by Roxy Wilson
Sebastian doubled over. “Fuck you, Toby.” He faced Brielle with great effort, hatred for her burning in his gaze. “And fuck you, too.”
“I suggest you drag your ass to the hospital,” said Toby in a cold voice.
After giving him a vehement look, Sebastian stumbled out of the kitchen. Not that she was horrified by the event, but Brielle was a little worried. She walked over to the refrigerator and dug out an ice pack. After wrapping it in a towel, she put it on Toby’s knuckles; they looked a little raw. “That was a solid punch.” She smiled. “Two actually.”
He was still breathing heavily. “You should have told me what you were planning to do.”
“And you would have punched him as soon as he entered. I wanted him to confess.” Brielle felt a heaviness in her stomach. “What if he sues you?”
“He wouldn’t. The idiot is too worried about his reputation. And that will be blown to shreds if this all comes out.” He caressed her cheek with his good hand. “You didn’t need to give me proof, you know. I believed you.”
She shrugged. “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have any more doubts about the way I feel about you. And I wanted him out of our lives for good. This will take care of that.”
Toby wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her closer. “You bet this will. Remind me never to underestimate you again.”
“Yeah! That would be a fatal mistake.” She lifted her chin as he bent his head. Their lips met in a kiss that was slow but fiery. Now, everything was back on track. Sebastian was out of their life for good. And hopefully, both of them would learn to nurture their own relationship more. It wasn’t just enough to love, but to build a strong foundation of communication and trust. She hoped that they learned enough to remain together. Only time would tell how things would play out—but for now she was ready to take each day as it came.
She loved Toby—and that was all that mattered. The future would take care of itself.
Chapter Ten
Two months later…
Toby guided Brielle into a building and ushered her into the waiting elevator. He pressed the button on the elevator for the penthouse and then glanced at her. She was rummaging through her handbag that she never seemed to be able to keep neat and tidy.
“I can’t find it,” she muttered under her breath. “Where did I put it?” Then her eyes lit up. “Here it is.” She plucked out a slip of paper and gave it to him. “Here’s the number of the interior decorator I talked about. He’s awfully good and a dear friend. I’m sure you will enjoy working with him.”
“I haven’t signed the deal on the apartment yet.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You seemed excited about it.”
The elevator stopped and the doors slid opened. “It’s a good place. The location is very close to my new office building and it’s big enough for…my future needs.” They stepped out of the elevator and he escorted her to the penthouse.
It appeared as if she wasn’t paying much attention to what he was saying. Her gaze took in the solid oak door. Toby extracted the card key out of his pocket, slid it along the panel of the door to unlock it, turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open. “After you,” he said.
“Isn’t the realtor meeting you here?”
“No. I’ve already seen it—several times actually.” He chuckled. I just wanted to have another look, get your opinion…”
Stunned, she stood in the massive foyer that opened into a huge living room boasting pane glass windows that overlooked the streets. “It’s beautiful.” She waltzed over to the windows and peered outside. “Nice view.”
“Yeah, it is.” Hope flooded his heart. “Come, I’ll show you the rest of it.”
When she walked into the kitchen, Brielle halted. Her hand shook as she touched the massive marble counter that graced the spacious kitchen. “Look at the size of that refrigerator, and is that a pantry?” She opened the door to take a look at the empty shelves. “This is a cook’s delight. But I really don’t see you cooking here very much. You could hire a housekeeper, I suppose.”
“I…”
“And look at these cabinets.” She opened and closed a couple of them, ran her fingers over the shiny five-burner stove, and moaned over the oven and the microwave. “This is beautiful.”
“Yes, well, I kind of imagined you taking over this place, making it your own and using it.”
She whirled to face him and smiled. “Well, yes, sure. Of course. Whenever I’m here…”
Toby wasn’t confident that she understood what he was saying. “I…” He’d never felt as nervous or inadequate in his life before. It hadn’t been long since he’d started dating Brielle again. But damn it, they knew each other well. They were married for two years and dated for a year before that. How long was he supposed to wait in this kind of situation? He remembered how she talked about not having her own identity when she was married to him. She hadn’t been that far off the mark. At that time, he was chauvinistic. He didn’t like the idea of her not being home. He didn’t exactly encourage her to work, not because he was scared of an independent woman, but because he was so busy back then, and if she had been just as occupied with her work, they would have hardly gotten any time together.
