Epilogue
Cierra
Two months later
The squabble of seagulls flying overhead clashed with the beats of “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons as I sipped a spicy Bloody Mary and looked out at the gently rippling waves. The briny air curled around me and I tilted my head back, welcoming the sun’s early afternoon rays.
I was meeting Sofie at the Ocean Café for lunch and she was running late. Working together didn’t allow a lot of time to sit and talk for any significant amount of time, so I’d been looking forward to getting together with her for the past week.
Ocean Café was one of those small restaurants locals usually went to, and I’d been a fan ever since I stumbled onto it on one of my exploration walks when I’d first arrived in San Francisco. The seafood was fresh, simple, and delicious, and the front row view of the ocean was unbeatable. And the Bloody Marys and blackberry margaritas were the best in the city.
“Sorry I’m late,” Sofie said as she pulled out the wrought iron chair.
“No worries. I’ve just been enjoying my drink and watching the surfers. I still can’t imagine how they can stay on their boards. Amazing.”
“When I was in high school, my boyfriend lived for surfing, and he’d get so mad because I just couldn’t do it. I swallowed more sea water than anything else. After we broke up, I never put my feet on another surf board.” Sofie waved the waiter over. “I’ll have a blackberry margarita.”
“They have the best ones ever,” I said.
“That’s why I suggested coming here. I’ve been dying for one.” Opening her purse, she took out a pair of sunglasses. “Do you think you and Trace can join us next weekend?”
I shook my head. Sofie had invited us to go along with her and Colin to the Renaissance Festival in Hollister. “Trace planned a weekend getaway for us in Carmel. It was supposed to be a surprise, but when I told him I was going to go with you and Colin, he had to tell me. He was so bummed about it. It was cute.”
Sofie giggled. “I can’t picture him as being cute.”
“Well he is outside of work. Maybe in a couple of weekends the four of us can go out dancing.”
“I’d love to. Let’s plan on it for sure. I just read that Carmel is the third most romantic getaway in the country. I bet he got a suite with a Jacuzzi tub.”
“I hope so.” I smiled as tingles of excitement shot through me—Friday couldn’t come soon enough.
The waiter put Sofie’s drink in front of her and took our orders: seafood cobb salad for me and lobster risotto for Sofie. I ordered another drink, and we settled back and caught up on what was going on with our lives outside of the office.
“I bumped into Kelsey a couple of nights ago. She was at the fundraiser for the pet shelter,” Sofie said as she scooped up some rice on her fork.
“Chardonnay on the Bay? Yeah, Kelsey loves that event. There’re a lot of rich, single men who go to it. I haven’t spoken to her since that day in the office with Trace. Wow… that seems like a lifetime ago.”
“After the horrible things she said about you behind your back, I’d never speak to her again either. And to think you were friends all those years.”
“I know. After all of that went down, I felt real shitty about it. I mean Kels and I hung out a lot, and I thought we were good friends. But when I think back on our friendship it seemed like I was the one making concessions all the time. Whatever Kelsey wanted to do we did it. And if she said she didn’t like someone, then I wasn’t supposed to either. If I did, she acted like I was a traitor. I guess I didn’t want to argue, so I just went with it. There were restaurants and bars that she didn’t want to go back to because none of the guys flirted with her. I mean it was crazy and I just accepted all of it. Of course I’d go back to the banned restaurants and bars with other friends, but I made sure Kelsey didn’t know about it. Nuts, huh?”
“Sometimes it’s easier to just go along with a friend’s quirks than to challenge them.”
“I guess. I’ll admit it was starting to wear thin. I still can’t believe how she lied about Trace and tried to convince me that he was a total jerk.”
“She didn’t want to tell you she cheated on him, and she was scared to death that you and he would get together. I mean, it was so obvious that you two were attracted to each other.”
I laughed then popped a morsel of crab in my mouth. “Did Kelsey ask about me?”
Sofie shook her head. “Not a word. She acted like I was her long lost friend. I was polite, but I only talked to her for a few minutes. She kept telling me she had her eyes on Langston Mitchell.”
“Of course she did. He’s from one of the wealthiest families in the city. I hope she finds what she’s looking for.” I took another sip of my drink.
“She’s looking for a rich man to give her everything she wants while turning a blind eye to her indiscretions,” Sofie said.
I nodded in agreement, and at that moment I felt sorry for Kelsey because she was so busy looking for a man who could give her material things that she was missing out on the richest gift of all—a real connection of heart, body, and soul.
“I wish things wouldn’t have ended on such a sour note. We did have some fun times.”
“That’s what makes it harder when you lose a friend,” Sofie said.
