Theflameseries 45e38

This book was given to Dragana Kraguljac on Instafreebie. www.instafreebie.com

Seeking the Flame An Alpha Billionaire Romance

Book 1

By Michelle Love

Facebook Michelle Love

Copyright 2017 by Michelle Love- All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Table of Contents Seeking the Flame Book 1 Into The Flame Book 2 Caught in the Flames Book 3

DESCRIPTION Cole Waters was done with women. It seemed that every relationship he had ever had revolved around one thing, his money. Being the wealthy CEO of a major banking corporation, and a good looking one at that, he attracted a lot of the wrong attention from women.

On the other side of town Deanna Williams, an up and coming journalist from Texas, is settling into her new surroundings. Fresh out of college, she manages to land herself a job at a small financial magazine in New York City. So far the only friends she has made were her coworkers. She is unaware of her rustic beauty. She finds herself spending more and more nights at home. She feels so alone.

The unlikely pair find themselves bumping into each other in the local coffee shop. Their encounters are always cut short by the inherent rush Cole faces throughout his everyday life. Being a billionaire means lots of early mornings and late nights at work. During their small talk, Deanna realizes there is a connection between them that she cannot quite explain. But she still does not know his name. So will she ever see him again?

Deanna That was the last of it. Deanna Williams set down the last box full of her belongings. It had been a long few weeks as she packed up her old life into boxes and moved to a new city. A new beginning.

Just months after finishing her College diploma in journalism, Deanna was offered a job at a small magazine in New York City. As a true, country girl from Austin, Texas, she had always dreamed of making it to the big city. There was nothing she enjoyed more than writing, so journalism was her ticket out of this dead end town. A few days after finding out that she had gotten the job she was waving goodbye to her family and friends from the window of her old, rusted Ford and making her way to New York City.

Her parents had been sad to see her go and she would miss them. Unlike so many of her friends growing up, she was an only child. She remembered wishing for a sibling all her life, but she never got one. It made it even harder for her to go knowing that their first and only child was leaving. All three teared up as they hugged each other. Her mother held her close, not wanting to let go just yet. Eventually they separated and Deanna was released into the world, alone.

A lovely, older woman, Jessica, had allowed her to use an apartment, just blocks away from her new office.

It was quite small, with one bedroom, a kitchen and bathroom, but it was homely. It was also about as big as she could afford by herself.

Deanna got to work, now she was unpacked and it

was time to put everything in its proper place. She couldn’t stand the clutter. Once it was all tidy she sat back on her single bed and took in her new surroundings. But moving to a new house had really taken a toll on her. Her head fell closer and closer to her pillow. She soon found her gaze blurring as she drifted off to sleep, dreaming of the first day at her new job and the wonders of New York City.

The following day she awoke to the blaring of her alarm clock. Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she glanced over to check the time. It was already seven o’clock! Only half an hour until she needed to leave if she was going to be on time for her first day at the magazine! Her slender figure darted around the room, frantically searching for everything she would need. Luckily, she had learned to be incredibly organized during college, as a result of her frequent sleep ins. Her outfit was already carefully laid out on her desk. A well-fitted, white blouse with a navy blazer and black pencil skirt. Perfect, she thought of her outfit as she jumped into the shower to wash off the previous days sweat and dirt. Drying herself off quickly she slipped into her clothes. Giving herself a last look in the mirror she decided it best to have her long, blonde locks tied back in a ponytail before she rushed out the door and made her way to the office.

Dodging bodies on the pavement, she walked quickly through the crowd the few blocks to her building.

She took a second to look at the exterior of the skyscraper she would now be working in. It was grey and dull, with tiny windows peering into the dank office cubicles. It was not exactly what she had pictured.

Having only spoken to her employers over Skype,

she had not yet seen any of the office at all. But from the sounds of the magazine she was writing for, Inside Finance NYC, she had imagined something a little less… decrepit. Nevertheless, she didn’t care where she worked, being a journalist in New York was her dream and she had finally made it a reality.

Taking the elevator up to the twelfth floor, she crammed in with at least fifteen other people, heading to their jobs. Slowly the elevator cleared, each floor more people left until she was alone. The doors opened at the twelfth floor and she reluctantly stepped out, her nerves were beginning to set in. There was just one singular door before her. ‘Inside Finance Inc‘ it read, this must be the place, she thought to herself. With a deep breath, she reached for the handle and opened the door to her new start.

She almost walked straight into a young man, about to walk out of the same door. He stumbled back awkwardly and shook his head before looking up at her for the first time. He was about the same age as her, in his early twenties. Her eyes were drawn to his handsome face, with his strong, masculine jaw littered with dark stubble. A stylish pair of black rims framed his hazel eyes. He was really attractive to her, in a nerdy sort of way.

He stood for a moment, awestruck by the blonde beauty who had wandered through the doors of the office. It was silent for a moment before she spoke, “Hey, sorry,” she apologized. He fumbled the small stack of papers held firmly in his hand.

“Hi, I’m Jacob,” he stuck out a hand for her to shake

it politely. They addressed pleasantries and, now that she knew him, she thought he would be the perfect person to ask about what she was to do next. She still had no idea where to go in this labyrinth of office chairs and desks.

“I’m new here, just starting today,” she continued.

His eyes lit up. She wasn’t just visiting his office, she was here to stay.

“This way then, I’ll take you to the bosses office, it’s just up here,” he took her hand and they wove their way through the desks. Past her new co workers and to the doors of her bosses office. Across the front read Editor: Steve Wright. Yeah, this was it.

“I’ll leave you to it. I hope to see you soon,” Jacob released her hand reluctantly and made his way back to his own desk.

She stared at the door in front of her. Nervously, she brought her fist up toward it and knocked softly.

“Come in!” a voice from the other side bellowed. She turned the knob and peaked inside. A man inside the office beckoned her to come in. He looked up an recognized her immediately.

“Ah, you must be Deanna. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.” Steve rose from his desk and stepped forward to shake her hand. He was in his midthirties and a little chubby. His tight collared shirt hugged his round stomach and a pair of tailored, black pants were belted beneath. His face was kind, making her feel so much more at ease.

“Hi, thank you so much for the opportunity,” she gushed. He smiled back at her, cheeks revealing small dimples. He brushed his short, brown hair back with his hand.

“No problem, your grades were outstanding. It will be

a pleasure having you as a member of our team here,” he spoke quickly. He took a seat back at his desk and urged her to take the one opposite him. She quickly sat and awaited her first assignment as a real journalist, brimming with excitement.

“Now, before I give you your first task, there is some paperwork I will need you to sign,” he proceeded to run her through some typical work safety forms and contracts. Once signed, he continued his introduction to the magazine.

“There are several departments within this magazine,” he began. She wondered which one she would be assigned to. Deanna had read through countless copies of Inside Finance before leaving Texas and had a rough idea of what she really wanted to write, and what she didn’t.

“For now, I have stationed you in the stock reviews department. This means that you will be working with Matt and Jacob reviewing the weekly stock market and writing a 500 to 700 word article on the highest stocks of the week and the lowest stocks,” he pulled out a copy of the magazine and opened it to the section she would be producing. Damn, that was not exactly what she had wanted. But at least she would be teamed with Jacob, the only other person she knew at this point. That would compensate for the boring work she would have to be doing.

They discussed at length her article and what it entailed. Deanna took extensive notes on the formatting and content, ensuring that she would produce a high quality article. Once she had run out of questions to ask

she stood from her chair and turned to walk out of the office and find her own desk.

“Deanna?” Steve questioned before she had taken a step. She spun back around and waited for him to speak again.

“Could you do a coffee run? I don’t think anyone has had their morning coffees yet. I’ll have a latte, thanks!” and with that he sat back down at his desk and began to type on his computer.

Deanna grabbed a scrap of paper and a pen from an empty cubicle and began running around to all the desks, taking down orders. Beginning her first job as a journalist would have to wait, she sighed as she made her way from desk to desk. Finally, she arrived at a familiar face. Jacob smiled up at her from where he sat.

“Got you doing a coffee run?” he asked. She nodded her reply.

“I did that for the first few weeks too, don’t worry. It’s part of the initiation around here. The new kid does the coffee run.” he chuckled. Then she remembered that she would be working with Jacob, her desk must be close by.

“I found out that I’ll be working with you too, doing stock reviews or something,” she witnessed his eyes lit up again. He reached over and tapped another man on the shoulder. The man turned to face him as he exclaimed, “Hey, Matt, check out our new stock review writer.”

Matt stood instantly and stuck out a hand for her to shake.

“N-nice to meet you,” he stuttered, nervously. It seemed that she was the only woman in this office, something that her boss had neglected to mention.

She shook his hand and took their coffee orders.

“I’ll see you guys soon. When I get back from getting these,” she gestured to the paper in her hand. Smiling back at her new co workers she made her way back out of the office, just one hour after she had stepped in. On a mission to find the nearest coffee place so she could start her first day.

Two lattes, no sugar. One mocha. Three flat whites with an extra shot. Two camomile teas, sugar. She read the note over and over on her walk to the nearest coffee shop she could find. It was early September and the autumn breeze was beginning to set in. She pulled her jacket tighter to her shivering body. She had not thought she would be running errands outside on her first day. A few minutes of brisk walking later she found herself outside The Coffee House, and the line was massive. She sighed as she queued up and waited patiently in line for the huge order of caffeine.

Cole

Cole Waters looked up at the intricate designs painted delicately on the ceiling above his bed. He turned over, only to see an empty bed beside him. It was mornings like this that he wished there was someone laying next to him, someone to hold, but he was all alone in his penthouse apartment. The vast empty space a reminder of his loneliness.

He went about his morning routine, aimlessly.

Showering, dressing, cooking breakfast, it was the same day in and day out. Ever since he had sworn off women he had been so lonely. There was a reason for this though. Cole was not just any other man, he was the CEO of a major banking corporation in New York City. He was extremely wealthy and on top of that he was also ridiculously attractive.

His eyes were a captivating brown, matching his short hair. His jaw was masculine and clean shaven, leading down to his muscular chest and ripped abs.

Putting aside his money, he was any woman’s dream man. But too many people knew of his wealth and he found that girls would stick around for long enough to get what they wanted from him. Then they would disappear and he would be alone once more. The vicious cycle had taken a toll on him.

At only twenty nine years old, Cole was one of the youngest billionaires in the world, and he had worked hard for the position he was in. He was not born into wealth, his family were quite poor while he was growing

up. But now he had the ability to do whatever he wanted and he didn’t waste the opportunity.

He waved down a passing cab and climbed in. At this end of town there were always cabs waiting. He gave the destination and soon they were off down the narrow city streets. He had driven down this route so many times before he found himself uninterested in even glancing outside. All of the faces looked the same now. The city passed in a blur and in no time at all they had arrived.

Cole exited the cab and made his way to the elevator and up toward the seventy second floor.

The doors opened to the spacious office. Employees greeted him happily as he passed them in the halls. He was liked by everyone who worked for him. Just really easy to get along with. At the end of the lengthy hall was his office. He swung open the glass doors and slid through them casually. Once in the comfort of his own space, he took his place at the desk and proceeded to unravel his day´s work across the varnished wood.

Hours passed and Cole found that his concentration had lapsed considerably. No wonder! It was almost nine and he had not yet had any form of caffeine. Leaving the papers where they lay, he grabbed his wallet hastily from his desk and made his way out of the building.

It was not far from the nearest coffee place and he enjoyed the cool winds passing through the city. Rather than taking a cab, he decided to walk the few blocks to The Coffee House. Their baristas were half decent, they could at least make coffee better than the foul watery stuff at the office. He strolled slowly on the sidewalk,

dodging bodies as he walked. Soon he had crossed over to the corner of his destination, and walked directly into another person.

She stumbled and dropped one of the loaded trays of coffees she had been holding. Lattes splashed everywhere, all over his suit and the pavement before her. She managed to balance the other tray and save half of the beverages from hitting the ground. Gasping she began to clear the garbage up, with one hand still full of coffees. Cole felt awful, he bent down and assisted her, picking up rolling, paper cups. Once she looked up at him he was immediately taken with her. Her innocent beauty resonated through his vision.

Awkwardly they arose and she began to stutter her apology, “I’m so sorry, I should have seen you,” she said in a panic. He stopped her before she could say anything further.

“It’s OK, it was my fault,” he assured her. He pointed to the full tray in her hand and continued, “What did I just spill everywhere? I will need to replace that,” he laughed.

“No, don’t worry about it,” she said, flustered.

“Really, I insist,” He grasped the tray from her hand and placed it one of the available outdoor tables.

“Wait here, and what was it you ordered?” he asked.

She took the place offered to her and listed the items that had spilled, “Um, two lattes, a mocha and a flat white with an extra shot.” Cole repeated what she had told him and made his way into the shop.

He bypassed the line and approached the register.

He waved at one of the baristas, busily brewing coffee behind the counter.

“Hey, Sandy,” he grinned. The woman rushed over to speak with him, abandoning her duties at the coffee machine.

“Cole!” she exclaimed, reaching over the bench to hug him. It payed to be a regular here, especially when you bought as much coffee as he did. He explained what had happened just outside and gave her the order, with his tacked onto the end.

