Kitchen Promises (Riverside Trilogy, #3) (The Riverside Trilogy) (23 page)

I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I did. I never imagined being here. Molly and Stella were my life for so long, that it was just easier to go from guy to guy. No commitments. No serious relationships. Until Trey came along. Then he made me want to
change. He made me want to be better, and he reminded me that I deserved love, too.

The ceremony was beautiful. Everything was perfect. The flowers, the music, the vows—I was living a fairytale.

Trey and I walked down the aisle as husbands, smiling to our guests as we exited the tent. We stopped for a few pictures before getting into the limo. The wedding party was in the limo behind us, but as we started driving to the venue, I heard tires squeal and turn in a different direction.

Drake called me shortly after telling me Molly was in labor, but to go to the dinner without them. I hated the thought of her not being here and me not being there for her, but they both insisted.

As soon as the reception came to an end, I apologized to the remaining guests and left early. I hadn’t heard from Drake in a few hours and was starting to get worried—but you already know the rest of that story.

*   *   *

So, not everything worked out as planned, but in the end, it was a perfect day for Trey and I. I was married to the love of my life, and Molly brought a new life into the world. The day was perfect…
just like every day after that.

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Honeymoon in Ireland

*   *   *

Molly

“Holy crap! I can’t believe we’re here! We’re really here!” I gushed as we arrived in the city. It was breathtaking. The air, the trees, the sky—it was like a whole new world over here.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Drake stood next to me, taking it all in with me. I’d never been to any place like it, and I was going to enjoy every second of it.

“So what’s first?” I asked.

“First—hot shower. Second—hot sex. Third—Cold shower. Fourth—eat.” I winked, as he grabbed my hand to lead me to our hotel.

“Wow, you answered that way too fast. Any chance that was on your mind?”

“On my mind? No, that’s my
whole
agenda, sweetheart.”

I rolled my eyes as we continued walking in. Drake booked us the Ten-Day Leisurely Ireland Tour. We’d be traveling the entire time, going to different cities and staying in new hotels every couple of nights. When Drake told me, I screamed like a little girl. Ireland had always been the one place I wanted to visit and being here now felt so surreal.

Our first stop was the
Herbert Park Hotel
in Dublin. Each day we’d go sightsee on the luxury coach bus with a professional tour director—which made this even more awesome. I was hoping to learn as much as I could about Ireland while we were here.

Drake on the other hand…had different plans.

“Sweetheart…I’m finding it very hard to keep my hands off you.” He nuzzled his nose in my neck, rotating his lips from my jawline to my ear.

“Why do I have a feeling we’re going to be missing dinner tonight?” I giggled, moving my head to the side, exposing more of my neck.

“Who needs dinner when I have dessert right here?”

I choked out a laugh. “Your cheesy pick-up lines are the one reason I married you.”

He chuckled. “And the truth comes out.”

I spun around, locking my arms around him. “As much as I want to give in and rip our clothes off, we’re in freaking Ireland! I want us to enjoy it, okay?”

“You know this is our honeymoon, right? Couples are usually known for never leaving their room on their honeymoon.”

“Well, yes. But we’re in Ireland!” I gushed. I couldn’t stop smiling I was so damned excited.

“Fine.” He smiled, wrapping a piece of hair behind my ear. “Let’s go to dinner and explore the city. But
then
I get to rip your clothes off.” He winked.

“Deal.”

*   *   *

The following morning, the tour officially began. Since we were in Dublin, the tour started out with a tour of the city and would end with Dublin’s Abbey Tavern dinner and show.

We took a short tour to the Dalkey Castle where a live show began every half hour. Drake and I smiled and laughed as we watched the actors get into character and put on a great show for the people. It was super sweet.

We then headed to the Trinity College and Library. We learned that it was Ireland’s first university, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.

Seeing and viewing all the history up close was fascinating. It was nice seeing Drake in a new element. He wasn’t this alpha, business male. He was enjoying learning and seeing new things as well.

