Chapter 14
H annah and Andrew’s wedding went off without a hitch. I’m usually in the background, observing from a distance, so participating as a bridesmaid this time around was surreal.
For the most part, I was in wedding planner mode, making sure that everything ran smoothly, but I couldn’t help stealing glances at Brooks every now and then. He was devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, the rich charcoal color emphasizing his broad shoulders and strong stance.
I was a goner when he mouthed to me, “ You’re beautiful ,” right before Hannah walked down the aisle. It might have been a simple act, but it hit me like a tidal wave. His complement took my breath away and left me smiling like a fool. I’ve never felt so seen.
After the ceremony, we had dinner and drinks at the inn, followed by a cozy evening by the fireplace, sharing stories and toasting to the happy couple’s future.
Andrew surprised Hannah with a honeymoon in Paris, and tonight they’re flying out on a private jet, ready to begin their romantic getaway in the city of love.
Not long after they left, Brooks, Winston, and I excused ourselves, and I didn’t miss the silent exchange between Kay and my mom as they watched us head off to my cottage.
When we get inside, Brooks crouches down next to Winston, and my curiosity piques when he pulls a napkin-wrapped bundle from his pocket. Unfolding it, he takes a piece of whatever is inside and offers it to my dog.
“What’s that?” I ask.
“Shredded chicken,” he replies as Winston eagerly eats it out of his hand. “Funny thing. During dinner, I tried offering him a piece of salmon which he refused, and my grandma informed me that he prefers chicken and peanut butter biscuits.”
I shrug, acting oblivious. “And?”
“Interesting how you never said anything about it.”
“Had to make you work for his approval, didn’t I?”
Winston yips like he’s in total agreement. When he’s finished, I’m shocked when he nuzzles Brooks’ hand—and even more shocked when Brooks scratches behind his ear.
“You’re a good boy, aren’t you, Winn,” he coos.
“I told you he’d grow on you,” I tease.
“Only when he’s not charging around like a wrecking ball or forcing me to run after him through the snow in bunny slippers.”
Once he’s finished feeding Winston his treat, he heads to the kitchenette to wash his hands. After drying them, he grabs a box from the counter, one that he must have dropped off earlier.
“What do you have there?” I ask, nodding toward it.
“It’s your Christmas present,” he says, handing me the box. “I wanted to give it to you earlier, but with the wedding, I didn’t have the chance.”
“You got me a gift?”
“I did,” he confirms with a shrug.
I’m touched by his thoughtfulness and that he went out of his way to pick something out for me, although I can’t help but wonder when he had time to get it. I’ve been so wrapped up in wedding planning that I hadn’t considered exchanging gifts, so now I’m left empty-handed.
“That’s so sweet, but you didn’t have to do that. I feel bad that I didn’t get you anything.”
He wraps his fingers around mine, brushing a kiss across my knuckles.
“Why don’t you check to see what’s inside before deciding if a thank you is in order?”
I sit on the edge of the bed, my hands trembling as I unwrap the silver paper and the red bow. As I lift the lid of the box, my breath catches at the sight of a snow globe with a miniature Hollywood Sign, etched with the name of the iconic landmark. I carefully pull it out of the packaging, give it a gentle shake, and watch the snowflakes swirl around the bridge.
“Brooks, it’s lovely,” I say.
I’ve wanted a California snow globe to add to my collection since I visited Andrew and Hannah, but it was late in the summer season, and I wasn’t able to get one.
“When I found you in that photo booth, I was mesmerized. Even before I knew you weren’t a stranger, I was drawn to you. Like earlier today, when everyone else was watching Hannah walk down the aisle, all I could see was you.”
It reminds me of my favorite part of weddings when the groom catches his first glimpse of his bride. We might not have been the ones getting married today, but when he looked at me like I belonged to him as we stood across from one another, it felt like a promise of what’s to come.
“What are you saying?” My voice is barely above a whisper.
“There’s a reason I chose that specific snow globe.” He nods to the gift in my hands. “I’m hoping it’ll be the start of our adventure,” he says, drawing in a deep breath. “I want you to come with me to California.” His gaze searches mine for an answer. “You and Winston.”
“What?” I gasp. I almost drop the snow globe, but Brooks’ hand is there to steady me.
“I’ve cherished every minute with you, and I don’t want it to end,” he says, gently placing the keepsake on the nightstand and taking my hands in his. “All I’m asking is for the chance to prove that we’re meant to be together because I’m not willing to take the chance of losing you.”
Is this really happening?
“You mean it? You want us to come stay with you?”
“No, Goldie. I want you and Winston to live with me. But if you’re not ready for that step yet, I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give. We could always do half the year in California and the other half in Starlight Pines. I’ve heard bicoastal couples are all the rages these days,” he adds with a teasing smirk.
“What about your company?”
