Kitchen Affairs: A Riverside Novel (The Riverside Trilogy)

by Cumberland, Brooke

  “Sooo… is he single?” she persisted.

  “As far as I know.”

  “Sweet.” She bit her lip and turned to stare at him. “Unless, you’re interested,” she glanced back at me.

  “No, he’s all yours.” I smiled and walked away.

  I was the last one in the kitchen when I heard the door swing open. I felt warm arms wrap around my waist, and soft lips nuzzle my neck. I moaned as I caught Drake’s scent.

  “This is a pleasant surprise.” I turned around and kissed his full lips. He grabbed my hips and lifted me up on the counter not letting go of his grip. He grabbed my face in for a deeper kiss and caressed his fingers through my hair. I smiled knowing we were in a public place and could be caught at any moment.

  He slowly unbuttoned my chef’s coat one by one. “You look very sexy in this,” he teased continuing to kiss down my neck and chest after each button had opened.

  “Oh this old thing?” I seduced, tugging on my collar.

  He smirked and continued ripping my shirt off, exposing my naked skin. He continued as he moved his lips down to my neck kissing his way to my breast unsnapping my bra in the meantime. He rubbed my nipples between his fingers making them hard. I moaned in his ear, and tilted my head back giving him access to me.

  “Let’s pull your hair down, baby.” He tossed my chef’s hat to the floor and took out my hairpins. I always pulled my hair up under my hat only allowing a few baby hairs fall to my face.

  He reached behind me, softly grazing my bare shoulder as he grabbed a red silicone brush; keeping his eyes lock on mine. I shot him a confused looked, and he raised his eyebrows at me giving me a reassuring smile. I went along with it, curious as to what was on his mind. He brushed it down my torso, and a shiver ran through me as the bristles touched me.

  “Drake…” I pleaded. He tortured me as he rubbed the brush down my body, just barely touching me. He was making me want him. Now.

  “Hold tight baby.” Drake pushed my pants down, exposing my panties. He pulled them to the side and inserted two fingers deep inside me. I moaned out, letting him know I was enjoying him. He quickly unbuttoned his pants, and I watched as he let them fall to his feet. He pulled his fingers out and slowly pushed.

  “Molly… sweet Jesus…” he wept, unable to finish his sentence. “You feel amazing.” He continued making love to me while he massaged my breasts making me greedy for more. My body went into a mind-blowing spasm as I exploded around Drake.

  We grabbed our clothes from the pile we formed on the counter since we needed to leave before being caught. He linked his fingers with mine as he smirked grabbing the red silicone brush. He shoved it into his pocket and whispered, “I’ll keep this.”

  His driver picked Stella up, and then the three of us went back to my apartment. I wanted Drake to feel comfortable around Stella, so I invited him to stay for dinner in hopes they could bond.

  “Mommy, can we have mac and cheese?” Stella begged with her sweet baby blues. I turned to look at Drake for his reaction and surprisingly he smiled and nodded at me.

  “Of course baby,” I smirked and walked to the kitchen.

  “Are you excited for me to make your first gourmet meal?” I teased Drake leading him in the kitchen with me.

  “Don’t worry, you can make it up to me with dessert,” he laughed, slapping my ass in the process.

  Michael walked in the door, unaware we had company, and started blabbering about his hectic day. “Oh my god, Molly. Like, seriously, this guy Marcus totally runs into me…” he froze as he walked into the kitchen realizing I wasn’t alone. “Oh shit, sorry,” he stumbled looking at Drake.

  “It’s okay, Michael. He’s staying for dinner,” I said reassuringly. “Wanna join? It’s mac and cheese night.” He shot me a confused look, as he knew I would want to cook a real meal for Drake.

  Stella joined us at the table completely oblivious to the awkward tension of having a new person at dinner. I served her a plate and sat down next to Drake. I jumped as Drake’s phone rang in his pocket. Expecting him to answer it, but he glanced at it, and shut it off instead. I glimpsed at Michael as I wondered who had called him.

