by A. M. Kusi
It was the end of September when Ella realized she needed to get some things out in the open with River. But first, she had a surprise for him. They were in her room when Maggie texted.
Maggie: Ready.
***
Ella looked up from her book, seeing River working on his laptop at her desk across the small room.
“Babe?”
“Mmhmm?” River looked up from where he was working at Ella’s desk.
“I want to show you something. It’s downstairs,” she said, leaving her book on the bed before standing to reach for her sweater.
River got up to follow her.
When they reached the kitchen, he spoke. “I thought, if you were feeling up to it, we could drive to Mount Philo this weekend to see the foliage.”
Ella stopped at the door and turned to look at him. “That sounds perfect. Now, I have someone I want you to meet,” she said, leaving the kitchen.
River caught the look in her eyes and it piqued his curiosity. He followed her out into the breakfast nook and saw her enveloped in a hug by a woman with beautiful dark midnight skin and long grey braids. River looked into the kind black eyes of his grandmother and knew who she was without any need for introduction. He walked cautiously up to her, not knowing how to proceed.
“River, this is Mac’s mother, Mama Shaw. Your grandmother,” Ella said, backing away to give them space.
Mama Shaw opened her arms to River, a single tear escaping and rolling down her brown cheek. River felt her warm, lanky body against his. She smelled like sweet mango.
“My grandson. I am so happy to meet you,” Mama Shaw said with a thick Jamaican accent as she released him to look at his face.
River smiled, grateful to Ella for giving him the gift of knowing his father’s side of his family.
“Come, sit. You look a lot like Lloyd did when he was your age, only with a little more cream in the coffee, eh.” Mama Shaw laughed as River and Ella joined her.
Ella, River, and Mama Shaw spent hours talking about her life in Jamaica and her deceased husband, as well as everything she knew about Mac. They laughed, they cried, and River learned pieces of his roots and culture that he never would have known if not for the woman beside him who he loved so ardently.
It was late by the time River and Ella got into bed. Ella had healed and was left with one long scar from the surgery. It was time to move on from recovery and into their future.
She French braided her hair while she sat on the bed. When she was finished, she patted the spot next to her. “Come sit.”
River sat and put his arm around her.
“What are we doing?”
“What do you mean?” he asked, happy to have her in his arms.
“Your life is in Boston and mine is here, whether or not I stay at the inn.”
“I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. I was never going to take the inn from you. Mac wanted you to have it; he told me in the letter he wrote. I am going to move here and quit working for my dad. My passion is to help small businesses grow, and I want to start with the inn.”
Ella looked up at River in surprise, hope lit her face. “What? Why?”
“I love you and I want to be here with you. I’ll give up my life in Boston if it means I get to be with the woman I love. We can grow this business together. You know I wasn’t really happy with my work in Boston. Now that I have found what was missing from my life, I’m ready to settle down.”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes. Ella, you’re my home. Not Boston. Not the inn. You.”
Ella turned to face him, putting one hand on each side of his face. She looked down and laughed.
“What’s so funny?” River asked.
“You’re wearing a flannel shirt. I never thought I would see you in flannel.”
River smiled. “It came in the Vermonter starter pack I bought, along with the beard, Subaru, mud boots, and cow patty.”
Ella laughed, and River pulled her closer against his body. She felt his arousal. She slid onto his lap, her own need showing on her face.
“Ms. Shaw?” River asked, dropping his hand to her almost naked hips.
“Yes, Mr. Parker?” she asked in a husky voice.
“I want to make love to you,” he answered, his touch growing more possessive and urgent.
“Then do it,” she pleaded in a soft whisper.
River kissed her, moving his tongue in and out of her mouth, teasing the corners. He trailed his lips over to her ear, sucking and biting on her earlobe before continuing down her neck to the soft flesh of her breasts. His warm hands undressed her until she lay naked before him.
Ella pulled his clothes off, her hands roamed every muscle of River’s rippled chest and back. She moved her hands farther south, stroking as he groaned and growled in pleasure.
River took his time rediscovering Ella’s body, gently at first, and rougher as she clawed at his back with a surprising intensity.
“Please,” she begged.
He started to get out of the bed to get one of the foil wrappers, but Ella grabbed his arm to stop him.
“I’m on the pill now. We don’t have to use anything else. I mean, if you want to. I’m clean. Are you?”
River nodded. “Yes. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I just want to feel you.”
River’s eyes darkened and he abandoned his task, redirecting his attention back to Ella. When he was sure she was ready, they became one, connecting with nothing between them this time. Somehow the lack of the thin latex made all the difference as River felt closer to Ella than he ever had before. He felt her first climax shudder through her body as he plunged into her slick folds, and she writhed in pleasure. River loved watching Ella fall apart in his arms, knowing he was the source of her ecstasy.