In just minutes he had payed for the coffees and was on his way out the door, searching for the woman he had left. Once he spotted her, he made his way over and placed the fresh tray in front of her.

“Here, it’s the least I can do.” She took the tray and thanked him. Before she could walk off he offered to pay for a cab.

“It’s hard enough carrying those trays, let alone through those crowds,” he gestured to the street, packed with people.

“Thank you so much,” she said. He hailed her a cab and watched her disappear into New York City, this beautiful woman with no name.

Deanna

Deanna watched him disappear into the crowd of people. His brown hair was the last thing to be consumed by the busy city. There was a connection she felt that could not be explained. She had never experienced a feeling such as this before. Still she was mortified that she had run into him like that, the suit he was wearing probably cost more than a months wage for her. She sighed as she realized that, without a name, it was unlikely they would ever see each other again. For the rest of the trip she found her thoughts wandering to his muscular physique, his handsome, rugged face, his perfectly styled, brown hair. His mesmerizing brown eyes.

All of a sudden the car stopped. She picked up the trays of drinks as the cab driver turned to her, “Here we are, Miss, and it’s all paid for. Have a nice day,” she jumped out and watched as the taxi drove away into the city. She made her way back up to the office to distribute the coffees and get back to work. She gave out the beverages and made her way lastly, back to her own desk.

“One mocha and one flat white, extra shot,” she handed each Jacob and Matt their drinks.

“Thanks, Deanna,” Jacob smiled. She sat down and pulled herself into the desk in front of her. Bringing up a blank document on the computer, she began to research the stocks this week. She spent hours silently scrolling through foreign data. At the end of the time she still had nothing. Suddenly, Jacob appeared behind her.

“How’s it going?” he questioned, eyes drawn to the

blank page before her. She blushed as she realized she hadn’t done anything yet.

“Not so well,” she admitted. He bent down beside her, she caught the scent of his delectable aftershave in her nostrils.

“It’s almost lunch, do you want to maybe go over some of the basics then?” his smile was comforting to her.

“That would be so helpful,” she gushed. Deanna was glad that her co- workers had turned out to be so nice.

She was never the best at making friends, and she had been slightly worried that no one here would like her.

At lunch, her and Jacob made their way to the small park across from the building. She had been in such a rush that morning that she had not noticed it on her walk to work. It was littered with old trees, branching out over the grass, providing a welcome shade. Several food carts had stationed themselves throughout the park. Each one had a queue of a few men and women in business suits, waiting impatiently for their lunch.

“The corn dogs from that guy over there are awesome,” Jacob pointed out an old man hunched over a red and yellow cart. She couldn’t argue with that. As they approached she could smell the corndogs cooking in the deep fryer. It smelled amazing.

They lined up, waiting for a couple of people to clear before they could order.

“Two please,” Jacob said to the man. He pulled two corndogs out of the fryer and wrapped them up in some napkins. Together they sat on a free park bench and began to eat while Jacob attempted to explain to her

about the basics of stocks and bonds.

“These are delicious,” she interrupted him again. He didn’t mind though. Being the introvert he was, Jacob was astounded that the woman who had entered the office with him earlier that day was now sitting here next to him. Having lunch and chatting about work.

“I have pretty high standards when it comes to street food,” he joked. Humor was how he responded to nervousness. Deanna thought it adorable. She could sense how uneasy he was around her, especially at first.

She could tell that he had started to warm up to her.

They finished off their lunch quickly and spent the remainder of the hour long break discussing stocks and the layout of her first article. It didn’t matter to Deanna what she was writing, as long as her words could earn her a living, she was happy. But it was only now she realized how much she didn’t know. How she had come into this job with no knowledge of what she was to be doing. With all the stress of moving and farewells she had forgotten to do any research. Thank God for Jacob.

He had really saved her ass today. Deanna left the park feeling as if she knew enough to write a pretty convincing article to submit.

“I can proof read it for you too,” he offered.

“That would be great! Thank you, you’ve been so helpful today,” she leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. Jacob blushed and began to get flustered, “Uh, anytime, it was no p-problem at all,” he reached up and started playing with his glasses. She took his hand and they stood, she led him back toward their building.

It’s almost noon, we need to be back soon,” she smiled as she turned back to him.

The remainder of the day flew by. Every time she glanced up to the clock it had been hours. By the end of the day Deanna had almost completed half of the article, and it was only Monday. Writing about stocks had been easier than she had first thought, thanks to Jacob’s help.

Jacob rolled over on his desk chair and caught her off guard once more.

“Do you want me to have a look over what you’ve done?” he asked. That was exactly what she had wanted.

Jacob just popped up at the most convenient moments.

She backed away from her desk and allowed him to look over her progress. He spent a few minutes staring at her work, scrolling up and down the page, reading it over and over again. It’s only a 300 word paragraph, Deanna thought to herself, what’s taking so long? Finally, Jacob backed away from her computer and grinned back at her, “It’s just what Steve wants so far. Awesome job,” he gave her the thumbs up and proceeded to return to his own work space. She was so pleased with herself. She had thought he would have at least a little criticism. It was satisfying to hear that all her work was on track, she would be finished writing by Wednesday. Maybe she would even get a new article to write?

Rather than getting ahead of herself, she attempted to clear her mind and continued writing until her, Jacob and Steve were the only ones left in the office.

“It’s seven now, I’m heading home.” Steve popped up at the desk in front of them. Both her and Jacob jumped in their seats, startled.

“Staying late on your first day, I’m impressed, Deanna,” he complimented her.

“Thank you, I’m really enjoying the work,” she replied. Her and Jacob began packing up their things into their bags and followed Steve out of the front doors. He locked it behind him and they were off down the elevator.

Steve waved to them as they reached the ground floor and scurried out in a rush.

“See you tomorrow,” he yelled back to them, and he was gone.

They both paused at the front door to the office building. Deanna wanted to thank him for making her first day so comfortable. She gave him a huge hug, “Thanks Jacob, I’m so glad that we are working together,” she said. He hugged her back, “I’m glad there is finally someone cool to spend lunch with.”

They soon parted ways and she was alone once more, making her way down the street, toward her apartment. The sidewalk wasn’t as busy as before, but she was still amazed by the sheer number of people still strolling up and down. It was such a contrast to what she was used to. A little creepier too. Two blocks from her house, a homeless man grabbed at her ankle, “Spare change?’ he questioned. She reached into her bag and gathered up a few quarters for him, dropping them into the collection hat he had sitting in front of him. He hurried to take the money and she briskly continued her walk, hoping to make it home as quickly as she could. Stray cats scurried out in front of her. Or maybe rats, either way she didn’t want to find out. No wonder no one had stayed late, New York at this time of night had such a dark undertone. It was scary.

The building she was headed to emerged from the skyline. She fumbled in her bag for the keys to the door as she made her way up the flights of stairs to her place.

Puffed, she jiggled the lock and opened the door. Her neighbor, Mrs. Keats, saw her on her way in.

“How was your first day at work, dear?” she asked, kindly. Mrs. Keats was quite motherly and had made Deanna feel a little more at peace with her choice of accommodation.

“It was better than expected, thanks for asking,” she replied, sweetly. A friendly face made her feel so much better after the scary encounter on the street just moments ago. But everything was fine now. She was finally home.

Deanna bowled through the door of her apartment, absolutely spent from her exciting and informative first full day in New York City. She mustered the strength to prepare herself a meal before collapsing on the couch to watch some TV. Chewing through the mountain of pasta she had made for herself she switched on the television to find some sort of light hearted comedy to take her mind off finance and serious issues she faced as an adult. She settled on a channel and struggled to keep her eyes opened as she watched the screen intently.

The credits began to roll as she opened her eyes.

The clock on the wall read eleven thirty. It was so late, but she could barely lift herself from the comfort of the couch and make her way to the bedroom. She threw her days clothes into a messy pile at the foot of her bed and pulled on her comfy, flannel pajamas. There was not enough energy left within her to shower before the next morning. She crawled, drained and tired, into the covers

and fell asleep almost instantly. Strangely, her dreams crept back to the stranger who she had bumped into at the coffee shop that day. His warm smile was directed at her as he beckoned her to follow him. That night her thoughts did not stray far from him.

Cole

Cole found that the next day his thoughts remained with the beautiful girl he had almost bowled over at the coffee shop. He had been there everyday at various times and never before had he seen her. He would remember a face such as hers. He pictured her long, light blonde locks brushing delicately against her pale cheek. Her vibrant, blue eyes mesmerized him. He had never felt like this about a woman before, the feeling was strange and alien to him.

He went about his morning routine in a daze. His mind was just not with the tasks before him. It was with her. He mindlessly showered and dressed himself in one of the many Armani suits he had hung up in his closet.

He sprayed aftershave on generously. Then, he made his way downstairs and ate a full cooked breakfast, staring aimlessly into space. Somehow, without knowing a single thing about this woman he was completely smitten. There was no doubt about it. Cole had never experienced this kind of love at first sight and it was driving him crazy.

Soon he found himself in the cab on the way to his office. He barely remembered walking down from his apartment. All he could do was dream longingly of the girl from the coffee shop. He had to see her again.

Arriving at his office he paid the cab driver before jumping out onto the pavement. He scanned the crowd surrounding him, but her face did not appear. Sighing to himself he proceeded to make his way to his office and prepare for the meeting he was conducting that day. At

the hope of seeing this mystery woman once more he would get his morning coffee late again. He left at nine a.m the day before so hopefully she would be there around the same time as yesterday. He stepped out of the elevator on the seventy second floor once more.

He made his way to his office, greeting employees kindly on his way through. He shut his door behind him and gathered his notes for the meeting about to take place. He couldn’t even focus when his notes were directly in front of him, what hope did he have of running a meeting with the heads of the corporation? He had to snap out of it before long, otherwise he would look like a total fool.

Stepping into the board room he saw that everyone else had already taken their seats. They were all waiting for him.

“Sorry everyone,” he apologized before taking his place at the head of the table. He opened his briefcase and took out his notes, placing them out in front of him.

Sitting through countless presentations and pretending to be paying attention, he found his thoughts drifting back to that mysterious woman who had captured his mind. He regularly checked his watch, counting the minutes until he could leave. He asked pre written questions to each of the presenters, only to find that they had been answered already. As he was the CEO, they happily repeated the answers for him and he scribbled them down on his notes.

By eight thirty he was itching to get out of there. The meeting adjourned quickly and he was the first to be out the door and into the hallway. He rushed past everyone,

ignoring their greetings, and made his way back to his office. There was no way that he would miss her, as long as she was there again. But for some reason, he felt deep inside that he would see her there.

He looked at his watch and saw that it was ten to nine. He had to leave now if he was going to catch even a glimpse of her at The Coffee House. He picked up his wallet and cell phone from his desk and rushed through the office and out of the door, making it just in time to the elevator before the doors closed. Sliding through the gap he played with his fingers and tapped his feet nervously all the way to the ground floor. Once there, he ran to the front doors of the building and hailed a cab almost immediately.

“To The Coffee House, please,� he said breathlessly to the cab driver. The driver nodded and started up the engine. Cole checked his watch for the millionth time that day. Only four minutes to nine. He prayed that the traffic was not too bad and that he would be able to stop her this time so he could at least find out her name. He had some terrible luck with women in the past, but something about her gave him hope. Hope that he would find someone who truly loved him for the person he was and not what he possessed.

The taxi ride seemed to continue in slow motion.

Cole was fixated on the faces passing his window. He scanned the face of each woman, only to realize it was not the one he was looking for. As streets flew past, his hope grew dimmer and dimmer. He had not even caught a glimpse of the blonde haired goddess who had graced his presence at the shop the day before. The cost of

getting his Armani suit dry cleaned had been totally worth her company, if only for a few minutes.

His eyes gazed out of the taxi window. Then he saw her. She was rushing, like last time, through the bustling city streets. He could see that she was headed to the same coffee place. His jaw dropped when he realized that he would be able to speak to her. To learn her name.

For all he knew this might be his one chance at love, and he was going to take it.

One block from the coffee shop he was dropped at the corner. “Thank you,� he smiled at the cab driver and handed over a fifty dollar note without waiting for change. He was determined to find her.

Deanna

Deanna’s next day started much better than the previous. Her alarm woke her up early enough so she had time to do everything she needed. No need to rush.

After the draining first day she hadn’t been quite so organized, so the extra time was useful. She picked out a ruffled, pink blouse and high waisted, black skirt. A little more casual than the day before. Having a lengthy shower, she washed her hair and body before climbing out to towel dry. She slid on her prepared outfit in the bathroom and carefully looked over it. This time she would bother putting on make up, she had ample time to do it this morning. It would make it less embarrassing when she went around bumping into all these mysterious handsome strangers. She applied a light foundation and some mascara, she didn’t want to over do it. Topping off her outfit with a shear lip gloss and a plain pair of short, black heels she made her way down the stairs and onto the street once more.

Feeling like a true New Yorker, she stopped at a decent looking bagel stand and ordered a plain bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. Looking at her watch she knew she still had at least ten minutes to spare if she was going to be a little early. She paid the man and dug into the delicious bagel she had just purchased. I’ll be seeing you again, she thought of the man as she enjoyed her meal on her walk to the office. All too soon she arrived once more outside of the decrepit building.

