“You don’t have to ask me to use our credit cards. Ever. So, what are you shopping for?”
“My bridesmaid’s dress for Saturday.”
“You don’t have one yet? Of course you don’t. Do you want me to go with you?”
“Would you?”
“Sure. I could be one of those husbands who sits outside the dressing room. I’ll even hold your purse.”
“Aww. That’s so sweet. You can tell me if something’s too expensive, too.”
“Nothing’s too expensive.”
“Really? What if I found something for a million dollars?”
“I’d call and make sure the funds were available.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
“I know. But you could.”
I reach up and kiss him. He slides his arms around me and we stay like that until a throat clears behind us and we break apart. “Why is your car in my studio, Luke?”
“I…umm…well…”
Owen’s eyes widen as he looks at the two of us. “Dude, did you fuck your wife in your car inside of my wife’s studio?”
“I might have made love to my wife in there, yes.”
“Luke.”
“There’s no point in denying it, honey.”
“Why didn’t you just lock the studio door and go at it on the couch like a normal person?” Candi asks and then looks at Owen. “And I’m not your wife yet.”
“You are in every way that counts.”
They grab each other and start kissing. Either they’ve forgotten we’re here or they don’t care as they bang into the wall, dropping the baby monitor walkie on the floor. “We’re still here, and this is why he drove his car in.”
“Oh. Well, yeah, good call.”
* * *
Luke
It’s the morning of Owen and Candi’s wedding, and I’m almost as nervous as he is. Candi’s one of my best friends, and I want this day to be perfect for her. The wedding’s going to be here, in my parents’ backyard. Cyndi Evans is walking her down the aisle because the two of them have become crazy close. My brothers and I are standing up for Owen, along with our friend Zane. He also has Mara, who was his fake fiancé for a little while, on his side, along with her wife, Leila.
Candi has Yasmin, Chloe, Alex, Erika, Sam, and of course Ollie, standing up for her. I’ve been hanging with Owen, but since he’s freaking out and it was freakingme out, I’m headed to the guest house to see the girls. I knock and my mom answers, letting me in. The girls are all cooing over Hope, and I don’t blame them. She’s a knockout, even as a baby. She’s not who I’m here to see, though.
I don’t see Candi or Ollie, so I head upstairs and knock on the bedroom door. It opens and I see Cyndi. She smiles at me as I envelope her in a hug. I look over her shoulder and see my wife, who looks amazing in her strapless light pink dress with the feathers on the bottom. She has her bright pink heels on and her hair is up in some fancy hairstyle I’ll be ruining later.
I let go of Cyndi and walk inside. My first sight of Candi takes my breath away. “Damn, Candi. If I didn’t love my wife so much and think of you like a sister, I’d be trying to steal you from my brother.”
She’s in a dress that’s just so her. It’s sleeveless with a deep v-neck. The material is sheer with strips of white satin covering the best parts. The top is tight but it goes into a crazy skirt that crosses over itself and has fluffy white material popping out. My brother’s going to freak, and there may be a show people aren’t expecting at the altar.
“Thanks, Luke. You look hot as ever, too.”
“Should we leave you two alone?”
I look to my wife and feel a little bad. “Ollie, you were the most beautiful bride I’ll ever see. No one can compare to you in my eyes. I’m not blind, though. You know Candi looks awesome.”
She closes her eyes and nods. I lean down and kiss her sweetly. She pulls back and looks at Candi. “I’m sorry. You look gorgeous, and I shouldn’t have been jealous. I just get insecure sometimes because you’re all so beautiful.”
“Don’t worry about it. You know he’s like my brother. And news flash girly, you are just as beautiful as any of us.”
“Thanks for saying that. I’m going to head down with Luke and send Yasmin up. You need your Matron of Honor.”
“See you soon.”
I take her hand as we walk out of the room. When the door closes, I push her up against the nearest wall and kiss her. She pushes me away too soon. “You’re going to mess up my make-up and hair. Candi will kill us both if that happens.”
