She sips her drink, trying to be nonchalant.
“Bullshit. Spill it.”
“There’s nothing to spill.”
I sit back in the booth and cross my arms over my chest, giving her the liar, liar, pants on fire look.
“Okay.” She leans in and holds her hand up to the side of her face in case he can hear us from fifty feet away. “I slept with him last weekend. I was lonely and feeling a little needy and totally did him. And now, he’s the needy one.”
I press my lips together, trying not to laugh. “He’s pretty hot. Was the sex bad?”
“No, it was good.”
“Then why are you ignoring him?”
“Because he failed to mention to me until after I’d had my third orgasm that he’s married.”
I gasp and glare at the douche canoe behind the bar. He glances our way, and I flip him off.
“Ally!”
“Elena,” I reply. “And I’m not sorry. Cheating asshole.”
“I already sent an email to his wife just before I met with you today. So, his home life is about to really suck.”
“He deserves it. I hope she chops off his balls. What a jerk.”
“Oh, he’s totally a jerk. He didn’t understand why I was so pissed-off. He said the relationship sucks, and they’re probably going to get divorced anyway, so what did it matter? I did manage to slam his fingers in the door when I left, and he tried to run after me.”
“Attagirl.” I clink my glass to hers.
“Okay, I have a question,” she says, already changing the subject. “Like I said before, your family has always been interesting to me. But what’s Rocco like? He’s always so stern and mysterious in photos.”
I swallow quickly before I blow vodka out of my nostrils. “Rocco?”
“Yeah. He’s totally hot. Come on, help a girl out.”
“No.” I shake my head vigorously. “Just, no. Absolutely not.”
“You’re no fun,” she says. “But maybe I’ll meet him someday.”
“Maybe you’ll stay away from him,” I say, all-business now. “I’m telling you, Lindsey, my family isn’t one you want to get all tangled up in.”
“I mean, getting tangled with him sounds kind of fun.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I do try.”
The sun is just starting to set when I pull into the driveway of the beach house. I’m exhausted. Between the manual labor of cleaning my cottage and the emotional strain of seeing my coworkers and Lindsey, it’s been a hell of a day.
I’d love nothing more than to get in the hot tub with Archer for a long soak, watch some trashy TV, and then maybe go to bed early.
Yep, it’s a wild Friday night for me.
I park in the garage next to Archer’s Audi and walk through the mudroom to the kitchen. It occurs to me that I spent all morning at the cottage and didn’t feel a connection to the place at all. And I lived there for six years. Yet as I walk into this beach house, it feels like home. I’d like to think it’s because of the man waiting for me here. Home is wherever Archer is.
There are a dozen red roses in a gorgeous blue vase on the counter with a note.
E-
I’m down on the beach. Join me. Grab a sweater, it’s getting cold.
-A
I guess the soak will come later. I can’t resist a sunset stroll on the beach with the hottest man alive.
I smile when I see one of Archer’s sweatshirts lying by the sliding glass door. I throw it on and walk down the steps to the sand below.
When I catch sight of Archer and the scene before him, I stop short.
I <3 U has been drawn in the sand, but the heart is made out of lit candles in hurricane glasses. My heart soars because as cheesy as it is, it’s exactly like a night twelve years ago in Seattle.
Which tells me he’s about to ask me a very important question.
“It’s déjà vu, right?” Archer asks as I approach. He stands in the middle of the candle heart, wearing cargo shorts, a green T-shirt, and the biggest smile ever. He holds out a hand for me, and I take it, joining him.
“It was cheesy back then,” I say with a laugh. “And it’s a little cheesy now. But maybe the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.”
His incredible blue eyes turn sober as, with his gaze pinned to mine, he lowers himself to one knee and pulls out a gorgeous ring from his pocket.
“The first time I did this, I thought my love for you couldn’t be stronger. That I’d never love you more than I did in that moment. But I was wrong, Elena. I love you more now than ever before, and you’re still the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. I don’t want to miss out on one more day with you. I want to grow old with you, have babies and grandchildren, and give you everything you could ever need or want. I tried to live without you, but I was just a shell of myself without you by my side. So, I’m asking you, right here and now, to make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife. Marry me.”
I sink to my knees in the sand in front of him and frame his face with my hands.
“I never stopped loving you, Archer. I know, deep in my heart, that we were always meant to be together. It would be my honor to be your wife.”
I can’t look away from him as he slips the ring onto my finger and then slides his hands into my hair as he kisses me like never before. As if his life depends on it.
He stands and pulls me to my feet and then slings me over his shoulder, carrying me up to the house.
“Hey!”
He slaps my ass, making me bark out a laugh.
“I can walk,” I remind him, but take a moment to admire the ring on my finger. The round stone is massive and set classically. It’ll be beautiful with any style of wedding band.
“Not fast enough,” he says as he runs, with me still on his shoulder, up the steps to the house. He doesn’t pause until we’re in the bedroom, and he dumps me on the bed.
