If I Told You

by Jennifer Domenico

  “Yeah.”

  “Fucking drives me nuts. Every time I saw you, I always hoped you’d do it again. It was like I was a drug addict and that was my hit.”

  I smile. “Want to know why I did it?”

  “I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Simple. Because you have the sexiest mouth I’ve ever seen and because you let me.”

  Flynn chuckles. “It’s yours to kiss for the rest of your life, baby.”

  “I plan to do just that.”

  A few weeks later, I’m helping Flynn set up the dining room for a large private party coming in tonight. As the weeks pass, I find myself hanging out at the restaurant more and more, probably because it’s the only way to spend time with my superstar chef. After straightening a vase of flowers, I call Flynn over.

  “How’s this? Meet your approval?”

  “Perfect. I love it.” He pulls me into his arms, causing me to laugh. “Almost as much as I love you.”

  Just as he leans down to kiss me again, we’re interrupted by a man clearing his throat. I twist around, surprised to see Rhys. Flynn releases me, but only slightly.

  “Excuse me for interrupting,” Rhys says. “I was in the neighborhood, and thought I’d stop in.”

  “Welcome,” Flynn says. “It’s early for dinner, but if you’d like me to whip up something for you—”

  Rhys lifts his hand stopping Flynn’s words. “Thank you, but no. Just came to see how business was going.”

  “Fantastic,” Flynn says.

  “Good,” Rhys says, looking around.

  My eyes shift between the man I used to date and the one I do now. Awkward, party of three.

  Nodding, Rhys smiles. “This is an interesting situation we’ve all ended up in, isn’t it?”

  “It is.” I glance at Flynn. “Can you give us a minute alone, babe?”

  “Sure.” He kisses my cheek, before nodding at Rhys.

  Once we’re alone, I turn back to Rhys. “Actually, I’m glad to see you.”

  “You are?”

  I nod. “How are you? Have you forgiven me?”

  “Nothing to forgive, Brooklyn. You tried your best, and in the end, I think you gave me all you had. It’s not your fault someone else had your heart. You’re an incredible person and…” He glances around the restaurant. “I still miss you sometimes, but seeing you just now with Flynn, I know that’s who you were meant to be with. He looked so happy holding you. I know I was.” He chuckles. “Flynn’s a lucky man.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I may not sound like it, but I’m over you. I’m over what happened. I wish you and Flynn well. I met someone last week, and we’re going out this weekend.”

  “That’s wonderful. It’s awesome how gracious you’ve been toward Flynn.”

  “You know why?”

  “Tell me.”

  “I’m not some benevolent nice guy. I loved taunting him and rubbing it in his face that I had you, and I did whenever I could, but I know for a fact, that if you were falling for me, if you were really happy, he would’ve let me keep you. So I had to do the same thing. Like I’ve said, I just want you to be happy. You deserve it.”

  Nodding, I smile. “You changed everything, Rhys. You made us see…” I pause. Damn, I’m getting emotional. “You know.”

  “I know what you’re saying, Brooklyn. I guess that was my role in your life, and I told you what you did for me. I’m glad things are going well for the restaurant.”

  “He has a month long waiting list, even for weeknights. Thanks to you.”

  “No, thanks to him. He cooks, I just eat.” I laugh softly. His eyes shift behind me, and I turn to see Flynn lingering. “I’ve probably overstayed my welcome. I’m sure he’s not entirely comfortable with me around you.”

  “He’s fine.” I smile. “Maybe a little jealous. I stayed with you longer than any man ever.”

  “So, I had a chance?” He laughs.

  “Definitely. Who knows, maybe we’d still be together.”

  “Maybe, but this is what’s right.” He stands. “As I said before, I’m very happy for you. Both of you.”

  I offer a hug that Rhys returns. “You take care of yourself.”

  Rhys smiles. “You too.”

  Once he’s gone, Flynn walks over and wraps his arm around my waist. “What was that about?”

  “I wanted to know if he forgave me.”

  “Did he?”

