by Elle Wright
Preston pulled me to him as I cried into his shirt. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” he explained. “So, I made it happen.”
I peered up at him. “I love you so much,” I breathed. “No pictures, though. I’m sure I look like a raccoon now. Hot. Mess.”
He laughed softly while he dabbed my cheeks with his handkerchief. “I love you, baby. And you’re perfect. Now, are you ready?”
Grinning, I nodded. “Whenever you are.”
I hugged each of my guests as we walked up to the bench. Judge Reynolds performed the ceremony with lightning speed, just like I’d requested. Then, she pronounced us “Architect Extraordinaire and Marriage Broker.” Everyone laughed as we sealed the deal with a kiss.
“I’m so happy,” I said.
“Thank you for accepting my offer to be your fake boyfriend.”
“Best decision I’ve ever made. Hands down.”
He kissed me. “Definitely. I love you.”
“Love you more.”
Two days later, Dominique Lynn Hayes, was born. Preston had been right there the entire time, wiping my tears and whispering how much he needed me, how much he loved me. Now, as Preston rocked our baby girl in his arms, I was hit with an overwhelming amount of gratitude, of love, for him. If I hadn’t taken the risk, if I hadn’t let myself be open to the possibilities, I would never know the joy of being his wife and her mother.
“You did it,” he whispered.
“We did it,” I corrected.
“She’s so beautiful, so perfect.” He kissed my brow. “We did good.”
“Damn good,” I added.
He brushed his free hand over mine.
My eyes dropped to our hands. “You’re touching me.”
He smirked. “So? I’ll be touching you forever.”
God, I love this man. Grinning, I beckoned him closer with my forefinger. “I’m down with that.” I kissed him. And I knew I’d only want him and the life we’d created together—our family—for the rest of our lives.
Coming Soon
He’s better at the hook up or break up than you are!
So…
Who is Parker Wells Sr.?
Want to know more about the Wells family?
Brooklyn, Parker Jr., Bryson, and Veronica were introduced in WELLSPRING Series—Touched By You, Enticed By You, & Pleasured By You. I followed up that series with a New Year short, ONE MORE DRINK.
Unimaginable luxury. Longstanding wealth. A powerful family empire that controls the town of Wellspring, Michigan. But three heirs are done—with all of it. Now one by one, these very different siblings are seizing control of their lives . . . and daring to find real hometown love.
TOUCHED BY YOU
She's falling hard for the troubled newcomer who saved her life—and holds dangerous secrets.
ENTICED BY YOU
When he is rear-ended by a gorgeous stranger, he finds himself torn between business and pleasure.
PLEASURED BY YOU
He’s built a life for himself away from his domineering father and his hometown… but a chance meeting with the woman who has a hold on his heart changes everything.
ONE MORE DRINK
How many more drinks does she have to order before the neighborhood bartender sees that she’s not just his friend’s newfound sister, but maybe his one chance at forever?
It’s Not Me, It’s You
I fake laugh every time I think about how ironic it is to be a commitment-phobe relationship therapist who is also the daughter of two world-renowned marriage and family counselors. Seriously, it’s comical!
Want to know how I messed up my life? Getting arrested for stealing a priceless artifact for a tearful client.
Want to know what my biggest problem is? Spending my life teaching women how to break relationships when all I want to do is make a relationship—with him.
Want to know what that makes me? The Break-Up Expert who is questioning everything I thought I knew.
Excerpt: It’s Not Me, It’s You
Young In Love, Book One
“Well?” A soft smack to my ass followed the question, pulling me from a peaceful slumber.
I couldn’t open my eyes, though. I couldn’t even stretch like I normally did when I woke from a much-needed nap. If I did either or both of those things, I’d give myself away. Because there was a man behind me, a penis inside me. And I’d actually fallen asleep—during sex. There’s a first for everything.
Things had seemed promising tonight. Tasty food, sensual music, stimulating conversation. Dr. Donell Pointer had hit all my superficial checkmarks for consent. Looks. Sincere brown eyes, pretty white teeth, strong body. Voice. He sounded like hot sex on a smooth, dark chocolate stick. Personality. The good doctor had charisma. I’d laughed at his jokes and had even enjoyed a debate on why soulmates didn’t exist. Of course, he’d landed on the they-do side of the fence, while I’d stayed firmly on the no-the-hell-they-don’t side. I wasn’t one of those women… I didn’t believe in soulmates or that love-at-first-sight bullshit. The only way to fully love someone was if you knew them. Fight me. But even though he was a sappy son of a bitch, it was okay. Because he’d earned a check in my most important wet-panties category. Smile. Oh. My. God. That thing lit up the room. And the tiny creases around his full lips made my decision easy. Sex. All night, preferably. But at least two times.
Except, I couldn’t get through one time without a smidge of drool on the pillow, and not because he’d knocked me out with his prowess. Dr. Donnell was definitely fine as hell. Too bad he had no fuck game. No back-breaking. No tongue-talking. No toe-curling orgasm. If brown liquor was the devil, there had to be a worse name for bad, boring, small-ass dick. Hell? Disappointment? Underwhelming? No, tragic? Yep, that’s it.
