Lilly“I want your full submission, Lilly.”Chance whispered in my ear, his mouth brushing against it, and his hard body pressing against mine. It all felt like heaven. He trailed kisses down my neck until he gently bit my collarbone, sending shivers down my body.“Tell me you’re mine.” His hot breath lit up my skin.“Yes.” My voice was barely a whisper. His signature cologne invaded all my senses. My fingers pushed through his hair, I pulled on the strands to bring him closer to me. I couldn’t get enough of him.“Tell me you’re mine,” he demanded possessively.I struggled to open my eyes. I never wanted to stop feeling him so close to me.Bang. Bang. Bang.I attempted to move my head to check the noise, but Chance’s mouth took mine into a hard kiss. And everything else faded.Another bang.Chance slowly faded away.“Where are you going?” I needed him to stay.Bang. Bang. Bang.“Lilly.” A loud shout pierced the fog.I struggled to open my eyes; my eyelids were too heavy. Exhaustion to
ChanceLilly and I prepared breakfast together. Every so often, I’d catch her pensive look on me as if she debated whether she could trust me or not.I couldn’t fucking blame her, but I meant what I said. It was her and her girls I wanted in my life. Nothing else mattered. She opened up, a tiny bit, but I wanted more. I’d protect her against anyone and anything. I half debated telling her I knew there was more to the story than her husband’s cheating, but if I pushed too hard and too fast, she’d shut down.I almost lost her. The thought of it had a cold sweat drifting down my back. The idea of life without her stole my fucking breath and turned my blood to ice. I destroyed every goddamn piece of furniture on my floor. It was time to re-decorate anyhow.After I found her safe and sound last night, I expected her to demand I move her to another department and never talk to her again. I’d do it, just to make her happy. Even despite a feeling in my chest that suffocated me every time I th
Lilly“Ready?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, his eyes darting to my weekend bag. “Is that all you’re bringing?”“Do you think it’s too much?” I asked nervously. I felt like I was having a sleepover with a boyfriend and was a total nervous wreck. He asked me out to dinner. Byron and his brother might join us.“No,” he answered. “I can’t believe how light you pack. But that’s ok, whatever we need, we can have it delivered or pick it up.”“Maybe I should…” Chance stopped my question with a kiss on my mouth.“Lock the house and let’s go. I’ve got everything you need,” he murmured against my lips. “It’s time for our first official date.”“Okay,” I smiled happily against his lips and kissed him back.Ten minutes later, we were speeding down the highway in the general direction of his mother’s place.“Do you live close to your mother?” I asked curiously.“Not too close,” he answered and took my hand, our fingers interlocking while his eyes never wavered from the road. “But close enough whe
LillyThe moment we pulled up in front of the restaurant by Capitol Hill, a swarm of paparazzi surrounded the car. It should have been a clue. It wasn’t.“There has to be a celebrity eating here tonight,” I grumbled as a valet opened the door for me but before he could help me up, Chance was out of the car, moving around it to assist me.“Touch her and you’re fired,” he warned and the poor valet faltered. Chance tossed him the keys, then reaching for my hand, Chance helped me out of the car. The moment I stood up, my hands smoothed my dress down.“Thank you.” Flashes from the cameras blinded me and I struggled to figure out which way to look to shield my face.He put a hand to the small of my back and guided me through the crowd of paparazzi and guests waiting to be seated.“Mr. Macklemore, is it true you and Lilly Walker have been in a relationship for years?” I blinked in confusion, stiffening at the question. Instinctively I sought out the reporter who asked the question.“Miss Wal
LillyWe sat in Chance’s library that looked even more enticing at night than during the day. He sipped on his scotch with one arm resting on the back and coming around me.“I had a good time,” I told him, bringing my glass of wine to my lips.“I’m sorry about my ex,” he grumbled.I shook my head. “That’s not on you.” My eyes flitted to his face. My heart twisted into a knot each time I thought about him loving someone so much that he resorted to a contract instead of a normal relationship. “Even with her little drama, I had a great time.”I unzipped the knee high boots and tossed them to the side, then tucked my legs under me, leaning further into him. The atmosphere was easy, relaxed. My gaze flicked toward my iPhone on the coffee table and I picked it up, then scrolled through my messages.Missed message from Grandma and my eldest. Missed call from Noona. More text messages from Noona.I swiped open the first message. Grandma sent pictures from the pool and beach. Sienna did the sa
ChanceI looked down at Lilly to see she’d fallen asleep. Her head rested against my chest, her breathing even and her scent all around me. There was so much more to this woman than I originally thought. A perfect balance of strong and delicate.Sweeping my gaze over her face, I admired her long lashes against her smooth cheekbones and her full lips. Despite all the shitty cards dealt her way by her late husband, she’d remained strong. It was her strength I admired the most, powering through all the ordeals and protecting her girls.Unlike women like my ex-wife who only thought about themselves.The deepest part of me feared she’d want out. It would take a better man than me to let her. But I couldn’t force her to sign the contract. And I certainly wouldn’t be able to force her to marry me. It made no sense, but some people weren’t wired to use others. Lilly wasn’t.But losing her wasn’t an option. I wanted - needed - her to choose me.Choose us.
