Lipstick Kisses : A Sexy, Standalone Contemporary Romance

by C. C. Cartwright

  “We had a few delays out of Bozeman, but we got here in one piece.”

  “ Are you comfortable at Chandler’s?”

  “Oh yes, it’s so nice to be able to walk to the beach every morning and grab our coffee at the little shop on the corner.”

  “Venice is a great neighborhood,” I agree.

  We all sit down at our round table to fit our party of five. Cassie is just as adorable as I remember her. She absolutely adores her big brother. She hangs on his every word, but then again, I do too. Chandler is a very special man, the father of my baby. I couldn’t be happier, I think to myself as I watch him interact with his family.

  If you had told me a year ago that I would have a man like Chandler in my life and be expecting a child, I never would have believed you. Even now, right at this moment, sitting at this table with this lovely family, I still don’t believe it.

  Chandler turns his gaze toward me, and his crystal blue eyes settle on mine. He smiles at me, and his eyes twinkle. My insides warm, and my heart skips a beat, still. I think this is what they call love.

  “Christmas at the Russos’ on Saturday,” I hear Chandler say, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “Oh yes, my parents are very excited to meet you.”

  “We are looking forward to spending Christmas with your family. It was so gracious of your parents to invite us.”

  It’s time they met. I know that much. They will be sharing a grandchild together. My baby.

  I need to spend time finishing my Christmas shopping tomorrow. I’ll invite Cassie to join me. I love Chandler’s sweet baby sister. She can be the sister I never had.

  After enjoying the multitude of endless hors d’oeuvres my mother prepared, we all barely have room for dinner as we waddle to the dining room. My mother has set up our prime rib with all the fixings on the buffet table, and we each make our way through the buffet, piling our plates with whatever our hearts desire.

  Once we are all seated and the wine has been poured, my father makes a toast.

  “To spending a wonderful Christmas together. We are so very grateful Nikki and Chandler will be bringing our first grandchild into the world soon,” my dear, sweet dad says, causing my eyes to water. Tears of joy and tears of something else I can’t put into words. Wistful that I’ve done this out of order, not sure of our future together, I suppose.

  We all raise our glasses and clink them together. My eyes scatter around the table, taking everyone in, wondering what they’re thinking.

  I watch Chandler swallow down his wine before he clears his throat uncomfortably.

  Then in one quick movement, he stands, pulls his chair back, and gets down on bended knee. I feel him reaching for my hand.

  “Nikki, I will love you and our baby until the end of time. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he asks, his eyes boring into mine as every pair of eyes of our adoring family waits expectantly for my answer.

  Damn, Chandler, are the first words that come to mind. He’s put me on the spot. But how I love this man.

  Then I see him reach into his pocket and pull out a velvet ring box. He pops it open, and the most stunning diamond ring is bedazzling me, begging to make its way onto my finger. How can I refuse?

  “Yes. Absolutely. Yes.”

  Our adoring family cheers, and I have to wipe away my tears. Tears of happiness now.

  “I love you,” he tells me.

  “I love you too.”

  There is not a dry eye at the table as I glance around, feeling self-conscious for a moment. Then the moment passes, and peace and tranquility pass through my body.

  I look over at my father, and he’s beaming. Beaming with happiness for his Sweet Pea, I’m sure.

  Dinner conversation flows easily, and our two families are melding together seamlessly. It couldn’t have gone better. Even my mother behaved herself and stepped up to the plate and morphed into the hostess with the mostess. She surprised me.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chandler

  I managed to catch Nikki off guard and woo her just like her father suggested, and my wish came true. Nikki agreed wholeheartedly to become Mrs. Chandler Winslow. What she didn’t realize was how soon it would be happening.

  It’s happening today, the very day after I proposed. I planned our big event for today, unbeknownst to her.

  We’re going to the courthouse at two this afternoon.

  Both of our families are in on it. Kelsey too. I pulled off the proposal, and now, I’ve got to get her to the courthouse on time.

