Kitchen scandals 1 ed 2013 1494841304

Kitchen Scandals
Brooke Cumberland


DEDICATION
To my amazing family who are always within arms reach when I need them. Without you, none of this
would be possible. A huge shout out and thank you to my friend, Stefani for always willing to read
whatever I send her way and giving me amazing advice. To my husband–for not feeling neglected
when the computer got more attention than he did. And to my readers for keeping me inspired. Thank
you for all your feedback and appreciation.


OTHER BOOKS

By Brooke Cumberland
KITCHEN AFFAIRS
The Riverside Trilogy #1


Table of Contents
AUTHORS NOTE
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR


CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
EPILOGUE
SPARK – CHAPTER ONE (SNEAK PEEK)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my readers who inspire and support me to keep going. Your kind words and messages mean more
to me than I could ever say! I love interacting with all of you on a daily basis on Facebook and
Twitter! I truly from the bottom of my heart appreciate it! Thank you!
And a quick acknowledgement to all my Facebook Authors & Bloggers/Reviewers who continuously
share and post on my behalf. I love being in our Author/Blogger community where we can talk about

books & reading!
Thank you to my cover designer, Steph, for making me a mouthwatering cover! And to my editor,
Rogena, for always working her butt off to get my pages back to me on time.
There are too many blogs/FB pages to mention them all, but please know you make a difference and
are amazing!! There are some I do want to mention that are always promoting me, guiding me, and
sharing my posts!
Novel Grounds
My Fictional Boyfriend & Book Whore Page
Say What? Savannah Mae
Kayla the Bibliophile
Maria’s Book Blog
Just Booked
Turn the Page
Book, Babes and Cheap Cabernet
Bookaholics Blog
Stephanie’s Book Reports
All Romance Reviews
Sarah’s Book Blog
Mary Elizabeth’s Crazy Book Obsession
Up All Night Book Addict
Shh Mom’s Reading
Talkbooks
Who you callin’ a book whore
Love Between The Sheets
Swoon Worthy Books
I Feel the Need, the Need to Read
Twinsie Talk Book Reviews
A Book Whore’s Obsession
Bridger Bitches Book Blog
The Book Bellas

I Heart Books
Seductive Romance Reviews
Book Bitches


Nose Stuck in a Book
Inside the Pages of a Book
2 Chicks and a Blog – Book Soul mates
Romance Book Worm
Hook Me Up Book Blog
…and any others I forgot to mention!
Also, a quick thank you to the blogs that were in my blog tour! Thank you for loving this series as
much as I do!
Brooke xo


AUTHOR’S NOTE
I wanted to give my readers a more intimate story, so I’ve included multiple exchanges of Molly &
Drake’s point of view. I hope it brings the story together well and you all get a better understanding of
their love story.


PROLOGUE
Drake
From the moment I walked into the conference hall, which was large enough for a social
gathering, I spotted her from across the room. She was wearing a gorgeous red knee length V-neck
dress with black stilettos. Simple, but stunning. Her long brown hair lay beautifully on her shoulders
with loose curls at the end. She was casually standing near another woman, holding a drink in one
hand, twirling the straw with her other hand. She looked bored at best. I didn’t blame her. These
orientation gatherings normally were. They were the official meet-and-greet of the new interns for the

semester.
I stood there and stared at her for a moment, taking her in completely. I studied her as if she
were a painting. I couldn’t help myself. She stood with such grace you would have never guessed at
how clumsy she was. I lost all track of time staring at her that I barely noticed it was my time to
speak.
I cleared my throat and fixed my tie before heading to the stage. I always welcomed the new
interns at orientation seeing as I was the one who oversaw the program and looked through the
applicants. I needed to know her name. Somehow, I needed to hear her voice.
“Welcome. Thank you all for coming tonight, showing your pride as you enter a new stage in
your career. Riverside is excited to have you become a part of our family! You will struggle, you will
fail, and better yet, you will succeed. If you don’t struggle and if you don’t learn to fail, you will
never know what it feels like to succeed. So, before you get down on yourself, remember that. This
program is hard, time-consuming, and will mentally drain you, but I promise you, it’ll all be worth
it.” As I was delivering my speech, I tried my hardest to scan the room and keep eye contact with the
other interns and staff, but it was hard to peel my eyes away from her. Just as I was telling a joke and
ending my speech, it happened. She laughed and smiled so big it made her cheeks turn pink. She had
the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. She looked so carefree and full of life. I wondered if she had
ever had any heartbreak in her short life. I certainly hoped she hadn’t.
By seeing her big, bright smile, you would have never known the pain she had been through.
I would have never guessed her fights and struggles. She made it look easy. Too easy.
“Excuse me? Mr. Moon, I need to know that woman’s name.” I said to my assistant, nodding
my head in her direction. It wasn’t anywhere near an odd request on my part. My assistant was used
to my strange requests. After being with me for six years, he never questioned anything I asked.
I decided to keep my distance from her that night knowing I wouldn’t be able to keep myself
composed around her. I didn’t even know her name, and I wanted to sweep her away and kiss her
until our lips were bruised. I decided to stay as close to her as I could without being too obvious. I
continued to hear her laugh as she spoke with the other woman standing near her. It refreshed my heart
every time. Then I saw it. The ring on her left hand.
I was in denial the second I noticed it. She didn’t look any older than twenty-three, maybe
twenty-four. Most interns in the program were not married. For some reason, deep down, I felt as if it

