The Way To A Man’s Heart: Books 1-10

by Love, Frankie

When I pick Val up, I’m at a loss for words. I have always thought she was gorgeous, but in this moment — it is more than that. I am looking at the woman who is going to be my wife.

  Everything has changed.

  And she will understand that soon enough.

  “What is it?” she asks, walking toward me. A glass of champagne in her hand. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  I run a hand over my jaw, stepping closer. “No, it’s just you, Val. You look so beautiful.”

  Her cheeks turn red and she shakes her head. But I won’t let the compliment slip past her. I take her hand. “I mean it, Val. I’ve always thought you were the loveliest woman in the world.”

  “Okay, okay, we get it. You have the hots for one another,” Georgie says, coming out of her bedroom with a laugh.

  “Georgie!” Val shoots her best friend a look that mean shut up. Now.

  “Sorry. Sorry,” Georgie says, lifting her hands in defense. “But you two lovebirds need to get out of here.”

  Now it’s my turn to shoot my sister a look. She didn’t tell Val my plan, did she?

  She must notice my paranoia. “It’s all good, big bro. The night is gonna be perfect.”

  I wanted Georgie’s opinion on the ring — but I don’t want her to spoil the surprise.

  I take Valerie’s hand and lead her out of the apartment. It feels right, having her hand in mine.

  I don’t want to let it go. Ever.

  Once we’re on the sidewalk, she asks where we are headed.

  “A few places,” I tell her. “But first I need to do something.”

  “What?” she asks, but I cut her off… pulling her mouth to mine. God, since we kissed this morning, it’s all I’ve wanted. Well, I want more — but I won’t rush my girl. For now, I just let this kiss speak for itself. My hands run through her long hair, her lips part and our tongues touch. Every inch of my body is filled with longing. I’ve been in love with Val for so damn long and now she is here, in my arms, and I swear I will never let her go.

  She must feel it. This heat. This need. Because when we pull apart, she is left gasping, pressing her fingertips to her lips, searching my eyes the same way I just searched her mouth. With devotion, love and desire.

  “I love you, Valerie,” I tell her.

  Tears fill her eyes and I brush them from her cheeks with my thumbs, cupping her face in my hands.

  “I love you too,” she whispers. And I’m more grateful than she knows for her words of affirmation.

  “Good, because I’m about to show you what true love means.”

  I lead her down a few blocks, turning on a familiar street. When I stop in front of the diner, now closed for the day, she frowns. “Oh. What are we doing here?”

  I take the key from my pocket and hand it to her. “It’s yours.”

  “What is this?” she asks, looking at the key.

  “Just try it.” I guide her hand to the lock on the front door, my hand wrapped around hers as she turns the lock. It opens. We step inside.

  “I’m confused.”

  On the surface of every table are bouquets of pale pink roses. She spins around, trying to work it out.

  “It’s yours, Val.”

  “My what?”

  “Your diner.”

  “What do you mean, mine?”

  I pull up the document on my phone, with her name on the lease. “It’s yours — I bought it from Linda this afternoon.”

  Her eyes widen. “That’s why she left early?”

  I smile, pulling her to me, wrapping my arms around her waist. “I know it’s a grand gesture,” I say. “But I didn’t want it to sell before I got the chance to show you what it means when I say I love you. I want to give you the whole damn world — but we know that’s impossible. But giving you this diner — it is.”

  Tears fill her eyes again, and she wraps her arms around my neck. “Why are you being so good to me?”

  “Because I love you.”

  I step back from her and lower myself to one knee. “I know we just revealed how we felt, but Val, I’ve known for a long time how I feel about you. And I can’t hold back.”

  “Vance…” she covers her mouth with her hand.

  “You’ve been alone in the world for far too long. Life is so hard. Hell, I almost died a few months ago — I know that it’s never gonna be easy. But I also know the hard parts are sweeter when you share them with the person you love.” She drops to her knees too, kissing me hard. Letting go of anything she was still holding back in that one perfect kiss.

