A Voice Without Reason, page 19
“What?” I shriek.
“Where is the miscommunication? Vibrator. Delivered to your new place. Tomorrow.” She shows me her phone for proof.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Really?”
“Should I get Layla on this? She looks all sweet and innocent but you know damn well you’ll end up with some giant dildo arriving at your door. Girl writes fantasy-ish, I trust her vibrator game zero percent. Monster dongs will be coming your way.”
“I don’t need my clit to fall off.”
Amanda agrees, “Yeah, so accept my early housewarming and be done with it.”
“What if I fucked this all up and, after the last few weeks, he’s decided he doesn’t love me anymore?”
I haven’t even texted Julian since we landed at JFK. I’ve been too paranoid. He called me when he landed and sent me a burner phone, like I'm some kind of mafia princess or drug dealer. Maybe I should write a mafia romance next?
Other than my checking the charge on the incredibly expensive, latest model burner phone, I haven’t looked to see if he’s called. I have no way of reaching him. He deleted his social media, so I can’t even stalk him like a crazy ex.
Amanda gets up and heads into the kitchen, pulling over one of the four vases of obscenely large rose bouquets. “If these aren’t “fuck me” flowers, I don’t know what is.”
“It’s not like that.” Ok, maybe it is. “It’s not like he’s going to—”
There’s a knock at the door and Amanda and I exchange a confused look. I sprint for it, throwing my door open. “Juli— Bryan.”
“Hey, kitten.”
39
JULIAN
I can’t live without her. I know it’s risky but after almost two weeks of hiding from the media and Becca, I need to see her. I look ridiculous in a dark gray hoodie and sunglasses, but it’s worth it if I get to see my girl.
I take the steps two at a time.
“Hey, kitten.”
I still, seven steps before I reach her landing.
No. There’s no fucking way.
“What the fuck do you want?” Becca spits.
Ok, so this wasn’t a planned thing.
“Can I come in?”
“Fuck no, you can’t.” Amanda’s voice comes from inside the apartment. “Take one step and I’ll have her boyfriend here faster than a fucking roadrunner.”
“Wait, you have his number?” Becca says to her, barely above a whisper.
“Shut up, you suck at this,” Amanda replies. I have to keep myself from laughing.
Becca giggles for a moment then clears her throat. “Right. What are you doing here?”
“Brenda left me, with just dinner and a note.”
“Aw, so sad... Fuck off, North,” Amanda says with a shit ton of gusto. I take note not to ever upset Becca or I’ll be dealing with Amanda.
“Can I come in?” Bryan asks. “That asshole Julian took everything from me. And that Barlowe bitch sued me and Andre, and now I’m left with—”
“I’m sorry,” Becca interrupts, her voice laced with sarcasm. “What did you think was going to happen when you sabotaged my audiobook? You and Andre both got what you deserved.”
Bryan is quiet for a moment. Then, says softly, “I want you back, kitten.”
“Absolutely not,” Becca bites. “You aren’t invited and you have shit timing. I’m moving to California.”
Wait, what?
“California? Why? Brenda and I are over. I thought maybe we could pick up where we left off?”
“Fuck you. Fuck Brenda. Stay the hell away from my friend, Bryan.” Amanda’s voice lowers as she continues, “There are too many B’s here, Becs.” She raises it again. “Bryan, if you don’t leave, I’ll take care of you worse than I did Katrina.”
“Who’s Katrina?” Bryan asks
“I said fuck off, or I’ll—”
There’s a crunch, followed by a “what the fuck?” coming from Bryan.
“You thought I was joking?” Amanda snickers. “I was waiting for the moment you crossed her threshold to knock your ass out. Want to call the cops? I’m sure her sweet neighbor with the oddly named cat would be more than happy to vouch for me.”
I don’t need to step in and handle Becca’s battles. She has it covered. If she doesn’t, she has a few incredibly strong-willed friends who have no issue throwing a punch. I make my way down the stairs to the floor below hers, awaiting Bryan’s inevitable departure. Thankfully, only a couple minutes pass before he runs past me with his tail between his legs.
I slowly make my way back up the stairs. I knock four times and Amanda opens the door.
“What did I—” She breaks off mid-sentence and smiles. “What did I say about grand gestures?”
Becca groans and approaches the door. “Now what does he— Julian?”
“I’ll leave you to it,” Amanda tells me with a wink.