  “Yeah. He’s happy for us, and I believe him. He said he knows that if you thought I was falling for him or really happy, you would’ve stayed away. He said he knew he had to do the same.”

  “I think he’s wrong. I couldn’t control my feelings anymore.”

  Turning toward him, I smile. “No, he’s right. I opened the door. I flirted, teased. I kissed you, showed my body. If I hadn’t done those things, if I was all in with Rhys, I don’t think you would’ve made a move. If I told you I was falling in love, you would’ve sacrificed your feelings for mine. Rhys is right.”

  “Maybe so.” He kisses me again. “Doesn’t matter though. All that matters is that I told you and here we are.”

  “Here we are.”

  Flynn wiggles his eyebrows. “So, uh, doing anything before dinner service?”

  I tilt my head. “Whatcha have in mind, Chef?”

  “How about a little appetizer in my office?”

  “Mmm, now that you mention it, I could eat.”

  Grinning, Flynn nuzzles my neck. “I could definitely eat.”

  “What are we doing?” I ask, stumbling down the sidewalk with Flynn’s hands covering my eyes.

  “I told you it’s a surprise.”

  I laugh as we clumsily make our way to his surprise destination. All I can hear is the sound of New York happening around me. In the year since we started officially dating, Flynn has been full of one romantic surprise after another, from weekends in the Hamptons to candlelight dinners at the studio when I offer to cover late classes. Who knew the guy had it in him? Who knew I would love it as much as I do?

  “Okay, here we are. Take one step up.”

  Flynn helps me maneuver the step as I hear whispered voices. Finally, he removes his hands, and I look around the marble lobby I stand in. Two women stand behind a huge wood desk, grinning at me. Obviously, they’re in on this secret.

  “What’s going on?”

  Flynn grins. “I’ll show you.” He presses the elevator button waving a silver key at me. “I got you an early birthday present.”

  “Uh, okay.”

  The elevator opens and we step on. Flynn pushes the button for the fortieth floor, grinning at me like a kid on Christmas morning.

  “What is this place?”

  “You’ll find out.”

  A short ride later, we step out and walk down a long hallway, covered in marble and chrome and glass. It’s swanky and gorgeous. Flynn uses the key to open a door that says 40 B on it. After opening the door, he motions for me to walk inside. Stepping past him, I enter the foyer, realizing it’s an apartment. A massive, stunning apartment. I look back at him.

  “Why are we here?”

  “Because this is yours now. I put a deposit on it this morning.”

  I swing around again, taking in the expansive space. It must be twice the size of our current apartment.

  “It’s almost two thousand square feet,” Flynn explains. “It has a master bedroom with an attached bath and a closet big enough for both of us. It has another bedroom and a small space for an office.”

  I start to walk through the space, taking in the details. Wood floors, marble counters, stainless appliances.

  “Do you like it?”

  I turn around. “I never thought I could live in a place this nice.”

  “You can. We can together.”

  “How can we afford this? I know the restaurant’s been doing great, but—”

  “I’ve been saving a lot. Enough to put down a huge deposit. Our monthly payment will be close to what we spend
now. If you want it? I have three days to back out.”

  “No, of course I want it.” I throw my arms around his neck. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Good. Go in the kitchen and check out the stove.”

  Walking over to the open kitchen I run my hand over the stove, then the smooth white countertop. It’s a dream kitchen. Flynn moves in behind me, kissing my neck.

  “I saved a lot of money for a few things. This place, new furniture, and one more thing.”

  “What’s that?” I twist around in his arms.

  “This.” He lifts a sparkling diamond ring up for me to see, causing me to gasp. As he steps back and kneels down, my heart starts to race in my chest.

  “Brooklyn, you know my entire world is you. Loving you is better than I ever could have imagined. I always knew I wanted a successful restaurant, but when I look into your eyes, I want so much more.”

  My eyes tear up as he speaks. I can’t believe this is happening.