just couldn’t be true. Engaged? Perhaps. But I was determined to find out.
“Mr. Stagliano?” My assistant tapped me on the shoulder taking my attention away from her.
“I have the information you asked me for.” I could see a manila folder under his arm. Her portfolio.
Finally.
“Let me have it, please.” I reached out and took it from him. “Thank you.” I walked away so
I could look without being distracted. At events like these, I rarely had a free moment to spare, but
tonight I was making time.
“Molly Woods,” speaking aloud to myself. “Twenty-three, scholarship applicant, lives in
Chicago, graduated high school with honors.” I continued talking to myself in hopes of getting the
information I needed. And then, there was a little box checked with her marital status. “Single.” I
smiled as I read that. Perfect.
I handed my assistant the folder back, sneaking back into the conference room. A staff
member was now going over a power point presentation on basic “dos and don’ts.” Orientation was a
bore, but it at least gave me one hell of an excuse to watch her. She playfully twirled her hair around
her finger and sipped on her drink. I noticed a guy walking up to her, and my face flattened as I saw
him sit next to her. She began playing with her ear as she nervously looked down trying to avoid the
man’s eye contact. I could tell he was making her nervous and uncomfortable. I flinched as I told
myself not to get involved. Not here.
As the orientation ended, I noticed she was getting ready to leave. Hopefully by herself. She
waved to her friend as she walked out the door. And just like that, my heart sank. I felt drawn to her
as if we already had a connection somehow. It was a feeling I’ve never felt before, and I wasn’t sure
how to handle it. Come on, Drake. Shake it off!
Deep down I knew I was crazy for feeling like this. It could never turn into anything, at least
while she was interning at the Riverside. That would break so many rules of staff dating, especially
the owner’s son dating an intern. But I also knew deep down that I really didn’t care. Nope, don’t
care. I would risk it for her. If she wanted me, to...
-------------<>------------The following week dragged on as I went to meetings and worked in my office. I knew the
following Monday would be her first day here, and I couldn’t wait to see her again. She was on my

mind the entire time. I wondered what she was doing, who was she with, or where she had been. My
mind was consumed of only her, and I had yet to speak a single word to her. To say she was beautiful
would be a vast understatement. When I first noticed her, it was as if the entire room stood still as I
watched her stirring her drink, twirling her hair, and biting the inside of her cheek. She made looking
bored sexy. Sexy as hell.
Monday finally arrived, and I had planned to introduce myself to her, but I was scared as
hell. Would I scare her off or make her uncomfortable? I wanted to ask about the ring, but I couldn’t
let on that I knew she wasn’t married. Thoughts of her flooded my mind all morning until I finally
found an excuse to go into the kitchen.


Since this was the first day for my interns, I decided I would go down, speak with Mr.
Cooper, and see how his students were doing. Yeah, that was a valid excuse. I walked through the
doors with confidence and casually searched for her. She was at the back counter station looking
much different from the first time I saw her. She wore a white button-up chef’s coat with perfectly
smoothed-out black cuffs and collar. She had a white apron wrapped around her waist, and tied in a
knot in the front. Her hair was pinned up this time and tucked underneath her chef’s hat. Her face had
less makeup than before, but just as beautiful. She was chewing her lip as she remained focused on
what she was doing.
I fidgeted with the change in my right pocket before getting the nerve to walk up to her. She
had just turned around to grab something up high, so I took this opportunity to approach her. After
asking her if she were married, she quickly spun around, clearly shocked by my straight-forwardness.
Way to freak her out!
I couldn’t stop gazing into her beautiful green eyes. When she wasn’t looking, I eyed her
lips. They looked soft and plump. I had imagined kissing those very lips for the past week. I was
unsure how much longer I would be able to wait.
I chuckled as she told me her ring was to keep danger away. I knew exactly what she meant,
but I was still determined to find out more about her. I could tell I was making her uncomfortable with
my questions about her ring, so I knew I would have to resort to plan B.
As I walked away, I heard the pot she was grabbing drop to the floor. I smiled as I hoped I

