An Instant Connection: Insta-Spark #3

by Moreland, Melanie

  “You know, when I looked at this place, I asked you something.”

  “Hmm,” she agreed, sleepy and sated. “You hinted at a blow job, then asked me to move in with you.”

  I chuckled at her memory. “I settled for that, but I wanted something else.”

  She lifted her head with a frown.

  “You did?”

  “I told you I wanted you to marry me.”

  With a soft smile, she rubbed her cheek on my hand. “Yes, you did.”

  I nestled my chin on her neck. “Well?”

  “Is that a proposal?”

  I chuckled. “That’s a what-if. If I asked you that question, would you say yes now?”

  “If I were dressed, holding a glass of champagne, and convinced the question wasn’t orgasm-induced, then your chances are looking good.”

  I kissed her, already making plans.

  “Okay then, Mandy. Prepare yourself.”

  Step 3

  Mandy

  I sat back and looked at all the parcels on the back seat of the limo with me, still a little confused. Mitch had sent me out on endless errands, and I had been gone all afternoon. It was unusual he asked me to go shopping for him or to pick up things outside the office. He had always insisted I have one of the other junior assistants do any task of that sort, but today he had been very insistent it was me who had to go and pick up various items for him. I had been to the pharmacist, the post office, picked up three different packages at exclusive stores I had never heard of, and a final stop at the bakery. Everywhere I went, the items were ready for me. I had no clue what was in the boxes and bags, although I was sure I would find out. I’d carry them to the car he had hired to drive me everywhere, then move on to the next item on the list. I slid my phone from my pocket to send him a message. I typed it out with a grin.

  I feel like a drug mule. So many mysterious packages.

  His reply made me laugh.

  Drug mules carry drugs across borders, sweetheart. I’m local. And the only drug I’m hooked on is you.

  I replied.

  What do you call all these errands?

  His reply was typical Mitch.

  Taking care of your man. You will be amply rewarded.

  I smirked as I shot back a retort.

  I had better be.

  He sent one last text.

  Open the small box from the bakery. That will keep you going and start your rewards.

  A simple vanilla cupcake piled high with frosting waited for me in the box. A napkin was tucked along the side. With a happy sigh, I leaned back into the luxurious leather upholstery and bit into the rich cake. He knew me so well. I sent him back a row of kisses, knowing he wouldn’t reply. He would know the cupcake had all my attention now.

  I watched the traffic around us, the car crawling slowly back toward the office. I was sure Mitch would explain why it was me he had sent out today. He would open the parcels and boxes and show me everything, and it would all make sense. He had been unusually quiet the last few days, constantly on his phone, shut away in his office, and working late—sending me home without him. He said he had a big project on the go and didn’t want to say anything until it was confirmed. It was the first time he hadn’t shared with me, and I didn’t like it, although I had to respect his decision. It had to be huge for him not to talk to me about it, because Mitch talked to me about everything. Maybe tonight I could get him to open up. I looked at the frosting on the last bite of cake before I popped it into my mouth.

  I knew exactly how to get him to open up. I only hoped the larger box contained more cupcakes.

  * * *

  The office was quiet when I stepped off the elevator, balancing the large box from the bakery and a couple of bags in my hands. The driver walked past me, setting the various boxes and bags on the table and floor. He winked as he returned to the elevator, tipping his hat.

  “Have a pleasant evening, ma’am.”

  “Wait, I haven’t—”

  He held up his hand, cutting me off. “All been taken care of.” He smiled. “All the best.”

  His last words confused me, but I crossed the office toward my desk. I realized how low the lights were and how quiet the building seemed. I glanced toward the clock with a frown. It was only just past five. Normally the office was buzzing until six—often well past. I slid the box onto my desk and set the bags on the floor. With a start, I saw Mitch standing at the center of the office, staring over the railing, seemingly lost in thought. He had changed, his navy suit hugging his shoulders, tailored and smart. It was my favorite.

  “Mitch?” I called.

  He turned with a smile, holding out his hand. “Hey, sweetheart, you’re back.”

  Something in his voice made me tense. Mitch was always calm, confident, and sure. There was an edge to his tone—one I wasn’t used to hearing. I hurried toward him, letting him take my hand and pull me close.

  “Are you all right?” I asked, concerned. I cupped his cheek. “Did you get some bad news on your project? What can I do to help?”

  His eyes were warm and tender as he smiled at me. “Always worried about me, aren’t you, Mandy? Always wanting to help me.” He tilted his head. “It’s one of the things I love so much about you. The way you love me.” He inhaled, letting out a long, slow breath. “It’s the very best thing in the world. You make me so happy.” He pressed his lips to mine, his kiss slow and sweet.

  “You make me happy too,” I murmured when he pulled back.

  “Good.”

  “Are you going to tell me why you sent me out all afternoon and why the office is deserted?”

  “I wanted you alone.”

  “We could have gone home and been alone.”

  “No, I wanted you alone here.” He gestured to the wide expanse around us. “You were here when this was nothing but a dream. A plan.”

  “A three-step one, I think.” I grinned.

  “Yep. I’ve been working on another one.”

  “I see. Care to fill me in?”

  Still holding my hand, he turned back to the railing. “I had another working model hung. Tell me what you think. Personally, I think it is my best work ever.”

  I looked at the various models, trying to find the new one and wondering where it came from. I knew all of them, their placement, and the history of each. I squinted and Mitch chuckled.

  “Let me flip on the light,” he said, pushing the button on the column.

  It only took me a moment to locate a new addition. It was almost right in front of me, but so small, I hadn’t noticed it right away. But once the light hit it, it was impossible not to see it—or to gasp.

  Brilliant glimmers of light reflected all around me, radiating from the small box. My hand flew to my mouth, and I tried to hold back my shock. Mitch eased closer, his voice raspy.

