Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection (Eight Fun, Romantic Novels by Eight Bestselling Authors)

by Violet Duke

  “Touch me,” I whisper.

  He exhales loudly. His fingers scrape the lacy edge of my panties and a soft mewl escapes my lips. When I feel the fabric tickling my legs, I arch my head back in anticipation as his hand slides between my thighs, the warmth of his fingers meeting with the damp folds of my skin. More moans fall aimlessly from my lips as his touch sends me to another place; one I can’t wait to go to. My body trembles when his fingers begin massaging that moist spot within me. I latch onto him with a quiet desperation, blending our bodies together, clawing at him so I can climb into his heart like he’s climbed inside mine. My breathing grows heavy as I dig my nails into his muscular shoulders. My body is climbing and my mind is lost. His sweet scent, mixed with the feel of his skin against mine, intensifies my need to release the rapture building inside of me.

  He pauses as if to speak. His eyes look deeply into mine and I try to slow my breathing as I wait for his words. “Gabby, I need you to know something. You make me feel things inside, things I’ve never felt…”

  I quiet him with my mouth. His words are my undoing and my insides quiver with the feel of his fingers sliding in and out of my wetness and the sound of his heavy breaths. I let go, moaning against his lips, vaguely aware of his hoarse voice.

  “God, baby, you’re so beautiful.”

  As I float back down and my breathing slows, I become intensely aware of Brad’s aching hardness through his jeans, pressing against my inner thigh. I unzip them and tug, hoping for a little help. He slides them down and I glide my hands across the muscles of his chest as my fingertips graze the trail of hair that leads to the elastic of his boxer shorts. Pausing until his eyes meet mine, I place my hand over my heart. “I want to touch you, the way that you touch me.”

  He lets out a gasp of air at my words and I reach in and grab hold of him. I’m amazed at the softness of his skin as I stroke his hard length and moans of pleasure pour from his lips. I caress him tenderly at first, then more fervently, his hot breath blowing on my neck as his pants become more intense. The sweat beads off his brow and I watch his beautiful face contort with the oncoming contentment of his release. He lets go, calling out my name, then pulls me close and tenderly strokes my mouth with his tongue.

  As we calm, my fingers wander aimlessly across Brad’s muscular back, lazily drawing invisible doodles over his smooth skin.

  He lifts his head to mine with utter sincerity in his eyes. “Are you okay, baby?”

  “Never better,” I respond happily. “You?”

  “I think you know the answer to that.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  He reaches behind the sofa and grabs a soft flannel blanket, tucking us in under the warmth that we’ve already created. We didn’t make love tonight, but it doesn’t matter. Brad has officially climbed into another corner of my heart, curled up into a ball, and settled there.

  When I wake up in the morning, I feel disoriented until my blue eyes open to a handsome face, a sunken dimple, and lips that call to me. I lift my fingers to Brad’s cheek. His skin is soft and flawless. He really is beautiful.

  His eyelids flutter and when he opens them, they’re filled with wonder. “Hi, beautiful,” he says in that deep throaty voice that makes my insides churn.

  “Hi, yourself.”

  “Some host I am, I didn’t even offer you my bed.” He rubs the back of his neck and drops a kiss on my nose.

  Smiling contentedly, I move some stray hairs away from his face and kiss his pink lips. “That’s okay. I like what you offered.”

  Brad watches my mouth and then his lips land on mine. Even with morning breath, he tastes divine.

  My face goes flat. “Ugh, I forgot to tell you that my mom’s coming next weekend.”

  “You don’t look that happy about it. Are you looking forward to seeing her at all?”

  A small groan forces its way out. “Not really. She’s not even coming to see me, she’s coming in for Fashion Week.” Brad lifts his fingers to my cheek and I let out a resigned sigh. “It’s okay. It is what it is.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  TODAY, MY GRIN and good mood are because Brad and I are going to the beach, my absolute most favorite place in the whole world.

