to keep the terror from spilling out. I wanted to tell her that it would have been nice to be involved in planning the event, but that was unimportant. I was just glad they actually invited me.
“Liam’s father and I would love to have lunch with you tomorrow. Do you think you can make it?” she asked, eyeing Stella on the floor with the dogs.