had rattled her. In a good way, of course. I had plotted my next move, and I wasn’t going to wait long
to see her again.
After only a few hours I was anxious to see her. I wanted to ask her to dinner so we could
spend some time alone together. I just needed some time with her so she would feel what I felt. It was
inevitable that we belonged together. I just knew it.
I came up with another excuse to walk through the kitchen. I searched for her again, but I
didn’t see her. I walked to the back and noticed the freezer door open. Peeking my head in, I saw she
was putting something away. She had her back toward me, so I walked in, slamming the door behind
me. Shit, a little too loud, though.
I startled her as she jumped at the sound of the door slamming. She turned around, and her
eyes grew big as she saw me standing there. I wanted to come off charming by asking her to dinner,
but I could tell she was alarmed by my forwardness. Denied. As she passed me, and exited the
freezer, I inhaled her scent. Cucumber Melon.
Fucked it up again. Moving to plan C.
Molly remained on my mind for the rest of the day. I had made two attempts already having
been shot down both times. This was unusual for me. I never had to go chasing a girl before. Molly
was different. She made me want to be different. I was simply infatuated with her. Even her turning
me down was sexy.
I went through her file again and found her address. Perhaps she would be more comfortable


in her own home, and I could ask her out that way. Yeah, that would work. I convinced myself to go to
her house that night.
-------------<>------------The moment she opened the door, and was stunned to see me, I felt like running away. Shit,
this will for sure scare her off. I tried to act nonchalant as she greeted me and gestured me in. Her
place was beautiful, and I secretly wondered how she could afford something in downtown Chicago.
Most interns were broke while living with their parents. It didn’t cloud my mind too long before she
handed me a glass of wine. I suspected she was curious as to my unannounced visit.
Seeing her in her natural form was more beautiful than I could describe. She wore yoga
shorts and a sweet V-neck tee, clearly without a bra. It was a little sexy since she was trying to cover

her hard nipples up. After all, it wasn’t cold in the room.
I didn’t have much of a reason as to why I was there except for the fact that I just wanted to
see her again. I wanted to know her, learn about her, and mostly just look at her. After failing
miserably once again, I convinced her we could be friends. For now at least.
The moment I saw her little girl, everything about her made sense. She was not only single,
but she was a single mother. Knowing that she wasn’t married and not knowing about the father, left
many unanswered questions. Now I could understand why her guard was up, and why she was so
reluctant to get to know me.
Leaving her for the third time had damaged my heart. No other woman has ever made me
feel like this. I attempted three times in one single day to get her attention, and each time she denied
me. I wasn’t mad. I just had to get more creative next time.
-------------<>------------I had been sitting outside in my limo when I spotted Molly and a few others exiting the
Riverside. She's laughing and chatting with them, so I tell my driver to follow closely behind to watch
where they go. Just a couple blocks down, they entered inside an old tavern that I had never been to
before. I waited a few minutes before going in.
I noticed Molly right away and I knew she spotted me. Her eyes grew big as I winked and
smiled at her. I sat at the bar and ordered a beer, casually pretending that it was my normal ritual.
Within a few minutes, Molly exited the bar and I stood wondering if she left on my account. Not
giving her much time to get too far, I quickly left the bar after her.
I stayed my distance so she didn’t feel me walking behind her. As Molly is flagging down a
cab, I waved to my driver to leave. He nodded and put his turn signal on. I caught up to Molly just in
time, as she tripped reaching for the handle. I smiled to myself as I realized she was quite the klutz.
My heart raced as she thanked me, not realizing who I was yet. As she turned around, I am
slapped in the face by her scent again. I closed my eyes for a split second as I stabled her, taking it all
in. I took the opportunity and slid into the cab with her, which took her by surprise.
After she climbed out of the cab, I realized her wallet was on the floor. Instead of chasing


her down the street, I thought of another way to give it back to her. It needed to be different this time –
a way she couldn’t say no. If she would just give herself the opportunity to let me in, I was positive

she wouldn’t regret it.


CHAPTER ONE
Molly
I TOSSED AND TURNED as I tried to find the right position on my side of the bed. No matter what I
tried, I could not get comfortable. Drake had been passed out for at least two hours while I laid there
wide awake. I was reflecting back on the past twelve months of our time together. I couldn’t believe,
at the beginning of the year, I was just a chef intern, and now I was working at The Riverside amongst
remarkable chefs. There had been a huge turn of events in my life once I started my internship. Drake
had changed my life – for the better.
“Kendra…” My eyes shot open as I heard Drake mumbling in his sleep. I turned towards
him for a moment, waiting to see if he were talking in his sleep again. “Kendra… don’t.”
Apparently he was.
I cringed at the thought of him dreaming about her. We hadn’t spoken of Kendra in a long
time, so it was surprising he would be mumbling her name now.
Most nights I would debate whether to wake him up or let him sleep. Usually he mumbled
about work, or moaned my name, but never had he said Kendra in his sleep. My body twitched at the
thought of her being in his head. I continued to stare at him, waiting to see if he said anymore.
Suddenly, his eyes popped open staring directly into mine. He looked around baffled as he realized it
was still dark out.
“Are you alright?” I asked, as I noticed he was sweating, and his eyes had a look of fear.
He rubbed his hands over his face. “Yeah…I just had the weirdest dream, that’s all.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” I offered, hoping he’d mention why he was dreaming about
Kendra. I leaned up on one elbow, urging him to tell me.
“No…it’s nothing. Don’t worry, baby.” He leaned over and kissed me hard on the lips. I
gave in, kissing him back. His hand drifted up my shirt, clenching my bare skin. His greedy kiss urged
me harder, leaving me begging for air. And more of him. His lips moved down my neck and to the
curve of my collarbone, where he pulled open my shirt, making more room for his lips to explore. His
body moved quickly, hovering over me as his hands grasped my sides. His hands brushed my shirt,

