And living with him . . . it reminded me so much of the island, of falling in love with him. Every night that I fell asleep by his side was another night that I felt wholly and completely at peace. I’d never imagined that being in a relationship like this would be so . . . fulfilling.
Jake kissed up my thighs, savoring every inch of me. I closed my eyes, enjoying his ministrations. His lips traveled up my abdomen, then between my breasts. He lingered over my nipple, circling with his tongue around it before sucking it into his mouth. I let out a satisfied groan as familiar desire ran through me; it never ceased to amaze me how easily he could turn me on.
I pulled his mouth up to mine, then ran my hands to his jeans. Unfastening them, I ran my hand down the length of him. He was completely ready for me. Already. I wasn’t the only one who was easily turned on. Jake groaned under my ministrations, then ripped his clothes off as quickly as humanly possible.
I giggled when he returned to my side, then moved over on top of him. I rubbed against him, letting him feel how much I wanted him. I teased us both, letting the desire surge and grow, escalating into something glorious. Our breaths grew fast, our heartbeats quickened, and just when I was so ready I couldn’t take any more, Jake flipped me over to my back. He gently pushed into me, savoring every inch of our connection. When he was as deep as he could go, he paused. Desire surged in me to the point where I felt like I was about to burst. Like he could read my mind, he finally began to move.
With my jacket splayed on the mattress around me, the euphoria began rising within me. I held Jake tight, wanting to experience every second of it with him. Our movements became more frantic, our breaths heavier, faster. I could feel the ecstasy cresting, almost within reach. And then it was there, exploding over me in a tidal wave of bliss.
I clenched Jake’s shoulders, digging in with my nails as the moment intensified. As I pressed in, Jake cried out, and then I felt his own release. I savored the moment as I came down off my own high. God, I loved making love to this man. And knowing we could do it without guilt made it all the better. Actually, it made it a million times better.
We lay there for a moment, panting, reclaiming our breaths. When we were both calm and mellow, Jake gave me a soft kiss, then moved to my side. He fingered a button on my jacket, a soft smile on his face. “I like this. I think you should wear it every time.”
I laughed at his comment, then sighed with contentment. “Do you think everything will go okay tomorrow?”
“I know it will. It will be more than fine. It will be great.” Grabbing my cheeks, he stared me right in the eyes. “You’ve prepared, you’ve learned, you’ve planned, you’ve advertised the hell out of it . . . there’s no way tomorrow won’t be amazing.”
Biting my lip, I tried to contain my grin. I couldn’t. “I’m too excited to sleep. Make me forget about time so tomorrow comes faster.”
Jake smiled, then softly kissed me. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, running his hand over my breast.
And then he did his best to make sure that I forgot all about the time.
The next morning, I was nervous, anxious, and more excited than I’d ever been in all my life. Today was the day! In just a handful of hours, Isla Bonita would be opening its doors for the first time. I was so giddy. I jumped out of bed and into the shower. Jake tried to join me, but I shooed him out. Last night had been our fun night; today, I needed to focus.
After showering, Jake and I immediately headed for the restaurant. I couldn’t believe how lucky I’d gotten with the location; it was in the perfect spot, right in the heart of the historic theater district. Every restaurant that had been here before had done really well. The only reason the building was even available was because the previous restaurant’s owners had decided to sell and retire. I’d scooped it up and completely revamped it to match my style. It was everything I’d always wanted. Kind of like Jake.
Unlocking the restaurant made me giddy. Stepping inside took my breath away—every single time. The entire space had a cozy, intimate, stranded-on-a-tropical-island feel to it. But it was done in a really classy way, with tall vases full of tropical flowers tucked in every corner, luxurious velvet chairs surrounding every white-linen-covered table, and exquisite art decorating every wall. My sister’s art. Over the last year, she’d really perfected her skill, and all the walls were covered with various island scenes. They were all so real, so exceptional—particularly this one of a pristine bay—that it was almost like Kylie had been with us on that abandoned island. And in a way, maybe she had been.
