Kitchen Affairs: A Riverside Novel (The Riverside Trilogy)

by Cumberland, Brooke

  He took a moment to think about it before responding. “I’ll take that chance,” he smiled knowing no one else had a shot anyways. “Love you.”

  I kissed his mouth. “Love you more.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  “Molly, I would like you to come with me this weekend to the charity benefit my family is hosting. Would you do me the honors?” Drake asked sweetly, giving me the chills. The Stagliano family was wealthy and well known. Anytime they sponsored an event, many powerful and rich people attended making it a huge press event. Being there on Drake’s arm would make for a lot of publicity that I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

  I bit my lip and rubbed my ear a few moments before saying anything. I was nervous and wasn’t sure if I would be good enough to be on his arm. I’ve never been to an exclusive event before but being that photos were all over the magazines and social media the following day, it was no secret how huge of an event it was.

  “Molly?” Drake asked breaking the silence.

  “Yeah… sorry. Of course, I will. I just…” I stumbled over my own words.

  “What? Do you not want to go?” he asked disappointed.

  “No, I do! I’ve just never been to such an elite event before and don’t really have anything to wear or idea of what to expect I guess. I’m just nervous. I don’t want to embarrass you,” I finally responded shyly hoping he would understand.

  “Baby, you would never embarrass me. I promise. I can help get you something to wear if that will make you feel better, but honestly, you have nothing to worry about.” He lifted my chin up to look deep into my eyes. “You are beautiful. No matter what,” he said lightly kissing my lips and giving me a squeeze. Wow… this was certainty going to be interesting to say the least.

  “Oh my goodness, Drake, this is stunning!” I gushed as the limo door opened. I stepped out onto the red carpet waiting for Drake to come to my side. I swung my arm into his and grabbed my clutch purse as we started walking down the carpet. There were paparazzi on both sides, flashing their cameras directly at us. Being that Drake was an only child and the only heirloom to the business, he was like a celebrity at these events.

  “Mr. Stagliano! Drake! Who’s your date?” I heard from the crowd. I wanted to impress Drake with my appearance tonight so I had Michael put my hair up in a side up-do and do my makeup. I wanted to show him that I could live up to the expectations of the media. Though I doubt it really matters to him. But I still wanted to impress him.

  We stopped for a few pictures where I gracefully stood by his side and smiled. I felt awkward and out of place, but I wanted to do it for Drake. He looked so good in his black Versace tuxedo and his wild curls were perfectly tamed. His bright smile reflected off the flashes as they continued to blind us.

  “You. Look. Incredible,” Drake whispered slowly into my ear as we headed inside the hotel still linked in his arm. “I adore you.” He brushed my lips lightly with his as we were entering into the ballroom. I felt a spontaneous combustion between my thighs as my body yearned for him.

  God, I love this man.

  My jaw dropped as I stared into the crystal ballroom. It was beyond stunning. It was brightly lit with white tulle hanging from the ceiling to the chandelier. The centerpieces were tall, crystal vases with white pine stems of white orchids. I have never seen something so amazing. It was like a picture in a magazine. I got lost in the room and collided with Drake as he stopped walking in front of me.

  “Molly, there’s going to be several people I’m going to introduce you to. Don’t feel intimidated, okay?” he said trying to reassure me. I just nodded keeping a smile plastered to my face staying close to him.

  After an hour of meeting numerous people and being introduced as Drake’s girlfriend, we were finally allowed to sit down at our table in the front of the room. Drake was going to be speaking and introducing the beneficiary and cause. What Drake and his family were doing was absolutely amazing. They were not only a hard working family, but they gave back in anyway they could. They funded benefits and events for children’s charities, cancer and illnesses, homeless shelters, and feeding the hungry. It was an honor to just be in the same room as all of these people.

  “Molly, is it?” Kendra was standing elegantly behind me smiling. Oh fucking great. I faked a smile and nodded as I shook her hand to formally meet her. What is she doing here?