The moment she leaves, Becca slaps me. Full on, palm across the face. My hand instinctively rubs it. Relishing the sting. I fucking deserve it for disappearing.
“Where the fuck have you been?” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“I have some good news.” I try to hold in my excitement, already moving past the sting of her slap.
Becca’s shoulders fall. “What good news? I had an asshole at my door a minute ago, I’m trying to pack to—spoiler—surprise you in California, and—”
I close the distance, wrap her in my arms, and bring her lips to mine. I kiss the hell out of her without caution. I missed her too fucking much to not touch her, not kiss her, not feel her in my arms like she’s mine.
“You’re moving to California?” I ask against her lips. She nods and kisses me back with a ferocity I haven’t felt in weeks. While it’s a risk, being here with her feels... right.
“Lake Elsinore,” Becca replies but then pulls back. “What the hell are you doing here?” She looks behind me. “Did anyone see you?”
“Why are you moving to California?”
“Are you that fucking dense? I was coming for you. I bought a place thirty minutes from you,” Becca groans. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
“Not much of a surprise when your apartment went up for sale, my Becca,” I challenge.
“There haven’t been any bids, but there was someone interested yester— you. Was it you? Why? Why would you want a tiny apartment in the Upper East Side?”
I wrap her in my arms. “Yes, it was me. I had to come back for you.”
Becca laughs, resting her forehead against my chest and fisting my shirt. She whispers, “You came for me.”
I glide my hand into her hair, stroking her cheek with my thumb and pulling her emerald gaze to mine. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, my Becca. You’re here, so I am, too.”
“I love you,” she whispers.
“Not as much as I love you, baby. So, tell me, where do you want to live?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t care. As long as there’s air conditioning and internet, I want to be where you are.”
“Move in with me.” The words slip from me before I can stop them.
“Yes, she says yes!” Amanda yells from the living room.
Becca looks back to her. “Shh! You’re ruining his third act moment.” She turns back to me. “Amanda’s right. I’ll move in with you. On one condition.”
“You and your conditions.” A wide grin spreads across my face. “Name it, and it’s yours.”
“We buy a new place together that isn’t a fucking castle.”
“Always the voice of reason, my Becca.” I kiss her softly. “Anything else?”
“Yes. Can you hire movers? This shit is a pain in the ass. You want your girl to move in with you, gotta pay the price. Oh, and best friends are included. You’re stuck with my friends too, expect them to drop by frequently.”
“That’s right, you tell him,” Amanda chimes in.
Becca and I both laugh but it’s cut short when I tell her, “I didn’t tell you my surprise.”
“I thought you being here was my surprise?”
“They reworked the contract. I no longer have a clause that keeps me from seeing the woman I love.” I pull her closer by the small of her back and her breath catches.
“So, you can kiss me in public?”
I bite my lip, unable to hide my smile. “As of tomorrow? Yeah.”
“I love you.” Becca doesn’t let me respond. Her lips are on mine in an instant. I kiss her back harder, relishing the feel of her body pressed against mine. It’s only been a couple weeks—twelve days to be exact—but it feels like months, years even. I’m a starved man; I can’t get enough of her.
She walks us into her apartment, her lips never breaking from mine. Amanda slides out, without a word, and I can’t help but chuckle at her stealthy behavior.
“I love you, my Becca,” I finally reply.
“See. Now you know how it feels being cut off.” She pauses for a moment. “There’s just one thing.”
“What’s that, baby?”
“Daddy.”
“Huh?” I ask with a laugh.
“It’s not just the name of my neighbor’s cat.”
“Ok?”
“It’s also the name of my...”
EPILOGUE
BECCA
One Year Later
“Thank you, again, for agreeing to the book tour. A Series of Fortunate Events has to be my favorite book I’ve read this year.” Emma continues helping me pack my collateral materials. This is the fourth sold out book signing, we’re leaving with only a small box of stickers and bookmarks.
Emma was so amazing at helping Julian get out from under Andre’s thumb a year ago, the least I can do is make an appearance at a few book signings to promote a few of her authors.
“The pleasure is mine. How’s Harriet’s next book coming along?”
“Great! I’m still trying to convince her to traditionally publish. Her book is so amazing, I want to see it widely distributed. But, she insists on staying indie.”
I chuckle. “Can you blame her?”
“This is all your doing, you know.” Emma wags her finger at me.
