“I knew I’d win you over eventually.”
“As if you didn’t have me hook, line, and sinker right from that first super-detailed spontaneous email years ago.” Ashleigh heard the banter in her tone and knew it was all in good fun, so she let Kellan go on without protest. “I knew right then and there that you were the one for me.”
“You did not,” she said, calling her bluff. “You thought I was an uptight dork.”
“You are.” Kellan kissed her generously. “Just so happens that was exactly what I needed in my life.”
Ashleigh felt herself getting swept up in the moment, and while she loved every minute of it, she still wanted to see the rest of their summer rental. “So, show me this apartment and tell me what you have planned for us this summer.”
“It’s interesting,” Kellan started as they meandered through the eat-in kitchen. “I made a list, but at this point, we’ve seen just about everything.”
If that wasn’t the truth. After five years of summering in Brooklyn, their New York City bucket list was pretty thin. Time had afforded them season after season of wonderful local memories.
For Ashleigh, Vail had been home since the moment she’d touched down in Colorado. Once she’d reunited with Kellan, she was simply unwilling to be apart again. And Kellan, God bless her, without even being asked, found a way to even the scales. All winter, spring, and fall, she more than pulled her weight around the resort, so they were free to spend the entire summer in New York.
Five years in, the gesture still made her heart swell.
“Come on, let’s check out the back.” She left a sweet kiss on Kellan’s cheek and pulled her onward, stealing a glance into two bedrooms before she hit the back door.
“Oh my God, how sweet is this?” she said stepping outside into the privacy of a paved yard. “How did you manage to find this place?”
“Well, while you were busy running the high school math department and coaching the mathletes, I was scouring the internet looking for the perfect place. Last year was great, but it was tiny and kind of out of the way.”
“This is perfect. My parents’ house is three blocks away. Liam’s bar is basically down the street. Shauna and Mike can even walk here with Stephon.”
“This is not my first rodeo.” Ashleigh adored the pride in Kellan’s voice, obviously impressed at her coup. “It’ll be nice to have a place to cook out. Let our friends’ children run amok.” Kellan shrugged. “Since we’re essentially surrounded by breeders anyway, might as well make it work to our advantage.”
Kellan’s words were playful, but like always, the sentiment behind them was thoughtful. In recent years they’d witnessed their New York friends expand their families exponentially. Reagan and Josh had added a little girl to their brood, Shauna and Mike traipsed everywhere with three-year old Stephon. Even both her sisters had gotten married and produced three grandchildren thus far. They were truly outnumbered.
“You’re a genius.” Ashleigh moved closer and put her arms around Kellan’s neck, reaching up to whisper in her ear. “It’s nice having all the kiddos around.” She nibbled an earlobe. “Best part, though, they go home at the end of the day.”
“Right?” Kellan said, obviously aware they shared the sentiment.
“Except for Zoey. She can stay over all she wants. I’m guessing that’s the idea behind the second bedroom.”
Kellan looked at the back of the house. “I wasn’t looking for a two bedroom at all. But this outdoor space won me over. And honestly, with her going off to college in the fall, I wouldn’t mind maximizing our time together this summer.”
Over the years, Ashleigh had formed her own kinship with Zoey and Dara. She loved when they vacationed at the Desmond and found that spending time with the smart, confident teen was like having a window into the past. Zoey was kind and compassionate, funny and sharp, and so much like Kellan, even beyond the obvious physical similarities. Some of her fondest memories came from watching them interact.
“We’ll all have plenty of time together in the next two months. And I promise to lock them into a winter trip. Sound good?”
“Sounds perfect.” Ashleigh felt Kellan’s hands lock behind her back as she pulled her closer. “Just like you.” Kellan dropped a kiss, and Ashleigh let herself sink into it, knowing it was the first of so many they would share in this yard, in this apartment, in this season, in this city.
“We should go inside,” she whispered. They needed to unpack, unwind, prepare for the days of people and events ahead. She saw a smirk emerge, and her pulse rose at the glimmer in Kellan’s eye. “Not what I meant,” she said, holding her hand as they made their way back to the house.
“That’s not a no,” Kellan teased.
“Like I ever say no to you.”
Kellan wore a knowing look, her expression loaded with charm. “You love me a little bit?”
Silly words, but they melted her right on the spot. “I love you more than I even knew possible. And you so know it.”
It was the truth now, and Ashleigh knew it would be always. Whether they were in the mountains of Colorado or on the streets of New York, their affection for each other was true, their devotion deep, their love strong as ever.
“Come on, we should get ready.”
“Who are we seeing tonight?” Kellan asked.
“My parents. Dinner at Liam’s place.”