  I’ve even made dinner reservations at our favorite restaurant in Beverly Hills to celebrate our pending nuptials.

  The only thing I’m afraid she may balk at is the old, I have nothing to wear.

  I get it. A girl wants to look perfect on her wedding day. Should I have given her a few days’ notice? Probably. But I can’t chance her dragging her feet. Plus, I want to be married before the baby arrives. Call me old-fashioned, but it’s important to me, and it should be to Nikki, too. Deep down inside, I know she feels the same way.

  Kelsey texts me.

  Kelsey: Have you told her yet?

  Chandler: Not yet. I’m nervous.

  Kelsey: Just do it. Everything is ready.

  This is the last push I need.

  “Nikki, we’re getting married today.”

  “What are you talking about?” She eyes me curiously over her morning cup of coffee.

  “We’re meeting both of our families, Kelsey, Morgan, and Caroline at the courthouse at two pm.”

  “We’re getting married at the courthouse today?” she asks incredulously.

  “Yes, so go and get ready.”

  “Surely, you’re joking?”

  “Nope, Kelsey will be arriving shortly to help you get ready.”

  “Chandler, I don’t have a thing to wear,” she pleads like I knew she would.

  “Of course you do. Plus, Kelsey will be arriving with a few things for you to choose from if you can’t find something in your closet that’s suitable. I want to make you my wife today, with our family and friends with us.”

  “Chandler, I don’t know about this,” she cries.

  “Nikki, I promise, after the baby is born, we can plan an over the top wedding. Everything your little heart desires.”

  For the longest time, she just stares at me without a word. She’s thinking. I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. She’s trying to think of an excuse, a way out of this. Although secretly, I saw the corners of her mouth turn up. She likes my idea.

  The doorbell rings, and she can no longer protest.

  Nikki’s best friend and assistant arrives at the hour we agreed upon ahead of time with a huge garment bag draped over her arm.

  “Kelsey, I can’t believe you are in on this ambush and that you were able to keep a secret from me,” Nikki says with a playful grin on her face. She’s taking it well, better than I expected. She can be very stubborn, part of what’s made her so successful, but she is taking my surprise well.

  “Go and get her ready. I want to leave here by one,” I tell Kelsey.

  “Yes, sir.” She giggles, and they both march off to the master bedroom and close the door, but not before Nikki comes and gives me a kiss.

  “I love you, Chandler Winslow,” Nikki says, walking into her bedroom to get ready to marry me.

  I rub my hands together. I feel giddy with excitement, knowing we will become man and wife today. In the end, I was the one who had to trap her.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Nikki

  “Kelsey Taylor, I can’t believe you deceived me,” I say mockingly as I cross my arms over my chest in feigned anger.

  “Get over yourself, Nikki. Come here and tell me which dress you like best. I spent hours on my feet shopping for just the right dress to wear for your special day. It wasn’t easy finding dressy maternity clothes.”

  I walk over to the bed as Kelsey lays out my three choices. One is an all-la
ce, sleeveless, floor-length sheath. It’s very classy and tasteful. Another has a strapless, simple, white chiffon fitted bodice that flares out right under the bust. A beaded empire waistband adds a bit of shimmery glitz to the floor-length dress. The last one is a long-sleeve lace baby doll dress, which falls just above my knee.

  “I think I’d like to wear something floor-length. Let me try on the sleeveless lace one. I can’t believe Chandler planned all of this.”

  “You know, Chandler has been scheming this little plan for a couple of months now. I personally find it extremely romantic. You are one lucky girl, Nikki. I wish I could be so lucky.”

  “As much as I hate surprises, I actually agree with you. It’s very romantic and sweet of him. My Chandler is an amazing man. I love him like you wouldn’t believe.”

  “Chandler’s been crazy about you since the moment he laid eyes on you. I could sense it the first time he met you. Surprising you is the only way he could get you down the aisle . . . or in this case, to the courthouse!”

