When he sets me back down on my feet he says, “They were what I needed to hear. You’re my heart. I love you, Mac. So much.”
“I love you too, Lawson. So much,” I repeat back to him.
We’re drawn out of our cocoon of happiness by the abrupt sound of applause. We bashfully look around the barn and see nothing but smiles and a few tears of joy. I blush at having had everyone witness this but am more pleased that what we have is no longer a secret. I was so upset with him before but I’ve got to give it to him, he’s definitely redeemed himself.
We stand with our arms wrapped around each other as the reopening recommences, and we once again get lost in our own little bubble. I smile at the success of the barn and the sense of pride I feel is only trumped by the love emanating off of Lawson.
“It’s about damn time,” Langley says as she makes her way over to us, a huge grin on her face. “I was worried that I’d have to disown you, but you came through, Lawson.” We both laugh at her words before she turns to me. “I’m happy it worked out, Mac. If y’all wanna go celebrate, I can handle the rest of this. I’m sure everyone is wonderin’ why y’all are still here.”
Before either of us can respond Smith walks over, confusion and brotherly outrage highlighting his features. “What’s goin’ on here? Mac, are you and Lawson a…thing? Why am I just findin’ out about this now?”
Smith looks more shocked than hurt at not being in the loop. “It’s a long story, Smith,” I sigh.
“One I promise to fill you in on,” Langley quickly adds on. She walks up to my brother, loops her arm through his, and starts leading him away. “These two lovebirds have a lot to catch up on, so let’s leave them to it. You can talk to them later. Y’all have fun now,” she throws back over her shoulder.
I blush at the mischievous twinkle in her eyes and Lawson bursts out in loud laughter. “That’s a great idea, Langley. Good lookin’ out. Thank you. And Smith, don’t you worry. I’ll come ‘round for a talk later.” His words seem to appease my brother because he nods and turns to focus his attention on Langley as they walk to the other side of the barn.
Then, to the room, Lawson shouts, “We’ll catch y’all later. I have to go show this gorgeous woman how grateful I am that I’m the lucky bastard she chose to love. Enjoy the barn, and we hope to see y’all soon!”
Lawson lifts me easily and throws me over his shoulder to the raucous cheering of the assembled crowd. I laugh as I cover my face with my hands and slap his tight butt as he leads me outside, places me gently in his truck, and drives me to his place. And it’s there, in the privacy of his bedroom, where he shows me repeatedly how much he’s missed me and how much he loves me. Even when I think I can’t possibly continue, he proves me wrong and showers me with more pleasure and love. We fall asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, our hands over each other’s heart beats, and I know this is where I’m meant to be.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
Lawson
I never thought I’d be happier than the day I showed up at the barn and Mac told me she still loved me, but each day I’m proven wrong. I’ve never felt such happiness and am constantly floored by how freeing it is to have our relationship out in the open. I make it a point to shower her with as much affection as she can tolerate out in public, and even though she tells me it isn’t necessary, I can’t hold myself back. I feel so lucky to have her and need to show the world that she’s mine and that I’m hers. Another thing that continues to surprise me is my insatiable hunger for her. With each passing day we spend together and the stronger my love for her grows, the better the sex between us is. I’m one lucky bastard, that’s for sure.
Mac is happier as well, both in our relationship and in everything else. Her design business is booming, and since she’s her own boss she uses her extra time to help her parents out at the orchard. Soon enough, she’ll have enough saved to move out on her own, and I know she is on cloud nine since everything worked out.
The grin that seems to have taken up permanent residence on my face grows as I glance over at the beautiful woman seated in the passenger seat of my truck. She’s wearing a white, oversized sweater that makes me want to never stop hugging her, and her long legs are encased in dark jeans and knee-high boots. Her long hair rests in a braid over one shoulder, and her lovely eyes are covered up by the blindfold I put on her when she hopped in my truck. Excitement and nerves war with one another as I look at her and think about how she’ll react to my surprise.
“How much longer, Lawson?”
God, I’ll never get tired of hearing this woman say my name.
“Just a few more minutes, darlin’. We’re almost there. If you’re extra patient, I’ll make sure to reward you later,” I promise, my wicked intent clear in my voice.
“You better,” she grumbles.
I laugh at her words. Ever since I picked her up from the orchard and blindfolded her, she’s been fidgeting in her seat, anxious and curious to know what I have in store. We’re almost at our destination and, in an effort to gain my composure, I slow down just a bit as we drive over what used to be loose rock and is now a smooth road.
After a few more minutes I put my truck in park, turn off the ignition, and lean back in my seat as I look at the woman next to me.
“We’re here, darlin’,” I say gently.
Her excitement is palpable, and she brings her hands up to the blindfold shielding her gaze. “Can I take this off, please?”
“You can take somethin’ else off later,” I say, “but that needs to stay on for just another minute. Sit tight, please.”