“I know, I know.” I raise my hands in surrender. “I just couldn’t risk working with someone like Andre or Bryan again.”
“I don’t blame you. Those guys were assholes.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” I say with a scoff.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sign with me?”
“Maybe one day, but for now, I’m enjoying the freedom of being independently published again.”
“Hey, baby.” Julian appears behind me, wrapping his arms around my torso. He kisses my temple and I melt into his embrace. “Ready to head out?”
“Yep.” I turn in his arms. “Just the one small box today.”
Julian’s grin spreads from ear to ear. “You sold out again, didn’t you?” I nod. “So fucking proud of you.” I lift onto my toes and kiss him. He pulls me closer and glides his hand into my hair, forcing a moan from me.
Emma clears her throat. “Ok, lovebirds. Get out of here. You’re fogging up the glass.”
“You’re one to talk,” Julian replies with a chuckle. “Don’t act all innocent. I’ve seen you with that Dylan of yours.”
Emma blushes. “That’s different.”
“You know, I’d love to tell your story sometime. Names changed to protect the not so innocent, of course,” I say, raising an eyebrow. Her love story beats mine by a long shot and second chance romance is hot right now. I shouldn’t write to market, but for Emma’s story, I totally would.
She rolls her eyes. “He’d never allow it. Well, I’m headed out. If you need anything before the next signing, let me know!”
Emma grabs a box and heads out of the bookstore. Julian leans in and whispers, “Your bag is packed and in the car. Come have an adventure with me.”
I gasp, “Where are we going?”
“Just a little trip. Don’t worry, I had Amanda pack your bag for you,” he says with a wink.
“Fuck. It’s all thongs, isn’t it?”
Julian shrugs. “Guess we’ll just have to find out.”
“Is your document saved?” Julian’s voice pulls me from my draft as he sits next to me on the chaise lounge. Our hotel room overlooks the water, reminding me of our month-long trip to St. Tropez a year ago. The sunny beaches of Miami have been the perfect backdrop for writing. If I can’t be in St. Tropez for inspiration, Florida’s clear blue waters are a perfect substitute.
I quickly double check my computer and sigh in relief. “Yes. Fuck. Don’t scare me like that.”
He leans over me, shuts my laptop, and closes the distance. He doesn’t kiss me, stopping less than an inch from my lips. “Can you take a break, my Becca?”
I’ll never get used to him calling me that—it still gives me butterflies. “Yeah, I just got to the good part, but I can take a break.” I set my laptop on the side table and hook my hand behind his neck, pulling him to me. He chuckles against my lips.
“What were you writing?” he asks as he trails kisses down my neck.
“I... uh... it doesn’t matter.”
Julian pulls back. “I can’t wait any longer.”
“Oh?” My eyebrows raise. “Do I have to be quiet? I don’t think the beach goers will be too thrilled to hear me moaning ‘Julian.’ The waves might drown out some of it, though.”
A hearty laugh comes from his chest. “No, baby.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a jewelry box. My heart leaps into my throat as my hand flies to my mouth.
He opens it. It’s a beautiful emerald cut solitaire in white gold. Simple and elegant. “Julian,” I breathe.
“Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me, my Becca?”
I wrap my arms around his neck, nodding frantically. “Fuck, it took you long enough.” He holds me tighter and kisses my shoulder and neck. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
He removes the ring from the box. “I’ve had this ring for a year. I bought it in St. Tropez. I would’ve asked you sooner but I had a surprise planned for you.” He slides it onto my finger.
“Here I thought we were going to have balcony sex. This is so much better.” I cup his cheek and kiss him softly.
“I love you,” he whispers against my lips.
“Not as much as I love you, my Julian,” I tease.
“I suppose I can tell you your surprise now.”
“What now?” I pull back, frowning. “You’ve already given me my perfect epilogue ending.” Julian pulls out his phone, showing me his airline app.
“St. Tropez? Then why the hell are we in Miami?” I can’t wipe the smile from my face.
“Had to throw you off my scent. I don’t want to wait to marry you. I had Ethan arrange everything. I want you to be my wife tomorrow... Unless that’s too soon?” His voice shakes at his question.
“Get married in St. Tropez? On one condition.” I bite my lip. His smile returns.
“Whatever you want.”
“I’m not waiting for the end of the meal; I want cheese as an appetizer.” Whoever made up that rule about cheese not being an appetizer in France should live in Tartarus.
