by Beth Michele
I wiggle lower on my back and disappear under a cloud of cotton.
“What are you doing? It’s your birthday,” he protests, his objection lacking enthusiasm. My hand grazes his erection and he groans, giving himself away.
“Yes, and I want to start my day with a blowjob,” I tell him, voice muffled.
He doesn’t respond, but his strong legs widen and he reaches beneath the sheet to make contact, trailing his fingers through my hair. That’s something I have no complaints about: his constant need to be connected, to be touching me.
My mouth is ready for him, and I lick my lips to moisten them, pressing the wetness to his length and inhaling the scent of musk and salt. I kiss down his cock, letting my tongue run along the thick veins, enjoying the way he seeks me out. He moans, and I’ve barely gotten started. God, I love making him feel good. To be honest, I was never into this with other guys, but with Jace? Every time it’s like discovering something new, uncovering a different area of sensitivity or how he likes me to use my lips, my tongue, my teeth.
“Lily.” He moans my name, and I know he wants more—so I give it to him. I flick my tongue against the tip, collecting the salt pooling there before slipping his erection between my lips. The taste of him urges me on, and I circle the smooth skin, opening wide and relaxing my throat to take him deeper. Jace fills me, and I exhale through my nose while he gently strokes my hair, guiding me but never pushing, allowing me to breathe.
He pulls the sheet away, wanting to see me pleasuring him. I glance up, sliding my lips from his length. “Does that feel good?”
“It’s your mouth, your lips, your tongue, therefore it’s perfect. Keep going, sweetheart.”
His praise drives me, and I fist the base, pumping while my mouth surrounds him, lips skimming along his heated arousal. His cock thickens inside my throat, muscular thigh growing taut under my fingers. It feels so powerful, being able to give this to him, to allow him to let go. At my mercy, he pushes up into my mouth, and I watch his face, flushed and beautiful. His breathing picks up, and I lower my hand to his balls, to the spot I know will be his breaking point.
“Lily, I want…”
He doesn’t need to tell me; I already know. I speed up my rhythm, sucking harder, caressing his sensitive flesh before I realize he’s pulling me away.
“I want to come inside you,” he tells me, panting as I glide up his chest, smelling the desire on his skin. His face is damp with sweat, limbs tight and close to snapping. “Are you ready?” he murmurs, always checking in to make sure I’m okay, that my body is open to accepting him. I’m more than ready, wet and aching for him to fill me. I press my palms into the mattress beside his head and bend to kiss his lips, giving him the only answer he needs before he slides inside my pussy, and we both moan. “I’ll never get over how good you feel,” he rasps, gathering one breast in his hand and bringing my nipple to his mouth. He gives a few teasing licks with his tongue then lets go, increasing the speed of his thrusts.
It’s always like this between us. Every time it gets better and better. I’m trying to hold on, but whenever we’re together, it’s this explosion of feeling inside my body and heart, and I can’t control it. “I love you,” I whisper, staring down at him, watching as he goes over the edge first, knowing he can’t control it any more than I can.
“Love you,” he groans, face contorting with pleasure as he releases inside of me. I follow him, attempting to catch my runaway breath.
After, I collapse against his chest, snuggling deep, trying to get my arms underneath his back. His chuckle rumbles against my cheek.
“Are you burrowing?” he asks as his breathing quiets, and I smile against his warm skin.
“Yes.”
“Just checking,” he says, wrapping me up in his arms. “Continue.”
I laugh, pressing a kiss above his heart. “I’m excited about my birthday.”
“You should be. You have twenty-eight surprises awaiting you.”
My head springs up. “Twenty-eight.” I shake it from side to side. “That’s too many.”
“I disagree.” He offers a glare filled with mischief. “If I want to shower you with surprises, that’s what I’m going to do. Think of it as making up for lost time. Now,” he instructs, “kiss me and go take a shower, and when you return, you will receive your first surprise.”