“When we were younger, finding a guy and getting married didn’t seem all that important. Kelsey dated a ton in college and after, but once she got it into her head that she needed to settle down and have a man support her, we started growing apart. I couldn’t pinpoint what was going on and I thought it was me being too focused on work. But when I think of it, Kelsey used to try and undermine my confidence a lot.”
“Sounds like it was time for you to move away from the friendship. Things always work out the way they’re supposed to.” Sofie ran her fingers up and down the stem of her glass.
“I just knew you’d say that at some point today. You’re the eternal optimist.” I chuckled.
“It’s better than being a pessimist. Life’s too short and wonderful to walk around with a black cloud over your head.”
For the next couple of hours, we drank, ate, talked, and laughed, and I realized how different my friendship with Sofie was compared to what it was with Kelsey. Sofie was non-judgmental, witty, and sincere in wanting the best for me as much as I wanted for her.
After we paid the bill, we walked over to the small parking lot.
“Have a good time at the Renaissance Festival,” I said as I opened the car door then tossed my purse on the passenger seat.
“I will. Colin’s looking forward to it and so am I. I’m jealous that you’re going to Carmel. You’ll have to tell me all about it. If it’s as fabulous as I think it’s going to be, I’ll have to go there with Colin.”
“I’ll let you know some of the details.” I smiled broadly. “What’re you going to do with your week off?”
“Laundry, shopping, cleaning my apartment, all the stuff that gets shoved to the back burner because of work. Colin said that we may sneak away early and leave on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Maybe we can grab a quick dinner on Tuesday?”
“I’m too swamped with the Besher account. But we’ll definitely go out for dinner the following week. I want to hear all about your trip too.”
“If we don’t talk before you leave have a great and sexy time with our boss.” She laughed.
It still felt funny going out with the boss of the company. When we were outside of work, I never thought about it, but when I was at Velocity, it still seemed strange. Some of the people disapproved of our relationship, but most of them were cool and didn’t treat me any differently than they did before Trace and I got together.
“You have fun too. Later.” I slipped into the car and drove away.
The rush of air swirled around as we made our way down Highway 1 to Carmel. The early fall wind had a nip to it, and I tugged the scarf tighter against my neck. Driving down the coast was spectacular with views of the rugged coastline sprinkled with rocky outcroppings and ghostly cypress trees. As the road hugged the coast, foaming waves crashed against the white sands of the steep beaches below.
I glanced over at Trace, who was focused on the winding road, and tilted forward and kissed his cheek. He turned to me and stroked my cheek, smiling, and then fixed his eyes back on the road. As I watched him, a warm, funny sensation went through me. I loved him more than I ever thought it was possible to love a man. I leaned over and rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed the side of my head softly, and I sighed contentedly, knowing that he was mine and I was his.
Only a two and a half hour drive from San Francisco, we arrived in Carmel well before evening. We pulled up in front of a Mediterranean-style boutique inn that was tucked into the heart of Carmel Plaza. Its white-washed adobe walls, arched doorways, and twinkling white lights decorating the trees that surrounded it, made it seem magical.
“You like it?” Trace asked as he took the baggage from the trunk.
“It’s beautiful,” I gushed as I gave him a quick kiss.
After checking in, Trace opened the door to our suite and the sparkling waters of the Pacific greeted us from the opened French doors that led out to a large balcony. Camellias, wildflowers, cut grass, and the ocean blended together to give the breeze its unique scent—salty, with a hint of fruity freshness.
The bellman showed us around the enormous room, and when he pointed out the large marble bathroom, I laughed when I saw the Jacuzzi tub. Trace wound his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, really. It’s just that I was hoping there’d be a Jacuzzi tub.” I leaned back into him.
“I can’t wait to get you in it,” he breathed into my ear.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” the bellman asked.
“We’re good,” Trace replied as he handed him a twenty.
When he left, I went out to the balcony and inhaled the fresh ocean air. The view was spectacular: ocean in front and quaint storefronts on either side. Hearing his footsteps, I looked over my shoulder and smiled when I saw Trace come out on the balcony with two glasses of champagne.
“You don’t waste any time, do you? Are you trying to get me sloshed?” I asked before taking a sip.
“Yeah so I can have my way with you.” He put the bottle down on the glass table top.
“You can have your way with me anytime.” I reached for his hand and tugged him over. When I kissed him, he tasted like champagne and spearmint and his tongue was cool inside my mouth. He ran his hands down my back, and then rested them on my hips. “Thanks for all of this. I mean the getaway and being so sweet.”
“You never have to thank me. I’ve been wanting to spend a few days together without any interruptions for a long time. I turned off my phone and it won’t go back on until we get back to San Francisco.”
“I like that, but what if there’s a crisis at Velocity, or your grandparents or mom want to get a hold of you?”
“They have the number to the hotel, and Velocity has been left in good hands with my grandpa and John Bloom.”