“Ooh, that’s like two-for-one. But who will be first to take credit,” she mused with a finger to her chin.
Ashleigh laughed at Kellan’s humor. It was a running joke that all the people in their lives liked to take responsibility for their union. From Kellan’s mom to Aunt Holly, Shauna, Granny, Liam, they all shared some pride. She and Kellan allowed each of them to bask in the glory, because in fairness, they’d all been there. Even Blue played a part.
Between them they knew the truth.
Their love was the product of fate, timing, the universe, God. Plain and simple, they owed it all to one perfect Brooklyn summer.
About the Author
Maggie Cummings is the author of five novels, including the Bay West Social series. She hails from Staten Island, NY, where she lives with her wife and their two children. She spends the bulk of her time shuttling kids and procrastinating about writing. To pay the bills, she works as a police captain in Brooklyn commanding a squad of detectives, which sounds way more exciting than it is. She is a complete sucker for indulgent TV, kettle cooked potato chips, and pedestrian chocolate.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Brooklyn Summer by Maggie Cummings. When opposites attract, can a summer of passion and adventure lead to a lifetime of love? (978-1-63555-578-3)
City Kitty and Country Mouse by Alyssa Linn Palmer. Pulled in two different directions, can a city kitty and a country mouse fall in love and make it work? (978-1-63555-553-0)
Elimination by Jackie D. When a dangerous homegrown terrorist seeks refuge with the Russian mafia, the team will be put to the ultimate test. (978-1-63555-570-7)
In the Shadow of Darkness by Nicole Stiling. Angeline Vallencourt is a reluctant vampire who must decide what she wants more—obscurity, revenge, or the woman who makes her feel alive. (978-1-63555-624-7)
On Second Thought by C. Spencer. Madisen is falling hard for Rae. Even single life and co-parenting are beginning to click. At least, that is, until her ex-wife begins to have second thoughts. (978-1-63555-415-1)
Out of Practice by Carsen Taite. When attorney Abby Keane discovers the wedding blogger tormenting her client is the woman she had a passionate, anonymous vacation fling with, sparks and subpoenas fly. Legal Affairs: one law firm, three best friends, three chances to fall in love. (978-1-63555-359-8)
Providence by Leigh Hays. With every click of the shutter, photographer Rebekiah Kearns finds it harder and harder to keep Lindsey Blackwell in focus without getting too close. (978-1-63555-620-9)
Taking a Shot at Love by KC Richardson. When academic and athletic worlds co
llide, will English professor Celeste Bouchard and basketball coach Lisa Tobias ignore their attraction to achieve their professional goals? (978-1-63555-549-3)
Flight to the Horizon by Julie Tizard. Airline captain Kerri Sullivan and flight attendant Janine Case struggle to survive an emergency water landing and overcome dark secrets to give love a chance to fly. (978-1-63555-331-4)
In Helen’s Hands by Nanisi Barrett D’Arnuk. As her mistress, Helen pushes Mickey to her sensual limits, delivering the pleasure only a BDSM lifestyle can provide her. (978-1-63555-639-1)
Jamis Bachman, Ghost Hunter by Jen Jensen. In Sage Creek, Utah, a poltergeist stirs to life and past secrets emerge. (978-1-63555-605-6)
Moon Shadow by Suzie Clarke. Add betrayal, season with survival, then serve revenge smokin’ hot with a sharp knife. (978-1-63555-584-4)
Spellbound by Jean Copeland and Jackie D. When the supernatural worlds of good and evil face off, love might be what saves them all. (978-1-63555-564-6)
Temptation by Kris Bryant. Can experienced nanny Cassie Miller deny her growing attraction and keep her relationship with her boss professional? Or will they sidestep propriety and give in to temptation? (978-1-63555-508-0)
The Inheritance by Ali Vali. Family ties bring Tucker Delacroix and Willow Vernon together, but they could also tear them, and any chance they have at love, apart. (978-1-63555-303-1)
Thief of the Heart by MJ Williamz. Kit Hanson makes a living seducing rich women in casinos and relieving them of the expensive jewelry most won’t even miss. But her streak ends when she meets beautiful FBI agent Savannah Brown. (978-1-63555-572-1)
Face Off by PJ Trebelhorn. Hockey player Savannah Wells rarely spends more than a night with any one woman, but when photographer Madison Scott buys the house next door, she’s forced to rethink what she expects out of life. (978-1-63555-480-9)
Hot Ice by Aurora Rey, Elle Spencer, and Erin Zak. Can falling in love melt the hearts of the iciest ice queens? Join Aurora Rey, Elle Spencer, and Erin Zak to find out! A contemporary romance novella collection. (978-1-63555-513-4)
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Brooklyn Summer Page 26