She nods her assent, and I hop out of the truck, remove the cooler I tucked out of view behind her seat, and open up the passenger door. I run my hands up her thighs and breathe in her sweet scent as grab her by the hand and guide her out of the truck.
“Almost time,” I whisper. “Just a few steps this way,” I say as I close the door and walk her a few paces.
Once I get her in place, I jog back to place the cooler next to her feet and move so I’m standing behind her. I wrap my arms around her waist and lean down so my lips brush against her ear when I speak.
“Okay, it’s time.” I reach up and remove the blindfold as I rub the silky strands of her hair.
“Oh, Lawson, it’s stunning,” she gasps.
I smile with pride as I take in the view as if I were her and seeing it for the first time. Before us is the new build I was working on months ago and, while she’s technically seen it before, she hasn’t seen it complete. The large house is now painted white, as is the wraparound porch, and the dark gray roof matches the shutters perfectly. The house looks welcoming and pristine, and the double front doors are painted vibrant, cherry red. Fresh flowers in the same bright hue hang from hanging flower pots and give more pops of color.
“I was hoping we could recreate our first date but, instead of eating outside, we can eat inside.”
“I’m game,” she murmurs before tilting her head to look back at me. “Are we allowed to do that though? The house looks done, so is the owner okay with that?”
Her concern tugs at my heart, so I give her an extra squeeze before answering. “I checked with the owner and it’s okay. Besides, I’m the builder so it’s only right I get to show it off and share it with someone. Let’s go in.”
I lean down to grab the cooler and lead her by the hand into the house. It’s still empty, but the newly installed hardwood floors gleam under the sunlight filtering through the open blinds and the smell of fresh paint hangs lightly in the air. We step into the kitchen, and Mac gasps in awe at the huge space.
“I just fell in love,” she says.
I laugh as I watch her run her fingers over the white quartz countertops and over the stainless steel faucet at the sink. “I fall in love with you every day.”
“Well, aren’t you sweet,” she smiles at me as she continues to walk around. “I happen to do the same when it comes to you. Now feed me, please. I’m s
tarving.”
I laugh as I start to unpack the food from the cooler and point to the big blanket I set on the floor where a dining table would normally go. “Yes, ma’am. I hope you’re okay with a picnic.”
“I’m okay with anything.”
I kneel down on the blanket and call her over. “I’m ready for you, darlin’.”
“I love hearing those words,” she teases as she makes her way over to me.
When she’s in front of me I grab her hands as if to help her sit down, but I hold her in place while I stay on my knees before her. “Then I hope you’ll love these next words, too.”
She stills, and her face is painted with confusion but she doesn’t say anything.
“Mac, I have something to tell you. The owner of the house doesn’t know we’re here.”
“Oh my God, Lawson! We’re breaking and entering?” She looks around in fear, as if she expects the cops to filter in at any moment.
“Of course not,” I laugh. “The owner is you, if you’ll have it. And of course me, I’m the owner, too.”
“I...I don’t understand.”
“Darlin’, this house has always been mine. The land, too. When we came here months ago for our first date, I should have known you were the woman for me. I hadn’t shared it with anyone before but it felt so right—feels so right—having you here with me.” Her eyes water slightly at my words. “You’ve given me everything I didn’t know I wanted or needed, and I want to do the same for you.” I reach into my pocket and pull out the little black box I’ve been carrying around for weeks now. My nerves are at an all-time high, but my heart jumps in joy as she catches her breath and gifts me with a heart-stopping smile.
“MacIntosh Layne,” I say with my heart in my throat, “I’ve known you for most of my life and, for a while, I was so blind. That’s not the case anymore. I love you more than anyone and anything. You make me so indescribably happy, and not a day goes by that I don’t wonder how the hell I ended up so blessed to have you in my life, especially when I fucked up so colossally. I won’t lie, I’ll probably fuck up again, so please be patient with me. I can promise you though, with every piece of my heart, that I’ll never lie to you or myself again. I’ll never take you for granted, and I’ll continue to prove my love in front of you and everyone else for the rest of my life.” I can feel my own eyes start to tear slightly with the emotion coursing through me. “You’ll always have my heart,” I say as I place my hand over the appendage that beats solely for her. “I want nothing more than to be your husband, plant some roots, and start our forever and a family in this house, and I don’t want to wait another day. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Mac launches herself at me and topples me over onto the blanket. She’s sprawled out on top of me, her braid swinging by both our faces, and her smile is brighter than the sun. “I’d be honored to be your wife, Lawson Westbrook,” she says as she tenderly kisses the area on my chest above my heart and then my lips.
We kiss for endless moments before I remember one little detail. I pull back and move us so we’re both sitting, her draped across my lap, as I slide the ring I designed on her finger.
“It’s perfect,” Mac sighs.
Pride and relief flood through me at her words. “You’re perfect,” I say as I kiss her forehead.
“I know,” she jokes.