  “You look stunning,” she complimented as she stood towering over me. I was still seated waiting for Drake to return with our champagne. As I looked around searching for him, I saw two glasses in his hands as a young couple stopped and started talking to him. I could see that he was eager to get back to me, but Drake was not the type of person to ignore anyone that wanted to speak with him.

  “Well, thank you.” I smiled again at her odd compliment. “You look lovely as well,” I said trying to reciprocate. I suddenly remembered Drake mentioning how wealthy her family was which was probably the reason she was there. Does this mean she’ll be at all of these damn events?

  She lowered herself so her mouth was just brushing my ear. “You look nice on his arm now Molly, but you won’t last.” I tensed up a bit as she continued. “He will always be mine.” All I could do was stare at her surprised at her forwardness. Bitch. She gazed into my eyes for a moment and slowly walked away. I imagined other women being jealous, but knowing Kendra already had a past with Drake made me uneasy.

  And pissed off.

  “Sorry, sweetheart.” Drake apologized as handing me a glass. “That was Mr. Stone and his fiancé. He owns some condo complexes in downtown.” As Drake was telling me about the people at the event and whom he had run into, Kendra’s words kept replaying in my head. I knew she just wanted to upset me, but apart of me didn’t want to be naïve.

  Drake stood up and buttoned his jacket as he walked up to the podium. Applause flooded the room as Drake was making his appearance. I smiled as I thought of how proud I was for my man. He looked so calm and at home as he stood giving his speech. Butterflies ran through my body just looking up at him and watching his gestures. I couldn’t believe I was the one he chose to go home with each night. He is mine.

  As the event came to a close, we posed for a few more pictures. I was exhausted by the end of the evening of continuous smiling, meeting new people, sipping on champagne, and linking to Drake’s arm. The event had an amazing turnout and I could tell Drake was very pleased. As much fun as it was being his date, I was eager to get my man home.

  “Exhausted yet?” Drake whispered into my ear teasing the lobe with his tongue. My body tensed at his touch, and I was ready to leave and have my way with him. Seeing him tonight made everything about him make sense. He was not only a businessman; he was a charitable man that gave back to his community.

  “Yes, but not too exhausted,” I teased back as he helped me back into the limo. The party subsided and we were able to leave without cameras flashing in our faces.

  “Good, I was hoping you’d say that,” he said through his bright smile. The driver shut the door behind us and Drake immediately pushed the window up between the driver and us. I eyed him down as I sensed he was on to something. Something naughty I hope.

  “Thank you for bringing me. It was seriously… amazing!” I said as I sat closer to him, wrapping my legs over his lap. I leaned in for a kiss, but right before our lips touched, there was a slight knock on the tinted window outside. Who the hell?

  Drake lowered the window to reveal Kendra standing there. She was obviously wasted as she could hardly stand up without leaning on the door. Fabulous.

  “Kendra? What do you want?” Drake asked stunned to see his ex. Good, he’s just as shocked as I am.

  “Oh Drake. You know you rather have me in that limo than her. Just admit it!” she exclaimed slurring her words and obviously through liquid courage.

  “Kendra, what are you talking about? We haven’t been together in years. You’re really going to pull this?” After what she did with our photos, it didn’t surpr
ise me anymore to see what this girl would do to grab his attention.

  “Don’t act like you don’t know, Drake. Tell her.” She nodded her head towards me. “Tell her you really want me.” My face was beating red. Now I was pissed. I felt like pulling her hair through the window and giving her a piece of my mind. Before I could do anything, Drake cursed her off and rolled the window back up. He yelled to the driver to leave and as we did, I could see her hand smear against the window as we drove away. Clearly, she wasn’t ready to let go. Was she like this with all his girlfriends or just me?

  “Molly, I’m sorry. She’s drunk, just ignore her.” He tried to calm me as he could see the heat in my face and my eyes tear up.

  “Is she right?” I asked out loud subconsciously.

  “God, no! Molly, believe me, please. Kendra is a possessive nut job. She goes after all my girlfriends no matter who they are. She thinks because she has money that we belong together.” My expression didn’t change and as he tried to reassure me, I kept playing our conversation over and over in my mind.