“I love you,” he said. “God, you’re so beautiful. I love you, Ella.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Ella brought the tray of hot chocolates over to the bench where her friends waited. She watched the steam rise towards the canopy of stars and Christmas lights as large fluffy snowflakes made their descent. Julia and Maggie passed on either side of Avery as they skated around the ice rink with the large evergreens lit up in the background. Annie snapped photos of them nearby.
The place was busy with children and families of all ages. There was a snowman family, and reindeer decorations around the ice rink. Holiday music played softly through the speakers, spreading merriment. It looked like a scene from inside a snow globe.
Lucas walked up to meet her and take a few of the hot chocolates, setting them on the table before walking onto the rink with his girlfriend he had met two months before and he was happy. Ella was glad he had someone. Her first Christmas with River was a few days away, and she was excited to celebrate the season with him.
The inn was bustling with business from their ever-growing online presence. River had bought the property next door, and they planned on expanding the inn the following spring to accommodate more guests. There was so much to celebrate this holiday.
Ella could feel a tinge of anxiety mixed with her excitement. Learning to be okay with this newfound happiness without expecting something bad lurking around the corner was proving to be a work-in-progress.
River’s parents were skating around the rink, hand in hand and smiling. River was talking with his sister, Harper, by the picnic table. Ella had gotten to know Harper better over the last couple months, but she’d seemed sad lately. Ella thought she knew that look in her eyes—Harper had had her heart broken. Ella wondered if Jax’s last-minute reservation at the inn had anything to do with it. She hadn’t even told River about it yet; she hoped his friend would be a welcome surprise for him this Christmas. They hadn’t really seen or talked to him very much since getting together, especiall
y after what happened at Thanksgiving.
She brought Harper a hot chocolate from the table and smiled. Harper gladly accepted it, returning a pained smile. “Thank you.”
Ella wanted to ask, but decided it was best to wait until they were alone.
River stood and wrapped an arm around Ella. “Come on, I want to show you something.”
Ella took his hand and followed him to one of the large, lit-up trees next to the snowman family. She smiled, laughing and full of joy. She was the happiest she had ever been in her life, and she didn’t think anything could top the bliss she felt.
She was wrong. The holiday music that was playing through the speakers stopped and changed to a slow song. Ella recognized the band immediately as Train. River pulled her against his chest, placing one arm around her waist and taking her hand. They started dancing to the music. Ella lay her head against him, hearing his heartbeat as the feeling of home washed over her. The background and people faded away until it was just the two of them.
River had shown up for her in all the ways she’d needed him to. He was her partner in their relationship, and in her business. Ella thought about all the ways he had proven his love to her. She trusted him and believed he would always be there for her.
He pulled her closer. She could feel his chest vibrate as his deep voice sang the lyrics into her ear. “Marry me, Ella. Today and every day. Marry me, Ella.”
Ella’s heart thudded in her chest, and she felt tears stream down her face. River let her hands go abruptly to kneel down on one knee. His strong arms held her, as he said, “Ella, I love you more than I will ever love another person. You challenge me to grow. You inspire me. I want you to be my partner in life, the mother of any future children of mine if that’s what you want, and my wife. I promise to stand by you and never let anything come between us. I promise to take care of you. You bring out the best in me, and I want to reach for the stars with you by my side. Ella, will you marry me?” River opened a small velvet box he’d pulled from his pocket, showing off the black tourmaline oval ring set in silver.
Ella knew that Annie must have helped him pick it out. It was so perfectly Ella.
She thought about the man in front of her and all that he had brought to her life. He pushed her to be better and grow in every aspect of her existence. River respected her, and showed her his love and loyalty. Ella wanted to spend the rest of her life with him and create a future together.
“Yes! Yes!” she said, swiping away tears of joy. River stood and pulled her into a sensual, promise-filled kiss.
A throat cleared from behind them. “Hey! Keep it PG!” Lucas yelled.
Everyone laughed as Ella pulled away. She saw all her friends and Harper standing nearby as they not only watched but recorded the whole thing. They had all known.
Ella looked at River, his green eyes shining with warm light and love.
“I love you, Mr. Parker.”
“I love you too, future Mrs. Parker.”
THE END
Now, turn the page for a sneak peek of book 2 of the Orchard Inn Romance series, Conflict of Interest (Harper and Jax’s story) right now.
Sneak Peek of Book 2 - Conflict of Interest
Chapter 1
Jaxton Harris pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The room was lit by one massive multi-tiered crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the high ceiling. White paper lanterns floated over the rest of the room, adding a dim ambiance. The live band was playing jazz music, and the lead singer had a sexy, smooth voice. The smell of fresh floral arrangements on the center of each table mixed with the various perfumes of fellow partygoers. The glitter of expensive jewels and sequin-clad gowns was only amplified by several large mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows in the large ballroom.
Jax walked in, as he adjusted the uncomfortable mask on his face. He didn’t know why he even bothered coming to these types of events. Charity.
