by R.S. Grey
“You don’t have to! That’s the best part. The girls just need someone they can practice their English with. Seriously, Ellie, it’s the best job ever.”
It’s a brilliant idea if I’ve ever heard one. Ellie has been working at the country club for far too long, living with Dad and wasting time on guys who don’t deserve her. There’s nothing keeping her in Austin. She should take the opportunity to leave and try something new—not to mention, working for Diego and Nicolás is a dream.
“What’d they say when you suggested that?” she asks tentatively.
I beam. “They said if you want the position, it’s yours.”
Her brows shoot up in shock. “Seriously?”
“Yes!”
I can tell she’s not completely sold on the idea, and I’m nervous if I push too hard now, she’ll say no before she even gives it a real chance. “Just think about it for the next few days and get back to me.”
She nods slowly, seemingly already mulling it over.
I take out one last gun from my arsenal. “Oh, but be warned, if you do take the job, they’re definitely going to force Alejandro on you.”
She frowns. “Alejandro?”
Realization dawns on me: I never told her about him. At the time, it was a strategic move. If she knew there were so many eligible, cute men in Spain I was turning down, she would have jumped on the first flight out of Austin.
“Hold on a second,” I say, running to grab my cell phone. “I’ll show you!”
The last time I spoke to Luciana before telling her I wouldn’t be coming back to Spain was over text message. I show the conversation to Ellie.
Luciana: GUESS WHAT?! MY BF IS HERE.
Ellie reads her text and laughs. “Isn’t she like 12?”
I laugh. “Not even.”
“Who’s her boyfriend?”
I smirk and tell her to keep scrolling.
Brooke: BF?! I leave for two weeks and you get yourself a boyfriend? Who?
A few minutes later she sent back a photo and to this day, I can’t help but laugh. It’s slightly blurry, but there’s Alejandro standing at the kitchen counter chatting with Diego. He’s wearing his leather jacket, and his jet-black hair is all wavy and sexy. He looks completely unattainable, but what makes me laugh is the fact that Luciana posed the photo as a selfie so both she and Alejandro could be in the photo together without him knowing. Her smiling mug is in the foreground of the photo, taking up 75% of the shot.
“Who is that?!” Ellie demands, pointing at Alejandro.
“That’s Alejandro,” I say with a gloating smile.
“Holy…” She grabs my phone and zooms in until everyone but Alejandro has been pushed off screen. Then, she leans back and releases a heavy sigh right before she lobs me in the shoulder.
“You left THAT behind in Spain?”
“OW.” I snatch my phone back in anger and then lock the screen. No more Alejandro for her.
“No, seriously, Brooke—is he single?”
“I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask Diego when you accept the job.”
Her smile fades and her eyes narrow as she finally catches on to my little trick. “If I take the job, it’s not going to be because of him.”
I laugh. “Of course not. Think of Alejandro as a potential signing bonus.”
Just then a car pulls up into our driveway and a little bolt of excitement spirals through me. I love that sound because it means in a few seconds, James is going to walk through the back door of the house and find Ellie and me in the kitchen. He’ll smile in relief, hang his keys by the door, and loosen his tie as he approaches me to plant a kiss on my lips. He told me the other day that he still gets excited to walk in every night and find me here. I’ve assured him I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here every night from here on after, but it doesn’t matter. To him, it’s still a novelty to get to come home to someone he loves every night. He told me it’s the best moment of his day, and I agreed.
In the last few months, James has kept a busy work schedule. The BioShield is weeks away from releasing to the public, and that means there’s never been more work for him or his company. Still, he makes a point to be home every night at 6:00 PM and not a minute later. I glance at the clock and smile when I see that it’s 5:59.
The back door opens and James walks in. His keys get hung. His tie is loosened, and with no regard for Ellie’s presence in the kitchen, he heads straight for me.
“Welcome home,” I tease as he grips ahold of my waist and tugs me toward him. My hips meet his as I wrap my hands around his neck and he bends low, planting a passionate kiss on my lips.
“Yeah! Hi! Yoohoo. Could you please stop grabbing my sister’s ass cheeks while I’m standing right here?”
I laugh as James breaks away and finally turns to Ellie. “Oh, hey, didn’t see you there.”
She rolls her eyes and turns back to the refrigerator. “Like hell you didn’t. For that, I’m opening the good wine.”
“Oh yes!” I agree. “You have to. We’re celebrating!”
James glances back and forth between us. “Are we? Why?”
I grin as I announce, “Ellie is going to take my old job and move to Spain!”
“We don’t know that yet,” she points out, opening the cabinet to pull out three wine glasses. From the sound of her voice, I can tell she’s actually going to consider it.
“I think it’s a great idea, Ellie,” James says, maneuvering around the island to uncork the wine. I use the distance as an opportunity to take in the black suit he put on this morning, the suit that does funny things to my insides, even with his tie loosened and his hair a little messy.
