Secret Love in Blossom Creek

by Alison Higson

  Secret Love in Blossom Creek

  Blurb

  With Blu, a woman he's grown up with, telling the town she's going to be his wife, Shep Carter finds it difficult to pursue the woman he truly loves. They, too, grew up together, and somewhere during their adolescence, he fell head over heels in love with Louisa Ryland. He's tried his hardest not to act on his feelings because of his friendship with Blu, but he can't do it any longer.

  Louisa and Shep's friendship turned into love somewhere along the way, and she's been nursing a broken heart ever since. It's all she can do when her best friend, Blu, is also in love with him. Love Between the Pages, Louisa's bookstore, saved her as she accepted her broken heart and the fact that Shep would one day leave town. After all, that was all he talked about the summer before they left for college...yet he returned home and has made a life for himself in Blossom Creek.

  Their love has been contained for years, but this summer it’s about to explode into a passion neither can control yet hope never ends.

  Contents

  1. Shep

  2. Louisa

  3. Shep

  4. Louisa

  5. Shep

  6. Louisa

  7. Shep

  8. Louisa

  9. Shep

  10. Louisa

  11. Shep

  12. Louisa

  13. Shep

  14. Louisa

  15. Shep

  16. Louisa

  Epilogue – Shep

  Dear Reader

  Have you met the Boston Bay Vikings?

  Sutton

  Other books by Author

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  1

  Shep

  Weddings usually make me feel uncomfortable. Not this one. I glance around the garden of Emelia’s where the wedding guests enjoy after dinner music, and I release a sigh. It’s been a pleasant day and hopefully one Emma and Jared, and Levi and Vivien won’t forget anytime soon.

  I’ve eaten well and danced a fair bit with my mother, who kept allowing Blu to cut in.

  I’m not oblivious to the rumors going around about Blu and me. She’s an attractive woman; however, I do not look at Blu as anything other than a friend. I’ve ignored the gossip, thinking that’s all it is, but I don’t think I can ignore it for much longer. Blu has made it abundantly clear that she intends on becoming Mrs. Shepard Carter one day in the not-so-distant future. Although she’s currently drunk, I don’t think it was drunken ramblings. More like Dutch courage.

  Thing is, I’m in love with someone else. The same woman who Blu and I grew up with from kindergarten and upward. I watch her now talking with her sister, Amber.

  We’ve had brief encounters and the one night we managed to claim for ourselves out of town, but Louisa is nervous about being seen together. She’s torn because Blu is one of her best friends and someone she’s always confided in. For me, it’s difficult because I know Blu has real feelings toward me, and I don’t want to hurt her. That’s the last thing either of us want to do.

  But as I watch my friends and acquaintances enjoying themselves, my heart longs to be able to do that with Louisa, where we can be seen. Not hidden so we don’t hurt our friend.

  Breaking away from Amber, Louisa moves toward me and my heart about jumps out of my chest. She’s wearing a lime green bridesmaid dress that looks fantastic on her slim figure. Her dark brown hair is twisted up, showing off her elegant neck. The moment her green eyes lock onto mine, everything disappears. It’s just the two of us. I swallow around the lump in my throat, and say, “You look beautiful.”

  She gives me a secretive smile. “You’re looking handsome as ever, Shep.” Stepping closer, she takes my hand. “Will you dance with me?” Her eyes quickly dart around and with a slight hiss, she drops my hand and steps back.

  “There you are!” Blu appears suddenly and wraps her arm through mine. “I was looking for you.”

  “Taking in some air.”

  “Let’s dance out here,” she says, trying to tug me away from Louisa.

  I dig in my heels. “I was just about to dance with Louisa, Blu.” I’m careful to hide my annoyance. “We can’t dance together all night.”

  “Who says we can’t?” She turns and peers at Louisa. “You don’t mind, do you, Louisa?”

  Louisa doesn’t get the chance to answer as Blu tugs me across the lawn. I glance back, an apology written on my face, but get Louisa’s back as she rushes away.

  My feet continue to carry me toward the makeshift dance floor when I spot the cousins Emile and Blake. I detour and slip my arm from Blu’s.

  “I’ve had enough dancing for the night, but I’m sure you’ll be in good hands.” I pass her to the surprised cousins and beg them with my eyes to take her.

  Blake laughs and shakes his head. “We’ve got this.”

  Emile frowns at his cousin.

  “But I—” Blu mumbles.

  I don’t catch the rest of what she says because I’m already striding toward the restaurant.

  “Nicely done,” Fire Chief Zeke Daniels comments. “She’s in the restroom.”

  I shake my head. “Why does life have to be so complicated?”

  He chuckles. “You need to tell her how you feel.”

  “She knows.”

  Zeke pauses and then says, “I was referring to Blu.”

  My eyes snap to his and I admit, “It’s not that easy. I don’t think Blu will ever want to hear that I look at her as a sister.” I wince. So does Zeke.

  “I should imagine not. However, don’t you think it’s gone on long enough? Life is too short to live it like you are.”

  I run my hands through my hair and tug on the unruly mess. “I agree.” I look around me and say, “Restroom?”