By the time we arrived back to our hotel, my feet were killing me. We were scheduled for dinner soon, so there wasn’t much time to rest in between.

“That was an amazing tour, didn’t you think, babe?” I sat on the bed and slowly pulled my shoes off my now swelling feet.

“Yes, I thought it was great.” He smiled, taking his shoes off on the love chair across from me.

“My feet are killing me though. I think I’m going to soak them for a bit.” I started rolling my pants up so they wouldn’t get wet.

“Here,” Drake said, kneeling down and taking one foot in his hands. “Let me take care of that.” He grinned. I could tell he was up to something—he normally was.

I lay back on the mattress in surrender as Drake slowly and seductively rubbed my feet. He dug his knuckles in nice and deep, releasing all the tension.

“Oh my god…that feels incredible,” I moaned, closing my eyes as I enjoyed the sensations. “You have talent.”

He dug his knuckle in deeper, rubbing a touch spot out. “I have lots of talents.”

“Yes…I know.” I smiled, my eyes still closed. I heard him grab something out of a nearby bag. Shortly after, he lathered up his hands with lotion and pressed his thumbs deep in the arch of my foot. “Holy…mother of…foot massages.”

“Damn…had I known how to make you scream like that, I would have done this ages ago.”

“Oh, stop it. You act like I’m never verbal,” I retorted, embarrassed.

“In fact…” he dropped my foot and rose over me, “now it’s my mission to make you scream like that.”

“Stop.” I laughed, pushing against him. “We’re supposed to meet for dinner in less than an hour.”

“Make you scream before dinner? Challenge accepted.”

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Available on Amazon, B&N, and iBooks

The Riverside Trilogy

Kitchen Affairs
, Book 1

Kitchen Scandals
, Book 2

Kitchen Promises
, Book 3

*   *   *

The Spark Series

SPARK
, Book 1

BURN
, Book 2

FLAME
, Book 3

Coming Soon!

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Brooke is a Midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fu
rry dog. She studied Psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her passion. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.

Find Brooke

Facebook

www.brookecumberland.com

Twitter @blcumberland

Follow on Pinterest – bcumberland8

Follow on Instagram – blessedmam
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26

Please consider leaving a review! I’d appreciate it very much! Thank you for reading!

Brooke

xoxo

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Brooke’s Signing Schedule

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Wicked Girls Book Weekend,
March 7-9, 2014

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Authors in the City Signing,
March 15, 2014

New York City, NY

North Shore Author Signing,
April 12, 2014

Boston, MA

Cleveland Author Event,
April 26, 2014

Cleveland, OH

Tennessee Valley Author Event,
July 12, 2014

Knoxville, TN

Indie Mashup,
July 26, 2014

Springdale, AR

Penned Con,
September 12-13, 2014

St. Louis, MO

Rebels & Readers, 
November 8, 2014

Huntington, WV

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There are so many important people that helped me along the way in creating this book and the entire series. First, my amazing beta readers—Tabby C., Kelly M., Shirley W., Manda G., Stefanie N., Heather M., Laura F., Lisa P., Melanie S., Ashley S., Cindy G., Rachael B., and Debbie D. Thank you for always being ready to read when I need you short notice for feedback and for being fast readers ready to give me input…especially when you have to get up early for work or school tests! I appreciate it SOOOOOOO much! :) I’m not sure this book would’ve finished without you all.

To my street team for being the best book pimps ever. I can’t tell you how much it still feels surreal to know that people are talking about your book long after it’s been read. I feel like we are one big book lovin’ family and I love and appreciate your support so much!

To my husband, for always supporting me even when I neglect you for my laptop and weekend getaways to work. I love and need your support and I’m so grateful to have it.

To the fans and readers—thank you so much for being here! I can’t express how much your messages and comments mean to me. I NEVER imagined loyal and sweet fans. Hell, I feel weird saying
fans
. But I want you to know, I appreciate you for reading my stories, asking about them, interacting with me online, and begging for more! It makes me love my job even more!