“I know, but I couldn’t help it.”
“I appreciate that, but let’s go. I have to find Yasmin, and you should be hanging with your brother.”
“Such a nag.”
“You may rethink what you just called me when you’re cock’s in your hand and not between my legs tonight.”
She runs down the stairs before I can say anything else. I’ll think of some way out of this. I have to. My hand’s not an option.
I hang with Owen and his side of the wedding party for a little bit, and then it’s time for us to line up. My parents walk down the aisle first, carrying Hope. All the girls follow, including Ollie. I try to make eye contact with her, but she glares at me. Shit. Not good. I don’t have time to think about that for long before Candi and Cyndi come down the aisle to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley.
I take my eyes off of them to look at Owen. He’s looking at Candi like they’re the only two in the backyard. I know that feeling. I had it at my own wedding. Candi’s his home, just like Ollie’s mine. He steps over and kisses Cyndi on the cheek as she places Candi’s hand in his. Cyndi then steps behind them to perform the ceremony.
The ceremony goes like any other wedding until it’s time for them to say their vows. Instead of words, they exchange small picture frames. I guess Cyndi knew about this, so she finishes, and after they both say “I do,” she pronounces them husband and wife. Their kiss almost devolves into the show I knew it would, but Ryan pulls Owen back. We all laugh and then take some pictures before mingling.
I’m making my way to Olivia when I hear someone call Zane’s name. I turn and it’s a pretty girl in a conservative dress who I recognize immediately. Zane sees her and moves away from his girlfriend Quinn. It almost seems like he doesn’t want this other chick to see him with her. That makes me realize that this isn’t going to go well.
“Whit, what are you doing here?”
“I came for what’s mine. You.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You. Me. There’s nothing better than that, and now that I have my trust fund, my family can’t keep us apart.”
Scott breaks through the small crows that’s gathered. “You’re not welcome here, Whitney. Get the fuck out.”
“Well, well, well. Little Scotty Griffin’s grown up. You’re looking hot. If I wasn’t here for Zane, I might let you have a ride.”
“Not even if I was dead, bitch.”
“You say that now, but when you’re alone in bed, you’ll be thinking of me.”
“He won’tbe alone, but you will be. My husband told you to get out, and I suggest you listen to him.”
“Husband? You’re married? This day is getting more interesting by the minute. But I know when I’m not wanted. Let’s go Zane.”
Quinn finally speaks up. “He’s not going with you.”
“You think he’s yours, Quinn? He’s not. You were just a place holder for me. We had this planned for years.” She grabs Zane’s hand and he starts walking with her.
“Zane?”
“I’m sorry, Quinn. I have to go with her.”
“Sorry? You’re sorry? Oh my God. I’m so stupid.”
He pulls away from Whitney and walks to her. “We did have this planned, and I have to see if there’s still something there. It’s only fair to all three of us.”
“Go, then. But don’t expect me to wait around for you. Because I won’t.”
He sighs and then leaves with that psychotic bitch as Quinn drops to her knees. Yasmin gets on the ground next to her, holding her as she cries. Scott joins them and then picks Quinn up and takes her inside.
“Who was that, Luke?” Ollie asks me.
“Whitney. She was his girlfriend through all of middle and high school. Her parents never approved, and she didn’t seem to care. Until they threatened to cut her off. So, she ditched him and went off to college somewhere. He got together with Quinn a few months later, and they’ve been together for almost seven years now. She’s who he belongs with. Anyone can see it. But apparently Whitney’s hold on him is still there. What a fucking bastard.”
“Wow. I mean, that’s just all kinds of messed up.”
“Yeah. Oh, and speaking of messed up, I’m sorry for what I called you earlier. I didn’t mean it.”
“I know. I just had to make you suffer a little.”
Epilogue
Two months later
Olivia
Luke and I renewing our vows today. We were originally going to wait until our anniversary, but the need to show our love in front of everyone as soon as possible won out. We’re back at the Wynn, in the same garden, but we have more guests this time and more people in our wedding party. I’m wearing the same dress from before, and we managed to get matching dresses for the new bridesmaids. The guys are all in suits.