“Well, that was romantic.”
He laughs and joins me, covering me with his strong form. “I suddenly had the urge to have you in my bed. Naked. Writhing. Unable to control yourself.”
“Romantic and humble? I hit the jackpot.”
He kisses me again, and his hands are swift and sure as they strip me bare. He really is talented at unfastening a bra with one hand.
His lips clamp over a nipple as I open for him, hitching my legs around his hips in invitation.
But he doesn’t slide home. No, he takes his time, tickling me with his fingers, making sure I’m slick and ready. And only when I am writhing beneath him does he bury himself, balls-deep, as he lovingly cradles my head in his hands.
“I’ve loved you my whole life,” he says. “And I can’t wait to finally build a life with you.”
I gasp as he presses the root of his cock against my clit. I tighten around him, making him swear under his breath. My hands clench his ass, holding him to me tightly. We’re as entangled, emotionally and physically, as we’ve ever been. It’s intoxicating. Addicting. And I don’t have to give him up, now or ever.
“It’s about damn time.”
Epilogue
Two Months Later
~Archer~
* * *
“So, you’re getting hitched.” My cousin Matt, along with Luke Williams and Shawn O’Callaghan, stand with me at the O’Callaghan Museum of Glass, all holding pints of Guinness as we watch some of the ladies dancing to the music the DJ plays for us.
Anastasia and Kane insisted on hosting our engagement party here at the museum. Elena was hesitant because having a party like this meant we’d be obligated to invite her family, but the Martinellis seem to be having a good time, mingling with the Montgomerys. Despite several members of my family being part of law enforcement.
I know Carlo and the cousins won’t try anything shady on a night meant to celebrate Elena. They love her too much for that.
And Carlo and I have had several private conversations, and he’s assured me that he respects
me too much to go against his word of not doing my family harm.
As shady as Carlo can be, I trust that he’ll keep his promise.
“He can’t keep his eyes off her,” Shawn says. “I’d say it’s a damn good thing he’s marrying her.”
“She’s the best thing in the world,” I confirm. Luke grins as he watches his wife, Natalie, dancing.
“I understand completely,” he says. A woman walking nearby catches his eye, and he motions for her to join us. “This is perfect timing. Shawn, I’d like to introduce you to N—”
“Lexi Perry,” the woman interrupts, shaking her head slightly at Luke and giving Shawn her attention. Shawn’s eyes light up at the sight of the beautiful redhead.
“I asked Ms. Perry to come to town on business, and thought it was rude of me to leave her alone in the city this evening,” Luke continues. “So, I invited her here. After checking with our hosts, of course.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say with a nod. “Welcome.”
“Congratulations,” she replies and shakes my hand. “I was hesitant to crash the party, but Natalie and Luke assured me it would be okay. And I have to say, your family is incredibly welcoming.”
“We always have room for more,” I reply. “What do you do, Lexi?”
“I’m a writer.”
I feel Shawn stiffen beside me. “Oh? Shawn’s also a writer. What do you write?”
“Novels,” she says and turns to Shawn, but he holds up a hand, stopping her.
“I’m not here to entertain any new projects tonight,” he says.
Lexi’s face goes from friendly to cold in a heartbeat. Luke sighs. I can feel in my gut that something just went very wrong.
“That’s convenient,” Lexi replies. “I’m not here to pitch a project to you, Mr. O’Callaghan. I know who you are, but it’s not terribly important to me. I do fine all on my own. Have a good night, gentlemen.”
She nods and walks away in her tight black cocktail dress and mile-high shoes.
“So, that was Nora Perry,” Luke says, sipping his drink. Shawn’s face whips around to stare at Luke.
“She said her name was Lexi.”
“Nora is her pen name,” Luke says and slaps Shawn on the shoulder. “You just managed to insult the woman you’ll be working with starting on Monday.” Luke turns to me. “Congratulations again, Archer. Elena is beautiful and lovely, and we can’t wait for the wedding. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
He walks away, leaving Matt and I with a stunned Shawn.
“So, you’re gonna be working with her, huh?” Matt asks.
“Buggering hell,” Shawn growls, the Irish accent kicking up with agitation as he stomps off in the direction Lexi headed.
Matt and I laugh as we watch him leave, and then he takes a sip of his beer.
“I’ve been pretty pissed at you, man,” he says.
“Why’s that?”
“Jase told me how beat up you were when he came to clean you up. You should have fucking called me.”
“They broke my phone,” I say. Our eyes scan the crowd as we talk. “And you and I both know I had to handle that myself. I needed to end it once and for all.”
“Could have died.”
“I didn’t.”
But, God, it felt like I might have when I was in the thick of it.
“I don’t like that their family is going to be tied to ours.”
“I’ve already handled that, as well.”
He watches me for a long moment. “I’ll still keep my eyes open.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
“Is she worth it?”
“And more.” I tap my glass to his. “She’s worth everything.”
