by Ella Frank
Epilogue
Lena made her way across the grass holding Mason’s hand. They’d just arrived at the cemetery and she was holding a large sunflower. The sun was shining down on them and as they got to the grave they were looking for, Mason squeezed her hand gently and she leaned down, removing the oldest flower from the vase and replacing it with the new one. Standing back up next to him, she smiled and he leaned down to kiss her on the lips.
“Think she’d approve?” he asked, watching her closely. Lena raised their joined hands, kissing his knuckles.
“Oh, I know she does. She’s been listening to me whine and complain about you for months.”
Laughing, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair back from her face. “Oh, really?”
“Yep,” she replied. “If anything, she’d approve just so I’d shut up.”
He leaned down, kissed her quickly, and then looked at the tulips in his own hand. “Come on, one more stop to make.”
Nodding, Lena took his hand and followed him back to the car. They drove a little ways around the curve, up over a slight hill, and then pulled up in another familiar grassy field that was lined with tombstones.
True, she thought as they got out and made their way through the flowers, some might think this was a morbid tradition, but to them it was a way to say hello and still talk to the ones they loved. They finally stopped in front of Mason’s father’s and Catherine’s graves. Lena looked at the bouquet of tulips they’d put together this morning at Precious Petals and watched as he crouched down, placing them just in front of the headstone.
“Hey, Mom. I brought a stranger by.”
Lena gripped his hand when he stood and he continued softly, “She said she hadn’t been by for a while but we both wanted to be the ones to tell you. You were right. Fate did bring her to you.” Pausing, Mason looked at Lena and she felt a tear fall down her cheek. He reached out and wiped it away. “Don’t cry. This is happy news. She’d be thrilled.”
He turned back, gripping Lena’s hand tight, and announced, “And you brought her to me. We wanted you to be the first to know, Mom.”
He reached out and wrapped his arm around Lena’s shoulders. “We’re getting married.”
Lena felt him turn toward her, pull her in close, kiss her nose. “You were right. I just needed to forgive her, because after that everything was easy. I love her.”
He took her hand in his and smiled and they turned to move away, but before they were clear of the site, Lena turned and whispered over her shoulder.
“Just so you know, I fought tooth and nail for him. We saved each other.”
Looking at her, Mason tilted his head and Lena smiled and answered, “Don’t worry. It’s just a little something between your mom and me.”
He kissed her nose whispering, “I love you,” and they walked back to the car hand in hand.
Lena could quite honestly say life was perfect at this moment. In fact, she would even venture to say it was absolutely exquisite.
Special Thanks
I need to thank my wonderful family who are many miles away but have always supported my love of writing, even when I was supposed to be doing my homework! I love and appreciate all your praise and willingness to read my story. This is especially true for you three because I know you’d all prefer at least one person to be murdered, a bit of blood, some guts and a detective or two. Thanks for believing in me.
And of course, my fellow nerds. You all know who you are. We may have many “nerd fights” around the office cubicle but without your encouragement and willingness to read, a first go at a dream, I wouldn’t be here writing this dedication to the most wonderful friends I could’ve hoped to find. Just remember nerds I know all your secrets when it comes to;
“Nerd Girl Problem#235”
That unexplainable crush
You have on fictional characters.
Writing my first book has been a very big learning process and I have to add to my first ‘special thanks’ note because I need to thank four amazing women I fondly call, my critters. I know that each and everyone one of these women are already aware of who they are but I must go ahead and give them credit – where credit is due.
Firstly, a special twinkly thanks to ‘The Goddess of all things domestic and twinkly.’ (Whew so long!) Our first meeting was out of the blue but in the end it was what began this amazing group of women! She is the one who kept my cooking mentions, throughout the book, on the right track – when it went way off of it J Alyssa was also the one to locate any visual aide I needed. She’s an amazing human being and I am so happy to have met her.
Secondly, is a woman who introduced me to probably the funniest video I have ever seen – I can almost say, that as I am writing this I am an 11 Brit – that Sloth video is the best medicine for any crappy day and I thank you for bringing it into my life. You are a wonderful person and your help was invaluable – you’re a wonderful friend!
Google Girl, did we ever agree on that? Well you brought to my life awesome cakes!! A devilish cat, and the term ‘Holy Buckets.’ You have been moved from Critter to Creta but we aren’t judging..LOL. You’re awesome and you know it, plus you give killer Twang!!
Lastly, The Ninj. Really no words need to be written here because if I do write them I am sure she will point out all the strange colloquialism’s I have added in, not to mention a few major mouthwatering moments and several moments that are flicking fantastic! Ok, ok.. in all honesty Amber, thank you for taking part and giving ALL your opinions J they were great and hilarious and made me LM*AO!
Thanks Critters your four amazing women and mothers and I can’t wait for book TWO!!!
Love you all,
Ella
Keep Reading
For A Sneak Peek of the 2nd Book in the Exquisite Series
Entice, By Ella Frank
2008
“I can’t believe you just asked me that.” Shelly fumed, hands on hips, mouth open.
“Why? Come on Shel. It’s not like you don’t have the money. $3,000.00 is nothing.” Adam pointed out as he sat on the couch looking at her.
