Your Tempting Love (The Bennett Family)

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Your Tempting Love (The Bennett Family) Page 25

by Layla Hagen


  "They’re going to do the kissing, aren't they?" Chloe asks just before they disappear from view.

  Both Christopher and I laugh heartily.

  "I'll change quickly too." I'm about to go as well, wanting to rid myself of the blue suit and dress in something that looks more like me, when Christopher clasps my wrist. Turning to him, I cock an eyebrow. In response, he hauls me against the nearest wall.

  "First, let's do some kissing."

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Christopher

  "This is wicked," Lucas exclaims a week later, inspecting the Disneyland tickets for the hundredth time—my Christmas gift to them. The kids and I are at a coffee shop near my office, enjoying some hot chocolate. Victoria is with a client, and I've offered to watch the kids for the afternoon. I've been waiting for a chance to be alone with them the entire week.

  "Kids, I need to talk to you." Three pairs of eyes focus on me with curiosity. "As you know, I love Victoria very much, and we’re happy together."

  Sienna sips from her cup of hot chocolate. I suspect she might be trying to hide a smile.

  "I want to ask you for her hand." My words are met with complete silence, which I won't lie, freaks the hell out of me.

  "He means he wants to marry Victoria," Sienna tells her siblings, not bothering to hide her smile anymore. Lucas and Chloe erupt in cheers, and I breathe in relief when I hear distinct yeses among those cheers. I thought long and hard if asking them before talking to Victoria was the best idea, but it felt like the right thing to do. She might not have parents I can ask, but these little punks are her family. Soon, they’ll be mine too.

  "Does this mean there will be another baby?" Chloe asks, now positively glowing.

  "I don't know when, but there definitely will be more than one baby," I say.

  She pumps her small fist in the air, giggling.

  "Did you already get her a ring?" Sienna asks eagerly.

  "No, I haven't. But my office happens to be in walking distance, and the new collection of engagement rings is ready."

  The kids finish their hot chocolate in one minute flat.

  ***

  As we walk into the creative department of Bennett Enterprises a short while later, Sienna elbows me. "Were those tickets to Disneyland a bribe so we'd say yes?"

  "You're insulting me. Those were just my Christmas gift." Sure, I strategically gave them the tickets first, knowing it would put them in a good mood, but bribing? That's not my style.

  Pippa smiles when she sees our little group heading toward her desk. The creative department is the only one in the company organized in an open office. There are a dozen people milling around the space. Personally, I detest open offices because I can't concentrate with constant chatter around me, but to each his own.

  "Hello, lovelies," Pippa greets us. "Yes, everything you see around here are gemstones and diamonds."

  I am so used to seeing jewelry or stones about to be made into jewelry around the office, I forget people find it surprising. The kids are looking around with gaping mouths. Sienna is practically salivating over a pendant with an outlandish design. When Pippa first showed us the sketch, my brothers and I weren't sure, but Pippa insisted that young, sophisticated women would find it appealing. As usual, it turns out she’s right. My sister has a talent for predicting these things that cannot be taught or learned.

  "Pippa, we're here to see the engagement rings for the new collection," I inform her as the four of us come to a halt. Her desk is far enough from the other ones that it offers some privacy.

  "I know."

  "How?"

  Her response is prompt. "Intuition and some sniffing around. When you asked on Monday if the rings would be here this week, you were drumming your fingers on the table. You only do that when you're nervous. I put two and two together."

  My sister is a little too perceptive for her own good, or anyone else's. Without another word, she rises to her feet, heading to the wooden storage closet behind her desk. She returns with a large rectangular box, which she places on her desk. Opening the lid, she reveals twelve engagement rings.

  "They’re all so pretty," Sienna exclaims. I lift Chloe in my arms because she can't see anything from her level.

  "Wow," she exclaims.

  "Not to be rude," Lucas says, "but they all look kind of the same to me."

  Sienna gives him the stink eye, but Pippa chuckles. For the next half hour, my sister patiently explains the difference between each cut, each stone, and why she chose certain combinations. I already know most of that stuff because it's in the marketing copy we included in the catalog, but watching Pippa explain is a different experience. She lights up, exuberance dotting every word. An hour later, we have our ring and are on our way out of the building, the kids walking a short distance in front of me.

  "What happens after he gives her the ring?" Chloe asks Sienna.

  "They get married."

  "And after they get married?" Her words are a whisper.

  "They make babies."

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Victoria

  “I can’t believe they’re open,” I exclaim as Christopher, the kids, and I walk up to the front door to our favorite coffee shop. Sienna mentioned that she was in the mood for cheesecake, and I backed her up because I never say no to cheesecake. Since she had the brilliant idea at nine o’clock in the evening though, I was certain we’d have to go someplace else, because Ms. Winters usually closes the coffee shop at eight. Sienna insisted she checked online, and it would be open until ten o’clock.