I’m grinning like crazy, I know this, but it’s all Jace’s fault. I may protest about my surprises, but he knows I love them. Over time, I’ve gotten better at accepting things he wishes to do for me, because I know with us, it’s more. As he says, it’s the full package.
“Hints?”
“Nope.” He points to the hall. “Shower.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply with a salute, and he gives my ass a squeeze before I slide away from our sticky mess.
“And take your time.” My naked self is almost to the door when he calls out, “Lily?”
Tangled hair flings over my shoulder as I turn. “Yesssss?”
“I love you.”
A smile spreads from my lips to my cheeks. “I know.”
“That was my first ever Cocoa Puffs, waffles, and bacon breakfast in bed. Actually, that was my first ever breakfast in bed.”
“Don’t forget about the cookies that topped it off.” Jace grins, pleased with himself. “And there’s a lot more where that came from.”
A light and airy sound leaves my mouth as Jace and I wander lazily through the streets of Cobble Hill, the sun beaming down from a cloudless sky. “Hmm, I think this day was designed especially for my birthday.”
“It is a perfect day.” He glances over, his eyes shuttered by aviators but his lips smiling. “I have a question: why don’t you wear sunglasses much?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I enjoy the sun, I guess. I like to see everything without a filter.”
“Hmph.” He thinks for a minute. “Oddly enough, that makes sense to me, especially given you’re an artist—which reminds me,” he adds, “Chaz mentioned he wanted to come see your work displayed at that gallery next week.”
“Chaz?”
“Believe me, I’m just as surprised as you are. But ever since he saw the portrait you did for me and you showed us the drawings from your grandfather, he’s developed some sort of fascination.”
“Interesting.” I throw him a skeptical look. “You may want to tell him Georgia will be there. He might change his mind.”
“Very true.” He tugs my arm closer. “Those two are like oil and water.”
“Like you and my old boss,” I say, and I feel the wince in his upper body.
“Who shall remain unnamed. Speaking of which, kneed anyone in the balls lately?”
My loud snort makes him laugh. “Nope. No chance of that happening. I love my new job,” I say, thrilled to be working in an executive assistant capacity at an interior design firm. The icing on the cookie? I have a wonderful new boss who isn’t an asshole.
“I love your new job, too,” he teases with a palpable sense of relief that I’m no longer employed by Alec.
“Well, here we are.”
My hand touches my chest. “Oh, Jace. It’s lovely,” I say, admiring the brick-faced exterior, wrought iron gate, and classic stone stoop. Two ornate ceramic planters frame the door, red flowers bursting from the pots. Jace glances at his watch, chewing on the corner of his mouth. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m just wondering where Ron is.”
“It’s okay. We’re not in a hurry, and I don’t mind waiting.”
“Here he is.” Jace nods toward a winded Ron jogging down the street in a t-shirt and sweats, a baseball cap shadowing his face.
“Hey, kids. Sorry I’m late. I overslept. I’ll let you in, and then I have to run and grab Elise from the salon.” He walks the ten steps up to the door and we follow behind. After he unlocks it, he looks over at me. “Thanks for doing this, Lily. Elise and I appreciate it.”
I smile. “Of course.”
He pats Jace o
n the back before he starts off again. “Oh and Happy Birthday,” he calls out, disappearing down the tree-lined street.
“He’s a nice guy.” I step over the threshold as Jace holds the door open for me.
“Certainly one of the good ones.”
An audible gasp echoes in the air once we’re inside, and it definitely came from me. My eyes are everywhere all at once. From the ash-finished floors to the walls, a mix of exposed brick and classic white. Contemporary details mixed with old-world charm. There’s even the outline of an aged fireplace carved into the wall. Light flows throughout, and for a moment, I feel as if I’ve stepped back in time, cocooned by this cozy, wonderful space. “They can do so much with this. There’s not even any furniture yet and it feels fantastic.”
Jace seems pleased by my words. “That’s why I suggested you. Take a look around,” he says while typing out a message on his phone.
