“Hmm, wherever did you find those?”
“Shut it. You know the store is slow in the summer.”
“Well, I’m just glad you guys found this place before you get busy.”
I pushed my lip out in an exaggerated pout. “I hate that you said ‘you’ and not ‘we,’ but I guess I should be used to it by now.”
Lyra was now a reference and instruction librarian at the local community college. And she loved it. She was following her passion, and I was so proud of her. She’d trained Cheryl to fill her shoes and so far, everything was going well. But it was only October…sales had picked up quite a bit, but November and December would be the real test of how I could manage without a rock like Lyra.
“Oh stop. I can help you over winter break, you know that. And maybe even before then. Everyone at work says we get really dead during exams.”
“I’m gonna hold you to that,” I said, giving her a wink.
“Hey, Maren, beautiful place,” Dev said, entering the great room and kissing me on the cheek. Dev and I were forever bonded after our talk in the coffee shop. He’d woken me up and saved my relationship with Peter, and I would always be grateful to him. We’d forged a sturdy friendship, much to Lyra’s dismay, and had fallen into a fun shorthand of playful ribbing and matter-of-fact honesty. In fact, if I really thought about it, he was my closest male friend outside of Peter.
But Peter was so much more than that.
We were still in Japan when we decided to move in together, and as soon as he returned from Japan, we started house-hunting. At first, I hesitated, knowing just how expensive the housing market was in Seattle. But after a meeting with my accountant, she convinced me that Peter and I were plenty ready for this step financially. And I knew in my heart we were ready emotionally too. After months of searching, we’d found a beautiful craftsman-style home with three bedrooms, the kitchen of my dreams, and a decent-sized backyard. It was perfect for us.
“I still can’t believe you two bought a house,” Dev said, popping a baby carrot into his mouth and looking around the living area.
“Why?” Lyra asked, already looking annoyed. I shot her a look to remind her to behave herself.
“Because we’re too young to be homeowners.”
“Speak for yourself,” I said, pretending to be offended. “We’re all coming on thirty. I think it’s okay to take this step.”
“Maybe for you. I’m gonna enjoy my bachelor pad for a little longer.”
“If I were you, I’d get comfortable,” Lyra scoffed before raising her eyebrows and placing a cracker in her mouth. “I’m gonna grab a drink.”
“Oh my God, she drives me crazy. What is her problem?”
“Maybe you two should just stay away from each other tonight.”
“Oh, believe me, consider it done.”
“Where’s Trupti? She didn’t come with you?”
“She’s not ready to deal with your man just yet…or Scott for that matter.”
I clenched my teeth. “She’ll have to deal with them sooner or later. They’re your best friends.”
When Peter returned from Japan, Dev finally made the decision to tell his friends that he and Trupti were back together. Peter was less than thrilled. Scott was straight-up irritated. And I had played the role of peacekeeper, trying to remind them all that they were upset because they cared so much about each other. But they were guys, so that didn’t do much. It just took some time. They’d accepted her presence in his life but had made it rather clear they weren’t ready to spend time with her. Not yet.
Dev nodded and dipped a piece of pita into the red pepper hummus. “Yumm, good. Oh, looks like Pete’s folks just got here.”
“Will you excuse me?” I asked him. “There’s drinks in the kitchen. Please help yourself.”
“Oh, I will,” Dev said with a playful wink as I walked to the foyer where Burton and Valerie were taking off their jackets.
“Oh honey, it looks beautiful in here. And smells amazing, but that’s not surprising, is it?” Valerie said, pulling me in for a tight hug.
“Thank you so much. It’ s a work in progress, but we’re having a lot of fun.”
“This is for you,” Burton said, placing a bottle of wine in my hands and kissing me on the cheek. “Congratulations, the place is beautiful.”
“And the neighborhood,” Valerie said, tilting her head to the side. “I saw a park just down the road. Lots of young families in this area.”
Peter laughed, putting his arm around me. “Slow down, Mom. One step at a time.”