* * *
The End
* * *
If you want more With Me In Seattle, be sure to preorder Imagine With Me, featuring Shawn O’Callaghan and Lexi Reynolds, releasing on September 29, 2020!
* * *
Imagine With Me
* * *
From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes an all new novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle series!
* * *
Shawn O’Callaghan loves his job as a screenwriter almost as much as he loves his family. But this latest project could quite possibly test his patience beyond anything he’s ever had to endure. Generally unflappable, the author he’s thrown into the trenches with pushes every button he has. Sometimes twice. And it doesn’t help that he can’t stop thinking about her in ways that are anything but professional. But how can he help it? The redhead is gorgeous beyond reason—and utterly infuriating.
* * *
Bestselling author Lexi Perry is finally about to leave her mark on the world; after all, seeing her dark and dangerous words brought to life is a dream come true. Until she meets the man who is supposed to make that happen. From the minute they laid eyes on each other, it was clear there would be tension, but she had no idea how much until they got down to business. He obviously doesn’t understand her vision. Though she’s having trouble lately too, given all she can picture is what he looks like under his clothes and imagining what it would sound like if he talked dirty to her in that sexy Irish lilt of his.
* * *
If they can find a way to meet in the middle, this movie could be one for the ages. As could their love.
* * *
For preorder information:
https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/imagine-with-me
* * *
And if you’re interested in learning more about the Martinelli family, the With Me In Seattle MAFIA is coming in 2021, beginning with Carmine and Nadia’s story, Underboss.
From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new family in her With Me in Seattle world! Hold onto your seat as we introduce you to Kristen’s new MAFIA FAMILY!
* * *
As the eldest son of Seattle’s current mob boss, Carmine Martinelli’s life has never really been his own. But he doesn’t mind because his family means more to him than his life. Which is why he's determined to make those responsible for the death of his aunt and uncle pay—in inventive and gruesome ways. And what better way to do that than to infiltrate the Russian mafia from the inside? It’s a good thing the bratva’s princess is stunning and seemingly willing to do whatever he asks. This vengeance could be the perfect mix of business and pleasure.
* * *
Nadia Tarenkov has several things stacked against her: she’s a woman, and she’s not the eldest child in her family. But it doesn’t matter. She has her sights set on ruling the syndicate, and she always gets what she wants. When the heir to one of the States’ most powerful crime families comes knocking, Nadia sees it for the gift it is. He thinks he has her fooled, but she’s smarter, more cunning, and always two steps ahead. She’ll beat the gorgeous mobster at his own game, and secure her place in the fold.
* * *
What neither of them takes into consideration, however, is that they aren’t the only ones with deadly plans in motion. To survive, they’ll have to come clean and work together—and acknowledge that the growing love they’ve been pretending isn’t there, is very real.
* * *
For preorder information:
* * *
https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/underboss
With Me In Seattle Character Glossary
With more than twenty stories in the With Me In Seattle Series, I figured it was time to include a who’s who in the world, listed by family. Please know this may contain spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read all of the books, but it’s a great reference for those who want to make sure they read about everyone.
* * *
The Williams Family
Luke Williams – Hollywood movie producer. Married to Natalie Williams, a professional photographer. Parents to Olivia, Keaton, Haley and Chelsea. {Come Away With Me}
Samantha Williams Nash – Professional. Married to mega rock star Leo Nash. {Rock With Me}
Mark Williams – Works in Construction, for Isaac Montgomery. Married to professional dancer Meredith Summers. Parents to Lucy and Hudson. {Breathe With Me}
* * *
The Montgomery Family
Steven and Gail Montgomery – Parents of Isaac, Matt, Caleb, Will and Jules. Steven is the father of Dominic.
Isaac Montgomery – Eldest sibling. Owner for Montgomery Construction. Married to stay at home mom Stacy Montgomery. Parents to Sophie and Liam. {Under the Mistletoe With Me}
Matt Montgomery – Detective with the Seattle PD. Married to Nic Dalton Montgomery, the owner and baker at Succulent Sweets. Parents to Abigail and Finn. {Tied With Me}
Caleb Montgomery – Navy SEAL. Married to Brynna Vincent Montgomery. Parents to Josie, Maddie and Michael. {Safe With Me}
Will Montgomery – Quarterback for the Seattle professional football team. Married to Meg McBride Montgomery, a nurse at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Parents to Erin and Zoey. {Play With Me}
Julianne (Jules) Montgomery McKenna – Entrepreneur. Married to Nate McKenna, the co-owner of their joint business. Parents to Stella. {Fight With Me}
Dominic Salvatore – Illegitimate son of Steven Montgomery. Owns vineyard and winery. Married to event planner Alecia. Parents to Emma. {Forever With Me}
* * *
Ed and Sherri Montgomery – Ed is Steven Montgomery’s brother. Parents to Amelia, Anastasia and Archer.
* * *
Archer Montgomery – Eldest of the siblings. Real estate mogul. Married to Elena Watkins. {You Belong With Me}
You Belong With Me Page 18