THE LOVING TOUCH

by Stoni Alexander

  Fifty minutes after the first text, he’d sent another. “Anaphylactic reaction. Doc stabilized him. Everything OK?”

  Oh, no. Poor Robby. “Didn’t have phone until now,” she texted. “Sorry to hear about Robby. Everything’s going great. ETA?”

  Tiny dots appeared, and then his text. “Waiting to see if they’re keeping him overnight or discharging. I’ll text you when I know more. How was the first show?”

  “Sexy. Heading back for the second. Tell Robby I hope he’s OK.”

  More tiny dots and then a red heart appeared. She replied with an X and an O.

  Before leaving her bedroom, she viewed herself in the mirror. “I’m good just the way I am.” Though she didn’t fully believe herself, she smiled at her reflection. She was moving in the right direction, one step at a time.

  12

  The Truth

  It was past three in the morning when Jagger returned to the hotel. After getting Robby settled, he strode through the quiet lobby toward the back of the property. Once outside, he hurried down the beach, quickly passing the boulders.

  Taylor was staring at the ocean, wrapped in a blanket, and surrounded by faux candles. His heart beat faster. He loved her so much, and for so many reasons.

  Sinking down, he greeted her with a kiss. “Hello, beautiful.”

  Her smile set his heart afire and the happiness in her eyes settled his soul. He framed her face with his hands and dropped several worshipful kisses on her mouth. “Your lips are cold. Have you been outside long?”

  She draped a blanket around his back and he pulled her flush against him. “Long enough to calm down. Before we get into all of that, I owe you an apology.”

  “For what?” he asked, furrowing his brow.

  “I got weird when you gave me back my shoes and I’m very sorry.”

  His eyes softened. “It’s okay.”

  She kissed his cheek. “Thank you. So, what happened to Robby? Is he okay?”

  “Kate gave him shellfish. I hate to think she did that on purpose.”

  “I wouldn’t put it past her.” Breaking eye contact, Taylor shifted her sights toward the never-ending ocean. “That’s not all she’s done.”

  After she explained how Kate had attempted to sabotage their relationship, Jagger’s eyes grew cold. “She sickens me. How’d you know those were old photos?”

  “Your hair was shorter and I noticed a mole on your chest that’s not there now.”

  “Nice catch. I had a precancerous growth removed.” He shifted his sights toward the shoreline. “I’m sorry you had to see those pictures. That was me hitting rock bottom.”

  She rose on her knees and faced him. “Was, as in, past tense.”

  Her sweet expression grounded him. “Your trust means everything to me.” Before she could reply, he stole another kiss. “I thought you and Kate were old friends.”

  “Total frenemies.” She shivered. “She was counting on my running scared. But you changed me, Jagger.”

  “No, babe. You changed you,” Jagger said before cloaking her in a blanket. “All I did was help you realize the truth.”

  “I want to tell you something,” she whispered. “It sounds stupid when compared with your—”

  “Taylor.” He cupped her chin. “No comparing.”

  “Okay.” She cleared her throat. “I was a skinny kid. Super skinny. Dorky and uncoordinated, too. I was always the last one to get picked for a team sport. Mean girls poked fun at me. A lot. In high school, several boys commented on my flat chest.”

  He grimaced. “That’s harsh. They’d regret their words if they saw you now.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Seeing Kate stirred up my insecurities. But I’m determined to move beyond them and accept myself the way I am.”

  Her inner strength tugged at his heart. But his happiness was overshadowed by the damage Kate had caused. She had to be dealt with. Anger clouded his thoughts and he shoved off the ground. “I’m going to fire her, but not before I talk to Robby about pressing charges.”

  “All of that can wait.” Taylor patted the empty spot. “C’mon back down here and stay with me awhile.” Her voice turned playful. “Time for a massage. I picked up some pointers earlier and want to try them out.”

