Her Forever Fling

by Kimmie Ferrell

  “You ran from me.” He said it more of a statement than a question. “Have you forgotten each time you’ve run from me, whether in Chaud, Memphis, Savannah, or even in Baltimore, I’ve caught you?” His full lips curved into a sexy smile.

  To anyone who wasn’t familiar with Dr. Elijah Grayson, the statement would be viewed as ill-timed and arrogant, but despite how angry she wanted to be—at what she no longer knew—Melissa chuckled. “I’m trying to be serious, Elijah.”

  “So am I because I’m madly in love with you, Melissa Gaines, and I don’t ever plan to let you go.”

  Elijah’s emphasis on the word ‘ever’ wasn’t lost on Melissa, letting her know he meant every word he said.

  “You were an unexpected surprise that day in Chaud when you bumped into me and read me like a book. All I could do was stand there with my jaw unhinged and watch you stomp away with your head held high, your purse strap hanging precariously off your shoulder, dragging your luggage and my heart along with you. I knew my life would never be the same then with you in it, nor did I want it to be. And I was right.”

  Thick tears burned the backs of Melissa’s eyes, and pent-up emotions clogged her throat. There was so much she wanted to say, so many questions desperately needed answers to, but staring into the depths of his eyes, Melissa forgot them all. Her mother’s sage advice floated to mind. “The only way to find a semblance of peace is to call your young man.”

  Only the peace Melissa sought stemmed from years of regret for not being the person she always wanted to be. For being so afraid of what people thought about her and limiting herself to the safest, most likable option of Melissa Gaines. Then, out of nowhere, this man showed up with his impeccable taste, infectious laughter, a panty-melting smile, delectable body, intoxicating scent, an abundance of patience, questionable sense of humor, and the innate ability to not only destroy walls erected out of fear but also knew how to draw Melissa out from her shelter of choice…that damn box.

  The first tear slipped from Melissa’s eyes, followed by another. Soon, the dam burst, and she could no longer control them from falling. Elijah gently pulled her into his arms and held her tight. She melted into his touch, accepting the warmth flowing through her body, from the soles of her feet to the very last follicle of hair on her head. Her eyes slipped closed as he thumbed away her tears, his touch lingering over her cheeks, jawline, eyebrows, and finally, her lips.

  Suddenly, the severity of how much she’d missed Elijah hit Melissa like a boulder. The sound of his velvet voice, the fire in his eyes when he looked at her, his delicious aroma, being in his presence chased away the pain she’d held in her heart when she thought the relationship was through. Melissa didn’t like that feeling. As a matter of fact, it broke her more than any rumor could ever.

  “I’m so sorry, Elijah,” Melissa said into his chest. “Sorry for how I reacted, for asking for time away from you when all I really wanted to do was hug, kiss, and congratulate you on getting the promotion, and most of all, I’m sorry for hurting you.” She leaned back so Elijah could see the sincerity in her eyes. “I can blame it on my fears, but, Elijah, you’ve helped me get over so many of them it almost feels like an excuse.”

  “But it’s not. You’re actively working through decades-old fears and insecurities, Melissa, and it’s going to take time. Hell, I’m not perfect. I’m doing the exact same. We’re not going to be healed overnight, nor do I expect you to be anything other than the woman I fell in love with.” His voice was firm but held reassurance.

  “Okay.” Melissa smiled, feeling utterly happy and complete for the first time in…ever. She locked her arms around Elijah’s neck and lifted to her toes, bringing their lips mere inches apart. “I’d like that. Taking it one day at a time until the end of time.”

  “So, what are we going to do about work? Everyone knows we’re dating. Are you still worried about what they will think?”

  Melissa thought about the question for a second. “A little, but I know how hard I’ve worked at BCMH. No one can negate the hours I spent helping my patients or being a team player. It’s like what my mom said, I have to live for myself, and like what Auntie E told me—them hating ass hoes are in their feelings like Drake because they weren’t promoted.”

  Elijah’s eyes bulged, and his mouth dropped open. “Jayla’s mother said that?” At Melissa’s nod, he burst out laughing. “Well, I see where she gets her recklessness from.” Moments later, Elijah released Melissa, much to her chagrin. “As much as I want to stay here and hold you, our families are outside waiting on us, and we gotta go. I do not want your mother pissed off at me. She made me promise I wouldn’t propose to you tonight.”

  “P-Propose,” Melissa stuttered, completely bewildered. Her heart thundered in her chest. “Y-You were going to propose to me? Tonight?”

  “Not tonight,” Elijah began, and Melissa couldn’t ignore the twinge of disappointment at his words. As if sensing the shift in her mood, Elijah used his index finger to cup her chin. “But soon, because you are the only woman I want in my life, Nurse Sweetheart. I love you.”

  “And I love you, too, Dr. Bae,” Melissa said, stepping back into his embrace wearing a huge grin. “You are exactly what the doctor ordered. My forever fling.”

  Acknowledgments

  To my little big sister, Saronda, thank you for EVERYTHING! I love you, sis.

  To my nephew, Marcello, tee-tee did it!

  To Brook and Niecy, between the valued feedback you provide, and your friendship, I'm blessed to have you both in my life.

  To Sheryl Lister, thank you for the brainstorming session and talking me down from the ceiling.

  To the ladies of Rose Gold Press, thank you for believing in me and my writing, for giving me this opportunity, and for the alley-oop assist on making my longtime dream come true.

  About the Author

  Born and raised in Washington, DC, Kimmie has enjoyed reading romance novels since the age of thirteen when she was gifted an enormous box of Harlequin and Silhouette novels from her late mother.

  Kimmie crafts sensual and sweet contemporary romance stories featuring relatable characters dealing with real-life scenarios in the pursuit of the often-thought-as-elusive happily ever after.

  To learn more about Kimmie, visit her at: www.authorkimmieferrell.com

  Also by Kimmie Ferrell

  Hate To Love You Anthology

  Stuck With You

  Landon only has ten days to show Gianna he’s not the man she thinks he is. But the uphill battle to win her heart is not easy. As the two rival event planners work to pull of the wedding of the century, they realize sometimes the best kind of love is unplanned.

  Ours Is A Story That Needs To Be Told

  We hope you enjoyed this Rose Gold Press Romance!

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  Some dream in black and white, but we dream in color. Our mission is to publish quality Black romance and women’s fiction novels and novellas. As a culture, ours is a story that needs to be told and this is our contribution to the many black and brown readers who have been clamoring for stories about us and for us.

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