  “Well hey, missy, you could be next. You and Morgan.” I wink at Kelsey.

  “Please, I’m surprised I’ve lasted this long with him. I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and his attention will start to wane. Although, I’m using the power of the pussy to keep him in check.” Kelsey giggles.

  Kelsey helps me get into the dress. It fits me and my baby bump just right, and the length is perfect. She helps me with a quick updo, with tendrils framing my face. I put on my Lipstick Kisses cosmetics, with a little extra drama for my big event.

  “Thank you, Kelsey. This dress is perfect.”

  “You look amazing, Nikki,” she says, and we hug.

  I walk out of the bedroom and find Chandler in the kitchen. He looks dashing in a dark suit, the one suit he owns that we bought for the gala months ago.

  “Nikki, you look beautiful. Absolutely stunning, sweetheart,” he says, drawing me into his arms and laying a tender kiss on my lips.

  “We’d better get going, you two lovebirds,” Kelsey says, looking at her watch.

  *****

  We make it to the courthouse on time, and my family and Chandler’s family are waiting for us. Morgan and Caroline, Chandler’s agent, are here too, along with Stewart and his wife.

  My mom comes up and hands me a beautiful bouquet of red and pink roses.

  “Nikki, you look lovely,” my mother says.

  “So, you are in on it too?”

  “Yes, can you believe Chandler planned all of this himself?”

  “I know. I can’t believe he and Kelsey managed all of this behind my back.”

  Morgan comes up to me. “You are breathtaking,” he says, giving me a warm embrace and a soft kiss on my cheek.

  “Why, thank you. You must have been in on this too,” I tease.

  “Yes, Kelsey swore me to secrecy.” He smiles, reaching for Kelsey’s hand.

  Morgan and Kelsey have become quite the pair. I watch them together, and they can’t keep their eyes off each other. It’s as if there’s a secret little language going on between them. You can tell by the way they look at each other. Do I dare say the British player has met his match?

  Kelsey gushes about him every single day of the week. It’s almost nauseating. I’m shocked that it’s lasted this long with Morgan’s reputation as a ladies’ man. But Kelsey is special, and the player must recognize what a sweetheart she is beneath her all-business exterior. I know she was skittish in the beginning, after the way her last boyfriend treated her. She just needed to step up her game, become a challenge for Morgan. In the end, that’s what men want. Maybe that relationship book she’s been reading is helping her reel him in.

  After the simple civil ceremony, Chandler’s father and Kelsey sign the marriage license as our witnesses.

  We arrive at The Loft in Santa Monica, the latest restaurant to see and be seen. Somehow, Chandler was able to pull some strings and reserve half the restaurant tonight. Our tables are near the live music playing tonight. A small dance floor is set up in the corner near the band.

  Dinner is superb. The champagne is flowing, although I have Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider in my champagne flute.

  Chandler stands, champagne flute in hand. “I want to thank everyone for being here today to join us in celebrating the marriage vows Nikki and I exchanged today. Nikki has made me the happiest man walking this earth. I am so proud to call her my lovely wife, and soon, she’ll be the mother of our baby. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to that day,” Chandler says, beaming down at me, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. My sensitive, loving and thoughtful husband’s words bring happy tears to us all. He bends down to kiss me before we all raise our glasses in a toast.

  “Do you know how much I love you? I can’t wait to for you to have our baby,” my charming husband says to me once he sits back down. He leans over and presses his lips to mine.

  “I love you,” I sniffle, dabbing my tears of joy away.

  As if on cue, the band starts playing Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye.

  Chandler stands, offering me his hand, “Shall we? They’re playing our song,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Indeed, they are,” I reply, taking his hand in mine.

  We sway to the music, our baby between our bodies.

  “I am still in shock. This all happened so fast. How on earth did you plan all of this without my finding out?” I ask my groom.