Holding hands with Jake, I walked into the kitchen. The menu for the restaurant had been the real challenge. Seafood seemed the natural choice with the island theme, but then I’d decided to round it out with beef and chicken. A little something for everyone. All of the food was top notch and high quality. That made the restaurant a little on the higher-priced side, but everyone I’d spoken to had assured me people would gladly pay the price to eat my food. I certainly hoped so; otherwise Isla Bonita might be the first failure in this location.
Everything in the kitchen was still bright, shiny, and new. It made me want to dirty things up. “So,” Jake said, “where would you like me?” I cocked an eyebrow at him. He did look amazing in his tailored suit, but we didn’t have time for that right now. Jake smiled. “For work. What would you like me to do?”
I laughed at his comment, then grinned. “We need to chop . . . everything.”
Jake groaned—he didn’t have my speed, so he hated cutting things up around me. He said it was emasculating. I said he just needed practice, so I made him cut up a lot of stuff.
The rest of the staff arrived while we were working. Phillipe smiled at me, then took over what I was chopping. “You’re the boss,” he said. “Let your minions do your prep work.”
I frowned as he pushed me back a step. “You’re not my minion, Phillipe. You’re still my coworker.”
He grinned at me over his shoulder. “So we can go grab a beer and bitch about the boss?”
“Of course. Anytime you want to.” I paused to point a stern finger at him. “After your shift.”
I’d poached Phillipe and a couple of other cooks from my old job with Chef Rourke. It had taken a lot of faith in me for them to leave that cushy job for this new venture, and I really hoped I didn’t let them down.
As I left Phillipe and the others to their work, I double-checked that everything was ready for the opening. Wine chilled, silverware cleaned, linens spotless, chairs smoothed, flowers watered, lights dimmed . . . we were all set. Inhaling a deep breath, I unlocked the front doors. Come on in, world. I’m ready for you.
Jake rubbed my back while I stood there, absorbing the moment. Twisting around, I smiled at him, then looked past him to the hostess. “When’s the first reservation?”
Her hair and outfit immaculate, she gave me a bright, model-worthy smile. “In twenty minutes. Then we’re booked for most of the entire night.”
I nodded as I let out an anxiety-ridden exhale. “Good . . . that’s good . . .” Nerves began to eat at my enthusiasm. What if people canceled? What if no one showed up? I knew that was highly improbable, but still . . .
Jake turned me around to look at him. “Hey, it’s going to be all right. You’ve got this,” he added with a grin.
Remembering saying those words to him on the island made me grin. “Yes. Yes, I do.” I practically skipped my way back to the kitchen.
Throughout the night Jake became my eyes into the dining room as I worked my ass off in the kitchen. “Table number one seems very happy with their meal. And with the waitress. You did a great job hiring her. She’s extremely knowledgeable but funny and relatable too. People like that combination.” He closed the kitchen door to look at me. “I knew you’d be a natural at this.”
I grinned at him, then threw Phillipe a quick smile. She had been his suggestion.
Jake cracked the door open again as he continued spying on our patrons. “Table five just sat dow
n. That guy looks like a beef guy to me . . . and a big spender. Wagyu. His date seems more reserved. Salmon, for sure.”
I laughed at his assessment, but damn if he wasn’t spot on. If Jake weren’t completely happy with his job, I would have hired him on as a manager or something.
The night continued on, and I was shocked at how busy we were. Not all of the tables had been reserved, and that meant we were getting walk-ins. That was huge for us. Even though we were an upscale place, we would still need to rely on the drop-ins for long-term success.
About halfway through the night, Jake turned to me with a wide smile on his face. “Val, you have VIPs at table twelve. You’re going to have to take a break and greet them yourself.”
I looked at him with wide, incredulous eyes. “Are you serious? I’m a mess right now.” To emphasize my point, I pointed at my hair—discreetly tied up in a clear hairnet—and the sweat dripping down the side of my neck.
Jake’s grin grew. “You’re beautiful,” he told me, and damn if those two words didn’t make my heart flutter.
“Fine,” I sputtered, still smiling. “Take over, Phillipe. I guess I’ve got to meet some VIPs.”