“If it means I get to spend the rest of my life with you, consider it done, my Becca.”
LOVED A VOICE WITHOUT REASON?
I hope you loved reading Becca and Julian’s story as much as I loved writing it!
Wherever you feel most comfortable, please consider leaving a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or social media! Your honest review means the world to me.
While this book is a stand-alone, you may have noticed cameos from the Top Shelf Romances. Keep reading for a two chapter sneak peek of Mine with Extra Lime!
Don’t worry, Layla and Amanda have their own stories coming soon!
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xoxo,
Irene
MINE WITH EXTRA LIME
SNEAK PEEK
CHAPTER 1
EMMA
“Is this your first mixer?” My new boss, Susan, is trying to gauge exactly how much marketing experience I actually have. I’m only 21, and while I didn’t embellish my resumé, my experience is more management than marketing or sales—definitely not networking.
“Oh, no, this isn’t my first,” I lie as our car approaches the mixer where I may or may not be qualified to represent her company.
As we get out of the car, I become increasingly nervous. What am I doing? I don’t know how to network! Luckily, my new coworker, Katie, is already here to hold my hand through it.
“You got this, Emma,” she whispers as she links her arm with mine. “Just walk in, grab a glass of wine, and keep to yourself this round. The goal is just to get to know everyone. People want to do business with someone they like and they are going to love you! Watch what Susan and I do and you’ll be fine.”
I blow out a deep breath, only to stop dead in my tracks as we cross the threshold into the mixer. Is everyone here over 65? Katie squeezes my arm once before heading to the open bar across the room. I follow a few steps behind her and pick up a glass of whatever wine is being served. After a quick taste, I'm sure the varietal is just “white wine.” While I’m no connoisseur, this is definitely something that came from a box. I should be careful, I don’t want to be hungover tomorrow from a glass of cheap chardonnay.
Katie wanders over to one of our existing clients, who gives her a tight hug. I watch as she shakes the hand of the person next to them. Man, she’s good at this.
Sipping my sad excuse for wine, I scan the room. After a minute or so, I spot a gorgeous, tall man with dark hair and glasses. He can’t be older than 25, which means we are two of the youngest people here. I have absolutely no game when it comes to men, but I do know that I should not be staring at him for more than a few seconds, especially since he hasn’t taken his eyes off me.
“Where is the miscommunication? Vibrator. Delivered to your new place. Tomorrow.” She shows me her phone for proof.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Really?”
“Should I get Layla on this? She looks all sweet and innocent but you know damn well you’ll end up with some giant dildo arriving at your door. Girl writes fantasy-ish, I trust her vibrator game zero percent. Monster dongs will be coming your way.”
“I don’t need my clit to fall off.”
Amanda agrees, “Yeah, so accept my early housewarming and be done with it.”
“What if I fucked this all up and, after the last few weeks, he’s decided he doesn’t love me anymore?”
I haven’t even texted Julian since we landed at JFK. I’ve been too paranoid. He called me when he landed and sent me a burner phone, like I'm some kind of mafia princess or drug dealer. Maybe I should write a mafia romance next?
Other than my checking the charge on the incredibly expensive, latest model burner phone, I haven’t looked to see if he’s called. I have no way of reaching him. He deleted his social media, so I can’t even stalk him like a crazy ex.
Amanda gets up and heads into the kitchen, pulling over one of the four vases of obscenely large rose bouquets. “If these aren’t “fuck me” flowers, I don’t know what is.”
“It’s not like that.” Ok, maybe it is. “It’s not like he’s going to—”
There’s a knock at the door and Amanda and I exchange a confused look. I sprint for it, throwing my door open. “Juli— Bryan.”
“Hey, kitten.”
39
JULIAN
I can’t live without her. I know it’s risky but after almost two weeks of hiding from the media and Becca, I need to see her. I look ridiculous in a dark gray hoodie and sunglasses, but it’s worth it if I get to see my girl.
I take the steps two at a time.
“Hey, kitten.”
I still, seven steps before I reach her landing.
No. There’s no fucking way.
“What the fuck do you want?” Becca spits.
Ok, so this wasn’t a planned thing.
“Can I come in?”
“Fuck no, you can’t.” Amanda’s voice comes from inside the apartment. “Take one step and I’ll have her boyfriend here faster than a fucking roadrunner.”
“Wait, you have his number?” Becca says to her, barely above a whisper.