  “Caroline helped me with the ring. And then she also helped me plan this dinner celebration. Kelsey helped me with your wedding attire, amongst numerous other details, which I had no clue about. But she knew what you would and wouldn’t like. Are you happy?” Chandler asks.

  “I never thought I could be this happy. I love you with all of my heart. You are an amazing man and I know you will be an even more amazing father,” I reply, smiling upon my adoring husband.

  Epilogue

  Two months after their wedding, Nikki gives birth to a beautiful baby girl. She is a spitting image of Nikki. Just look at her baby pictures. The happy couple has named her Chelsea. Chelsea Winslow.

  Thank you for taking the time to read Lipstick Kisses. I hope you enjoyed reading Nikki and Chandler’s love story as much as I enjoyed writing it! If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to leave a review and tell your friends!

  Want more Nikki and Chandler or would you like to read more on the developments of Kelsey and her sexy brit Morgan? Email me at cccartwright.novels@gmail.com and let me know. I love to hear from my readers

  ~BONUS NOVEL~

  JUST LOVE ME BOOK 1

  By

  C.C. CARTWRIGHT

  Copyright © 2016 by C. C. Cartwright

  Justin

  I’m God’s gift to women. What can I say?

  When I’m out and about, I catch the ladies checking out the goods.

  I’m at the beach today, and my sister has her posse of friends with her.

  One, in particular, is beyond beautiful, with a killer body to match.

  "Justin, don’t you remember me?” she asks in the most sensual voice

  I’ve heard in a long, long time.

  "Sloane Hart, is that you?” I utter in disbelief. It’s my little sister’s best friend,

  all grown up and filled out in all the right places.

  Needless to say, I don’t waste a minute getting her alone.

  After I take her out to dinner, I get her back to my place for a little slap and tickle session.

  Things get hot and heavy and we’re just about to do the dirty deed

  when I sense something isn’t right. She’s tense.

  “Can you go slow and easy?” she asks timidly.

  She’s a virgin?

  I don’t mess with virgins anymore, not since high school.

  Next. I’m moving on. I don’t want Sloane, dear Sloane, getting stuck on me.

  After a couple of months, I’m usually done and over it. I tell her I’m doing her a favor.
<
br />   The problem is that I can’t stop thinking about her.

  When I see other guys hitting on her, it makes my blood boil.

  This can’t continue. Sloane Hart is getting under my skin.

  Sloane

  I was invisible to him.

  Justin Harlow is my best friend's brother,

  and I’ve been in love with him for as long as I can remember.

  Fast forward ten years later, and I’m at the Harlow family's beach party.

  Justin has one killer set of abs and is devilishly handsome.

  Mr. God’s gift to women notices me today.

  The way his eyes rake over my body from head to toe tells me he wants me.

  He says I’ve grown up and filled out in all the right places.

  He’s dangerous for my heart and my body.

  I know I’m in trouble.

  Just Love Me 1, a captivating best friend's older brother novel you won't be able to put down!

  CHAPTER ONE

  Justin

  I’m enjoying a day at the beach when my sister, Kylie, shows up with her little posse of girlfriends. None of them are much to look at except for one, and she looks vaguely familiar.

  I admire her from a distance for a good part of the day. As I play volleyball with my buddies, she comes and watches. Of course, I put on a show for her. You see, I’m God’s gift to women. I have a hard, lean body, which I work hard at maintaining, and the chicks dig it. I see Kylie’s sexy friend looking in my direction.

  We take a break and decide to cool off in the waves. While my buddies and I are body surfing, I see Kylie’s enticing friend standing at the water’s edge in her teeny weeny bikini. I decide to venture onto shore and approach her as I walk out of the water.

  “Hi, Justin, don’t you remember me?” I hear a very feminine voice greet me as I walk up to her.

  “Wait a minute—is that you, Sloane?” I finally realize who she is.

  “Yes, don’t you recognize me?” She shoves me teasingly with her soft hands, making the skin on my wet chest sizzle.