To the authors, bloggers, and readers I’ve met along the way—I love our little community! I love getting to know everyone, helping each other out, asking for advice, asking for
book recommendations, and helping out complete strangers. I’m a firm believer in
karma
and
paying it forward.
This community is just so welcoming and warm. We’re all here for one purpose and that purpose is for the love of reading and fictional characters. I can’t wait to meet you all at signings next year! Please come say hi to me! I’ll be the awkwardly shy one behind her table!

Thank you for reading!

All my love,

Brooke

xoxo

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Continue reading for a sneak peek at

ALWAYS YOU
…

By

Missy Johnson

Synopsis:

I was thrilled when I was offered a graduate teaching position at the prestigious Tennerson Girls Academy. At twenty-three, this would be my first ‘real’ teaching assignment. Working at the elite boarding school, home to the daughters of some of the wealthiest people in the world, was a great opportunity that I would’ve been stupid to pass up.

One week into my new job, and I suddenly had no idea why I chose high school…I was a seventeen year old boy once, I knew how teenage girls behaved.

You can’t even imagine the hell of trying to teach thirty, hormonal driven seventeen year olds who have been cooped up, away from any male contact.

I could handle the whispers every time I entered the room. I could even handle the obvious attempts at gaining my attention. What I couldn’t handle was her…

Rich bitches and way too many rules. Was it any wonder that I hated school?

Add to that the lack of male contact, and I was going insane. Like literally. I wasn’t used to this. A year ago I was normal. I had a boyfriend, friends and a loving family. There is nothing normal about me anymore, and nobody here lets me forget that.

My name is Wrenn, and I’m only here because my aunt took me in after what happened, but my aunt also happens to be the headmistress of this academy…Can you see my problem?

I’m hated for my lack of money, and I’m hated for who my Aunt is.

Then he arrived. Dalton Reed. My new history teacher.

Slowly, he helped me see that even in the worst situations, there is always hope

Excerpt

He dropped me back at my car just before half ten. I was shocked at how late it was. We had been talking for hours. I felt so relaxed around him, yet at the same time, nobody had ever had me feeling so damn wound up.

“So, you still want to see this movie tomorrow?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Are you asking me out?” I asked, my tone sweet.

“No. I’m merely trying to broaden the cinematic knowledge of one of my students.” His expression became serious. “Asking out one of my students would be incredibly unprofessional on my part, and unethical. I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that.”

“What if I wanted to be taken advantage of?” I moved toward him—very slowly, gauging his reaction. He held his breath as I edged closer, until our lips were almost touching. I paused, looking into his eyes, so desperately wanting to feel his lips against mine, but not wanting to step over that boundary without him wanting it equally.

He tilted his head so his lips brushed over mine, the sensation making me dizzy. His hand wandered up to my face, his fingers gently running along my hairline. Then suddenly my lips were crushed up against his with a passion even
I
wasn’t expecting.

As quickly as it began, he was away from me, his eyes a mixture of lust, regret and confusion. I was a hot mess. My heart was beating out of control, I felt hot
and
cold and lightheaded. Thank God I was sitting down, or I was sure I’d have ended up fainting.

“I’m sorry, Wrenn. I shouldn’t have done that,” he said quietly.

“You didn’t do anything I didn’t want,” I replied. He sat, his hands clenched tightly on the steering wheel, not speaking. “Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked.

He glanced at me, confused. “The movie,” I reminded him.

He exhaled loudly. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“Maybe not, but I think we need to talk about this . . . ” He nodded as my voice trailed off.

“I’ll call you.” His voice had softened, as had his expression. His eyes were no longer hard. I nodded, and got out of the car, closing the door. He drove off, and I stood there on the curb, staring until I could no longer see his taillights. Once he was gone, I stepped into my car.

I sat there, trying to digest what had just happened. Kissing him had evoked everything in me. I felt like a hurricane of feelings and emotions had ripped through my body, leaving me a muddled mess inside.

Find
Missy Johnson

Facebook

Twitter @missycjohnson

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