Nothing had improved since yesterday, at least she knew the inside was not half as bad. She confidently made her way through the foyer and toward the elevator. She

crammed in with a new collage of faces and the doors closed before her.

This time it was her and Jacob left in the elevator once they arrived. Upon recognizing her he addressed her immediately, “Fancy seeing you here,” he joked. She smiled back at him.

“I know, what a surprise,” she played along. The elevator made a loud beep, alerting them it was about to open once more. He backed up and allowed her to walk out before him, in true gentlemanly fashion. They walked beside each other through the office door and took their places at their desks. They chatted amongst themselves until Matt arrived.

“Morning guys,” he interrupted Jacob mid sentence.

They turned to face him, ignoring his rude entry into their conversation, they greeted him kindly. Deanna had come to realize that Matt was a little socially awkward, a product of his computer gaming lifestyle. He took his place at his own desk and retracted back into his own world. She asked Jacob a few more nagging questions about the stocks. She was determined to have the finished article to Steve by the end of the day today. Even if it meant another spooky walk home in the dark.

Deanna and Jacob talked and talked until her well of questions on finance ran dry.

“Would you like to get lunch again today?” Deanna asked him this time. A smug grin crossed his face, “I would, do you wanna try your luck choosing a food cart today?” he asked her. She thought for a moment, “I’ll give it a shot. Five bucks says I pick something better than your corndogs,” she teased.

“You’re on!” Jacob replied. They shook hands, sealing the deal. But looking around they realized that everyone else was concentrating hard on the tasks they had been given for the week.

“I’m gonna have to start on my own stuff, sorry Deanna,” Jacob apologized.

“No worries. If I have any questions I’ll scoot over,” she laughed. But before she could get stuck into the article again, a tap on her shoulder made her turn. It was the man who worked all the way down the other end of the office, she had taken his order for coffee the day before. She smiled at him, “Hey, how are you?” she asked politely.

“Great, thanks for asking. You’re the new girl, Deanna, right?” he asked her. She giggled inwardly. She was easy to spot in this office full of men.

“Yeah, thats me,” she assured him. Satisfied that he had found the right person, he continued, “Steve was wondering if you could run down and get everyone coffee again today. If you’re all settled in and everything,” she nodded her reply and scrambled to find some paper and a pen to take the days orders.

“Same as yesterday, boys?” she asked Matt and Jacob. They looked up from their work and spoke in unison, “Yeah, thanks.”

Running around from desk to desk, she found that the orders were almost the same as yesterday´s. The only changes were the teas were now traded in for short blacks. Nearing mid week, everyone needed a caffeine boost. She knocked on her boss´ office door. She waited for his response before entering for the second time.

“Good morning, Deanna,” he greeted her with a

comforting smile. She gestured toward the growing list of coffee orders.

“Good morning, Sir. Just came to see what you would like from the coffee shop before I head off,” she said. He grasped his chin and thought for a moment, “I’ll get the same as yesterday. Not very adventurous when it comes to food, I’m afraid,” he chuckled. She racked her brain, but could not for the life of her remember what he had asked for the day before.

“And what was that again?” she asked. Everything that had happened before she had been literally knocked off her feet by that man was combined in a blur of events.

She couldn’t remember what she had for breakfast, let alone what he had asked for.

“Just another latte, thank you,” he responded. With the orders completed she made her way back to her desk to grab her back on the way out.

“I’ll be back soon, hopefully,” she said to her two friends and she went on her daily mission for caffeine.

“If you’re not back in half an hour, I’ll send out the search party,” Jacob grinned. She laughed as she picked up her bag and walked straight back out of the door.

It took forever to make it in the elevator back down to the ground floor, but Deanna didn’t even notice. For the millionth time, her mind had wandered back to the man she had encountered at around this time the day before.

She hoped that she would see him again this time.

Hopefully, she wouldn’t spill a tray full of coffees over him though. She had regretted that.

But what she wouldn’t give to have a real conversation with him. She wandered what he was really like. What did he do for work? Where was he from? What

brought him here? She wanted to know it all. What lay beneath his incredibly handsome exterior? She hoped desperately to find out.

Deep down she knew that Jacob had a little crush on her, and he was cute and funny. But there just wasn’t the same attraction between them. The spark just wasn’t there. Not to mention they worked together. Deanna may have been new to the work force, but she knew from countless hours of sitcoms that relationships with coworkers can take a turn for the worst all too quickly.

To others, Deanna appeared just a blur, making her way hurriedly toward the buildings exit. Once on the street she had to think, which way had she gone yesterday? It seemed as if the streets to her right were more familiar. She decided to go with her gut instinct and made her way off to the right.

Something deep down inside of her wanted more than anything for the mystery man to be there. She longed to see him again, if only for a moment. Then she would have a chance to ask all of her questions, mainly his name. She imagined him with a name like John or Evan, something powerful and strong. As she strolled the streets she found her mind thinking of her body being scooped up in his muscular arms, being held against his hard chest. Listening to his heart beat through his collared shirt.

The walk took much longer than the day before, or so it seemed. Just as she had almost decided to turn around and head in the other direction, she saw the sign of The Coffee House appear in front of her, as if out of

nowhere. Happy that her instincts had led her the right way for once, she pushed her way through the remaining bodies and situated herself outside of the front door.

Deanna tucked the coffee orders into her pocket.

Before entering The Coffee House, she scanned the street, hoping that the same man would magically appear like the day before. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Feeling disappointed she made her way toward the end of the queue and lined up once more to get her coworkers their morning caffeine fix. Just as she had lost hope of seeing him again she felt a strong hand grasp her shoulder. She spun around instantly and found herself face to face with that tall, handsome stranger from her dream. Her heart pounded in her chest as time seemed to stop around them. It was the moment she had dreamt of, he had found her somehow. It was destiny.

End of Book 1

Into The Flame An Alpha Billionaire Romance

Book 2

By Michelle Love

Facebook Michelle Love

Description Cole Waters had finally found the love of his life again at the coffee shop where they first met. He could not believe that he had twisted fate in such a way, but this time he would not let the opportunity surpass him. He had to at least know her name. He needed to see her again.

Although Deanna had hoped their paths would cross again she had not expected it so soon. She can finally put a name to the handsome face that haunted her dreams.

They parted ways after she agreed to go on a date with him. Now Cole had to plan the perfect date.

Before he could take her on the romantic evening he had planned, they find each other again all too soon, while Deanna was on a date with another man! Cole wastes no time and whisked her off her feet, taking her back to his apartment, leaving her broken hearted date behind. The thought does not even pass her mind as she is overwhelmed with desire and passion just being in the vicinity of this handsome billionaire. But will it all work out between them? Only time will tell.

Cole

He had finally found her. His search for the mysterious woman without a name had come to an end.

He brushed himself up and gathered his courage to approach her. Cole reached out and tapped gently on the familiar shoulder before him. Deanna turned slowly, he saw her jaw drop slightly as she realized who it was behind her. Grasping tightly to the piece of paper in her hand, she was speechless.

He looked her up and down once more. He was taken aback by her feminine beauty. Her features were perfect. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered from just the day before. He was so happy that he had manipulated fate in such a way. All he had wanted since first laying eyes on her yesterday was to find out this woman’s name. This was his chance and he had made it happen.

“I thought I might see you here again,” he grinned as he broke the silence.

“I-I didn’t expect to see you again,” she stuttered nervously. Cole could see that she was just as nervous as he felt. The years of orchestrating meetings and speaking in front of large groups of people had allowed him the ability to suppress the physical signs of his nerves. Concentrating on keeping his hands from shaking he continued the conversation cautiously,

“Getting more coffees? Don’t worry, I won’t spill them this time,” he laughed. Her nerves appeared to melt away

with his witty comment. Her smile emerged and she giggled along with him. As she progressed in the line they kept chatting.

“My name is Cole, by the way,” he introduced himself, extending a hand for her to shake it politely.

Finally he would be able to put a name to the beautiful face that he had bumped into the day before.

“Deanna,” she said. Her name was just as beautiful as she was. Although he longed to tell her this, he decided to instead ask about her work.

“So, what do you do for work here in the city?” he asked her.

“I just moved here to start writing. I work for a local magazine,” she began. A writer? He was intrigued. There was one talent that he could never master, and that was the art of the written word. He asked question after question, delving deep into her work life and eventually more when she felt comfortable to share. She continued to discuss her job at the financial magazine, Cole knew a little of stocks and bonds so he could follow to some extent. She sounded like an expert in the field.

“How long have you been writing there?” he questioned.

“Just a few days,” she responded. Wow. She must have always had a knack for finance if she knew so much with such little experience.

“And what do you do?” Now it was his turn to share.

“I’m a CEO,” he started. He discussed his career with her at length. This time it was her turn to be intrigued.

She asked questions and he answered each, she was getting to know him better as their time together progressed. As they talked on and on in the queue to get coffees they hit it off. But their chance meeting was to end soon.

Suddenly they were nearing the front of the line.

Their time together in the shop was coming to an end.

Although he wished this moment would last forever, he decided to seize the day and ask for her number.

“Before you have to rush back to your important journalism career, can I ask for your number?” her expression changed and he was not sure what to make of it. Floundering, he tried to take the pressure off the situation, he did not want to scare her off.

“You don’t have to, only if you…” his sentence was cut short.

“Yes,” she interrupted. She reached over to the counter and grabbed a card from the desk. Taking a pen from her pocket she scribbled her number hastily across it. She handed the note over to him and he grasped it tightly. He slipped it into his breast pocket, making sure not to lose it in the bustling social hub. He would be needing that later, once he had planned the perfect date to take this special woman on. She replaced the pen and they continued to chat until they had reached the front of the queue.

Then it was her turn to order, she read out the list to the lady behind the counter and they stood to the side, waiting for the coffees. They continued to talk about work and their lives. He learned of her life back in Texas, her family and friends that she missed so much. She told him of her years at college. Her roommates, her graduation.

She even confessed of her loneliness when moving to New York, until she began work. He listened intently and hung on her every word.

She was so much better than he had imagined her to be. She was so much more than a beautiful face, she was clever and funny. She was everything he had ever dreamed of, he was so glad that his heart had led him here.

The coffees arrived all too soon and it was time for them to part ways. She struggled to carry the two trays again. Before another accident occurred Cole reached out and grabbed one of the trays from her,

“I don’t want to be buying you replacement coffees everyday,” he joked. Once out of the store he handed it back. She was about to depart and he would be going his separate way. She gained he balance and looked back before she strolled off.

“Call me,” she said as she walked away. He watched as her sexy physique walked hastily off into the crowded New York street. He could not wait to plan the perfect date to impress this woman. He would be pulling out all the stops. There was no length, he would not go to for the most perfect first date that she could ever imagine.

He needed to show her how truly special she was.

It was time to head back to the office. He had done what he had set out to do and he had been so successful. Instead of taking the car, he decided to walk back to work. He savored the cool breeze that nipped against his exposed flesh. He strode slowly through the streets, taking the time to look around at the buildings that he was surrounded by. He appreciated the majesty of the city. Almost twenty minutes had passed and he walked through the door of his own office building.

He greeted the door man and the familiar faces that passed him on the way back to his desk. He was not in the right state of mind to greet everyone by name, instead he gave each person a generic hello. His mind wandered back to Deanna, the beautiful, intelligent woman who he had the pleasure of meeting just days ago. Her features flashed through his thoughts, her hair, her eyes, her smile.

He made his way up the elevator and back to his private office. There he sat alone, waiting for the perfect date plan to appear in his mind, but so far nothing had materialized. People came and left all day but his mind was else where. He performed the task that were set out for him, sign a document here, answer a call there, but what he was really consumed by was his planning of the perfect date for the perfect woman. Every spare second he had went to his planning. The restaurant, the music, the hotel, everything was being organized. He was going to make this night one that she would not be forgetting anytime soon.

Deanna

So far, the morning had not gone exactly how she had anticipated. She left the coffee shop completely removed from the tasks at hand, her mind was back with Cole. She could now put a name to the handsome face she could not get away from in this vast, new city. The man that had haunted her dreams the night before. She dreamed of him asking her out on a date. Until today, she had no idea that he was the wealthy CEO of a corporation, not that this mattered to her in the slightest.

She also found out so much about his personal life and his friends and family. She felt like she knew him so much better now than just a man that she had met in a coffee shop the previous day. On her way back to the office, through the hoards of people that crowded the sidewalk of New York City, she found herself caught up in a daydream. She wondered when he would call and what he would plan for them. She was so excited to see him again, but the suspense of not knowing when was excruciating. She wondered when he would call.

All too quickly, she arrived back at the office doors.

With the tray of coffees still in hand, she glided through the foyer and made her way up the elevator to her office floor. Just as she had done the day before, she distributed the coffees, leaving her own team until last.

“Thanks again, Deanna,� Jacob grinned at her as she handed him the hot beverage he had requested. She smiled back and took her seat at the desk opposite.

Logging in to her computer she continued her conversation with Jacob about the tasks for the day.

“I have to finish this article today,” she groaned.

Jacob wheeled his chair over to her desk and peered over her shoulder. She had barely started her writing and she felt like this ominous task was haunting her until she completed it. She wanted so badly to finish it now so she could get the feedback she needed from her co-workers and their editor.

