This morning, for this very reason, he decided enough was enough.
He was still crazy in love with Chelsea Summerville and it was time to have her in his life again, where she belonged. He no longer desired to wake up alone and without her.
Two Weeks Later
The drive to her parents' house was scenic and relaxing, though it didn’t calm his ragged heart from beating uncontrollably.
What if she doesn’t want me back in her life?
Three anxious hours later, he drove up the sweeping driveway and stared in awe at the majestic house. Immediately catching the eye were stone pillared balconies jutting from upstairs rooms, while the front alcove leading to a set of double doors looked a little magical. His notions were so fanciful, and everything appeared different to him now.
The beautiful, vast gardens, sprinkled with the various colors of summer, brought memories flooding back to a time when they lay whispering to each other in the wee hours. He remembered every little detail now, as though it was yesterday, when she’d recounted stories from her life in Tidwell. Her beautiful face had lit up and her eyes had grown wide and vivacious as she’d spoken about her first love, flowers.
His knock was answered by Charlotte and her first reaction was to scowl before bursting into a beaming smile. He knew the large two-story house contained two wings separated by a sweeping staircase through the middle, but a quick glance over Charlotte’s shoulder revealed that Chelsea had understated the house’s size and appearance.
“It’s about time you showed up. Chelsea is sulking upstairs.”
Her found her sitting on a small love seat by a large inviting window which provided a view of the lovely gardens below. She was hugging her knees to her chest and her face was turned away towards the window. Beside her on the seat sat his journal and his heart beat frantically in hope. He cleared his throat.
Chelsea stared out into the garden, unseeing. Someone had purchased both Bloom and her house. Her life in the city was over. Now that it was done, she felt sadder than before. Her parents advised her both properties were purchased through an agent and they were unaware who the buyer actually was. That chapter of her life was now over but she still couldn’t close the book. What was she going to do now?
A familiar throat clearing jolted her from her reverie and for a moment she thought she’d imagined it. She turned slowly to find Lucas perched on the foot of her bed, gazing at her, his face guarded and his eyes amber. Her heart leapt.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I want you to come back to the city.”
“Why?”
“Because I do.”
“Why? Besides, I can’t. I've sold Bloom and the house.”
“I know. I bought them both.”
“What? Why? How?”
“My parents left me some money, which I invested wisely over the years. It was more than enough to purchase the shop and house. I want you to come home.”
“Why?”
“Because...”
“Because what, Lucas?”
“Because... I’m in love with you. I was from the moment I saw you.”
He stood up and strode the short distance across the room. He lifted her up from the seat and drew her in close to him. A wave of emotions coursed through her as she studied his expression. His crooked smile sent her heart into a flurry and his eyes were full of love. His hand came to her face and he ran a fingertip down her cheek and stopped at her chin.
“Can you forgive me?” he asked in a broken voice.
She nodded, unable to speak.
His lips sought hers, lovingly, hungrily. She wrapped her legs around his waist and returned his kiss with vigor, the long lonely weeks pouring from her lips to his. He pulled back to stare into her eyes and saw he was still there.
“I love you too.” She smiled with delight.
“Please come home with me.”
“If you promise you won’t ever leave me again.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said and kissed her again.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
“I’m so glad we still live here,” Chelsea said to Lucas while curled up in his lap in their favorite spot. “The view is just too good.”
“It is,” he said, but he was only looking at her.
She began to nibble his ear. He cleared his throat.
“Okay, shoot,” she said.
“What?” His innocent expression didn’t fool her.
“I know you want to say something important because you cleared your throat and now you have your serious face on.”
“I do have something to ask you and it is very serious,” he said, with a straight face.
“What is it?” she said, looking concerned.
“Well, I was wondering if you would make me really happy and marry me?” He pulled a ring from his pocket.
“Oh Lucas,” she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him all over his face. “Of course I will. I love you,” she said, before kissing him with all the passion she contained.
The phone rang, breaking the moment.
“Now who could that be?” she said, uncurling herself and admiring her ring on the way to the phone.
“Hello.”
“Guess what?’
“Hello, Charlotte.”
“Oh hi. Guess what, I have some news.”
“Well as a matter of fact, so do I,” she said, smiling at Lucas.
“You go first.”
“Okay,” she paused for effect. “Lucas and I are getting married.”
Charlotte screamed and then told everyone in the house the news and there was a stream of congratulations and happy cheers.
“So, what’s your news?”
“Well, it’s not as exciting as yours but I’m moving to the city. I have a job with a vet there while doing my last year.”
“That’s great, Charlotte. We can plan the wedding together and you’ll be close by.”
“I’ll be more than close by; I’m going to move in with you and Lucas.” And then she was gone.
The End
Book 2 - Twisted Fire
Coming in February
About the Author
Joanne Sexton is an Australian romance writer and mother of two. When she isn't writing, Jo enjoys reading and floristry. She also runs her own small bookkeeping business.
Joanne previously wrote under the name Joanne Ellis. Rich Girl (formally known as Spoilt under Joanne Ellis) held the No. 1 position on Amazon's Bestselling list in US and No.2 in the UK
https://www.facebook.com/josextonwritesromance
Twitter: @jowritesromance
http://www.josextonbooks.com/
Amazon Author Page
Broken Wishes Series – Romantic Suspense
Hudson
Rich Girl
Twisted Fire – Feb
The Player – March
The Rookie – April
Surfer Girl – May
Fly Boy – June
Charlottesville – Historical Romance
Control – Romantic Suspense
Renegades – Dystopian Romance
The Dragon’s Mate (short story) – Fantasy Romance
Folk Law – Coming Soon
American Girl – Coming Soon
Sinful Seasons Collection
Taming Toby – Summer Envy
The Afterworld – Spring Gluttony
Cowboy Daze – Autumn Lust
Cold As Ice – Winter Pride
Morning Glory – Summer Greed
Caught in the Rain: Winter Sloth
Rear-view Mirror: Spring Wrath
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Rich Girl (Broken Wishes Series Book 1) Page 24