by Roya Carmen
* * *
I WAKE TO FIND A VASE of pink roses and a card on my bedside table. I smile and turn to Blake, who is still sleeping. It’s still very early, but I’m a morning person. Jekyll and Hyde are sleeping in their kitty bed, tucked cozily around each other. The first week, when I first moved in to Blake’s house, they were afraid of each other. You’d never catch them both in the same room, but slowly, over the past two months, they took a shining to each other, and now they’re inseparable.
I grab my journal and flip the pages to my last entry. I slip my new sparkly pink pen out of the spiral binding and get busy writing. Most people grab their phones first thing in the morning. I always grab my journal. Most often, I just read my old entries, but occasionally, I add a new one.
Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. – Mark Twain
Dear Journal,
Sorry, I’ve been ignoring you lately. I know it’s been a long while since my last entry. I’ve just been so busy.
Life has been absolutely crazy. Crazy, but beautiful. It’s Valentine’s day today, and my gorgeous man is sleeping soundly next to me. He got me pretty pink roses, my favorite. I love Valentine’s Day – all the love, hearts, candy and chocolate. What’s not to love? But this time of year has always been a little hard for me. In three days, it will be the anniversary of our dads’ accident. Blake and I have decided to go visit their graves and have a little chat with them. We’re thinking of making it an annual tradition. I’m so glad we can share this now. We couldn’t when we were younger, but we’ve both grown so much over the years.
It’s been great being close to Momma and my family. Momma and I chat every day, and she swings by the store to help me out. I’m still so crazy busy but enjoying every single minute of it. My inventory consists of fashions for women of every age; older fashions for Mrs. Davies’ clientele, more contemporary stuff for younger women, and even children’s clothing. The store is the talk of the town, and it’s been going really well.
Yes, I wanted to have little ones, but that’s going to have to wait a while now. For now I’m happy with my two babies, Jekyll and Hyde.
I miss my friends, but I’ve made new ones here. The girls and I still text all the time, and chat often on Facetime. We still share journal entries and chat about books we love. Corrie still pesters me for dirt about my sex life – she’s so shameless. And Gabbie shows me her growing belly pictures. I can’t wait to see the new baby. And they’re only two hours away. Once in a while, I drive over for a sleepover at Kayla’s place; movies, popcorn, martinis, and laughter.
And turns out, we’re all going to Paris! Kayla’s mom is getting married in the city of love, and we all thought we’d tag along, because what’s better than a week in Paris? Nothing!
I was flipping through the other day, and smiled at the sight of the list I wrote not long ago.
Get job (stat!) Check!
Get the last of Peter’s things packed up (Good riddance, jerk!) Check!
Get finances in order Check!
Car tune-up/winter tires. Check!
Take an art class. Looking into it!
Bake a cake. (I can have cake again!) Check! Blake loves my cakes.
Go to the library. Check!
Check out Rosetta Stone – French. This one will have to wait! Too busy.
Trip with the girls? Talk about it at our next meeting. Paris? Yes, yes, yes!
Write children’s book? Started…
Buy vintage record player like the one Gabbie has. And records too. Check! Have one in my shop.
Get cat – Check! I have two!
Blake tosses and turns. He’s so beautiful first thing in the morning. I love when the morning light streams through the windows and dances on the planes and curves of his face and shoulders. I could watch him sleep forever. He slowly opens his eyes, a little groggy. “Writing?” he says, his voice ragged. He smiles softly. “You always have your nose buried in that thing.”
I grin at him. “I’m just about done,” I tell him. “Just another minute.” I stop for a second to give him a peck on the cheek. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Happy Valentine’s day,” he echoes. “Did you see your flowers?”
“Yes, they’re pretty. Thank you so much.” I quickly turn back to my journal entry.
And then there’s love. I never knew true love before now. Not a single second, have I second guessed my decision to come back home and be with Blake. He’s almost everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I say ‘almost’ because he has the most annoying habit of leaving his dirty socks around, not taking out the garbage on time, being a bit messy, leaving the empty carton of milk in the fridge, never replacing a roll of toilet paper, and almost tickling me to death occasionally. Yet, I want to spend the rest of my life with him. If he’ll have me.
Later, Journal.
M
I finally slap the journal closed, tuck in my pen, and throw it on my bedside table. I cuddle up close to him. “I love you so hard.”
He smiles. “I love you harder.”
“I got you a card too,” I tell him. “It’s right there.” I woke up in the middle of the night to go pee, like I always do, and I took the opportunity to leave a card and a box of Turtles (his favorite chocolates) at the foot of the bed.
“Turtles,” he exclaims as he reaches for the box and card. He eagerly tears the card open. It’s a Snoopy card with sparkles and hearts. He reads it slowly and then turns to me. “Thank you,” he says. “This is sweet.”
