Contents
HIS DESIRE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
MORE BY ANNABELLE LOVE
STAY IN TOUCH
SNEAK PEEK
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 by Love Lust Publishing. All rights reserved.
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
His Desire
We’ve been not going out for months now…
Ahhh Stacy, my gorgeous, elegant redhead.
She’s smart, sexy, sassy and a lawyer…
And I’m desperately drawn to her.
But her favorite word is No.
With all the charm I can muster, I ask her out… No.
I show up to her office and suggest we go for coffee… No.
I arrive with flowers and compliment her… Still a f*cking No.
Yeah, so what I’ve got a reputation as a playboy.
Can’t she see I’ve changed my ways since meeting her?
Then one night the tables turn.
Miss No throws herself at me, drunk. Suddenly she’s Miss Yes.
It’s my turn to say No. Not like this.
I want so much more than one drunken night together.
The only problem? She completely forgets that night… and when I remind her, she doesn’t even remember trying to seduce me.
She even accuses me of concocting stories to get in her pants.
I’ve been hurt and rejected for the last time.
I realize it’s never going to happen between us.
And as if that wasn’t enough… I find out something that overwhelms me and threatens to tear me apart.
All of a sudden my world is turned upside down.
I need someone I can trust.
Someone who can help me get justice.
I find myself back at Stacy’s door…
But this time asking for her help.
And this time she says Yes.
***His Desire is a suspenseful, stand-alone read with twists, turns, and toe-curling romantic scenes. There's no cheating, no cliffhangers, no escaping the steamy nights, and a guaranteed HEA***
Chapter 1
Stacy
“I’m getting married in Barbados in July!”
The bliss in Michelle’s eyes could speak volumes. I had known her for a long time, she was my best friend, and she’d never looked happier.
I couldn’t blame her. She was going to marry a great-looking man with a heart of gold, whose love for her knew no bounds. And she would do that in one of the most exotic parts of the world.
Michelle was one of the few, lucky women who would spend the rest of her life with someone caring, in touch with his emotions, a great sense of humor and a job most people could only dream of.
Whichever way I saw it, it was perfect.
I was thrilled to get that news. My best friend had found her other half. They had survived a huge ordeal together, and they were just about to embark on the wonderful journey of life. And Jake was an amazing guy… I really liked him. He made Michelle happy, and I could see the love in his eyes every time I witnessed one of their conversations.
Alas, although he had chosen his wife well, the same could not be said of his friends.
One friend, in particular, had been a nuisance and was someone I’d been trying to avoid for months.
David Marshall.
AKA the pompous moron who acted like a six-year-old boy who had lost his new toy every time I rejected his advances. He would glare at me, shout on his way out of the office, but come back for more flirting in a day or two.
After a while, I’ll grant him, his attitude did change. He was mellower, more romantic, and he stopped yelling altogether. Regardless of that though, I couldn’t say ‘yes’ to a date with him. I didn’t know if he had realized, but David had shown me his true colors, and I didn’t like them one bit.
I just couldn’t get involved with a spoiled brat who thought he could change my mind about him with a bouquet of lilies.
A relationship? What a bad joke…
To him. The mighty business executive was allergic to anything more than a casual fling. David would go out with the same woman for a week or two, and then move on to pastures new. I was sure that pastures was not the word he would use, but that didn’t change the truth about him. He viewed women as trophies, and I had no intention of becoming one.
With the preparations of Michelle’s wedding, the days and weeks flew by. I loved my friend, but during that time, I both respected and envied her more. To my amazement, she remained calm. She seemed like she was just getting ready to go on any other vacation. Nothing in her behavior even indicated that she was getting married soon.
Of course, that wasn’t the case with me. I was her maid of honor, and pretty much jointly in charge of everything alongside Michelle. Catering, flowers, band, guest list, accommodation.
Nevertheless, the happy couple had made my job a lot easier than I expected. Neither of them wanted a fancy wedding. Unlike other celebrities, Jake couldn’t stand the idea of dozens of TV crews around. Neither did he wish to invite hundreds of people from the industry. His exact words were, “We just want to solidify our commitment. Celebrities will turn our wedding into a media circus. Where’s the magic in that?”
Short and to the point. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
It was amazing, but the wedding of the most successful songwriter of the decade, the famous Jay D himself, was going to be one of the most private affairs ever. The only names on that guest list other than Michelle’s parents, were Frank Masters and Monica Barns—the head of Golden Media, the record company both Jake and David work for, and Jake’s new protégé. And, of course, David Marshall, Jake’s best man.
