The Monroe Series Complete Trilogy

by Emma Tharp

  Once inside, my eyes lock with hers and I suck in a breath. She's absolutely stunning. Liza is in a formfitting navy and black dress that hits mid-thigh. Her makeup is understated, but she's wearing fucking red lipstick. She smiles at me and I can still see the beautiful girl from high school, but now she’s dressed up with an air of sophistication. I get a semi like I used to as a damn teenager.

  "You look beautiful, Liza."

  She bites the corner of her full bottom lip. “Is this dress too much? You didn't tell me where we're going."

  "No. It's perfect. We're going to the food festival uptown."

  Her mouth makes a small O. "How did you get tickets?"

  I raise my eyebrows and offer her my arm. "I have ways of getting what I want."

  "I see." Her hand comes around my elbow and it feels annoyingly good.

  We show up at the event at seven thirty. There are people milling around at all of the vendors. There are wineries represented, caterers, and restaurants. The event raises money for charity, but also helps the vendors gain exposure. It's hard to get a table here, but with my help, maybe next year Liza will be here.

  Our first stop is at a table of a popular French restaurant. We each pick up samples of chicken consommé.

  "This is amazing. Can you make something like this? It’d be a great first course at a dinner party," I say.

  She finishes the sample and shakes her head. "Maybe one day. It's a technique I'd love to get better at, but I haven't mastered it yet."

  I didn't realize it was a complicated dish. "Did you go to culinary school?"

  We move on to the next table serving wine samples. "Not yet. It's a dream of mine to attend culinary school like Le Cordon Bleu."

  "Where's that?" I ask.

  I pick up a sample of Bordeaux and she takes Malbec. "They're everywhere. Boston, Pittsburgh, LA, but the original is in Paris. I'd love to visit it one day. But it’s on my bucket list to attend school. There’s even a great program here in the city, but it’s very expensive." She takes a sip of the wine and looks off in the distance, contemplating. "I was hoping when my business got up and running that I could hand the reins to Spencer and go to culinary school."

  "I have confidence in you, Liza. You're going to make that happen."

  She shrugs and gives me a halfhearted smile.

  One of the major changes I see in Liza is that she’s lost her self-confidence. The events in her life have taken a toll on her. It’s time to start building her back up. Sure, I want revenge for the way she tossed me aside in high school, but that’s personal, not professional. I want her business to succeed. She needs to pay back the loan my company gave her. And this is her dream. I’m not going to crush that.

  We continue walking to a booth set up from an Italian restaurant. The woman standing behind it drags her eyes up and down my body. I’m tempted to grab a napkin and wipe the drool off her chin. "Well, hello, handsome. Why don't you try some of my homemade pasta?" She hands me a sample and acts as if Liza isn't standing right next to me.

  "Liza, would you like to try some pasta?" I give my sample to her and she takes a bite.

  "Tasty. But I've had better,” Liza says as she starts walking away toward the next table. I follow behind, but not before seeing the look of disgust on the Italian woman's face.

  “That was rude.” Liza’s lip curls as she spits out the comment, and the muscles in her shoulders tense.

  She’s jealous and it’s cute. “Don’t pay attention to her. Some people are uncouth. I’m sorry.”

  She glares over her shoulder toward the woman who was undressing me with her eyes. “It wasn’t your fault. You can’t help that you’re gorgeous and women fawn all over you, but she didn’t have to act that way. What if I were your wife or girlfriend? It’s disrespectful.”

  Gorgeous, huh? I feel the compliment all the way to my bones. “You’re right. People like her need to get a grip. I can take you home if you’d like.” I hope she doesn’t want the night to end already—I’m having far too much fun with her, but if she wants to go, I won’t make her stay.

  She looks up at me with her warm chocolate eyes and smiles. “No. I want to stay. This is great. That incident is already forgotten.”

  “Good. Let’s find another winery.” Placing my hand on her lower back, we walk along together like we’re a couple.

  This is going exactly as I’d hoped. She’s still eating out of the palm of my hand. It won’t be long before she’s falling for me and I can finally move on with my life.

