by Anthology
The driver nods his head once, accepting the apology. "I give warning, but if you fart in my cab again, I kick you out. That’s bad. Very bad smell."
"Deal," Drew agrees.
Finally, the cab pulls up to the curb, and a bellhop from the hotel is at the door within seconds, opening it for us. Kipton slides out of first, holding his hand out for me to grab.
As soon as my feet are back on the sidewalk, my mouth’s hanging open from the sights all around me. I feel like I’m trapped in the best movie – and I never want it to end. "The Waldorf. I can’t believe I’m at the Waldorf."
The front of the Waldorf Astoria is a mixture of rich, golden architecture, Christmas lights wrapped around the trees, and pine draped over every inch of the awning. The American flag proudly waving from the post attached to the side of the building is the perfect accent. It’s regal, it’s welcoming, and it’s expensive. I have no idea how the guys afforded a room here, but now I get why we drove. They needed to save every extra penny possible.
"Come on, beautiful."
I have to wait to cross the sidewalk the same way we would if we were crossing the street. "Is it always this busy?"
"Not this bad. It’s crazier today because of the action in Times Square."
"It’s amazing. I expected people, but this is even better than I imagined. I never thought I’d get to see a place like this."
"Come on. Hold tight to my hand."
I latch on, and Kipton pulls me through the crowd. We run up the stairs, barreling our way into the lobby. Inside, the smooth marble of the floors is polished to perfection – so much so that I can see my reflection. It’s like being inside a museum, only this one’s filled with endless memories instead of treasures. It’s five stars at its finest. "How did you afford this?"
"I don’t want you to worry about money, Sophie. None of that matters." He leans in to kiss my lips. "The only thing that matters is what I’m going to do to you once we get upstairs."
His promise ricochets around my body the entire time we wait in line to the point it’s almost uncomfortable. "Is it hot in here? I’m so hot." I unbutton my coat and fan the back of neck which earns a laugh from Kipton.
"Follow me."
Leading us across the lobby to the elevators, we step inside, pressing the button for the eleventh floor. I stare at Kipton, but when he looks back at me, it’s too intense. I have no choice but to watch the numbers light up above elevator door, praying we get to our floor soon.
Just as the number five lights up, I’m pushed against the back wall of the elevator. Kipton’s hands are pressed against the cool metal on either side of my face as he sucks on my bottom lip. We’re a mixture of lips and tongues until the sudden jolt of the elevator knocks our teeth together.
"I want you, beautiful. Fuck, do I want you."
I wipe away the smudge of lip gloss left behind on the side of his mouth. "Show me."
The doors open and Kipton grabs my hand, pulling me from the elevator. I giggle the entire way down the hallway, loving how desperate he is for me. But when he pins me up against the door to our room, the same way we were in the elevator, all laughter is lost.
He reaches around me, shoving the keycard in the door. As soon as the green light is lit, he pushes it open. For a brief second, I get a glimpse of the traditional elegance I’m expecting before I’m tossed in the center of the bed.
Kipton’s overtop me, pushing my hair off my face. "It took forever, but I finally have you to myself."
"You’re worth the wait."
"Ditto, beautiful." He stands next to me, shedding his coat first. I watch every ridge and hard edge as he lifts his shirt up and over his head, tossing it a heap on the floor. "You’re staring, Sophie."
"I know." I sit up to slide my arms out of my own coat, but Kipton stops me when I reach for the hem of my shirt.
"Let me," he says. "Lift your arms." Slowly, he runs his up my body until my shirt is up and over my head, blocking my view entirely.
A low growl escapes him, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. We teased each other the entire way to New York, and now we’re both ready to cash in on our promises.
He blows lightly on my exposed skin awakening every nerve ending I possess. "Kipton."
"Shhh, Sophie. I’ve got you." He smirks a mixture of satisfaction and promise. "I’ve waited over a thousand miles for this moment, beautiful. I’m not about to rush."
"You don’t have to, but –"
He puts his finger over my lips, silencing me. "No buts. This is the last time I’ll be with you this year. I need to make it memorable."
With only hours until the ball drops, today will be memorable no matter what happens next because I’m with Kipton. He’s shown me more love in a few short months than I’ve experienced in my lifetime, restored my faith – in myself, in family, in friendship, and in love.
I used to feel like I was drifting through life, waiting for time to run its course, but not anymore. This New Year will be spent living – truly living.
A lifetime will never be enough, but I’ll cherish it just the same.
If you enjoyed Drifting, a companion novella to The Begin Again Duet, you can read Sophie and Kipton’s complete story in Lighter and Weightless. Happy reading!
About Gia Riley
Gia Riley enjoys writing New Adult and Contemporary Romance. From the small, but mighty state of Delaware, she’s a lover of all things romance - a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after. When she’s not writing, you can find her roaming the aisles of Kirkland’s, up to her elbows in Play-doh, or trying to hunt down spoilers for Big Brother. She loves reality TV almost as much as she loves a good chick flick. Her newest addiction is a Starbucks toasted graham latte - they keep her up late, doing terrible things to her characters.