“I can have another look at it later if you want?” he offered. She was more than happy to accept. He had taught her so much already, but this was her first project at her new job and she was going to do everything she could to make it perfect. She organized to give him her finished draft after lunch and they both got back to work.

She put her head down and tried desperately to complete the article.

She tried to stay focused on the task ahead, but Deanna found her mind constantly wandering back to Cole. The wealthy CEO who had sought her out two days in a row on the morning coffee run. It felt like fate that he had tracked her down yet again. She was encapsulated by his charisma and confidence. His handsome features, his hair, his eyes and his muscular physique stuck in her mind as she struggled to complete the article she had been assigned.

The words began to type across the page slower and slower. Soon, progress had ended. Deanna was experiencing a writer’s block for the first time in her lifetime. Looking up at the clock on the wall she realized that it was only an hour until lunch, and she was only just half way through. It was time to kick into gear and

get this thing finished, she needed it done so she could get some proper feedback from Jacob soon. This was taking too long. But, as much as she tried, she could not concentrate. Just as the clock ticked over to signal their lunch break she finished the last sentence of the article.

She had no time to read over and edit before Jacob had a look at it for her, but it would have to do.

“Are you coming?” He asked from just feet away.

Deanna grabbed her lunch she had prepared and followed him, out the door of the office with the rest of her co-workers. They headed out to the park to have their lunches, Jacob again lined up to buy his lunch. They sat down in the same place and further discussed stocks, picking up where they had left off the day before. This time, however, the conversation progressed into personal life. She learned so much about him and his family. He learned so much about hers. Jacob was falling in love with her fast. He had not had a very successful love life, despite him being so handsome, in a nerdy kind of way.

As they chatted he was weighing up whether to ask him to the party he was invited to that night.

It was a really formal affair, hosted by an ex coworker of his. Peter, the editor at his last job, had since launched his own company. All of the corporate big wigs of New York City would be there and he had been begged by Peter to attend. It was nothing like a night out Jacob would enjoy and there was little that Peter could say to get him to come. He had denied the invitation so many times already, but soon Peter found a way to get him to the important event.

“Bring a date if you want,” he had offered.

“I need you there, it’s a really big deal for me,” Peter pleaded. After thinking it over for a week, Jacob finally agreed to come. He just prayed that he could find someone that would keep him company amongst the high class people that would be at the party too. He was not comfortable going alone.

When Deanna had started working with them he knew exactly who he wanted to take. The only problem was that the party was tonight. He hoped that it was not too soon to be asking her out anywhere. He had been attempting to muster up the courage to put forth the question to her all day, but still no luck.

“I have the draft article done too, if you want to have a look when we get back. I didn’t get a chance to edit it yet so if you can ignore a few spelling errors here and there,” she giggled. He snapped back to reality. After he read through her work he would ask her, he told himself.

Looking down at his watch he realized that the time had flown by.

“We better head back,” he said. With that, they both got up and headed back to their office building. Wasting no time, when they returned both of them approached Deanna’s desk. She sat down and moved her chair over slightly so he could nudge in beside her. She watched on as his eyes moved up and down the page, scrolling through her words and assessing them in his mind. She waited with baited breath to hear his verdict. After several minutes of silence he finally turned back to her.

“It’s just what they are looking for,” he grinned.

“Despite a few spelling mistakes in there. But I’m sure the you’ll fix them up, like you said.” He added. She was so happy that she had done well she leaned over and gave him a huge hug. Jacob blushed slightly as he wrapped an arm around her, reciprocating the embrace.

Deanna released him from the hug and thanked him profusely for his help.

“You are a genius,” she gushed. Her praise made Jacob blush and he replied,

“Anytime, Deanna. I’m here to help.” He returned to his own desk and continued to write. It was then that he remembered he had meant to ask her to the party tonight. It would have to wait until later now. The hug he had received had left him flustered and now. As he looked back to Deanna at her desk, it seemed that she was in a state of deep concentration, editing the article she had just completed.

She got the article done by the end of the day.

Packing up her things she stood up and bumped straight into Jacob, who was standing just inches from her chair.

He had been waiting to ask her something.

“Hi, Jacob, I was just heading home,” she said.

“Would you like me to walk with you?” he offered.

She could use some company on the chilly walk back to her building.

“Sure,” she accepted and they made their way out into the cold.

The ten minute walk progressed quickly as they were caught up in conversation. They nearly passed the door to her building.

“This is me,” she gestured to the door they had almost walk passed and they both stopped in their tracks. There was silence for a moment as Jacob tried to muster up the courage to finally ask Deanna out that night.

“What are your plans for tonight?” he asked.

“I was just going to watch some TV and eat some noodles,” she laughed.

“I was wondering if you would like to come to this party my friend is throwing tonight. It’s kind of stuck up and boring, but I would love someone normal to talk to,” he gushed. This was not what she was expecting on her walk home, this day was full of surprises. She still had no idea of Jacob’s feelings for her, so she agreed.

“Sure, I’d love to come. I should probably get out of the house and meet some people,” she joked. He arranged a time to pick her up and left feeling ecstatic that she had said yes.

She realized now that she needed to get ready, and fast. There was no time to lose. She raced up to her place and threw her bag down on the floor next to the front door. Leaving clothes in a trail behind her, she undressed, ready to take a shower to wash off the days work. Jumping into the shower, she thought about what

outfit would be suitable for the night that lay ahead.

Surprisingly, she found herself excited. This was the first chance she had to meet new people, other than work of course. She had barely left the house since she moved in and the last few days had been so hectic. It would be nice to have a drink and relax.

Getting out the shower just minutes later, she skipped in her towel to the small, wooden wardrobe in her bedroom. Deanna knew the exact dress that she would wear for the night. Unhooking it from the hanging rail, she stared at her choice for the evening. It was a short, pale blue cocktail dress. The hem was lined with soft lace and the neck line revealed just enough. It was perfect.

She slipped the dress over her head and put on a pair of white, strapped heels. Looking at herself in the mirror she decided her choice was excellent for the formal do she was going to attend with Jacob. She quickly redid her make up and sprayed some perfume before the buzzer to her apartment sounded. At first she did not hear but the second time she realized and rushed to the door.

“Hello?” she said, pressing the button to the speaker.

“Hey, Deanna. Are you ready?” Jacob asked from the ground floor. She grabbed her handbag from next to the door and pressed the buzzer once more before heading downstairs.

“I’m coming,” she yelled as she ran out the front and locked the door behind her.

Arriving downstairs she saw Jacob. He looked so handsome in his suit. He smiled as she walked down the stairs to meet him. He marveled at her beauty. She was stunning.

“Let’s do this!” she said excitedly. Jacob hailed down a cab and he opened the door for her as they made their way off to the party.

Cole

Back at his office, Cole Waters busily planned for his date with this perfect stranger. He could finally put a name to the beautiful face that had blown his mind just yesterday. The woman who he had run into so carelessly.

There was no lengths that he would not go to in creating a date that was beyond what Deanna could have imagined. But where to go? Opening the laptop before him, he hastily scanned destinations within a reasonable distance of home. Then he found the perfect place, Rome, Italy.

He worked relentlessly, booking his private pilot for the trip the following Saturday. The journey would take at least eight hours, non stop, from New York to Rome. Cole ensured that they would be spending their travel time in the utmost luxury. He made call after call, stocking his plane with an exorbitant amount of expensive wines. He hired the best private chefs that he knew to cook for them while they were in the air.

“Hey, Cole,” his business partner peaked his head around the door to his office. He looked up briefly, enough time for him to recognize the face and greet him,

“Hi, what were you after?” he asked, bluntly.

Surprised at his tone, the man at the door continued with his question. There was a important formal party that night hosted by one of their most valued investors. It was his duty to get Cole to show up. He was not going to take no for an answer, not this time.

“I really need you to attend this party tonight, Cole,” he began. Cole looked up at him, taking his mind of the upcoming date for just a second. He thought for a moment, running the options over in his head. With nothing else planned for the evening he begrudgingly accepted.

“I guess I’ll make an appearance,” he said. Ecstatic, Ken thanked him profusely,

“Thank you, Cole. But now that you’ve agreed to go I’m going to make sure you get there,” he joked. Then Ken slipped back out of the office door and disappeared.

It would not be too bad. He had almost finished planning his spectacular night for Deanna. The hotel was booked, the flights were arranged, dinner was set up, there was nothing more that he needed to do. He was satisfied that this would be a night that she would never forget. He would not either.

Now, when to call her? He had only just seen her today. He went over and over the outcomes in his head.

The date was not planned for another week and a bit so he decided to wait until the following Monday. He felt like a week from their first meeting would be an appropriate amount of time. He did not want to appear too eager, in fears of scaring the beautiful, young woman off. That was a thought that he just could not even bare.

The rest of the day flew past. He stayed back for an hour, finishing the work that he had disregarded while getting ready for the spectacular date. Finally done, he packed up and began to walk out the office when a voice

popped up behind him.

“Don’t forget about the party tonight!� he called. Cole turned and nodded toward Ken. Damn, he had completely forgotten. His pace quickened as he made his way out the door and down the elevator. Finally the date escaped his thoughts and they now turned to the encroaching party he would be attending that night. He ran to the hire car and was home quickly.

Racing up to his apartment he quickly went through the wardrobe and picked out his suit for the night. A fitted, black jacket and a matching pair of black, tailored pants. For beneath the jacket he chose a cream colored shirt. Before getting dressed, he jumped into the shower.

He stood for a moment beneath the shower head, letting the warm water wash over his face and down his toned, muscular chest.

He was not too thrilled about spending his night talking to a bunch of rich, entitled people. Their company was not the kind that he chose to surround himself with.

But this was the cost of doing business. Ten minutes passed and he gingerly stepped from the shower, grabbing a soft, white cotton towel and wrapping it around his waist. Cole walked back through to his bedroom, drying off as he went.

Getting back to the room he hastily pulled on the clothes that he had laid out for the evening. Finishing the outfit off with a pair of dark brown, leather shoes he looked himself up and down in the mirror. Although too modest to admit it, he looked amazing in the formal wear. Glancing down at his watch he realized it was

almost time to leave. That is, if he wanted to be there on time.

He grabbed his wallet and keys from the kitchen bench on his way out as he sped through the front doors and narrowly caught the elevator on its way down to the lobby. He stood there, alone, anticipating the worst from the party he was about to attend.

Deanna

Jacob paid the taxi driver and he thanked them as he made his way to the next job for the night.

“Have a good time, kids,” he said to them as he tipped his cap.

“Thank you,” Deanna replied as she climbed out.

Jacob took her hand to help her out and once the door was closed once more the taxi sped away.

“This is the place,” Jacob gestured toward the building to their right. It was majestic. The architecture of the structure was delicate and decorated with carved stone.

“Wow,” she exclaimed. Even from the outside, it was much fancier than she had been expecting. Upon entering the foyer, Deanna was getting more and more self conscious about her outfit. The women around her were so much more dressed up than she felt. Their make up was meticulously done, each face looked flawless as they passed her.

“You look great, and we don’t have to talk to anyone else here. I just came for the free food,” Jacob joked when he saw her worried expression. Deanna laughed.

He made her feel at ease here, she was glad to get out of the house with her new friend. It did not matter where they went.

They left their names at the entrance, marking them

off the list of guests that were invited. She stepped into the door and it was the most extravagant party she had even been to. It was like a film.

The band played on the stage in the corner and waiters ran around the floor, serving appetizers to the guests. Barely feet in and she already had a glass of champagne in one hand and a tiny stuffed mushroom in the other.

“You were right, the food is great,” she said to Jacob before popping the tiny appetizer into her mouth. The flavors in the mushroom were divine. Deanna was definitely not skipping on the food tonight. Several appetizers later and they had found a quiet corner to sit, where they could eat and drink alone, without the judging stares of the rich people who flooded the party.

“This will do,” Jacob said as he directed her to the couch against the wall on the far side of the room. This was perfect for them. Neither wanted to be caught up in the dull conversation with the over privileged party goers.

They grabbed a couple more nibbles before taking a seat. The stylish lounge sweet was so comfortable. With drinks and food being delivered to them where they sat there was no reason to go anywhere now. Deanna knew already from looking around that it would be unlikely that these people would give her the time of day, let alone form a friendship with her. Sighing inwardly. She turned back to Jacob and decided to make the most of their night with him. He was still fairly new to her and there was still so much about him that she wanted to know.

“Hey, Jacob!” A masculine voice behind them yelled

across the room. People looked on as the host of the party made his way through the crowd and straight to where they sat. His smile was contagious, Deanna could not help but reciprocate. Both her and Jacob stood as he introduced her and then they returned to their seats.

Callum, the man who had invited them both here, sat next to them and, with pleasantries addressed, he began a brief conversation.

“How are you guys liking it here tonight?” He asked.

Deanna and Jacob agreed that it was a great night, although they left out that it was not exactly their cup of tea.

“The food is excellent, who did the catering?” Jacob asked. ‘He sure loves his food’, Deanna thought as they discussed the origin of the appetizers and the catering company Callum had employed for the night. As quickly as he had spotted them, Callum was off again to mingle with his plethora of guests.

“It was lovely meeting you,” he said to Deanna, taking her hand and kissing it politely before making his way back across the floor.