  We’re headed out of the city to Fire Island. It’s a place Brad suggested, and while I’ve never been there, I’ve heard it’s quite beautiful. Excitement bubbles up inside of me. I can already smell the salty water, feel the yellow sunshine warming my back and the wind blowing through my silky hair, and hear the rhythmic sound of the waves lulling my soul into peace.

  One day, I want to live in a house by the ocean. I can’t imagine anything better than starting and ending my day with the splendor of the sea. Breathing in the ocean air, feeling alive and exhilarated, yet relaxed and at peace; it’s the best. It takes all of your troubles and whisks them away, sweeping them out with the tide, never to be heard from again. Come to think of it, that’s what Brad has done for me.

  I’m dancing around my room singing “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer as I gather things up for our trip. I dig into the back of my closet to find my blue and white flowery bikini, the one I haven’t worn in years. I’m hoping it still fits me. Thankfully, I pull it on and it does! The blue shorts and white tank top still fit, too. I pull my hair into a messy ponytail and strap on my white sandals. I need to let out one more squeal of excitement, so I do. Brad plus the beach! I’m not sure what could be better.

  Brad picks me up early and we head out. It’s a glorious day. The temperature is about eighty degrees, the sun is beaming brightly, and there isn’t a cloud in the clear blue sky. The sunroof is down, the windows are open, and the voice of Van Morrison is cradling us in the moment. Brad takes my hand in his and tells me he wants to learn everything about me during our drive. He’s too darn cute to refuse.

  “So, favorite color?”

  “Purple.”

  “Favorite food? Wait, never mind…chocolate.”

  “Yup.”

  “Favorite band I already know…Lifehouse.”

  “Ahhh…”

  “Alright, alright…I know how you feel about Jason Wade.”

  “Jealous?”

  “Maybe a bit. If only I could sing.” He grins. “I do have other talents, though.”

  I play with his fingers. “Well, that remains to be seen.”

  “Is that a challenge?”

  “Why, do you think you can rise to it?” I manage to ask with a straight face.

  “Baby, they don’t call me a superhero for nothing.”

  Then I burst out laughing. This is going to be a great trip.

  When we finally arrive at Fire Island, I’m completely mesmerized. The water is crystal blue and the sand is smooth with hints of seashells buried throughout. There’s a smattering of boats in the distance, drifting on the water, floating free in the greatness of the ocean.

  We unload the car and plant ourselves fairly close to the water. Brad is all smiles and he looks radiant. Especially when he takes his shirt off and I get a good look at those golden brown abs. Dear Lord. He looks over at me as I admire the view. It’s becoming my favorite one.

  “Am I the only one taking anything off, or are you planning on swimming with your clothes on?”

  I think I’ll have a little fun. “Actually, I swim in the nude.”

  Brad’s eyes grow wide. “Baby, I hope you’re kidding. I really don’t feel like sharing you with anyone else.”

  “Of course I’m kidding.”

  His eyes grow even larger as I remove my shorts and tank top and reveal my relatively skimpy blue and white flowery string bikini. In fact, I didn’t realize how skimpy it was unt
il just now. I’ve been feeling more and more comfortable in my body lately; but I haven’t worn a bikini in years. Perhaps I should’ve chosen something a little less revealing. Although, since Brad looks like he wants to devour me, I think I made the right choice after all.

  The sun feels amazing, but I need to make sure I don’t burn. California girl or not, my fair skin burns easily. “Brad, can you rub some sunscreen on my back?” I’d like him to do my front too, but unfortunately, I can reach there.

  “It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it,” he says wickedly. The blistering sun and the feel of his fingers gliding over my shoulders in circular motions are causing tiny little prickles all over my skin.