***
A brilliant light of orange painted the world a sparkling gold, the sun slowly sinking behind the horizon, gracing the clear Barbados sky with shades of pink and red. The glimmering rays splashed across Jake’s face. With a seagull flying overhead, he pushed up the sleeve of his light-beige jacket and checked his watch.
Hooking her arm into her father’s arm, Michelle stepped into the aisle. She looked phenomenal in the white, ruffled organza wedding dress we had chosen together. I could sense the smile on her face. She was just minutes away from the realization of a dream.
Keeping my gaze on her, I watched Richard lead her down the aisle. Holding her bouquet of azaleas low, Michelle stole a glance at me and then looked up at the sun, her slow footsteps bringing her closer to her knight in shiny armor. Reaching the front of the aisle, I turned my gaze to the groom as her father
lifted my friend’s veil. He leaned over sideways and kissed her on the cheek, before handing the flowers over to me.
“Breathtaking as usual,” Jake complimented her.
“Thank you,” Michelle chirped, turning to face him while Richard took a seat.
“Let us begin,” Reverend Powell suggested. “Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today, to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Men of the clergy, great thinkers of the past and even ancient philosophers have all attempted to solve the puzzle of true love. Few of them were successful, and even fewer were blessed to experience this kind of pure, unconditional love. If any of you wonder what that feeling is like, just remember the look in Jake’s and Michelle’s eyes. Let us proceed to the vows. Michelle?”
“Oh, my…” Michelle spoke softly, a shade of red adorning her cheeks. “Jake, as far back as I can remember, I’ve been wondering if I’d ever find my prince. My soul mate. Six months ago, I did. As luck would have it, you saved me that day. But, you did a lot more than just saving my life. You showed me what love is. Now, here we are, getting ready to explore the future together. And I can’t wait to spend it with you. My soul mate. My friend. My prince charming.”
“Jake?”
“Michelle…” He croaked, tears welling up in his eyes. “I don’t think I saved your life. In fact, I think you saved mine. You see, I was a lost cause up until that day we met. I’d lost my faith, I was clinging to the past, I was mad at the world… But you taught me…” He faltered, a tear rushing down Michelle’s cheek. “You taught me how to love again. You breathed life back into me. You’ve been my muse ever since that stormy night. And I’d love for you to keep being my inspiration. My motive. The woman who dances in my dreams, daring me to dance with her in reality.”
“Michelle, do you take this man to be your lawful, wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, until death do you part?”
“I do,” Michelle uttered, her eyes staying on Jake.
“Jake, do you take this woman to be your lawful, wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor her, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, until death do you part?”
“I do,” Jake said with an emphatic nod.
“May I have the rings, please?” Father Powell requested, shifting his gaze over to David. Smiling at him, Jake’s friend eased a green box out of the pocket of his jacket and handed it over to him. Opening it, the Reverend held it low in front of him.
“Michelle, place this ring on Jake’s finger, as a symbol of your everlasting love.” Michelle pulled the ring out of the box, the groom holding out his hand, palm outward. Gazing up into his eyes, she put the ring on his finger.
“Jake, place this ring on Michelle’s hand, as a symbol of your love, that will always encircle her.” Sliding the jewel down her finger, Jake’s smile widened to a grin.
“By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you ‘husband’ and ‘wife.’ You may kiss the bride,” Father Powell finished, and the melodic introduction of Bon Jovi’s ‘Thank You For Loving Me’ filled the air.
Jake leaned in, snaking his arms around Michelle’s waist, as I and the guests put our hands together. A blissful smile had been painted on my face, a mild breeze picking up grains of sand as their lips locked in a tender kiss. Jake held Michelle tight in his arms, the music overshadowing the calls of seagulls.
“I love you, Siren,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against Michelle’s.
“I love you, too,” she told him, the applause growing in volume.
I felt David’s eyes on me, just when I turned my gaze over to the turquoise waters of the beach. Tiny waves were forming across the surface, taking my breath away. My best friend’s wedding was beyond perfect. It was the stuff of dreams.
Before I could catch another glimpse of the happy couple, a question raised in my mind…
What’s my wedding going to be like?
I was getting ahead of myself; I knew that.
I wasn’t even in a relationship, let alone finding my ‘Mr. Right’.
I noticed that David was staring at me, and under any other circumstances, I would have given him a piece of my mind. Yet, this was the most important day in Michelle’s life, and in truth, he had lost his opportunity in the winter. And so I decided I wouldn’t be starting any arguments today, especially with David…
Chapter 2
David
“The couple only, please.”