“He is something,” she said to Jacob as she turned back to him. They conversation had been cut so short, Deanna was not sure what to make of Callum yet.

“He is pretty down to Earth, when he doesn’t have a party to run,” Jacob said. In all honesty, he had barely seen Callum since he started at his new job.

They were now several drinks in and Deanna was

beginning to feel tipsy. Jacob had had enough to drink to but he was able to hold himself a little better than her. All his drunk, late nights in college had prepared him for being intoxicated in the real world. Deanna’s words began to slur slightly and she was getting more and more confident in herself. Seeing her current state, he started denying her the glasses of champagne when they came around.

“I’m going to grab you some water,” he said as he got up and grabbed a glass. Deanna scanned the room, swearing that she caught a glimpse of Cole. The man she saw had the same build and hair style, but with her cloudy vision she could not be sure. As Jacob came back with the drink she dismissed it from her thoughts. Surely she would not be seeing him for a third time in two days.

The night bustled on around them. The band played relentlessly. Every time she looked up, Deanna saw couples approaching the dance floor. When the conversation thinned Jacob extended an arm and asked her to dance.

“It looks like you are pretty keen to dance,” he began. Before he could finish his sentence Deanna grabbed his arm and ran them both out onto the designated dance floor. The beat was fast paced and they moved quickly to keep up. She stumbled a few times but eventually Deanna found her rhythm. Her and Jacob had a blast, ripping up the dance floor with their confident moves. The drinks had definitely helped them lose the inhibitions that kept them both huddled up in the corner.

All of a sudden, Jacob had disappeared and she was dancing with strangers. In her current state she did not care, she was finally having fun in the city she had always dreamed to live in. This is just how she imagined New York City would be.

Ever since she was a little girl, Deanna had dreamed of living in New York. It was the city that she always saw plastered across the television. It was the subject of her favorite movies, the greatest songs, there was no where else in the world that she could picture herself. It had been a dream come true to be accepted into employment so soon after finishing college. Although her friends and family had been sad to see her leave, it was an adventure that she could not wait to begin. The first week had been lonely and boring but now she finally felt as if she was taking advantage of what the city had to offer.

The last few days had been so hectic and full of surprises. This is exactly what she had pictured for her new start. The events she could not predict, but this is how she imagined it would feel. She felt free. She felt alive. There was nothing that could bring her down.

There was no one that could get in her way. This was the new Deanna, she wanted to live.

As Deanna danced she did not see the familiar man watching her from across the room. He looked on as her beautiful silhouette glide across the wooden floor. He watched as all the other men marveled at her beauty. Her charisma, her confidence.

So caught up in the fun she was having, Deanna did not notice the man approach her until she felt a gentle

tap on her shoulder. Spinning around she was surprised by who she saw. A familiar face had appeared as if out of no where. Was it fate?

Cole

Through the crowded room he spotted her. Her beautiful physique flowed across the designated dance floor. His jaw dropped slightly when he realized that his eyes were not deceiving him, not this time. Mid conversation, his eyes were drawn to her and he ceased to speak. He did not expect to see her so soon since their last meeting earlier that day.

“Excuse me a moment,” he said as he made his way over. He pushed past the bodies that stood in his path.

He made sure that she never left his sight. Was it fate that they both found themselves here tonight? He could not wait to find out.

Finally he found himself just feet away from Deanna.

Her back was turned and she still had not noticed his presence. She was dancing carelessly, surrounded by other happy party goers. She looked amazing as she moved along to the music. He could not wait another moment,

“Excuse me,” he said as he placed a strong hand on her shoulder. Without a second wasted she turned and saw him. He witnessed her jaw drop slightly at the sight of him. She was equally surprised to see him here.

“Hi Cole,” she said as he took her hand and bent down to kiss it gently. He looked up in time to see her blush slightly and turn back to the man she was conversing with.

“Jacob this is Cole, I met him just the other day,” she introduced Cole to her co-worker and they shook hands politely.

“Do you mind if I steal her away for a moment?” Cole asked Jacob. He nodded and walked over to another group of friends, looking a little wounded. Deanna waved good bye to him and assured him that they would meet up again soon. Somehow, he did not believe her.

“I didn’t think I would be seeing you so soon,” she said as she turned back to face him. She seductively took a sip of her wine, he was mesmerized by her once more.

“I just can’t stay away, apparently,” he replied. This was true.

They both went to a couch at the edge of the room and sat down there together. He grabbed he another glass of alcohol and they continued where they had left off at the coffee place. He listened intently to her every word. He was mesmerized by her. He still could not shake the feeling of disbelief. How had he bumped into her twice in one day? It was too good to be true.

The time passed quickly. Hours went by and they chatted as the wine flowed. The room moved around them but neither Cole nor Deanna noticed anyone but each other. The party emptied slowly and they found themselves to be some of the only ones left.

They chatted about life and work. He learned so much more about her. She learned so much about him.

The world around them simply melted away and there

was no one else in the room. He had no idea that she would be coming tonight, but now he was so happy that he had dragged himself out that night.

Checking his watch, Cole noticed that it was already almost one in the morning.

“It’s getting late,” he said. She nodded her agreement. They had had a lot to drink and both were feeling quite tipsy.

“Would you possibly like to come back to my apartment with me? It’s quite close from here,” he asked boldly. He saw her look around for the man that she had arrived with, but he had already gone. It was just the two of them now.

“Sure,” it was the answer he had hoped for, but still did not expect. He took her hand and they stood up before making their way to the door. They walked hand in hand through the building and out onto the chilly street.

Noticing the brisk weather, he removed his fitted jacket and draped it around Deanna’s slender shoulders.

She gripped it in her fingers and pulled it closer to her skin. Then, he extended an arm and wrapped it around her over the jacket. It was a perfect night. When he was asked earlier that day to attend this party he was never expecting the woman he had been doting on to appear there too. It was a dream come true.

Deanna moved closer to him as their journey progressed. He was getting to know her better and better as the night went on. He prayed that it did not have to

end anytime soon. He did not expect her to stay the night with him, he just craved her company. He wanted to sit down and talk with her, alone, for hours on end. He knew in his heart that she was more than just another date, she was the one for him. He had known from the first moment and his judgement never faltered. He would do everything within his power to keep her around. This was one relationship that would not end with heartache.

They arrived at his building and made their way past the door man and up the elevator. They chatted the whole way, it was if the conversation between them never stood still. There was always something to say.

He watched as the elevator door opened wide on the top floor of the upper class building he called home.

Opposite them was a huge, polished wooden door that belonged to Cole.

“This is it,” he gestured toward the door before them.

Together, they stepped out of the elevator and he fumbled nervously with his keys before he finally got them into the lock. He turn them roughly and exposed the beautiful penthouse apartment hidden behind. He heard Deanna gasped as she took in the new surroundings. While she stared he made his way to the bar in the kitchen and poured them each a glass of red wine.

“Here,” he handed her the glass and they sat down together on the black, leather couch. Sipping gingerly on her glass, Cole continued the conversation from where they had left off. He stared into her beautiful eyes as she spoke. There was nowhere in the world he would rather

be at this moment than right here with this mesmerizing, intelligent woman.

Deanna

Deanna was encapsulated in the moment. This was not where she had expected to be at the end of the night.

It had only been that morning that she had learned this man’s name and now she was back at his apartment, alone. There was something about him that drew her in though. She had known it from the first second they had laid eyes on each other. The day before at the coffee shop. That fateful encounter. She did not know where the night was headed, but she could not wait to find out.

“Would you like another glass?” Cole asked her. She held the glass toward him and watched as the maroon liquid flowed into the cup. Both her and Cole were becoming increasingly tipsy. The conversation was shifting towards one of a sexual nature. He was so handsome and interesting, what woman would pass up the chance. Deanna had been so lonely

It was not just that. She would not have just thrown herself at any man who showed her this attention. She was drawn to him, his presence. She hung onto his every word and subsequently wished that this night would never end. There was no place that she would rather be than here with him.

But she was still not expecting the turn that the night was about to take, and it began with his next words.

“From the first moment I saw you I knew you were special,” Cole said softly as he gazed into her eyes.

Deanna melted inside. The whole world around her

evaporated away. She felt exactly the same as he did, it was just so nice to hear it reciprocated. Without another word spoken between them, Deanna reached up and grasped his face, pulling it gently toward hers.

She felt his warm lips press against hers. It was just how she had imagined. Fireworks set off inside her mind.

She parted her lips slightly to allow his tongue to caress hers within her mouth. His arms wrapped around her body and pulled her closer to him.

Their passionate kiss gave way to more. Deanna found her hands wandering up his muscular physique and toward his chest. Over his collared shirt, she stroked his body. She could tell from his demeanor that he was definitely as into this as she was. His hands also found themselves wandering over her body. She had curves in all the right places. His hands graced her hips and worked their way up her body toward her breasts. He played with them beneath the shear dress that she was wearing. His hands slid back down and stroked up her thigh beneath the dress. In response, she began to unbutton his shirt and unzip his pants. She was overtaken by passion.

He too began to undress her slim physique. She felt him pull the hem of her dress up her legs, revealing her soft thighs. His hands ran over her shoulders and slipped the straps of the dress down her arms. All of a sudden, he picked her up off the couch and stood up, letting his pants fall to his ankles. One arm at a time, he let the shirt drift from his shoulders. He was now left in nothing but his boxer shorts, holding her body tightly in his arms.

She broke from the embrace long enough to pull the dress she adorned over her head. They were both left now, in nothing but their underwear. She looked the barely dressed Cole Waters up and down. He was even more attractive than she had thought beneath the clothes. His body was tight and toned. His muscles were prominent but not too big. His skin was perfectly tanned all over, giving his skin a brown tone. She threw herself back into his arms and pressed her lips again against his.

As they kissed each other all over, Cole worked to undo the clasp of her bra from behind her back. It fell to the floor in a pile with the other clothes that had been discarded. So too did the boxer shorts that he had been wearing. With her hand at his hip she felt further down to find his erection, hard and ready for her. She stroked it gently as he played with her now naked breasts. He felt around her nipples, making them hard with anticipation.

His hands moved downward to stroke the soft skin that surrounded her perky, young breasts. She let out a soft moan as he felt her body, she was enjoying every touch.

Running a hand down her stomach and toward her black lace panties, he rubbed her as he went. In response, she felt her hand tighten around his cock. She began to pull it as he explored what was still hidden beneath the small piece of material that covered her most private body parts. His fingers crept down toward her swollen clit. She found herself rubbing his cock up and down, more vigorously than before. She wanted more than anything in this moment for him to take her right then and there. She wanted to feel the length of his dick deep inside of her. She wanted to let her animalistic instincts take over. She was about to get exactly what she wanted, but in good time.

He roughly pulled the panties down, letting them fall by her feet. Now they were both completely naked. Once exposed, he found her clit with his hand and began to rub it gently. She moaned at the sensations she experienced from his touch. She took her free hand and ran it across his balls, hanging below his hard cock. She felt his body shake with excitement as she did so. It made his hands move quicker against her flesh. She groaned her approval as he rubbed harder and faster.

Just as she thought that the pleasure could not get any better, Cole took a single finger and inserted it within her moist opening. She gave out a scream of pleasure as he began to finger her vagina. His spare hand cupped her naked breast above.

“Do you like that?” he whispered as he rubbed her vigorously.

“Yes,” she moaned. She loved it.

She needed him inside her. He was more than happy at this point to oblige. Without another word said, he picked up her entire, naked body and carried her to his bedroom. He laid her down gently on the bed and climbed on top of her. Continuing to kiss her neck and down to her breasts he placed his cock between her thighs. Lost in the immense pleasure she was feeling, she guided it toward her. Against her naked thighs and into her welcoming crevice, she guided his dick. She needed him badly, she wanted him desperately. She could not believe that this was happening.

Once there he thrust into her. It was a magical feeling that she could not describe. Slowly he moved in and out, savoring the feeling of being inside her. He held himself within her, the full length of his cock was deep inside of her. She moaned as he moved, even the slightest twitch gave her immense pleasure. She tried to hold on as his movements hastened. He nuzzled her neck as he gave in to the sexual frustration he had pent up for her.

She pushed him off at that moment, he was surprised for a second before she revealed her plan.

Laying him back on the bed, she climbed on top and pushed his cock inside her once more. With her beautiful figure towering above him, he was turned on by her dominance. She knew exactly what she wanted in the bedroom and she was going to take it from him.

Riding his cock felt amazing for Deanna, her clit rubbed roughly against his naked body below with every thrust. Every movement brought her closer and closer to orgasm. She knew it would not be much longer until she let go completely and came on top of Cole. It was imminent. Just as the thought rushed through her mind, she felt her body give out. She moaned deeply as her juice flowed down his naked body and onto the sheets below.

Her pleasure was too much for him, he had been holding onto his load for so long now, it took all he had not to blow as soon as he first saw her naked before him.

There was just something about Deanna screamed sex appeal. Just as she had finished her drawn out orgasm, his began. He screamed his release as his cock expelled

his cum within her.

Once they were both done, they collapsed on the bed, in each others arms.