Shelly took a deep breath and turned around to walk over to the kitchen. When she got there she spotted the knife block and thought, better not tempt myself, and turned to make her way to the window instead.
After two years of bailing out her wanna-be entrepreneur slash inventor boyfriend, she’d finally snapped at his latest idiotic idea. Up until now, most of his ‘inventions’ had been semi plausible, and she’d been able to convince herself that he’d make enough money one day to pay her back. However, several thousands of dollars later she was still out the cash and he was still sitting at home on her couch cooking up the next greatest idea. Which according to Adam was the The Auto-Toss. A moronic invention with the catchy slogan, want your salad tossed for you? Really was he serious? Did he even realize the double entendre there?? Shelly raised her hand and squeezed the bridge of her nose. Honestly, who needs an automatic salad tosser? Ok, even thinking that made her want to laugh at him. More to the point she thought, is this who I want to share DNA with and possibly have raising my children? Is this who I want to support for the rest of my life? The immediate and very obvious answer was hell no!
“I can’t do this anymore.” she said shaking her head.
“Do what?” Adam demanded.
Shelly turned to face him and noticed he’d stood and was glaring at her. “This.” she motioned back and forward between them. Adam arched a brow and crossed his arms over his chest.
She tried to look at him objectively, as though she’d never met him. He was standing in her living room dressed in doc martens, that were unlaced, he had on his scruffy blue jeans that had a rip across his left butt cheek, she knew from staring at his ass one too many times, and a blue flannel shirt. She wanted to like what she was looking at. She wanted to remember why entering into this relationship had been a good idea, but as he stood there glaring at her she just couldn’t see it.
&n
bsp; “You don’t like the new idea? I mean come on! It’s great.”...”
“Stop. Please God just stop.” she interrupted. “I’m done with this Adam, as in us. It’s just not working anymore. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks and now this, well this whole salad tosser thing? It’s a ridiculous idea! I’m not even remotely interested in giving you money.”
Shelly noticed the moment what she was saying hit him. In all honesty she couldn’t tell if he was more pissed off about her breaking up with him or for telling him his idea essentially, well sucked.
“You’re such a snob Shelly.”
“Excuse me? I’m not a snob.”
“Yeah you are. The whole time we’ve been together you’ve looked down your nose at me.”
Shelly blinked slowly feeling her temperature rise quickly. In fact, if she had to guess she’d venture out and guess her fair skin was probably turning a nice fuming shade of pissed off, and steam was probably starting to leak out her ears. This fight wasn’t a new one, their whole relationship Adam always accused her of being a snob and up until this moment she’d never even entertained the thought. Up until this exact moment.
“You know what? For once you’re right Adam. I’m sick and tired of giving you money to sit at home, my home and come up with these stupid dead end ideas that you never follow through with. I’ve got to admit, up until now most have had an inkling of making it but this one? Wow, this one really blows. So yeah, I guess you can call me a snob because I want a man who’ll go out get a job, oh and here’s a novel idea. Keep it! But I tell you one thing. I won’t be the little lady staying at home having the babies, while her hotshot husband runs around on her either! I want a partner, someone who earns his way just like I do!”
Adam came around the table and moved over to stop right in front of her. Looking down he sneered. “You’ve always been such a fucking Princess.”
Shelly felt like he’d slapped her. Her father called her that and honestly he didn’t mean it in an endearing manner either.
“I think you need to leave.” she told him through clenched teeth.
“What about all my stuff?”
Shelly glared up at him, not one to be intimidated. “You can come and pick up your one suitcase tomorrow.”
“Well Dr. Monroe. I’d love to say it’s been a pleasure but well, even the sex these last few months just hasn’t been,” and with that he turned and grabbed his cell phone from the table.
Shelly glared holes in his back as he walked to the door. Asshole! Like the five minutes he spent on top of her was the highlight of her week! Without a backward glance he walked out slamming the door behind him. It crashed shut with a resonating boom. As Shelly stood in her empty living room she made a promise to herself, no man would ever use her again. She decided to only date a man who could give her what she needed and not rely on her to be the soul provider, and it was a promise she intended to keep.
Chapter One
2011
Shelly pushed the buzzer at the front door of Exquisite then took a step back and turned to watch the cars as she waited. It was mid-May and had just turned 7:30 p.m. on a Monday night. Ever since Lena and Mason had got engaged back in February they’d moved the traditional Langley family dinner down to the restaurant. Lena had told her it just hadn’t felt right to any of them to go back to the cottage without Catherine there. So they’d switched to the restaurant, which worked out well because Exquisite was closed on Monday’s.
Somehow, ever since Lena had been welcomed back into the Langley family unit, Shelly had found herself adopted by them too. Hearing the click of the lock, Shelly turned to see Mason pushing open the door.
“Dr. Monroe.” he greeted as he reached out and pulled her into a tight hug. Shelly went gladly, after all it was Mason Langley, and she wasn’t going to pass up a chance to get her hands on his sexy body, even if he was engaged to her best friend.
“Mason. How are you tonight?”
“Great, just great. Get in here. The food’s cooking, the wine’s open and Lena’s at the bar making margarita’s.”
