by Anthology
Again she turns around to face me with love and adoration splayed across her face.
“My dear Chad, you give me too much credit. This was your vision, your inspiration and your love. Every ounce of passion you’ve built up for this property was all you. I just came along for the ride.”
“Yes, you are absolutely correct. This was my idea, but without your love and support over the last year, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I have done. Everything I’ve ever envisioned in my life personally and professionally, you helped me see the true light and what I wanted. You stood by my side as we made it happen.”
Taking her back into my arms, I lift her off the floor as she wraps her legs around my waist.
“Put me down, caveman. I need to clean up this mess and finish our dinner,” she giggles into my neck.
Reaching toward the stove, I turn off the burner.
“Dinner can wait. I have other plans for us right now.”
With rapid steps, I carry Delilah up to our bedroom. Resting her onto the bed, I hover over her as I begin to pepper kisses along her jaw line. Her body begins to squirm beneath me and I can’t fight the pull I feel toward her. Beginning to remove her clothes, her hands frantically roam over my body pulling off my shirt and unbuttoning my pants.
As my naked skin touches hers, my body ignites with passion. Our lips slowly begin to kiss one another while my hands caress her body. A soft moan escapes her throat, her tongue massaging mine. The physical connection I feel for her is over powering. I need to be inside of her more so now than I need to take my next breath. She consumes me and makes me feel things I never knew existed.
Lifting my body over hers, I gently slide into her while her hips lift and our bodies become one. My body wants me to devour her, but my heart and mind speak a different language. In this exact moment, I want to treasure the woman I am with. I want to take her as my own and show her how much love I feel for her today, tomorrow and the next day.
Moving my cock in and out of her warmth, every nerve ending in my body heightens with desire. Her passion fills the room as she calls out my name while her nails dig into the skin of my back. I want to keep this soft and slow, but the more she moans and thrusts herself against me, the more I want to fill her with my need. I can’t hold on much longer, this is everything I’ve ever wanted. Sucking her nipple into my mouth, I bite down throwing her over the edge. Quickening my pace, I can feel her orgasm as we both climax and our lips reunite. Pulling her into my arms, I hold onto her tightly knowing that this is one of the many ways I want to come home to the woman who was meant to be my better half.
Running my fingertips down the curve of her spine, I realize she is everything I have ever wanted and never realized I needed as much as I do. Together we were brought into each other’s lives by chance, but by taking life by the balls, I know this is my forever. I can’t imagine anyone I’d rather spend the rest of my life with than this woman in my arms.
I’m a fun-loving, down-to-earth kind of chick who loves to laugh, smile, and have a good time. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in September 1979, I’m a true East Coast girl who loves the mountains and the beach. In Spring 2012, I became an avid reader and since have read over 300 books ranging across genres, primarily focused on romance and paranormal. Simply put, reading is my escape, a way for me to turn off the outside world and get lost in a new one. I’ve found a true love in reading and writing, and I never imagined I’d be where I am today. When I started writing my first novel in June 2013, I was anxious to see where my journey would take me. Becoming an author has been a dream come true. This is more than just a hobby for me, it’s my passion!!
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A Beautiful Heart
A Strong Hearts Novella
by
Michelle Rene
Michelle Rene
Copyright © 2017
A Beautiful Heart © 2017 – Michelle Rene
Published by: Michelle Rene
A Beautiful Heart is a work of fiction.
Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Credits:
Editor: Misty Lingle at The Book Nanny
Chapter 1
June
Pulling my SUV alongside the curb outside of Emily Jack Designs, I take in the newly restored building. Molly Watson, the owner and interior designer, has quickly become a friend and supporter of my family’s resale shop, New to You. Emily Jack Designs officially opens on Monday, but Molly is hosting an open house tonight, as a thank you to all of those who have worked to help her open the business. Molly insisted I attend so I could meet her employees, which she assures me, will be frequent patrons of my store.
As I turn off the engine, the taillights of the sleek silver Nissan 370z parked in front of me flash. Stepping out onto the sidewalk, I press the button on the key fob locking the doors, just as the driver’s door opens on the sports car. My steps falter as the most beautiful pair of legs I have ever laid eyes on emerge into my line of sight. As my eyes drift up from the designer heels, over the classic black dress, to the long dark hair falling in waves down her back, I pray that she is going to the same event I am. Closing the door, she drops her key into the small purse she carries and turns to walk toward the entrance of Emily Jack Designs. Willing my feet to move forward, after a few long strides I am close enough to speak without startling her. “Going to the open house?”
“I am. Are you,” she ask as she turns toward me and quickly gives me the once over.
Smiling as I fall into step beside her, I reply, “It just so happens I am. I’m Logan Matthews, by the way.”
“It’s nice to meet you Logan, Isabel Velez.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” I say as I open the door for her to enter.
Closing the door behind us, Molly and a man, who I assume is her husband, greet us. Giving Isabel a hug, I hear Molly thank her for coming. “Travis, you remember Isabel?”