“It would be a challenge, but I’m in this for the long haul, and I’ll do anything to make it work. For us.”
I tug my bottom lip between my teeth as the wheels turn in my head.
“What about Kay? I can’t leave her alone to manage the inn on her own.”
“I’m sure she’d be on board with you and Winston coming with me to California.”
I playfully swat his chest. “Brooks, I’m serious. Who’s going to run the events? Or help her with the day-to-day operations if I’m not here?”
He rubs his thumb against my palm in a soothing stroke. “We’ll talk to her at breakfast tomorrow. We can always hire additional staff to lighten her load.”
I lean against his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. “What if my quirks bother you? Like my habit of leaving a pile of shoes by the front door. Or the fact that I can’t resist playing Christmas music starting in October. And let’s not forget the dog hair you’ll inevitably find in every corner of your place because I let Winston on the couch and bed.”
He places a kiss on my forehead. “We can get a shoe rack if they become a tripping hazard, or I’ll just have to perfect my dodging skills,” he says, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile. “Christmas music in October? I’m all for it, as long as the tree goes up early too. And don’t worry. I’ve got a lint roller, and I have an extra pillow Winston can have. So what do you say?”
I tilt my head back, blinking up at him in disbelief.
I’ve reached a crossroads, the weight of the decision pressing on my chest. The way I see it, there are two options. On one hand, I have the chance to take a leap, leaving behind the comfort of Starlight Pines and venturing into a future that’s uncertain but brimming with promise. On the other, I could stay where everything is safe and familiar, but a place I’ve outgrown.
Suddenly everything becomes clear. After hearing how serious Brooks is about committing, my doubts about this being temporary vanish. The sincerity in his eyes is reassurance that he’s all in, making me go weak at the knees. My future is still unclear, but I’m no longer in this alone.
“My answer is yes.” I straighten up, making sure he can see the resolve in my eyes.
“To which part?”
“I want to go to California with you, but only if you promise we can come back as often as I want, and if Kay needs help with any upcoming events, I have to be here for those.”
“You have my word,” he vows. “You can visit whenever you want. All I can hope for is that you and Winston love it so much you’ll want to call my place your forever home,” he says, his tone resolute.
His response should send me into a panic, worried that we’re moving too fast. Instead, it soothes my fears, and I can feel my expression soften.
“Wait. What about Andrew? How do you think he’ll handle this?”
I’d never want to jeopardize their friendship, no matter how much I want Brooks.
“I made sure he knew how I felt about you before the wedding.”
I blink rapidly, unable to hide my disbelief. “You already talked to him?”
He nods. “I did. He could have reacted negatively, but I wasn’t going to wait any longer to make my intentions clear. He did warn me that he’d hurt me if I ever broke your heart.” His voice softens as he reaches out to stroke my cheek. “But don’t worry, Goldie. I’ll spend the rest of my life proving to him and you that I’d never do that. You’re mine now, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you that way.”
The rest of his life? I’m really his?
“You mean every word, don’t you?” I whisper, leaning into his touch.
“I’ve been yours since the moment you peeked out of that photo booth curtain.”
This feels like one of those holiday Hallmark movies I can’t get enough of, and part of me is waiting to wake up to discover none of this was real. But the certainty in Brooks’ voice and the tenderness of his touch is proof this is my new reality.
He cradles my face in his hands, his lips brushing mine in a tender kiss. “I can’t wait to start this adventure with you.” He extends his hand. “For tonight though, let me take care of you.”
Without hesitation I take his hand, letting him lead me to the bathroom. Once inside he flips on the light before closing the door to give us privacy. Winston will be too busy exploring the new chew toys he got for Christmas to notice we’re gone.
Brooks lifts me onto the black marble countertop, leaning in to kiss the tip of my nose.
“What are you doing?” I ask when he goes to the freestanding tub and turns on the faucet.
“You’ve had a stressful day, so we’re going to take a bath.” I don’t miss the hint of mischief in his tone.
I nod, trusting that whatever he has in store will be worth the wait.
“That’s my girl,” he says with a satisfied grin. “Stay right there while I fill up the tub.”
As the water in the tub rises, he adds a generous pour of a rose petal bubble bath that I had on the ledge, watching as it dissolves into a swirl of pink and white foam. Once the water is high enough, he turns it off, redirecting his focus on me. I beckon him with the crook of my finger.
I let out a shuddered exhale as he advances toward me, his intent unmistakable. This is the start of a new chapter we’ll share, and neither of us intends to waste a single second of it.
He positions himself between my legs, firmly gripping my hip with one hand and tilting my chin with the other. His chocolate brown eyes mirror the longing in mine, conveying our deep-seated desire.
“You’re perfect.” The declaration spills freely from his lips. “Tell me, have you missed my cock today, baby?” He leans in to nibble the shell of my ear.
“Mhmmm,” I groan. My panties are wet just thinking about it.
