Reserved for You

by Brenda Margriet

  “Excuse me? Excuse me?” Projecting her voice, she called over the crowded room. “If you don’t mind, can I have your attention for a moment?” Dozens of pairs of eyes turned their way. Faces expressed various emotions, from curiosity to censure. Slowly the room quieted. “Thank you. I’ll only be a moment.”

  “Jemma! What are you doing?” Paul tried to jerk out of her clasp, but she gripped tighter.

  “Jemma?” a woman seated at a nearby table blurted. “Are you Paul’s Jemma? From the show?” A low murmur swept through the diners.

  She turned to Paul. His expression was an endearing mixture of embarrassment, horror, and wonder.

  “Paul Almeida,” she said clearly, making sure the entire room could hear. “I love you. Will you marry me?”

  Paul’s breath backed up into his throat.

  Jemma’s face was pinched and pale and her breasts rose and fell in shallow pants. He’d seen her angry, seen her aroused, seen her agonizing over Miriam’s safety.

  Never before had he seen her this terrified.

  She licked her lips and a surge of lust blew through him, fierce enough to break up his confusion, his befuddlement. With one part of his brain he knew they were standing amid a room full of strangers, full of his customers. The other part of his brain knew only Jemma.

  “Aren’t you going to answer her?” someone called from a far corner.

  His eyes remained riveted on Jemma. “Paul?” she whispered.

  He stretched out a hand, surprised to see it shaking. Gently he brushed the long bangs from her face, pleased they were once again tipped bright pink. The chains and beads around her slim neck glinted in the candlelight, shuddered with every breath.

  “It’s hard, isn’t it?” he said quietly. “Admitting you need someone.”

  She nodded.

  “Admitting you love someone.”

  She nodded again. A pulse beat furiously in her throat.

  “Especially in front of other people.”

  Her lips curved. “It was the least I could do. It’s not national television, but—”

  His hands cupped her delicate shoulders. Her skin was silky under his palms, cool and vibrant. He slid his hands down her arms and brought her fingers to his mouth. Her eyelids fluttered as he kissed the knuckles of one hand and then the other.

  “I appreciate the gesture.”

  “So, what do you say?” She breathed the words. “Will you marry me?”

  He looked into her eyes and saw his future, his fantasy, his faith. “Yes, Jemma Hedge. I’ll marry you.” He laid his lips on hers. She flung her arms around his neck and clung to him.

  The room erupted in applause.

  Who knew watching a man cook could be so arousing?

  Jemma sat at the table with Miriam as Paul moved easily and efficiently around their kitchen. She felt light-headed, light-hearted—easier within herself than she had in years.

  Paul looked up from the chicken he was sautéing and smiled. Her heart twisted and her belly tingled.

  Daniel had opened bottles of champagne, offered it to the diners, and toasted Jemma and Paul with a wide grin. Following which he’d kicked them both out. “Go on,” he told Paul. “We’re used to being without you, anyway. Take your woman home.”

  They stopped at a grocery store on the way and picked up ingredients for the late dinner Paul insisted on making once he learned Jemma hadn’t eaten.

  “I didn’t want to throw up on you,” she’d admitted. “I was so nervous I was afraid I’d hurl if I ate anything.”

  Miriam was thrilled to see Paul. Tears came to her eyes when Jemma told her the news. She patted his cheek. “You’ll take care of my Jemma, won’t you?” she said, a quaver in her voice. “I’m not going to get better, you know. She’ll need someone to take care of her.”

  Paul wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “I’ll take care of you both.” Like he was doing now.

  Tonight, his cooking skills were wasted on Jemma. She barely tasted the food he dished out, content simply to be near the two people she loved the most.

  Miriam went to bed after they finished tidying. Jemma pulled Paul onto the couch, curling her feet under her, and leaning her head on his shoulder. His arm held her snugly to his side.

  “I am so glad you came to the restaurant tonight.” His lips brushed her temple.

  She smiled. “I’m glad now. I was petrified before.” “If you’d waited a couple more days you wouldn’t have had to. I was ready to track you down and insist you change your mind.”

  She shifted onto her back and lay with her head in his lap. “I do have another question.”

  “Anything.”

  “Did you eliminate Fenella for me?”

  His fingers, playing in her hair, faltered. A shamefaced look crossed his strong features.

  “You did,” she exclaimed, delighted.

  “I still feel guilty about it.” He brushed the pad of his thumb over her lower lip.

  She shivered and forced herself to concentrate. “I suppose in the spirit of confession I should tell you something.”

  “You’re not already married, are you?”

  She laughed out loud at the sheer fun in his face. “No. But you should probably know I’m a saboteur.”

  His hand stilled on her cheek. “What?”

  “Remember Fenella’s omelette? The salty one?”

  “Yes,” he drawled. His brows dipped between his eyes.

  “I did it.” She explained what she’d done.

  His lips quivered. “I should be horrified. But all I can think is that you were protecting me. Even before you let me into your life, you were looking out for me.”

  “The worst part is, I don’t feel guilty, not like you.” She stared into his eyes. “But then I’m much meaner than you are.”

  He trailed a finger over her nose, her lips, down her throat to the hollow at the base of her neck. “You’re not mean. You just pretend to be. Besides, I like you prickly and stubborn.”