  You look good on his arm now… you won’t last… Ugh, I wanted to knock her out on her face.

  “She told me at the event that I looked good on your arm now, but that it wouldn’t last.” I finally turned to face Drake to check his reaction.

  “She did what? Hell no! Molly, I swear to you. You are not just a fling. You are the only woman I have ever loved. Kendra can clearly see that and is intimidated by you. She doesn’t understand why I don’t want her, but that’s her problem, not ours, okay?” He looked so sincere in his dark eyes that it just about melted my heart. “Molly, with you it’s different. You’ve always been different.” He placed his hands on my face leaning his forehead against mine showing the sentiment in his words. I couldn’t believe I ever doubted this man.

  What is wrong with you, Molly?

  “I’m sorry Drake. I’m just insecure when it comes to this.” I waved a hand between the two of us. “You’re amazing and you have my heart. I’m just scared,” I finally admitted.

  “I understand, Molly. I get scared too. Sometimes I think you are too good to be true. But I want to enjoy every moment with you regardless.” He didn’t allow me to respond; instead, he pulled my lips to his and kissed me deeply. I surrendered to his mouth as I kissed him back. I wrapped my hands in his hair feeling his curls between my fingers. I slowly brushed my fingers down his cheek and down his torso. The feeling of his hard body under his suit was getting me anxious and craving him more.

  “Molly, I love you,” he whispered into my lips breaking our kiss for just a split second.

  “I love you, Drake. With my whole heart.” He rubbed my straps off of my shoulders exposing my naked breasts as he cupped one with his warm hand. “I need you. Now, Drake,” I demanded as he slowly undressed me.

  “I still get butterflies around you.” He confessed as his lips made their way down my neck.

  “Fuck butterflies. I feel the whole zoo when I’m with you.” He chuckled as I took charge.

  I lowered my hands to the buttons of his suit and pushed it off of him. I fought with his tie, but after a few attempts and an escaped laughed from Drake, he offered me a hand to get the rest of it off of him. I unbuttoned his white shirt and ripped it out from his pants. I could feel him hard against me and I was ready and willing. I was addicted to this man.

  Serious addiction – the best kind.

  After stripping him down to just his briefs, I climbed on top of his lap straddling him as his hands pushed my dress up and over my hips. I rubbed up against him teasing him with the lace of my panties. He moaned in my mouth as I rotated my hips against him once more. He pulled my panties to one side and slipped a finger in, feeling my wetness and hunger for him.

  “Molly, you never disappoint,” he said eagerly against my neck making his way down. I tilted my head back giving him access to my naked skin. Drake kissed me tenderly from my neck down to my chest where he sucked hard on my nipples until they were hard.

  “Oh, Drake…” I moaned against him as he continued kissing me. I was ready for him.

  I reached down pulling his briefs down and exposing him. I continued straddling him as I let him enter me, feeling every inch of him as my body went into convulsions. I yelled his name out while we continued making love, kissing each other deeply, and touching one another. His skin felt soft over his hard muscles as my fingertips explored his body.

  “Molly, you are my everything,” he confessed as he broke the kiss. “Please never doubt that.”

  “I won’t. I promise,” I reassured. I placed my hands on both sides of his face, kissing him softly letting him know I meant it. I can do this. I can be his. I knew I needed to let my guard down and let him in fully. I needed to allow myself to be happy even though all the insecurities and drunk ex-girlfriends. I can do this.

  “Sometimes I just look at you and think ‘wow, I want to take off his pants’. Is that bad?”

  “Hell no. Especially when I’m think the exact same thing,” he said smirking. “Thought that the very first day I saw you.” He paused as he remembered the day thoroughly. “Is that bad?”

  “Not at all, Mr. Stagliano. Had I known, I would’ve surrendered sooner,” I teased knowing damn well I put up a good fight that first week.

  We continued making love just moments before the limo stopped. The smirks on our faces told his driver exactly what we had been up to. It was obvious that he was paid to keep silent and to not mention a word.