“Shut up, you suck at this,” Amanda replies. I have to keep myself from laughing.
Becca giggles for a moment then clears her throat. “Right. What are you doing here?”
“Brenda left me, with just dinner and a note.”
“Aw, so sad... Fuck off, North,” Amanda says with a shit ton of gusto. I take note not to ever upset Becca or I’ll be dealing with Amanda.
“Can I come in?” Bryan asks. “That asshole Julian took everything from me. And that Barlowe bitch sued me and Andre, and now I’m left with—”
“I’m sorry,” Becca interrupts, her voice laced with sarcasm. “What did you think was going to happen when you sabotaged my audiobook? You and Andre both got what you deserved.”
Bryan is quiet for a moment. Then, says softly, “I want you back, kitten.”
“Absolutely not,” Becca bites. “You aren’t invited and you have shit timing. I’m moving to California.”
Wait, what?
“California? Why? Brenda and I are over. I thought maybe we could pick up where we left off?”
“Fuck you. Fuck Brenda. Stay the hell away from my friend, Bryan.” Amanda’s voice lowers as she continues, “There are too many B’s here, Becs.” She raises it again. “Bryan, if you don’t leave, I’ll take care of you worse than I did Katrina.”
“Who’s Katrina?” Bryan asks
“I said fuck off, or I’ll—”
There’s a crunch, followed by a “what the fuck?” coming from Bryan.
“You thought I was joking?” Amanda snickers. “I was waiting for the moment you crossed her threshold to knock your ass out. Want to call the cops? I’m sure her sweet neighbor with the oddly named cat would be more than happy to vouch for me.”
I don’t need to step in and handle Becca’s battles. She has it covered. If she doesn’t, she has a few incredibly strong-willed friends who have no issue throwing a punch. I make my way down the stairs to the floor below hers, awaiting Bryan’s inevitable departure. Thankfully, only a couple minutes pass before he runs past me with his tail between his legs.
I slowly make my way back up the stairs. I knock four times and Amanda opens the door.
“What did I—” She breaks off mid-sentence and smiles. “What did I say about grand gestures?”
Becca groans and approaches the door. “Now what does he— Julian?”
“I’ll leave you to it,” Amanda tells me with a wink.
The moment she leaves, Becca slaps me. Full on, palm across the face. My hand instinctively rubs it. Relishing the sting. I fucking deserve it for disappearing.
“Where the fuck have you been?” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“I have some good news.” I try to hold in my excitement, already moving past the sting of her slap.
Becca’s shoulders fall. “What good news? I had an asshole at my door a minute ago, I’m trying to pack to—spoiler—surprise you in California, and—”
I close the distance, wrap her in my arms, and bring her lips to mine. I kiss the hell out of her without caution. I missed her too fucking much to not touch her, not kiss her, not feel her in my arms like she’s mine.
“You’re moving to California?” I ask against her lips. She nods and kisses me back with a ferocity I haven’t felt in weeks. While it’s a risk, being here with her feels... right.
“Lake Elsinore,” Becca replies but then pulls back. “What the hell are you doing here?” She looks behind me. “Did anyone see you?”
“Why are you moving to California?”
“Are you that fucking dense? I was coming for you. I bought a place thirty minutes from you,” Becca groans. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
“Not much of a surprise when your apartment went up for sale, my Becca,” I challenge.
“There haven’t been any bids, but there was someone interested yester— you. Was it you? Why? Why would you want a tiny apartment in the Upper East Side?”
I wrap her in my arms. “Yes, it was me. I had to come back for you.”
Becca laughs, resting her forehead against my chest and fisting my shirt. She whispers, “You came for me.”
I glide my hand into her hair, stroking her cheek with my thumb and pulling her emerald gaze to mine. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, my Becca. You’re here, so I am, too.”
“I love you,” she whispers.
“Not as much as I love you, baby. So, tell me, where do you want to live?”
She shakes her head. “I don’t care. As long as there’s air conditioning and internet, I want to be where you are.”
“Move in with me.” The words slip from me before I can stop them.
“Yes, she says yes!” Amanda yells from the living room.
Becca looks back to her. “Shh! You’re ruining his third act moment.” She turns back to me. “Amanda’s right. I’ll move in with you. On one condition.”
“You and your conditions.” A wide grin spreads across my face. “Name it, and it’s yours.”
“We buy a new place together that isn’t a fucking castle.”