But now things were different. He was settled in his career. Things were in control. And more than anything, he wanted her to be happy. He took pride in her achievements. They would be happy together, he was sure. But he was also acutely conscious of the fact that she never told him that she loved him. Everything was pleasant and good. But the words didn’t cross her lips. Was that because she didn’t feel those emotions again or was it because she was scared to say them?
What if she didn’t love him anymore? What would he do?
Fear gripped him in its icy claws. He couldn’t bear the idea of losing her again. But if she wasn’t happy with him, he wouldn’t hold her back. He loved her enough to let her go, if that would make her happy. All he wanted was her happiness, even if it meant sacrificing his.
“So let’s see the rest of it,” she said when he didn’t move or talk.
Digging into his pocket, he pulled out a box. And then he hesitated. Was this the right place? Maybe he should have made more of an effort, arranged some flower petals on the floor, or it would have been much more romantic to take her to the beach or someplace else. But of course, seeing the apartment, his first thoughts were of her.
Well, maybe the kitchen wasn’t the right place. The balcony would be a better option. Quickly, he thrust those wayward thoughts aside, and shoved the box back into his pocket.
Her keen eyes didn’t miss much. “What’s that?”
“Hmmm….ahhh…nothing.” he sputtered out the words, feeling panicky for the first, in a long time.
She raised an eyebrow, looking slightly bewildered. “Alrighty, then. Shall we see the rooms? Although, I have to admit, I’m sold just from seeing the kitchen alone. That’s of course, the chef in me talking. But this place is a delight. I can imagine puttering about, preparing a meal, planning, organizing…” She laughed. “Look at me talk. I can’t imagine you using this space well.”
“Actually, I thought about you when I saw the kitchen,” he blurted out. Never before in his life had he felt so flustered. What the hell was he thinking? He should have devoted more time to planning what he was going to say.
Another woman might have hit him over the head if he’d said that he imagined her in a kitchen, but Brielle’s eyes softened. Her lips lifted in a smile. “That’s so sweet. Yeah. I can totally imagine working here.”
“Why don’t you?”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
Toby glanced up at the ceiling to marshal his thoughts. Every time he looked into her eyes, his brain seemed to sink into oblivion. He didn’t want to ruin anything. Life was finally back on track and he wanted to make it better, not worse. But words deserted him at this crucial juncture. He should have practiced first. He cleared his throat. “I’m making a mess of thi
s.”
She walked closer, looking confused by his unprecedented behavior. “What?”
“It’s just…” He took out the box and opened it to reveal the four-carat square diamond that sparkled in the ring. “I love you, Brielle. And I want to marry you…again. When I saw this place, I could imagine us living here together. Without you, I wouldn’t want it. Without you, life is meaningless. Without you, my soul is alone.”
Tears filled her eyes. One slid down her cheek. Her gaze remained fixed on the ring. His hand trembled. It wasn’t the most suave or romantic proposal, but perhaps his words touched her heart because she walked forward to take a closer look. “This is the same ring…”
“Yeah.” He pulled it out of the box. “We saw it together on our first anniversary, remember? I told you one day I would buy it for you. And you said that...”
“…I would rather have you than the ring,” she completed his sentence. “You bought it for me?”
He held her hand and raised it to his lips. “Who else? I want you to marry me,” he repeated. “Again.”
For a few heartbeats, she stood perfectly still. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”
His heart stopped for just a moment, and then a smile split his face. “Thank God!” Quickly, before she could change her mind, he slipped the ring on her finger. “Glad I was right about the size, but the salesman said we could change it if you want.”
“It’s perfect.” Her gaze met his. “Aren’t you going to kiss me?”
He dipped his head to claim a kiss. It was sweet and slow. Now that they had a lifetime together, he wasn’t in a hurry. When he raised his hand, he cupped it on her cheek. “I love you. And I’m sorry I made such a mess of things.”