LillyI woke up alone in Chance’s bed the next morning. Glancing at the clock, eight a.m. stared back at me. I could not remember the last time I slept that late. But then my date had kept me up until the early hours of the morning, running his mouth and hands over every inch of my body.He knew my body better than me.Getting to my feet, I spotted clothes laid out on an armchair, then dressed. I found him in the library, dressed in jeans and a polo shirt. I had never seen him dressed down like this before, and I couldn’t keep my eyes from roaming his body. He looked hot in jeans.“Morning,” I breathed, my cheeks flushed.“Morning, sleeping beauty.” Amusement filled his gaze at seeing me blush. “You looked so beautiful between my sheets, I didn’t want to wake you.”He grabbed my hips and pulled me into him, his mouth finding the sensitive spot behind my ear. Every ounce of me melted into him, relishing in his affection. I had to be a sad case of a woman starved for affection because m
LillyBack at Chance’s mansion, it was just the two of us. Not even the butler bothered to open the door for us.“Where is everyone?” I asked curiously.“They’re off for the weekend,” he stated. “The cook prepared a meal for us before he left. Or we can go out to dinner. Your choice?”“Do you have a preference?” He was accustomed to eating out but I usually preferred staying home.“No.” He held my hand as we walked up the grand staircase of his house towards his bedroom. “As long as we are eating together. Though staying home gives us more time between the sheets.”“Let’s stay in and eat what your cook made,” I suggested.He tugged me into his bathroom, where he removed my sweaty clothes including my socks. His touch was reverential. Soft. I loved the feel of his hands on my skin. I loved the attention he gave me. But most of all I loved the look in his eyes when he watched me.Starting the shower, he shed his own clothes, giving me a glimpse of his magnificent body. As we stepped int
CHANCE - THREE YEARS LATERThe moment my driver passed through the gate, I couldn’t help the smile curving my lips. The immaculate lawn wasn’t so immaculate anymore. The quiet estate wasn’t so quiet anymore. The home wasn’t a lonely place to lay my head.Lilly and my home boomed with laughter, loud voices, occasional tears and arguments, but it was all worth it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.“Seems the kids had a good day, sir,” my driver remarked.He was right. If the driveway marked with chalk full of colors, bikes, and a kiddie pool were anything to go by. I still didn’t understand the need for a kiddie pool when we had a perfectly functioning real pool, but Lilly insisted it was better.So we went with it. She dragged me to Target and picked out the cheapest pool she could find. I’d do anything to keep her happy. If she wanted me to drain the Olympic size pool, so be it. As long as she continued smiling.The car came to a stop, and I grinned. Lilly sat at the doorstep of our m
SIX WEEKS LATER“Stop fidgeting,” Noona complained. “You are messing up your hair.”“Forget my hair,” I retorted with a wide smile. God, I was so happy I could burst. “It’ll get messed up anyway. Chance gets a bit rough in the bedroom. We’re trying out some kinky stuff after the ceremony.”I winked, a playful smile on my lips.“Jesus, why would you tell me that?” Noona giggled. “What happened to my reserved best friend?”I shrugged my shoulders, glancing at the woman staring back at me in the mirror. My brown hair fell in thick waves down my back, sunlight coming through the yacht window highlighting the warm tones in it. My whiskey brown eyes sparkled and reflected back at me with a happy gleam. Slight makeup accented my eyes, lips, and cheekbones. My beach tan was enough. It contrasted against my simple, white, strapless baby doll wedding dress that came to my knees and matching two inch heels. My baby bump was getting bigger by the day.I couldn’t believe I was getting married. To
LillyBright light streaming through the window woke me, and I slowly opened my eyes, blinded by it. I hadn’t felt this relaxed in weeks, and I smiled to myself. I went to move and felt strong arms wrapped around me. I remembered last night.Too much emotion burned.I swallowed and turned to see Chance’s handsome face. My heart swelled at the sight. I brushed my fingers over his dark hair, the words from last night dancing through the air. I loved him. My body nor my mind would ever want anyone else. He was it for me.My eyes roamed the space. We ended up in my bedroom last night.He said he loves me. My pulse fluttered remembering his words.I slowly shifted out of his arms, ensuring I didn't wake him. I got up and tiptoed around the room grabbing my clothes out of the closet, as quietly as I could, and went into the bathroom to pee. As I shut the bathroom door behind me, I exhaled and leaned against it. My reflection stared back at me, the mirror reflecting a dreamy smile and thorou
ChanceMy woman.Fucking mine.I watched her sleep, her naked body a sight to behold. I’d never tire of watching her. Not in five years. Not in twenty. I’d grow old with her. Love her. Worship her.I fucking loved her so goddamn much that just the thought of losing her brought me to my knees.Tucking her body into me, I skimmed my lips against her temple. A small sigh left her lips but she didn’t stir. Jonathan said she tired easier.It turned out my best friend sleeping with my ex-wife was the best goddamn thing that could have happened to me. Our differences were settled, although I still refused to trust him.But I trusted Lilly.“You’re in my blood, beating in my heart. You’re my life,” I whispered against her temple. “My everything. Life without you would just be existing. I love you. In this life and the next.”Her dark eyes fluttered open and our gazes connected. Confusion and exhaustion lingered in hers.“Did I wake you?” I asked.A breath of silence.“I wanted to make sure yo
