by Taryn Plendl
“I thought you were using me to get to my dad. That’s what people have done all my life.” I shrugged.
Matteo reached out and grabbed me, pulling me into his arms. It felt so amazing to be wrapped up in him again I almost forgot that we weren’t over everything yet. “You silly girl,” Matteo spoke next to my ear before pushing me back so he could look into my eyes. “I didn’t need your dad’s business. He needed mine.”
“Really?” I asked, shocked.
Matteo smiled and nodded. “He wanted me to invest in his business idea. I told him I wouldn’t do business with him, that I questioned his ethics after he offered to help me smooth things over with you in exchange for my business.”
“Ugh! Some things never change.” I groaned.
“So you weren’t using me and you weren’t dating that woman?” I asked.
“No on both accounts, Ella.” I looked up to see Caleb at the door. I gave him a smile and a thumbs up, letting him know I was okay. Matteo looked over his shoulder and nodded at Caleb before he disappeared back into the club.
“Ella, remember when I told you about my parents? About how they were soul mates?” I nodded, wondering where he was going with this. “Well, I can’t explain it, but the first time I saw you right here in this same club, I was drawn to you like I’d never been before. Whatever is happening between us, I’m in. One hundred percent in. In just the short time I’ve known you, I’ve fallen hard. I can’t lose you. These past two days when you wouldn’t answer my calls just about killed me. Please tell me you are feeling this too.” He caressed my face with his thumb.
“I do, Matteo, but I’m scared. I don’t want to get hurt again,” I whispered.
“I can’t promise you I’ll never hurt you, Ella, but I can promise that I’ll never mean to.” He leaned down covering my mouth is a kiss that took my breath away. The booming sound overhead was the only thing that could’ve torn us apart. Tilting my head up, I saw the moment that the sky lit up in beautiful colors. Shouts of “Happy New Year” erupted around us.
“Happy New Year, Ella. What do you say? You want to give us a try?” Matteo placed a soft kiss on my nose as he waited for my answer.
“Happy New Year, Matteo. Take me home.”
Epilogue
Ella
One year later
“Goodnight, Happy New Year!” I called over my shoulder as I hurried out of the hospital toward the employee parking lot. I’d agreed to cover the Operating Room call from three to eleven, and now I was hoping to make it home in time to change quickly so I could meet Matteo before the New Year. I would be pushing it for time, but there wasn’t anywhere else I wanted to be than with him to bring in the New Year.
The past year had brought more change to my life, but for once it was all good. Matteo had been true to his word when he told me that he was in this one hundred percent. He didn’t do things half-assed and that included his relationship with me. The man was more than I could’ve asked for. He was strong, protective, loving and hot as hell. He spoiled me and made me feel like I was the only woman on Earth.
Things had been quite strained with my dad following the holidays last year. He continued to try to tear me down, but Matteo wouldn’t allow it. After several strained conversations, my things were packed up and moved into Matteo’s house. It all happened way too fast, and I worried that it would all blow up and tear us apart, but it did just the opposite. Little by little my dad had been trying to mend fences, but I was still unsure of his motives.
I wasn’t used to a man putting me first, but Matteo did without effort. For quite a while I waited for him to change—to prove my fears true. It never happened. Matteo gave me the best gift. Myself. He reminded me of how strong I was something that I’d allowed my failed marriage and my own father to make me doubt. He helped me find myself again.
Shortly after moving in with Matteo, I took a position at Winter Falls General with Natalie. It was like coming home. I worked with people I loved and I felt like I was making a difference. I was also making my own money, which had been an argument on many occasions at first. I hated the feeling of not contributing. I wasn’t a leech, and although Matteo didn’t have an issue, I did. I didn’t want to take advantage.
As the garage door rose I noticed Matteo’s car sitting in its usual spot. Frowning, I stepped out of the car and glanced at the time. It was only eleven forty, and there was no reason why he should be home yet.
