Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“This is your gift,” he says, pulling keys out of his pocket and unlocking the door.
“When we sat down to decide which shops and restaurants to fill the waterfront with, we were very selective, wanting to make sure each place would thrive. We’ve filled almost every storefront but this one.” He points to the door. “I was going through several applications, trying to figure out what would work next to a Pilates studio and a coffee shop, and it hit me … a clothing boutique would be perfect.”
I gasp and then glance around the area, a million images flashing through my head of turning this space into a cute yet classy boutique. I could split it up into men’s and women’s clothes and then do a separate area for children. Blush pink would don the walls with gold accents.
But then I shake myself from my thoughts because …
“I’m not ready for this yet.”
“Yes, you are,” Lorenzo argues, gripping the curves of my hips. “Your online boutique is up four hundred percent in sales. You’ve had to outsource your designs just to keep up with the demand.”
He’s not wrong but …
“To open a boutique would require thousands in startup capital that I don’t have,” I tell him. “And because I’m not employed, no bank in their right mind would give me a loan.”
“No, a bank wouldn’t lend you money,” he agrees. “You’re too much of a wild card.” He smirks, and I roll my eyes. “But I would,” he says.
“No.” I shake my head. “No, you are not giving me any money.”
“Who said anything about giving you money?” He scoffs. “As my graduation gift to you, I’m going to loan it to you. I’ll expect full repayment with interest.”
He winks, and butterflies attack my belly as I take in and absorb everything he said.
“You said Harbor Point was your home. And your dream is to open your own boutique with your clothing line. You can have that … all you have to do is say yes.”
I glance around the space, and even though it’s empty, I can envision it all. The paint on the walls, the decor, the smell of the clothes hanging on the racks. Lorenzo and Leo stopping in. Leo running around, laughing while he tugs on the clothes. Lorenzo visiting me for lunch. Walking over to Nicole’s coffee shop to get a coffee and taking Pilates classes at Bri’s studio. This is all I’ve ever wanted—a home filled with family and friends—and Lorenzo is giving me the opportunity to have it.
“Yes,” I choke out. “Yes, I want this. I want to borrow the money from you and use it to open a boutique. I want Harbor Point to be our home. For you, me, and Leo to be a family and to make roots here.”
“I want that too,” he says. “So, how about we start by you marrying me?”
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black box, then gets down on one knee.
“Vanessa Baker, for years, I searched for someone to spend my life with, and the romantic in me didn’t understand why I couldn’t find her. But now, I know it’s because I was waiting for you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and officially and legally becoming Leo’s mom?”
He pops the box open, and the most beautiful engagement ring shines in the light.
“But we’re already married,” I blurt out.
“True, but since I don’t remember it, it doesn’t exactly count.”
I bark out a laugh.
“Yes,” I say. “I will marry you, and I would love to make Leo mine.”
He slides the ring onto my finger and then lifts me into his arms, kissing me tenderly for several seconds before he pushes my lips apart, deepening the kiss.
“I want you,” I murmur against his mouth.
“You have me.”
“No.” I shake my head. “I want you right here.” I tighten my legs around his torso and grind my center against his groin to emphasize what I want. “I want you to make love to me in my future shop … as my fiancé.”
And because Lorenzo is always on the same page as me, as the words leave my lips, he’s already carrying me to the back and pushing me against the wall, where nobody can see us.
He doesn’t waste any time, pushing my panties to the side and unzipping his pants. When he thrusts into me, it feels like more than my future husband fucking me. It feels like the start of the rest of our lives.
I know, I know. It’s rare that there’s no pregnancy in one of my books. But I can only write what speaks to me. HOWEVER, I wouldn’t leave you hanging. Check out the bonus content for Secret Seduction, which takes place a few years later, after Lorenzo and Vanessa had their first baby.