Draw Me Close
Page 26
“I did. And it went surprisingly well. For now at least. I’ll tell you all about it, but right now, I want this moment to be about us. Nothing else.”
She nodded. “Okay. I think I like that.”
“Good. I want you to understand, Lindsey, this is it. We’ve been apart way too long and eventually I want us to be a family. Me, you, Tanner … and all the other babies we manage to create.”
Her mouth dropped open and then she choked out a laugh. “I think we could probably manage that. Or at least give it a try.”
He grinned. “Lots of tries sounds good,” Derek said, kissing her lips, nose, cheek. She loved how he never neglected any part of her body.
“Are you sure, Derek?” Lindsey asked, her eyes closed as his lips touched her eyelids.
He angled her face up and she opened her eyes to find him staring at her. “I think that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Lindsey smiled. “Good. I want it, too.”
“It won’t be easy.”
She laughed. “None of it has been.”
“True. But I know it’s worth it.” He stroked a finger down the side of her face. “You’re worth it.”
“So are you. And so is Tanner. And all those babies we’re gonna make.”
“All of those babies.” He agreed with a nod. “Let’s start now.”
“Derek.” Lindsey slapped at his chest and he drew her back into his arms, resting his chin on her head. The scent of him mixed with the flowers left her with a feeling of tranquility and happiness.
“I love you so much, Lindsey. I’m not letting you go ever again.”
She squeezed him back. “Don’t worry. I won’t let you.”
Epilogue
Anne and Mike’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect if they’d tried. From the lace on Anne’s dress down to the black Camaro groom’s cake, it was lovely in every way. They’d written their own vows and Mike’s were delivered to both Anne and Claire, promising to love and care for the two of them. There hadn’t been a single dry eye in the entire place.
During the reception the drinks flowed, the food was delicious, and the decorations made the space feel like a chic, woodland fairy tale. Anne and Mike had just shared their first dance under the twinkling lights that filled the rafters of the barn. With a smile on her face Lindsey took the opportunity to step out back to get some fresh air.
The sun hung just beyond the field that backed up to their property, leaving streaks of pink and blue across the sky. It was the most beautiful evening and Lindsey wasn’t sure she’d ever felt lighter or happier.
She stood, drink in hand, staring at the horizon until she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she smiled as she took in Derek and his minime, Tanner.
“I still can’t get over how handsome you two look tonight,” she said.
“I’m kinda tired of this vest. Can I take it off?” Tanner asked, tugging at the tie at his neck.
Derek patted his son’s head. “Sure, bud. Why don’t we get out of here, go for a drive? The three of us.”
Lindsey shrugged. “Okay. But just for a little bit. I still want to spend some time with the girls and I have to help clean up.”
Derek held his hand out to her. “We’ll get you back here. I have something to show you.”
“Something to show me?” Now she was intrigued. “Well, in that case, let’s go.”
Ten minutes later they pulled in front of Derek’s office. She slid him a confused look.
“Trust me,” he said with a wink.
All three of them got out of the car, but instead of walking to his door, he began to walk around back toward Mike’s shop.
“Where are you going?” she said.
Derek stopped, held out his hand, and waited for her to take hold before they proceeded. “Sorry, I’m just anxious. Come on.”
They came to the big black door in back and Derek pulled out a key. Lindsey had been to Mike’s shop before a few times. It was not exciting. Actually, it was always a mess, as car garages tended to be. But as they stepped inside she found that it was empty.
“Mike moved all his stuff out, huh?”
“He did,” Derek said, flipping on all the lights. The space that Mike had used as his office had been freshly painted a dark cream color and rustic wood flooring had been laid over the concrete. It reminded her of all the old flooring in the buildings at the West Bottoms.
“I chose the flooring because … I thought you’d like it. But the rest is a completely blank space. For you.”
“For me?” She was in shock. Complete and utter shock. Sucking in a quick breath, Lindsey turned in a circle, taking in the room. It wasn’t huge, but it was big enough to display many things. Instantly she could picture it full of her creations. He must have been working like crazy to get it all done so quickly.
“Follow me, we aren’t done.” Derek was grinning, holding his hand out to her. “Come on, Tan. Let’s show her the rest.”
The boys led Lindsey into a smaller room. “Mike’s former bedroom is now … your office.” He flipped the light on to reveal more wood flooring and more ivory paint. Lindsey couldn’t help laughing. In shock, excitement. She wasn’t sure.
“Keep moving.” Derek pulled on her hand, leading her back through the bigger room, down a small hallway, and out to what used to be Mike’s garage. “Here’s the best part. Your workshop.”
“Derek,” Lindsey whispered. The space had been mostly cleared, but it was still basically a garage. Concrete floors, giant bay doors, lots of shelving, a utility sink.
It was perfect.
“Where is Mike going to work?” she asked.
“Well, he took two weeks off to spend with Anne and Claire and during that time he’s having a Morton building put up on their property. He’s going to work at home, move the business there. And now you’re going to work here. With me.”