pulling it up and over my head.
He grabbed my breast in the palm of his hand and tugged the nipple hard. I moaned at the
sensation as it jolted electricity through my body. His lips moved down to the other breast as his
tongue played with my now sensitive nipple.
I was lost in him, lost in the moment, and completely forgot about the previous five minutes.
He dipped his head into my chest, rubbing his hands freely over my naked skin. He reached for my
pants, and grinned as he realized I wasn’t wearing any. Sleeping next to Drake was like sleeping in an
oven. His body heat radiated across the entire bedroom, leaving me to rip half my clothes off during
the night.


He lowered his lips down my torso and hovered over the lining of my lace panties. I arched
my body up pressing his mouth inside me deeper. I gripped his hair in my hands, squeezing his locks
between my fingers.
“You are going to put me in orgasmic body seizures,” I moaned against the intense sensation.
He lifted his head up to meet my eyes and smiled. “Seriously, you’re torturing me… I’m going to go
into fucking convulsions if you don’t hurry,” I pleaded playfully urging him inside me.
“Patience, patience my love. I’ve hardly started with you yet.”
“Oh god…”
He brought his body up and pressed himself inside me. His pelvis continued to dig deeper
and deeper against mine making every solid movement pulsate electricity throughout my entire body.
As our moans and pleads echoed throughout his room, I clawed the sheets holding on for
stability. His body pressed firm against mine, making perfect rhythmic movements with mine putting
my body through holy orgasmic spasms. Holy fuck.
The way Drake could make me feel was nothing I had ever felt before. We weren’t just
having sex…it was more than that. Much more. We made love…hot, steamy, erotic love.
I lay there breathlessly underneath Drake’s sweaty body. His hair tousled, and covering my
chest as he rest his head down on me. I tried to sync my breathing with his, but I could no longer
control it.
“You are going to give me a frenzy stroke one of these days if you keep this up,” I teased,

running my fingertips up and down his back, slowing his rapid breathing down.
“At least you would die a happy woman,” he mocked, knowing damn well what he could do
to me. Red hot spasms…
“Okay, mister.” I turned and smiled at him. “My turn,” I said, pushing him away from me as I
straddled my legs over him. “Don’t you dare move,” I ordered.
“Yes, ma’am.” He smirked as he placed arms behind his head ready to receive anything I
was willing to give him.
I lowered my lips to his chest biting at his skin on my way down. “Hold on.”
-------------<>------------The following morning, I woke up to the strong smell of bacon. And peanut butter. What the
hell? I swung my legs over the bed, looking for my clothes that were sprinkled across the floor
everywhere.
I walked down the hall noticing the smell getting more intense. Someone is definitely
making bacon. I tiptoed down the stairs that led to the kitchen. I spotted a shirtless, handsome hunk
frying bacon over the stove. I paused on the steps a moment taking it all in. Watching Drake cook was
insanely hot. Watching him half-naked is pure sexual torture.


I walked the rest of the way down the steps, and sat at the breakfast bar watching him
intently. He had quiet music playing as he stepped from the stove to the toaster.
He spun around, nearly losing his grip on the pan of greasy bacon. “Good morning.” He
smiled and leaned in for a kiss. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.” I smiled, admiring how good he looked in the kitchen. “What exactly are you
doing?”
“Cooking breakfast for my love,” he said proudly.
“I can see that.” I stood up and walked to the sink. Turning on the faucet to rinse my hands, I
turned and asked, “Why exactly are you cooking breakfast?”
Drake never cooked. I’m actually surprised he can cook, or is attempting to at least. I turned
back around to rinse the soap from my hands. My body was hyper-aware of his presence as my thighs
tingled from last night’s events.
“It’s a very special day, sweetheart.” He placed the hot pan down, and walked behind me.