Mr. Bloom was the guy right below the CEO and Trace had been giving him a lot more responsibility with Velocity. “I can’t believe I don’t have to compete with your phone for your attention.” I winked at him.
He laughed and hugged me closer. “You’re the best. You get me and the business.”
I swiped my tongue across his lips. Being this close to him on a balcony in Carmel with the waves crashing behind us and the sweet scent of wildflowers wafting on the light breeze had my senses on high alert. The smell of him, the feel of his hard body pressed against mine, and the sound of his deeply sexy voice had me all worked up. “Do I get a reward for being so understanding?” I slipped his earlobe between my teeth and gently sucked on it.
A low groan rumbled in his throat. “Fuck, Cierra.”
He grasped my chin and turned my face toward his, and then he crushed his mouth on mine and kissed me hard and possessively. Shivers jolted through me as I responded back, my arms circled around him, and the champagne pouring out of my glass onto the stone tile.
Then he pulled away, scooped me up in his arms, and carried me into the bedroom, gently laying me on the bed. Without a word, he tore off his shirt and pulled off his pants and boxers. My gaze fixed on his pulsing, hard dick and I licked my lips. He slowly unbuttoned my blouse, and with each button he undid, a spasm of desire rippled through me. By the time he had my blouse and skirt off, I was an aching, quivering mess. At that moment, all I wanted was him inside me, his lips on mine, and our bodies fused together in sweat, desire, and love.
His tongue teased and tortured me, licking me everywhere around my neck, throat, and the tops of my breasts. My nipples, hard as hell, ached for his tongue to flick them and his mouth to suck them. When I directed his mouth to my nipples, he’d chuckle then say, “Not yet.”
After I thought I couldn’t stand it anymore, with the tip of his tongue, he flicked my nipples and my insides lurched. And when he pushed two fingers inside me as he placed his mouth over my nipples, I squirmed and twisted underneath him, digging my nails into his shoulders.
“I’m so crazy about you,” he muttered as he pulled up and grabbed my legs, hooking them over his shoulders. Then he leaned over, kissed me deeply and entered me. He felt so good inside me, and I grabbed a handful of his hair and jerked it. That one action made him pull out and slam back into me so hard that I gasped out loud while he groaned as he went in and out of me with such ferocity and speed that I thought I’d lose my mind in a perpetual state of euphoria.
As he pushed against me, he went deeper and deeper inside me, and every muscle inside me coiled like a spring. And then he hit the spot that sent me over the edge. My orgasm tore through my body in wave after wave of relief. Trace stiffened then he held my gaze as he rasped, “Cierra,” then I felt the heat from him explode inside me. He lay on top of me completely still, his dick throbbing inside me. It was the best feeling in the world.
After a long while, he rolled off me and drew me close to him, tucking me under the crook of his arm. He stroked my hair as the ocean breeze dried our sweaty bodies. From the window, I could see the tops of maple trees shaking in the light wind. My hand flew to my stomach when it growled, and Trace kissed the top of my head.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
I nodded. “Starving.” I hadn’t eaten since the morning and it was just a power smoothie, and the aromas of chargrilled seafood wafting in from the restaurant below us smelled so damn good.
He pushed up and reclined against the headboard. “Let’s get dressed and get some dinner. After we’re done, we can take a walk around the town.”
An hour later, Trace pulled out the chair for me on the heated patio at Daisy’s Ranch restaurant. Piano music filtered in from inside the eatery as patrons sang along to old Broadway tunes. I ordered a glass of cabernet and Trace had scotch on the rocks. Overhead, the silhouette of birds flew across a sky ablaze with magenta and orange hues.
The restaurant used to be a dairy farm back in the early 1900s, and it had been restored by the descendants and turned into a renowned restaurant on the Monterey Peninsula. It was still a working sheep and dairy ranch and people came from all over the county to dine on the fine American cuisine and to take in the view. And the view was gorgeous: sheep grazing in meadows accented in a sea of purple wildflowers, Santa Lucia Mountains in the near distance and the ocean’s crashing waves. It was the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
“I love it here. It’s so peaceful and beautiful,” I said.
Trace smiled. “You’re perfect and beautiful.” He grasped my hand in his and brought it to his lips. His eyes caught mine, and I saw the sunset’s shimmering glow reflected in them.
“I love being here with you,” I whispered.
He placed his hand over mine and leaned forward. “Come here,” he ordered.
I stretched over and met his lips halfway and we kissed. I pulled away when the waiter came to our table and placed a plate of prime rib in front of me and a plate of filet mignon and lobster tails in front of him.
As we ate, Trace kept looking at me. “Why do you keep staring at me? Do I have some food on my face?” I took my napkin and wiped all around my mouth.
