I helped Stella get ready for school and walked her to the bus stop. I had a couple hours to burn before class, so I decided to walk down to the cafe to grab a coffee and breakfast. I was messaging Michael on my way in when I bumped into a guy, causing my phone to fall out of my hands and drop to the floor.
“Shit, I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, picking my phone up and handing it to me. It was easy to notice him—tall, muscular, and very attractive. His blonde locks accented his baby-blue, button-up shirt, and long, black slacks. He sounded so sincere that I almost felt bad.
“It’s my fault, don’t worry about it.” I took my phone from his hand, noticing my screen was cracked. Fucking great. I would have to run and get a new phone now.
“Travis,” he said before letting me walk away from him.
“I’m Molly. Nice to meet you, Travis.” I smiled, hoping he would let me walk around him. Why did men always trap me?
I shoved my phone into my purse and started walking past him. “Could I have your number, Molly? I’d like to treat you to dinner seeing that I just busted your screen and all,” he asked with a sincere smile. Shit, I didn’t want to turn him down. I’ve had guys ask me out since Liam, but I always managed to get out of it by showing them my ring. Damn, why did I take it off?
Right, because I was meeting Drake for dinner last night.
“S-sure,” I stumbled. He handed me his phone, and I quickly added my name to his contacts list. I decided to insert the last digit wrong, just in case he actually did call me. It’d be easier than rejecting him in person. “There you go, Travis.”
“Perfect, I’ll call you soon.” He took his phone back and smiled. Doubt it. I walked past him to order my latté and headed back home to get ready for class.
* * *
I was completely distracted during the lecture. All I thought about was Drake, and how things had happened so suddenly. I wanted to let my guard down, to let him in, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy after avoiding it for years.
After class was finally over, I went and bought a new phone. I was anxious to hear from Drake again, but when I arrived back at my apartment and saw two-dozen red and white roses, I was in complete awe. I grabbed the note and smiled as I read it.
These flowers reminded me of how sweet you smelled last night.
I can’t wait to see you again.
—D.S.
Whoa…
“By the looks of it girl, you haven’t lost your touch,” Michael teased, waltzing into the kitchen. I rolled my eyes at him but smiled anyway. It was a remarkable thing; to feel like this again. I was allowing myself to feel for someone for the first time in over four years. Four long years.
“Not sure what he means by seeing me tonight, though. I don’t even have the man’s phone number,” I pondered aloud.
“He’s Drake Stagliano, honey, he makes whatever he wants possible. I’m sure he’ll make sure you two find each other.” Michael laughed, making a face at me.
Stella was in her room playing when I walked in to ask how her day was. She stated that she pinched a boy named Bobby because he pinched her first. Well, he did start it after all, so I figured it was a good time to have the ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ conversation.
After tucking Stella in for the night, I started to wonder if I would ever hear from Drake. It was still early, but since I would be at my internship again on Monday, I needed to make sure we were on the same page. I couldn’t let rumors about us start getting around, otherwise I’d jeopardize my entire internship and potential career.
I decided to indulge in a bubble bath so I wasn’t just sitting around like a typical girl waiting for a man to call. I wasn’t one of those girls, and I didn’t want that to change just because he was Drake Stagliano.
And stunning.
And amazing.
And great in bed.
As I was soaking up the bubbles listening to music, I heard a soft knock at the bathroom door. Assuming it was Michael, I told him to come in. I panicked as I saw Drake walk in, and quickly sunk deeper into the tub.
“Well, hello there.” He smirked, getting a glimpse of my naked breasts.
“Hello…wasn’t expecting you to walk in.” I blushed crimson, sinking deeper into the water.
“I know. Michael let me in. He said you were taking a bath, so I thought I’d see if you needed any help,” he teased, eyeing my body.
“Help? I’m sure I can manage, thank you.” I smirked.
He took his suit jacket off, placing it on the counter, and his shoes followed. He unbuttoned his cuff links, took off his shirt and pants and soon he was standing there naked. He climbed into the tub behind me and wrapped his arms around my body, holding me close.
