AllFreeNovel
Share Us
?I grasp her hands to still them. "Lizzie, look at me." It takes a moment for her eyes to find mine. I see the uncertainty there and can't stand it. It concerns me that she could be embarrassed in front of me, especially after last night. "Lizzie, you never have to apologize to me. There isn't anything to be sorry for. I love your body. I thought I made that perfectly clear last night, but if not, let me tell you this. You are the most stunning and captivating woman I have ever seen in my life. Whether you are naked or have twenty layers. Do you understand me? Never hide from me." Pulling her chin up, I express sincerity in my eyes. She averts hers for a moment, then she looks at me and nods. I kiss the tip of her nose and hand her the cup of coffee. She takes a sip and closes her eyes, as the flavor floods her mouth. I knew my girl would enjoy having her special coffee in bed today.
?"Thomas brought me a suit for work and I had him stop to get coffees as well." She moans as she takes another sip.
?"Thank you so much. You spoil me."
?"Always," I say kissing her forehead. "I need a quick shower. You stay in bed and drink your coffee. I'll be right out." Getting up, I grab my suit and head to the bathroom. Before leaving the room, I hear her laughing again. I cover my ass with my hand as her laugh grows louder.
?After showering, I put on my dress pants and undershirt. I head back to the bedroom with the rest of my clothes and enter to see Lizzie making the bed. She is wearing some sexy black yoga pants that hug her curves perfectly. Her long hair sways over her t-shirt that hangs off one shoulder. Across the front reads, "Books are cheaper than therapy." The sight brings a smile to my face. I love that we share the same passion for books. She walks over from the bed with a smileon her face, and my heart squeezes at the beautiful sight. She is absolutely stunning. Unquestionably gorgeous and totally mine. I kiss the top of her head as she wraps her arms around me.
?"Have a good shower? Sorry it's so small, compared to yours at least."
?"What did I tell you about apologizing to me? Sounds like someone needs a reminder." I pick her up quickly and toss her onto her bed. She squeals and tries to get away, but gripping her legs, I hold her still. I lay down on top of her and bring my mouth to hers, taking in a deep kiss. I taste the sweet coffee and something else that is entirely Lizzie. I growl as she hooks her legs behind my back and begins to rock into me.
I lean back and she’s biting her lip, smiling. Damnit, this woman is going to be the death of me.
?"I have to finish getting ready. I have a meeting to get to, and Sebastian will kill me if I'm late." She huffs and pulls her legs away. I instantly miss the feeling of her wrapped around me. I sit up and pull her into my lap.
?She tilts her chin so she can look up at me. Her eyes enrapture me. She strokes her hand over my chest, and I can feel her heat wash over me. She looks like she is contemplating something. I don’t want that; I want her to be able to talk to me about everything. Cupping her face in my hand, I smooth my thumb over her cheek. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” I ask.
?She looks stunned for a moment. “How did you know I was thinking of something?” she queries, still rubbing my chest.
“I just know by looking at you. What is it? You can talk to me about anything, Lizzie. I keep telling you that.”
?She takes a deep breath and stills her hand as shespeaks. “I was just thinking that if you didn’t have plans for Christmas, you could come with me to Savannah. I know it’s several weeks away, but I’m sure you have plans with your brother or friends. I remember your saying that your mom oftentimes travels to Italy. Anyways, it’s your call if you want to come. I mean, it’s Savannah, Georgia and definitely nothing like New York. I don’t want you to be alone. It was just something that I thought of today. You can totally say no.” She pauses for a moment and takes another breath. I smile at how cute she gets when she is nervous. I just want to kiss every inch of her. A kiss might be necessary to stop her from rambling on. She had me hooked the moment she asked me to come. She continues, “I mean, I guess it is presumptuous of me to think we will still be together by then, right? I mean a lot can happ—” I don’t let her finish.
?I place both hands on either side of her face and capture her lips with mine. I pull back from her lips and trail my mouth down her neck, biting her earlobe. She lets out a soft gasp. I smile because I know that's one of her sweet spots. She moans, running her fingers through my damp hair. “Miles,” she whines, breathlessly. With the slightest touch, I graze her side and move the hair out of her face as she bites the bottom of her lip. A groan comes from my chest at the sight of it. Kissing her forehead, I comment, “I had to do something to get you to stop rambling on. Of course, I want to go with you to Savannah. I’m not spending Christmas without you.” Giving her another kiss, I lift her from my lap, so I can stand. I grab my button-down shirt from the hanger and put it on. She stands up and begins to button up my shirt.
“I wasn’t rambling. I was just giving you a chance to say no and not feel bad.” She pouts. I put my finger up to her mouth before she keeps going. She gives me a sassy look that makes me chuckle. This woman is something else. I can’t get enough of her.
“As far as us not being together by then, we will be. You don’t ever have to doubt us, Lizzie. Remember what I told you last night? I am yours.” She nods with a smile, so I let my finger drop and pull her back against me. I love this woman. I want to scream it from the rooftops, although I want it to be special when I tell her. I kiss her temple and rub her back.
?"I'm yours too, Miles." She reaches up on her tip toes and gives me a quick kiss before finishing my buttons. Handing me my tie, she steps back raking her eyes over me. "You are so sexy in a suit," she hums in approval. I give her a wink as she rolls her eyes and grabs her coffee before sitting back on her bed.