He pulled my hair to one side and kissed the sensitive skin just under my ear.
“It is?” I asked, not knowing what the hell he was talking about. Not his birthday…not my
birthday…what am I missing?
“Yes.” He spun me around, so I was now facing him. With my back to the sink, he leaned in
just barely grazing our noses, placing his hands on the counter behind me. “It’s our one year
anniversary.” He slowly pecked my lips and backed his face away to watch my expression.
“We have an anniversary?” I asked, raising my brows.
“Yes. January twelfth,” he said matter-of-factly. How did I not know this?
“Oh.” I looked at him curiously. “And how did you come up with that exactly?” I giggled,
amused that he knew we had an anniversary, and I didn’t.
“It was our first time.” He smiled. “The day I made you mine,” he teased, biting my lower
lip between his teeth. Ahhh…that day…
“That was a good day.” I smiled at the memory. “But I wasn’t aware that’s what made me
yours.”
“Of course, it did.” He pressed his body against mine, reassuring me of exactly what was
his.
“I don’t remember signing any contract, or agreeing to that,” I teased, remembering our
conversation about previous women he dated.
“Oh really…well, the moment your lips touched mine was your verbal agreement to only be
mine.” He pressed his body harder into me, making it clear he was serious. “You aren’t getting
away.” He slammed his mouth into mine, feeling my tongue with his.


“Does that mean I’m your sex slave?” I managed through aching lips.
“I prefer to call you my Sex Goddess,” he responded.
I busted out laughing at his cheesy remark. “I won’t protest to that…as long as you’re my Sex
God.”
“Deal.” He smashed his hands around my ass and picked me up, wrapping my legs tightly
around his waist. “Now let’s go finish that marathon we started last night.”
I couldn’t help the giggles that slipped out of my mouth as he made a dash for the stairs.

“Our breakfast is getting cold,” I pouted as we lay in bed with the sheets ripped off. Drake
was aggressive in the morning. Very aggressive. Not that I minded.
“Don’t worry. We still have lunch and dinner,” he teased, rubbing his fingers softly over my
skin.
“You are going to leave me a very hungry woman,” I teased back, knowing exactly what he
meant.
“Just the way I like you.” He kissed my lips and slammed his body into mine once again.
“You have the sexual appetite of a sixteen year old boy,” I teased, rolling back onto my side
of the bed.
“Well, if that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black?” he teased, tickling the very sensitive skin
over my ribs.
“Hey!” I shouted, pretending to be offended. “That is all you! I was a quiet, sweet girl
before you corrupted me.” I laughed, pushing his fingers off me.
“I wouldn’t say quiet, but I’ll take credit for waking up the beast inside you.” He smiled
again, making me laugh at his overconfident ego.
“Okay, seriously. We need to get out of bed.” I laughed, realizing it was late in the day
already. “My legs are jelly.”
“Mine, too.” He huffed a laugh, clearly content.
“Guess we need to order in.” I winced as I tried to swing my legs off the bed. Damn he
really did rough me up.
“Let’s get that sore body of yours in the hot tub.” Before I could respond, Drake had me up
in his arms carrying me to the bathroom. Somehow he managed to turn the water on while still holding
onto me. He lowered me into the steaming hot water, and told me to relax while he ordered dinner.
I lowered my body deeper into the water, letting the heat relax my extremely sore and
possibly pulled muscles. I grabbed some bubble bath and poured half the bottle in. Oh god, this feels
amazing.


Drake returned a half hour later wearing only an old pair of jeans that had holes and rips in
the ass pockets. Fuck those are extremely hot. No… no thinking of naughty things. You are fucking

sore, Molly.
Drake held up a few white containers from his favorite Chinese restaurant. That was one of
the best things about Chicago. Food delivery didn’t take long in the city.
He opened one container and with a quick swirl of his chopsticks had a large amount of
noodles ready.
“Open up.” I complied, and let him feed me. I think I’m liking this whole anniversary thing
so far. He fed me a few more bites and then finished the box himself.
He rose out of his chair and stood behind the tub behind my head. I closed my eyes as he
rubbed my shoulders, massaging the water into me.
“Wow. That feels amazing.”
“You haven’t felt amazing yet, baby.” I could tell he was smiling, and secretly torturing me.
“I don’t know how much more amazing my body can take.”
“I guess we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
“As long as you leave me in one piece.” He lowered his lips to my ear, sucking the water off
them. His hands continued rubbing as they lowered down my chest.
Drake
I’m hovering over a still body. Kendra is covered in blood and sweat. Why did she pull
these ridiculous stunts?
“Kendra, wake up!” I shook her viciously, hoping she was still conscious. She was
diagnosed with bipolar disorder her freshman year of college. She would do great for long
periods, and after awhile she thought she didn’t need to take her medication anymore… which
would bring her here to this moment of insane behavior.
Kendra started cutting herself just a few months after we started dating. Or at least that’s
when I found out about it. She would threaten me with harming herself anytime we fought, or if I
tried to end things with her.
“Drake, I’ll do it!” she warned, holding a knife up to her neck. If she wasn’t cutting
herself, she was threatening to kill herself. She was unstable, and most times she ended up in the
psych ward for a week or two until she recovered.
“Kendra, don’t!” I fought with her while trying to grab the knife out of her grip.
I peeled my eyes open, realizing I’m in bed. Molly is staring at me with concerned eyes. Did

I say something in my sleep? I remembered it’s officially our anniversary, and that I wanted to make
this day as special as possible for Molly. I never had an anniversary with anyone before that was
worth celebrating.