  She’s right. He exhaled a huff as he eased back down and scooped her onto his lap. With a lighthearted laugh, she wrapped her arms around his neck. For now, he’d focus on what really mattered. And that was Taylor.

  “Good show?” he asked.

  “I’ll reenact it and let you decide.”

  “I already know I’m going to love it.” He tightened his hold. “Thank you for insisting I add the kink.”

  “It was my pleasure,” she said, combing her fingers through his hair. Though she smiled, sadness banked in her eyes.

  And he knew why. While at the hospital, Robby had mentioned she’d booked her return flight the following day because her boss expected her back at work. Jagger suspected her hasty departure had nothing to do with Colton and everything to do with him. For the moment, he’d say nothing. He had loose ends to tie up, a publicist to fire, and one hell of a surprise to prepare for.

  “I missed you, tonight,” he murmured, nibbling her earlobe. When his mouth found hers, her soft moans and tender touch turned him hard. But being with her revolved around much more than coupling. Their relationship was grounded in trust and in facing fears. They believed in each other and, in turn, themselves. In Taylor, he’d found a home that none of his hotels could ever give him.

  The kiss ended and she hugged him. Her sweet essence surrounded him, confirming what he already knew. She was the one.

  “Tonight, I want to watch us in the mirror…one more…” Her voice cracked and she bowed her head. Allowing her a moment, he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Without a mask,” she continued. “Not just for you, but for me, too.”

  “My brave, raven-haired beauty.” They lay beneath the blankets and snuggled close. He wanted her to know how he felt, before she left. “I love you,” he whispered as they gazed up at the bejeweled night sky.

  Lifting her face, she peered into his eyes. “I love you, too, Jagger.”

  Their tender kisses and soft giggles bowed to heart-filled passion. Jagger made love to her like it was their last time.

  Because if she wasn’t willing to uproot her life, it very well could be.

  13

  The Hardest Goodbye

  Fighting back tears, Taylor buckled her seatbelt and shifted her attention out the aircraft window.

  She and Jagger had said their goodbyes at six that morning. He hadn’t asked her to stay. He hadn’t offered her a job. He’d walked her to her suite, wished her a safe flight, and left.

  And that’s when her heart had shattered.

  With her assignment completed, she’d head home rather than tack on the time off Colton had offered. If she vacationed alone, she’d mope all week. It would be smarter to immerse herself in everything Mitus and move on.

  She fiddled with the sapphire and diamond bracelet dangling from her wrist. It was a bittersweet reminder she’d tuck away in her jewelry box once she returned home. Love just wasn’t enough.

  Passengers traipsed down the aisle on their way to business class, but her companion seat in first class remained empty. Fishing her phone from her handbag, she activated “airplane mode” and tossed her things onto the empty seat. When she closed her eyes, Jagger’s chiseled face popped into her head. If she lived to be a hundred, she’d never get over him. His easygoing smile was etched into her soul. And that mouth…the way he kissed her, held her. I’m a mess.

  To distract herself, she watched baggage handlers hoist luggage onto the conveyor belt. Again, her thoughts drifted back to him.

  Jagger had helped her take the first step in conquering lifelong insecurities. And for that, she’d always be grateful.

  She loved working with him and helping him overcome his own challenges. Her chest tightened. We made a great team.


  “Excuse me.” She whipped her head toward the familiar voice, and her heart leapt into her throat. “Your handbag is in my seat.” With a wicked grin, Jagger offered it to her.

  She absentmindedly took it, disbelieving he was actually standing there.

  “Hello, beautiful.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before sitting. “You didn’t think I was going to let you return to Virginia without me, did you?”

  “I…I did.” She stroked his arm. Had to confirm he was really there.

  Shaking his head, his sexy smile said it all. “Not a chance. When you know, you know.”

  Her heart skipped a beat and she flashed him a grin. “How long will you be staying?”

  “Long enough for you to resign and pack your bags.”

  She gaped at him. “Did you just offer me a job?”