“Always the voice of reason, my Becca.” I kiss her softly. “Anything else?”
“Yes. Can you hire movers? This shit is a pain in the ass. You want your girl to move in with you, gotta pay the price. Oh, and best friends are included. You’re stuck with my friends too, expect them to drop by frequently.”
“That’s right, you tell him,” Amanda chimes in.
Becca and I both laugh but it’s cut short when I tell her, “I didn’t tell you my surprise.”
“I thought you being here was my surprise?”
“They reworked the contract. I no longer have a clause that keeps me from seeing the woman I love.” I pull her closer by the small of her back and her breath catches.
“So, you can kiss me in public?”
I bite my lip, unable to hide my smile. “As of tomorrow? Yeah.”
“I love you.” Becca doesn’t let me respond. Her lips are on mine in an instant. I kiss her back harder, relishing the feel of her body pressed against mine. It’s only been a couple weeks—twelve days to be exact—but it feels like months, years even. I’m a starved man; I can’t get enough of her.
She walks us into her apartment, her lips never breaking from mine. Amanda slides out, without a word, and I can’t help but chuckle at her stealthy behavior.
“I love you, my Becca,” I finally reply.
“See. Now you know how it feels being cut off.” She pauses for a moment. “There’s just one thing.”
“What’s that, baby?”
“Daddy.”
“Huh?” I ask with a laugh.
“It’s not just the name of my neighbor’s cat.”
“Ok?”
“It’s also the name of my...”
EPILOGUE
BECCA
One Year Later
“Thank you, again, for agreeing to the book tour. A Series of Fortunate Events has to be my favorite book I’ve read this year.” Emma continues helping me pack my collateral materials. This is the fourth sold out book signing, we’re leaving with only a small box of stickers and bookmarks.
Emma was so amazing at helping Julian get out from under Andre’s thumb a year ago, the least I can do is make an appearance at a few book signings to promote a few of her authors.
“The pleasure is mine. How’s Harriet’s next book coming along?”
“Great! I’m still trying to convince her to traditionally publish. Her book is so amazing, I want to see it widely distributed. But, she insists on staying indie.”
I chuckle. “Can you blame her?”
“This is all your doing, you know.” Emma wags her finger at me.
“I know, I know.” I raise my hands in surrender. “I just couldn’t risk working with someone like Andre or Bryan again.”
“I don’t blame you. Those guys were assholes.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” I say with a scoff.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sign with me?”
“Maybe one day, but for now, I’m enjoying the freedom of being independently published again.”
“Hey, baby.” Julian appears behind me, wrapping his arms around my torso. He kisses my temple and I melt into his embrace. “Ready to head out?”
“Yep.” I turn in his arms. “Just the one small box today.”
Julian’s grin spreads from ear to ear. “You sold out again, didn’t you?” I nod. “So fucking proud of you.” I lift onto my toes and kiss him. He pulls me closer and glides his hand into my hair, forcing a moan from me.
Emma clears her throat. “Ok, lovebirds. Get out of here. You’re fogging up the glass.”
“You’re one to talk,” Julian replies with a chuckle. “Don’t act all innocent. I’ve seen you with that Dylan of yours.”
Emma blushes. “That’s different.”
“You know, I’d love to tell your story sometime. Names changed to protect the not so innocent, of course,” I say, raising an eyebrow. Her love story beats mine by a long shot and second chance romance is hot right now. I shouldn’t write to market, but for Emma’s story, I totally would.
She rolls her eyes. “He’d never allow it. Well, I’m headed out. If you need anything before the next signing, let me know!”
Emma grabs a box and heads out of the bookstore. Julian leans in and whispers, “Your bag is packed and in the car. Come have an adventure with me.”
I gasp, “Where are we going?”
“Just a little trip. Don’t worry, I had Amanda pack your bag for you,” he says with a wink.
“Fuck. It’s all thongs, isn’t it?”
Julian shrugs. “Guess we’ll just have to find out.”
“Is your document saved?” Julian’s voice pulls me from my draft as he sits next to me on the chaise lounge. Our hotel room overlooks the water, reminding me of our month-long trip to St. Tropez a year ago. The sunny beaches of Miami have been the perfect backdrop for writing. If I can’t be in St. Tropez for inspiration, Florida’s clear blue waters are a perfect substitute.
I quickly double check my computer and sigh in relief. “Yes. Fuck. Don’t scare me like that.”