-------------<>------------After getting Molly out of the tub, I carried her back to our bedroom where I surprised her
with rose petals and champagne.
“Wow, you really go all out for these anniversary things,” she said taking it all in.
“Actually, it’s my first one. I wanted it to be special.”
“Really? It’s your first one?” she asked, curiously.
“Well, my first one that was worth making special.” I dropped her to her feet and took her
mouth in mine. I planted my hands on her cheeks, forcing her body to press hard against me. Most
days I couldn’t get enough of her. Fuck, make that every day. She hypnotized me, and what made it
even worse was that I don’t think she even realized what she did to me.
I wanted to celebrate our past year together all day and night. She was worth it, and she
deserved everything. She was the first woman that ever made me feel the way she does. In previous
relationships, there was usually only sexual chemistry that brought us together, but that was it. There
was no connection, no need to be around them, and most times nothing in common. Molly was
different – so different in that it drove me fucking insane how much I needed and desired her. The
way my body reacted to hers was something I couldn’t fully explain. It was as if my body had a brain
of its own—never minding the consequences of its actions.
“So, I have something for you.” I turned and grabbed a box out of my dresser. Her eyes
widened, looking panicked almost.
She grabbed it out of my hand and slowly opened it. Her eyes softened as she realized it was
a key. She pulled it out and held it up while for an explanation.
“Molly,” I started, slowly. I bent down so that I was in between her legs looking directly
into her eyes. “You already have the key to my heart, but now I want you to have this key—the key
that brings you home.” She stayed still trying to wrap her mind around what he was saying. Did she
know what I was asking, or was I confusing the hell out of her? “I want you to move in with me,
Molly. You and Stella,” I confirmed, making sure she knew exactly what I wanted.

“Are you sure?” she asked nervously, gripping the key in her palm.
“I have absolutely no doubts, Molly, that we are ready to take this next step.” I looked her in
the eyes, making sure she knew just how much I loved her, and how much I wanted this for us.
“But I mean… are you sure about all this?” She waved her hand around to represent she
came with more than just her. “We can be a handful.” She grinned. “We’re a two-for-one package.”
“I know.” I smiled. “I love a bargain deal.” She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me
tight against her chest. “Does that mean yes?” I teased, still wanting to hear her say it.
“Yes!” She beamed. “Yes, yes, yes!”


CHAPTER TWO
Molly
Six Weeks Later
I had been packing all day and night. Make that all week, and all last week too. God, I hate
packing. Drake and I were officially moving in together, and as a bonus, Michael was coming with
us. Drake liked Michael, and knew I wouldn’t want to leave him behind, especially since Stella loved
him so much. It made sense for us to be moving in together, seeing that either Drake was at my place,
or I was over at his. It was the perfect move for us… the perfect next step. Also, this way I could
spend time with my three most favorite people in the world.
“Almost ready? The movers are here.” Drake peeked into my bedroom. I did a once over,
looking back at the years I’ve called this place home.
“Yes.” I smiled and grabbed his hand. I was excited about our new journey. I wondered
where it would take us. I only ever lived with a man once before in my life, so apart of me felt
nervous, but for the most part, I felt excited to be moving on.
We left my apartment for the last time, leaving the movers to do their job. I couldn’t believe
all the stuff I had accumulated over the past four years. Stella was now five and already in
kindergarten. I couldn’t believe the little personality she had. She was my mini-me, but at the same
time, I saw so much of Liam in her.
We walked down to where his limo was waiting. Michael and Stella were already back at
the penthouse, waiting for the movers to arrive. Michael had his room packed up a week ago, and had

no desire to help move. He couldn’t wait to live in Drake’s penthouse. But who could blame him?
“Are you excited to be moving in?” He inched closer, rubbing his lips down my neck.
“I’d be more excited if you were naked.” I arched my neck back, giving him easier access. I
loved his lips on me, but the neck, that was my sweet spot.
“Oh, I’ll be naked alright. In the bedroom. In the bathroom. In the kitchen. On the balcony,”
he teased in between nibbling and kissing my neck, making it raw. He could put my whole body into a
frenzy just kissing that one spot.
“Fuck. That’s a lot of naked,” I gasped, flashing the thought through my mind at how much I
would enjoy that.
“You bet.” He smiled, and played with my strap, inching his hand down further my shirt. The
limo reached our penthouse, but instead of stopping, Drake ordered his driver to keep going.
“You have a dirty mind,” I moaned into his mouth. This wasn’t our first time in his limo, and
it was certainly not going to be the last. He pulled both straps down, releasing my breasts into his
hands. I leaned back against the cold leather, soaking up the intense feelings that were riveting through
my body.


