“So, what do you say? Are you ready to move in here? I left the nursery alone so you have total control over how it’s decorated.” I grin. “I thought maybe your sister could help on that end.”
She smiles wide. “I love you so much.” She wraps her arms around my neck and stares into my eyes.
“I love you more than I can even express, El.” I close the distance between our mouths, pressing one long kiss to her sweet lips.
Epilogue
Janelle
Five years later…
* * *
“Come down from that treehouse and get this grill started, Griffin! You know Vince and Alison will be here for dinner any minute!” I yell up at the new treehouse that’s now in place.
He sticks his head out the window, a big smile on his face. “I’ll be down in just a second,” he tells me, getting pulled back inside by our oldest, Quinton.
I laugh and shake my head as I let myself back inside. Isabelle, our three-year-old daughter, is bouncing around in the living room, singing along with her favorite cartoon, and Jules, our one-year-old daughter, is playing quietly in her playpen.
“No jumping on the couch, baby,” I tell Izzy as I pass through to the kitchen. I pause when I step into the messiest room in the house. I shake my head and laugh as I look over the sink full of dishes, the spilled chocolate milk on the island, and Buster, our dog, who’s licking baby food off the floor and gnawing on a spoon.
This is the American dream, I remind myself as I walk across the room to pick up the spoon that Jules threw. “Give me that, you silly dog,” I mumble, snatching the spoon away from him.
The doorbell rings, and before I can even get to it, in walk Vince and Alison.
“Aunt Allie!” Izzy screams as she runs across the floor into her arms.
“Hey, man,” Griffin says, stopping in the entryway and giving Vince a hug. “Glad you could make it.”
“Of course. If you think I’d miss out on this circus, you’re crazy,” Vince laughs. “Now, where’s the little man?” He rubs his hands together as he pushes himself into the living room. “There he is!” I hear him yell.
“No wrestling in the house!” I shout at them just as I hear a loud thunk.
Alison walks up to me, still holding Izzy in her arms. “You know, this time next year, you’ll be a little cousin,” she tells Izzy.
My mouth drops open. “Are you serious? Finally?”
She laughs and nods her head.
“What’s a cousin?” Izzy asks.
“A cousin is what you get when your auntie and uncle have a little too much wine,” Alison tells her with a laugh.
“Although you don’t always get a cousin when grown-ups have a little too much wine. Sometimes, you get a little sister,” I add on, nudging Griffin in the ribs with my elbow as he walks past.
“Ouch.” He stops and rubs the spot. “I was just doing what I was told. You said three kids and a dog. And what do we have?” His eyebrows skyrocket, waiting for my answer.
“I said three kids,” I agree, “but I didn’t say I wanted them so close together.”
“You love it and you know it,” he says, leaning in and pressing a kiss to my forehead.
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” I hold out my hands and Izzy leaps into my arms. “Why don’t you go play with Uncle Vince and Quinton so Mommy and Aunt Alison can start cooking?”
Izzy nods, and I set her on her feet. The moment her feet hit the floor, she runs off into the living room.
Alison’s eyes grow in size. “Man, I wish I had all that energy.”
I snort. “Ha, me too. That one is zero-to-sixty the moment she wakes up. Quinton’s the lazy one who will stay up all night and sleep all day if you let him.”
“What about Jules?” she asks, picking up a strawberry and popping it into her mouth.
I shrug. “She’s still in baby sleep mode. Once she’s out, she’s out. I mean, a stampede of rhinos could come through here and she wouldn’t wake. However, let daddy touch mommy and that’s a whole different story.”
Alison laughs. “Funny how that works.”
I stop what I’m doing. “Yeah, I read an article that says babies have a sixth sense for that type of thing. Survival of the fittest or something like that.”
“Shut up,” she laughs out.
“I’m serious!” I gather all the ingredients to make a batch of deviled eggs. “Start peeling those eggs, would ya?”
She picks up the bowl containing the already-boiled eggs. “I’m still shocked that you learned how to do all of this. To be honest, I expected you to stay in that fancy mansion Griffin had, being waited on by maids and chefs.”
“Some days I curse myself for not keeping the staff he had. But then, I look at everything I have and everything we’ve accomplished, and I don’t worry anymore. I love my life.”
“How’s work going?” she asks, peeling the shell off the egg.
“Really good. I’m able to work from home, so that makes it even better with the kids. Quinton started kindergarten and Izzy is now in preschool for a couple hours a day. I’ve also managed to train Jules to nap while Izzy’s in preschool, so I actually have a few hours to myself every day. On the weekends, Griffin is home and spends all his time with them so I can get work done. He’s such a great dad. When you go out back, look at the treehouse he and Quinton just built.”
“Oh, God, you know I’ll never get Vincent out of that thing, right?”
I laugh. “Yeah, I have the same problem with Griffin at times. I usually have to lure him out with sexual favors.”