My parents are here. Things aren’t perfect with us, but they’re better. Enough so that my dad is walking me down the aisle. They accept Luke, and that’s a big step in the right direction.
It’s been an interesting couple of months. I still work for Candi and I love it. Luke started his job at Goolsby. He loves it, and we both hang out with Nikki, Michelle, and the rest of the people he works with on a regular basis. We also hang out with his brothers and our friends quite often. I’ll be the first to admit that we’re lucky and have a great life.
The ceremony is simple and short, just like the first time. We have my macarons, but there’s also a big wedding cake. We smash it into each other, but it’s not as fun as when we were alone. I’m glad for this ceremony and party, though. It feels great to celebrate our love with the people in our life.
Rose has to fly back to Boston tonight, but I’m glad she could be here, even for such a short time. She loves school and is doing really well. I look over and see her with a hot guy around my age. I walk over and am just about to reach them when I see Alex out of the corner of my eye. She stops just behind the guy.
“So, pretty lady, why don’t you let me take you out before your flight.”
“Hi Miles.” Alex looks like she might cry, and Rose’s eyes widen when she sees her.
“Hey Alex, how are you? I heard you’re singing now.”
“A little. I’m not sure it’s what I want to do for a career, though.” She looks embarrassed, and I catch Rose’s eye. She shakes her head and gives me a look, telling me she knows what’s going on.
“Well, you’ll figure it out.” He turns back to Rose. “So what do you say?”
“No. Never. Now run along and let my best friend and me enjoy our night.”
“Best friends? Interesting. Well, enjoy the party.”
Rose motions me away, and I smile as my sister takes care of Alex. I wander some more, greeting people, and dancing with my husband. I ask him about the guy, Miles. “That’s Miles Corrigan. His grandma’s good friends with my mom.”
“I think I met his brother a few months ago. Matt?”
“You met Matt?”
“Yeah. I met their grandma, too. The lady who helped me, Reina, works for her.”
“Small world.” It isn’t, but I keep that to myself. I have to.
I hear a commotion by the door and look over to see Zane and Scott arguing. For the past couplemonths, Quinn has been living here in Vegas. Scott and Yasmin flew with her back to Chicago and got her clothes and stuff. She’s staying in the Griffin guest house and working with Chloe on some projects. Her love is fashion design, but she was happy for any job.
As far as I know, Zane hasn’t tried to contact her. Luke’s gone with his brothers back to Chicago a few times to try and talk some sense into him, but he wouldn’t listen. I don’t know why he’s back now.
“What the fuck?’ Luke’s as surprised as I am. He takes my hand and we walk closer so we can hear what’s going on.
Quinn has also walked over, and she’s standing in front of Zane. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m so sorry, Quinn. I was an idiot. Please, can we talk?”
“No. You made your choice. You haven’t contacted me once.”
“I know, but I’m here now.”
“And what, I’m supposed to just forget that I was a ‘placeholder’ for five years, and you left me the minute your real love came back?”
“That’s not…you weren’t…please, Quinn.”
“Goodbye Zane.”
Quinn turns and walks away from him. Luke joins his brothers and they stare Zane down until he leaves. I have a feeling that we haven’t seen the last of him. Luke meets my eye, and I know he’s thinking the same thing, too.
Acknowledgements
To Dominique: Sorry that I embarrass you by saying things or people are “hot,” and writing steamy romances in general.
To Gabi: Thanks for taking on the role of my assistant by putting together key chains, helping me set-up at events, and selling my books on occasion.
I love you both, and I’m so proud to be your mom!
To Tera Childs: Without you I wouldn’t have finished book one, much less kept on writing. I’m so glad to know you, and partake in your awesomeness on a regular basis.
I probably wouldn’t have kept writing books if I didn’t have such awesome covers. Helen Williams is a goddess, and I owe her so much. I love our late night/early morning chats!