???
“Thank you for meeting with us today. We have picked up this new manuscript, and we need to go over marketing and distribution. I have a few mockups for the design and layout that you will see in a moment on the screen,” Olivia says, as she switches on her presentation to the screen in front of us.
?As usual, I’m sitting at the head of the conference table. Sebastian is on my left, leaning back in his chair and looking smug. He has been the one pushing this book. I, personally, don’t think it’s as great as everyone else, but I was out voted. I am still holding out on that one book that grips me and won’t let go. I know it must be out there. I zone out while the presentation continues just thinking about finding the perfect author. I already work so late, going through the manuscripts, that my assistant drops on my desk. He filters through them, and then hands over the ones that he thinks will be marketable.
?I glance back to Olivia, head of marketing, and she is pointing excitedly at the different slides she has created. The rest of the table is paying attention, while I’m just sitting here letting my mind wander. I really need to focus. I have tocontinue to build this company up. It’s our family legacy, and I’ve got to keep up the momentum my father created before he passed away. I push the thoughts away and focus back on the meeting.
“Once we decide on the cover, I’ll send it straight to our printing company. We need to get the pictures out along with the synopsis so we can present it as an upcoming novel. The author says she has an open schedule to work signings and readings that we’ll set up with our PR team. Any questions?” she inquires once her presentation is complete. A few people around the table ask some questions, but most everything was covered already in the meeting. I know this will be a good selling book but it’s not anything special. It’s a story we have all heard before, just written differently. Most books are. It takes a special talent to get the characters to jump off the pages. An author has to breathe life into their novel; it’s the beauty of books. The characters come to life and captivate the reader, so they are as much a part of the novel as any of the characters. That’s what makes a best-seller.
?After all the questions have been answered, I stand and button my suit. "Thank you, Olivia. That presentation was highly informative. Get me the final cover mockup so I can sign off on it. Alright, great meeting." I'm the first one out the door.
?Once I get back to my office, I lean back in my chair, rubbing my hands down my face. My thoughts instantly go to Lizzie.My Lizzie. I didn’t want to leave her this morning. I never want to leave her. She is my comfort. She is my breath of fresh air. She’s brilliant. A slight smile adorns my face, thinking about her love of literature. It’s a passion we both share. I sit up quickly as my heart begins to drum in my chest. Lizzie is the answer! I haven’t even read her work, but I know she’s the one. Her novel will be the best seller this company needs to push forward. I know it is. I begin to think about how happy she will be to have her work published. I know she worries aboutour relationship causing favoritism, but she’s going to have to understand that we met for a reason. Not only is she the one for my soul but also for this company. I need to read what she’s written. It’s like a thirst that won’t be quenched until I get my hands on it.
?We will be spending the whole weekend together, even though she only knows about Sunday. She doesn’t know the plans that I have for her tomorrow, celebrating her birthday. She will get a delivery in the morning with instructions for the day. She and Sarah will be pampered at the spa and salon that I was told is the best in the city. Once they get home, I’ll have her dress delivered. I don’t want her to see it until it’s time for her to put it on. I can’t wait to see her in it, and I can’t wait to see the look on her face when I pick her up. She is going to be devastatingly beautiful. Perfect, as always. I know every man and woman will be looking at the beauty on my arm tomorrow. I’m excited to show her off to the world, however, there is a part of me that’s anxious that the attention will be too much for her. At least Sarah will be there to soften the experience.
?I need to finalize all the details and surprises for tomorrow, so everything goes to plan. I want it to go off without a hitch because I love this woman. I want to give her everything in the world. She enchants me and brings a light into my life that I didn’t know was missing. I want to show her what she means to me. Father always taught us that, “Actions speak louder than words.” I intend to show her the love I have for her for the rest of time. Always.
Chapter 22
Elizabeth
I’ve had a smile on my face since I woke up this morning. People I’ve passed on the street have looked at me funny, but I don’t care. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. After getting everything off my chest yesterday with Sarah, spending the night with Miles was just what I needed. I’m happy. I feel lighter today. I’ve been thinking about what Sarah said about my father, and I’m going to write him a letter. I think that will be the best way to get everything I have ever felt off my chest. I don’t think I could say it to his face, and I might get anxious, not getting it all out. That’s what made me decide the letter is the best way to go. After all, just like Sarah said, this is for me, not for him. It’s me that needs to move on, and I will.
?I’m sitting at the café down the street from where I work. I don’t have to be there for several hours, but I wanted to get out of the apartment and get some fresh air. I’m sitting at a little table outside, and it’s cold while also a bit overcast; however, I don’t mind. When it’s overcast and cloudy or even raining, it doesn’t make me sad; in fact, it puts my mind at ease. There’s supposed to be some more snow coming in later tonight. I lean back in my chair and stare up at the sky. The clouds slowly move across the sky, changing and creating new shapes. I close my eyes, and my mind takes me back to when I was a child. I was lying on the ground, looking up at the sky with my dad. We were sharing what each cloud looked like to us. We would make up stories to go along with them. I smile,thinking back to that special moment where there were no problems, no divorce—just us and the clouds. I open my eyes as a tear falls down my cheek. I pull out my notebook and pen, knowing what I need to do.