“The schools are top notch, that’s all I’m saying.” Valerie winked at me, and Peter gave me a knowing smile. Little did Valerie know that Peter and I had already talked about our future, and the excellent reputation of the school district was one of the reasons we’d chosen our home. But that was our little secret for now. This fall was all about making a home together. Who knew what the winter, spring, or summer would bring? We were figuring it out together and were in no rush.
“Come in, I’ll get you something to drink. Red or white today?”
“Surprise me,” Val said, greeting Lyra in the great room as I poured her a glass of chardonnay and a brandy on the rocks for Burton as Dev gave me a cocky grin, leaning against the granite countertops.
“Look at you. It’s like you’re already a McTavish. It took me a long time to get Burton’s drink order.”
“Oh stop, it’s not that hard. He prefers El Presidente, and he likes just three medium-sized cubes to melt it perfectly. Easy-peasy.”
Dev patted me on the head, something he’d started doing when I came home from Japan. He wasn’t a big hugger, so I always figured it was his way of showing me affection and acknowledging our kinship.
“I see good things for you two.”’
“Yeah?”
“Oh yeah, and this house is just the start of it.” He finished his beer and rinsed the bottle in the sink. “I’m really happy for you guys.”
“Thanks, Dev.”
“I mean, I did make it happen.” He pulled playfully at the shoulders of his button-down shirt and smiled. “I’m just playin’—you know I love you, Mare.”
“You did make it happen,” I said, placing a hand on his cheek. “And I’ll always be grateful, Dev.”
“Just remember to name the first kid Dev and we’ll be all good.”
“Nice try.” I bumped him with my hip.
“Or you can make me godfather if you prefer.”
“Okay, slow down. Maybe have another drink.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Dev said with a playful grin. He cracked open a can of sparkling water and added at least a shot of Tito’s.
“Grab me one too, would ya?” Peter asked, entering the kitchen.
“What am I, your servant?”
“Just pour me a drink, dude. And don’t forget the lime,” Peter deadpanned.
“You’re pushing it.” Dev shook his head and reluctantly poured Peter a drink.
“Scott and Allison are here. Why don’t you go say hi while I help Maren?”
Dev took a swig of his drink, winked, and left the kitchen. Peter wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning down and smelling my hair. “You always smell so good.”
“You said that earlier,” I whispered, biting on his ear playfully and tugging just a bit.
“You’d better stop that before I’ll be forced to kick everyone out.”
“You wouldn’t do that.”
“Um, if it meant christening this kitchen with you right here, right now, I most certainly would.”
My cheeks grew hot, and desire filled me from head to toe as Peter grabbed me by the waist and hoisted me onto the counter. He kissed my neck and I laughed, closing my eyes. “We have, like, two seconds before we need to get out there.”
“Shh,” Peter said, placing a finger on my chin and kissing me deeply while cupping the back of my neck with his other hand. Even when things were heating up between us, he always
made me feel comfortable and secure. Protected.
I loved that about him.
I squeezed his ass and he pulled back a little. “I’m so serious. I’m about to send all their asses home.”
I lovingly pushed him out of the way and hopped down from the counter, fixing my hair so our guests wouldn’t know we’d just gotten a little frisky.
“You look perfect.”
“Lies,” I said. “Why don’t you take Scott a beer and I’ll get Allison’s wine.”
“Got it,” Peter said before smacking my butt and disappearing into the fridge.
I poured a glass of chardonnay for Allison and joined everyone in the great room, kissing Allison hello as I handed her the wine.
“You read my mind, thanks.” She grinned. “Your place is gorgeous.”
“Thanks so much.”
Peter followed close behind, handing Scott his beer before wrapping an arm around my waist and joining everyone in conversation. Lyra and Dev were doing a decent job of staying on opposite sides of the room, and everyone else was enjoying each other’s company just as Peter had hoped.
“I’d like to make a toast, if I may,” Burton said, holding up his glass. We all joined him in raising ours.
“It’s been just over a year since this incredible woman walked into all of our lives and changed them forever… especially mine. May this new home bring you both so much happiness, comfort, and cherished memories in this next year and all the years that follow.”
“Thanks, Dad,” Peter said, patting his dad on the back.