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Other Books by Gia Riley
Lighter
Weightless
In Pieces
Releasing November 10, 2015
Second Beginnings
by Kristy Love
For the first time in years, Courtney was seeing her old best friend, Ryanne. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing the man who had held her heart for years. No matter how many times she tried to get over him, her feelings just never went away. A chance encounter changes everything.
Author’s Note: Second Beginnings is part of the Undone Series. It’s not necessary to read the rest of the books to read this short story. It falls between book three and four.
Chapter One
Courtney
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve filled my friend Ryanne’s house with the sounds of New York City as they celebrated the end of one year and the beginning of another. I sat on the couch, a glass of wine in my hand, and observed the people around me mingling and laughing. I felt so out of place.
"There you are!" Ry exclaimed as she flopped down next to me, a smile wide on her face and a glass of champagne in her hand. "I thought you slipped out!"
"Nope. Still here." I took a small sip of the wine and glanced around the room. It was incredibly awkward sitting with her right now.
"I’m really glad you’re here, Court. I’ve missed you a lot." She rested her hand on top of mine and squeezed it gently. I met her eyes and saw the sincerity behind them.
It’d been a rough couple of years. Ry had gone through several life changes. I’d gone through my own changes. Somehow, we weren’t as close as we’d been. Her life had many ups and downs and she became really busy. Recently, she reached out and we’d been talking more. I forgot how much I missed my best friend.
"I’ve missed you, too
. I’m really glad you invited me." I tried my hardest to force a sincere smile. I hoped I succeeded.
"I’m glad you came. I was worried you had other plans." She hopped off the couch and ran right to her brother. "Jax, look who’s here!" She dragged him over. A huge smile spread across his face as he pulled me off the couch and engulfed me in his arms. I inhaled and braced for impact. As soon as his arms wrapped around me, my heart cracked. He was all around me. It was almost like a nightmare, except it felt too good.
"Courtney," he whispered in my ear as he hugged me. I sank deeper into his embrace. "It’s good to see you. It’s been way too long."
"I’m glad you’re doing better," was all I could get out passed the lump in my throat. I swallowed several times and wished it would go away.
He pulled away from me, a smile splitting his face in two. "I want to introduce you to someone." He motioned someone over and the fissure spread across my heart. "Cassie, this is Courtney. Courtney, this is my wife, Cassie."
I swallowed again, and wished the damn lump would stop doubling in size. "Cassie, it’s lovely to meet you." I tried to smile, though it felt as if I were crumbling.
"I’ve heard so much about you, Courtney. It’s great to finally meet you." Jax wrapped his arm around Cassie and tucked her in to his side. She fit there, in that space next to him.
A place I never fit.
Jax was one of the biggest reasons I couldn’t stay close to Ry. I’d loved him for years. For so long, I thought we’d end up together if I was patient. When he started to slip into addiction, he pulled away from everyone. By that point, I knew he’d met his soulmate. Unfortunately, that soulmate wasn’t me. I’d been trying for years to mend my heart, but something about him just kept me sucked in.
Jax, Ry, and Cassie talked around me, seeming to not notice that I’d withdrawn. I took a few steps back and walked away.
God. Would it ever get easier to see him? I hoped so. I glanced over my shoulder; he seemed so happy with his wife. A fresh slice of pain lanced through me.
He was happy. There was no denying it. The way he looked at Cassie was confirmation enough. I had to move on.
My glance lasted too long and I bumped into someone. Wine sloshed across the front of my skirt. "Damn it," I said, looking down. Thankfully, I was wearing a black shirt, so the wine shouldn’t stain it. My red and black plaid skirt would hopefully be okay, as well.
"Are you all right?" a smoky voice asked. My head snapped up. That voice did something to me.
"I’m fine."
He smiled at me, his brown eyes warm and inviting. He looked down at my shirt. "You’re just a little…wet." One side of his mouth quirked up as though he said something indecent.
It felt indecent. "Just a little. I should probably go clean up."
He motioned me forward with his arm, as though he was dismissing me. I smiled, then went into the kitchen and dabbed at my shirt with some paper towels. Inwardly, I cursed myself for being so stupid. I had to push Jax out of my mind.
"I didn’t catch your name," he said. He was back again, leaning against the counter, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Courtney. I’d shake your hand, but I’m kind of covered in wine."
"It’s nice to meet you, Courtney. I’m Chase." I smiled in greeting, and returned my attention to my wet shirt. "Is it just me or does this party seem very full of…couples?"
I chuckled. "Cupid has been busy."
"Very. I was worried I’d have no one to kiss at midnight."
My stomach swooped as I gawked up at him. "Who says you’re going to kiss me?"
"Don’t you know it’s bad luck to start a new year without a kiss?"
"I’ve also heard it’s bad luck not to eat pork." I raised my eyebrows. "There wasn’t any pork here tonight. I guess we’re all screwed."
"Did you miss the bacon-wrapped potato bites?"
Something about his response made me laugh. "You seem to have an answer for everything."