“Of course,” he says as he shakes her hand. “It’s nice to see you again Isabel.”
“You too, Travis,” she politely replies.
Turning to me, Molly continues with introductions. “Travis, this is Logan, he and his family own the resale shop I was telling you about. Logan, this is my husband Travis Watson.”
Offering my hand, Travis says, “It’s nice to meet you, Logan.”
“Likewise,” I say then turn to Molly, “and thanks for inviting me, your showroom looks great.”
Molly’s smile is beaming with pride as she says, “Thank you, please come in and feel free to look around.”
As we step further inside, Molly makes her way to the back of the room, stopping and chatting with guests along the way. I bend toward Isabel’s ear and ask, “Do you know anyone else here?”
“I’ve met Molly’s employees. They’ve all been to the café several times.”
“Café?”
“Yes, I own the café down the street, that’s how I met Molly.”
“Wait, you own Isabel’s?”
“Guilty. Have you been there?”
“Yes, well not for a while, obviously or I would have seen you there.”
She laughs and I’m surprised by how pleased I am by the sound. “Well, maybe I’ll see you around more often now.”
“I think you can count on that. Come on let’s go mingle.” Placing my hand on the small of her back, where it fits perfectly, I feel Isabel’s spine stiffen briefly. When she looks up at me, I give her a wink causing her to
smile and relax as we make our way around the showroom.
“Molly did an amazing job setting everything up,” Isabel comments as we walk through the different rooms that display the talents of the assistant designers.
Divided up to look like rooms in a house, the showroom features three areas. The first one we see appears to be a cozy looking family room. A leather sofa, with coordinating chairs face an entertainment center topped with a television. A comfortable looking dining room, and a formal living room, where, catching my eye as we pass is the tea service Molly purchased from my shop. Before I can point it out, and tell Isabel how I met Molly, a petite blonde approaches carrying two champagne glasses. “Special delivery,” she practically sings as she hands us each a glass. Smiling and offering our thanks as we accept the glasses, she continues, “Isabel, you look gorgeous.”
“Thank you Jewel, so do you,” Isabel returns sincerely.
“Isabel, Molly didn’t say you were bringing a date,” she says as she turns to me.
I see Isabel’s eyes widen as she tries to correct Jewel’s assumption, “Oh, we’re not…”
I fight a grin as her words fall on deaf ears as Little Miss Bubbly is already moving on to introductions. Offering her hand, she introduces herself, “Hi, I’m Jewel Carlson, one of Molly’s design assistants.”
Taking her hand in mine I introduce myself, “Logan Matthews, it’s a pleasure to meet you Jewel.”
“You as well,” she replies. “Logan, you wouldn’t happen to own the resale shop Molly has been raving about would you?”
“Only if she is raving in a good way,” I tease.
She laughs before saying, “Oh, believe me, she is. You can expect to see all of us visiting your shop in the future.” Smiling she looks between Isabel and myself, “Well, I have more champagne to deliver before Molly’s speech, so you two enjoy the evening.”
Chuckling once Jewel is out of earshot, I say to Isabel, “Well, she’s certainly bubbly, isn’t she?”
Isabel lets out a soft giggle, “That she is. They have been coming into the café for a while now and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her any less perky.” As we move closer toward the small crowd of people, I see a light blush appear on Isabel’s cheeks. “I’m sorry Jewel assumed we were a couple.”
Once again placing my hand on the small of her back, I lean in close to her ear, “You have nothing to apologize for, it was a simple misunderstanding. Although I can think of worse things than having everyone think I was dating the most beautiful woman here.”
The blush on her cheeks deepens at my words, “Thank you,” she says as she smiles and shakes her head.
Feigning hurt, I ask, “Are you doubting my sincerity, Miss Velez?”
“I don’t know you well enough to doubt you, Mr. Matthews.”
“Have dinner with me tomorrow night and we’ll rectify that.”
Before she can answer, the tap of the champagne glass draws everyone’s attention. Molly stands above the crowd a few steps up, Travis at her side, proudly supporting his wife. Seeing them together makes me want what they have for myself.
“I just wanted to take a minute and thank you all for coming tonight. This gathering is more than an open house; it’s a way for me to show my appreciation to each one of you.” Molly looks around the room as she continues to speak, “Each person here tonight had a hand in making Emily Jack Designs a reality. For those of you who don’t know, the name was selected as an homage to my parents, who I lost last year.” The fact that Travis steps closer to her in support doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Losing them made me realize that life is too short, and that we should chase our dreams while we have the chance.” She turns and smiles at Travis, and the love they have for each other is evident, “I know with all my heart that they are the ones that guided me to Phoenix, because if they didn’t I would have never met Spencer.” I can’t help but chuckle, along with everyone else in attendance, at the look on Travis’s face, “And had I not met with Spencer at Lucas Brothers to have him draw up the plans for the renovation, I would never have run into Travis again.” He leans in and kisses her cheek, “And I wouldn’t be standing here today, beside my husband, who is the love of my life.” She continues, by acknowledging each person in the crowd, “And I wouldn’t have acquired this amazing family that has welcomed me with open arms, just as you did almost ten years ago. Thomas, thank you for taking on this project. I know it’s smaller than what you normally take on, but I’m so glad you agreed. Thank you for sending Joe to oversee the project. Joe, you did an amazing job and you were so patient with me as I bombarded you with questions, and I appreciate all the time you put in, more than you’ll ever know.”
