Sips & Strokes: Love wasn't part of the deal

by Sarah Skye

  His foot falls are measured and deliberate. It’s like he knows I’m in shock at seeing him looking like a romance novel hero come to life, and I need an extra moment to absorb it all.

  I choke on a breath. Even after seeing him naked countless times, his physique forever slays me.

  "You're so… shirtless."

  "Indeed, professor."

  He stops right in front of me as Morgan and Harmony muffle squeals, giant smiles on their faces.

  I flit my gaze between my girls. "Did you… did you plan this?"

  They nod, still grinning.

  "Surprise!" Morgan says, her eyes glistening.

  "So wait. Calder's the model we're supposed to sketch? But..."

  I trail off when Calder drops down on one knee.

  "Oh my god," I manage to whisper, even though there’s no air in my lungs.

  Tears immediately flood my eyes. My heart flies to my throat. I cover my hands over my mouth as Calder digs a black velvet jewelry box from that man-purse thing hanging at his waist.

  I try to focus on his eyes to steady myself, but when I see that he's tearing up too, I let out a sob. Calder isn't a crier. But for this moment—when he's proposing to me—he can't hold it together. And that shatters me in the most amazing way.

  "Lily," he says, his voice shaky. He clears his throat. "This past year has been the happiest of my life because I've spent it with you. I want to spend the rest of my years, my months, my days, my everything with you. Will you marry me?"

  A tear tumbles down his cheek. He wipes his nose with the back of his wrist. A shaky laugh falls from both of us at the same time.

  "Of course I'll marry you."

  Cheers erupt from Harmony and Morgan as Calder jumps to his feet and rounds the table over to me. I stand up to meet him, and, with his hands cupping my face, we kiss.

  I'm breathless when he lets go. I cuddle into his bare chest, relishing how his heart races. For me.

  "You're so wearing this to the wedding."

  “So commanding. I like it.” He chuckles, tucking my head under his chin. "Anything for you, Professor."

  Behind me Harmony squeals something about the ring. Calder leans away to reveal the open box in his hand.

  My eyes bulge at the gigantic cushion cut diamond in the center of a bedazzled white gold band. "Holy..."

  "It’s my gran’s. She wanted me to give it to you. I know I didn't ask you what kind of ring you wanted, but I hope this is okay."

  I lean up and press a kiss to his lips. "More than okay. I love it."

  He slips the ring on my finger, and that's when I spot Morgan a few feet away, aiming her phone at us.

  "Sneaky." I smile at her.

  She wipes a tear from her cheek. "Not even one bit sorry. You deserve this, Lily. A crazy awesome love and crazy romantic proposal."

  I walk over to hug her. Then Harmony runs over and hugs us both, squealing and sniffling. When we finally let go, we're all wiping our eyes.

  "We'll leave you love birds," Morgan says as she and Harmony step back and walk out of the room.

  "Have fun!" Harmony squeals as she shuts the door behind them.

  And then it's just Calder and me. In an empty art studio. Just like the day we met.

  He walks up to me and gently grabs my hand. I melt at his touch, just like I always do. Joy still lingers in the center of my chest, now shrouded in comfort.

  "This is a lot like the day we met."

  I smile up at him. "I was just thinking that."

  "Except I believe I was wearing fewer clothes."

  I kiss his smiling mouth, then tug at his kilt. "We can fix that.”

  The heavy fabric lands with a soft thud on the floor.

  “Are we really going to shag in an empty art studio?” He lifts a playful eyebrow. “I thought you wanted me to throw you into bed later.”

  “Screw the bed. I want you now.” My tone is sure as a smile curves my lips.

  “Your wish is my command, Professor.”

  Acknowledgments

  We have so many lovely people to thank for helping us make our very first book together possible!

  Thank you Stefanie Simpson and Lauren Cosby for beta reading early drafts of Sips & Strokes. Thank you, Elle Maxwell, for designing the most gorgeous cover ever.

  Thank you to our family and friends for loving us and supporting us through the wild and amazing journey that is writing and publishing.

  Thank you to our fur babies for giving us endless cuddles through the writing/editing/revising process.

  And last but never least, thanks to all of our amazing readers for your support. We love you!

  About the Author

  Sarah Skye is the nom de plume of Sarah Smith and Skye McDonald. Sarah and Skye met on Twitter as fledgling authors seeking critique partners. That turned into a brilliant friendship, a joint podcast (Quick & Dirty Romance Podcast), and now a novel.

  Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. When she's not writing, you can find her hiking, eating chocolate, and perfecting her lumpia recipe. She lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband and adorable cat Salem.

  Skye McDonald is an author, teacher, and personal development coach. When not writing sexy books or working with clients on fitness & self-love, Skye can be found out on a new adventure, usually with her pup at her side.

  Also by Sarah Skye

  Sarah Smith’s Books:

  FAKER

  SIMMER DOWN

  IF YOU NEVER COME BACK

  Skye McDonald’s Books

  NOT SUITABLE FOR WORK

  OFF THE RECORD

  NEMESIS