“Don’t worry, I will.” I laugh, fingers trailing along the textured brick, gaze struggling to take everything in. I wander through the open kitchen, hand skimming over the smooth granite of the breakfast bar, the cherry wood cabinets. My eyes drop to a small pad on the countertop and my smile disintegrates, the purse falling from my shoulder.
I whirl around, all the air sucked from my lungs. “Jace?” My vision blurs as he walks toward me without another word. His eyes are set in concentration, steps determined. “I don’t understand. This was…this isn’t… What’s happening?” I know I sound frantic, but nothing makes sense. He gets closer, and I can see the pulse thrumming in his neck. “What’s going on?”
“Ron didn’t buy this place, Lily,” he says, voice unsteady. “I did. I bought it…for us.”
“For us? What?” The wetness falling over my lids is making it difficult to see, the tightness in my throat making it impossible to think. “So Elise isn’t coming?”
He chuckles softly. “No, sweetheart, she’s not.”
My heart is beating so fast I’m afraid I might pass out. “But…you said, and Ron, and…”
“I’m sorry for telling a tiny white lie, but I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“It…it is. I’m…surprised, if you couldn’t tell.” My words are as shaky as my legs. “Go big or…go home?”
“That’s the thing, Lily.” He gentles his voice. “I want to come home, to you, every day for the rest of my life.”
Then he drops to one knee.
I cover my face with my hands because I can’t seem to stop the emotion pouring out of me. How did this happen? It almost seems like a fairytale. The rich prince swoops in and charms the unknowing princess. Because Jace makes me feel like a princess, and I don’t mean the showering of gifts. He does something better—he gives me his attention, his care, his love, his devotion. He’d give me the shirt off his back if I needed it, and I trust him with everything I am.
“Lily, look at me.”
Somehow, I peel my fingers from my skin, staring down at this man who is so dear to me I don’t know how I’d live without him. He presents me with a blue velvet box, opening it to reveal a simple but gorgeous emerald cut diamond ring, delicate gems surrounding the stone.
His smile is wobbly as he takes a minute, exhaling a nervous breath. “I’m not the same man I was a little over a year ago, and I don’t ever want to be that man again. You’ve changed me. You’ve taught me to live.” He gets to his feet while I’m about to fall to the floor. “I want to be your person, Lily. The one who gets to love you, cherish you, and show up for you, every day for the rest of your life. Marry me, Lily Rose Conrad.”
He reaches out, his hand a warm caress against my cheek. His expression is unguarded and vulnerable, open and beautiful as he waits for my answer. But there’s nothing to wait for. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my entire life.
“Yes, Jace Harlow, I’ll marry you.”
He slides the ring on my trembling finger while I look on in disbelief, my heart beating with certainty and love I never thought I’d find. Then he kisses my tears away, pressing his lips to my eyelids, my cheeks, my chin, until finally his mouth covers mine. It’s tender and sweet, more of a smile-kiss than anything else. But it’s perfect, because it’s us, doing what we do best, together.
His grin when he pulls back rocks my world. “We’re getting married.”
My own grin is twice as big. “We are.”
“Mrs. Harlow…it has a nice ring to it.”
I try for a sassy chin lift though I’m a blubbering mess. “Who says I’m changing my name?”
He rolls his eyes, chuckling all the while. “And so it begins.”
“Yes, it does.” My amusement tapers off, heart filled with love for this man. “I really love you, Jace.”
The smile on his face is pure joy and one I’ll never forget as long as I live.
“I know.”
Excerpt of my next fun, sexy romantic comedy releasing in July, 2019
CHAPTER ONE
There must be something wrong with me.
How can I be madly in love with one man and also unable to look away from the strapping tower of masculinity in front of me? Strapping—I’m laughing inside. Who even uses that word anymore? Oh yeah, I do.
It’s true, though.