  Brad leans into my ear and I feel his hot breath. “Turn over so I can do your stomach.” I nearly fall to pieces at his words. His eyes never leave mine as he rubs lotion all over my belly. His touch is driving me crazy, and definitely not the asylum kind. In a minute, I’m going to pull him on top of me without a care for anyone else on the beach. He leans over me, running his long fingers down the side of my face, and then moves his lips over mine, slowly and deliberately. The sensation of his wet mouth, the salty air, and the sound of the waves fills me with desire. When he lifts his lips from mine, he blows out a breath that cools my searing skin. He tilts his head and gives me a devious grin. “I think we need to go in the water to cool off…like, now.”

  My lips turn down in a pout. “I’m not ready to go in just yet.”

  He smiles again, but this time says nothing. Instead, he lifts me up over his muscular shoulder and I squirm as he carries me into the cold sea. My hands slap his back while my feet hang in mid-air.

  “Ahhhh…put me down! Brad! Put me down!”

  He just holds on tighter until we get further into the water and he throws me wildly against the waves.

  “You’re going to pay for that!” I warn with a lighthearted tone that burns with playful revenge.

  There’s that magnetic smile. “Oh, I hope so, baby, I hope so.”

  We splash each other until there are no splashes left, only hysterical laughter and abundant smiles. Brad pulls me close and grasps handfuls of my soaking wet hair and I let my tongue venture into the depths of his mouth, both of us pulled in by the ocean’s seductive charms.

  I can’t resist Brad, but mix Brad with the fresh scent of the ocean, the summer breeze, and the sand between my toes and I’m powerless. Our hands wander up and down each other’s bodies and I feel him grab my ass and bring me in so close I can feel his erection through the thin cotton of his swim trunks. I want him so badly, but as much as making love on the beach is a fantasy of mine, I don’t feel like fulfilling everyone else’s fantasy today. With that, I pull back abruptly and push him down in the water. He needs to cool off.

  *

  IT WAS A PERFECT day, and as exhaustion settles over me, I can only think of one thing right now that would make this day more perfect. Climbing into bed with Brad.

  We’re on the stairs up to my apartment, Brad and I are giggling hysterically like twelve-year-olds, until we get closer to the door. All laughter is halted by the sound of Fran’s screaming voice.

  “Get your hands off of me, and get the fuck out of here! I told you I never wanted to see you again!”

  Jesus. My hands fumble for the keys, but Brad doesn’t wait. He uses every bit of force he has to kick the door open, finding Fran in the clutches of an older man. A tall, graying, fierce man. It can only be one person. Fran’s dad.

  Brad pipes up immediately. “Didn’t you hear what she said? She said take your hands off of her!”

  “Who the fuck are you?” Fran’s dad bites out.

  When Brad sees Fran crying, he springs into action. Just like a freaking superhero. My superhero. He grabs Fran’s dad by the arm to pull him away and gets knocked against the wall, hard. I panic. Brad’s hurt, Fran’s shaking, and there’s a psychotic asshole in our apartment. I vaguely hear Brad mumble “call the police,” and I start digging furiously for my cell phone.

  When Fran’s dad hears the word “police,” his posture suddenly changes. He bolts for the door, but not before he eyes Fran one last time. “I’m your father, Franny. I deserve to be in your life, and this isn’t over, not by a long shot.”

  As her father disappears out the door, I’m left with the pain of the two people I care about most. My instincts tell me to go to Fran first, but the need to see if Brad’s okay pulls me in his direction. I run over to him. “Are you okay, babe?”

  “I’m fine, baby. Go take care of Fran.”

  I walk over to Fran. She’s shaking violently and tears are staining her cheeks.

  “Jesus Fran, come here.” I wrap my arms around her and hold her tightly, wishing I could take this one thing away for her. The one thing that almost destroyed her life. I walk her into her bedroom and tuck her under the false security of her blanket, press my lips to her forehead, and send her off to a troubled sleep. “I’m here if you need me.” I pick up the cell phone off her nightstand and leave Kyle a message to come over as soon as he can.