  Twelve

  Liza

  "What are you doing right now?" I ask Spencer, clutching my cell phone.

  "I'm just leaving the gym. Why? What's up?"

  "Can you stop by now?" I do my best to keep my tone even. I don’t want to give anything away.

  Honking and the generalized chaotic noises of New York City's streets are loud in the background. "Sure. Let me grab a cab and I'll see you in fifteen."

  Excitement courses through me. To disperse some of my energy, I do what I always do to calm down. I bake. Today, I start making a batch of sugar cookies from scratch.

  Getting a large bowl out of my cupboard, I get all the ingredients together. It’s an old recipe from my grandmother that I’ve made so many times, I don’t even need to look at the card anymore.

  Just as I am stirring the dough, my doorbell rings. Wiping my hands off with a paper towel, I go to the door to let Spencer in.

  Elation begins to wash over me when I see his face. Before he even walks in the door, I pull him in for a hug. "You ready to quit your job yet?"

  He pulls away from me and stares at my face, his forehead creasing. "What are you saying, Liza?"

  "I told you I'd come back for you. It's time!"

  He pulls me in for another hug and we jump up and down in each other's arms.

  "Come in. I’m making celebratory cookies," I tell him. He comes inside, takes off his coat, and flings it on a chair. We make our way into the kitchen. Spencer washes his hands and I start putting the dough on the cookie sheet.

  "Are you sure now is the right time?" He comes up next to me and helps form the dough into balls.

  "Yes. Since I threw the party at Donovan's house, my phone has been ringing and my calendar is filling up. I've been so busy. I don't think I can do it on my own anymore." It does my heart good to say these words and have the confidence to back them up.

  Spencer claps his hands together, sending a cloud of flour out in front of him. "Doug is going to lose his mind when he finds out I'm leaving. I can hardly wait to tell him. It just keeps getting worse at the restaurant. He yelled at a co-worker so loud today, he made her cry and the entire dining room heard it. I can’t wait to be done at that place."

  Pure joy ripples through me. Guilt used to sit like a rock in my belly when Spencer would complain about his job. Now he's not going to have to anymore.

  I pop the cookie sheet in the oven and set the timer. “Are you going to give the restaurant your two-week notice?”

  Spencer brings the mixing bowl to the sink and turns the water on. He lathers the sponge with dish soap and cleans it. "Yes. I'll call when I leave here."

  "Do you have a shift tonight?"

  "No, I’m free. Want to stay in and watch a movie?” he asks while rinsing out the bowl and setting it in the dish drainer.

  It sounds fun, but all of a sudden an idea comes to me. Picking up my phone, I type out a quick text. A reply comes almost immediately.

  "I can't tonight."

  "Why do you have such a big grin on your face, princess?"

  I can't get anything by my best friend. "I'm going to Donovan's house to make some new recipes. I’ve been inspired since my visit to the food festival."

  He raises his brows and examines me as if I'm under a microscope. "Girl, if I didn't know better, I'd say you have it bad for Mr. Monroe. Last week you went to the food festival with him, and this week you’re cooking for him."

  Heat blankets the skin o
f my neck and cheeks. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since last week. He was so kind and thoughtful. Now I want to go to his place and do something kind and thoughtful for him. "Don't be ridiculous. It's a gesture. A thank-you for all his help. Today has been a big day. I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to hire you. And now, I finally can."

  "Mmm-hmm. Sure." He rolls his eyes, clearly not buying it.

  I'm relieved when the timer goes off for the cookies. I need a reason to walk away from the heat of Spencer’s stare. Because the truth is, I do have been feelings for Donovan, but I know it's silly of me and I don't want to say anything to Spencer. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

  Thirteen

  Donovan

  A man could get used to this.

  Walking into my house, I feel like a conquering hero. My place smells like fresh bread, garlic, and spices.

  I wasn't surprised that Liza got in touch today, but I was surprised that she wanted to come over and surprise me with some new dishes she's trying. I'd never say no to someone who wants to cook for me, especially when it's Liza Dooley. All I had to do is remind her of my code and she told me dinner would be ready when I got home.