  Valerie

  His words seem too perfect, too surreal — yet here Vance is, looking at me with devotion. And I know that look because it’s the very one I am giving him back.

  He takes my shaking hands in his. The feel of his hands wrapped around mine makes my belly flip-flop. God, I love this man. Why did I wait so long to tell him?

  “Valerie, I love you,” he says, taking my breath away. “Marry me. Let me be the husband, the man, you deserve.”

  He pulls out a beautiful antique emerald cut diamond ring. “Oh God,” I whisper, covering my mouth with my hands. “You mean it?”

  He gives me a smile, the smile that makes me melt. The smile that makes me his.

  “Oh, I mean it, baby. But I admit to being a little terrified that you’re gonna go bacon my heart.”

  I shake my head. I kiss him again as he draws me so close I can feel his hard length. “I won’t break anything, I promise. I’m yours, Vance. Forever.”

  He slips the glittering ring on my finger and I can’t hold back the sob that rises in my chest. This is a moment I will never forget — the moment when the man I love promises to be mine. It’s what I’ve dreamed of all my life. And somehow, I’m getting my happily ever after.

  “I can’t believe you bought me a diner.”

  He laughs. “It’s where everything changed.”

  I nod, kissing him more deeply. My body awake and alive. His. “I have to tell you something though, Vance. Something I’ve never told anyone.”

  His hands still and he looks in my eyes. We’re sitting on the floor of the diner, our diner, our bodies entwined. My heart his.

  “I’ve never slept with anyone before,” I whisper. “And I want to sleep with you. Now. So badly it hurts…” I run my hand between my leg. My pussy is tender and full of want. Wet. Willing. “It hurts right here,” I moan.

  “Oh, love,” he groans, pulling me to stand. “I need to get you off this dirty floor. Come with me. It’s time you came home.”

  Chapter Seven

  Vance

  My innocent girl is a virgin. A virgin.

  Fuck.

  My cock can hardly stand the thought of it.

  The way her fingers ran between her thighs, over her pussy. I could hardly take it. Hand in hand, we lock the diner up, then head to my place. She has been here before, and I’m glad I tidied the place up.

  I am taking my bride home. I want her to like it.

  “I can’t believe you proposed,” she says, wrapping her arm around mine as we walk.

  “You didn’t expect it?”

  She shakes her head. “I mean, I always dreamed of it… but I didn’t actually think it would happen.”

  “Georgie knew. I thought for sure she’d blow my cover.”

  Val giggles. “I wondered why she was so bubbly, even buying champagne.”

  “I’m glad it was a surprise,” I tell her as I push open the front gate of my bungalow.

  “How did you manage to buy the diner?” she asks hesitantly.

  “I’ve been alone for years — what do I have to spend my money on? I bought this house for a steal, fixed it up by myself. What can I say, I’m a saver.”

  She beams up at me. “Thank you. You literally made all of my wildest dreams come true in the space of a day.” She licks her lips. “Now when we get inside, maybe I can make one of your dreams come true.”

  My cock is rock hard for the love of my life and
I practically pull her into my place. “I want to fuck you. Make wild love to you. I want to satisfy every damn inch of you, but first, I need you to be clear about things.” I open my hands, turning around the house. “This is your home now, Valerie. Understood? No more worrying about rent that’s due. As far as your phone, I’ll get you on my damn family plan. I don’t want you to worry. Ever again.”

  Tears fill her eyes. “You’re too good to me.”

  I pull her to me. “You were here every day when I was recovering. You showed me how devoted you can be. How deeply you care. And then there is your sense of humor, your work ethic, your resilience — fuck, Val. You’re the complete package. And somehow…”

  “What?” she asks softly.

  “Somehow you chose me. It fucking blows my mind.” She licks those sweet pink lips again. “I know you said you wanted to be with me… but we don’t have to rush this, Val. I can wait.”

  She shakes her head. “I’ve waited long enough. Please, take me. Make me yours. Completely.”