He leans over me, shuts my laptop, and closes the distance. He doesn’t kiss me, stopping less than an inch from my lips. “Can you take a break, my Becca?”
I’ll never get used to him calling me that—it still gives me butterflies. “Yeah, I just got to the good part, but I can take a break.” I set my laptop on the side table and hook my hand behind his neck, pulling him to me. He chuckles against my lips.
“What were you writing?” he asks as he trails kisses down my neck.
“I... uh... it doesn’t matter.”
Julian pulls back. “I can’t wait any longer.”
“Oh?” My eyebrows raise. “Do I have to be quiet? I don’t think the beach goers will be too thrilled to hear me moaning ‘Julian.’ The waves might drown out some of it, though.”
A hearty laugh comes from his chest. “No, baby.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a jewelry box. My heart leaps into my throat as my hand flies to my mouth.
He opens it. It’s a beautiful emerald cut solitaire in white gold. Simple and elegant. “Julian,” I breathe.
“Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me, my Becca?”
I wrap my arms around his neck, nodding frantically. “Fuck, it took you long enough.” He holds me tighter and kisses my shoulder and neck. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
He removes the ring from the box. “I’ve had this ring for a year. I bought it in St. Tropez. I would’ve asked you sooner but I had a surprise planned for you.” He slides it onto my finger.
“Here I thought we were going to have balcony sex. This is so much better.” I cup his cheek and kiss him softly.
“I love you,” he whispers against my lips.
“Not as much as I love you, my Julian,” I tease.
“I suppose I can tell you your surprise now.”
“What now?” I pull back, frowning. “You’ve already given me my perfect epilogue ending.” Julian pulls out his phone, showing me his airline app.
“St. Tropez? Then why the hell are we in Miami?” I can’t wipe the smile from my face.
“Had to throw you off my scent. I don’t want to wait to marry you. I had Ethan arrange everything. I want you to be my wife tomorrow... Unless that’s too soon?” His voice shakes at his question.
“Get married in St. Tropez? On one condition.” I bite my lip. His smile returns.
“Whatever you want.”
“I’m not waiting for the end of the meal; I want cheese as an appetizer.” Whoever made up that rule about cheese not being an appetizer in France should live in Tartarus.
“If it means I get to spend the rest of my life with you, consider it done, my Becca.”
LOVED A VOICE WITHOUT REASON?
I hope you loved reading Becca and Julian’s story as much as I loved writing it!
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While this book is a stand-alone, you may have noticed cameos from the Top Shelf Romances. Keep reading for a two chapter sneak peek of Mine with Extra Lime!
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xoxo,
Irene
MINE WITH EXTRA LIME
SNEAK PEEK
CHAPTER 1
EMMA
“Is this your first mixer?” My new boss, Susan, is trying to gauge exactly how much marketing experience I actually have. I’m only 21, and while I didn’t embellish my resumé, my experience is more management than marketing or sales—definitely not networking.
“Oh, no, this isn’t my first,” I lie as our car approaches the mixer where I may or may not be qualified to represent her company.
As we get out of the car, I become increasingly nervous. What am I doing? I don’t know how to network! Luckily, my new coworker, Katie, is already here to hold my hand through it.
“You got this, Emma,” she whispers as she links her arm with mine. “Just walk in, grab a glass of wine, and keep to yourself this round. The goal is just to get to know everyone. People want to do business with someone they like and they are going to love you! Watch what Susan and I do and you’ll be fine.”
I blow out a deep breath, only to stop dead in my tracks as we cross the threshold into the mixer. Is everyone here over 65? Katie squeezes my arm once before heading to the open bar across the room. I follow a few steps behind her and pick up a glass of whatever wine is being served. After a quick taste, I'm sure the varietal is just “white wine.” While I’m no connoisseur, this is definitely something that came from a box. I should be careful, I don’t want to be hungover tomorrow from a glass of cheap chardonnay.
Katie wanders over to one of our existing clients, who gives her a tight hug. I watch as she shakes the hand of the person next to them. Man, she’s good at this.
Sipping my sad excuse for wine, I scan the room. After a minute or so, I spot a gorgeous, tall man with dark hair and glasses. He can’t be older than 25, which means we are two of the youngest people here. I have absolutely no game when it comes to men, but I do know that I should not be staring at him for more than a few seconds, especially since he hasn’t taken his eyes off me.