  Drake escorted me into my apartment, lifting me up and carrying me through the door. It was late so Stella and Michael were already in bed for the evening. We decided to grab a couple glasses of wine and lay in the loveseat together.

  “I could never get sick of this view,” I said leaning into his chest.

  “Same here. But you know, it’s even better a hundred floors up.”

  “I’m sure it is,” I laughed. “But some of us are on a budget,” I tantalized.

  We never talked about money with one another. It was like a silent buzz kill that none of us wanted to bring up, however, I was pretty certain Drake wondered how I managed financially seeing that I lived in a nice condo in Chicago. I wanted to reassure him that I was fine financially, yet I didn’t feel we were yet ready for that conversation.

  Two days after Liam’s accident, an attorney who held Liam’s will and life insurance contacted me. I was stunned. I didn’t even know Liam had a will or life insurance. It wasn’t something we had ever talked about. Apparently, right after our engagement he took out a life insurance policy and wrote out a will. He had left Stella and I will a huge chuck of change that allowed me to stay home with her for the first year and pay our rent for the past three years. Knowing Liam did that for his family brought so many feelings to the surface that I didn’t want to deal with yet at the time. Knowing that each month when I write out the rent check that it’s all because of Liam makes my heart mushy every time. Liam truly loved us. He was unbelievable.

  “Well, what if someday, you and Stella move in with me?” he asked snapping me back into the present.

  “Move in with you?” I asked stunned. My eyes grew wide at the realization of what he just asked me. I hadn’t even considered that an option seeing that Michael was my roommate and Stella was very attached to him.

  “Yeah. I mean, some day,” he counter offered at my reaction. “Just thought that maybe in the future, we could be a family.”

  My heart dropped as I felt my love for this man couldn’t get any deeper; it just had. Family. “You want us to be a family?” I asked surprised.

  “Of course, Molly. I love you and I love Stella. I want us to be a family some day. Don’t you?” His face was now soft as he mentioned a future with Stella and me.

  “I do more than anything, Drake. I just didn’t know if that’s what you would want. I mean, taking on that kind of responsibility. It’s not an easy task,” I responded seriously. Although I was more than happy to hear Drake talk abo
ut us having a family and moving in together, I wanted to be cautious of the situation knowing that Stella is an important factor in my life.

  “I’m sure it won’t be easy. Especially those rebellious teen years,” he chuckled. “But it’s you. I want you, Molly. All of you. No matter what.” He smiled and leaned in to kiss me. “We can take it slow, don’t worry. I want Stella to be comfortable with me before we move any faster.” His reassurance was just what I needed to hear. God, this man is perfect.

  “Why are you so great?” I asked him with a serious look. “I mean, really? You are too good to be true sometimes, Drake Stagliano,” I smiled against his mouth and he leaned in to kiss me once more. Seriously, amazing!

  “I told you, babe. You make me want to be great. That’s what you deserve.” He squeezed me against his chest. “Everyone comes with baggage. I just happen to be very good at unpacking.” He smiled kissing the tip of my nose. “Now, let’s get you off to bed.” He lifted me off of his lap and carried me into my room, holding me tight, never letting me go.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  I shuffled through my drawers quickly trying to find my black stockings. Where the hell are they? I slammed the drawer shut and darted to the closet to scramble through the piles of clothes on the floor. It’s been a hectic last few weeks with rounds and finishing my classes, but the day was finally here. Graduation.

  “Stella-bug! Sweetie, help mommy,” I begged. I wanted to look great today. My parents drove in to watch me walk the stage finally getting my degree. Having the internship was a perfect end to my training. I felt great training next to professional chefs for the past several months. I was ready for this. Ready to graduate, ready for a career, and ready to let Drake love me.

  “Mommy, you look beauty-ful!” Stella smiled as I twirled around.

  “Let me grab my cap and gown and then we can go.” I grabbed them off the bed and headed into the living room where my parents, Drake, and Michael were sitting and waiting.