  “Told you,” Sienna says smugly.

  As we step inside, Ms. Winters greets us with an excited wave, telling us to sit wherever we like. The place is empty, which makes me wonder why she’s closing later.

  As soon as we sit in the booth, she takes our order, winking at Christopher as she leaves. That’s my first indication that something’s up. My parents first brought me here when I was twelve, so I’ve known Ms. Winters for more than seventeen years. She’s not a winker. My second indication is that Lucas and Chloe haven’t been bickering since we arrived. Sienna and Christopher are exchanging accomplice glances every few seconds, further adding to my suspicions.

  “Okay, what’s going on?” I ask no one in particular, scanning everyone.

  “Nothing,” Chloe quips.

  “Wrong answer. Now I know for sure that something’s up.”

  Lucas plunks his elbows on the table, resting his head in his hands. “Told you we shouldn’t have said anything to Chloe. The midget can’t keep secrets.”

  “Lucas!” I admonish.

  “I’m not a midget,” Chloe volleys back, frowning at Lucas.

  I zero in on Sienna and Christopher, expecting an explanation, but both remain tight-lipped. Opening my mouth, I intend to use some old-fashioned emotional blackmail to get them to spill everything but Ms. Winters arrives, placing the cakes in front of us.

  “Wow, you’ve outdone yourself with the cake decorations, Ms. Winters,” Sienna comments. As the woman in question thanks my sister and saunters away, I inspect the cakes. Truly, Ms. Winters has perfected her winter decorations. Lucas’s and Chloe’s cakes have a snowman on top, Sienna’s a snowflake. Christopher’s has a green fir tree.

  Mine has a white fir tree… and a ring.

  “Oh my God.” My pulse ratchets up instantly and furiously as I blink, and blink again. The ring is not part of the frosting. It has a white gold band, and in the center is the most beautiful diamond I’ve seen. “Is that…?”

  My voice fades as emotion takes over, clogging my throat and warming my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I peek at Christopher. Sitting right next to me, he beams. The kids are on the opposite side of the table, watching intently. Wordlessly, Christopher takes the ring between his fingers and holds it out to me.

  “Victoria Hensley, will you be my wife?”

  Drawing in a lungful of air, I glance at this wonderful man in front of me, wanting to memorize ever
y single detail about this moment. The way Christopher’s chest rises and falls in rapid succession, showing that he’s as consumed by this as I am. The way the kids lean over the table, as if afraid they’ll miss the word when it finally tumbles out of my lips, showing they want this as much as I do.

  “Yes,” I answer, my voice rich with emotion but strong at the same time. “I do. I want to be your wife.”

  Christopher slides the ring on my finger, and I have no time to admire the way it looks on my finger before his mouth comes down to mine in a sweet kiss. After pulling back, he draws tiny circles with his thumb on my wrist, a soft move that awakens all my senses. His eyes hold a mischievous glint full of promises. This man is as hungry for me as I am for him.

  The kids choose this moment to erupt in cheers, hopping over to hug and us. Ms. Winters also congratulates us, revealing that Christopher called ahead of time, asking her to stay open longer today so we could come in and have the place to ourselves.

  I’m still too overrun with emotions to make any long speeches, but under the table, I squeeze Christopher’s hand, letting him know how much this means to me. There will be plenty of time for words later.

  “We have to start searching for your dress,” Sienna says, once everyone is back in their seats and focusing on their cheesecake. “And a location. And—”

  “Breathe, Sienna.” Chuckling, I add, “We should set a date first.”

  “As soon as possible,” Christopher declares, curling an arm around my waist and pulling me close to him until our hips collide. The touch electrifies me from my center to the tip of my fingers.

  Sienna grins. “In other words, as soon as we find a dress and location.”

  Chloe and Lucas start talking at the same time, their questions directed to Sienna.

  “I can’t wait to get home,” Christopher whispers to me.

  “And why is that, Mr. Romantic?” I ask in an equally low tone, even though the kids are talking so loudly there’s no chance they’d hear us.

  Christopher trails his fingers up and down my exposed forearm, igniting my skin. Anticipation courses through my veins. As he brings his lips to my ear in a seemingly innocent gesture, I know I’ll see more of his Mr. Sexy side later.

  “Because I have plans.”

  Epilogue: Four Months Later

  Victoria

  "This was a bad idea." I survey the chaos in front of me, crossing my fingers that by the end of the day, all the kids in the backyard will still have their fingers intact. It's Lucas's tenth birthday, and we're celebrating in style with fifteen of his school friends, plus Aunt Christina and her family. The Bennett clan is here too, of course, and that brings the total number of guests up considerably. Our yard is filled with people of all ages and heights; conversation, laughter, and the occasional cry fill the air. We’ll move out of this house by the end of the month, and we wanted to host one huge party here before leaving. When Christopher and I decided it was time to move in together, it was clear my house was too small. We chose to restore his apartment to the original five bedrooms it had.