He chuckled. “Nothing like that. I just can’t believe how lucky I am to have such a beautiful and intelligent woman in my life. I never told you how grateful I was to have you in my life when I was dealing with all that shit with my brother. I still can’t believe Ryan is actually alive, let alone that he scammed us the way he did. Even thinking of him in a federal prison blows my mind. You were so supportive and such a good listener when I needed to vent. You made something so fucking horrible not so bad. I don’t know how I would’ve dealt with any of it if you hadn’t been in my life.”
My heart swelled with love for him and wetness stung my eyes. I refused to cry and go all mushy on him, so I squeezed his hand and reached over with my other and caressed the side of his face. “I’ll always be there for you like you’ll be there for me. Whenever you want to talk, I’ll listen. I know the whole thing with Ryan will take a very long time to get through and reconcile, and I’ll be there for you when you need me to be.”
“I know, and that’s what I love about you—your generosity and sincerity. You love, give, and support from your heart. I never thought I’d find a woman who wanted me for who I am and not for my background and money.”
I felt my cheeks heat up and knew I was blushing like a fool. My emotions were all bottled up inside me and they swirled around like whirling dancers who turned too fast and couldn’t stop. I couldn’t articulate what I was feeling, but by the way he smiled and watched me, he knew he’d touched me deeply.
“I have something for you,” he said as he took his hand off mine. He reached inside his jacket and took out a long box wrapped in shiny gold paper with a small sliver bow.
“Trace, you didn’t have to get me anything,” I said as he placed the box in my hand. From the look of it, I figured it was a bracelet. I’d become obsessed with charm bracelets in the past month and every time I went somewhere, I came back with a charm. I already had plans on buying several of them during our weekend in Carmel.
“Go ahead and open it.”
I ripped off the paper and ran my fingers over the black velvet box. I opened it and stared blankly at the pillows of cotton. Lifting up the cotton, there wasn’t a bracelet in sight, but there was a gorgeous large diamond solitaire. Its brilliance sparkled and picked up the lights from overhead. At first I was mixed up because there wasn’t a bracelet, and then I heard Trace’s voice.
“Cierra. You are my life and my love, and I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you be my wife and marry me?”
Did I hear him right? Did he just ask me to marry him. Holy shit! “Yes!” Several diners turned and looked over at us, some frowning at my outburst, but I didn’t give a damn. I was in love and expected to have outbursts from time to time. I sprang from my chair, bent down, and threw my arms around his neck, kissing him all over his face.
He laughed and pushed his chair back, pulling me onto his lap. Then we kissed long and deep until the waiter clearing his throat broke through our haze of love and desire.
“Would you like some dessert?” he asked as he cleared our plates away.
“No thank you,” I said.
“You’re going to be mine,” Trace whispered in my ear and shivers slid around my nerves.
On the way back to the inn, I rested my head against Trace’s shoulder. I was out-of-my-mind overjoyed to spend the rest of my life with the only man I ever truly loved. I glanced at my finger and admired the ring: simple and elegant and perfect, like Trace. I couldn’t wait to call and tell my parents. I couldn’t wait to tell Sofie. I couldn’t believe he asked me to marry him. I was excited, overwhelmed, and happy all rolled together.
As we drove through the town, I was taken with its architectural storybook cottages and Swiss Alpine chalets, quaint cafes, majestic cypresses, and silky white beaches. Hands down, the trip was my best one ever. Trace bent down and kissed my forehead. I wrapped my fingers over his firm bicep and snuggled deeper into his shoulder. Goose bumps stippled my arms as the chilly night time air blew around us. The top was down, Trace had cranked the heater at full blast, the stars lit up the dark sky, and the reflection of the moon shivered on the rippling ocean water. I was the happiest woman alive.
Trace pulled in front of the inn and we made our way back to our room. When he closed the door, he picked me up and threw me over his shoulders. I laughed and snorted as he rubbed my butt and walked straight into the bedroom. Dropping me on the bed, he said, “It’s high time we make use of that tub.”
I jumped up and wrapped myself around him. He picked me up and took me to the bathroom. The tub had candles around it, and after he placed me on my feet, I lit them and turned down the lights. The moonlight seeped in through the large window and we slowly undressed each other.
Turning on the water, he helped me into the tub and he sat down and pulled me into him, my back against his chest. As the jet sprays vibrated, he made my body come alive with his kisses.
Then I remembered I hadn’t called my parents yet to tell them the news. Trace placed his hand over my breast and his thumb grazed my hardening nipple.
I can call my parents tomorrow. Tonight is for us.
I craned my neck and his lips pressed against mine, and I kissed the love of my life deeply.
Trace was a part of me and I was a part of him; we were the biggest part of each other. And that was the most wonderful thing about being in love with him. Life was so incredible, and with him by my side forever, anything was possible.
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