  “It’s my greatest three-step plan ever, don’t you think, Mandy?” He smiled. “I got you to fall in love with me, move in with me, and the final step is the rest of your life—spent with me.”

  I stared at him through my tears. He leaned past me, easily plucking the ring from the tiny shelf it rested on. He sank to one knee, holding out the ring.

  “Please,” he said quietly. “Be my wife.”

  Four small words, said with so much love and humility, there was only one possible answer.

  “Yes.”

  He slid the ring onto my finger and kissed it. I stared at the three, large, round diamonds, the gems perfect and clear. I flexed my fingers, the ring feeling heavy and strange, but right on my hand. I met his tender gaze.

  “Three for all our steps, Mandy—past, present, and future. All equally the same size, because they are all equally important. Our past is what made us, us. Our present is what makes our life so amazing, and our future is bright, because we’ll be together.”

  He slid his fingers under my chin and kissed me. His love and devotion filled that kiss.

  “That’s why you got me out of the office,” I whispere
d. “To hang the ring?”

  “Well that, and I needed supplies for tonight.”

  “Tonight?”

  He smiled—the wide, mischievous one that made his eyes crinkle—and his dimples popped. It was my favorite smile.

  “Yeah, I invited a few people to celebrate with us.”

  “Oh?”

  He leaned over the railing and yelled.

  “She said yes!”

  The lights came on, and I gasped as I saw his family and our friends below us on the next level down. Someone released balloons, and they shot into the air, balls of blue, green, white, and gold filling the center space and making me laugh. He had done this. Arranged it.

  I glanced at him. “What if I’d said no?”

  He chuckled, pressing a kiss to the side of my mouth. “They would have stayed silent and let us leave. But I was pretty certain of your answer.” He met my gaze. “You don’t mind I invited them to join us, do you?”

  I met his eyes and shook my head. “No.” I glanced down at my slacks and sweater. “I’m not dressed for a party, though.”

  His eyes danced. “I took care of that.”

  “The packages,” I guessed.

  He grinned. “Yep. Everything is there. Go pick what you want to wear. I’ll wait, and then we’ll join our guests. Everything is laid out downstairs.”

  “I love you,” I whispered.

  He tugged me close. “I love you, Mandy.” He lifted my hand and kissed my ring again. “And now it’s official. I get to keep you.”

  “And I get to keep you.”

  “Forever. No exchanges, no refunds.”

  “I can live with that.”

  He yanked me close, his voice suddenly serious. “Soon, sweetheart? You’ll marry me soon?”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “It’s exactly what I want. I want to marry you and take you on a honeymoon.”

  “That works for me.”

  “I was thinking a clothing-optional honeymoon. And by optional, I mean none. You, me, a private place, and all the sex we can manage.”

  Smiling, I traced his face with my fingers. “Knowing you—that’s a lot of sex.”

  “Count on it.”

  I looked down at the small gathering below us. Music was already playing, and I heard the sounds of drinks being made, the laughter of our friends, and I knew whatever he had planned would be amazing.

  “This—” I swallowed, emotions beginning to overwhelm me “—this is more than I ever expected. You’re more than I ever expected.” A giggle burst through my lips. “I was planning on seducing you with a cupcake and a blowjob to get you to open up to me tonight.”

  He threw back his head in laughter and kissed me again. This time, his lips were hungry, his touch possessive, and his tongue wicked. He drew back, his breathing hard.

  “Hold on to that thought, sweetheart. I’ll take you up on that later.” He lifted his chin with a smile, nudging me away. “Now go and get ready before I change my mind and fuck you senseless before the party.”

  I walked away, looking over my shoulder with a wink. “You know—they have booze. Another ten minutes won’t hurt anyone.”

  He jerked, unsure of what to do. Walking backward, I solved his problem by peeling my sweater over my head, showing him the lacy black lingerie underneath it. I slid my finger under the waistband of my pants.

  “They match. Wanna see?”

  He rushed toward me, shrugging off his jacket and yanking on his tie. With a laugh, I hurried toward his office, knowing he would follow.

  He shut his door, watching me with hooded eyes. “Ten minutes might end up being fifteen.”

  I dropped my pants, letting him see the skimpy, barely there underwear. He licked his lips, grappling with his belt.

  “Or twenty.”

  I lowered myself to my knees and whistled softly.

  He groaned, then shook his head.

  “Fuck it. It’s an open bar.”

  I laughed and he leaned down, kissing my mouth.

  “And we have cupcakes.”

  I met his lust-filled gaze.

  “Perfect.”

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to Tessa Bailey and Alexa Riley for asking me to be part of Read Me Romance. It was a blast to write this story.

  To Deb and Lisa–many thanks for your keen eyes. Melissa and Peggy–you rock.

  Many thanks to my beta readers, my reading group Melanie’s Minions, my review team, and to all the bloggers and reviewers. Your support means so much.

  Karen—thank you for all your efforts. I know at times you wonder how I function without your guidance—but hey—what job security! Love you bunches!

  To my lovely readers—you are the reason I do this daily. Your love, support, and encouragement means the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  Also by Melanie Moreland

  Vested Interest Series

  Bentley (Vested Interest #1)

  Aiden (Vested Interest #2)

  Maddox (Vested Interest #3)

  Reid (Vested Interest #4)

  Van (Vested Interest #5)

  Insta-Spark Series

  It Started with a Kiss

  Christmas Sugar

  An Instant Connection

  The Contract Series

  The Contract

  The Baby Clause (Contract #2)

  Standalones

  Into the Storm

  Beneath the Scars

  Over the Fence

  My Image of You (Random House/Loveswept)

  New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-nine-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.

  While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.

  Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet). She's learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.

  Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com

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