A few double takes from other guests made him avert his eyes to the bar. He needed a drink. Being one of the very few black men at this masquerade ball meant he would most undoubtedly be confused for the help at least once.
“Whiskey, neat,” Jax said to the bartender. The man grabbed a glass and filled one finger of whiskey in it before handing Jax the amber liquid. Jax swallowed it down in one gulp, welcoming the burning sensation in his throat. He slammed the empty glass onto the white marble bar top that matched the giant ballroom’s floor. “Another. Three fingers this time.”
He surveyed the room, seeking the best way to serve his time at the function. Several men in tuxedos flaunted their expensive watches while introducing their fellow business acquaintances to whoever was most likely their flavor of the month, or trophy wives. He couldn’t make out who most of them were from the masks they wore. Several tables were filled with guests enjoying gossip. Gold-rimmed china place settings were piled high with expensive fare. There was more silverware at each setting than any one person would ever need. But proper etiquette—like the difference between a salad and a dinner fork—was something he’d had to learn to make it to the top. Well, almost the top. He would get there soon enough. He just had to follow his plan and stay focused.
A sea of women in silky sparkling gowns and red lipstick parted, and Jaxton caught a glance of one in particular, wearing a barely there black gown with a dangerously low V backline. Her brown hair was cascading down her bare skin. Jax admired her curvy ass as she walked through the giant French doors out onto the balcony. Her hand, painted with nail polish that was as black as her dress, was holding an almost empty champagne glass. Seeing an opportunity, he headed towards her, swiping a fresh glass from one of the waitstaff circulating the dining room with a tray full of champagne flutes.
Jax emerged on the dark balcony, searching for the mystery woman. It was a warm Friday night in June, and there were only a few guests outside. He spotted her facing the view of the Boston skyline, taking the last sip of her drink.
“I thought you could use a refill,” he said, extending the glass to her.
The woman turned and met his gaze. Her brown eyes ignited a fire inside him. She set her empty glass on the edge of the balcony before accepting his offering. Instead of the champagne flute, she grabbed his glass of whiskey, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip.
“Thank you.” She turned and looked out towards the skyline once more.
Jax wasn’t sure what just happened. Did she think he was a waiter? Anger heated his body. She wasn’t worth his time. As he headed back into the ballroom, she spoke.
“Giving up so easily?” she asked in a husky voice.
Jax stopped and turned around, staring at her. She was confident and relaxed, still gazing at the view of city lights. Maybe he did want to play her game. He took a large sip of champagne, the bubbles tickling his mouth, before walking towards the mystery woman again.
“I never give up.”
She turned to face him. Her mask was black with gold filigree and ancient roman details across the top.
“I like your disguise,” she said, motioning her hand to the black and silver mask he had chosen that covered most of his face.
“I like you,” he said, admiring the low V cut in the front of her dress that accentuated her perfectly full breasts. Lust and desire churned in his belly, stirring and growing with each second.
“Hmmm. Forward,” she purred.
Her voice smoldered with possibility. His hands itched to touch her. “Dance with me?”
After draining the last sip of amber liquid, she set the empty glass on the balcony. He watched, mesmerized as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. Vibrations of need rippled through him as they collided. His hands wrapped around her small frame, pulling her closer. Red and blue flames of tension licked the air between them as they swayed to the music.
Jax had been hot in his stifling tuxedo
before, but with her hands against the exposed skin of his neck, he felt like he might combust. Reaching both hands to the curves of her hips, he brought her body closer to his as he grinded against her. He needed more. The woman in his arms was sexy and the mask only added to her allure. He couldn’t see her face except for her honey-brown eyes and dark purple lips. It was enough to ignite his body with a fierce longing like he had never known. He wanted to suck and bite those plump lips until all the purple lipstick was gone. Something inside him was banging in his chest, a warning clamoring around in his ribcage, drowned out by the roar of lust.
She shivered in his arms as if she were having a similar reaction. Her breasts pressed against his chest, as fantasies played out in his mind of all the ways he could take her. His hands grazed her bare skin, fueling the blistering greed, aware that she was nearly naked under the silk. Jax wanted desperately to find out. He wished he could strip it off with nothing between them until his skin was against hers. He searched her eyes, scanning for any sign she wanted him just as badly.
“Are you here for business or charity?” he asked.
“Pleasure,” she challenged, looking into his eyes. “You?”
He smiled and said, “A little of all I suppose.” Her smile was not lost on him. “Do you live in the city?”
“Hmmm . . . yes and no,” she answered cryptically.
Jax furrowed his brow. “Care to elaborate?”
“Let’s make a deal; you get to ask me three questions and I’ll answer them. I get to ask you the same.”
“Anything?” he asked, several naughty questions suddenly coming to mind.
“Absolutely anything. Nothing is off limits.” It was almost as if she were daring him.