“I missed you today,” he said, while kissing my neck. He moved his lips up to my earlobe. “This is my new favorite spot.” Jesus…he could get me aroused with the slightest touch.
“I was wondering when I’d see you.” I smiled. “And I think I like your new favorite spot.” I arched my neck, giving him better access. “Oh…before I get distracted…I don’t even have your number.”
“I guess we’ll have to fix that.” He groaned, massaging my breasts in the bubbles. God, yes. I moaned as he caressed my body with his fingers, making sure to cover every inch of me.
Best bubble bath ever.
“I think we need to talk before you get too happy back there.” I could feel his erection pressing hard behind me. “While I’m at my internship, I think it would be best to act like we don’t know each other if we happen to run into each other in the kitchen,” I finally was able to say. He was kissing me, touching me, feeling me.
Oh God, please don’t stop…
“Okay…I’ll try. Doesn’t mean I won’t be undressing you with my eyes, however.” I could feel his lips smiling against me. It was going to be difficult to ignore him while I was in the kitchen, but I didn’t need to be hounded for sleeping with the hotel manager. I especially didn’t want anyone to think that’s how I got the internship in the first place.
After our bath, we soaked up the Chicago view with a couple glasses of wine and curled up on the loveseat. I had been single for so long, and I hadn’t known Drake but a moment, but somehow, this felt right.
CHAPTER 5
Drake led me into the bedroom with my hands tangled into his hair and his lips pressed to mine. I laughed in between breaths as we ran into the furniture on our way down the hall. We were like two love-struck teenagers that couldn’t get enough.
“Careful.” Drake smirked as I ran into an end table that displayed the vase of roses he sent. I was walking backwards attached to him, not seeing where I was going.
“Oops.” I giggled, leading him into my room. It was pitch black, but I was able to maneuver us to the bed. I tore his shirt off, and he pulled my pants down. It was like a race to see who could get naked first, but in the end, we both won.
Best race ever!
“You are so precious, Molly. I don’t think I could ever have enough of you.” He pushed me down on the bed, admiring my naked body in front of him. I wasn’t ashamed of my figure, but I wasn’t used to having men see me naked. However, with Drake, I didn’t hesitate to lie naked in front of him.
He was still standing at the edge of the bed when he lifted me up slowly and in one swift move entered inside me. I breathed slowly and opened up for him. He placed one of his hands on my breast, making my nipple hard as he rubbed it.
“Mm, Molly. You feel so good.”
When Drake and I made love, it was phenomenal. Perhaps it was the newness of the whole thing, or maybe that I was finally ready to give myself to someone. I had always been an independent woman who was confident, but edgy. Drake had somehow made me feel whole again—even though this was new—he was helping me more than I could ever explain to him.
We moaned and panted out in satisfied pleasure at the same time. I couldn’t believe this man could give me such pleasure, and that my feelings for him were building up
so quickly. I hardly knew him, but my feelings for him were intense.
We lay on the bed panting as we collapsed into each other. “So, tell me three things about yourself,” I smiled, pulling my shirt over my head. I wanted to know him better, but I also wanted to see if he felt the same for me as I was starting to feel for him.
“Three things? Hmm…I manage a business…”
“Three things I don’t already know,” I interrupted, cutting him off.
“Okay, fine.” Drake smiled and stood, pulling his pants up. “I’m a Sagittarius, my favorite breakfast food is peanut butter toast, and my favorite position is…whatever we just did over there.” He laughed, pointing down to the bed. He stood, leaning up against my dresser, with no shirt on and his arms crossed. He was examining my response, expecting me to reciprocate.
I laughed as he made it clear that he enjoyed what we just did together. I fidgeted with my ear, wondering if I should invite him to stay over or not. “Are you hungry?” I asked nervously.
“For food?” He winked.