  After tucking Stella in for the night, Michael hid away in his room to work on his blog. I led Drake out onto the balcony with a couple glasses and a bottle of wine.

  “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you…” I was cut off from the ringing of his phone. I stopped, waiting for him to answer, but again he looked at it and turned it off. “Are you sure you don’t need to answer that?”

  “No, it’s not important. Don’t worry about it.” He sounded cold, almost irritated by the caller.

  We continued the rest of the time on the balcony in silence, sinking in the amazing Chicago view. I wrapped my fleece over me and snuggled in closer to Drake. It was perfect.

  The next day I woke up to an empty bed, puzzled at where Drake could be. It was still early, so I grabbed my fleece and walked out into the hallway. I walked down the hall, when I saw him sitting at the table, talking on his phone.

  “I told you to stop calling me, Kendra! This is enough!” Drake scowled. He paused a short second before continuing his rage. “This is unacceptable. I gave you what you asked, now leave me alone!” He snapped the phone shut and dug his head into his hands. He obviously seemed worked up over something, or someone.

  I wasn’t sure if I should comfort him or go back to bed and pretend I didn’t hear his conversation. He stood up and pushed his chair in as I quickly tiptoed back to bed covering myself up like I had been in there the whole time.

  When I woke up again, Drake was kissing my neck and gracefully playing with my breasts. It was a sweet surprise to start my day.

  “Well, good morning to you too,” I breathed as his kissing became more intense. It was as if that early mornings phone conversation never happened.

  “Shhhh…” he hushed me. He continued kissing my neck and then lowered himself onto me, kissing my breasts, my stomach, and then finally, he pushed inside me. A very good start to my morning after all.

  I arrived to my internship just on time, ready to conquer the day after the amazing wake up call I had. It was bliss beginning my day with Drake. And ending it with Drake. It was as if we’d been together all along, when in reality it had been a week. He was making my life make sense, making it have a purpose. It was mind-blowing how I had strong feelings for this man already.

  “Why are you so happy this morning?” Blakely teased me.

  “Just am.” I smiled. I noticed Travis and Brad looking at me for any signs of why I was so happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. It made for a very productive day in the kitchen.

  “All done. I think we had another successful day,” Brad praised. “You guys game for hitting a couple drinks after?”

  I wasn’t picking Stella up today, and I wasn’t sure what Drake’s plans were, so I decided a drink or two would be a nice treat. “Sure, I’ll go.” Brad’s eyes lit up and smiled.

  We went to our usual tavern, not too far from the restaurant. The memory of Drake sitting at the bar and catching me before I tripped to the cab sent shivers down my spine. It had only been a week, and yet so much has changed since then.

  Between Brad’s and Travis’ continued flirting, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Blakely was fooling around with Micah and Anthony playing darts, and I was ready to get back home.

  “So, Molly, what are your plans after graduation?” Brad asked me taking a sip of his beer.

  “I would actually like to work at the Riverside Restaurant, but ultimately, I’d like to run my own restaurant some day,” I responded shyly.

  Brad laughed. “That’s a hard position to get, Mols. No offense, but the Riverside Restaurant is like a gold mine in Chicago. Only the best of the best get hired there.”

  “I know. Are you saying I’m not good enough?”

  “No, not at all. Just saying I wouldn’t get my hopes up. It’s a hard place to get into. The program itself is intense,
” he said trying to sound sincere.

  “Well, it’s one of my goals, and just because it seems impossible doesn’t mean I’m not going to aim for it.” I finished my drink and got out of the booth.

  I walked over to Blakely where she had flawlessly wrapped Micah and Anthony around her fingers, buying her drink after drink. “Hey, I gotta get going. See you tomorrow?”

  “Definitely. Night dear,” she said giggling as Micah whispered in her ear. I waved goodbye to the rest of the group and walked out the door.

  Was I crazy for thinking I’d get a position at the Riverside after graduation? I knew it would look bad if word leaked out I was sleeping with Drake. I wanted to earn it on my own with no favors.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  I arrived home just in time for the Stella and Michael fashion show. Michael was walking the runway in a short, red dress and black heels. Stella had on her princess dress that she got last Christmas. There was music playing as they took turns posing. I could hear Stella giggling from all of Michael’s antics.

