Kitchen Scandals 1 Ed 2013 1494841304 pdf

  

Kitchen Scandals

  Brooke Cumberland

  DEDICATION

  To my amazing family who are always within arms reach when I need them. Without you, none of this would be possible. A huge shout out and thank you to my friend, Stefani for always willing to read whatever I send her way and giving me amazing advice. To my husband–for not feeling neglected when the computer got more attention than he did. And to my readers for keeping me inspired. Thank you for all your feedback and appreciation.

  

By Brooke Cumberland

  

The Riverside Trilogy #1

  Table of Contents

  

  

  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!

  Novel Grounds My Fictional Boyfriend & Book Whore Page

  Say What? Savannah Mae Kayla the Bibliophile

  Maria’s Book Blog Just Booked

  Turn the Page Book, Babes and Cheap Cabernet

  Bookaholics Blog Stephanie’s Book Reports

  All Romance Reviews Sarah’s Book Blog

  Mary Elizabeth’s Crazy Book Obsession Up All Night Book Addict

  Shh Mom’s Reading Talkbooks

  Who you callin’ a book whore Love Between The Sheets

  Swoon Worthy Books

  I Feel the Need, the Need to Read Twinsie Talk Book Reviews

  A Book Whore’s Obsession Bridger Bitches Book Blog

  The Book Bellas

  I Heart Books Seductive Romance Reviews 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! Brooke xo

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 their love story.

  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.

  I was in denial the second I noticed it. She didn’t look any older than twenty-three, maybe 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.

  Monday finally arrived, and I had planned to introduce myself to her, but I was scared as hell. Would I scare her off or make her uncomfortable? I wanted to ask about the ring, but I couldn’t let on that I knew she wasn’t married. Thoughts of her flooded my mind all morning until I finally found an excuse to go into the kitchen.

  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.

  I went through her file again and found her address. Perhaps she would be more comfortable 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. her down the street, I thought of another way to give it back to her. It needed to be different this time – a way she couldn’t say no. If she would just give herself the opportunity to let me in, I was positive she wouldn’t regret it.

  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.

  I was lost in him, lost in the moment, and completely forgot about the previous five minutes. He dipped his head into my chest, rubbing his hands freely over my naked skin. He reached for my pants, and grinned as he realized I wasn’t wearing any. Sleeping next to Drake was like sleeping in an oven. His body heat radiated across the entire bedroom, leaving me to rip half my clothes off during

  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 down the hall noticing the smell getting more intense. Someone is definitely

  making bacon. I tiptoed down the stairs that led to the kitchen. I spotted a shirtless, handsome hunk

  frying bacon over the stove. I paused on the steps a moment taking it all in. Watching Drake cook was

  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 away.” He slammed his mouth into mine, feeling my tongue with his.

  “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

  

possibly pulled muscles. I grabbed some bubble bath and poured half the bottle in. Oh god, this feels

amazing.

  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.

  I peeled my eyes open, realizing I’m in bed. Molly is staring at me with concerned eyes. Did

  

I say something in my sleep? I remembered it’s officially our anniversary, and that I wanted to make

  this day as special as possible for Molly. I never had an anniversary with anyone before that was

• <>-------------

  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. “Yes!” She beamed. “Yes, yes, yes!”

  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. “You have a dirty mind,” I moaned into his mouth. This wasn’t our first time in his limo, and it was certainly not going to be the last. He pulled both straps down, releasing my breasts into his hands. I leaned back against the cold leather, soaking up the intense feelings that were riveting through

  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.” As I mixed my chicken cordon bleu mixture together, I reflected back on the past year that 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.”

  “That would be an awfully sweet view for the neighbors,” he mocked, picking me up and carrying me towards the stairs. His lips locked on mine as he walked us up the staircase. I wondered 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.

  Nikos was one of those guys that often said inappropriate or distasteful things, but at the

  

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.