What can I say? I appreciate the male form—and what a form he has. Broad shoulders slope down to a tapered waist, which leads to muscular legs I’m sure take long, graceful strides. Don’t get me started on the warm brown eyes or the defined jawline, not to mention that deep, smooth voice floating past a full upper lip paired with a thinner bottom one. Let’s face it, it’s all in the details. Of course, there is one particular detail I’m not privy to. I’m not close enough to check out his package, which we all know is a crucial component.
Am I right?
If I had to venture a guess, I’d say his large hands and big feet give him away. Definitely a tell that perhaps his…well, you know is quite sizable. I can’t help but squint from this distance—my chair to his groin—to see if my assumptions are correct.
What else am I supposed to do? We have to sit through this seminar and I have no other choice, nowhere else for my gaze to focus on. None of this is my fault, anyway. The blame falls solely on the glorious woman who brought me into this world. Yup, it’s all on her, my dear old mother. What comes to mind when it comes to her? Straying eyes and an insatiable appetite—and I’m not talking about food.
Add to Goodreads TBR
Sign up to get notified when it releases
Appreciated—Rixton
Chasing Cars—Snow Patrol
Price Tag—Jessie J
Love Someone—Lukas Graham
I Like Me Better—Lauv
At My Weakest—James Arthur
Falling In—Lifehouse
Speechless—Dan + Shay
Without You—Parachute
Eye Of The Tiger—Survivor
Daylight—Maroon 5
First off, to my readers, thank you so much for sticking by me and for your never-ending support of, and passion for my work. I know this book is a little different than what I typically write, and I appreciate your willingness and enthusiasm to try something new. Thank you for choosing my words to read when there are so many out there, and for making it possible to continue to do what I love so very much.
Richard, thank you for listening to me talk about my stories over and over. I know, I know, sometimes I go on and on, but I just can’t help myself. I love writing, and am so grateful for it, and you provided me the space to be able to do so, and I’m grateful for that, and for you, too.
Richie and Isabella, you are my joys. Thank you for understanding when Mom had to work on her book again, and for going along with all my crazy antics and SIGNS! I love you both so much! And Richie, who I referenced in this book. You are truly a miracle, and not a day goes by where I don’t thank all of the stars for your strength and your fight. You are my hero!
To my besties, Cheryl, Dawn, and Beth. Thank you, thank you, thank y
ou for reading Lily and Jace’s story and providing your feedback, and giving of your time. Whenever I called, you came running, and that means more than you’ll ever know. Knowing I have you in my corner makes everything easier. Your support knows no limits, your willingness to drop everything and help is awe-inspiring. You lift me to new heights, not only as a person, but as a writer. I am forever grateful for you.
To Meg, I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my life. You make everything brighter.
TBM, thank you for believing in me and for supporting me always. Start thinking about which island you want to go to, you know it will take us forever to decide. Love you girlies!
Chris, you’ve been by my side since I started down this path of writing, and no matter what, you’re there for me, lending an ear, supporting me, and making yourself available. Thank you for your passion for my stories. I’m blessed to call you my friend. Love you bunches, Chris!
Stephanie and Carol, I’m grateful every day for you. Your love and support is a constant in my life, and it pushes me forward in every way. I love you!
Mom and Dad, thank you for supporting me in all of my endeavors, including writing, even though sometimes you can’t figure out where I came up with these crazy ideas! Love you!
Thank you, Sarah Hansen, for designing such a beautiful cover for this book. It could not be more perfect!
Stacey Blake, thank you for always making my work so pretty, and for your abundance of patience and understanding.
Caitlin, thank you for helping to make my words flow more smoothly, and for always being available and willing to help.
Bloggers, Bloggers, Bloggers! To the ones that have been with me since I started this journey, and to those who just came on board, thank you so much for all you do. You all have busy lives, and yet you make time to support, share, review, and spread the word about my books. I am truly thankful for all of your support!
To my gals over at Give Me Books, as always, you rock! Thank you for everything!