“Blake?” His low voice broke my reverie.
Sighing, I opened my eyes slowly. Damn. Such a shame to be so hot, yet so limp. A nod and a forced smile later, I rolled over on my back and tried not to look at his little problem. “Where is my…?” I spotted my dress on the floor near the door. Before I could slide off the bed and race toward the bathroom, his hand wrapped around my wrist.
“Baby, where do you think you’re going? I’m not done with you.”
Oh, boy. I couldn’t help the hard roll of my eyes. Lord, I promise to do better and not be a hoe if you’ll just get me out of here without me having to hurt this man’s feelings. He was a friend of a friend of an associate. The last thing I needed was friend-group gossip. “I have to leave. Early meeting.” I offered him another smile and a light caress on his cheek.
He pulled me closer and nuzzled his nose against my neck. “How about you stay? We can have breakfast in the morning. Together.”
Shit. He just said the magic, dirty word. Together was not what’s up. “No need. I really have to go.” I slipped out of his arms. But that hand of his remained on my wrist.
“I want to see you again. Maybe you’ll give me a chance to change your mind about soulmates.”
Like hell. “Not likely,” I grumbled. “So, about that.” I scratched my head, scrambled to find the right words. Somehow, “fuck off” seemed too harsh. “We don’t have to do this. If you haven’t realized yet, I’m not one of those women who needs the obligatory ‘let’s get together soon’ speech.” Shrugging, I continued, “It’s probably best if we just not even try.”
“Blake, you’re a beautiful woman.”
Can he just shut the hell up?
“I had a good time with you tonight.” He brushed his thumb over my nipple.
I really have to find my panties.
Donnell rubbed his nose over my cheek and placed a chaste kiss there. “I don’t want this to end.”
Okay, I can live without my panties.
A mix between a groan and a whimper escaped his lips as he cupped my pussy in his palm—his small palm.
How the hell didn’t I notice this?
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered agai
nst my ear. “I want you.”
Fuck the panties and the bra. I gripped his hand before his finger made contact with my clit. “Okay, stop. I’m done here.” I pushed him away, stood, and picked up my dress.
“Blake?”
I rolled my eyes, slipping my dress on quickly. Luckily I’d chosen the comfortable, flowy maxi dress over the sexy, short black dress I’d considered wearing. Turning to him, I met his waiting, pitiful gaze. “Dr. Pointer, thanks for tonight. But I’m not interested in more of this.” I motioned toward the bed. “It was…” I stopped short of saying it was nice, because I made it a habit not to lie. “Thanks for dinner and the…conversation.”
Bolting from the room, I slammed the door shut and leaned against it to catch my breath. I ran my fingers through my probably fucked-up hair and hurried out of the hotel.
Acknowledgments
#25!!! Hard to believe I’ve written 25 books! I feel so blessed!
God first! I want to thank Him for His protection, His provision, His grace, His love.
To my hubby, Jason, thank you for being my hero. Your quiet strength calms my storms. I love you so much.
To my lit sisters, Angie, Sherelle, and Sheryl… Thanks for ZOOM sprints, for the late calls, for encouraging me, for having my back. Love y’all!!
Lina, when you talk, I listen. I love that I have seniority in your life! (Insider. LOL)
Midnight, Shavonna, Loretta, Matysha… You are the best!!! Thank you for rolling with me.
A special shout-out to the awesome readers , bloggers, and writers that I’ve met on this journey. Thanks for your support. I appreciate you!
Connect with Elle!
Subscribe to my Newsletter
New Releases, Upcoming projects, and Freebies!
On Facebook,
Join my cocktail lounge for exclusive updates, drink recipes, and lots of fun!
bit.ly/EllesCocktailLounge
Visit my website: www.ellewright.com
Email me at [email protected]
Also by Elle Wright
Contemporary Romance
Edge of Scandal Series
The Forbidden Man
His All Night
Her Kind of Man
All He Wants for Christmas
Once Upon a Series
Beyond Forever (Once Upon a Bridesmaid)
Beyond Ever After (Once Upon a Baby)
Finding Cooper (Once Upon a Funeral)
Jacksons of Ann Arbor
It’s Always Been You
Wherever You Are
Because Of You
All For You
Wellspring Series
Touched By You
Enticed By You
Pleasured By You
Pure Talent Series
The Way You Tempt Me
The Way You Hold Me
The Way You Love Me
Distinguished Gentlemen Series
The Closing Bid
Women of Park Manor
Her Little Secret
Carnivale Chronicles
Irresistible Temptation
New Year Bae-Solutions
One More Drink
Young In Love Series
It’s Not Me, It’s You
Historical Romance
DECADES: A Journey of African American Romance
Made To Hold You (The 80s)
Suspense/Thriller
Basement Level 5: Never Scared
About the Author
There was never a time when Elle Wright wasn’t about to start a book, wasn't already deep in a book—or had just finished one. She grew up believing in the importance of reading, and became a lover of all things romance when her mother gave her her first romance novel. She lives in Michigan.
Connect with Elle!
www.ellewright.com
[email protected]