He lowered his mouth down, pushing my dress up towards my hips. He placed soft, wet
kisses up my thighs, making sure he didn’t leave any bare skin untouched.
We arrived back to the penthouse as he released me into an intense body spasm. He kissed
my forehead as he helped push my dress back down over my legs. He grinned as he noticed how spent
I was.
“Good thing we hired movers,” he teased, taking my hand as we exited the limo. I’d been to
Drake’s several times over the last several months, but today was different. I was no longer just
visiting. It was now my home. Our home.
The following morning we went into full-on unpacking mode. Stella left early for school and
Michael had to get back to writing. I had Monday’s off, so Drake took the day off with me.
“I wasn’t aware of all the shit you had,” Drake groaned as he continued unloading my
clothes and shoes. There were boxes everywhere, leaving little space to actually move around.
“It’s a good thing I moved into a seven bedroom penthouse then,” I recoiled at his whiney

tone. He grinned back, giving me a look of desperation. Quickly he dropped whatever the hell he was
holding and charged towards me. I sprung back, not letting him catch me. Unfortunately, Drake was
much faster than me and whirled me around on the bed, making him land on top of me. Fuck, he’s
strong. He pulled my arms apart, pressing them against the mattress. I tried to wiggle out, but the
more I fought, the firmer his grip was. He placed aggressive, greedy kisses up my stomach, inching
his way up to my breasts and up my neck. My body was a traitor and greeted him willingly as the
intensity grew between my thighs. My back arched up to his lips, begging for more.
A moan escaped my lips as he tugged on my ear with his teeth. My body was hungry and
desperate for his touch, and just as I was ready to give in, he hopped off leaving me completely
breathless and frustrated.
“You’re evil,” I groaned as he smiled at my expression. “Get your naked ass back over
here.”
He dipped his body back down and pressed a quick kiss on the tip of my nose. “Unpack
now, and maybe I’ll reward you later,” he counter-offered. I let out a frustrating moan as I swung my
legs off the side of the bed.
“Fine. Better be worth it,” I pouted.
“I always am.”
Stella arrived home just before dinner, and although a couple dozen boxes were still left
unopened, I wanted to cook a special dinner for our first full day of living together.
“What’s on the menu?” Drake asked as he watched me dig thru the fridge.
“You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
As I mixed my chicken cordon bleu mixture together, I reflected back on the past year that
I’d spent with Drake. I could hardly believe it had been that long. I wasn’t even looking for a


relationship, and out of nowhere, this amazing man walked into my life.
After I started working at the Riverside full-time, Drake and I developed a healthy routine
that consisted of him coming down to the restaurant to see me any chance he could, and I went up to
his office to see him, as well. It wasn’t always about the intense chemistry and sexual tension. We
would also just sit together and enjoy each other’s company over lunch. Most days I found myself

talking about work, and how I loved being able to cook everyday and hear people complimenting the
food.
Nikos Castellanos was the man who interviewed me for the chef position. He’s also the one
I worked side by side with. He has taught me the most amazing techniques, and continued teaching me
long after my training period. He had shaggy, long dark hair—almost black, that he tied back when he
was in the kitchen. He had a thick, Greek accent that sometimes was hard to understand, but after
awhile I got pretty good at decoding his language.
Mr. Rizzo was the assistant restaurant manager who was often busy with paperwork and
handling customer complaints. Not that there were many, but serving top executives and politicians
often led to nervous servers.
My life has changed so dramatically in the past several months. Stella started school,
Michael gained immense popularity with his fashion blog, especially after appearing in Quest
magazine, and Drake and I were happily in love. It was bliss.
After our first official dinner living under the same roof was over, Stella took a bath and
headed to bed. Her days at school were longer and she could hardly stay up past eight. Michael
usually met up with his boyfriend, Troy, or hid away in his room to write. Troy never came around,
but I think that was to keep Stella out of the loop until she was old enough to understand.
Even so, it was nice being alone with Drake at the end of a long day…having him to myself,
and just being together.
“So, I have a little surprise for you,” Drake announced as I dried the last of the dishes.
“Does it involve…cheesecake?” I asked, really craving some sweet dessert.
“It could…” He rushed over to me and slammed me against the wall, taking me by surprise.
He pinned my hands up behind my head with his as he smashed his lips to mine. I felt a sudden tingle
between my thighs, ready to devour into him at any moment. “If it did involve cheesecake, I’d set a
piece right here…” He paused, kissing my shoulder. “And right here…” He paused again, kissing the
other shoulder. “And possibly down here…” He then trailed his kisses down my chest, moving the
fabric of my shirt out of his way with his teeth.
“Oh, sweet, Jesus, please tell me we have cheesecake,” I pleaded, urging him down further.
He released my hands as his mouth lowered down my body placing tender, sweet kisses on my bare
skin. “If you keep this up, I’m going to be forced to take you right here and now.”

