Lip Smacker

by Bailey, Alison G.

  “Yeah, he did,” Mr. Abrams piped up.

  I stared at Logan. Who the hell did he think he was telling me what to do?

  Logan pleaded, “Please, just listen.”

  Because of our intimate background, and those soft eyes of his, I caved.

  “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to listen.”

  “Splendid!” Mr. Harper said. “As you know, my company is building a hotel and convention complex in this area. I know our initial offer was to buy you out, and frankly, bulldoze this place to smithereens. But Logan here has come up with what I feel is a terrific investment opportunity.” He turned to Logan. “Would you like to explain it to Miss Smacker?”

  “Sure.” Logan turned his sincere gaze on me again. “Basically, Harper Investments would integrate the bakery into its building plans. They’d invest money to renovate and market the bakery. You would retain ninety percent ownership, while Harper would receive ten percent of the profits in exchange for its capital.”

  I tilted my head and pursed my lips while rolling this around in my head.

  “Let me get this straight. Harper is going to give me all the money I need to renovate and market the bakery and all you want in return is a ten percent return? Sorry, but what gives?”

  “I explained to Mr. Harper, and he agrees, that the trend is moving away from your typical corporate restaurant and gift shop in the lobby of high end hotels. Small local businesses add warmth and character to an otherwise cookie cutter building. The more business the hotel draws in, the better for the bakery. The bakery is a cozy charming place to hang out, thus making the clientele want to return.”

  “And this renovation project?” I asked Logan. “Who would oversee that?”

  “You would work with the architect and designer. Plus, have final say on everything.”

  “And tell her about the other thing,” Mr. Harper interrupted.

  “Yes, Harper Investments has started a donation department. They feel it’s important to contribute to local charities as a way of giving back to the community where they build. I told Mr. Harper about all the great work you do for Bridges. They need a director to oversee the department and want to offer you the position.”

  “You’re joking, right?” I said.

  “Young lady, I never joke about business. Now, I’ll leave the two of you to iron out the details since you’ll be working closely together.”

  Mr. Harper headed toward the door.

  “Wait a second,” I said, causing him to stop and turn to me. “What do you mean ‘since the two of us will be working together’?”

  “Logan here is going to be our Harper Investment representative.”

  “Representative?”

  “That’s what he said.” Logan looked at me with a tentative smile.

  “Don’t worry, Miss Smacker, Logan understands you’re the boss.”

  And with those last words ringing like music in my ears, Mr. Harper left.

  “This was the deal Amber was talking about,” I said, making my way around the counter. “And this was why you disappeared that afternoon at camp. You axed the initial deal and started working on this one with Harper.” I was standing in front of Logan, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. “And I’m so sorry I doubted you. I should have known better.”

  “I was pissed at first, but after I thought about it, I knew it was because you were hurting. You were losing your family. Your home. I hope one day you’ll let me back in to fill that void for you, Lip.”

  “I think that day has come,” I said, slipping my hands behind his neck and pulling his lips to mine.

  I no longer believe that the events of our lives are pure happenstance. The forever love that surrounded me from childhood to adulthood proved to me that soul mates do exist and eventually will find their way to each other. Fourteen years ago, it wasn’t a random act of kindness when a sweet boy helped an awkward girl open her locker. It was the beginning of an epic love story that I have no doubt will end with a happily ever after. If you know what I mean.

  THE END

  The Happily Ever After

  THE SECOND I OPENED the door the sound of laughter hit my ears. It was one of my favorite things to hear, filling my heart with warmth and putting a smile on my face. I didn’t want to disturb my girls, so I quietly set my work bag on the sofa and made my way toward the kitchen. I peered in at the two loves of my life: my granddaughter Eli, and the woman who stole my heart all those years ago.

  Hard to believe Lip and I celebrated our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary this month. The time flew by. I never realized how fantastic life could be until I met her. After all of these years she still challenges me, intrigues me, and surprises me. Both of us had a sprinkle of gray in our hair, but Lip was still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

  Some of Lip’s best memories were the times she spent with Wavy, so we renovated Wavy’s house to live and raise our family there. We added a few more bedrooms, a larger kitchen, and a family room, but the love of Wavy still surrounded us.

  It took over a year to get the bakery running again. This time Lip was able to design the place exactly how she and Wavy imagined it would be. I’m so proud of what my amazing wife has accomplished.

  The first time I walked into that bakery, I knew she would be a part of my life. The second time I walked into the bakery, I knew she would be my life. Lip was everything I wanted and needed. So, once the bakery renovation was done, I wanted our relationship to move forward. It had taken a lot of effort to pull it off, but the day I got down on bended knee and Lip said yes was the happiest day of my life.

  The memory of it is still vivid in my mind.

  Cindy: It’s almost ready. Give me another 10 minutes.

  Me: Okay. Text me as soon as it’s done. I’m not sure how long I can keep her away. You know how headstrong she can be.

  Cindy: Copy that.