He shrugged. "I can’t help that I’m aware of my surroundings. Unlike you." His eyes dropped to my shirt.
"I prefer the term smart ass."
"If the shoe fits, right?"
I finished blotting my shirt and threw away the paper towels. I washed my hands, rinsing the wine off them.
"So does that mean no on the kiss or…?"
I laughed, again. "Why don’t we see how the evening goes?"
"We have about," he checked his watch, "two and a half hours for you to decide whether I’m kiss-worthy."
"Looks-wise, you pass the test," I remarked. My eyes swept over him. He had deep brown eyes. His hair was brown and shaggy, perfect for running my fingers through. Where had that thought come from? I pushed it away to continue ogling him. He was tall with broad shoulders, and the way his shirt stretched across his chest gave the impression that he had muscles and lots of them.
"I’m glad I pass your visual inspection. Are there any other parts of this test that I should know about?"
I shrugged, playing nonchalant. "I’ll have to see how it goes."
"Will I at least know how I score?"
"You’ll either get a kiss at midnight . . . or not."
"Oh, playing hard ball, huh? I like it." He rubbed his hands together eagerly.
For the first time tonight, Jax was nowhere near my thoughts.
Chapter Two
Chase
I offered Courtney my arm and she wound hers through it. We walked out into the living room, still chatting. I was thankful that she bumped into me. She was beautiful. She had a bright red ribbon tying back her brown hair. Her eyes were hazel, though I wasn’t sure if they were more brown or green. Her short skirt and black tights showed off her killer legs.
I’d wanted to talk to her earlier, but couldn’t think of anything to say. She’d stayed off by herself until Ry and Jax pulled her into a conversation. It was pathetic how I watched her from across the room—bordering on creepy.
I really hoped she’d kiss me at midnight. I wanted to feel her lips against mine.
"How do you know Ry? Or do you know Will?" she asked. We settled onto a love seat in the corner of the room.
"Neither, actually. I know Jax. Tonight is…a tough night for me. He invited me so I wouldn’t be alone," I offered. I didn’t want to get into the whole reason I was here. I didn’t want to scare her away before I even had a chance. Emotion crossed her face that I couldn’t quite place.
"Jax is a good guy," she said slowly.
I nodded. Her eyes strayed over to Jax and lingered there. She looked wistful and heartbroken at the same time. "One of the best. Who do you know here?"
"Ry was my best friend for years. We lost touch for a while, but now we’re talking again." She smiled, but sadness touched the corner of her lips.
"They’re all amazing people. Ry, Will, Cassie, and Jax. Good people."
"Very good people." Her eyes flitted around the room, though they’d stick to Jax a few seconds too long. She turned her attention back to me. "Would you like something to drink?"
I hated when people asked me if I wanted a drink at a party. It inevitably came back to alcohol and they asked why I didn’t drink. "I’ll grab us something. What would you like?"
"Some wine. She has really good red stuff in the kitchen."
I laughed. "I’m sure your shirt appreciates how delicious it is."
The unease disappeared from her face as she smiled. "You know, my shirt finds it refreshing."
"I’ll be right back." I quickly got a bottle of water and a glass of wine from the kitchen before I headed back to her. She sat there, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. I handed her the wine and she took a sip.
"Water? Living it up on New Years’ Eve, huh?" she joked.
"I have to drive myself home. Don’t want to be too trashed." I smiled, and hoped that’d be enough of an answer. Her eyes studied my face, as though she was trying to determine whether I was lying.
"So, what do you do, Chase?"
<
br /> Relief flooded me with the change of subject. "I’m a computer programmer."
"Ah, you’re a geek." She smirked, and probably thought the nickname would bother me. I’d been called worse.
"That I am. What about you?"
"I’m a graphic designer."
"So you’re a geek."
She laughed and bumped into my shoulder. "Isn’t the world full of geeks nowadays? It’s stranger to find someone who isn’t a geek."
"True that."
At that moment, Jax turned up the TV, blaring a song clearly designed to make people dance. I glanced at Courtney and caught her reaction to him. It was undeniable: she had feelings for Jax.
Shit. Leave it to Jax to get in my way, as always.
I wasn’t letting this revelation ruin the rest of the night. People moved around the room, breaking into dance wherever they happened to be. I figured I’d seize the moment. "Care to dance?" I held out my open palm. She set her wine glass on the table next to her and slipped her hand into mine. It was soft and warm. I stood, pulling her with me. Taking both of her hands in mine, I moved away from the love seat and began dancing. She went with me, shaking her hips. Her face was tipped toward the floor, though. I wanted her eyes. I wanted a clue to what she was thinking. Did I make her feel awkward? Uncomfortable? Was she enjoying herself the way I was enjoying myself? I tilted her face up to me and smiled at her.
We continued dancing, our bodies getting closer and closer as the songs changed. My hands moved over her hips and to the small of her back. She felt good in my hands. Anytime her skin brushed against mine, I felt it in my gut. When her hair moved, I caught a scent of it. A slower song came on and she rested her head against my chest. My heart swelled.