  “I know you’re scared right now. You’re thinking that marriage is bondage, but I’m asking you to put that fear aside and remember that this is me and you. We can do this. Together, we can rule the world. I know I can, as long as you’re with me.”

  I will myself to say something, but no words come out.

  “Baby,” he continues. “It’s not enough for you to be my girlfriend. I want more. I want to marry you. Will you be my wife?”

  “Flynn…” I look down at the gorgeous man before me, kneeling, holding out a stunning ring, speaking such words of love. I remind myself that I am not my mother. I am strong, and Flynn, he’s the only man for me. We can do this. We can rule the world.

  “Brooks?”

  “Yes.” I nod. “Yes, Flynn, I’ll be your wife.”

  Flynn smiles, releasing a sigh of relief as he slides the ring on my finger. “Do you like it?”

  Studying my now bejeweled finger, I nod. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

  Standing, he pulls me into his arms. “I’m glad. I wanted it to be perfect.”

  “It is. Everything is perfect.”

  “Our life is anything we want it to be. We aren’t bound by the mistakes our parents made. We’re our own people and we’re strong. You know that, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So, we’re getting married?”

  I smile, as a tear slips down my cheek. “Yeah, we’re getting married.”

  “Awesome.” Flynn looks around. “You sure you like this place?”

  “I love it.”

  “Good. Whaddya say we break it in a little?”

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I grin. “What do you mean? You want to get it on in here?”

  “It’s ours. We have this beautiful view of the city behind us. We can talk about furniture and decorating, and we can imagine the sounds of our babies running through the house.”

  My eyes open wide. “Babies?”

  “Yeah, Brooks. Babies. I’ve never wanted to be a dad. You know this.” I nod as he continues. “But now, I can’t wait. We’ll be good at it. I know we will. You know why?”

  I shake my head, trying to fight off more tears.

  “Because we want to be good at it. Because we know how to overcome anything. Because there’s so much love between the two of us, it’s unfair not to share it with a child. Our child, Brooks. A beautiful little girl with silky blonde hair and honey brown eyes. Or a tough little boy, with unruly brown curls and mischievous blue eyes. They’re waiting for us to be ready.”

  “That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

  “That’s our future. Not yet, but we’ll get there. First we’ll move here, then we plan a wedding.” He sweeps me around in a pretend waltz. “Then we’ll spend a few years being married and fucking like rabbits every night. Then one day, when you’re ready, you’ll stop taking your pill, and we’ll make love, and then we’ll be somebody’s parents. That doesn’t sound so bad does it?”

  “No, Flynn. It sounds amazing.”

  “Yeah, it does.” We dance around the empty living room some more. “Our future will be in this house.”

  “Starting tonight?”

  He leans down and softly kisses me. “Starting right now.”

  I smile, wiggling my eyebrows. “How would you like to see how I look spread out on that marble island over there?”

  “I think I would like that very much.”

  He kisses me, backing us up until I’m pressed against the cool marble. Our clothes come off quickly as we kiss like it’s the first time. That’s what I love about Flynn. His passion for me hasn’t died down one bit. Every kiss, every touch, feels new. As his lips travel down my neck to my breasts, I throw my head back, lost in pleasure. He lifts me up, planting my rear on the island and spreading my legs apart. He flashes those sexy eyes of his, and they shimmer even in the near darkness of the room we’re in. He is still the most handsome man I’ve ever seen and now he’s gonna be my husband. Husband. Before I can really let that thought sink in, he distracts me by plunging his tongue into my depths, using the magic combination of fingers, tongue, and sucking that pushes me to places I didn’t know I could go. Drawing in my breath, I bury my fingers in his hair and claw his shoulder with the other hand. Oh, it’s so good. So amazing.

  Grabbing me around the waist, Flynn slides me off the island and growls, “Hold on.”

  Before I can ask why, I’m flipped upside down and Flynn’s impressive cock is in front of me. I suck hungrily, completely upside down, while Flynn continues his oral assault between my legs. It’s fucking heaven. As he fucks my mouth, I’m lightheaded from the blood rushing to my head, from the intensity building in my core, from everything that is Flynn.

