by Lisa Shelby
“Well, then I can’t wait to say yes when you do ask. I love you, Mickey Jacobs and I can’t wait to make you the happiest man alive.”
“You already do, baby…you already do. Now kiss me.”
Alex
It’s been an amazing day. I’m so glad that I was able to be here for Emily’s big day. I hate that I couldn’t get here soon enough for the proposal, but I got to stand up with her tonight, and that’s the important part. She and Jonathan couldn’t look happier or more in love, and it warms my heart. They’ve both been through a lot and I’m so glad they’ve found each other.
I’m also glad that I’m here with Mick on this special night. To see his face when I started my walk down the aisle was priceless and something that I’ll never forget. He was taking video for me just like I had asked. As always, taking care of me even when I’m not there. Not only was he surprised that I was here, but I had never seen him look so happy before. If he only knew what his heartfelt smile did to me.
Our eyes were glued to each other for most of the ceremony and then we barely made it back down the aisle after. We danced the night away at the reception and witnessed nothing but love and joy all night long. The love around us came in so many different forms. The love of friends, family we were born into and the family we chose to create as we navigate our way through life. I love my family, but this family…the family that I have chosen and that have chosen me, means just as much to me.
Hearing Mick tell me he loved me and that he wanted to create a family with me made this the absolute best day of my life. Today is better than all my days that have come before it. I know that I will never forget the words that he spoke to me tonight on that beach. Mickey Jacobs loves me. He’s going to marry me, and apparently, I’m going to give him babies. Nothing has ever sounded so good to me. I can’t wait to make all of his predictions come true. If only we were having a surprise wedding today too. He said soon, though. Let’s hope that prediction is right because I don’t want to spend another day away from him.
It’s late and we’re all in the limo that’s taking us back to our hotel. Jonathan had rented a jeep and hired a driver to take him and Emily back to their cottage. He really did think of everything, and I know that the jeep means more to Emily than a limo ever could. We’ll meet up with them again tomorrow for lunch at Duke’s. Duke’s is apparently the home of the best cheeseburger on earth and one of the bars that Emily and Jonathan spent time at the week they met. After that it’s drink’s at Ole’s—where it all began for them. Jonathan has reserved the window seat that Emily loved so much and the bar knows to expect us. I can’t wait to toast our friends and send them on their way to the Irish countryside for their honeymoon. Emily is going to freak out when she finds out where she’s going.
As we ride back to the hotel and recap our day that was full of happy tears and lots of laughter, I notice Mickey is engrossed in his phone and not really engaging in the conversation. He’s usually the life of the party but he seems preoccupied. Liam and Devon are full of wise ass remarks that he would normally one up with one of his own and with Kate, Sam, Steph, Gabby and Cami here to give him all the female attention he usually loves, I’m starting to worry.
Trying not to stress myself out I just ignore him and continue to join in the conversation that fills the limo. A few minutes later he whispers in my ear. “Sweet Thing, come here.”
I turn to look at him and before I can say a word his soft, warm lips are on mine and his arm is out in front of us as he takes a selfie of our kiss.
“Here,” he says as he puts his arm around me and brings his phone up for another picture. This time we smile for the camera. Then he moves his lips to his spot and takes a picture of him kissing the crook of my neck. This makes me giggle and he brings his kiss to my cheek. “Thanks, baby.”
And just like that, he’s back to obsessing over his phone. The limo has gone quiet and I turn to see that there are seven grinning faces staring back at me.
“What?”
Cami is the only person to reply. “What have you done to him?”
“What do you mean?” But I know what she means.
“Mickey freaking Jacobs has got it bad. I mean, I know we’ve talked about it, but witnessing everything tonight and whatever that was, is like looking at a mythical creature. It’s like we have a living, breathing unicorn among us. It’s a sight to behold.”
“Oh stop, Cami. You’re just being silly.”
“Um, I don’t think she is,” Gabby says holding up her phone. “At least not if Facebook has anything to say about it.”
“What are you talking about, Gabs?”
“Well, I just got a new friend request. Here, check it out yourself,” she replies handing me her phone.
I gasp when I see what’s on her screen. She’s on Mick’s new page and his first picture posted and his new profile picture is the picture of me giggling into the camera while he kisses his spot. Above the picture he has posted ‘She. Is. Everything.’
I hear oohs and aahs around the limo and know that everybody else has their phones out too. I can feel him watching me. I turn to him and he just smiles and says, “Hi.”
I don’t know why but the first thing I say is. “But you don’t have a Facebook page.”
“I didn’t but I wanted the world to know that I’m yours and I figured this was the easiest way to do that. Besides, Ireland is more advanced than I am at all this technology stuff so I guess it’s time to join the world of social media.”
“You are crazy, you know that?”
“No, I’m ‘in a relationship’. I mean if Facebook says it’s true, then it must be.” He takes his finger and swipes the picture up and there it is for the world to see. Mickey Jacobs is in a relationship with Alexandra Stotts.
“You are such a dork.”
“I’m your dork. Now give Gabby back her phone and get over here.”