  When I come out of the bedroom, Brad is still leaning against the wall. His head is back and his eyes are closed. I grab an icepack from the fridge, sprint over, and gently hold his face in my hands. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine,” he repeats, reaching for my hand.

  “You’re absolutely insane, you know that?” I say, letting out a huge sigh and pressing the ice pack to his jaw. “You know, I already believed you were a superhero, you didn’t have to go out of your way to freaking prove it to me.” Brad tries to smile, but winces. “Seriously, I’m so sorry you got caught up in all this. Her dad is crazy, and you could’ve been seriously hurt.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  AFTER THE NIGHTMARE with Fran’s dad, we somehow managed to get through the week, although Fran has been in a funk since last weekend. She definitely needs a fun night out. I also need a fun night out to prepare for my mom’s arrival tomorrow. Instead of our usual Friday night bar escapades, we decide to play pool. It was actually Kyle’s idea and Brad is pumped for a little competition. Little do they know, Fran and I know our way around a pool table. Back in college, Fran, Clark, and I used to hang out and play pool…a lot. Clark and a couple of his friends taught us to play, and while we’re no sharks, we’re more versed than the average girl. We know how to break and we certainly know how to sink balls; not to mention, we’re masters of distraction! This should be interesting. Very interesting.

  When we arrive at the pool hall, Fran and Kyle already have a table. As we walk over to the table, I whisper to Brad, “I can hold my own with a cue, so be forewarned.”

  Brad’s eyebrows lift and he grins. “I was hoping.” Then he pinches my ass. Oh, this is definitely going to be fun.

  We’re playing girls vs. guys and I watch their surprise as Fran nails the break, sinking two balls right off the bat. We call stripes and continue to sink balls, another two before Fran miscues. When it goes back to them, I’m eyeing Brad as he leans over the table. He looks so hot, and him bending over the table is giving me a lot of ideas. He raises his head and catches me in mid-stare, puckers his lips, and grins.

  When he comes back around the table, he leans in and nibbles at my earlobe and I melt. “Baby, I hope you like what you see.”

  I definitely like flirty Brad. Two can play this game. I slink past him and chalk my cue ever so slowly, fully aware that Brad’s watching my every move. I lean way over to take the shot, making sure he gets an eyeful of cleavage. I hear a sudden choking sound and know I’ve succeeded.

  Fran and I are about to win when Kyle looks over at Brad. “I don’t know about you, man, but
I think we’re being hustled. These beautiful ladies have definitely played pool before.” Just then, Fran leans over to take a shot, her breasts poke out from her yellow blouse and Kyle beams. “Actually, I like being hustled. Let’s play another game. Double or nothing.”

  Fran playfully shoulder bumps him. “Why not?”

  We play one more game, this time couples, and Brad and I end up losing and buying dinner. We grab a booth and order something to eat. Kyle snaps his fingers suddenly and his brown eyes shine. “So, did Fran tell you she kicked our butts again in Scrabble last night. You should’ve seen her. I’m kind of thinking she needs to enter some sort of competition. She’s becoming quite the wordsmith.”

  Fran turns to Kyle, glowing. “Uh…wordsmith? I don’t think so.”

  Kyle leans over and gives Fran a kiss then takes her hand in his. She smiles contentedly. She looks so happy tonight and this seems to be just what she needed. I’m so glad. Not to mention, Fran and Brad seem to really like one another and that puts me over the moon. They’re both so important to me. Just when I feel like all is right with the world, Fran opens her mouth.

  “So, Brad, what are your intentions?”

  Kyle gives her a piercing glare.

  I kick her under the table and she screeches. I give her my most evil death stare; I can’t believe she just said that.

  Brad doesn’t seem the least bit ruffled, or if he is, as usual, he doesn’t show it. “My intentions…” He pauses. “My intentions are to make Gabby deliriously happy.”

  You already do.

  Fran has a humongous grin on her face as she winks at me. And me, well, if I’m not as red as a hot juicy tomato right now, I’d be shocked.