  "Successful party," Christopher comments, watching the chaos as well. "Everyone's having a blast."

  It's true. Even Pippa's daughters, Elena and Mia, are laughing their asses off, even though all they do is sit in their infant seats and wave at everyone. They’re adorable. Chloe is once again shadowing Mrs. Bennett, who doesn't seem to mind in the slightest.

  I lean against Christopher, almost purring with joy when his strong arms enclose me, protective and loving. If someone would have told me eight months ago that on Lucas's birthday I'd be head over heels in love with a gorgeous man and be surrounded by his family, I would’ve dismissed it as a crazy idea. I was the girl with the plan to put my personal life on standstill until the kids were older, but there you go. Sometimes letting go of the plan and taking a chance leads to wonderful things.

  "Do you think they'll miss the yard?" he asks.

  "Nah, they love your roof." Love is an understatement. Lucas and Chloe have declared they never want to leave the indoor pool. Sienna proclaimed that the rooftop is the best reading spot in San Francisco. "You're so good to us, Christopher."

  "You deserve it."

  "Don't you two make a lovely picture?" Pippa says as she walks up to us. Sebastian's wife, Ava, joins us too.

  "I swear if I get any larger," Ava says, "I won't fit in my car anymore."

  "You look great," Pippa assures her. Ava huffs, patting her round belly. She still has a few months to go until she gives birth.

  "Christopher, you've got to see this," Lucas calls from the other end of the yard. My fiancé lets go of me, heading to my brother without another word.

  "You know," Ava says to Pippa, "I remember Christopher proclaiming loud and clear that he wouldn’t fall for your matchmaking games."

  Pippa shrugs, pushing her beautiful blonde hair back. "So did Max. My brothers were under the impression I'd given up my ways after getting married, but that just made them easy prey."

  "Isn't it too much on top of work and your daughters?" I ask, handing her a second serving of pie from the nearby table. Ava hesitates for a split second when I hand her a plate, but then she digs in, eating with gusto.

  "Oh no," Pippa says solemnly. "It relaxes me, almost like a hobby."

  "What will you do when you run out of siblings?" Ava asks with fake horror.

  Pippa holds her finger up as if saying, ‘I have the solution for this scenario of doom.’ "We have an alarmingly high number of single cousins. That won't do."

  I burst out laughing without the slightest remorse. I would put more effort into hiding my amusement if Pippa wouldn't have so much fun at her own expense.

  "But Alice is next in line now," Ava says with a knowing smile, pointing at the sister in question, who is deep in conversation with Sienna.

  "Oh?" I ask through a mouthful of pie.

  Pippa and Ava exchange a sheepish look before the former points her fork at me. "Before we give you any details, we have to know if you're with us or the boys."

  "I'm not following," I say honestly.

  "The guy we have in mind for Alice… let's just say my brothers will flex their alpha muscles when they find out," Pippa explains.

  Ohhhh, they don't approve. This is exciting.

  "So you have to choose a side," Ava repeats.

  It takes me a split second to decide. "I'm on your side."

  "That's my girl." Pippa nods, launching into a detailed explanation.

  A few minutes later, Christopher emerges from the house, carrying Lucas's cake and placing it on the table outside. Damn, I hadn't realized it was time already.

  "All right, everyone," I say loudly. "Time for Lucas to blow out the candles."

  The crowd parts for my little brother to walk through, and he smiles mischievously when he sees the candles on the cake. He insisted he wanted one candle for each year as opposed to two candles indicating the number ten.

  From behind me, I hear Blake whisper to Christopher, "I bet he won't blow out all ten on the first try."

  "I bet against you," Christopher hisses from the corner of his mouth, and I can't help chuckling.

  "What?" he inquires.

  "Sienna and I made the exact same bet when we bought the candles."

  Alice appears on my other side, clearly having listened to the conversation. As we all turn to watch Lucas, she whispers conspiratorially, "You lot fit right in with us."

  <<<<>>>>

  ***

  Dear Reader,

  This is the end of Christopher and Victoria’s story. Alice’s book will be next. It will be released mid-2017. Please sign up HERE to be notified about the release date for the book (you will also receive a FREE copy of my full-length romance Found in Us if you sign up. The retail price is $3.99).

  ***

  <<<<>>>>

  ***

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  Other Books by Layla Hagen

  The Bennett Family Series

  Book 1 in the Series: Your Irresistible Love

  Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.

  Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.

  He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.

  Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.

  But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?

  AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.

  Book 2 in the Series: Your Captivating Love

 

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