“That was amazing,” she panted as she attempted to catch her breath from the exhilarating sex they had just shared. Cole nodded his agreement, too exhausted to say anything at all. They lay in silence for a few minutes before Deanna spoke again.

“Is it OK if I stay here for the night?” Cole’s heart skipped a beat. There was nothing that he craved more than to fall asleep with her in his arms.

“Of course,” he replied. With that, he rolled over and wrapped a comforting arm around her naked body. All too quickly he had fallen asleep.

As she lay in the comfortable cotton sheets with his arms wrapped around her, she felt complete. There was nothing on Earth that could replace him in her heart. Last night had not gone exactly as she was planning, but that was by no means a bad thing. Now she was here, with Cole. She did not even care that she had to be at work in an hour. She did not think of where Jacob had gotten to once Cole had made an appearance. She dreamed of where this relationship would take her. She did not feel alone anymore.

Cole

Cole prepared breakfast as he thought about the events that had unfolded last night. He whipped up a batch of pancakes from scratch and turned on the stove to preheat. He poured them onto the greased pan mindlessly, one by one, until a stack began to form. As the pancakes sizzled on the stove top he pictured her beautiful silhouette that was currently laid across his bed.

She was not like any other woman that he had ever met.

There was something about Deanna that was special.

Through all of his sexual escapades, Cole had never experienced this feeling before. Was it love? He did not know yet.

He was so glad that he had gone along to the party Callum had thrown the night before. At first he had been resenting his partner for making him go the previous night but now he was so grateful. He went over the events of last night in his mind as he cooked away.

Hopefully he could hang on to this amazing woman, at least for awhile. Her love was like a drug, he needed more.

With a full English breakfast in hand, Cole walked into the bedroom where Deanna still lay, just waking up for a day at the office. He smiled as she rolled over. Her beautiful hair was messy and unkept, but as she stretched out her body across the mattress he thought she was still just as stunning as every other meeting they had had before. There was nothing that would make her any less attractive to him. In everything that she did she was perfect.

“Wow,” she exclaimed at the breakfast he had prepared for the two of them. He sat the trays down in front of her and sat down beside her on the bed. Both of them sat there, in their underwear, chatting about the party the night before.

As the conversation flowed, Cole weighed up in his mind whether or not to ask her on the date he had planned, here and now. Sure, it was not the way he had imagined their first romantic evening going, but he knew her well enough now. She was no longer just a beautiful stranger from the streets of New York City. She was Deanna, the fun, intelligent woman he had run into at the event he attended last night. She was the woman that he wanted to be with. Still, there was no reason to rush these things. Cole decided that he would stick to his plan, waiting to ask her out the following week.

“Thanks for breakfast,” she said through a mouthful of food. He too began to eat.

“You’re welcome. I hope you had as much fun as I did last night,” as she looked up he winked at her.

“What are your plans for the day?” he asked her. He saw her glance back at the clock and giggle as she realized something.

“I was meant to be at work ten minutes ago, I think I’ll be late today.”

“Me too,” he replied.

They finished breakfast quickly once their inherent lateness was addressed.

“I need to get changed!” Deanna exclaimed, she could not turn up at work in the dress she had been wearing the night before.

“I think I have something here,” Cole said calmly as he made his way to the wardrobe. He had some women’s clothing, it belonged to his mother for when she came to visit. Despite her age, Mrs. Waters was extremely stylish and owned many designer clothes. They were not Deanna’s size, a little larger than she would have liked, but they would do for one day. Together they scanned the shelves and picked out a pale grey pant suit.

“I hope it fits OK,” Cole said as he handed it over.

When she came out of the bathroom, dressed for the day he was amazed at how good she looked in the drab clothes they had picked out. Somehow she managed to pull off the outfit.

“How does it look?” she asked him.

“You look great,” he replied, smiling at her as she walked toward him.

“I have to go, I can’t be too late! My boss will kill me,” she said. Then she stood up on her tip toes and kissed him lightly on the lips.

“I had a really good time last night. I hope we can do it again soon,” she whispered. There was no doubt in his mind there would be a second date with Deanna, sooner

rather than later.

“Of course I did. Seeing you definitely made my night. I can’t wait to do it again,” he gushed. Normally he was so cool around women but sometimes being in her presence made him flustered, this was one of those times.

“Would you like a lift to work?” He offered. All too quickly she agreed. Already late, she needed to get to her building as soon as possible.

“That would be so great! Thank you,” she grinned.

With that Cole changed fast into a work suit and they made their way down the elevator and to the hire car that was waiting for them.

“After you,” Cole said as he opened the door for Deanna and allowed her to climb in ahead of him.

The car pulled away from the curb and they were off.

Deanna gave the driver directions to her building, which was just streets from his apartment.

“This is my stop,” she said as they pulled up outside.

He grabbed her one last time and kissed her passionately before she escaped the car and proceeded with her day. He did not want her to forget the night that they shared and he definitely did not want it to end. But it would have to and the time had come. She opened the door and climbed out of the car.

“I’ll call you soon,” he assured her.

“I can’t wait,” she replied, and with that she shut the door and disappeared into the crowded New York City sidewalk. For the rest of the car ride he reminisced about the night that he had shared with the woman of his dreams. He could not wait to see her again.

End of Part 2

Caught in the Flames An Alpha Billionaire Romance

Book 3

By Michelle Love

Facebook Michelle Love

Description

Cole and Deanna both got to work late after their late night together. Deanna came into an office full of grouches as they were waiting for their morning cup of joe she was in charge of procuring. Cole found himself being rushed off to a meeting in Denver that he had totally forgotten about.

On the way to Denver, Cole realized the card with Deanna’s phone number was lost and he had no way of contacting her and letting her know where he was. He was certain she would think he’d just used her as a one-night stand and hoped she wouldn’t move on.

Deanna became depressed as she realized she and Cole didn’t really have the connection she thought they did.

She had no idea that he wasn’t even in New York City and thought he was avoiding the coffee shop to avoid seeing her again. She went on a friendly date on the weekend with her co-worker, Jacob and tried to forget about Cole.

Once Cole got back to town he spotted Deanna leaving work and nearly jumped out of the cab to get to her, but he saw Jacob with his arm around her and when she left a kiss on his cheek, Cole knew she had moved on. He went home depressed and thought it was all over before they could even begin.

Will the two ever find each other again? And if they do, will Deanna believe his story? Only time will tell.

Deanna Too late to make the coffee run, Deanna found herself being met with grumpy stares as she came into her office late for the first time. The men’s obvious aggravation with her was apparent.

“Sorry, I’m late,” she said as she hurried to get all the coffee orders.

Finding all wanted the same thing again she dashed off to get the coffees. It was taking a big notch out of the time she had to finish up her article and she was a little peeved no one else thought to go get the coffee in her absence. She found the wait in line completely boring without Cole there to talk to as she waited the eternity it took to get the caffeine her coworkers seemed to need.

Back up to the office she headed and when she brought the coffees to her closest two co-workers she found Jacob looking sheepish. “So, how did your date go?” he asked.

Deanna looked away feeling pretty bad about going to the party with him, but leaving him in the cold as soon as Cole found her. “Sorry, about ditching you, Jacob. I really am.” She sat down in her little cubicle but moved the chair back so she could continue to talk to him. “It’s just that Cole, and I bumped into each other the first day I came to work here at the coffee place and we had a real spark. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Yeah, no problem, Deanna. So, lunch today or are you busy?” he asked as he took his glasses off and cleaned them.

“I’d love to go to lunch with you, Jacob. Thanks.”

She smiled and got to work feeling like things would be OK between them.

After hours of editing her little article she finally felt it was ready and asked Jacob if he had time to look it over after lunch before she turned it in. He agreed to, and they took off to grab some lunch.

Jacob led her to a truck with pizza slices and they grabbed a couple of waters and headed to a bench to enjoy the break and take in some fresh air. “So that guy’s a billionaire. Did he tell you that?” Jacob asked her then took a bite of the pepperoni pizza.

She nodded. “He’s so much more than money, Jacob. He’s sweet and funny and the most interesting man I’ve ever met.”

“Great,” he said. “I mean good for you, Deanna.

Really. So, do you think you’ll see him again? I mean did he ask you out again?”

“Well, no he didn’t. But he’s going to call. I gave him my number anyway. God, I hope he calls.”

Deanna began to worry a little as she kind of thought he might call her and ask her to go eat lunch with him as their offices were close enough they could’ve done that.

“Don’t sweat it if he doesn’t,” Jacob said. “I mean you shouldn’t rush anything.”

“No, you’re right, I know that.” She took a drink of her water and frowned. “It’s just that I think we have a real connection and to be honest I thought he’d want to go eat lunch with me. I kind of thought he might call by now and at least make some dinner plans.”

“Just a heads up,” he said. “From what I hear, most guys let a girl stew for a few days after what you two most likely did. Not that it’s my business at all. But from how you came in late I guessed you two stayed the night together.”

“Um, well, yeah. So, I can expect not to hear from him for a few days then? That kind of sucks.” She took a bite of the pizza she didn’t really feel like eating anymore as her appetite seemed to have disappeared.

“You could always call him I guess,” he said as he carefully folded up the greasy napkin that had held his pizza. “He did give you his number, right?”

She got up, and they walked to toss their trash away in the bin. “No. We were rushed this morning and that little thing got overlooked, I’m afraid.”

Jacob grabbed her hand and led her back up to their office, a little smile on his face as he still thought there just might be a chance for him yet.

Cole “Finally, you’re here, Cole. Damn man did you have to pick today to be late?” one of his partners, Rob, asked as he took him by the arm and hurried him to his office. “You and I have to be in Denver in just a few hours.”

“Wait. What?” Cole asked as he stopped.

“How could you have forgotten that we have that meeting in Denver? We’ll be out there until Monday.”

Rob moved him along again.

“Shit! I did forget all about that. I haven’t even packed.” Cole became flustered and quickly gathered the paperwork he’d need and shoved it in his briefcase.

“We’ll stop by your apartment and grab you a few suits. But you’ll have to hurry. The company jet is waiting on us at the airport.” Rob said as he helped Cole gather the things they would need.

Cole was frantic. He had to hurry and it would be nice to have a moment to call Deanna and let her know he’d be away for a while, but that he’d call her every night before he went to bed.

The morning flashed by as he was hurried along and he and Rob where finally in the air making their way to the Denver meetings that would last all weekend long. Cole was dreading it, but even more so now as he could only think about spending more time with Deanna.

He began to look for the card she’d given him with her cell number on it, but it wasn’t in his wallet and he

could’ve sworn that’s where he put it yesterday. Then it hit him that he hadn’t put it in the wallet at all. He’d put it in the pocket of his slacks he’d been wearing and they had been picked up by the cleaners.

Cole was screwed. He’d not be able to call her and when he got back to New York in five days, he’d have to find her at that coffee shop. He felt awful, knowing she’d be thinking he was making her wait or putting her off.

That’s the last thing he wanted to do was play games with her. He hoped she wouldn’t get mad at him and go out with someone else to get back at him.

He’d finally met the girl he thought might be the one for him and he might end up losing her already.

Deanna The days had passed and not one word had Cole felt like giving her. A text would have been sufficient.

But nothing and Deanna was feeling like she’d been used by the man.

Of course he didn’t really want anything real with her. He was a man of extreme wealth and she was a little country girl from Texas, a broke article writer. She felt like an idiot as she made her way into work.

It was Friday and everyone was happy, except her.

Most had big plans for the weekend. Her plan was to sit home and hope Cole would call. Jacob’s wide smile greeted her as she came in a took her seat.

“TGIF, Deanna,” he said then patted her on the back. “A few of my friends are getting together tomorrow, would you like to join us?”

She shook her head. “No, thank you for asking though.”

He spun her chair around and made her look at him as he took her chin in his hand. “Deanna, don’t wait around for that guy. Things like this happen. They don’t call them one-night stands for no reason. I mean you said he’s not even showing up to get coffee anymore so don’t take it personal.”

“But, I feel like a fool. I mean, why did I have to go and sleep with the guy. That’s so not like me. The first time I go and do something like that and boom! It blows up in my face.” She spun back around and laid her head on her little desk.

Jacob felt sorry for her, but happy for himself.

“Deanna, don’t let it get to you. Come on and hang with me this weekend. It’ll be fun, I promise.”

She laid there contemplating if she should hang out with Jacob and risk him thinking he had a shot with her or waiting like a pitiful loser at home for the man she thought she had a real connection and chance with to call her.

She shouldn’t even want to wait around for someone who would leave her hanging the whole week after what they did together. She must have been wrong about Cole being the man for her.

She pulled her head up and turned back to find Jacob in his little cubicle. Deanna moved her chair over near his and said, “You know what, I will take you up on your offer, Jacob. Thanks. And I’ll try not to be such a sad sack around your friends.”

He smiled widely at her. “Great. It’ll be fun, you’ll see.”

Deanna got back to work on her new article and tried to forget about Cole and his dreamy good looks and killer body. It would be hard, nearly impossible, but she’d give it a try anyway.

Cole The jet brought them into New York around six in the evening and Cole was jittery with nerves as he wondered how Deanna would react when he finally found her. He left the airport and had a cab take him home. He had no choice but to wait until the morning and hope she was at the coffee shop.

He found himself looking at the people walking down the sidewalks as he sat in the back of the cab.