“Yes…food! I’m starving. Come. I’ll make pancakes.” I grabbed his hand in mine. “And peanut butter toast.” He followed me into the kitchen and watched as I gathered everything I needed. He leaned up against the island watching my every move. “Must you stare?” I asked apprehensively.
“You fascinate me. You have a sense of grace about you when you’re in the kitchen. It’s as if everything is right in the world.” He smiled as if he could see deep into my soul. Being in the kitchen was therapy for me. After Liam passed, I couldn’t handle the overwhelming sadness that saturated me, so instead I buried myself in the kitchen. After a while, I felt I needed more of a purpose. I volunteered at a soup kitchen, where I had my first experience using a commercial kitchen, cooking for hundreds of people.
“It’s my safe haven. I could get lost in here,” I said honestly. The kitchen was one place I could let my thoughts loose and just forget everything.
“Perhaps you can be my safe haven, Molly.” He turned closer to me, putting both his hands on my face as he leaned in to kiss me softly.
“We still need to keep it cool until after graduation.” I reminded him pretending to push him away with my fingertips.
“I know, don’t worry,” he said reassuring me. The last thing either of us wanted was to be linked publically, and my internship to be discredited.
I finished cooking our late night breakfast, and as we sat at the breakfast bar, we made small talk, getting to know each other a little better. I still wanted to know more about him, but for now, I was content.
* * *
The next morning, I woke up with Drake’s long legs intertwined with mine. I could feel him breathing slowly, and knew he was still sound asleep. God, he’s beautiful. It was only eight, but I knew Stella would already be up watching her Saturday morning cartoons. I slowly rolled out of bed, trying not to disturb him. I peeked under the sheets as I remembered he was only in briefs. Damn, he looks hot like that. I slipped out the door and down the hall.
“Good morning, sunshine,” I whispered as I kissed Stella on the cheek. She continued lounging on the loveseat, eating an apple.
“Morning, Mommy,” she mumbled, not even looking in my direction.
I went into the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast when I ran into Michael digging in the fridge. “Why are you smiling at me like that?” I glared. I knew why, but I wanted to know what he knew.
“Girl…two nights in a row, huh? Damn, you have it bad,” he jibed, pinching my ass.
“Yeah, yeah…stop it.” I glared, smacking his hand away from me. “He’s still here, so be on your best behavior,” I warned, pointing my finger at him.
He held his hands up as if he were surrendering. “I always behave,” he grinned. Drake was beautiful to look at, and I knew Michael would appreciate his beauty, especially just waking up and now walking into the kitchen shirtless.
“Morning, baby,” he said leaning in for a kiss. He quickly noticed we weren’t alone. “Morning, Michael.” He nodded acknowledging his presence. Michael blushed as Drake said his name.
Stella arrived in the kitchen; blanket in hand. Drake hadn’t officially met Stella yet, so I figured it would be good to do so now, especially if he was going to be around more. “Stella honey, this is mommy’s friend, Drake. Can you say hi?”
“Hi,” she said, moving her head up to meet him. “Why are you here?” she asked bluntly.
“I…was just visiting your mommy,” he answered, unsure. “And Michael,” he finished, hoping that would satisfy her.
“Oh, okay.” She shrugged. That seemed to be enough for her. I grabbed a glass of orange juice, and set her up on the breakfast bar to finish eating.
“Good save,” I said as I leaned up to kiss his lip. The first introduction was over, and he didn’t do too badly considering Stella has a three-second rebound rate.
“I’m flying to Detroit tonight for some food and wine tastings. I’ll be back Monday afternoon.” His arm circled my waist. “Will you call and keep in touch?”
“Of course. We need to exchange numbers first,” I reminded him.
“Contacts are in our phones already, don’t worry babe.” He smirked as he pecked me on the cheek. Sneaky man. “I have to run and get my belongings. I fly out at noon.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you out.” I took his hand and led him into my room to gather the rest of his clothes that were sprinkled across the floor. I was about to pick up one of his socks when he reached for me, pulling me into him closely. He planted a soft, passionate kiss on my lips. I was sad he was leaving, but I was sure I could make it a couple days.