  “What do we have here?” I asked, grinning. “Is this a private fashion show?”

  “You know it, baby.” Michael gave me his best serious model face. I sat on the loveseat watching as Stella showed off her gown, with a crown and pearls.

  “What a beautiful princess!” I smiled at how much fun she was having. I heard a bang at the door and got up to answer.

  “Miss Woods?” a man in a black suit with his hands behind his back asked me.

  “Yes?” I responded nervously.

  He brought his arms to the front and handed me a large envelope. “This is for you, ma’am.” I took it from his hand and thanked him. He nodded and walked away. I shut the door and walked back to where Stella and Michael were still modeling their gowns.

  “What’s that?” Michael asked, coming closer to me.

  “I’m not sure. It just got delivered.” I ripped it open curious as to what it could be.

  Molly,

  You have captured my heart. Let me capture yours. Open the box. I want you to wear it. Only that. I’ll see you tonight. 10pm. –D.S.

  Stunned, I dug in the envelope and found a little blue box. I opened it and inside sparkled two heart-shaped diamond pair of earrings. They were flawless. I stood there speechless, staring at the diamonds like they were gold.

  “Holy…” Michael stopped himself before finishing realizing Stella was next to him. “Do you know what those babies are?”

  “Gorgeous!” I glowed.

  “Those are Tiffany & Company platinum ten carat earrings!” Michael exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. “Wow, Mols. That man has it bad. For you!”

  “Over ten carats? Wow…” I just stood there shocked. This was an extremely expensive gift for just meeting Drake a week prior. It was starting to feel rushed, but part of me just wanted to enjoy the moment, even if it seemed surreal. Breathe, Molly breathe.

  I decided to wear a pink sweetheart neckline nighty with a string bikini underneath. Although he said to only wear the earrings, there was no way I was answering my door naked with a four year old in the house. Besides, it’d be more fun having him rip it off me. Ahhh, Drake ripping my clothes off… yes, please.

  I heard him knock at exactly ten. Damn, he’s punctual. I answered the door as seductively as I could, hoping to arouse him. He stood there with brown dress slacks and a blue button-up shirt. With his sleeves rolled up, and one of his hands in his pockets, he looked so desirable.

  More like Stunning.

  “Good evening,” he smiled, biting his lips as he eyed me up and down.

  I gestured for him to come in and shut the door behind him. “You like?” I asked as he watched the lace rub against my legs.

  “I do,” he answered smoothly. “But I recall requesting you to only be wearing these,” he lifted his finger up pointing to my earrings.

  “I know.” I took his hand in mine leading him to my bedroom. “I thought it’d be more fun to have you undress me…”

  His eyes shot up, surprised that I was going along with his little game. He lifted me up off my feet and carried me into my room locking his eyes on mine. It was like a thirst we couldn’t get enough of. I wanted more. He wanted more. I needed more.

  “How flexible are you?” he asked, setting me on the bed.

  “Ummm… I used to do gymnastics until I was fifteen,” I answered confused at his question. What exactly did he want me to do?

  “Good,” he said smiling back. “Now, let’s have some fun getting this off you,” he motioned to my string bikini.

  He leaned in and slowly kissed me. His hands placed on each side of my face breathing me in. I could feel the heat forming between us. It was uncontrollable. I was uncontrollable.

  He climbed on top of me, edging his legs on both sides of me. He moved his hands down to my legs and parted them. He ran his fingers up my thigh and into my panties. I moaned in his mouth as he teased me. More, Drake… I want more.

  “Shhh, baby… I’m taking my time with you,” he pressed into my ear. I arched my head back desiring more of him.

  He move his lips down my neck, and over to my ear, tonguing my new diamond earrings.

  “Now every time you rub your ear, you will feel a reminder of me,” he teased into my neck. I remembered the first time I did that in front of him, and he asked if I was nervous. It was a nervous tick I developed when I was younger, and I wasn’t always aware I was doing it. Now he knew, and I was exposed.