Searching for her, but knowing he wasn’t going to find her. The cab stopped at a light near the building he’d dropped her off at the next morning after their night of making passionate love to each other.

Blonde hair billowed out around someone’s head as they stepped out of doors to the building and his heart stopped. His hand involuntarily grabbed the door handle.

Then he saw a guy with glasses run his hand over her hair, smoothing it down and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close to him. It was the guy Deanna had been at that party with and when she raised her head, he saw her.

She kissed the guy on the cheek and the two headed off together. Cole’s heart sank, and he knew he’d missed out on her. With him gone and not even giving her a phone call to explain things, she’d moved on.

The rest of the cab ride to his apartment was a blur as his mind was gone. She was gone and now he really was done with women. He had no one to blame

but himself. He should’ve taken better care of that card with her phone number on it. It was special after all.

She was special and that other guy had snatched her up when she thought Cole was a jackass who was avoiding her. What must she think about the fact he hadn’t even show up at the coffee shop?

He knew she must have thought he was avoiding it and her. She couldn’t have been more wrong. But it was too late.

Cole made his way into his apartment and found it the way he’d had to leave it as he packed quickly and dashed off to the airport five days earlier. To the right side of his bed in a tiny pile on the floor were the panties he ripped off her that night.

He picked them up and tossed them in the trash can in the bathroom. He may as well get all traces of her out of his mind. She’d moved on. And why wouldn’t she?

Cole went to shower and found himself in bed unable to sleep as he kicked himself mentally all through the night.

Deanna “Thanks for walking me home, Jacob,” Deanna said as they got to her apartment building. “You’re a great friend.”

“Not a problem. See you at the office in the morning.” Jacob let go of her hand and gave her a wave before moving on.

The weekend had been fun and when he made a move to kiss Deanna, she let him down easy. She also pointed out that one of the girls who hung in his group had a massive crush on him that he’d never realized.

With Deanna’s help, Jacob had managed to make a date for the next weekend with the girl and found a friendship with Deanna. Everyone was happy. Except Deanna, who was still thinking about Cole.

She spent the night eating noodles and watching television. A love story was on and she watched it and kicked herself for doing it at the end as she cried not only for the lost love in the movie but for her lost love as well.

It was too much, and she found herself depressed and went to bed, unable to sleep, because she was replaying every single second of time she’d spent with Cole. She knew it wouldn’t help a thing, but she couldn’t really stop herself.

She managed to fall asleep at least for a few hours she found as her alarm woke her up the next morning. Moving slowly and groggily, she pulled her hair into a ponytail and skipped the shower. A little

mascara she put on and dressed in a plain black skirt and white shirt.

As she drug into the office Jacob spotted her and asked, “What the heck is wrong with you, Deanna?”

“I foolishly watched a love story on television last night and broke my heart all over again. I’m an idiot!”

She made the rounds to get the coffee orders and left again.

Deanna trudged down the busy sidewalk, suddenly very aware of the many people bustling around her and it aggravated her to no end. She was mumbling to herself about how she hated everybody and everything.

The line at the coffee shop was as long as she’d ever seen it. She got in line and waited as she took out her phone and did what she did every time she was waiting in line there. She looked to see if there was a missed call or a text she’d somehow managed to miss hearing. And like always there wasn’t.

A hand grasped her shoulder and heat ran through her. She spun around and there he was with a smile across his handsome face. “There you are,” he said.

He pulled her into his strong arms and held her tight. “Cole,” she said then found herself crying. “I thought…”

“Shh, I know, baby. I’m so sorry. I was sent out of town and I lost the card with your number. Don’t worry, I’m not mad that you moved on. I’m sad about it, but not mad.” He ran his hands over her back and pulled away to find her crying and shaking. “We should get

out of here. You look like you need a moment.” He ran his arm around her shoulders and she buried her face in his wide chest as she continued to cry.

He took her around the corner to a little less busy sidewalk and held her as she cried. “Cole, I thought you were avoiding me.”

“I’m so sorry, Deanna. I’d never do that. Are you going to be okay?” He ran his arms around her as he moved them into a little opening of a bodega.

“Now I am.” She lifted her head and wiped her tears. “Wait. Did you say that I moved on?”

He nodded. “I saw you two yesterday evening as you left your office. You were with that same guy you were with at the party that night.”

She began laughing. “No, we aren’t together. I’m not with him or anyone.”

His eyes lit up. “You’re not? So, you’re free?”

Deanna nodded enthusiastically. “As a bird, Cole.”

She was pulled up into a hug that had him lifting her feet off the ground. “Thank, God!” he said then placed her back on the ground. “As much as I want to drag you back to my apartment and rip your clothes off right now, I know you have to get back to work and so do I, but you and I are going to lunch together. What time do you want me to meet you at your office?”

“Really?” she asked in disbelief. “I mean. Is this really happening?”

He smiled. “Yes, if you want it to.”

She nodded. “I do, like I’ve never wanted anything in my entire life.”

Then he kissed her hard and with so much passion she thought she was melting right there on the sidewalk as people passed by and one guy even whistled. He released her mouth and pressed his forehead to hers. “I guess we better go get back in that line and get your mountain of caffeine back to your office before they come looking for you.”

She smiled and ran her arm around his waist as his ran over her shoulders, holding each other close as they walked back and got in the long line. They talked, and he told her all about what he did in Denver and she told him how much she’d cried the last night after watching the love story and he laughed at her, but then felt bad and kissed her right there in the line.

Some of the people near them awed at them and told them what a great looking couple they were and how their loved showed. Deanna blushed and buried her face into his chest, relishing the warmth.

Before he put her in a cab with her large tray of drinks, he got her cell number and called it so she could have his number too. “See you at lunch, baby,” he told her then closed the door to the cab and watched her ride away with a huge smile on her face.

Cole The date he’d been planning he had decided he wasn’t going to wait to ask her on it. He was pretty sure she’d say yes, but he didn’t want to get too cocky about it.

Cole showed up at her office with a crystal vase full of red roses for her desk which he found was tiny and the flowers took up too much space, so she sat them on an empty table in the little office she shared with Jacob and some other guy.

Jacob came up to Cole and shook his hand. “Hey there, Cole. Deanna told me all about the mix up. Glad to see you aren’t the jackass we thought you were.”

Cole gave him a smile and patted him on the back. “Thanks for being there for her, Jacob. I feel awful about what I put her through. She’s lucky to have a friend like you.”

Deanna slipped her coat on and grabbed Cole by the hand. “Let’s get going. I’m starving. I haven’t eaten hardly at all for the last five days.”

“Sure, baby. Can we stop by your boss’s office? I want to ask him if you can take a long lunch so I can make it up to you,” he said.

She led him to his office and knocked. “Come in,” he said.

Deanna opened the door. “Hey boss, this man here would like to ask you something.” She gestured to Cole. “This is..”

Her boss had jumped up and was crossing the room with his hand extended. “Oh, I now who this man

is. A pleasure to meet you, Cole.”

Cole shook his hand and smiled. “Nice to meet you too. I was wondering if I could keep Deanna for a long lunch. I kind of put her through hell the last few days and need to make it up to her.”

“Hell, Deanna, take the rest of the day off if you want to,” her boss told her.

Her eyes went wide. “Really?”

He nodded, and she jumped up and down.

“Thanks!”

The two took off, and she leaned into him as they made their way to the elevator. “Is that okay with you, Cole? I mean can you take the rest of the day off?”

“I can for you, baby,” he said and kissed the top of her head.

Cole whisked her away to eat lunch at The Four Seasons where she ordered a filet mignon and found it melted in her mouth. The day had turned around, and she was feeling as if she was on a cloud instead of sitting in the middle of the fanciest restaurant she’d ever been in.

Cole took her hand across the table and smiled at her. “Deanna, I wanted to ask you something. You see from the moment I saw you, I knew you were someone special. I’ve been planning an exceptional date for you, since you gave me your phone number. I’d like to take you to Rome this weekend.”

“Rome? Like the country?” she asked in surprise.

He smiled and nodded. “Yes, like the country.”

“OMG, Cole! Yes! Of course I’d love to!” She squeezed his hand and smiled. “You started planning that all the way back then? When were you going to ask me?”

“Technically, about now. But I wasn’t going to not be talking to you in the meantime. That was a horrible mistake. Just to let you know I don’t plan on letting a single day go by that I don’t talk to you on the phone or see you in person. In person being the one I mostly plan on.”

Deanna blushed. “You want to see me every day, Cole? That’s so sweet.”

“You’re so sweet,” he said then stroked her cheek.

“I am?” She shook her head. “No, you are.”

“We can both be sweet,” he said with a laugh. “If you’re finished we can get the hell out of her and go back to my place.”

Her eyebrows raised, and she nodded. “I’m ready when you are.”

Deanna After a quick stop at her place to get some clothes, as Cole assured her she would be spending the night with him that night and many, many more nights to come, they got to his apartment.

Deanna ran her hand over the soft leather of the overstuffed sofa in his large living room. She took in a deep breath. She’d thought she’d never be seeing the apartment again and the fact that she was back inside it made her insides quake with anticipation.

Cole was already pulling his tie off, and she kicked her heels off as he led her straight to his bedroom. As they entered his large bedroom he stopped and turned, pulling her into his arms. His mouth took hers with a deep kiss that left her knees weak.

His hands moved between them as he unbuttoned her shirt. She followed suit and ran her hands to unbutton his. They both pushed the shirts off the other and he quickly reached around and unclasped her bra then pulled the bra off.

His hands ran over her breasts then he leaned down and trailed kisses over them, pulling one nipple into his hot mouth. She ran her hands through his silky hair and arched up as the way he sucked it made something inside her pull tight and want to feel much more.

Deanna let him have his time with her breast, he seemed to be enjoying it after all. His hands ran down her legs and back up, hiking her skirt up as they came back up. He slipped his hands over her panties and

pulled them down. They dropped to her feet, and she stepped out of them.

His fingers found their way to her aching vagina that needed to be filled by him. One went in and found her G-spot while the other found her clit and pinched and pulled at it with deft strokes.

Deanna was huffing and puffing as her body was being tortured by him. The hard sucks on her breast were drawing her ever closer to the sweet release she so desperately needed.

Her mind had been in such a dark area as she thought she might never see Cole again. Even if she did see him she was sure he’d want nothing to do with her? The fact he was there, stroking and touching her was making her body ache for release.

She was panting as the orgasm took her and she had to hold onto his shoulders to stop herself from falling. He lifted his mouth off her breast and lifted her in his strong arms, then laid her on his bed.

Deanna tried to catch her breath as Cole took his slacks off and stepped out of his, shucking his socks off. When he pushed his underwear down she gasped at the size of his erection.

The last time it had been dark in the room and she’d but seen it in the dimly lit room. In the light of day it was massive, and she wiggled her finger at him, beckoning him to come to her.

With a sly grin, he crawled up the bed and yanked her skirt off in one swift motion. She giggled and backed away from him until her head hit a soft pillow then she waited for him to come to her.

He started at her feet, kissing the top of each one.

She watched him and thought about how gorgeous he was and how lucky she was and how much she never wanted this to end.

It was agonizing how slowly he kissed his way up to her, leaving a long and hot kiss on her pulsing clit.

She nearly came undone again, but he stopped and moved up her body. Stopping at the other breast and sucking it gently for a second before making his way to her lips.

His lips were soft on hers and she moaned as she thought she would never feel them on hers again. Her tongue rolled around with his and she knew they had something most never found. She’d never let him go, and she prayed her never wanted her to.

She pushed him back and smiled. “Lie back and let me show how much I missed you, Cole.”

He smiled and rolled off her and placed his hands under his head. “Please do, baby.”

She pushed his legs apart and moved between them. Her hands ran over his large organ and she pressed her lips to the bulbous head. His body shivered and when she placed it in her mouth and went all the way down until it was all in he moaned like a man who was happy with what she was doing.

Up and down his long shaft she licked and gently sucked, running her tongue along the underside.

While one hand played with his balls, the other ran up and down his shaft as her mouth left it.

His hand came and tangled up in her hair, moving her head up and down faster as he needed her to go.

He moved her quickly, and she felt a bit of hot liquid come out of the tip then he stiffened and held her head down as his hot semen shot down her throat.

He groaned loudly, and she drank it all down then he let her head go and she gave it one last lick as she moved back up his surprisingly still hard cock. Cole’s eyes met hers as she sat up between his leg. “Fucking great job, baby.”

She smiled and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Glad you liked it.”

Cole shook his head making her frown. “Liked it, no. I loved it. OK, on your hands and knees and let’s see what we can get accomplished.”

She smiled and took the position he told her to as he got out of the bed and walked to the end, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her back then thrusting his wet cock into her aching pussy. She shrieked as it stretched her.

He leaned over and kissed her back. Then pulled back and thrust into her again. Her groan let him know she was beginning to accommodate his massive cock, and he moaned too as her body molded around it, sheathing it to the hilt.

Both moaned as he made slow strokes in and out of her as she pressed back into him with every thrust.

He sped up and reached around her to press his finger to her clit.

“Cole! God! Cole!” she screamed as she came undone and he continued to pound into her.

“Yes, baby! Come for me!” he shouted as he thrust into her as many more times as he could before

her squeezing and pulsing vagina pulled his body into an orgasm too.