I do as I’m told and hand Gabs her phone. She gives me a little smile and a wink and I can’t help but grin from ear to ear. I scoot back in my seat but not for long. Mickey grabs me and puts me on his lap and finds his spot in my neck again. His strong arms wrap around my waist and mine go around his neck while my head rests on the top of his. I can feel his voice vibrate against my skin when he hums, “Mine.”
The vibration reaches my heart and I feel all the places that were once dark and cold, secluded and closed off, filling up with light and love. Opening up to new possibilities and a new future. A future I never dreamed of because there was no way it could ever be possible. But it is possible. Because here I am in his arms.
This.
Right Here.
Right Now.
Are what dreams are made of.
EPILOGUE
Ignition Remix
10 years later
It’s Saturday night and here I sit at the bar alone. It’s a nice bar, in a really nice hotel. A classy joint really, but I’m still alone at a bar on a Saturday. It’s not my usual MO, but I was told that if I showed up at 9:00 pm it would be worth my while. Another thing that’s not my MO is the feeling of anxiousness that I can’t seem to hide. It’s evident as my leg bounces up and down due to the pressure I’m putting into the bounce of my foot on the rung of this stool.
It’s 9:10 and I’m starting to wonder if I’m being stood up. I take a look over each shoulder to make sure that I’m in the right spot and just as I turn back around to my rum and Coke I see her. She is easily the most beautiful woman in the place. Her long hair floats past her shoulders and she carries herself with an easy confidence, just like I like in my woman. She has on a simple black dress and it hugs her perfect curves just right. When she rounds the bar and I get a full view of her she takes my breath away. Those legs…in that dress…with those heels…it sure would be nice to have those legs wrapped around me later tonight…with only those heels on.
She is a thing of beauty and I can feel my heart stutter as she saunters in my direction. When she walks past me I can
smell her perfume and it’s like an instant high. There are several empty stools on each side of me so it takes me by surprise when she takes the one to my left and perches her fine ass upon it.
“Grey Goose and cranberry, please,” she says to the bartender.
It takes everything I have in me not to turn my body in her direction and work my charm on her but this woman sitting next to me…this woman looks like she wants to be in charge of things tonight.
The bartender brings her the vodka cranberry she ordered and when she reaches for her purse to pay, I step in. “Put it on my tab.” The bartender nods his understanding and walks away.
“You didn’t need to do that, but thank you.”
“No problem.”
She’s quiet after our short interlude and seems preoccupied. I try my best to leave her alone but with her sitting this close to me I’m finding it impossible. She’s just so damn beautiful, smells amazing and I sure would love a taste of her. Let’s see if I’ve still got it?
“So, you having a nice night?”
“We’ll see.”
“Oh, are you meeting somebody here?”
I anxiously await her reply while she takes a leisurely sip of her drink. I can’t help but watch as her tongue slowly cleans up the bit of her drink that was left on her lips. Good god! This woman is lethal! And when she finally answers, her voice is sultry music to my ears.
“I’m supposed to be meeting a date here tonight.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yep.”
“Me too.”
“You don’t say?”
“Scouts honor. What’s your date look like and maybe I can help you find him.”
“Well, he’s ridiculously handsome. Some might even say a bit of a pretty boy.”
“Ugh. He sounds awful already. Please continue, though.”
“Well, he’s got short blond hair and big, beautiful, dark brown eyes. He’s a few inches over six feet tall and a pretty fine specimen as far as his build goes. He’s pretty hot.”
“Really? What more do you know about him?”
“Oh, I don’t think you really want to hear more about my date, do you? What about your date? What’s she like?”
“Nice way to change the subject, but that’s okay, I’ll play along.” I say with a wink. “Let’s see, my date is one of the most beautiful women to walk the planet. Tall, legs for days, dark hair, dark eyes, and flawless skin. She’s the whole package.”
“Wow, she sounds pretty great. You sure she’s meeting you here?”
“Ha! I know, right. It doesn’t make any sense to me either. I’m a pretty lucky guy. I’m hoping my night’s gonna be pretty lucky too.”
“You seem to be feeling pretty sure of yourself.”
“Well, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her and she knows it. That helps my case just a little bit.”
“Ah, so you’re just a softy deep down, is that what you you’re trying to tell me?”
“When it comes to this woman, I am as whipped as they come, and I am not too proud to admit it.”
“So, she’s got you wrapped her little finger then?” She says while holding her little finger up to me and giving it a wiggle.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Interesting…” She crosses her legs and turns on her stool so that she’s facing me. I can’t help but turn as well and I can’t stop the smile that I feel stretch across my face. Seeing her face head on is something else. She. Is. Exquisite.
Her hand starts to slowly glide up my leg while she looks up at me through her thick lashes. “Just how whipped does she have you?” There is confidence oozing out of her. I like it.
“Oh honey, I’m on my knees, bound, gagged and whipped for her.”
I hear a hitch in her breath at my confession and her hand stops on my thigh. She lifts it so that she can take a sip of her drink. I can feel myself getting harder by the second as I watch her tongue come out to wrangle her straw into her luscious mouth.