“We have something to celebrate as well,” James says. “Did you share our good news, B?”
I glance up to meet his gaze, not even slightly embarrassed at being caught checking him out. “What good news?”
He delivers a devilish grin before turning toward Ellie. “Your sister asked me to marry her last night.”
She squeals, whips around, and nearly drops one of the wine glasses.
My mouth drops open and my face burns scarlet red. “JAMES!”
“Brooke! Did you really? Wait, why are you so red?”
“Because I did not really ask him!”
The incident he’s referring to happened late last night. We were in bed together, tangled in the sheets. We’d already had sex and were supposed to be getting up to shower and get ready for bed, but neither one of us was in a hurry to move. I’d just had the orgasm to end all orgasms—like, I saw my life flash before my eyes—and James had finished moments after, collapsing down half on top of me, half on the bed. My hand was strung through his hair and I was breathing hard against his neck, my eyes still closed. I was surrounded by his scent, his breath, his weight, so overcome by how much I loved him.
“Marry me,” I say on a whim.
He stills and then props his hand beside my head so he can lift himself up enough to look down at me. “What did you just say?”
I don’t bother opening my eyes, but I let a lazy grin spread across my lips. “I think I asked you to marry me.”
“Brooke, open your eyes.”
“No, I can’t. I’m dead. You—that just killed me.”
He strokes his finger along my cheek, and then higher, around the corners of my eyes, trying to convince me to look at him. “Please.”
I sigh and blink my eyes open, reluctant to reenter the world after what just happened between us. His face is only a few inches from mine and I’m shocked to see how wide and vulnerable his eyes are as he stares down at me. “Did you mean that?”
“Marriage?” I ask gently.
He nods, never taking his eyes off me.
Did I mean it?
“A little,” I respond sheepishly. “Does that scare you?”
He shakes his head. “Of course not.”
I rub circles around his shoulder blades, concentrating there for a moment so I have the courage to continue. “I
don’t want you to think we have to get engaged right away or anything. I guess I just want you to know I’m ready when you are.”
“We haven’t been together long,” he points out, trying to see where I actually stand on the subject.
I smile. “Martha told me once, ‘When you know, you know.’”
A handsome grin overtakes his features before he dips down and plants a kiss on my lips. When he pulls away, he whispers, “I know.”
I kiss him again. “Me too.”
With that, he finally pushes off of me and pads toward the bathroom in the buff. I ogle his derriere without a care in the world. He might look killer in a suit, but this is definitely how I prefer him. Just before he steps past the doorway, he turns back to look at me over his shoulder with an amused smile.
“Harry will be happy when I tell him.”
Harry the goldfish, our first wedding RSVP.
I frown, trying for my best solemn expression. “I bet the last few years have been really hard for him. Me away in Spain, you moping here.”
He nods in a mock agreement. “You can’t imagine what it’s like being a single dad these days.”
I have to stifle a laugh to stay in character. “I’m sure you’ve done the best you can.”
He grins and tips his head toward the shower. “You coming?”
“In a second.”
He turns and walks away. A moment later, the sound of the shower running filters into the bedroom. I pause, stare at the doorway long enough to make sure he isn’t going to come back, and then crawl toward his side of the bed and pull the top drawer of the bedside table open.
There, in the corner, is the small black velvet box I found the other day while I was cleaning. Inside, nestled tight, I find the antique engagement ring that leaves me breathless. It seems even more flawless than before, twinkling in the low light. I brush my finger across the round diamond, careful not to dislodge the ring from its cushion. My finger itches to try it on; I know it will fit, but it feels wrong to do it without James watching.
“B?” James calls from inside the shower. “Water’s hot!”
I jump, close the black velvet box, and shove it back into its terrible hiding place before scurrying off the bed to join him.
“Coming!” I call back.
Soon, I remind myself, I’ll get to put that ring on and never take it off. I smile at the thought.
Acknowledgements
During one summer in college, I worked as a cabana girl at a country club in Austin. My uniform consisted of khaki shorts and a bright orange polo. Paired with my red hair, it was quite a bold look. (Yikes.) Obviously, at the time, I didn’t know I would use that job as inspiration for this book. If I had, I probably would have taken more notes. ;)
Though it might seem surprising, it was a really fun job. The members at the country club where I worked were much more down-to-earth than the members Brooke deals with in this book.
Also, yes, the moms at the kiddie pool were always SO GLAMOROUS; there were a few kids I was legitimately scared of, just like the tweens Brooke deals with in this story; and Andie Roddick was a member, but I never saw him.
Big thanks to Lance for helping beta read and co-write the second draft of this book! Also, thank you for taking the night shift with baby Hallie so I’d have enough brain power to write in the mornings. I would never have been able to get this book done without your help.