  “I need you to come, baby,” Flynn murmurs. “I can’t stop until you do.”

  Gripping his thighs, I suck harder waiting for it to hit. “Shit,” he moans. “I’m gonna come.”

  “Do it.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, my body shudders as an intense orgasm rips through me. I release a long moan, but continue sucking when I feel his muscles tense beneath me. He tries to move away, but I suck even harder until my mouth is filled with him. I swallow it all, never having done this in my life, but wanting to for Flynn. He deserves everything I can give him, and this is just a small act I can do. He continues grunting and flinching against me until he’s done, slowly setting me down on the island. Lying beside me, he rubs my arm as we both breathe hard, recovering from what we just did.

  “That was amazing.”

  I smile. “I wanted to try it for you.”

  “And?”

  “Not bad at all. I made it out to be more in my head.”

  Rolling over, he kisses me. “Thank you. You have no idea how good that feels.”

  “You deserve all of me.”

  Taking my hand, he puts it on his still hard cock. “I’m not done with you yet.”

  “I didn’t think you were.”

  Flynn climbs on top of me, and as I open my legs to him, he slides inside of me. Even after all this time, it still takes my breath away. He moves within me, locking his eyes to mine. I love that we look at each when we make love. It’s intense and beautiful and magical and everything I never knew sex could be. Reaching up, I caress his cheek as he turns to kiss my hand. It’s not just sex anymore. It’s more than that. Flynn has transformed everything I thought I knew about men.

  “I love you,” he whispers. “So much, you don’t even know. I don’t know how to measure it. I don’t think I can. It’s infinite. It’s everything.”

  I nod, smiling at this beautiful man. He’s everything. I arch my back as another orgasm washes over me and feel Flynn’s body react as his own hits. We lie beside each other, gazing up at the ceiling.

  “You look beautiful on this marble,” Flynn says, squeezing my hand.

  “I feel beautiful.”

  “You are.” He kisses the back of my hand. “We should set a date. Everyone will ask as soon as we announce our
engagement.”

  “We should.”

  “Do you want a big wedding or something smaller?”

  “How would we have a big wedding? We don’t have any family and just a small circle of friends. I vote small and intimate.”

  “Me too. You want to get married here, or do you want to go somewhere like an island or something?”

  I contemplate his question, never imagining I’d be planning a wedding at all, much less one with Flynn. “Here. We could even have the reception at the restaurant. Then we can figure out how to leave our businesses and go on a proper honeymoon.”

  “Where do you want to go?” he asks, as he turns on his side.

  “Somewhere romantic where we can just enjoy each other. You decide.”

  “I can do that. I have a few hotel contacts in town. I can make some calls and see what’s available and when.”

  “Perfect. All I want is…” I pause as my voice cracks. “I can’t believe this. Every day since we decided to be together has surpassed my wildest dreams, and now, now we’re getting married. It’s mind blowing.”

  “But you’re happy?”

  “Unbelievably so.”

  “Good. That’s all I want.” He kisses my nose, then brushes his fingers over my bare breasts. “Invite list?”

  I shrug. “I guess just the people we both work with. Jill for sure.”

  “For sure.” He tilts his head. “What about Rhys?”

  I raise my eyebrows. “You’d want to invite him?”

  “Would we even be having this conversation without him? Would we be able to live in such a beautiful apartment? He might not want to come, but we should invite him. He’s been cool the times we’ve seen him in the past year.”

  I nod. “You’re right. We should invite him.”

  “So we have a plan. We’ll pack up our old place and move in here next month. I’ll call around and find a venue, and we’ll plan a wedding.” He grins. “What do you think about that, future Mrs. Buchanan?”

  Brooklyn Buchanan. I smile as I think the name in my mind. “I think that sounds perfect.”

  “Morning,” I say as I walk into the studio. Jill, Caryn, and Bridget are behind the counter working on next month’s class schedule.