He captures my mouth in a heated kiss, sending a spark of electricity straight to my core. When he takes a step back, I grumble in protest.
“Don’t worry. By the time morning comes, I’ll have fucked you senseless, and you’ll be begging me to stop.” He stands up straight, a sly smirk plastered on his face.
I let out a soft hum of approval, thoroughly enjoying the idea.
Brooks is the temptation I’ll never be able to resist.
“Let’s get you out of that dress,” he says. “Stand up, turn around, and put your hands against the counter.”
I do as he asks, placing my palms against the cool surface.
Every cell in my body is on fire as he pushes my hair over my shoulder, leaving my back exposed. He places one hand firmly on my hip and uses the other to slowly drag down the zipper of my dress. The suspense is unbearable. I exhale sharply as he grinds his rigid cock against my ass.
“You like that?” he whispers in my ear. “Thinking about my cock inside that tight cunt of yours?”
“Oh god, yes,” I mewl.
He brushes my dress off my shoulders, and I feel his breath against my skin seconds before he presses kisses down my neck. He unclasps my bra, releasing my aching breasts from their confines, and reaches around to brush my nipples with the tips of his fingers in teasing strokes. I whimper when he rolls my nipples between his fingers, pinching them roughly.
“I love that you’re always so responsive,” Brooks states.
“Only for you,” I murmur.
“That’s right—just for me.”
I whine in protest when he releases my nipples.
He pulls my dress down the rest of the way, letting it pool at my feet, before spinning me around to face him. He traces his fingers down my leg until he gets to my panties, dragging them down my legs.
“I’m keeping these,” he states, setting them on the counter beside me. “Hold on tight, beautiful,” he urges.
I secure my hands on his shoulders, and he scoops me into his arms, setting me back down on the counter. He’s keeping me in a state of suspense, teetering on the brink of anticipation. I’ll lose my mind if he doesn’t give me more—and fast.
“Brooks, I need you, please.”
“Good things come to those who wait remember?” he says with a teasing grin as he brushes a strand of hair behind my ear.
My mouth goes dry when he pulls his shirt over his head, revealing his rock-solid chest. His breath hitches when I lean forward, tracing every definition of his abs with my fingers. As I trail my finger toward his V-line, he moves back, stripping out of the rest of his clothes.
“Brooks?” I moan in frustration.
“Patience, beautiful.”
He works his hand up and down his thick shaft. I’m mesmerized as he strokes, starting at the bottom and reaching the tip, smearing the drop of pre-cum over the crown of his dick.
“Watch what you fucking do to me, Lila.” He glances down at his erect cock as he moves his hand up and down his shaft. His eyes are sinfully dark, his jaw tense, his nostrils flaring. He looks wild, uninhibited, and all mine.
His dark brown eyes sear into me like he’s marking me in more ways than one, only leaving my face long enough to look down to where his cock is aimed. He groans as he angles himself at my entrance, ropes of cum spurting onto my bare skin as he finds his release. One hand coaxes every last drop from the head of his cock, the other smearing it along my exposed thighs and pussy.
He’s the director, and I’m the script he’s bringing to life.
A tale of longing, desire, and a love story that’s only beginning to unfold.
“You’re mine, beautiful,” he murmurs before he crashes his mouth to mine, giving me a passionate kiss.
His cock is still hard as he draws his cum on my skin with the tip before pushing inside me in a single, deep thrust, his patience long gone.
Oh. My. God.
“I’ll never get enough of this pussy of yours,” he says in a guttural tone.
I wind my hands around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair as he pushes in and out in deep, steady thrusts, savoring the moment. I moan in delight, relishing the fact that I’m stuffed full of his length.
He grips my chin with his hand while he relentlessly pounds into me. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. Promise we’re in this together.”
“Always.” I caress his cheek.
His eyes blaze with lust as he watches me roll my clit between my fingers, pinching it when I’m on the verge of falling apart. Soon we’re both barreling toward our release.
“Brooks, I’m going to…”
I throw my head back as my orgasm crashes over me, riding the euphoric wave for as long as I can. Brooks holds me close as we both come down from our heightened state.
He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Still want a bath?” he asks before he slowly pulls out of me.
I nod, wanting to savor the quiet calm a little while longer.
Once he’s refilled the bathtub, he helps me into the piping hot water and settles behind me. I welcome the accompanying sting, letting the heat soak through my tense muscles. The smell of roses envelops the room with a sense of tranquility.
I lean back against Brooks’ chest as he wraps his arms around me.
Every muscle in my body relaxes as his lips graze my shoulder. He plants featherlight kisses against each freckle. “This is the first year I’ve felt the holiday spirit since losing my dad, and it’s all thanks to you,” he murmurs.
I tip my head back to look at him. “Why do you say that?”
“Because this year, Christmas brought me you.”