I walked through the door and into the house, flipping on the lights before dropping my purse onto the counter. The sight that surrounded me took my breath away. Flowers and balloons covered every square inch of the living room. The balloons were clear and filled with flickering lights that shone against what looked like glitter, giving it a disco ball effect. The flowers were a mix of roses and lilies and the smell invaded my senses with a beautiful aroma.
I walked further into the living room, reaching out and letting my fingers dance across the balloons and flowers as I went. “Stunning,” I whispered.
“Yes, you are.” I turned at the sound of his voice and grinned when I saw him. He was the one that was stunning, not me. He was dressed in charcoal gray pants that hugged his thighs and ass, two of my favorite parts of him. He had on a black Henley shirt that formed to his upper body like a second skin, and I momentarily forgot the beautiful surroundings and saw only the man I loved.
I was completely out of place in a pair of LuLaRoe leggings, sweatshirt and boots that I’d changed into out of my scrubs at the hospital. The fact that this man found me stunning in this attire made my heart swell. “What are you doing here? I thought I was meeting you at the Riverwalk.” I reached for him as he came to a stop in front of me.
“I had a better idea.” He leaned down and kissed me softly before dropping to his knee, still holding my hands. It took me only a second to realize what this was and my heart began beating uncontrollably as I watched the strongest man I knew tremble with nerves.
“Ella, I think I lost a bit of my heart to you the first night I met you. The second time I saw you standing in front of the coffee shop I was so afraid. I was afraid to love you, because I knew it was inevitable. After I got to know you more, I was afraid to lose you, because you are everything I needed, and I didn’t even know it. You have my heart, my soul and my love. It’s all yours.”
I felt the tears roll down my cheeks as Matteo continued. “Gabriella Marks, will you marry me?”
“Matteo, I would be honored to be your wife.” I sobbed, pulling him to his feet and throwing myself into his arms.
Matteo spun me around several times, kissing me as we went, before he stopped and slid a gorgeous solitaire diamond ring on my finger. I looked at it in shock. “It is spectacular,” I gasped.
“It had to be to be fitting for you, my sweet Ella.” Matteo held me, unable to stop grinning down at me.
“I love you so much, Matteo. You told me once that maybe I just needed a reason to stay. Well, you are my reason. Thank you for helping me find my home.” The sound of distant fireworks caught our attention. Matteo took my hand and led me to the upstairs balcony. The winter air was frigid as we stepped outside, but it hardly bothered me like it used to. Matteo wrapped me in his arms, pressing his warmth against my back and kissing the top of my head.
Fireworks exploded in the distance over the river, lighting up the sky as we watched.
“Happy New Year, Matteo.”
“The happiest.”
When I came home a year ago I had lost faith in men, but Matteo changed that for me. How was I to know that a one night stand would bring me my forever?
“Welcome home, baby.” Matteo kissed me softly, and I knew I had found my home—it was him.
The End
(Or is it just the beginning?)
About the Author
Taryn is a lover of books and wine, usually enjoying them together. Writing has been a way for her to step away from chaotic reality and live a bit through her fun and sometimes damag
ed characters. You will almost always find a Happy Ever After at the end of her stories. She can't help it, it's an addiction.
She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, but cherishes those quiet nights after everyone is asleep when she can curl up on the couch to read with her geriatric dog. (Shh, don't tell...He's not supposed to be on the couch.)
www.TarynPlendl.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTarynPlendl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynplendl/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bCaXPn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TarynPlendl
Remember, if you like what you read, please leave a review!
Don't miss out!
Click the button below and you can sign up to receive emails whenever Taryn Plendl publishes a new book. There's no charge and no obligation.
https://books2read.com/r/B-A-PDQ-WXJL
Connecting independent readers to independent writers.
Also by Taryn Plendl
The Chrome Series
So Much More
Lovers and Loyalty
Making Amends
Chrome Wedding Bells-2.5
Standalone
Bring Me Back
An Unexpected Journey
F*cking Awkward Holidays
Coming Home- A Holiday Novella
Watch for more at Taryn Plendl’s site.