  “Who are you texting so frantically?” Lip asked.

  We had just arrived at Hampton Park. On the drive over here my phone had buzzed what felt like a million times. I couldn’t reply to the texts, because I was driving, and Lip was sitting next to me hugging my arm. On any other day and at any other time I would enjoy her closeness and touch, but today was different. Special.

  I slipped my phone into my back pocket and looked at my gorgeous girlfriend.

  “Tate, work related.”

  “Logan, I thought we promised that Sundays were our unplugged days.”

  “You’re right. Sorry.”

  Placing my hand on the small of her back, I guided Lip down the opposite path, away from the gazebo. I was sweating like a pig. I didn’t know why I was so nervous. I knew I’d be doing this only weeks after we had officially met, but there I was wiping drops of perspiration from my forehead.

  “I never get tired of coming here,” Lip said as we strolled down the tree lined path.

  My fingers were itching to grab my phone and text Cindy. Instead, I patted my front pocket, making sure the ring was still there. It was.

  “Logan, did you hear me?”

  “Huh?”

  “I said I can’t believe you had never been to this park until we came.”

  “Lip, may I remind you that this place was run down for many years before they restored it?”

  “I know, but still, you were born and raised in Charleston. How could you not have come here at least one time?”

  “What can I tell you, Slugger? I had other interests and none included looking at flowers in Hampton Park.”

  Suddenly, my left ass cheek vibrated with a text I knew it was from Cindy. We had been texting almost nonstop for the past few days, making sure everything was set for today. But if I took the phone from my pocket, Lip wouldn’t be happy. My sole purpose in life was to make her happy, plus not spoil the surprise. So, I took a chance and maneuvered her toward the gazebo.

  We were a few yards away when Lip said, “Wow! Look at all the flowers! Someone is getting engaged today!”

&nbs
p; I swallowed hard. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because the gazebo is crazy decorated, but there aren’t any chairs like there would be for a wedding.”

  My stomach rumbled with nerves and excitement. With the help of Cindy, I had ordered seven hundred and thirty purple peonies to cover the gazebo, one for each day Lip and I had been together. I scoured both Carolinas and a little bit of Georgia, collecting all of the flowers, but it was worth it. The day Lip stepped into my life was a grand event, so she deserved a grand gesture.

  As we got closer the air between us shifted. With each step we took I felt Lip’s shock and awe.

  “Logan?” she whispered.

  Without responding, I left her at the bottom of the stairs and ran up to position myself smack dab in the center of the gazebo. I knew exactly what Lip was going to do. She’d start by taking in the mass of her favorite flowers, wondering how on earth I was able to get this many. Then she’d move on to asking who helped me. Someone had to be in cahoots with me. There was no way I could pull this off alone. Next, she would think of her grandmother and smile, knowing Wavy would get a kick out of her being caught off guard. Lip would then realize she’d been standing at the bottom of the steps alone. She’d hesitate for a second before ascending the stairs to find me down on one knee, waiting for the love of my life.

  When I planned it out in my head, she had walked directly to me. Instead, she froze at the top of the steps, a healthy five feet away. I wanted Lip to have her moment, unencumbered. If I had to wave her over, the moment would be broken. So, I did what any smart, madly-in-love man would do. I stayed in position and scooted over to her, dragging one knee awkwardly as I went.

  Lip’s hands flew to cover her mouth. “Logan, I’m sorry. I should have come to you. Are you okay? Did you hurt your knee?”

  Taking her shaking hand, I looked into her gorgeous green eyes, and said, “Everything is perfect. The past two years have been the best of my life. Lip, you opened up a whole new world for me. I never realized I could love someone as much as I love you. I never realized I could like someone as much as I like you. And I never realized I needed someone the way I need you. You make me want to be better and I promise to be the best man of your life if you let me. So Elipheleta Cora Smacker, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

  As I held the ring up a ray of sunshine hit it, causing the diamonds to sparkle brightly. Tears were bubbling up in Lip’s eyes as her gaze shifted to the ring. She recognized it.

  “That’s… That’s…”

  “The ring your grandfather gave your grandmother when he proposed,” I said.

  “But…how…?”

  “That last Sunday dinner at Wavy’s house, while you were in the kitchen she slipped it to me. She knew from the very beginning that this would be our future.”

  “Mr. Heath, you overwhelm me.”

  “I like overwhelming you. Remember that time in the storage room at the bakery while the contractors were right outside the door as we were fu—”

  “Fu-u-nny you should bring that up during this most sacred romantic moment.”

  “So?” I said.

  “So what?”

  “You haven’t officially answered my question.”

  “Yes, yes, yes! Of course, my answer is yes! Did you really need to ask? I mean, you needed to ask because almost every girl dreams of the moment when the man she loves and adores asks for her hand in marriage. And even though I was a sure thing, I wanted this—”

  Before she went any further, I slipped the ring on her hand, scooped her into my arms, and planted a firm kiss on her lips.