To my mom, THANK YOU, thank you, thank you for babysitting Hallie so Lance and I could hammer out the final details of this story. I am forever in your debt, truly.
Thank you to my editor, Editing by C. Marie, for continuing to work with me even though I threw this manuscript at you so last minute. Trying to schedule a book release after the birth of my first child was a little crazy to say the least. I honestly can’t believe I made it to this point. I fully anticipated having to email you and postpone. *pops champagne*
Thank you to my readers for continuing to come back to my stories time and time again. There are so many good books for you to choose from, and I really appreciate your love and loyalty over the years!
Big thanks to the book bloggers and bookstagrammers who have read and shared my books. Without your support, my stories would have never found an audience.
All my love,
R.S. Grey
Stay up to date on future releases! R.S. Grey Mailing List:
Mailing List
Join R.S. Grey’s Facebook group and connect with other readers:
R.S. Grey’s Little Reds
Stay Connected with R.S. Grey:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER
PINTEREST
GOODREADS
Find all of R.S. Grey’s Books here:
AMAZON
OTHER BOOKS BY R.S. GREY
THE FOXE & THE HOUND
#3 Overall Bestseller on Amazon
#1 Bestselling Romantic Comedy on Amazon
When your life is a hot mess at twenty, it's cute. At twenty-seven...well, not so much.
It's just that my lofty dreams—making it as a real estate agent, paying rent on time, showering daily—have stayed just that: dreams. Oh, and love? I've decided love might be a little ambitious for me at the moment. Instead, I've settled for the two guys who will never leave me: Ben & Jerry.
That is, until Dr. Adam Foxe takes up residence as the town's new vet.
With his strong jaw, easy confidence, and form-fitting scrubs, it's not long before every housewife in Hamilton is dragging neglected tomcats in for weekly checkups.
Like everyone else, I'm intrigued. Even after I spoil my chance at a good first impression, he still offers me a proposition I can't refuse: play his girlfriend at a family function and he'll hire me as his real estate agent. Welcome to love in the 21st century.
It's too bad I underestimated Adam's irresistible charm and the undeniable attraction that burns between us. The day he pins me to the wall and silences me with a kiss, the line between reality and ruse begins to blur. Every teasing touch brings me to my knees. Every kiss promises more.
It looks like my hot mess of a life is about to get a little hotter.
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO
#1 Bestselling Romantic Comedy on Amazon
Lucas Thatcher has always been my enemy.
It’s been a decade since I’ve seen him, but our years on opposite coasts were less of a lasting peace and more of a temporary cease-fire. Now that we’re both back in our small town, I know Lucas expects the same old war, but I’ve changed since high school—and from the looks of it, so has he.
The arrogant boy who was my teenage rival is now a chiseled doctor armed with intimidating good looks. He is Lucas Thatcher 2.0, the new and improved version I’ll be competing with in the workplace instead of the schoolyard.
I’m not worried; I’m a doctor now too, board-certified and sexy in a white coat. It almost feels like winning will be too easy—until Lucas unveils a tactic neither of us has ever used before: sexual warfare.
The day he pushes me up against the wall and presses his lips to mine, I can’t help but wonder if he’s filling me with passion or poison. Every fleeting touch is perfect torture. With every stolen kiss, my walls crumble a little more. After all this time, Lucas knows exactly how to strip me of my defenses, but I’m in no hurry to surrender.
Knowing thy enemy has never felt so good.
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON
A PLACE IN THE SUN
Adult Romantic Comedy (age 17+)
When her mother’s incessant matchmaking hits an all-time high, Georgie Archibald does what any sensible woman would do: she flees the country.
Seeking refuge in the picturesque seaside village of Vernazza, Italy, Georgie’s only plan is to lie low, gorge herself on gelato, and let the wine and waves wash her troubles away...that is until she wakes up in a bed that belongs to the most romantic-looking man she’s ever seen.
Gianluca
.
After going out of his way to rescue her, the former London financier turned mysterious recluse makes it clear that despite acting as her white knight, he has no plans to costar in her fairytale.
But Georgie isn’t asking for his heart—she’s merely intrigued.
After all, Gianluca isn’t just gorgeous—tall and tan from days spent in the sun—his touch sets her world on fire. With him, Georgie experiences the most intoxicating passion she’s ever known, and it only takes a few steamy nights for her to realize that sometimes running away from trouble is the best way to find it.
AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON
SCORING WILDER
Adult Romantic Comedy (age 17+)
USA TODAY Bestseller
What started out as a joke—seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score.
With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He’s a professional soccer player, America’s favorite bad boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper.
• A face that makes girls weep – check.
• Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check.
• Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check.
Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits, forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”), but that just makes him all the more enticing. Besides, Kinsley’s already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished.