Lori

One Month Later

"Wake up, sleepyhead," a soft voice murmured. I yawned, but instead of opening my eyes, I scooted closer to the source and was met with Graham's clothed chest. What the heck? Per my request, my man was sleeping only in boxers, so I could feel him up every chance I got. But now he was wearing a shirt and, by the feel of it, jeans too, which meant he'd been up for a while. I blinked open one eye, then the other. Through the glass wall of his bedroom, I noticed the sun was high up in the sky.

"What time is it?"

"Ten."

"I love lazy Saturdays. But you had a meeting this morning. How come you're home?"

The word still felt a little foreign on my tongue, even though Milo and I had moved in here a week ago. Graham had asked us to move in a while ago, but we had to wait until Milo's school year was over. I liked my house, but... I loved the villa more. There was more space, and the view of the ocean was simply amazing.

"Moved it to Monday so we could enjoy the morning together."

I detected an edge in his voice.

"Nervous about tonight?" I teased.

"Not at all." 

We'd invited my family for a barbecue on the beach. They were set to arrive at six o'clock. Milo had a sleepover last night, and Will was picking him up on the way here.

That meant we had the entire morning just for us. Graham's gorgeous eyes twinkled. He was planning something; I could tell. But what?

He braced his forearms by my sides, caging me in. He kissed my neck, then kissed even lower, swiping his tongue over one nipple—because we'd negotiated a tit-for-tat arrangement when it came to pajamas; he'd sleep without a shirt only if I did too. At the moment, I was at a clear disadvantage. I was squirming by the time he moved to the other.

"What a way to wake up," I whispered on a moan. Graham moved farther down, skimming his hands over my waist and hips.

His mouth was marking a red-hot trail everywhere he kissed: my breasts, my stomach, my belly. When he nudged my thighs apart, I readily opened for him. He swiped his tongue once over my entrance, taking my clit between his lips. A bolt of heat zinged me. My hips swung upward of their own accord. A small tremor coursed through me, spreading from my center right to my toes.

"I want you," I muttered, lifting myself up on one elbow and reaching for his shoulder, tugging at his shirt. I pulled at the fabric until he relented and moved up until his mouth was level with mine. I took off his shirt as fast as possible, then the rest of his clothes. He trapped me under him, rubbing his erection against my inner thigh, teasing me. I rolled my hips invitingly, and he entered me the next second. He loved me slowly, slipping a hand between us, strumming his fingers over my clit until I exploded, taking him over the edge with me.

"I don't think my body can handle so much sexiness first thing in the morning," I whispered, curling in his arms.

"Practice makes perfect."

"I could definitely get used to it... with more practice. And since today is a lazy day..."

Graham pulled back a little, kissing my knuckles, motioning with his head to the door. "We still have some of your boxes to unpack. Thought we'd make some headway this morning."

I hid under the covers. "I think I'll go back to sleep now."

"Come on, lazy girl. You heard what Nana said.”

“If you have to swallow a frog, do it first thing in the morning.”

We’d visited Nana last month, and I adored that woman. She also gave great advice, so I should lift my lazy ass from the bed. But I wanted to try one more time.

"I have better ideas." I peeked from under the covers.

"Unpacking first."

I wasn't going to win this battle, that much I could tell. Perhaps it was a good thing, because if I had it my way, those boxes would remain unopened until Christmas.

"Okay, okay."

Twenty minutes later, I joined Graham in the living room. While sipping my morning coffee, I surveyed the small mountain of boxes tucked in one corner.

"I could swear it was smaller yesterday," I muttered when I finally dragged myself closer. On top were four identical small boxes that looked unfamiliar, but that wasn't saying much. I'd been in a frenzy while packing. I started with the first small box. It was empty except for a card with one word. "Will."

I frowned, trying to remember if these were supposed to be samples of wedding keepsakes. Boxes with printed poems on a card were not uncommon. Both the box and the card were definitely elegant enough for it—rectangular, with a glittery texture.

I opened the next one, hoping it would shed some light on the mystery. Another card, another word. You.

My heart started beating a little faster. There were two other boxes. Out of the corner of my eye, I tried to locate Graham in the room, but he wasn't in my line of vision, so I surmised he was somewhere behind me. My fingers were shaky when I opened the third box.

Marry.

I covered my mouth with one hand, blinking at the word. Then I opened the fourth box, and arranged all the cards next to each other. Will You Marry Me?

I felt Graham come up behind me. He brought his mouth to my ear, and whispered, "Marry me, Lori Connor. You're the sweetest and strongest woman, and you have my heart. Nothing would make me happier than knowing you want to be my wife, that you'll trust me to make you happy for the rest of our lives. Will you be my wife? Will you and Milo be my family officially?" 

"Yes, yes! Yes! I want to marry you." 

He put an arm around my waist, flattening my back against his chest. Looking down, I noticed a ring in his open palm. A beautiful, princess-cut diamond set in a platinum band. Even without a ring box with the Bennett Enterprises logo on it, I knew this was one of Pippa's creations.

“This is my vow to you, and to Milo. I’ll always put you first, and love you.”

“Oh, Graham. I love you so much.”  

My hand was shaking when he slid the ring on my finger. My chest was so full of emotion that I didn't know what to do with myself. Turning me around, he pressed his mouth to mine. We kissed as if we hadn't kissed in weeks. It felt like our first kiss all over again.

I hadn't been expecting this. After all, he'd been wary of marriage when I met him. I'd accepted it because I knew it didn't mean he loved me less. Yes, strange line of thinking for a wedding planner, and especially for me, but I was happy living with him and loving him. I didn't need a ring on my finger. Of course, that didn't make me any less ecstatic for actually receiving a ring. When I felt him hoisting me up in his arms, I wrapped my legs around him on instinct.