“What’s sectool flavors?” Quinton asks, coming into the kitchen.
Alison and I both laugh as my face heats up. “Oh, baby, please don’t repeat that.” I bend down to his level. “Remember what we talked about—about how you’re not supposed to be listening when grown-ups are talking?”
He nods.
“Good. Now, what do you need?”
“Daddy needs the splat-u-la.”
I laugh, but stand and get the spatula, handing it over.
He takes it and runs off.
“Does he do that often?” Alison asks.
“More than I care to admit.” I roll my eyes. “Once, he overheard Griffin and me talking about building a pool house out back. Griffin wasn’t interested, which is why we still don’t have one, so I thought I’d try bargaining. I told him I’d give him blowjobs every day for a year. Still, to this day, if the wind blows Quinton’s hair out of place, he yells, ‘Stop with the blowjobs!’” I’m laughing just talking about it and Alison laughs until her eyes water.
“What’s so funny?” Griffin asks, walking into the kitchen and grabbing two beers.
“I was just telling Alison about blowjobs.”
He chuckles and shakes his head, but walks back out.
“You’re lucky, you know?”
I look up to meet her eyes. “I know,” I agree. “So are you.”
Once the food is done, we all sit on the back patio and eat. Griffin grilled the steaks to perfection—something he’s getting better and better at. The first time he grilled was like the first time I cooked dinner: everything was burnt.
When we’re done eating, Griffin flips the switch that covers the pool so the kids can run and play in the yard. Quinton gets his Nerf guns and he and Vince have a gunfight. I think Quinton is winning though, because he’s up in the treehouse while Vince is out in the open yard.
The dog runs out, barking and chasing everyone around to join in on the play. Alison takes Jules and sets her in the grass as they play patty-cake, and Griffin and I run out to play ring around the rosie with Izzy.
“We all fall down!” we shout, throwing ourselves onto the grass. Izzy giggles and claps. “Again!”
“Hey, Izzy,” Quinton yells, “come help me beat up Uncle Vince.”
She laughs even harder and runs across the yard, launching herself onto Vince. He fakes a groan and falls back onto the grass. She stands ove
r him and cheers, thinking she’s taken him down.
Griffin rolls onto his back and I crawl up beside him. “This is better than that fantasy I had all those years ago.”
He pulls me closer and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Good.”
“I love you, you know?”
He rolls us over until he has me on my back, pinned beneath him. “I love you more than I can explain.” Without another word, he presses his lips to mine.
“Ew, gross! Daddy is kissing a girl,” Quinton yells, making everyone laugh.
Griffin pulls away and jumps up, running toward Quinton. He snatches him up in his arms and spins him around. Sweet giggles fill the air.
When the sun starts to set, we all clean up the patio and go inside for the night. Alison and Vince are preparing to leave. They’re standing by the door, giving all the kids hugs and kisses.
“We should do this again. And soon. Let’s not wait until this new baby is a year old, huh?” I tell Alison.
She rolls her eyes. “If I could get this one to take some time off from work, we’d be here every weekend.” She motions toward Vince.
Quinton tugs on Alison’s shirt. “If you want him to not work, you should just trade him sectool flavors!”
Everyone gasps and Griffin looks at me with his lips pressed together.
My face reddens. “Why don’t you ever repeat anything your dad says?” I ask him, ruffling his hair.
He smiles and shrugs, then walks back to the living room and plops down in front of the TV.
Griffin pulls me against his side. “We need to have code words with that kid around.”
“Agreed. Let this be a lesson to you.” I point at Alison and Vince.
They laugh and give hugs before finally heading out for the night.
I give the girls a bath and get them in their PJs while Griffin plays with Quinton. Then it’s time to switch. He plays with the girls while I get Quinton in the tub. Once all the kids are bathed and dressed for bed, Griffin meets them in the study, and they all sit in the oversized lounge chair while he reads them a story before bed. I head downstairs to clean up the kitchen and turn off all the lights.
I lock the doors, pick up the toys, and turn off the lights in the living room before moving to the kitchen to load the dishwasher. After getting it loaded and wiping down everything, I sweep the floor. I’m about to shut off the light and head upstairs when Griffin walks in.
“The kids are asleep!” he quietly chants.
I laugh as I open the cabinet and pull out a bottle of bourbon. “Time to celebrate?”
He smiles and winks. “You know it.”
I open the cabinet to get two glasses, but find everything is already in the dishwasher. Instead, I take down two plastic sippy cups.
He snorts. “Really?”
I shrug. “It’s this or straight from the bottle.”
We both sit in the chairs at the island and fill our glasses.
“To us,” he says, holding up his sippy cup.
“To us,” I agree, clanking my cup against his and throwing it back.
“We did it,” he says, picking up the bottle and filling our cups once more.
“Did what?”