When I reach for my card and grab it, I see a small black velvet box hidden behind it. My heart skips a beat. I don’t even open the card. I go straight for the velvet box. I flip the lid open and see the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen. It’s simple, not too big (nothing like the monstrosity Peter had given me), and perfect. A solitary diamond on a white band, sandwiched between two garnets, my birthstone.
“It’s beautiful,” I tell him, tearing up already.
“You’re such a cry baby,” he teases.
I laugh. “How many times have you called me that?”
“Probably a million times.”
I stare at the ring, still in awe.
He grabs the box from my hands. “Here, let me put it on you”
I nod furiously, excited as a kid. “Yes!”
He takes my hand in his large ones and carefully slips the ring on my finger.
“It’s perfect,” I tell him. “Just perfect.”
“I’m glad.” He shoots me a shy smile. “So it’s a yes?”
“Of course!”
“And Maeve, I want you to know that you won’t need to ever worry about my commitment to you. I’m not Peter. Those seven years you shared with him are in the past. It’s just us two now, and I love you. I always have. And I promise to always be there for you,” he tells me, full of emotion. “You won’t get jilted at the altar again, I promise,” he adds with a wink.
I throw my arms around him and hug him for the longest time, but reluctantly pull away to admire the ring again. I turn to look at the flowers, and reach for my card.
He grabs the card, and with a playful grin, he throws it in the air. “You can read it later. I can think of much better things we could be doing right now.”
I inch closer against his warm naked chest, a flirty smile on my face. “Like what?”
He draws my mouth to his. “Like me rocking your world, Freckles.”
I reach down and grab him. “You have about five minutes. I need to get to the store.”
He grabs my leg and pulls it over his hips. “Oh, I’ll need longer than that. But I’m sure the bosses won’t mind at all.”
* * *
The End.
A note from the author:
Hi! Thanks so much for reading my novel. Hope you enjoyed Maeve’s and Blake’s story. If you enjoyed the book, please consider telling your friends about it, or writing a review and checking out my other books.
Next up is Book 3
: Kayla’s story. It will take place in Paris, and will also be a standalone read. Book 3 releases February 2019, so keep an eye out for it. To stay in the know about all my new releases, sales and freebies, please subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on social media. (Links below).
And for those who haven’t read the first book in the series. It’s a forbidden arrangement story, and is entitled ONE WEEK. It takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is Gabbie’s story, and is also a standalone read.
Roya Carmen Goodreads
Roya Carmen Facebook Page
Roya Carmen Twitter
Roya Carmen Instagram
Cheers!
About the Author
Roya Carmen is a book junkie, self-professed chocoholic and hopeless romantic. A graduate of Ryerson University, she worked in Graphic Communications before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has always loved writing, finding her passion for romance in 2008. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing billiards, and painting. And of course, there is nothing she enjoys more than sitting down at her laptop and making up stories – and if those stories should include beautiful men, a little romance, and a few steamy scenes, all the better!
Roya lives north of Toronto with her husband and three children.
Also by Roya Carmen
The Ground Rules Trilogy - Bestselling erotic romance trilogy.
The Riverstone Series – A series of steamy standalone reads.
One Week Series - A series of steamy standalone reads.
Back to You - A sweet summer romance.
* * *
Read below for more detailed info.
The Riverstone Series
A beautiful inherited estate. Three unforgettable love stories.
Loving Amber
(A standalone novel. Book 1 of The Riverstone Series.)
Torn by tragedy. Reunited by love.
A steamy forbidden romance. Two years following her husband’s tragic death, a widow struggles with feelings for the man she holds responsible.
“Loving Amber is a second chance at love story with a twist of the forbidden. This book had so many feels. My heart broke over and over again.” - Sultry Sirens Book Blog
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the first book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
* * *
Loving Ruby
(A standalone novel. Book 2 of The Riverstone Series.)
* * *
A sinful boss secretary romance.
I’ve heard all the rumours: He killed his wife. He’s on house arrest. He’s a vampire. Yet still, when I get a job offer from the reclusive Mr. Hyde, I jump at the chance. Yes, I know I’m crazy.
I’m cautious at first, but then I discover a beautiful, quirky man. I also see a tortured soul who lives in darkness. I know I should run, yet I can’t tear myself away. I want to discover all his secrets. I desperately want to help him. And when he draws me deeper into his strange little world, I want to stay.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the second book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
* * *
Loving Jade
(A standalone novel. Book 3 of The Riverstone Series.)
* * *
A story about courage and new beginnings.
In an attempt to escape her abusive husband, a woman seeks refuge at a horse estate and falls in love with her equine therapist.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the last book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.
* * *
The Ground Rules Trilogy
* * *
Two beautiful couples. Five simple rules. One hot mess.