"Where are you taking me?" I asked, holding on tight. 

"Upstairs to celebrate. We can unpack later."

***

My family started arriving at about five thirty. I was waiting for everyone to be here before I showed them the ring. Val and Hailey were the first ones. Val had brought her signature homemade barbecue sauce, and also some perfume samples for us to test and give our opinion. Landon, Maddie and their newborn daughter Willow arrived next.

“She’s lovely, isn’t it?” Maddie said as I cuddled Willow.

“Oh, yeah.”

“Can’t believe she’s finally here. Though my belly still looks as if Willow’s in there.”

"You are beautiful." Landon kissed her cheek, and Maddie affectionately rumpled his hair. I loved seeing my brother so happy. Every time I saw them, they seemed even more in love.

I dashed to the door to greet Will, Jace, and Milo, who'd just arrived.

"Hey, big boy! How was the sleepover?" I asked.

"He barely wanted to come with me," Will supplied.

"We watched all the Harry Potter movies." He wrapped his little arms around my waist in a hug. "We didn't sleep."

"At all?" I shook my head in mock disapproval. "I'll have a word with Lionel's mom and dad at soccer day next week.” We had soccer days even in the summer vacation.

"They want to meet Graham. I told them he's coming with us. He is, right?"

"Yes, he is," I confirmed.

Milo grinned, letting go of me as Val called his name, and dashed toward her. 

"So, my presence at soccer day is no longer required," Will said.

Jace pointed his thumb at Will. "If you ask me, he's sad about it."

I knew Jace was teasing him, but in truth, Will did look a little dejected. I slapped his arm playfully.

"Hey, you're always welcome to come. Or, you could always find yourself a girl and get the ball rolling."

Will smiled devilishly.

"Hey, how about moving this party to the beach?" Hailey called out. "Let's get the grill started. I'm starving." 

After grabbing plates and supplies, we all descended to the beach. The sun cast a warm glow, but the breeze was almost chilly. This was officially my favorite place in town: hearing the waves lap against the shore, feeling the soft sand under my feet.

While part of the group was in charge of the grill, others were setting the table. Graham and I were on bonfire duty. We wanted one for effect and roasting marshmallows.

Once everyone was taking a break, waiting for our dinner to be ready, I cleared my throat and held my hand out for everyone to admire my ring. I'd kept my hand in my pocket and out of view until now so they wouldn't notice the ring accidentally.

"We got engaged this morning." Graham kissed my temple as everyone came forward to congratulate us. Milo was the first one, followed by my brothers and Maddie. Val and Hailey hugged me at the same time. But as the girls pulled back, I studied their expressions carefully. They didn't seem surprised. I realized neither seemed the others.

"You already knew, didn't you?" I asked.

"He asked my permission," Milo piped up.

"And he talked to all of us at Friday night dinner about a month ago when you were out of the room," Landon added.

"We helped with the ring," Hailey said on a grin. "That was fun."

Will and Jace each gave me bear hugs, and I briefly wondered when these two would settle down. Our soccer star wasn’t quite ready for that. Our hotshot detective on the other hand... I’d seen the mopey look on his face at Landon’s wedding, like he was secretly hoping his turn would come soon. When Will’s turn came, he was going to fall hard.

I sized my man up and down, and then I pulled him away from the group.

"You planned this thoroughly," I whispered.  

"I did."

"You've been full of surprises lately."

"I have a lot more up my sleeve."

Lacing my arms around his neck, I pulled him a little closer, smiling against his lips. "Then it's a good thing I agreed to spend a lifetime with you.”

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<<<<>>>>

Dear Reader,

This is the end of Lori and Graham’s story. The next book will be Will’s story, and it will be released in October.

If you haven’t read Landon and Maddie’s story yet, you can find the link to it .  

***

If you want to meet the Bennett family, you can find a link to the series .

They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. That series is complete, and each book can be read as a standalone.

***

Links to THE ENTIRE BENNETT FAMILY SERIES:

Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:

Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)

Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)

Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)

Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)

Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)

Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)

Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)

Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)

Book 9: Your Endless Love (Summer & Alex)

***

Book 1 in the Series: Your Irresistible Love

Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—even if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.

Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.

He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.

Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.

But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 2 in the Series: Your Captivating Love

Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down.

She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met...including himself.

Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can’t afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett.

He’s handsome, charming, and doesn’t take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn’t believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn’t help that Logan’s family is scheming to bring them together at every turn.

Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for.

When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 3 in the Series: Your Forever Love

Eric Callahan is a powerful man, and his sharp business sense has earned him the nickname ‘the shark.’ Yet under the strict façade is a man who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. When he and his daughter move to San Francisco for three months, he has one thing in mind: expanding his business on the West Coast. As a widower, Eric is not looking for love. He focuses on his company, and his daughter.

Until he meets Pippa Bennett. She captivates him from the moment he sets eyes on her, and what starts as unintentional flirting soon spirals into something neither of them can control.

Pippa Bennett knows she should stay away from Eric Callahan. After going through a rough divorce, she doesn’t trust men anymore. But something about Eric just draws her in. He has a body made for sin and a sense of humor that matches hers. Not to mention that seeing how adorable he is with his daughter melts Pippa’s walls one by one.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the connection that grows deeper every day that has both of them wondering if love might be within their reach.

When it’s time for Eric and his daughter to head back home, will he give up on the woman who has captured his heart, or will he do everything in his power to remain by her side?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .

***

Book 4 in the series: Your Inescapable Love

Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family’s company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. Max is happy with his life and doesn’t intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.

But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he last saw years ago has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can’t get out of his mind.

Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate, taking care of her sick grandmother. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.

They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control.

Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her all the more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge.

When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?

AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links .