Shelly smiled as he tugged her through the door. Making her way inside she looked to her left and saw her friend standing behind the huge mahogany bar that ran down the side of the restaurant. Lena raised a hand waving at her. Shelly shrugged out of her coat and smiled as Mason took it from her.
“Full service tonight Chef?”
As he grinned she watched matching dimples appear and he winked, “Nothing but the best here at Exquisite.”
Nodding, Shelly tugged at her tight little red skirt, “That’s actually true, including your alcohol. So I’m going to go over to your woman and grab some.”
“Let her know I’ll be in the kitchen if she needs me.”
Shelly was already making her way toward the bar when she looked back over her shoulder, “Will do.”
Turning back Shelly smiled at Lena, and then stopped in front of her friend and colleague. “Where’s my usual Cosmo, huh?”
Lena arched a brow, “Sit down. Tonight you’re trying Lena’s Margarita.”
“Oh am I?” Shelly questioned watching as her friend started to salt the four large glasses in front of her.
“Yep. You, Rach and Wendy are my guinea pigs.”
“Lucky us.” Sighing, Shelly looked around at the now familiar bar and dining room.
“Hey, what’s up?” she heard Lena ask.
Turning to face her friend she shrugged then shook her head, “Nothing. I’m just feeling sorry for myself.”
Lena frowned and reached over the bar to grip Shelly’s hand. “Well you shouldn’t. You’re wonderful and we all love you.”
“I know you do, but I can’t have sex with you.”
Lena laughed pulling her hand back to pick up the pitcher of drink. “Oh! I see. It’s that kind of feeling sorry for ourselves.”
Shelly picked up a small straw from the container on the bar and started to chew on it. She blew out a breath and felt her blonde hair ruffle against her cheek.
“Yeah it’s that kind of, I feel sorry for myself. I hate being sexually frustrated,” she whined. “It sucks. Well not literally, obviously, but you know what I mean.”
Lena rested up against the bar and pushed a margarita toward her. “Actually no I don’t. I never felt like that before.”
“What about before your sex god turned up?” Shelly asked feeling a huge grin slide onto her face as Lena predictably stiffened and turned into her usual prudish self.
“Sex god? Really? Please don’t say that around him. The man already has a huge ego, you don’t need to feed it.”
Shelly picked her drink up took a sip and swallowed the tart icy liquid down. Smiling she nodded. “Ok. But I’m right, aren’t I?”
Grinning Lena picked her own glass up sipping. Looking over the rim at Shelly she replied, “Oh yeah, he’s a god.”
“Lucky bitch.”
Joshua Daniels was having a bad day. He’d just come from his lawyer’s office, at Mitchell & Madison, and he was not happy. His last employer was trying to skip out on the final payment, stating that his company had gone over by two days. Stupid prick, he thought, if they hadn’t gone over he would’ve ended up with shit work, and then knowing the slimly little worm, would’ve sued for that too! Not to mention it’d rained for the last three weeks, so that had pushed back their schedule. He was definitely not having a good day.
Josh had just recently moved back home after breaking things off with Melissa. It had taken him six months to get things organized but now that he was here he was ready to plant some roots. Originally they’d moved to L.A. because Melissa had wanted to pursue an acting career, cue the curtains and the eye rolling on his behalf. Turns out the quickest way she saw to get to the top, was by being on top of the director. Was it really so hard to find a nice, sweet attractive woman who’d want to settle down and marry? Apparently it was, because here he was back in cold ass Chicago, which was currently rainy Chicago, making his way over
to his buddy’s new restaurant, alone.
Mason Langley. He hadn’t seen the guy for a little over two years. When they’d gone to school together, and even through their college years at different facilities, they’d been trouble with a capital T. He remembered many parties involving lots of hot girls and even hotter nights. They’d spent those formative years, as they liked to call it, networking. Yeah, he thought, networking their way into girls’ beds, cars, dorm rooms and parent’s holiday homes. Pretty much you think of a place, and they’d been there and done that, there. Yep, Josh thought with a grin, it was going to be good to meet up with his old friend.
He’d heard around town about Exquisite, Mason’s and Rachel’s restaurant, and he was looking forward to checking it out for himself. After all, he couldn’t remember how many times he recalled Mason telling him that one day he’d be so famous all the women he wanted would be lining up around the block for him. Pretty boy bastard probably had achieved that goal too.
Pulling up at the address Mason had given him, Josh parked his white Ford 150 around the back in the tiny parking lot Walking over to the side door, like he’d been told, he noticed a shiny red BMW convertible parked in the back. He rolled his eyes, it reminded him of a Barbie car. He chuckled and thought, should’ve parked the truck next to that just to piss off the owner. Stopping at the door he knocked twice and waited.
Shelly and Lena had made their way over to the table that’d been set for eight and took a seat. Lena had refilled Shelly’s margarita and she had to admit, Lena’s Margarita was pretty damn delicious. As Lena took a seat she beamed over at Shelly then asked quietly.
“Look, before everyone gets here can I ask you something?”
Shelly nodded sipping her drink, watching as Lena kept an eye on the kitchen doors.