The two fell onto the bed in a heap as they fought to catch their breath. Cole laughed once he could breathe again and pulled her up with him to lie on the pillows. “That was fun.”

“Fantastic is the word I would use,” she said as she laid her head on his chest, loving the way his heart was still pounding in it. “That got the blood pumping, didn’t it?”

Neither of them had been able to sleep much as they worried about the other and before they knew it they were both out and dreaming sweet dreams once again.

Cole The thing in Cole’s pocket was nearly burning a hole in it as he and Deanna ended the trip to Rome which he’d extended to a week instead of just the weekend. He knew it was early in the relationship to be doing it, but when he knew something was right he didn’t mess around.

One never knew how much time they truly had left and he was not going to miss out on every second he could have with this woman. He wanted her with him always. He never got tired of talking to her or listening to her.

Deanna was fascinating and smart and she would soon be his in name if she said yes to what he was about to ask her as they gazed at the Coliseum in Rome as the sun was setting.

Her back leaned against his chest as his arms wrapped around her, holding her to him in a warm embrace. She was perfect, and he thanked the lord above he’d ran into her in that coffee shop that fateful day.

One day he’d be holding her just like that as her stomach was round with their child. One day far past that he’d be holding her just like that when they were old and gray and her body was frail.

He couldn’t wait for all the days and nights he’d have with her, if she’d just say yes. Cole turned her in his arms as the last rays of sun were leaving the sky.

She gazed up at him and he kissed the tip of her cute little nose.

“Thanks for this, Cole. I never imagined anything like this happening to me.” She ran her hand over his stubble cheek.

“Thank you for coming into my life, Deanna,” he said then took her hand and kissed it.

He wanted to stand right there and hold her like that for eternity, but that would stop all the other great stuff they could do so he let her out of his arms and knelt in front of her, keeping her hand in his.

Deanna’s eyes went wide, and she stopped breathing. “Cole, what…”

“Shhh.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled the little black box full of the monster sized diamond ring he’d bought while they were still in New York.

It had been hell waiting until the last day of their mini vacation to give it to her and ask her the question he knew from the moment he’d knocked all that coffee out of her hands that he’d be asking her. He had no idea he’d feel compelled to ask her so soon after meeting her, but there he was on one knee and pulling the ring out.

Cole had to steady his shaking hand as he knew there was a chance she’d tell him it was too soon.

“Deanna, since the day God brought you to me I knew one day I would ask this question. I know it’s been less than a month and I know it may seem sudden, but baby, when you know, you know, and I know.”

He hesitated as her free hand covered her mouth and a tear rolled over her cheek. Cole had to swallow

hard to knock the knot that had formed in his throat out so he could continue. “Deanna Williams, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?�

Deanna In front of the Coliseum in Rome Deanna stood looking down at Cole, a man she’d only known less than a month. He was on one knee and held a giant diamond ring in one hand and her hand in the other.

She was shaking her head as she must be dreaming and he was smiling up at her after just having asked her to marry him. Deanna knew what she was going to say, but the word was stuck inside her, trapped by her brain that said it was way too soon for this.

His eyes twinkled at her, waiting for her answer and finally she managed to get it out. “Yes.” “You had me scared there for a minute, Deanna,” he said as he took the ring out of the box and pushed it onto her finger.

She held it up and marveled at how gorgeous it was and heavy as well. “Cole, it’s beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined.” He stood and pulled her into his strong arms and kissed her gently.

“Thank you, Deanna. You have made me happier than I could’ve ever imagined.” He smiled and kissed her again.

His kiss took her breath away, and she was panting when he finally released her. “When should we get married, Cole?”

“I’m thinking a quick stop in Vegas on the way home. What do you think about that?” he asked.

Her eyes went wide. “Wow! So, when we get back home I’ll be Mrs. Cole Waters. Wow!”

“So you’re agreeing then? Vegas it is?” he asked again to be sure. “If you want a big wedding we can do that if you want that kind of thing.”

She shook her head. “No. I just want to be your wife. I don’t need a fancy wedding that will take forever to plan. I just want to be yours, Cole.”

Cole ran his arm around her and led her back to the waiting car that would take them to their hotel room. “Everyone back home will be more than shocked and I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when we give them the news.”

Cole What started so quickly continued that way and after ten years of marriage Deanna was having their third child. Cole was busy packing the other two children’s clothes. Tanner, their oldest son was nine.

They got pregnant right after getting married.

They figured why not keep up the hurry up thing they had going? Jenna was six, and she was eager to see the new baby brother she’d be seeing shortly as they were taking her mother to the hospital to have the baby. The whole family was beyond excited as it had seemed for a long time that it would just be the two kids as no more came.

Then suddenly Deanna was pregnant and Cole was ecstatic with the news. The older siblings were as well.

Cole nearly tripped over their sheep dog, Rags, as he tried to gather the suitcases for his wife and help her to the car. The couple had moved out of New York City and up state to a mansion more suitable for raising a family.

Deanna gripped his hand. “Wait! A contraction is coming on strong and I can’t walk.”

Cole ran his arm around her back to help her, but she was moaning and groaning and looking pale.

“You, OK, honey?”

She did her breathing exercises as her son, Tanner, looked at her. “Mom, you OK?” Jenna answered for her mother, “She’s fine. It’s just a contraction after all.”

Deanna’s faced returned to normal, and she smiled at her daughter. “Thanks, Jenna. Now let’s get to the hospital and get this kid out into the world and the heck out of me.”

A mere seven hours later Cole was holding his newborn son, Tyler. He thought he could never have asked for anything better.

Deanna The years had passed far too quickly for Deanna.

The children grown and Cole and she left alone in the huge mansion. She lay in bed next to her husband.

Gray hairs had replaced some of the blonde and brown of their hair and tiny wrinkles etched their skin, but their love remained as strong as the day it started.

She felt his hand cover hers as they lay in silence.

His lips touched her cheek. “I love you, Deanna.”

Tears fell from her eyes as she was so thankful for the life the man next to her had given her. Being married to him had her able to see the world and take their children on adventures that would never have happened if it wasn’t for Cole.

“I love you, Cole.” She ran her hand over his still tight stomach. Even at his age, Cole was still a handsome devil.

He rolled to his side and stroked her breast. “You are as beautiful as the day we married all those years ago, Deanna Waters.”

She blushed. His compliments never failed to have her blushing. He touched her lips with the tip of his finger. Then he leaned over and kissed her. his kiss still took her breath away every time.

Her pulse began to race, and she ran her arms around him, pulling him to her. With no one around, the couple had taken to sleeping in the buff and felt a lot more free with no one around.

Cole moved his body over his wife’s and sunk his hard erection into her. She shuddered with desire. She

wondered if it would ever end for them. It felt as if it would continue forever.

She ran her hands up his arms, his biceps still full and hard as he worked out every day. She moaned with how hard they were and arched up to meet his thrusts. His mouth moved to take in her breast and he sucked and licked it as he continued to move in and out of her.

Deanna ran her hands through his silky hair and moaned as he made her feel so great every single time they made love. Her body was beginning to come undone with his ardent strokes at just the right speed to make her body release.

He trailed kisses away from her breast and up her neck. His lips touched her ear. “Come for me.

Deanna.”

With his words which left heat on her ear she fell apart. Moaning and shouting, “Cole! God! Cole!”

Her body pulled his along as it pulsed all around his hard cock and he tensed then spilled his liquid heat into her. He lay on her, both could hardly breathe.

He waited until her body had milked every last drop from him. Then he moved off her and lay next to her, stroking her arm.

He kissed her cheek and sighed. “Will this ever get old, sweetheart?”

She shook her head. “Nope. I don’t think it will.”

Deanna turned to look at her husband. She stroked his cheek, thick with stubble and smiled at him. He ran his hand through her hair and smiled

back. “You have never let me down. In all these years, you have continued to amaze me. Do you know that?”

She shook her head. “I don’t see how. I’m just your average wife and mother.”

“You’re so much more than that.” Cole kissed her cheek again. “You’ve accomplished so much, Deanna.

And you’re about to get your very first book published too.”

“What if it bombs?” she asked with a groan.

“How could it not? It’s our love story after all,” he said with a smile.

“But what if people hate it?” she looked as if she might cry and it was more than Cole could take.

He laughed and pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. “Don’t you worry about it. You did a fantastic job, just like you do with everything. Now get some rest and in the morning you’ll feel much better about things.”

Cole kissed the top of her head and they both fell fast asleep.

Deana A scream rang throughout the house as Deanna ran through it on her way to find Cole. “You won’t believe it!”

He came out of his office to see what had her in such a state. “Believe what?”

She was jumping up and down and holding a piece of paper. “I just got the best news. Two things! I can’t believe it!”

Cole grabbed her by her narrow shoulders to get her to stop hopping around like a kangaroo. “Deanna Waters what is it?”

She took in a deep breath. “Okay first things first, cause you’re going to freak and I know you are.”

“You’re definitely freaking me out. Just get on with it, woman!”

“Jenna is going to have a baby! We’re going to be grandparents, Cole!” She tried to jump up and down again, but Cole’s firm hands had her grounded.

“Oh Lord! Our baby is having a baby?” He frowned.

“She’s twenty-six, Cole. Hardly a baby and she’s been married three years for Heaven’s sakes.” Deanna laughed.

“But she’s my little girl. It seems like only yesterday that I walked her down that isle. OK, what’s the other news?” He looked at her and she could tell he wanted to mourn the loss of his little girl as she

turned into a mommy herself, but she had to tell him her other news.

“My book about us is on the New York Times Best Seller list and I’m invited to be on The Ellen Show to talk about it,” she shouted and busted out of his hold and danced around the kitchen.

“You’re going to be on television?” he asked.

“You’re going to talk about our love story on national television?”

“Yep! The set is right in New York City. Right where it all began for us, Cole. I’m going to tell the world how me and my handsome billionaire found each other. I can’t wait!” Her face formed a frown. “Oh! What will I wear? And how will I fix my hair?”

Cole grabbed her up in his arms and kissed her with passion. “I am so proud of you, Deanna. So very proud.”

“Thanks. It’s all because of you, Cole. You’ve made my life a fairy tale and now everyone gets to know how happy you made me.” She kissed his cheek.

“And how happy you’ve made me, sweetheart.” He kissed her again and started dancing her out of the kitchen and down the long hallway.

She giggled as he spun her around and around to music he was humming. “Where are you taking me, may I ask?”

“To the place where all the beautiful memories are made, dear wife.” He placed a kiss on her nose, making her giggle again.

“I see. So, we’re celebrating the news then?” She found him turning into their bedroom.

“Yes, the fact that I’m married to a best-selling author is a big deal to me. How about yourself?” He moved her to the side of the bed.

Cole pushed the straps of her sundress off her narrow shoulders as she looked up at him with love in her eyes. “Randy, huh? I suppose I am feeling a bit that way. But, as I have you for a husband, I’m pretty much always up for a little romp in the hay with you.”

He smiled and kissed her bare shoulder as he ran his hand over the other. “Such soft skin you have, Deanna.”

She unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his muscled chest. “Such tight abs you have, Cole.”

He pushed the dress off, making it pile in a bunch at her feet. He took her bra off next and palmed both breasts. “What nice, plump, juicy breasts you have, Deanna.”

She raised her eyebrows and wiggled them at him. She unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down then did the same to his underwear, leaving them in a pile around his ankles. “What a plump, juicy, and exquisite male member you have, Cole.” She wrapped her hand around the thickness of it and rubbed it as she went up and down.

He moaned and leaned down to kiss her neck as she kept moving her hand over him. “Deanna, you smell like Heaven.”

“Just a little vanilla perfume I bought the other day,” she said as she stroked him.

His hands ran over her back then he pulled back and with one swift motion, he ripped her panties off her. She gasped with delight. “On the bed, woman!”

She did as he told her to and smiled at him, waiting for his next command. “Now what?”

“On your knees and back that cute, little ass up to me,” he said as he stood next to the bed, waiting for her to do as he said.

Deanna did as she was told and before she knew it, he had his hands around her waist and pulled back to meet his throbbing cock. “Oh, Cole. You never fail to amaze me.” A low moan she made as she moved back to let him go in deeper.

He pressed her shoulders down so he could angle in deeper as her ass was high in the air. “You feel amazing.”

An orgasm was already knocking at her door and she moaned as the wave washed over her. He sped up, and she could tell he loved how her body was contracting all over his cock.

“Faster,” she begged.

He moved faster and reached around to touch her clit. She groaned as the orgasm continued on. Her stomach was tight and she couldn’t stop making noise as he continued to stimulate her.

“Harder!”

Cole thrust harder as she’d requested. Her body was racked with pleasure and she thought she might pass out with how it was coming undone. She didn’t

know how he was able to hold on so long with her body milking his for everything it was worth.

Just as she thought she could take no more, he exploded into her. Her body went into a renewed, hard orgasm and she shouted, “Cole!”

He groaned with his release and fell onto her back. Little kisses he gave her shoulders. “Deanna.”

The two fell onto the bed in the middle of the afternoon and looked at one another. The years had passed but their love was still as strong as the day they ran into each other, and both new it was a love which would last forever.

The End

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