* * *
Gabe and Mirella Keates are happily married – high school sweethearts, in fact. But by chance, one fateful night, they meet the rich and enigmatic Weston Hanson and his beautiful wife Bridget.
Mirella is instantly drawn to the sexy, mysterious, peculiar man and soon becomes obsessed with him. And when the dynamic couple makes them an unthinkable proposal, Mirella and Gabe accept, driven by lust and desire, despite knowing the risks.
The ground rules are clear, but as Mirella discovers the kind and gentle man hidden under Weston’s cold, rigid exterior, she soon falls hard for him. And as Weston’s walls begin to crumble, he starts to break his own rules as well.
As Mirella falls deeper, she is torn between her feelings for Weston and her love for her husband. And as the volatile and passionate Gabe becomes increasingly jealous, Mirella realizes her entire world is tearing at the seams.
Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is a trilogy but the first book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. The Ground Rules (Book 1), The Ground Rules Rewritten (Book 2), The Ground Rules Undone (Book 3)
* * *
Read the excerpt of Chapter One following this section.
The One Week Series - A series of standalone reads.
* * *
One Week
* * *
A troubled marriage. A one week hall pass. A married woman falls for a beautiful stranger she meets online, and is given permission by her husband to spend a week with him.
One Week in Paris (Book 3) Coming February 2019
The Ground Rules - Excerpt - Chapter One
Preface
FEW WORDS were spoken. Yet I knew. I can’t really explain it…physical attraction is a powerful thing, an all-consuming thing. I didn’t want it, and I certainly wasn’t looking for it, but there it was, nevertheless.
I should have run in the opposite direction. But I didn’t. No…I yielded to it.
It’s amazing how life can change so easily—veer off the path. A single moment, a decision you make, however insignificant, can change the course of your destiny.
For me, it all started with a pink dress.
Chapter One
GOODNESS…MY TOES are a disgrace. I haven’t looked at my feet in a while, and as I stare down at the faded, chipped blue polish on way-too-long toenails, I realize I might be letting myself go.
I really need a pedicure.
I can’t remember the last time I gave myself a pedi. Chloe’s toes are perfect little shiny red buds—I just did her nails yesterday.
When did my daughter’s toenails become more important than mine? Probably about eight years ago or so. I first painted her toenails when she was just a baby—just wanted to see what it would look like.
I suppose that’s what happens when you become a mom. One day you have a life. You look hot. Other men (men who are not your husband) want to do wicked things to you.
And then…you’re painting your baby’s tiny toenails.
I sigh as Chloe wraps one of my colorful scarves around her neck, her dark brown curls caught under the silk. We’re playing dress-up.
She twirls in front of the wall mirror. “Do I look grown-up, Mommy?” Her gorgeous eyes gaze at me intently. “Well, do I?”
“Yes, sweetie. You look very sophisticated.” Classier than me, I muse—ghastly toes, shabby sweats, and all. Every time I look at her, I see her father. She looks so much like him—the crazy dark curls, the gorgeous, sleepy hazel eyes and the slightly off-kilter, devilish smile.
She’s precious, standing in my over-sized black pumps and red cocktail dress, a hodge-podge of necklaces draped around her neck.
Her little sister stands on a vanity chair, arms stretched as she reaches for one of my dresses. “How ’bout this one?”
I give Claire the pick of the crop. I never wear them anymore. And I do have a lot of dresses—when a pretty one catches my eye, impulse overtakes me. I never ask myself, “When am I ever going to wear this?” If I did, I probably wouldn’t have this overstuffed closet.
I’ve taken over the closet, in fact—Gabe’s clothing is stuffed in an armoire, but I don’t th
ink he minds. He’s a simple guy—he wears mostly jeans, T-shirts, and plaid button shirts. He doesn’t need a closet.
Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway…
I study the dress Claire has picked out—it’s one of my favorites, probably the favorite. It’s a fifties-era dress I spent a small fortune on at one of those posh vintage stores—pink chiffon over taffeta, a corset-like bodice with lacy straps, and a flowing skirt that falls just above the knee.
The pink dress brushes the carpet, hanging off Claire’s tiny six-year-old frame. She looks so sweet in it. I can’t help but stare. I’ve only worn it twice—once at the theatre, the other time at a wedding. Gabe’s oldest brother tied the knot on a beautiful July day, which somehow managed to turn into a torrential downpour. We all got drenched. Gabe and I sprinted to our hotel room, undressed in a fury, and made love. Gabe’s wet shirt was plastered on his body, the tribal tattoo covering half his torso peeking through the soaked fabric. It’s one of my favorite (very hot) memories.
I looked really nice in that dress.
“You look like a princess,” Chloe tells her little sister. Claire, seemingly pleased with this observation, flashes her adorable toothless smile.