LillyTonight’s dinner. At my favorite restaurant. With people I loved.I loved him. He was part of me, just as my girls were.Chance’s words playing in my mind. Over and over and over again. Marry me. Just like that? God help me, I wanted to, but I wanted his love even more.“Look, Mommy... we are beautiful!” Saoirse exclaimed, pulling me away from my thoughts. I caught her watching herself in the mirror, not an ounce of modesty on her face.“Girls, you’re going to turn vain if you continue looking at yourself in the mirror.” Then because I couldn’t resist, I smiled. “And yes, you look beautiful.”My little ones whirled around one more time.“Ok, lovebugs,” I murmured while hugging them. “Go play.”I smiled as they disappeared and I went to get myself ready. A quick shower, even quicker blow-dry, some mascara, and I was ready. My hair had gotten longer and even thicker with my prenatal vitamins. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at my image in the mirror, the move reminding me of
LillyThe next morning, we found ourselves on the beach early.Chance and Sophie eventually joined too. It was the downfall of a small village. It took all of ten minutes to reach all four corners of the entire village.“Hi, Mommy.” Sierra ran towards me with her chubby hands outstretched. “Mr. Paolo gave me an extra scoop.”I missed the days when the world revolved around ice cream.“Me too,” Saoirse exclaimed.“Free scoops are always the best.”“So this is where you’ve been hiding?” Chance sat next to me. Saoirse and Sierra left to play with their cousins to build yet another stone castle in the water.I glanced down to my bathing suit and regretted not wearing a one piece. The two piece white bathing suit revealed my little bump and next to Sophie’s knockout body, I felt a bit self-conscious. Although I had the best reason for it.“Hi there,” she greeted me. “I hope you don’t mind that we joined in.”“Of course not,” Jonathan replied before I could. He had eyes only for Sophie.Int
LillyI rushed out of there like the devil was at my heel.Rick trailed behind me. “I don’t know how I’ll survive seeing him every day,” I whispered as I glanced over my shoulder.Chance’s intense gaze remained on me, the heat of it burning through me with promises of passionate nights, rustle of the sheets and filthy words against my skin.I shook my head, hoping to clear the images creeping up my mind. “I should have said a million per night, per room.”“He would have paid it,” Rick declared confidently. “Maybe it’s good that he is here. You can decide if you want to go after him.”I glared at him. “Did he look alone to you? Did you not notice that seriously gorgeous redhead next to him?”“I did.” He shrugged casually, tucking his hands into his pockets. “But I also noticed he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were on you the entire time.”“That’s because he wants to talk about the pregnancy. When that man gets something in his head, he doesn’t let go. I’ve seen him in negotiations.”
Lilly“Kristoff,” I breathed. “What a surprise to see you here.” Lie.Ever since the gifts, I knew deep down he was coming. Nothing and nobody would keep that man away when he set his mind on something.“No matter where you go, I’ll find you.” The deep sound of his voice did things to me I had no business feeling. Then the words sunk in. Unhealthy, my reason whispered.A loud, delighted screech and the moment evaporated through the summer breeze. Saoirse ran through the terrace. Chance knelt down before she threw herself through the air into his arms. Sierra followed, her eyes shining like the sea under the bright sun and the biggest smile her little face could muster.My heart stilled, the image burning right into my soul.Family. God, this felt like family.Our eyes collided, my heart slowed and the world ceased to exist. Just Chance and our kids. No, no, no, my kids.It was only then I noticed the woman beside him. A gorgeous redhead, wearing a classy white Greek summer dress with
LillyWe danced in silence until the song ended when Rick stepped in.“Can I cut in?”“You already have,” Jonathan grumbled.I just chuckled and took Rick’s hand just as Daughtry’s song “September” came on. “Not exactly a dance song.”“That’s ok,” he told me, putting his arms around me. “We can just slow dance.”Our bodies in sync, we danced slowly, just as we did back in our college years. So much has changed. Almost two decades, time wasted on my late husband. Catch twenty-two though, because if I regretted those years, I wouldn’t have my daughters.Opting not to think about Jack, I focused on the words of the song. And damn if that wasn’t just as bad. The words tore at my chest and fragile heart. Since songs never made me tear up before, I mused. This self-revelation would be the death of me.An ache bloomed in my chest, remembering moments with Chance, like snapshots for perfect moments. Damn hormones. Tears burned the backs of my eyes, the ache traveling through my veins to my he