“We made a mess of things,” she countered. “We must make a promise to each other that we’ll not allow anyone else to come in between our relationship. We must always be honest and communicate with each other.”
“Yes, I promise.”
“Good.” She nodded and stepped away. “This is a very beautiful ring.”
“Ah, Brielle, aren’t you forgetting something?”
“What?” Her penetrating gaze took in the confusion in his eyes. She smiled. “You idiot, of course, I love you. Didn’t I say that?”
“Not really. Not once ever since we got back together. ” He smiled. “I need to hear the words, baby.”
“Couldn’t you tell by the things I do for you?” She took a step forward.
“Yes, baby.” He took a step back.
“And couldn’t you see it in the way I look at you.” She blinked her eyes coquettishly and took another step forward.
He took a step back. “Say the words, Brielle.”
She laughed, stepped forward, and kissed him straight on the lips. “I love you more than I have ever loved anyone.”
He kissed her forehead, feeling as if he’d finally done something right in his life. This is what he wanted all along, for them to be with each other forever. How long they stood there, pillaging each other’s lips? He wasn’t sure, but unless she wanted him to make love to her, without a care that it wasn’t even their place, he had to rein in the passion that threatened to explode. He pulled away. Brielle protested with a groan. They took a few minutes to compose themselves.
“Now we can see the rest of the place. If you don’t like it, I still have the option to revoke my offer. There are three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a study, a gym room, and a separate living area next to our bedroom.”
“After seeing that kitchen, I’m sold,” she announced. “The rest is all just icing on the cake.”
“And me?”
“You’re the whole cake, darling.” She put an arm around his waist as they walked towards the bedrooms. “You’re my reward for being a good girl all these years.”
“And. You. Are. Mine.”
***THE END***
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THANK YOU!
Thank you for buying and reading this book and trusting me to give you an hour or two of enjoyment.
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COMING SOON…
The Christmas Cupid (Holiday Happiness, Book 3)
Janay Riley can always spot a match made in relationship heaven, but, when it comes to her own love life, she hasn't quite found her perfect match. Although her love life isn't thriving, her business is growing and, for now, that's enough for her.
When longtime friend and admirer, Randy 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, finally wants to make his feelings for her known, the consummate matchmaker springs into action. Thinking that he's asking for assistance, Janay sets out to find him the perfect match.
As part of Randy's ploy, he adds fuel to the fire by seeking advice about his dating woes. That seemingly innocent conversation between friends results in a night neither he nor Janay will soon forget.
Will Randy's game ruin any chance he has of having a relationship with Janay, or will love conquer all and bring the two longtime friends together?
Other books by Roxy Wilson…
A Christmas Kiss (Holiday Happiness, Book 1)
Baby Wanted (A Bundle of Joy, Book 1)
The Baby Proposal (A Bundle of Joy, Book 2)
Baby, You’re Mine (A Bundle of Joy, Book 3)
Work It Out
The Right Kind of Love (Loving A Morrison)
He’s So Into You (Healing Hearts)
Anthologies
Love in Black and White ~ Jamallah Bergman, Sam Crescent, Roxy Wilson
About the Author
Roxy Wilson, a self-professed book junkie, was born and bred in a beautiful island in the Caribbean.
As a graduate with a degree in Education, she writes blogs which help readers to think critically about and appreciate poetry. Recently, however, she decided to delve into the world of writing interracial and multicultural romance stories. Her debut novel is the Right Kind of Love and was published by Secret Cravings Publishing. Roxy is also the Reviews Coordinator of Romance Novels in Color (RNIC).
When Roxy isn’t reading or writing, she spends her time trying out recipes with her daughter, designing and dress making, listening to music of the 80’s and 90’s or engaging in her favorite workout routine, which is 1-clicking a new book to read, to her heart’s content.
To find out more about Roxy Wilson, check her out:
on her Website/Blog
on Facebook
on her Facebook fan page
by following her on Twitter
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Texas Sunrise ~ KC Klein & Jodi Vaughn
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A Christmas Kiss (Holiday Happiness, Book 1)
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