  Zeke nods, a smirk on his lips.

  My feet crunch on the stone pathway as I make my way around to the back of the restaurant. I slip inside and spot Beatrice coming out of the restroom, her hand smoothing over the baby bump she has going on. She looks cute. Spotting me, she waddles over.

  “Why are you grinning at me like that?”

  “Can’t I smile at a friend?”

  “You weren’t smiling. You were grinning.” She raises a brow.

  “I was thinking how cute you look pregnant. Happy now?”

  She chuckles as Ryker comes up behind her. “Are you sweet-talking my wife?”

  “Of course, I am. She was my friend first.” I tease him and glance at the restroom door. Clearing my throat, I ask, “Is Louisa still in there?” I nod with my head.

  Beatrice tips her head to the side and searches my eyes. With a heavy sigh, she says, “She is. She’s alone, if that helps.”

  “It does.” I kiss her cheek and grin at Ryker as I move past them.

  God knows what is going through Beatrice’s head after that brief conversation.

  Inhaling deeply, I push into the ladies’ restroom and pause. My eyes sweep around the room and I notice how much nicer it is to that of the men’s. Then the closed stall at the end grabs my attention.

  “Louisa?” I whisper. “It’s only us in here.”

  The slide of a lock reaches my hearing and then the door slowly opens.

  It takes seconds for me to have her in my arms.

  Seconds for my arms to hold her snug against me and her arms to wrap tightly around my neck, clinging on for dear life.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I hate this sneaking around.”

  Silence follows my statement before she says, “I do too.” She sniffles. “Can we leave? Go to your place or mine? I don’t care. I just want to wake up with you.”

  I swallow around the lump in my throat. “Let’s go now.”<
br />
  “It’s not that simple, is it?” Louisa lifts her gaze. “Everyone knows us. They’ll gossip.”

  “You’re going to come back with me, and I honestly don’t care what anyone else says or thinks.” I kiss her on the forehead. “I’m going to hold you all night.”

  She nuzzles into my neck and softly sighs. “I’d like that.”

  “Then, I’m going to make it happen.” Taking the tissue out of her hands, I wipe at her eyes and take her hand. “Let’s go home.”

  2

  Louisa

  Fingers flutter against my skin as I gently wake up from one of the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a while. I smile softly and sigh into the pillow.

  Shep is beside me, his front pressing along my side as his fingers continue their seduction. I don’t need seduction with Shep though. I only need him. His touch on my skin feels nice and sensual, especially when his fingers caress over my bottom. I can’t help the slight twitch of my limbs at his touch, nor can I help widening my legs to give him better access to the place that aches and throbs.

  Teasing me, he avoids that area altogether as I feel his lips on my shoulder, moving toward my neck. They’re not the only things I feel as his thick penis presses against my thigh.

  “Are you awake,” he whispers, the stubble on his cheeks scratching my skin. I break out in goose bumps and shiver, a murmur on my lips.

  He rubs himself on me and I give a dirty chuckle. “Someone else is awake,” I whisper and roll to face him.

  I toss a leg over his hips and pull myself closer. Shep helps and guides himself inside my body. I press down and shudder once he’s seated deeply.

  He rolls me to my back and my feet slide down over his sexy butt and settle between his legs. He takes hold of my hands and holds them above my head while he slowly withdraws before thrusting deeper.

  “I love you,” he whispers, his voice husky and full of lust. “Only you.” He presses deep and holds there.

  He slips a hand down to hold on to my butt while his other hand grips my shoulder.

  I jerk and arch up in shock as his mouth captures a breast, his tongue flicking and rubbing my tight nipple. This man makes me lose all time and inhibitions.

  The fire between my legs is about to burn out of control. The more he plays, the hotter it becomes. I clench and pulse around his shaft, feeling Shep tremble in my arms.

  I meet his gaze and smile. “I love you, Shephard Carter. To the moon and back.”

  His eyes burn.

  Gripping his butt with my fingertips, I feel him tighten as he withdraws and seats himself deep. Each movement of his hips rubs against my clit.

  Incoherent moans leave my lips as we thrust together. They get louder and louder as he brings me close to soaring in the sky with the stars… I cry out a guttural shout of release, Shep’s name on my lips.

  Shep thrusts and moans, a grunt breathed heavily in my ear as his release barrels through him. His penis jerks, warm release pouring into me and then running out.

  I cling to him. “I love you. I love you,” I repeat, kissing his face, anywhere I can reach. “I love you.”

  Shep strains upward with one last strong thrust before he collapses on top of me. “I love you.” His breath tickles my ear.

  Breathing heavily, I keep his weight on top of me, and tickle the back of his thighs with my feet. “We need a shower,” I say, not really wanting to move.

  “I have to go downstairs.”

  “I’ll help you.”

  He lifts up and rests with his elbows on either side of my head. “You don’t mind getting up at five to help me in the kitchen?”

  I frown. “Why would I mind? I love spending time with you.”