“I’ll miss you,” he whispered into my mouth.
“I’ll miss you, too.” I patted him on the ass, hurrying him along so he wouldn’t run behind.
After Drake left and the kitchen was clean, Michael and I decided to take Stella to one of the best Children’s’ Museums that Chicago had to offer. Being an only child, she needed socialization time outside of school. And it was fun watching her with the other kids.
“Mommy, this way!” Stella screamed, pulling my hand along in hers. “I want to go in the Safari room!” I followed her, remembering just how much energy a four-year-old maintained.
“Okay, honey, slow down. Uncle Michael will lose us,” I called.
“Whoa, you two are sure in a hurry!” Michael breathed, chasing after us.
I laughed watching Michael try and play keep-up with us. He was a muscular man, but he did not play sports and was not the athletic type. “There ya are, slowpoke.” I nudged him in the ribs, teasing his ability to keep up with us.
Michael and I had a blast chasing after Stella, watching her make new friends. I decided to quickly run outside and check my cell phone messages. I was hoping Drake called me, so I would know he landed safely.
“Well, hello there,” a voice echoed behind me. I felt goose bumps on the back of my neck as I recognized that voice. I turned around and saw Travis standing there, watching me.
Oh, shit.
“Travis, hi,” I said slipping my phone back into my pocket. I was hoping he wouldn’t bring up the fact that I gave him the wrong number. “What a surprise seeing you here.” I faked a smile.
“Same to you,” he said, inching closer to me. “I brought my son, Jacob. He’s five,” he answered, reading my mind.
“Oh, awesome. I brought my daughter, Stella. She’s four. She loves dragging my roommate, Michael, around,” I said chuckling, hoping to keep the conversation light.
This was so awkward.
“Yeah, Jacob and my sister could spend all day in there.” He laughed lightly, continuing the conversation. I smiled at him letting him know I was slightly uninterested. “So, I’m glad I ran into you. It seems the number you gave me doesn’t work.” He frowned.
“Really?” I cocked my head to the side as if I were shocked. “I must have pressed the wrong digits,” I lied.
“Yeah, some old woma
n, Beverly, answered,” he lingered, slightly smirking. “She said I sounded cute.” He grinned.
“I’m sorry about that. But actually…” my phone rang, cutting me off. “Sorry, just one moment.” I held up my finger.
“Hello?” It was Drake. Oh, thank God!
“Oh good, I’m glad you made it!” I smiled. His voice was so soothing and reassuring. He told me he was thinking of me when he saw the huge tub in his hotel room. “Michael and I took Stella to the museum, but I will call you later tonight.” I smiled as we hung up, with Travis watching my every move.
“Boyfriend?” he asked, melancholy.
“Umm, kind of. Yeah, I guess.” I didn’t know how to answer that, but I wanted him to know I wasn’t interested in giving him my real number or going to dinner with him.
“Is it serious?” he asked, being quite nosy.
Um, serious? Was he really asking me that?
“I don’t know. I mean, it’s kind of new still,” I answered honestly. I didn’t even know this man. What is with men asking such personal questions right away?
“I guess I can still take you for dinner, then.” He saw my surprised expression. “To apologize for damaging your phone,” he reassured me.
“That’s really not necessary, Travis. It wasn’t your fault,” I quickly responded, hoping he’d get the point. “Excuse me, but I should go back and check on Stella.” I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my way.
“I insist, Molly. Give me your number and I will make sure you have a wonderful evening,” he pushed.
I was dumbfounded at how direct he was and how he wasn’t getting my cues. Why were men so persistent? “Look, Travis. I don’t give my number out to strangers. I appreciate the gesture, but it’s not necessary,” I replied as I maneuvered around him.
I caught up with Stella and Michael, hoping Travis wouldn’t follow me. We left and went back to the apartment. Stella was worn out from our busy day and fell asleep on the couch after dinner. Michael was heading out for the night to meet up with his date, so I decided to call Drake.
Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set Page 5
