by Jen Morris
“No.” I place a hand on his chest, trying to figure out how to put what I’m feeling into words. “From the first day that I arrived in this city, I wanted two things: to build a writing career, and”—I give a little shrug—“you.” It’s true, I realize. As soon as I saw him in line at Starbucks… He was the most handsome man I’d ever laid eyes on. And even though he was grumpy, maybe a tiny part of me could see what was underneath: a good man who just needed to be loved.
“When I finally got my column, when I met with the agent… it felt like nothing without you. Everything feels like nothing, without you. So I can assure you, whenever you decide to ask me, the answer will be yes. Hell yes.”
Michael’s mouth pulls into a grin and he glances away from me, huffing a little laugh to himself. “Fuck, I’m a lucky guy.”
I shake my head, lifting the covers and climbing on top so I’m straddling him. I lean down and thread my hands into his hair, kissing him softly. “I’m the lucky one.”
He slides his hands up my back, holding me down against him as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, hungry for me again. When he releases me, his eyes are twinkling. “So Natalie loved your romance novel, huh?”
“Yes. And—wait.” I push up so I’m sitting. “I never told you her name.”
“Didn’t you?”
“No.” I narrow my eyes and his mouth pulls into an impish grin. “It was you?”
“Yeah. I hope you’re not mad. I know you told me not to show it to anyone but I had to, Alex. I’ve been with Natalie’s agency for years and I knew if I gave it to her, she’d love it.”
“But why didn’t she tell me it was you?”
“I asked her not to. I didn’t want you to think I’d only done it to get your attention. And I didn’t want you to think she was just doing it as a favor to me. If she told you she loved it, then she means that.”
“Well… I guess I owe you a thank you. Here’s hoping someone will publish it.”
“I’m sure they will.” He lets his hands skate down my bare thighs. “But there is one problem.”
“What’s that?”
“There are a lot of intimate scenes, involving—well, basically involving us.”
I blush, glancing away from him. I guess he has a point there, and it never occurred to me he might be uncomfortable about that.
He takes my chin, turning my face back to him. “I love it, Alex, all of it. But I was just thinking… we don’t want to mislead people.”
“How?”
“We haven’t done even half the things in there. You have a very vivid imagination.” His mouth tilts into a sly smile and the dimple appears in his cheek. My face burns, but I don’t look away this time, because there’s a playful spark in his eyes that’s making my heart beat harder, making heat shoot out along my limbs.
“I just think we have an obligation,” he continues, sliding his hands up to the meeting of my thighs.
“An obligation?” I ask, trying to keep my breathing steady as he lowers his thumb to trace a lazy circle between my legs. Pleasure zings through me, and he grins when he sees it on my face.
“Yes. An obligation to act out every single one of your dirty little fantasies. I think it would be irresponsible not to.”
I huff out a breath, arching forward against his hand, noticing that he’s ready for me again too. And, oh God—the thought of actually doing every single thing I’ve imagined myself doing with Michael? Fuck, I can’t even see straight at the thought.
I lower my mouth down to his and nibble on his bottom lip, delirious with desire. “We definitely have an obligation.”
He chuckles, extending an arm to feel about for a condom on the nightstand. I watch as he rolls it on, feeling the need building between my legs.
“There’s probably going to be a sequel too.”
His eyes meet mine, dark and hazy, and a naughty grin is dancing on his mouth as he pushes into me again. I close my eyes and submit to the shiver of ecstasy it sends through my body.
“There’d better be a whole fucking series,” he says roughly against my ear, letting his teeth nip at my earlobe.
I let out a giggle, but it’s swallowed by his mouth, and both of us reach the edge a few minutes later.
Afterward, as I lower myself onto the mattress beside him, a laugh bubbles up in my chest. “You know, there are quite a few scenes in my book that we haven’t…”
“I know.” He winks at me.
“You really want to do them all? It’s going to make for a busy week.”
He laughs, leaning over to kiss my shoulder. “There’s no rush, beautiful.” He buries his face in my hair, and I smile, knowing exactly what his next words are going to be, and knowing I have everything I could ever want. “We have the rest of our lives.”