I pick up my cup and take a sip, this time savoring the liquid that will help me sleep more soundly.
“This,” he motions toward the kitchen. “We got the house. We got each other. We got the three kids and the dog.” He laughs. “We got it all.”
“Yes. We. Did.” I hold up my sippy cup and he clanks it with his. We both finish off our drinks and he takes away my cup.
“What are you doing?” I ask as he begins moving closer.
“It’s occurred to me that there’s one thing from your fantasy that I’ve never fulfilled.”
“There is?”
He nods. “I’m pretty sure you mentioned making love on this exact island.”
I laugh as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I do believe you’re right.” I pull him against me and land a solid kiss on his lips. His tongue dances with mine as he lifts me up and sits me on the edge.
It’s only now that we realize how tall the kitchen island really is.
I break the kiss and look down. “I think this may be harder than I envisioned.”
“I’ll just have to come up.” He places one foot on the stool, then climbs up on top of the island, covering my body with his. “That’s better,” he mumbles, closing the distance to kiss me.
I can’t help but smile as his lips move with mine. He’s one hundred percent right. We do have it all, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
* * *
KEEP READING FOR BOOK 3 IN THE SERIES!
Fake It
Castille Hotel Series
BOOK 3
I can fake anything for fifty grand…
Including being the pretend fiancée to Mr. Sex-on-a-stick himself, Cameron Styles.
* * *
Chicago’s most successful, ruthless lawyer and douchebag extraordinaire.
* * *
Turns out when you’re staring down the barrel of bankruptcy and possible eviction…you’ll do pretty much anything for some quick cash.
* * *
I gave myself two rules.
#1. Don’t fall into his bed
#2. Don’t fall in love.
* * *
There’s one small problem…I’m REALLY bad at following my own rules.
* * *
Just when I think there’s a glimmer of hope he feels the same way,
* * *
I’m reminded of my place in his life…
* * *
Does true love stand a chance when I was hired to fake it?
© Copyright 2019 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.
* * *
In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.
Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.
Chapter 1
Samantha
The Chicago air has a sharp edge to it as I walk down the street toward my lonely apartment. My legs are numb, feeling like jello from the twelve-hour shift I’ve just finished, and my entire body is worn out and weak. Lifting patients takes a toll on my body, and dealing with the rush of the emergency room always makes me feel like I’ve run a marathon. The scent of coffee washes over me, and I feel myself perk up, excited to get a little jolt to help me get through the rest of my evening. It’s just after seven p.m. and normally I’d avoid caffeine this late, but I still have to fix something for dinner, finish up laundry, and go through the mountain of bills piling up.
I quickly dash into the coffee shop and stand in line, breathing in the sweet smell of energy as I wait. Finally, I step up to the counter and place my order: a large hot white chocolate mocha. The cashier quickly rings it up.
“That’ll be five dollars and sixty-eight cents,” she tells me with a polite smile.
I open my purse and pull out my wallet. When I open it, I find I only have four one-dollar bills. I set the wallet on the counter as I unzip the change compartment. Feeling a little embarrassed, I rush to count out the remaining dollar and sixty-eight cents. There’s already a large line forming behind me and my heart picks up with nervousness and anxiety.
I pour out the remaining change onto the counter and find the money I need with fifteen cents left over. I push the money her way, scoop up the change, and dump it into the tip jar before moving down the counter. My face feels hot and red with embarrassment. I should have put a little more thought into my impulse purchase and at least ordered a small coffee instead of a large. My bank account and money situation are getting harder and harder to avoid. I take my coffee and leave the store in a rush, all too ready to escape the coffee shop and everyone’s jud
ging eyes.
Stepping back out into the brisk air, I take my first sip. The sweetness and warmth settle over me and my eyes nearly drift closed.
“Mmmmm,” I mumble against my cup, which I still haven’t pulled away from my lips.
I’m only a block away from the apartment when my cell phone rings. I pull it from my pocket and see El’s name flashing across the screen.
“Hey bitch,” I answer cheerfully.
She giggles. “Where you at? I just got to the apartment and you’re not here.”
“I’m on my way,” I say as I round the corner, picking up my pace. “Where are you? Inside?”
“Duh, if you think I’m waiting out in that cold air, you’re crazy.”
I laugh. “Be up in a sec.” I pull the phone away and slip it back into my coat pocket.
When I step into the apartment, I place my coffee on the entryway table and hang up my purse and coat. I take my coffee and walk farther into the apartment, finding El in the kitchen, standing over my table where all the bills are piling up.
Her eyes jump up to me. “What is this, Sam?” She’s holding a handful of bills in each hand.
I let out a long breath, causing my shoulders to fall as I walk across the floor and sit at the table. “It’s nothing.” I start pushing the bills into a neat stack.
She takes a step back and crosses her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrow on me. “You told me everything was fine.”
Claimed By Him: (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 71