  He lowers his head and brushes a kiss across my lips. “I’m going to accept your offer because I’m selfish and want to spend time with you. Work side by side with you doing what I love.” He grins. “Well, number one is doing you, but two is my business.”

  Tilting my head, I say, “I’m proud of you, Shep.” I brush the hair back that flops over his eyes, only to have the unruly mass falling back.

  “That means a lot.” He kisses my nose and slides from my body, then he moves to sit on the side of the bed. He winces. “You’re covered in me.”

  I grin and stretch like a cat, enjoying the way his eyes rove over my body.

  “I’ll shower and then go and get the coffee started while you shower.”

  “So, you don’t want me to suck on anything?” I wiggle my brows, noticing how his penis is slowly becoming aroused.

  “If you do, I won’t be opening this morning.” He inhales and slowly exhales before leaning over me. “I want this every single day for the rest of my life, Louisa. You. Me. In bed together. Being a couple.” His throat bobs. “We need to decide how and when we tell Blu, or how I tell Blu, because I don’t want to hide anymore. I want the whole world to know you’re mine.”

  I reach up and slide into his arms, clinging tight. “It’s like taking a Band-Aid off, right? We need to do it fast and efficient.”

  Shep nods.

  “I’m nervous and feel sick at the thought of hurting Blu, but I love you more.” I move from the bed and take his hand. “I’m going to help you in the kitchen, which means you have time for me to clean you up. Show you how much I love you.”

  Groaning, Shep lets me pull him into the shower. He wraps me up in his arms and kisses me like he never intends on letting me go.

  I love this man with everything I am.

  3

  Shep

  I love this woman beside me.

  My heart feels full right now and I’m afraid it’s going to explode. Louisa has flour on her cheek and nose, which makes her look really cute. Her hands are busy, kneading the dough for the whole wheat bread I serve fresh daily.

  Shep’s Coffeehouse is a place for people to hang out and catch up with friends, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. Louisa has worked by my side so many times, yet the feeling of having her here never gets old.

  After placing the last of the dough in the prepared tins, I lean forward and capture Louisa’s lips. “I love this,” I whisper. “Having you here.”

  “I love being here.” She grins and turns fully toward me and cups my face, her smile turning wicked. “I think we both need another shower. She pats my cheeks and I just know they’re covered in flour.

  “If I go back upstairs with you, the coffeehouse will not be opening today, neither will Love Between the Pages.” I hold her face and very slowly and very satisfyingly kiss her pink lips. I go back for more, groaning when she wraps herself around me. I grab her around the waist and haul her close. “I love you,” I whisper, claiming her mouth again, and again.

  A throat is suddenly cleared, and we still with our eyes wide, locked on to each other’s. I swallow hard but refuse to let go of her.

  Turning toward the back door, I release a sigh when I see my mom standing there. Louisa tries to pull away, and I again hold her close. I slip my arm around her back and turn her to face my only family.

  “Mom, I didn’t know you were coming by so early.”

  She snorts. “I’ve figured that out for myself.” She moves forward. “I need coffee.” She pauses. “And not because I’ve just interrupted the two of you.” She grins and pours herself a cup of dark brew. “Actually, I’m glad I didn’t arrive five minutes later.” She dramatically shudders.

  “I’m going to go,” Louisa says.

  Mom raises a brow. “You’re running off and leaving my son to face me alone.”

  Louisa coughs and glances at me. “He’s a big boy. He can take care of himself.”

  She turns to me. “I’ll see you later.” Louisa hesitates for a mere second, then she throws herself into my arms and kisses me. “Come by the store when you can.” She turns to my mom. “Have a nice day, Mrs. Carter.”

  “Same to yourself.”

  The moment the door shuts behind Louisa, I quickly get everything into the ovens
while Mom keeps watch.

  “Well?” I turn and ask. “I’m sure you have something to say.”

  Mom frowns. “You’re my son, Shepard. All any mother wants is for her offspring to be happy. I saw you with Louisa… You’re in love with her.”

  “Yes.”

  “Why did you let me keep stepping back when Blu interrupted our dancing last night?”

  “Because I didn’t want to ruin the wedding for Blu.” I sigh and lean against the workbench. “Instead, I ruined it for Louisa and me.”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “Motherly wisdom would be good about now.”

  “Considering Blu thinks she’s going to be my daughter-in-law one day, it’s…awkward.”

  “I’ll talk to Louisa later and we’ll decide when to tell her. We’re not keeping our relationship a secret for much longer. I plan on spending the rest of my life with her.”

  “Oh, honey.” Mom puts her cup down with an unsteady hand and moves from the chair. She wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me. “I’m happy for you.”

  “You’re not disappointed about Blu?”

  “No. I knew you weren’t interested in her as she is you.” She shrugs. “She’ll get over it. Maybe with the two firefighters she danced with last night.” She pauses for a long while. “Then again…”

  “Mother,” I say in warning. “Do not meddle in Blu’s life.”

  “Since when do I meddle?” She grins and whips her head around, her white long bob swishing in her face. “Travis was alone last night.”

  “Travis doesn’t date. He’s also under a lot of stress after the fire.” I narrow my lids. “Please leave him alone.”