Releasing the straw that I am more than jealous of, she asks, “So, do you think she’ll have you on your knees tonight?”
“If that’s what she wants then that’s what she’ll get.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back. If you could order me another drink that would be great.” She whispers this in my ear and then drags a finger across my shoulders as she walks away. Watching her walk away is something to behold. That is one fine ass!
I need to rein myself in and cool down before she gets back. I order her drink and keep nursing mine while imagining myself on my knees in one of the hotel rooms above us.
The bartender slides her fresh drink in front of her still empty stool. “She’s something else, man. Damn, she is fine.”
“Yes, that she is.”
I know the minute she’s back in the bar. There is a sizzle in the air and when I look up she’s on her way back with that same sexy walk that she had the first time she walked in. She approaches her stool, but instead of sitting she stands next to me and whispers in my ear.
“I like your suit, but you’re missing something.”
“Is that so? And what would that be”
Without answering she brings her hand up to the breast pocket of my suit jacket and puts something inside. “That’s better.” She says once she has arranged it to her liking.
Looking down I see red lace peeking out of my pocket up at me. I lift my fingers and rub the lace between then. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Hmmm…” She lifts her glass to her mouth and goes to work on that straw again.
“Does this mean what I think it does? You missing something under your dress right now?”
“Wanna find out?”
“Just what do you have in mind?”
“Why don’t you get the check and close your tab while I finish my drink.”
“Check please!”
I’m feeling bold tonight. I’m a fairly confident woman but I wasn’t always this way. It took a special man to make me feel this strong and it’s stayed with me. Tonight, that confidence is spilling out of me. There is just something about the man in the sexy suit on the stool next to me that has me so full of need that I’m having no problem taking what I want.
He’s making it really easy. He seems eager to do just about anything I tell him to. He may not be much of a challenge but I think I’ll enjoy playing with him for a while.
He pays the bill and turns in his seat and I can feel him staring at me while I casually finish my drink, taking my time.
Once I finish I put the glass down, purposefully lick my lips and then spin around on my stool, grab my clutch and stand up. I don’t say anything. I simply start walking toward the elevators. I don’t look back to see if he’s behind me. I know he is. He’s following me like a little puppy.
When I make it to the elevators I push the up button and wait. When the bell chimes and the doors open I finally turn around and see him waiting patiently. I grab his tie and turn around pulling him behind me. I select the nineteenth floor with my free hand and watch the doors close. He doesn’t move behind me. He stands still while I keep him in place still holding him by the tie.
After a long, quiet ride we finally reach my floor. I gently pull him behind me and down the hall to room 1921. I drop his tie and say, “Stay.”
I open my purse, pull out my key card and open the door. I take his tie in my hand again and pull him into my room. He still hasn’t said a word but he does make sure all the locks on the door are locked before his attention is back on me.
I pull him further into the room and stop us at the foot of the bed.
“Take off your jacket.”
His jacket drops to the floor and a sexy smirk lights his eyes.
“Don’t get too sassy, pretty boy. The night is still young.”
“What exactly did you have planned for me?”
I take the two steps needed to get close enough to start untying his tie. “Earlier tonight you mentioned bei
ng bound, gagged and whipped.”
He lifts one of his cocky eyebrows just as I pull his tie off of his neck. “Is that so?”
“Only if you behave yourself.”
“Oh, I’ll behave.”
“Good. Now take your off your shoes and socks.”
I step away and take my phone out and turn on the portable speaker that I had brought with me. I select my song of choice and turn back to see him waiting for his next command.
When Mary J Blige starts singing he smiles and gives me a wink. I ignore his smile and get back to business. I reach for his belt and undo it with ease. I pull it out of his belt loops so fast that it makes a loud crack through the air. “We’ll save that for later,” I say tossing the belt on to the bed.
“I love the way your mind works, woman.”
I step as close to him as I can get but keep my eyes on his as I unbutton his suit pants. I slowly move them over his perfectly sculpted ass and drop them to the floor. He’s now standing there in just his black boxer briefs and his white button down shirt. I can’t help but look down to see what I felt behind his pants as I pulled his zipper down.
With my hands still on his ass I lift my eyes back to his as Mary continues singing on a loop in the background. I take his right hand in mine and start to undo the buttons on his shirt sleeve. Without taking my eyes off of him I take care of his left sleeve as well. Next I move to the buttons on the front of his shirt while his eyes penetrate deep inside me. His stare has an effect on me like I wouldn’t imagine I would still have at this age. He makes me feel like a teenager on a date with her high school crush.
Once I have the last button undone he suddenly pulls me near him and his hand reaches around to the zipper of my dress. But I reach back and stop him. “We’ll get to that.” I reach my hands up and under his shirt to push it off his shoulders loving that I’m in total control. Once I feel the shirt fall I can’t help but step back and take a look at the sexy as hell man before me.
To say that I did not expect to see what I see would be an understatement. I can’t help but burst out into a fit of laughter and my confident sexy moment is out the window.