“All part of being the boss, boss.”
I rolled my eyes at Phillipe, then dried my hands and my face and made my way to the door. Jake held it open for me, a secretive smile on his face. I walked into the heart of the dining room and took a look around. Damn. It was packed in here, but everyone looked . . . happy, satisfied, content. The people eating their food were closing their eyes, savoring it. The people waiting for food were sipping on drinks, chatting quietly with each other. Seeing the people so happy at my place, eating my food, made my eyes burn with tears. I felt the tightening of a sob begin to form, but I swallowed it back. The owner of the restaurant having an emotional meltdown on opening night wasn’t the headline I wanted to be reading in the morning.
“This way,” Jake said, grabbing my elbow.
I had no idea who the VIPs were Jake wanted me to greet, but the mystery didn’t last long. When we arrived at a large table within eyesight of the kitchen door, I was nearly overcome with surprise. “Mom, Dad . . . Steph, Alicia . . . Chloe, Kylie . . . Simon?”
Even though this was their special table—with their names engraved on a plaque that sat on top of it—none of them had mentioned coming out tonight. My family and I had planned on all having dinner together sometime next week, when the craziness of the grand opening had died down. Seeing them all here—together—was too much for my joy-heavy heart.
“Oh my God, you guys.” Tears began streaming down my face, and I hastily wiped them away. “I can’t believe you’re . . . oh my God . . .”
My mom swiped her eyes as she moved forward to hug me. “Did you really think we’d miss your opening night?”
“Yes,” I said, half sobbing. “We had plans.”
“Plans change,” Kylie said. She gave Jake a knowing smirk as she rose from the table. It took her a moment to stand with the massive baby bump she was sporting. Her husband, Simon, gave her a hand, and she gleefully walked into my arms. “This is amazing, Val. Absolutely amazing.”
Feeling the life between us kick and move in her belly, I laughed and put a hand on her stomach. “No, this is amazing. And your art. I think you’re going to get a ton of inquiries.” All of her art on the walls had her name and the address and phone number of her art studio on a placard beneath it. Just in my brief time in the dining room, I’d seen a half dozen people pointing and commenting on her work. My success was going to be her success; I was sure of it.
Kylie giggled and crossed her fingers. “Here’s hoping.”
Simon squeezed her shoulder. “No, she’s right; I can tell. This is going to be big for you. Both of you. Congratulations, Valerie.”
“Thank you, Simon,” I said, grinning at my brother-in-law.
When Kylie and I finally separated, Jake moved forward. Smiling warmly at her, he said, “You look great, Kylie. How much longer do you have to go?”
Kylie groaned as she grabbed her stomach with both hands. “Would you believe I still have two more freaking months?” She gave Simon a weary expression. “I’m going to be the size of a house.”
Simon grinned wider. “And I’ll love every inch of you.”
Jake laughed, then looked at me with longing in his eyes. We hadn’t discussed kids yet or even seriously talked about marriage. I had a feeling both of those conversations were fast approaching.
Dad hugged me, congratulating me; then Alicia and Chloe took their turns. Steph waited until last. Her eyes were misty when she finally approached me. “You’re wearing a hairnet,” she said.
I knocked her shoulder back as I rolled my eyes. “Thanks for noticing.”
She laughed, then tossed her arms around me. “I’m so proud of you, Val. This place . . . it’s truly one of a kind.” Pulling back, she looked between Jake and me. “Honestly, if what happened with you two hadn’t happened, none of this would have happened.” She looked back at Kylie, including my radiant sister in her assessment.
With a happy sigh, I leaned into Jake’s side. “Yeah, I know.” Jake and I had always been interested in each other, but without that trauma, that life-changing event, we might have only pined over each other from afar.
“I should probably get back to the kitchen,” I said, wiping my eyes for the millionth time. Everyone said their goodbyes with one final round of hugs. Pointing at them, I said, “I’m going to make you the best meal you’ve ever had.”