“To Peter and Maren,” Burton said. “And so much happiness to come.”
Peter leaned down and kissed me on my forehead. “I love you,” he whispered.
Burton and I locked eyes. His were full of so much raw emotion it almost took my breath away. He nodded and whispered, “We did it, kiddo.” Tears formed in my eyes, and I nodded in return, holding a hand over my heart, knowing that Burton would always hold a piece of it.
Peter owned the rest of my heart. And he always would. Always.
The With Me in Seattle Universe
To learn more about The With Me in Seattle Universe, click here:
https://www.ladybosspress.com/with-me-in-seattle
Acknowledgments
It’s been a long time since I’ve written and published a book…and it’s because of several people in my life that this book was created, written and is now out there for others to read. To those people, I am forever indebted as you’ve helped me to rediscover a part of myself that I have ignored for the past few years.
Kristen Proby, thank you so much for welcoming me into your publishing house with open arms. I am thrilled to be an author with Lady Boss Press and will always be forever grateful for this opportunity you have given me. Thank you so very much!
Deb Bresloff—you have been there every step of the way with this book and I will always be forever grateful. You’ve supported me, brainstormed with me, encouraged me to rediscover my dream and been the first one to read and give feedback on every single chapter, helping me with the big things and the little ones all along the way. I cannot thank you enough for being an integral part of the writing process and for being an amazing sounding board! Peter and Maren’s story is so much better because of you and all of your wonderful ideas and feedback.
Beth Ehemann—you never stopped referring to me as an author, even when I did. You constantly reminded me to ‘never say never’ and always had faith that I would come back to this dream job of ours. Your faith in me and my abilities is something I will always treasure. You and I both know I would never have had the guts to propose this book idea without you pushing me to do it! Thank you for always believing in me and convincing me to believe in myself.
Pamela Carrion---thank you for all of your support, your keen eye and your incredible feedback. Thank you also for falling in love with Dev as much as I did! Your enthusiasm about these characters was infectious and so encouraging for me! Thank you, also, for always looking out for me in this industry. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner!
Tiffany King—thank you for all of your wonderful feedback and for all of the support you have given me. Every text you sent during the writing process made me smile from ear to ear. Thank you for believing in me. It means more than I can ever say.
Thank you to my betas: Megan Kapusta, Kelly Sisulak, Beth Suit, Jennifer Merkeley, Deb Bresloff, Pamela Carrion and Tiffany King. Each of you were invaluable during the writing process and I was so grateful to receive all of your feedback, opinions and support. I trust and appreciate you all so much.
Stacy Brown, thank you for all of your wonderful help in capturing the details of Japan. I’m so grateful for you taking the time to give me all of your awesome observations. Thanks, sissy!
Hollie Westring, thank you for being an awesome editor. I repeatedly find myself in awe of you and the details that you catch! You are thoughtful and kind and so wonderful to work with.
Thank you to Kari March of Kari March Designs and Kristen Proby for the absolutely breathtaking cover! I’m so in love with it.
Thank you to my readers who have patiently waited for a new book. I can only hope that you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it! Thank you for reading!
And finally thank you to my husband, Chris, who has always loved me unconditionally and supported every dream I’ve had since we’ve been together. You are my ‘Peter’ and I love you so very much.
About the Author
Melissa Brown is a pop culture maniac and hopeless romantic--in fact, you'll see many pop culture references in her books! She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and children. She enjoys writing contemporary romance and romantic suspense.
All of Melissa's books are currently available exclusively through Amazon.com and are part of the Kindle Unlimited Program. This is her first book with Lady Boss Press.
Connect with Melissa Brown online:
Facebook reader group (Books with Brownie):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/127591530753685/
Also by Melissa Brown
The Compound Series:
Wife Number Seven
His Only Wife
Mother Before Wife
Just Keep Sweet
Prophet Takes All
Love of My Life Series:
Bouquet Toss
Champagne Toast
Picturing Perfect
Unwanted Stars
Red Carpet Kiss
If You Can’t Take the Heat
Sorority of Three: Freshman 101
Melt With Me: A With Me In Seattle Universe Novel Page 29