“That would be an awfully sweet view for the neighbors,” he mocked, picking me up and
carrying me towards the stairs. His lips locked on mine as he walked us up the staircase. I wondered
how he managed up the stairs without looking, but after all the activity we normally had, he was a pro


by now.
Slamming us against the mattress, he frantically ripped my clothes off. I reciprocated by
unbuttoning, unzipping, and taking everything off him. Fuck, he wears too many layers. He rubbed his
hands over my stomach making me cringe every time he brushed a finger over my bare skin.
“You are seriously torturing me,” I moaned, enjoying the sensual desires that were firing up
within me.
“Don’t worry, baby. I’m going to take good care of you,” he promised. He hovered on top of
me, placing light kisses from one shoulder to the other. He spent the next hour taking his time with me,
kissing me, and caressing me with his hands over my bare silky skin.
“I hope we never get tired of that,” I whispered as we lay in bed, linking our bare, sweaty
legs together.
“Not a chance in the world.” He leaned over and kissed me. My body was beyond exhausted
to reciprocate. He laughed at my inability to move knowing damn well he tired me out. “Come on.
Bath time.” He grabbed under my ass and lifting me up, carrying me once again.
“I like the sound of that,” I moaned as my body was screaming for a break. He set me down
next to the tub and turned the hot water on. As soon as steam covered the room, he lifted me up and
placed me into the hot water filled with the sweet smell of bubble bath. “Ahhh, god this feels
amazing.” I leaned back and closed my eyes, enjoying every drop of water that soaked my sore and
overworked body.
Drake left me to relax in the tub. I lay there, thinking back on my journey that got me right
here in this moment…
After a few months of working at Riverside, I was chosen to run as the lead assistant. Nikos
had been training me extensively, making sure I was ready. He was an amazing man who always said
the sweetest things to me. No matter how much I screwed up, he always knew how to encourage me to
do better.

Nikos had a little crush on me, okay…maybe a big crush, and even though he was well
aware of my relationship with Drake, it didn’t stop him from making sure I knew how he felt. He
would often tease me for being so clumsy, but he used it to his advantage. Whenever I’d reach for
something on a high shelf, he would stand behind me and watch intently as everything I grabbed fell
on top of me or on the floor. He would make sure to be there to catch anything that went flying. He
would offer to do it for me, but I was tired of asking every time I needed something high on the
shelves.
Eventually, he made sure to only have me get things that were within reach or things that
wouldn’t break if dropped. He also learned quickly how I often ran into things and that he would have
to be there to make sure I didn’t face plant into the wall. I don’t know why it seems impossible to
stay on my two damned feet.
Nikos was one of those guys that often said inappropriate or distasteful things, but at the
same time so sweet and caring. Sometimes I wondered if he had a multiple personality disorder—or


dissociative identity disorder as Liam had taught me. From early on, Nikos started calling me Philia,
which in Greek meant loyal friend, or love between friends. Most times I didn’t mind him calling me
that, but other times he would growl it in such a sensual way, it made me uneasy.
-------------<>------------Oh, and then there is Travis. Four months ago, he surprised me and made a trip out here to
see me. One of the servers came back to the kitchen saying a customer was complaining that the steak
I had prepared was made wrong. I highly doubted it, but I made a new one per the customer’s request.
Five minutes after the server took the new steak out, she was back. The steak was too dry. I about
flipped. I knew there was no fucking way my steak was made wrong two times in a row. The server
grinned as she saw red heat in my eyes. I knew she was up to something. I grabbed the plate of too
dry steak and stormed out of the kitchen.
I approached the table where a gentleman sat with his back to me. I slammed the plate down
in front of him, ready to start a battle. Not the most professional, but this man is messing with me!
As soon as I glanced down and had a better look at who he was, I punched him right in the shoulder.
“I fucking hate you!” I teased, laughing. He cringed, pretending that I actually hurt him.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I bent down and hugged him.

“I wanted to surprise you.” He stood up and squeezed me again.
“I’m definitely surprised. It’s good to see you, Trav.” He was in town for a conference and
wanted to come in and mess with me. Jerk. I took the rest of the afternoon off, and decided to sit
down and eat with him.
It was great spending the afternoon with him, catching up with each other. He had Jacob over
the summer, and every six weeks he flew Jacob out to see him. He told me about a new girl he met,
who happens to be a server at the restaurant he works at. She’s nineteen and attends college, and with
the way he talked about her, I could tell he had it bad. I teased him at how mushy he was being, but it
was so good to see him happy.
-------------<>------------“Almost done in there?” Drake peeked his head in the door, bringing me back from memory
lane. He was shirtless, which always made me smile as I got to stare at his strong chest, and his
hairline that went just below his briefs.
“Not unless you want to join me?” I turned to get a better look at him.
“Hmmm…that’s very tempting.” He pushed the door, letting himself in. He stripped down in
four seconds flat, and crawled in the tub behind me.
“Now this is what I call a party.” I grinned, inching closer to him.
“Speaking of a party, what do you say we have one here in a few weeks?” he asked,
hesitantly.
“A party? For what?” I asked confused. He hadn’t mentioned any benefits, or social events