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Holden once said he was tempted to spoil me, and he kept that promise. He sent Mel and me to a spa, a fancy one, just weeks after school started back up after Winter Break. I had never been so pampered. Hot stone pedicures, full body massages, a Volcanic Clay body wrap, all complete with plush robes and lots of champagne. He sent me a beautiful bouquet of blush pink peonies on Valentine’s Day since he knew they were my favorite. He’s taken me to restaurants I never dreamt about stepping foot in, the prices far over my budget. Holden hasn’t held back.
The moment I step into Holden’s, now our, penthouse, I feel at home. The sprawling open floor plan downstairs, surrounded by walls of windows, gives a 360-degree view of Manhattan. The penthouse is larger than any home I’ve seen with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a study that acts as Holden’s home office, and a massive chef’s kitchen.
Holden has put his unique imprint on the space, with dark leather touches throughout, with warm hues complementing the brightness of the windows. Holden offered to bring in an interior designer so that I could make the space how I like it, but I love it just the way it is. Being in this space is like being in Holden’s arms and I don’t want to change a single thing about it.
Two weeks after moving into the city, Holden surprises me yet again. He planned the most amazing trip to my dream destination. I am shocked that he was able to keep this a secret from me, but I am glad he did.
It’s our final night in Italy, and we are having a private dinner at the Villa in Tuscany he rented for us. The sun is setting as we finish our meal with Chocolate Panna Cotta our amazing Chef, Fabio made. I spoon another bite of the chocolate dessert into my mouth and groan. “Oh my god, I could kiss him. I never want the taste of this out of my mouth.”
“I would prefer you save your kisses just for me, love.” Holden leans in close and places a sweet kiss on my lips.
“Thank you for this amazing trip. You really do spoil me,” I tease as I grab him by his collar for another kiss.
“Hmmm,” he moans, “I told you I would.”
“Yes, I believe you did.” I can’t help the smile that crosses my face as we both finish our desserts.
After I shamelessly scrape the last bit of chocolate off my plate, I push back my chair and settle myself into Holden’s lap. We sit for a while in contented silence, each admiring the sprawling view of the Italian countryside, while bathed in the glowing hues of sunset. I rest my head under his chin, his hand clasped around my hip. After a moment, Holden begins to fidget, and I move to get off of him, worried my weight is becoming too much.
“No baby, let me hold you.” He adjusts us so that he is gazing directly into my eyes. His blue/gray eyes spear my own in the dying light.
“Everly, will you marry me?”
I am momentarily stunned. This was quite possibly the last thing I was expecting at this moment, but I can admit it is the perfect one. Being with Holden is the easiest thing I have ever done. I don’t want anyone else. My love for him is unconditional and deep, woven throughout the marrow of my bones.
My voice is strong and clear as I give him my answer. “Yes.”
Continue Reading For Mel's Story
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Coming January 2023
Features:
Friends to Lovers
Firefighter Hero
Friends with Benefits
Prologue
Melissa
It’s been a week since I last saw Kyle.
The phrase “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is utter bullshit. Distance hurts like a motherfucker. The whole time we’ve been apart for yet another work trip has been tearing me up inside. I understand that he is busy and constantly on the go, but this back-and-forth is starting to mess me up. At least I get to see him tonight.
This is the first time my family will be meeting up after the holidays. My parents and Tanner returned from their cruise last week and this is the first opportunity we’ve all had to get together. I figured that since I’ve been with Kyle for a while now, this would be a great time to have him meet everyone. Plus, I know that Kate will be with Tanner, and Everly is bringing Holden, so it would be no good for me to be sitting all by myself.
I leave Lappin, Snyder, and Hamp Associates and make my way downtown to Giordano’s. My parents don’t come to the city often, but when they do, Dad makes sure he gets his favorite pizza.
The tradition of coming here started when we were younger. Tanner had a 5th-grade field trip to Buckingham Fountain and Dad took the day off to go with him. Instead of heading back at the end of the day, they decided they wanted to stop in and get some pizza. Ever since this has become our family spot.
I managed to find a parking spot relatively quickly in the garage down the street from the restaurant and get there sooner than I expected.
I pull out my phone and send Kyle a text,Just got to the restaurant. Let me know when you’re here.I don’t bother waiting for a reply and tuck my phone back into my purse.