When she turns to acknowledge me and Isabel, we both stand a little straighter, “And to the new friends I’ve made, thank you both for being so excited about my business and for willingly placing my cards in your businesses to help spread the word.” Giving her a nod, we raise our glasses to her, before she moves on to her employees, “And last but certainly not least, my employees. Cole, Jewel and Fay, every day I think about how blessed I was to receive your applications. I had no idea how many employees I needed, or how we would work together, but together we all took a leap of faith, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
She raises her glass, and we follow as she says, “Here’s to a successful opening and prosperous business! Cheers!”
Once Molly finishes speaking and descends the stairs, everyone moves in to offer well wishes. When she spots us waiting to greet her, her smile widens and she makes her way to us, and immediately wraps Isabel in a hug. “Molly, your speech was beautiful and this place is amazing!”
“Oh, thank you so much, I’m so glad both of you could make it,” she says looking first at Isabel and then to me. “Did you get a chance to meet everyone?” When we say that we haven’t, Molly escorts us to a small group of four women and then to where Travis is standing speaking with his brother and another couple. Once she has introduced us to all of the family members in attendance, she calls over two of her employees. “Fay? Cole? Could you join us for a moment?”
They both approach, and Fay offers right away, “Did you need something Molly?”
“Oh no, nothing like that. You both know Isabel.”
“Of course,” Fay says, “it’s so good to see you again Isabel. I love your dress.”
Isabel smiles, “Thank you Fay, it’s great to see you as well.”
My spine straightens and a low growl rumbles deep in my chest as Cole steps forward and kisses her cheek, “Hi, Isabel, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Cole,” she replies as she blushes and looks up at me shyly.
Sensing the instant tension between Isabel and me, Molly’s eyes dance between us trying to figure out what is going on. Deciding to move the conversation along she takes a quick breath and says, “I just wanted to introduce you both to Logan Matthews. Logan owns the resale shop I’ve been telling you about. Logan this is Fay Edwards, my office manager and Cole Roberts, our resident craftsman and design assistant.”
I shake both of their hands, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“You too Logan, Molly has had wonderful things to say about your shop, I can’t wait to check it out for myself.”
“Thank you Fay and you all are welcome to stop by any time.” Turning toward Cole I ask, “Cole, did Molly say you were a craftsman?”
He chuckles and glances at Molly, “Molly may be exaggerating a bit. I have a passion for wood work, furniture making in particular.”
Molly interrupts, “He’s being incredibly modest. Cole actually made the entertainment center in the family room vignette.”
“Really? That’s a beautiful piece, it caught my eye right away. You’re very talented.”
“Thank you. If you all will excuse me, I’m going to go see if Jewel needs any help. It was great to see you again Isabel and a pleasure to meet you Logan”
“You too Cole,”
Isabel and I say at the same time.
“I should go help them too,” Fay says, “It was nice meeting you Logan.”
“You too Fay,” I reply sincerely.
“Isabel, I’m sure we’ll see you next week.”
Isabel gives her a genuine smile and replies, “I look forward to it, as always.” Turning back to Molly, Isabel says, “I should probably get going too. I know it’s been a long day for you, I’m sure you are ready to call it a night.”
“I am, but I love having everyone here. I’m so glad you were both here tonight,” Molly says as she steps forward and hugs Isabel. “I hope you enjoyed the evening.”
“I did,” Isabel, says, “Everything is just beautiful; you did an amazing job on this place.”
“Thank you,” Molly says as she steps back.
“I should be going too. Thank you so much for inviting me Molly, I wish you much success.”
“Thank you, Logan, I really appreciate that. You two drive safely.”
As we make our way to the door, we stop and say goodnight to Travis.
Arriving at Isabel’s car she fishes her keys from her purse and turns to me, “Thanks for keeping me company tonight.”
“No need to thank me, the pleasure was all mine. So, I’ll pick you up at seven for dinner tomorrow evening?”
“Excuse me?”
“Our date. You know you, me, dinner, wine, a little conversation?”
She laughs and shakes her head, “May I borrow your phone?” Reaching in my pocket, I retrieve my phone and place it in her hand. As Isabel’s finger fly across the keyboard she says, “Funny, I don’t remember agreeing to have dinner with you.”
“Oh you didn’t. But I know you want to,” I tease, confident that she’ll accept.
Handing me back my phone she questions, “Is that right?”
I step closer to her, leaving only an inch between us. Hearing her breath hitch as my hand takes the keys from her, “You haven’t said no, so I’d say it is.”