  “Yes, and I’m about to offer you a hell of a lot more than that.” He pulled something from his jacket pocket, knelt in the aisle, and opened a ring box. “I love you. So damned much. I can’t live without you and I don’t want to run Loving without you by my side. Please marry me, Taylor.”

  “Ohmygod,” she whispered.

  In mid-sentence, the flight attendant stopped instructing passengers on safety precautions. “Ladies and gentleman, we have a proposal.”

  The cabin grew quiet. Taylor’s heart pounded a frenzied rhythm, the excitement threatening to explode. “Yes, I will. Absolutely, yes!”

  Passengers seated nearby clapped. He kissed her again before slipping the diamond on her finger. “I will cherish you for the rest of my life,” he whispered.

  With a triumphant smile, he rose and gave the thumbs-up sign. “She said ‘Yes’!”

  The cabin erupted in applause as he took his seat and the flight attendant resumed her preflight instructions.

  He cupped her face, pulled her close, and kissed her again. “I love you so much. Will you be my forever Valentine?”

  “I love you, too,” she said, tears spilling from her. “You’ve made me so happy.” She pressed her hand to her chest and sucked in a jagged breath.

  “Me, too.”

  As the plane taxied toward the runway, she admired her diamond. “This is gorgeous.”

  “That ring is a placeholder, honey. We’re going ring shopping.”

  She loved how the double halo of sparkling, round diamonds complemented the brilliance of the large solitaire. “Did you pick this out?”

  “Yes, but it’s from my hotel, Taylor.”

  “Even better,” she said, weaving her fingers through his. “I love this ring that you picked out at your hotel. It’s perfect.”

  He leaned close. “Do you know how happy I am that you said ‘Yes’?”

  “Yeah, I think I do,” she said and kissed him. “So, about that job…are you offering me the position of Event Director at Loving Malibu?”

  “Hell, no, that’s not nearly big enough for someone with your skills, intelligence, and determination. I’m thinking more like Vice President of Events for Loving Resorts, worldwide.”

  “What? You can’t be serious?” she asked as the plane sped down the runway and lifted into the sky.

  “Of course I am. I need your loving touch at all my properties, so I’m creating this position just for you. Plus, I have plans for a fifth in Marco Island that we can develop together from the ground up.”

  “I would love that.” Her gleeful expression faltered and she broke eye contact.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m going to miss everyone at Mitus.”

  “Take some time to decide. It’s a lot to digest.”

  Bold choices. “No time needed. I’m following my heart. And my heart is with you. And… I’ve gotta admit, this is a great career move for me.”

  He chuffed out a laugh. “For us both.”

  The flight attendant appeared with two mini champagne bottles and two flutes perched on a tray. “On behalf of the captain and flight crew, congratulations on your engagement.”

  “Thank you,” Taylor said. “That’s so nice of you, but we don’t drink. Do you have sparkling water?”

  “Be right back with that.” The flight attendant retreated to the front of the cabin.

  “You don’t have to stop drinking because of me,” he said.

  “I might have a glass of wine on occasion, but I want to support you in your sobriety.”

  His eyes softened. “You’re an angel, you know that?”

  She leaned close, kissed him. “There is something I’d love to do and you’re the perfect man for the job.”

  “Name it.”

  Pressing her mouth to his ear, she whispered, “Become a member of the ‘Mile High Club’.”

  His breathing hitched. “Aren’t you a naughty girl?”

  With a smirk, she nodded.

  “I’m not a member of that club, either,” he murmured. “But I don’t have any condoms with me.”

  “I can wait until the return flight,” she said, and squeezed his hand.

  His loving kiss melted her heart and lit her insides on fire. “So can I, my love. So can I.”

  Hungry for more? Join Stoni’s Inner Circle for news, giveaways and sneak peeks. When you sign up, Stoni will gift you a steamy short story, Metro Man! Go to:

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  A NOTE FROM STONI

  Thank you for reading THE LOVING TOUCH! If you enjoyed Jagger and Taylor’s love story, please post a review on Amazon and Goodreads. You’ll be helping other readers and I’ll appreciate your feedback.