  “I love you.” It was no longer frightening to admit. It was breathtaking, intoxicating. She slipped her hand under his shirt to rub the skin of his abdomen. Firm muscles tightened under her caress. “I love you.”

  “God, that sounds so good.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, too. And there’s not one damn thing you can do about it.”

  She pulled away, let a gleeful, teasing smile curve her lips. “There isn’t one damn thing,” she said. “There are dozens of damn things I can do about it.” And proceeded to tell him exactly what those things might be.

  Until he pinned her to the couch and silenced her laughter with kisses.

  Thank You!

  Thanks for reading Reserved for You. I hope you enjoyed it!

  Reviews are a great way to help other readers learn about new authors. I encourage you to publish your honest review at the retailer where you purchased your copy.

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  Other books by Brenda Margriet

  MOUNTAIN FIRE

  A mountaintop mystery leads two conservationists to dangerous obsessions and violent passions.

  Natural resources student June Brandt climbs Longworth Mountain for some alone time. But when Conservation Officer Alex Weaver arrives to look into the death of a grizzly bear, June is caught up in the investigation—and fascinated by Alex.

  Alex is attracted by June's competence and coolness under fire—as well as her lithe body and honey-blonde hair. Although their mutual interest in protecting the natural wonders of the area brings them together, they soon realize they view love from very different angles. He offers passion and pleasure, but June wants more.

  When one of Alex's colleagues is
murdered, June and Alex must work together to find the poacher before other lives are lost. And Alex must look deep inside to discover if he can give June what she deserves.

  WHEN TIME FALLS STILL

  Professor Charlotte Girardet is focused on one thing – securing tenure at a large, prestigious university. Her career is firmly on track, but her life is complicated by her attraction to rough and rugged security guard Justice Cooper.

  It isn’t only Charlotte’s heart in danger, however. Tensions blaze on campus after several students are viciously attacked. Struggling to balance her ambitions and her growing passion, Charlotte takes a leap of faith, and trusts Justice with her deepest secret.

  But when the assailant’s attacks escalate to kidnapping, will Charlotte have the chance to decide between her long-held dreams or a new life with Justice?

  NO LIFE BUT THIS

  Abigail Garsson feels trapped in her safe, boring, conventional life. Desperate to escape, she signs up for an adventure vacation on the Portuguese island of São Miguel.

  Santos Carregado enjoys introducing tourists to his tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic. At first he barely notices the unassuming Abigail. He soon finds her meek exterior hides a vibrant woman who teases his senses and ignites his passion.

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  Will the realities of life shatter Abigail’s holiday daydream? Or can the shifting sands of a short-term fling become the rock on which a life-long relationship is built?

  The Bendixon Sisters Series

  ALLEGRO COURT

  (March 2019)

  Marcus Temple escaped his despised birthplace, driven by his passion for music. Now a sophisticated, world-class cellist, he must return when his mother suffers a severe stroke. Going back also means dealing with the woman whose heart he broke when he left—Mattie Bendixon.

  More comfortable in overalls than orchestra seats, Mattie's childhood dreams were simple—working for her grandfather's construction company and building a life with Marcus. His ambitions forced her to abandon one goal, and now her beloved company is also under threat.

  ​

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  GATEWAY CRESCENT

  (June 2019)

  Jo Bendixon loves to sing, enjoys working in a coffee shop, and is secretly teaching herself to code. If only she could find a way to combine her varied interests into a career her sisters would approve.

  Luke Donwell’s Catholic faith is the bedrock of his life. For as long as he can remember, he’s contemplated a vocation to the priesthood. Now it’s time to make a final decision about taking his vows.

  When Jo and Luke end up working together, neither of them is prepared for the heat blossoming between them. Luke begins to doubt his calling, but Jo encourages him to continue seeking the truth. Her heart will break when he leaves her, but how can a girl compete with God?

  CROSSROADS CORNER

  (September 2019)

  After an embezzling boyfriend puts her under police suspicion—and deeply in debt—Camryn Bendixon joins her grandfather’s failing construction company. Her goal is simple—work constantly to rebuild her career and her self-esteem. And if she must drag Bendixon and Sons back to profitability by her well-manicured fingernails, that’s what she’ll do.

  Will Danson knows life is fragile—a fact brought home when Laura, his only child, lost her sight. Determined to provide for her, he does his best to balance managing the Prince George division of the Kohlenburg Group with his young daughter’s needs. But it can be a lonely road for a single dad.

  Soon Camryn and Will are competing for construction bids and career-making contracts. But it is Camryn’s battered heart that Will truly wants to win.

  About the Author

  Brenda Margriet writes contemporary romances with heroes you’d meet at the grocery store. And by that she means real-life men – sexy, smart and looking for the love of their life. Her heroines are bold, savvy and determined to accept nothing less than the man they deserve. A voracious reader since she was old enough to hold a book, Brenda’s idea of the perfect holiday involves a comfortable chair near the water (ocean, lake or pool will do), a glass of wine, and a full-loaded e-reader. She lives in Northern British Columbia with her husband, various finny and furry pets and has three grown children. Discover more about Brenda and her books at www.brendamargriet.com.