He pulled her against his chest and looked into her eyes. “At least … I hope you will.”
She smiled. “Are you kidding me? This is the most beautiful space I’ve ever seen. There are drains in the floor for easy cleanup!”
Derek laughed and kissed her on the nose. “If I’d known drains made you happy I’d have given them to you earlier.”
Lindsey smiled. “How much is the rent here?”
Derek made a face. “I don’t know, I hadn’t thought about it.”
“Well, you must think about it. I’m paying rent,” she said. And she meant it. She had also set aside a chunk of the money her dad had paid her back to pay Derek for her hospital bills. She wouldn’t let him argue about it, either.
“I’m sure we can come to an agreement.” He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Dad, can we stay the night in here? This is awesome.”
“No way, bud. We have to get back to the wedding.” Derek looked back down at Lindsey. “But maybe Lindsey will let you hang out in here with her sometime.”
“Absolutely,” she said. “I might have to take Tanner Dumpster diving. Then we can create something awesome together.”
“Dumpster diving?” Tanner asked, completely confused.
“Yeah, it’s fun. Maybe we’ll make something cool for your dad’s office,” Lindsey said with a wicked grin.
Derek gave her a sidelong glance. “That sounds like a great idea.”
They stood there a long moment, holding on to one another as they watched Tanner explore the space. She looked up to Derek once more. “Final request. Next Valentine’s Day I will need chocolate, a card, and flowers.”
He chuckled. “You’re not high maintenance at all.”
She feigned offense. “I’m not! I’ve just never gotten any of those things before on Valentine’s Day.”
“Never? You’re kidding?” he asked. Obviously surprised.
“Not kidding at all.”
“I’m kind of glad. You were waiting for me.”
Lindsey rolled her eyes and laid her head back on his chest. “Don’t disap
point.”
Derek groaned and then whispered against Lindsey’s temple. “Never again. You’re mine now.”
“Nicole Michaels makes falling in love fun.”
—New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig
Look for the first two novels in this delightful series
Start Me Up
Win Me Over
Available from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
And don’t miss the author’s heartwarming holiday e-novella
“Blame it on the Mistletoe”
www.stmartins.com
Acknowledgments
Hard to believe this is the final book in the Hearts and Crafts Series. What a year! As always, many people deserve my gratitude. Thank you to Sarah Younger, for always being there; Lizzie Poteet, for your incredible insight; Annie Hulkower, you’ve been amazing at getting my books in front of others; Crystal Ben and Kerri Resnick, the covers have been beautiful; Laurie Anne Bowes and Emily Zoladz (and their lovely subjects), thank you for allowing us use of your art to bring my stories to life. Also everyone at St. Martin’s Press and Heroes and Heartbreakers for their help in creating and promoting this series.
To my high school girlfriends. These days we rarely get to chat. In fact years go by, but writing a series about women friends has meant I’ve called on our past for inspiration many times. Our weekend outings, relationship drama, banter, trouble, and inside jokes. I wouldn’t be the same person today without each of you. Heather, Lindsey (thanks for the name also!), Michelle, Jenny, Billie, Beth, Melissa, Erica, Katie, and Breanna.
Thank you to every single person who has read, reviewed, and purchased my books. I can’t tell you what it means to me. I hope you join me for whatever comes next!
My amazing friend Sabrina for the initial inspiration, my besties Jennifer and Tracy, my wonderful mom, and all the rest of my family and friends. And most importantly, my boys and husband. Every day the four of you make it possible for me to continue fulfilling this dream through your patience, sacrifice, and unending support. I love you so much.
About the Author
When she’s not writing, cooking, or hanging out with her family, NICOLE MICHAELS is a portrait and wedding photographer. She enjoys writing love stories with happy endings and lives outside of Kansas City with her husband and three sons. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemauthor to learn more or visit www.nicolemichaelsbooks.com. Or sign up for email updates here.
Also by Nicole Michaels
Start Me Up
Win Me Over
Novella
Blame It on the Mistletoe (e-original)
Praise for the first novel in this charming new series by Nicole Michaels
START ME UP
“Delightfully playful, Michaels’s contemporary marks her as one to watch.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Sexy and exciting … this is a book that makes falling in love even more fun.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Cute and crafty! A delightful beginning to a new series that is sure to charm readers.”
—New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis
“Sometimes a book checks off all of your boxes and just hits the spot. Start Me Up did that for me … a sweet contemporary romance that revolves around a single mom, her blog, and a sexy, younger man. Oh, Start Me Up, you had me at hello!”
—Romance at Random
“Sexy, steamy with just the right amount of snark. Nicole Michaels makes falling in love fun.”
—New York Times bestselling author Christie Craig
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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
DRAW ME CLOSE
Copyright © 2016 by Nicole Michaels.
All rights reserved.
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eISBN: 9781466862241
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / March 2016
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Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-one
Twenty-two
Twenty-three
Twenty-four
Twenty-five
Twenty-six
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Nicole Michaels
Praise
Copyright