  Sauntering into the kitchen, Liza has her back to me, giving me the perfect view of her heart-shaped ass in black leggings. It's been too long since I've had a hookup and my body is already reacting to her.

  “Something smells good," I say, walking up behind her to see what's brewing on the stove.

  She gives me a dazzling smile. "Try this sauce, it's for the scallops with leeks and dill."

  I move in closer and can smell her sweet perfume. Her hair is down in soft waves around her shoulders, and the urge to sweep it off the back of her neck and kiss the tender skin there is almost overwhelming. Opening my mouth, she puts a spoon with a concoction in my mouth. It's rich and creamy with a mild hint of dill. "This is delicious."

  Somehow, her smile widens and she bites on her full bottom lip. "I'm glad you like it. I think I'm going to use the recipe for an upcoming engagement party. They gave me free rein for the menu."

  "That's great news. Congratulations on all of your newfound success. Is there anything I can help with?" I ask.

  "Thank you. I have a bottle of wine aerating.” She points over her shoulder. "Do you mind pouring us each a glass?"

  Walking to the counter, I take two glasses out of the cupboard and fill each with Syrah. Bringing her glass, I hand it to her.

  I lift mine to hers and we clink them together. "To what I'm sure is going to be an excellent meal." I take a drink of the spicy wine and watch her do the same, paying special attention to her full, red lips. The air prickles between us and I know Liza feels it, too, because we can't seem to take our eyes off each other. Her lips are parted and skin is flushed. Without thinking, I take one of her curls and wrap it around my finger, caressing the soft strand all the way down its length.

  She holds her breath and when she finally releases it, it comes out shaky. "Dinner is ready. Why don't you have a seat while I plate everything?"

  Fantastic idea. It will give me a minute to cool the fuck down. Who knows what just came over me? It was an impulse to touch her, and I went with it.

  She brings over two plates and sets them in front of us. She chose the seat next to me, which tests my willpower. Having her this close makes me aware of my every breath and the thrumming beat of my heart.

  "This looks amazing," I tell Liza. Each of our plates has an array of food.

  "I wanted to try a few different things but I didn't have room to fit them all on one plate. We're going to have to share."

  "That sounds good to me." Lifting my fork, I eat a scallop and it melts in my mouth.

  Liza stares at me with a raised brow. “What’d you think?”

  “You’re a culinary genius.”

  She shrugs. “I don’t know if I’d go that far,” she stammers.

  I grab her hand and look straight into her chocolate eyes. “You need to hear me when I tell you how great you are. I’m not saying it just to say it. I mean it.”

  “I don’t know why it’s hard for me to hear.”

  It’s hard for me to believe that the confident teenager I used to know has changed so much. But I guess I have, too. “I remember you back in school. You had all the confidence in the world.” I press a fingertip to her heart. “It’s still in there.”

  A blush creeps across her cheeks. “If you say so.”

  “I do.” I put a scallop on my fork and feed it to her. “Try this and tell me that it isn’t the best scallop you’ve ever had in your entire life.”

  She chews on it and closes her eyes. “It is good. I’ll keep this recipe. How about this?” Cutting a piece of steak, she runs the meat through a sauce and puts it in my mouth.

  It’s tender, juicy, with a hint of rosemary and cooked just like I like it with a pink center. “You need to try this. What’s the sauce?” I point at the meat with my fork.

  “A red wine reduction.” She cuts herself a bite and puts it in her sinfully sexy mouth. It’s hard not to stare at the seductive way her lips close around the meat. Is she doing that on purpose? A dribble of red slips down her chin.

  Leaning in, I brush my thumb across her mouth, capturing the sauce. I give her a playful grin before I lick the pad clean.

  She sucks in a sharp breath.

  Electricity seems to crackle to life around us—an invisible force field pulling me toward her. I want this woman. I always have. Years of pent-up desire begin to bubble to the surface. Neither one of us looks away; her gaze is full of heat and longing—mirroring my own.