  I don’t ask again. Instead, I lead my baby to our bedroom, and I tug off my shirt, kick off my shoes. Pull off my belt. She steps from her heels and I take in her blue dress. It has a full skirt, hiding those curves of hers I love so damn much.

  “You’re so beautiful,” I tell her, stepping closer, my hand going to the zipper on her back. I tease it down and she seems to be holding her breath. “Every inch of you has tormented my dreams for years. I’ve been picturing this moment for so damn long.”

  “And now that it’s here?” Her words are filled with longing.

  “Now I can’t hold back. Now I make you mine.” The dress falls to the floor and my thick cock growls. She is in a pure white bra and matching panties. Her tits are big, full, ready to be kissed. I unclasp the bra, needing to see those nipples she’s hiding, needing to draw one of her big titties to my mouth.

  I don’t hold back. I massage her big, beautiful, round globes, loving the heat of her skin in my hands, loving the way she whimpers as I touch her. She’s hot, same as me, so damn ready. I twirl my tongue over her nipples as I lead her to my bed.

  I push down the waistband of her panties, needing her virgin pussy bared for me. I run a hand over her sweet tuft of hair, so soft and pure. She gasps as I run my fingers over her, dropping her head back and making my cock wild with need.

  Then I drop my pants, my cock so hard against my boxers. She licks those lips again and I ask if she wants to touch me.

  “Please,” she begs. “I want all of you.”

  She takes my cock in her hands, stroking me as I watch. Her eyes are soaking up every second of this.

  “You like my cock, baby?”

  She nods. “You’re so big. So thick.”

  “It’s gonna feel so good when I fill you up,” I tell her, laying her on her back and spreading those creamy thighs of hers. Her cunt is ripe and juicy. “I need to taste you.”

  She nods, wanting this too. “Please, Vance.”

  I dip my mouth to her, my tongue running over her tight folds. I finger her gently, teasing her open ever so softly. Breathing warm air on her in a way that makes her squirm with glee.

  I growl in her ear, “When my fingers go inside you, baby, it might hurt. That okay?”

  She whimpers yes. “Touch me. Make me your woman.”

  I open her up, nice and slow, one finger dipping into her sweet channel, then I lick my finger, needing to taste her release. “You like that, baby?” I ask, touching her, spreading her pussy lips open as I lean down, licking her up the way she needs.

  She squirms under me, but she loves it. I can tell she does as she arches her back, her tits bouncing as she gives herself over to the rhythm of my finger opening her up. I add a second and she moans.

  I smile, knowing my girl is gonna have the goddamn ride of her life.

  Valerie

  His hands run over me, inside of me, and my eyes fill with tears. He stills, looking down at me.

  “You okay, love?”

  Love.

  Tears splash down my cheeks. I nod. “I’m okay,” I whisper. “Just so happy. Happy to be here. With you. I love you so much, Vance.”

  He wraps his big, muscular arms around me. “Oh, baby, I got you. I won’t let go.”

  And the thing is — the crazy, incredible thing is — I know he won’t. He says I am his, and I believe him with every fiber in my body. Vance is a good man. An honest man. A police officer with a desire to make the world a better, safer place.

  And that is just what he has done for me. His arms are a soft place to land.

  “Just relax,” he tells me as he begins to inch his thickness inside me. I close my eyes, my shoulders falling, my head on the pillow.

  My legs are spread and my hear is wide open and he takes me, softly. Slow and sweet. He fills me up in a way I never imagined — entirely. And all those broken parts of my heart begin to heal in just one day, one night. In this moment.

  I give him my virginity but he knows how to care for it. How to care for me. The rest of the world might see me as a girl who doesn’t need any help… but Vance knows. He knows me. He knows I’ve been carrying too much weight on my shoulders for far too long.

  “You feel so good, baby,” he says, kissing my ear, my throat.

  I wrap my arms around his neck, clinging to him. This man who will be my husband. “I want all of you,” I moan as his cock moves deeper inside me. It feels so good, the way he fills me up. My pussy is dripping, juicy and so pleased. The pleasure of his body presses inside me and makes me feel warm and safe… and totally turned on.