  “Hey! Pop is home!” Eli squealed with excitement, running toward me with her hands covered with frosting, pulling me out of my reminiscent fog.

  Lip turned around, her eyes wide. “Elipheleta, you get back here and wash your hands! You’re going to ruin Pop’s suit.”

  “Wavy, you know I hate when you call me that.” Eli puckered her bottom lip.

  “Then don’t give me a reason.”

  Picking up my granddaughter, I said, “It’s just a suit. I’ll get it dry cleaned.”

  “Pop, Wavy and me made double chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.”

  “Did you know those are my absolute favorite?” I asked, looking into her sweet blue eyes.

  Leaning in so that her nose touched mine, soft blonde curls brushing my cheek, she said, “That’s why we made them.”

  “Thank you, sweetie.”

  The sound of a throat clearing came from the other side of the kitchen. I put Eli down and walked over to my beautiful wife.

  “And thank you, Slugger,” I said, then placed a soft kiss on her lips.

  Lip smiled. “That’s better.”

  “E-e-e-ew, you guys are kissing. Blah.”

  “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.” Lip flashed a quick wink at me.

  With her hands in the air, Eli announced, “Let’s eat cupcakes!”

  Lip mimicked our granddaughter’s movement. “Pizza first!”

  As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Lip went to retrieve the pizza while I shrugged off my coat and tie. Eli brought three plates from the kitchen, setting them on the large mahogany dining room table we inherited from Wavy. Lip placed the pizza in the middle of the table and all three of us grabbed a slice.

  “When are my mom and dad coming back?” Eli asked.

  Lip wiped her mouth with a napkin and said, “Tomorrow.”

  Our daughter and son-in-law were in Ashville, North Carolina for a weekend of alone time.

  “I wish they were going to be gone longer.”

  “Why is that, sweetie?” I asked.

  “Because I love staying with my Wavy and Pop.”

  I looked over at Lip sitting across from me. Her eyes were wet with tears. Happy tears, because our granddaughter would make beautiful memories in this house and always know this was her home, just like Lip.

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking the time to read Lip Smacker. I would greatly appreciate an honest review on Amazon and Goodreads.

  My goal with this book was to give you laughs, a sassy and strong heroine, a swoon-worthy boyfriend, and heartwarming moments. I’m grateful and honored that you chose my book to read. Writing fills my soul. I hope reading my books fills your heart and imagination.

  No one, and I mean, no one publishes a book on their own. It takes a village to get a book ready for readers. I have one hell of a village made of up ladies who have my back at every turn.

  Concepcion, Jennifer, Tabitha, and Kim, I wouldn’t publish if it were not for you ladies. Your eagle eyes and feedback teach me how to be a better writer. Your love, support, and honesty teach me how to be a better person.

  Christine Estevez, thank you for being in my life and kicking my ass when I need it. I adore you.

  Staci Frenes (Grammar Boss Editing), it was an absolute joy working with you. I see a long future for us.

  Nicole Blanchard, you are the queen of all things graphic design. I give you a picture, and you give me the perfect cover. I give you a quote, and you give me the perfect teaser. Somehow you decipher my babble. I love your creativity and our friendship.

  Wildfire Marketing Solutions team, thank you for your guidance, your hard work, creative ideas, and support. You ladies are fantastic.

  Elaine York (Allusion Graphics), thank you for bringing it all together, making the inside of my book look amazing. You are a true artist and I’m so happy I found you.

  Tricia Zoeller, Benedetta Cipriano, Amy Harmon, RS Grey, Natasha Boyd, AL Jackson, LP Dover, Katie Ashley, Brooke Cumberland, Colleen Hoover, and Jennifer Probst. You ladies are shining examples of talent, strength, determination, and kindness. I’ve learned from you, I’ve been inspired by you, and I admire you.

  Alison G. Bailey is an award winning, Amazon, and International bestselling author living in Charleston, South Carolina. At the age of ten she discovered her inner author, rewriting scenes from her favorite
TV shows and movies. Alison wrote and produced several stage plays before turning her sights on the book world. Under the influence of large amounts of Diet Pepsi and her Spotify playlists, Alison writes thought provoking, emotional stories, full of love, and romance.

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  LITERARY AND FILM RIGHTS MANAGMENT

  Alison G. Bailey is represented by Bookcase Literary Agency

  Film and Foreign Rights

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  PUBLICATION HISTORY

  Present Perfect, August 2013 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EABIHGE

  Past Imperfect, February 2014 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IH8IDVA

  Presently Perfect, December 2014 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QJ0RK6M

  Stop!, June 2015 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010A8EEXK

  The Dance, May 2016 Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F1K2KU6

  CRAZY SEXY LOVE, July 2018 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNWN1XM?tag=misconsrev-20

  AWARDS AND ACHIEVMENTS

  Book of the Year, Indie Romance Convention, Present Perfect

  Amazon Bestseller, Kindle Store 2013, Present Perfect