  Desire winds tighter and tighter around me. My fingers ache to run through her hair, to caress the curve of her neck, and let them work their way down her gorgeous body. I’m leveling up this game of mine. I didn’t start this to take her to bed. No, it was more to seduce her into falling for me and then drag her feelings through the dirt like she did to mine, but I have to allow myself this. If I’m honest with myself, I’m powerless to stop the physical pull between us.

  I’m at my tipping point and can’t hold back another second. Inching closer to her, I curl my fingers around the back of her neck and press my mouth to hers. It’s gentle at first, lips only, but I need more. I open to her and she doesn’t pull away. She wants this. Wants me. My mind explodes with the possibilities of all the things I can’t wait to do to her. I’m instantly hard. Her lips part and my tongue probes and explores her sweet mouth. She tastes of wine and lust, and I can’t get enough. I need her in my bed.

  Standing, I offer her my hand. She looks up at me and takes it. “Come with me.”

  Her pupils are dilated and her cheeks are a pretty shade of pink. “Okay.”

  I lead her to my room and turn the lights on, but dim them. Seeing every inch of her naked and laid out before me is a priority.

  Once inside, I lead her to my bed. She stands in front of me staring up at me with darkened eyes.

  Undoing the small buttons of her shirt, I guide the smooth fabric down her shoulders and I’m rewarded with the sight of her in a red lace bra. Fucking red. With gentle fingers I ease the straps down her arms and unclasp the back. She shivers and her breath hitches. I stare at her perfect breasts. Her skin is peaches and cream and her nipples are pink and pebbled hard. I cup them in my hands and lick my lips as my thumbs graze the tight peaks. My pulse jackhammers in my throat as I suck one nipple into my mouth and lick the hard point with my tongue. When I increase the suction, Liza whimpers and I feel the sound all the way to my dick.

  The hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention when Liza pulls on the hem of my shirt, ripping it off me and grazing the skin of my chest and abs with her fingertips.

  Easing her backward, when her legs hit the edge of the bed, she sits back. Kneeling in front of her, I pull her pants and panties down in one quick movement, leaving her naked in front of me. I take a step back and really drink this in. The object of my desire for nearly twenty years
wants me just as much as I want her. All of my teenage fantasies are coming to fruition. I never dreamed that this would actually happen.

  Her body is tight in all the right places and soft and smooth in the others. Absolute perfection.

  Staring at me, she lies back on the bed. Her eyes shine with desire.

  Yanking my pants down, I toss them to the floor. No need for clothes now.

  Easing onto the bed, I grab her ankles and spread her legs open. I press gentle kisses along the inside of her knees, up her thighs, until I'm at the apex of her sex. I tease her with the tip of my finger at first, making slow circles on her clit. She raises her head to stare at me and her eyes widen when I put one finger inside her, then two. This woman is so wet and ready. I don’t think I can get any harder. She moans and it’s the most erotic noise I’ve ever heard. I need to hear more.

  Licking her, I take her clit in my mouth and suck it. She writhes and bucks her hips. My fingers work her from the inside and my tongue stimulates her from the outside.

  “Donovan,” she hisses.

  Christ, when she says my name like that, I can’t remember a time when I’ve been this aroused. I need her and soon.

  My rhythm speeds up as I continue to tease her clit. My fingers plunge in and out, and my mouth adjusts the suction and pressure according to her body’s response. It isn’t long before she’s clutching the sheets and crying out. Her orgasm goes on and on, and I don’t stop the pressure until she’s come down fully and completely.

  Standing, I go to my nightstand and get a condom. Opening it, I slide it on and lower myself onto the bed on top of her. I run my fingers through her hair and stare into her eyes. “I want you. Do you want me, too?”

  If she doesn’t say yes, I might die right here.

  “Yes, so much.”

  And without another word, I ease inside her. We both sigh and I stay stock still, absorbing the moment and the exquisite pleasure of being inside Liza. Nothing has ever felt this good.