Epilogue
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Acknowledgments
Well. I can’t believe I’m finally writing my own acknowledgments page. It’s a bit surreal, actually. Since this is my first novel, I’m going to be totally self-indulgent and bleat on like I’m accepting an Oscar until they play the music to usher me off the stage. Here we go!
First of all (this is so cheesy but I’m doing it) I have to thank the Alex inside of me—the one who dared me to write my own book, to believe it could be done, to share that book with the world. We did it, girl! (Should we move to Manhattan now?)
My partner Carl—the Michael to my Alex. He pushes me in the right direction when I’m lost, supports me unconditionally, and makes sacrifices so I can go after my dreams. He even sent me on a solo research trip to New York! And don’t get me started on all the inspiration he provides for the heroes in my stories.
Our little boy, Baxter. He’s taught me so much about myself, including how to focus on what matters most. I hope someday I can encourage him towards his dreams, no matter what they are.
My parents, Helen and Chris, who have always done their best to understand my crazy ways. And thank you for taking me to New York when I was seventeen. I’ve been obsessed ever since!
Jon Kibzey, the teacher who told me years ago that I could write. I’ve called upon his kind words many times to keep me going, and I’m quite certain that without them, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you.
Amanda Wood, the one person who probably knows my inner Alex better than anyone else. She’s loved her all along, pushing me when I need it, supporting me when I need it—always, always believing in me. And I wouldn’t know half the things I do about American culture if I hadn’t spent so many hours watching Friends with her.
Sarah Side, my unofficial editor and close friend. She’s put in countless hours reading my work, offering feedback, encouraging me, listening to me blather on into the small hours, working through plot/character/general emotional issues, and being an all-round star. Without her, there is no way you’d have this book in your hands. Seriously.
Louise Ryan, who read the first ever draft version of this book and assured me it wasn’t crap. Her encouragement and enthusiasm meant I kept going—even if the book looks very different now (thank God).
Gina Burns, for showing me around the East Village and Coney Island, taking me to a boozy brunch, and answering a million and one questions about Americans and New York. Oh, and her pug Mia, who inspired Stevie. (And her friend Jeff, with whom I took wild artistic license to create Geoff.)
My sister, Emma, who inspired Harriet’s pragmatic nature. She might be four years younger than me but she’s wise, like Harriet.
Kira Slaughter, for letting me share many, many pictures of book boyfriend inspiration, and talking with me for hours about Michael and Alex as if they were real people. Her love fo
r this book led us to develop the best kind of friendship, sharing our obsession with New York, books, hot guys and Friends.
My critique partners, Lauren H. Mae and Jennifer Evelyn Hayes. They spent a lot of time helping me develop and polish a story I’m proud to share. I’m so grateful to have their help and support for my work.
Beta readers—such an important part of this process. So many people put time into reading this work and offering feedback—too many to name—but here are the people who went above and beyond with their support and encouragement: Tammy Eyre, Emma Grocott, Chloe Liese, Kelly Fuller, Caroline Palmer, Caroline Chalmers, Laura Harris, Kristen Fairgrieve, Michele Voss, and Kelly Pensinger. To each and every one of you: your words helped me to improve, push forward, believe in myself. Thank you so much.
My cover designer, Elle Maxwell. She took my ideas and made them into a gorgeous cover, capturing every detail perfectly, and never once complained I was being too pedantic.
The bookstagram and indie author community, who has been so encouraging and supportive. I never imagined I’d find such a wonderful community of people online. I love being part of it.
To anyone who has bought/read/reviewed/shared this book—thank you. I can’t even begin to explain what it means to me that you’ve given up your time and money for my work.
Alright, they’re playing the music. I’m off to work on the next book!
About the Author
Jen Morris writes sexy romantic comedies with heat, humor, and a whole lot of heart. She believes that almost anything can be fixed with a good laugh, a good book, or a plane ticket to New York.
Her books follow women with big dreams as they navigate life and love in the city. The characters don’t just find love—they find themselves, too.
Jen lives with her partner and son, in a tiny house on wheels in New Zealand. She spends her days writing, dreaming about New York, and finding space for her ever-growing book collection.
Love in the City is her debut novel, and the first book in the Love in the City series.
Don’t miss the next book in the Love in the City series, coming soon. See Cat get her own happily ever after, and catch up with Alex and Michael—and Geoff—along the way!
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