  “You have it, all of it. All of me.”

  He bought me a diner, gave me a ring, brought me to his house and said it was my home. He is my Prince Charming, my knight in shining armor, and with his thick cock buried deep inside of me, I know he is my beast too.

  When I come, it is hard, my cries loud, his eyes on me. My body lets go like it never has before. I give myself over to him, to our love. It’s more beautiful than I dreamed.

  We make love for hours, our bodies sweaty, slick, and so damn happy.

  But also, starving.

  “What should we eat for dinner?” he asks, handing me a fluffy bathrobe that smells just like him. Like cedar and pine. I breathe it in, a smile on my face that isn’t going anywhere.

  I grin, stepping closer to my fiancé. He picks me up off the ground and I laugh. “I was thinking bacon and omelettes. And don’t worry, our hearts won’t crack — only the eggs will.”

  Epilogue 1

  Vance

  One year later…

  The workout at the gym with the guys leaves me exhausted — and I know just the right pick-me-up. I can hardly contain my smile. Being a married man feels so damn good, especially since my curvy wife is the sexiest thing in the world.

  “Where are you off to in a hurry?” Grady asks. He has a ring on his finger too, and to be honest, his love story was even more insane than mine. Though as it turns out, it had been building up for a long time.

  “Gotta go see my girl.”

  He chuckles, understanding the sentiment. “See ya at O’Malley’s later?”

  “You know it.” Kaden has roped all of us guys into joining him each week for Tacos and Trivia. Even some of the men who recently joined the gym, like Beckett and Major, come out.

  I walk down the street in a great ass mood. When I see the diner, I pick up the pace. Nothing puts me in a better mood than seeing my girl.

  When I enter the diner, the savory scent of bacon wafts out the door. “You should keep this thing propped open — you’ll attract more customers,” I tell Val as she walks toward me.

  She laughs. “I’m already in over my head with business. Not sure I can handle much more.”

  I look my wife over, her apron cinched high on her waist, her baby bump looking adorable. “You working too hard?”

  She sighs, lifting a pot of coffee in one hand and waving around the busy diner with the other. “May
be. But I’ll be taking time off anyway now.”

  I give her a sweet kiss, knowing any more than that would embarrass her in front of the customers. Still, I can’t resist giving her cute butt a quick squeeze.

  She laughs. “How about you make that order to go? And sit down at the counter for your breakfast. I bet you worked up an appetite at the gym.”

  I sit down on the stool and lean in. “I have an idea of how we could work up another appetite.”

  Her cheeks turn pink and she lifts her eyebrow. “I bet you do.” She lifts the pot of coffee, then pauses. “Actually, you know Jillian just got here.”

  “Yeah?” I lift my eyebrows. “And?”

  “I was thinking… maybe we could take your breakfast to go.”

  I grin. “What do you have in mind?”

  “I know you’re hungry, but baby,” she says, leaning close. “I’m starving.”

  * * *

  Soon we’re home, and I set the to-go containers on the kitchen counter. We undress right there in the kitchen, unable to keep our hands off one another.

  “I’m just always so hungry since I got pregnant,” she says, slipping from her dress. Her tits look so good since I knocked her up.

  “It’s because you’re eating for two now,” I say, unclasping her bra, needing those perfect breasts in my hands.

  She laughs softly. “Not that kind of hunger. I’m craving you all day, all night.”

  I growl in her ear, so damn starved for my girl. Pushing down her panties, I lift her sweet ass and set her on the kitchen counter. She opens the box of food and pulls out a slice of bacon.

  I chuckle as she breaks it in two, feeding me one half. “You’re insane,” I say.

  “That’s true. But it’s you who proposed before our first date.”

  “Yeah,” I say, kissing her neck, easing her ass to the edge of the counter so I can spread her knees and run my fingers over her sweet center. “But you’re the girl who said yes.”