“Thank God…” I muttered under my breath, relieved that the torture was over. Standing alongside my buddy during a photo shoot wasn’t a problem. Jake and I didn’t always see eye to eye with each other, but we’d been good friends for almost ten years. It was Ms. Briar that pushed my buttons.
I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen this coming. I’d been thinking about this day for weeks, and I was positive that I’d come across this issue.
Stacy was looking away from me, as if I was some disgusting cave troll, covered in mud. On top of that I’m sure she was going out of her way not to talk to me.
And why would she?
Well, newsflash, Stacy. You’re beautiful, no one can deny that. Those red curls, that creamy skin, and those freckles on your cheeks are to die for. That body of yours is a little too slender for my taste, but I can’t help but be drawn to you. Still, there are other fish in the sea, even some who are actually nice to guys that flirt with them.
A powerful gust of wind rustled through the palm tree leaves as Michelle’s parents, Frank, Monica and I strolled into the front yard of the hotel. The water of the pool was sparkling under the elegant gazebo light, the smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the scent of the sea lingering in the air.
“Michelle is great at picking venues,” Monica commented while we headed to our table. “I mean, look at this place. Big pool, romantic lights everywhere. It’s almost sad the band is about to start playing.”
“Sad?” I cocked an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” She affirmed with a nod. “We won’t be able to hear the waves.”
“That’s one thing we won’t be able to hear,” I pointed out, spotting Stacy in a red, strapless dress on the pathway outside the lobby.
“You guys hate each other, don’t you?” Monica asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Actually, we love to hate each other,” I corrected, seating myself across from her.
“You have to work on your relationship,” Monica advised. “Do it for your friends.”
“Hey, don’t look at me.” I pointed to myself. “I’ve been trying for months, but she won’t budge.”
“Anyway…” She paused, her gaze settled on the pool to the left. “This feels a little weird. I always thought that Jay D’s wedding would be full of extravaganzas. You know, TV choppers flying overhead to document the event, a sea of flowers all around the venue, expensive seafood buffet, pop divas showing up in designer dresses.”
“That’s pretty much everything the couple wanted to avoid,” Stacy interjected, sauntering towards the table.
“I respect that, but I still think it’s…”
“Better.” Stacy interrupted again.
“Too bad I didn’t bring some popcorn,” I muttered to Monica, holding in a snort. “She’s about to go medieval on your ass. Just watch.”
“Let me ask you something,” Stacy said, a stiff expression on her face as she sat at the head of the table. “Why do people get married?”
“Philosophy time,” I hummed, wondering where she was going with this. “There are a million reasons why people get married. Some even do it to get a green card.”
“Thank you for mentioning the least probable reason.” She spoke in a sarcastic tone. “In this case, our friends got married because they wanted to declare their love to the world. They just didn’t want every media outlet in the country to know about it.”
At that point, a drum roll compelled me to ignore her. Jake and Michelle had just walked through the gate of the hotel, holding hands and glowing with love. I rose from my seat and welcomed them with warm applause, happy for that grumpy recluse. Jake had stepped out of the shadows with the help of a gorgeous, supportive woman. It might have taken life well over ten years, but it had given back what it had taken from him—a chance at starting a family. And if I knew Jake, which I did, he would get right on it.
“All right, no more philosophy lessons,” I stated, grabbing a bottle of champagne. Frank, Monica and even Stacy held out their glasses. I held the cork and pushed it out of the bottle as a passionate male voice started singing the first lyrics of Survivor’s ‘Ever Since The World Began’. I poured champagne into each glass, leaving mine for last.
“To the newlyweds,” I proposed a toast, looking around me.
“To the newlyweds.” Stacy nodded, wearing the same stiff expression as she clinked her glass against mine.
After more than eight months of knowing her, I still couldn’t read her.
Here we were, celebrating the union of the two people closest to us, and she looked like she had just reprimanded a kid who hadn’t been paying attention to her. You’d think she’d be more enthusiastic about Michelle getting married and smile for a change, but no. Ms. Self-Righteous couldn’t—or wouldn’t—relax.
Maybe I was to blame for that. We hadn’t been on the best of terms. But, was that an excuse for her to maintain this attitude? Was the bad blood between us enough to prevent her from enjoying this happy occasion?
The answer was simple.
No.
My worst enemy could be sitting right next to me at that table, and I’d still not care. I was there to honor my friend. That’s what Jake was to me, above all else. A great friend. He was demanding, sometimes he was a little too harsh, but he didn’t harbor any malice. Working with him was hands down the best thing for my career. In other words, I owed him. Big time. I’d be damned if I let anything or anyone get in the way of me having a good time.
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