Mom and Dad smiled, pride on their faces, and I went back to the kitchen feeling a renewed sense of vigor and determination. Like Jake said, I’ve got this.
I paid extra-special attention to my family’s and friends’ meals, personally overseeing every aspect. While they ate their food, Jake gave me a play-by-play of their reactions. All of it was positive. When they were finished and ready to leave, they stepped into the kitchen to say their goodbyes, swearing it was legitimately the best food they’d ever tasted. After they were gone, the rest of the night flew by faster than seemed possible. I was exhausted by the time the evening was over.
Once all the customers and staff were gone, it was just Jake and me in the kitchen, unwinding with a glass of wine. I suddenly felt every ache and pain that I had earned today, and I was dreaming of a nice, hot bath. Jake had other plans, though.
Walking over, he held a hand out to me. “I want to show you something.”
I tilted my head, confused and curious. “Show me what?” I asked, grabbing his hand.
“You’ll see,” he said, leading me into the dining room.
Shaking my head, I let him lead me to a small table in the corner. It was set up with a pair of tall candles and covered plates. Tilting my head again, I looked over at him. “What’s all this?”
He shrugged. “I happened to notice that you haven’t eaten all day. This exquisitely prepared meal is for you.”
My eyes were wide as I stared at the dishes. “When? How?”
A small laugh escaped him. “That last-minute order might have come from me.”
Warmth spread through my chest and my heart as I studied him. “Have I told you recently how amazing you are?”
Pursing his lips, he tilted his head. “Maybe a couple of times last night, but no, not today.”
I grinned at him, then wrapped my arms around his neck. “Well, you are. You’re absolutely amazing.”
He gave me a soft kiss and murmured, “I’m not the only one. You were outstanding today, but you didn’t eat. And I believe we made a pact that we wouldn’t go another day without eating.”
I smirked as I moved away from him. “I don’t recall a pact . . . but okay, I’ll eat. I’m actually starving, so this is perfect.”
“I know,” he said, pulling out my chair.
His chivalry made me feel those butterflies. Funny how some things never went away. Sitting down, I let him push me slightly under the table. “So what did you order for me?�
� I asked. “I was on autopilot, and I don’t remember what the last order was for . . .”
All speech left me as Jake pulled off the cover on my plate and I saw what he’d prepared for me. It was my signature dish, a perfectly cooked lobster, but sitting on top of the bright-red shell was a tiny, unmistakable box. My heart raced as I stared at it. “Oh . . . God . . .”
Jake picked up the small box. My eyes tracked his every movement, and when he began to sink onto one knee, the tears were instant and unstoppable. “Valerie, I—”
“Yes!” I exclaimed, starting to sob.
Jake frowned. “I haven’t asked you yet.”
A laughing cry left my lips. “Well, will you hurry up and ask me so I can say yes?”
Jake laughed, then nodded. “Valerie, I love you more than I thought it possible to love someone. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
He opened the box, exposing a beautiful solitaire diamond on a silver band. Not answering him, I leaped out of my chair, tossed my arms around him, and immediately found his mouth. Our kiss was soft, sweet, and full of tears. Finally, Jake pulled back to look at me. “It’s still a yes, right?”
I laughed, then nodded. “Yes. It’s always been a yes.” I cupped his cheek with my hand, softly stroking his stubbled skin. “From day one I’ve wanted to be with you, freely, clearly, no guilt or remorse. From day one, I’ve loved you.”
He smiled as he stared at me. “From day one, I’ve loved you too. I just didn’t know it, but now that I do, it’s so obvious to me . . . you’re my soul mate, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
And now we could. Now there was nothing holding us back, nothing keeping us apart, nothing stopping our dreams from coming true. Everything was exactly how I’d always wanted it to be, and then some. I never could have imagined, way back in the beginning, that my life would turn out so . . . perfect.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank all the readers who have been so supportive of me over the years. Your never-ending love for my characters means the world to me. A huge thank-you to everyone who reached out to me with praise for my last book, Under the Northern Lights. That one was a little different for me and very special, and I’m so glad it resonated with so many of you.
Something Like Perfect Page 19