Jesse Gordon is beyond amazing, and I appreciate him more than he knows!
Aliza Risby fixed my commas for me again in this one. She deserves a big thanks since commas and I have a “hate-hate” relationship!
To the rest of my co-workers at the World Series of Poker: Thanks for the support when I started writing this over the summer while I was working. Your encouragement and friendship means so much to me! Mollie Hunt, Heidi Nolan, and Flora Sanchez made cameos in Creating A Love (along with me). Kyle and his partners actually do have a new bar called The Reserve in Los Angeles. He talked with me about the layout so I could describe it while I was writing the scene from there over the summer. Josie Murillo and Wameeka Bivens gave me lots of support (and friendship), too!
Jessica Hinners, Mallory Daybell, Lisa Dess, Erika Babbitt, and Courtney Axelrod experienced this book first, and their love for it made it all the better for me! You ladies are AWESOME and I love you!
To Candice McCallum, and Brent Surratt: Thanks for the continued support, friendship, and love. I appreciate you coming to my events and buying my books (even though you’re too freaked out to read me writing sexy things). I love working with the two of you!
You all know Cyndi Porter has one of the best side characters in my books. She will also be seen in my new series, Corrigan & Co., which debuts in January. Cyndi is hands down one of the best people I know, and it’s an honor to know her, and work with her every day!
Josh Dunlap, Lindsey Collins, and Chris Phillips are awesome co-workers, too. Thanks for listening to my crazy stories, and ideas!
Sierra Johnson, I will get you to read a companion book if it kills me. And it just might!
Cyndy Ryann, you’re such a good friend. I’m thinking it might be time for a new hair color, so stay tuned!
Sam, Cel, Rose, Addy, Laura Ann, Velvet, April and Jenny: Thanks for always supporting me in all aspects of my life!
Nikki Bylina-Streets and Michelle Malone really are the librarian, and a teacher at Goolsby. I’m glad I got to write them in as Luke’s co-workers!
Lita Weissman is the Events Manager at Barnes & Noble The Grove in L
os Angeles, and a good friend of mine. I was happy that I could give her a cameo in the book. She is beyond awesome, and really would be friends with Yasmin if she happened to be a real person!
To: Sarah Vela, Sean Babbitt, Alesha and Guil Claveria, Alison Packard, Tracy Wolff, Codi Gary, Jenn Valencia, and Sophie Jordan along with many other friends (who I’m sure I forgot to mention, but will catch in one of the next 12 books), thanks for the support and encouragement! I’m lucky to have you all in my life!
To all the readers and fans, you’ve been awesome, and I love you all! Always feel free to reach out, because I love to hear from you! Thanks for buying my books, and loving my boys! Luke was the hardest to write, because he was the last one, and I felt protective of him. Don’t worry, you’ll still see the Griffins in the two novellas, and they’ll pop up in the new series from time to time!
Turn the page for a Sneak Peek of
Zane & Quinn’s novella,
Designing The Love
Coming November 2014!
The final book in The Griffin Brothers series will be:
Working on Love,
Miles & Alex’s novella (December 2014)
Chapter 1
Zane
I made the biggest mistake of my life two months ago. I knew the choice I was making was wrong, but I did it anyway. I thought I had to do it. To leave Quinn at the wedding, and go with Whitney. I felt that if I didn’t, I’d always be wondering “what if.” Then I found out the real reason Whit needed me, and I couldn’t just abandon her. So I spent these past months with the girl I once thought I’d love forever, and in the process, I lost the woman I know I love.
I’m going to get her back, though. Quinn is everything to me. That’s why I’m here in Las Vegas. I left my manager in charge of my tattoo shop, telling him I have no clue when I’ll be back. He can handle it. My clients may be pissed, but I can’t worry about that now. I have to come up with a plan.
I need my buddy, Scott, to help me. He’s not speaking to me at the moment. He came to Chicago with his brothers a few times to try and talk some sense into me. I didn’t listen to him, and now he won’t listen to me. I deserve it. I know that. But I’m not giving up.
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