  “Drake… please,” I begged him for more. I was ready and anxious for him. He was making me crave more and more of him. The longer he kissed and touched me I burned for more.

  “Just relax baby. I’ll take good care of you,” he promised.

  Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes turned into hours. He touched and kissed my body on almost every surface. He took his time with me, making sure he pleased me as much as possible. It was almost too much. After the fifth time, I begged him to stop.

  “I can’t move,” I whined in his ear the next morning. My legs felt like jelly. I turned to the clock and saw that I had about ten minutes before I had to get moving in order to not be late.

  Drake laughed as he slapped my ass. I was still naked, but he was gentle. “So will I get to see you later tonight?”

  “I promised Stella I’d have a girls-only night with her. She wants to see the new Madagascar movie,” I replied. I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I knew he understood my position though. We were just at the stage where we wanted to be around each other all the time. “Maybe I can sneak up to see you at my break?” I blushed, hoping he’d find it as intriguing as I did.

  “That’s a possibility, Miss Woods,” he grinned.

  I got Stella off to school and arrived to my internship just in time. It was refreshing having a man in my life after all this time. I went to bed smiling and woke up smiling even bigger - a routine I wasn’t getting tired of.

  “You’ve been in a great mood all week,” Blakely’s surprised tone caught me off guard.

  “Yes, I suppose I have. Maybe I have good reason to be,” I said smiling.

  “Okay, spill the news girl. I know you have to be getting some action. No girl is this happy all the time,” she provoked.

  I laughed at her forwardness. I have been in a great mood lately. Of course, it was the mind-blowing sex, but Drake was also a blast to be around. It was fun getting to know him and feel desired again.

  “Sorry I don’t kiss and tell,” I teased winking at her.

  Blakely spent the rest of the day trying to get information out of me. I kept dodging her and smiling about my little secret.

  A few hours later, I snuck up into Drake’s office. His receptionist didn’t give me a questionable look this time, and I went right in. Drake was looking amazing as usual dressed in a black suit with a red button up shirt underneath. He had a huge smile on his face once he saw me come in.

  “Molly, what a pleasant surprise. I was hoping you’d stop by
,” he said as he took my hand to follow him. He led me to one of his couches and kissed me hard on the lips. “I’ve been anticipating your arrival.” He pushed my fleece off my shoulders and continued kissing me, mangling his hands in my hair.

  “It’s only been a few hours,” I giggled in his mouth. It was as if we couldn’t get enough of each other. We needed it. We needed each other.

  All day and night…

  He lowered me down on the couch and swept my neck with his lips. I brushed my fingers over his chest and slowly unbuttoned his shirt, still glued to his lips. He stroked my nipples between his thumb and finger over my shirt, making them rock hard. I wanted him so bad. Right now.

  He brushed his lips over my shoulder and down my collarbone, torturing me with his soft lips. I loved his lips all over me, but right now, I wanted him inside me.

  After our afternoon quickie, I went back down to the kitchen where the rest of my group was. We had all just returned for our break, but I knew I was the only one with just fucked hair. It was so worth it though.

  “Mommy, I want popcorn please!” Stella begged as we entered the movie theatre.

  “Okay, honey, just hold on. I have to buy the tickets first,” I reminded her. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. I loved these special mommy/daughter nights we had together. She was growing up so fast that I could hardly believe she was four. I still remember the day I had her.

  <><><><><><><><><><>

  “Liam!” I screamed from the bedroom. I had just woken up from a nap and was pooled in water. Liam rushed to the door and saw what the fuss was about.

  “Holy shit! Is it time?” he panicked.

  “I think so. Grab my bags.” I waddled out of bed leaking. Ew ew ew….

  I was only nineteen and had no idea what to expect. I anticipated labor being painful, but I wasn’t really prepared for the whole baby thing and being a mom. In fact, I was scared to death.

  “Come on baby, let’s go. I have the bags.” Liam grabbed my hand and led me to the car.