We laugh easily and end up making love on the blanket before we tour the house together. We make plans to christen every room, and I tell her that her father offered to give us first pick of any of the furniture he’s made that hasn’t already found a home. This makes her tear up and she launches herself at me, which results in us breaking in the kitchen island.
As we clean up and leave, Mac snuggles into my side and hugs me tightly. “Thank you for making me the happiest of women.”
My heart squeezes at her words. “Thank you for making me the happiest of men.”
“And to think,” she muses as she smiles up at me, “it all started with some sin and cider.”
I lean down to give this woman who is so precious to me a sweet kiss that soon turns possessive. The road may not have been smooth at first but I wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, there’s nothing sweeter than knowing that what we have is permanent. She’s mine and I’m hers, forever.
Coming Soon by Kimberly Reese
A Sweet Sinner’s Recipe for Love
Ingredients:
1 tatted alpha male in a suit
1 sassy Southern baker
1 luxurious Chicago penthouse
2 cups of sugar
An extra helping (or two) of sin
Enough attraction and sexual tension to decimate an entire city block
Directions:
In luxurious Chicago penthouse, combine alpha male and Southern baker. Leave unattended.
Generously mix in attraction and sexual tension.
Stir gently, and add sugar.
Let tension rise.
Pour on some sin, and let bake.
Remove from penthouse.
Sprinkle on more sin and sugar.
Enjoy each mouthwatering bite. Best served hot. Multiple servings encouraged.
Read on for a taste of Sin and Sugar!
Sin and Sugar
Prologue
“Ms. Westbrook, I have your mail,” our butler says as he enters the kitchen. “There’s a rather official looking envelope here for you.”
I look up from the dough I’m kneading because his words have piqued my interest.
“Thank you, Clive,” I tell him. “I’m all covered in flour. Could you do me a favor please and open up that envelope, sugar?”
The older gentleman still blushes whenever I call him sugar, but he obliges with a nod of his head. I watch as he opens the envelope and unfolds the letter inside. I expect him to start reading but am surprised when he scans through the letter silently, a smile breaking out across his weathered face.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Ms. Westbrook, I think this is something you’ll want to read for yourself. Here,” he rounds the island and comes to stand next to me. “I’ll hold it for you.”
I smile my thanks and glance at the piece of paper he’s holding, my heartbeat skyrocketing when I see the logo in the top right corner of the page. Oh my word, it’s from Farine. I anxiously squeeze the dough in my hands as my lips part to read the words that can make or break my plans.
“Dear Ms. Langley Westbrook,” I start, “We are very pleased to offer you a position as an intern this spring at Farine, one of Chicago’s most renowned French bakeries and pastry shops. You have been selected from numerous applicants for this prestigious opportunity, and we look forward to having you join us. Please refer to the following confirmation for the specifics of your internship…” My words trail off as my eyes widen. “I got in?”
“That’s what it sounds like, Ms. Westbrook. Congratulations!”
My heart is pounding. I can’t believe this is happening. “Oh my God, Clive. Oh my God! Do you know what this means?”
“That we are all correct when we tell you you’re incredibly talented?” Clive says with a smile.
I blush a little at the praise but shake my head. “It means I’m going to Chicago!”
Coming Fall 2017
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Acknowledgments
Holy wow, I did it. At the moment, I’m a sleep-deprived coc
ktail of equal parts terrified and elated, with a shot of insanity and a garnish of pride. In short, I’m really hoping I don’t forget to thank anyone.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I’m finally following my dreams and my heart is filled with so much joy (and anxiety) at the thought of sharing my words with the world. This book is a part of me and I’m happy to share it with you. All I hope is that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Liv Moore, thank you so much for being there when this book was just an idea. If we hadn’t met at Madcap and become writing buddies, I’m not sure where I’d be in my writing journey. I am so happy to call you one of my besties and am grateful for all of the feedback, motivation, and support you’ve given me.
Krystal Still and Rachelle Velasquez, y’all are my A-team. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being my alpha readers and for pushing me to send you my chapters, even when I was struggling. You both are a huge reason why I had a fire lit under my butt to write. I’m so glad I have you two as best friends and to ping ideas off of, and I’m so excited that you’re both excited about what’s to come!
To my #MadcapCrew, you all rock! I can’t even express how grateful I am that we all met in November. It’s so wonderful to see how we are all progressing with our writing careers, and I want you all to know I’m here to support you as much as I can, in any way I can! Special thanks to the Madcap coordinators and to our inspirational instructors Laurelin Paige, Sierra Simone, and Whitney G. for dropping some serious knowledge and giving me the final push I needed to start this crazy journey. And, of course, thank you to the attendees I’ve bonded with who have helped support me: Liv Moore, Haylee Thorne, Barbara Blue, Katie Fox, and Jadyn Lucas. I love and appreciate you all so very much and I hope we’re lifelong friends.
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