  Half the fun of writing is connecting with readers! You can find me on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and StoniAlexander.com.

  Cheers to Romance!

  ~Stoni~

  Coming in 2018

  THE HOTT TOUCH

  Book Four of The Touch Series

  Ashton “Maverick” Hott has one speed: FAST. He’s driven, fearless, and cocky as hell. Behind the bravado lies a solitary man, determined to mask his grief. As ThunderStrike’s CEO, he leads a highly skilled team that protects, surveils, and rescues. If only he could have saved the ones he loved the most.

  Simone “Red” Redding throws herself into her work at Mitus Conglomerate to keep from wallowing in painful memories. When called to return to her former life as a covert CIA operative, she refuses…until she’s lured back by the opportunity to avenge her brother’s death.

  When Maverick is hired to protect Red, the fiery redhead becomes his obsession. Though his brash arrogance repulses her, she can’t deny wanting him. Together, they enter a world of kink to gather intel about an impending terror attack…and connect with each other in every conceivable way. Red should be following Maverick’s orders. But with everything on the line, nothing will stop her from going rogue and risking it all to uncover the truth.

  Also by Stoni Alexander

  ★★★★★ "Twists and turns, unexpected side stories and surprises with every chapter. Colton and Brigit are very complex characters. There's some incredible writing ability showcased in this book. In less talented hands, the story would never have worked the way it does. Sexy and exciting read!" Night Owl Reviews *TOP PICK*

  ★★★★★ “It’s nearly inconceivable to me that I just read a debut novel, and not a latest offering from a well-seasoned romance writer. Stoni...has very deftly proven her writing chops and has subsequently shot to the top of my list of favorite reads so far this year.” Scandalicious Book Reviews *THE CHERRY ON TOP PICK*

  ★★★★★ "Scorching chemistry, intrigue, suspense and kink…"The Wilde Touch" is a nonstop roller coaster ride, up and down with twists and turns until it reaches its ultimate destination…The plot evolves on multiple levels and provides a complex background for a fascinating second chance love story…As with the first book, "The Mitus Touch", Ms. Alexander showcases her writing style. It’s that style that takes makes the story work and keeps the reader hooked until the very end…Spent an entire night with Crockett and Alexandra unable to put their story down."
Night Owl Reviews *TOP PICK*

  ★★★★★ "I could not put The Wilde Touch down. I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly wasn’t expecting to have my heart shredded…and enjoy it. I’m convinced Stoni does black magic. It’s the only explanation as to why this book is so incredible. I felt every word and every emotion as I followed each of their perspectives. I wanted to wallow in self-pity, fight for love and rip my shirt off right along with them. Yes, I just went there. I was completely exposed as Alex and Crockett floundered through this fog—a fog they each had a part in manifesting. But slowly, and unexpectedly, this blanket lifted and I wanted nothing more than to read the book again…so I did. Oh, and it’s even more immaculate the second time." Nom de Plume Book Review

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  I am forever grateful to my husband, Johnny, for that life-changing conversation. I create heroes, but you are my real-life one. Thank you for your smarts, patience, and ability to keep me laughing all these years. Being easy on the eyes doesn't hurt either.

  My son is my greatest inspiration. I pray and hope and wish that you achieve your goals and dreams as you take that next step in life. Thank you for being such a blessing in mine. You still make me laugh harder than anyone…even more than Dad.

  Simply stated, my editor is the absolute best. Nicole, you are indispensable.

  Carole, you truly are too thorough for words and a trusted ally. Thank you for your eagle eye and for loving all of my stories.

  Thank you to my ever-talented critique group who doesn't love all my words, but finds loving ways to tell me. Magda, MC, and Andy: I value your input and appreciate your efforts.