ElleAround the corner, following my GPS as I wind through an upscale neighborhood full of large homes. Eventually, I spot the right address and park my car in front of the two-story colonial. The
door is partially open, so I let myself in.
My jaw drops as I walk inside and take in the interior. I wander around the house, amazed by the detail in the beautiful crown molding and wood paneling, before finding Nic in the kitchen.
He’s bent over the counter, shirtless, putting the finishing touches on the tiles surrounding the sink. I take in the flexed muscles in his back, my stom- ach doing a little flip that sends shivers straight to my lady parts.
I wait a moment before knocking gently on the
door frame of the kitchen. Nic turns around and smiles when he sees me.
“Perfect timing,” he says, setting down his tools. “I just finished the last details on these coun- ters. So, what do you think?” He turns to lean on the counter. “Does it look good?”
True to his promise, Nic used the money he saved up at the escort job to put a down payment on a small house in a nice part of town. The place was in pretty bad shape, but he rebuilt the entire kitchen and bathroom by hand.
He’s been working tirelessly for weeks to redo every square inch of a home that most people wouldn’t have looked at twice. Now it looks like something straight out of Architectural Digest. I figured Nic had talent, but I had no idea he could do all this.
“This is amazing, Nic,” I say, surveying the kitchen. I know how much this means to him, and I’m so proud that he pulled it off. “The detail is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
And it’s not just the house that looks good. As I look Nic up and down, I’m tempted to run over to him and throw myself at him right there. The mus- cles in his stomach and arms have become even
more defined after all the carpentry he’s been do- ing, and he looks so sexy. I can’t believe he’s mine.
He runs his hands through his hair. “Do you like these details in the molding? I was choosing between that and something else.”
I’ve never seen Nic this nervous before, and it’s kind of cute that he cares so much about what I think of the house. He looks back at me as I walk over to him and put my arms around his neck.
“You did good, kid,” I say with a wink, and give him a quick kiss. “I’m sure the new owners will love this molding.”
“I’m going to get you all sweaty.” He laughs as I lean against him, running my hands along his hard biceps.
“Promise?” I ask with a smirk.
I survey the kitchen one more time. He’s in- stalled marble countertops, redid the cabinetry, and handpicked the brushed nickel knobs on the cabi- net doors. Not to mention the pale blue tile back- splash, which he imported from Italy. “You really did all this yourself?”
He nods. “I still can’t believe I actually start- ed this business. I never would have gone for it
if it weren’t for you.” He puts an arm around my shoulder and kisses the top of my head. “Seriously, thanks for encouraging me.”
I smile up at him. “That’s what I’m here for. Besides, you encouraged me to take the bar exam first.”
My review class is going well, and I’m on track to sign up take the bar soon. It’s crazy to think about where Nic and I were six months ago, and how far we’ve come.
Being with him has been even more amazing than I imagined it could be, and between all the romantic dinners and weekend getaways, the past few months have flown by. It’s safe to say I’ve fallen head over heels for him, and it feels like I’m living a fairy tale. That is, if a fairy tale ever started off with the hero secretly being a male escort.
“So, how does it feel to have your house sell
the first day on the market?”
“Pretty damn good,” he says, wiping his hands
on a rag. “I feel like I’m finally doing things right.”
I give his hand a squeeze as I look out the win- dow. He’s even put effort into the landscaping, fill- ing the yard with trees and different kinds of plants.
“So, you’re an amazing boyfriend, you like to cook, and you can garden?” I ask, raising an eye- brow. “How are you real?”
He laughs, pulling me against him and kissing me. I close my eyes as his hands move to my hips. When I pull back, I bite his lip gently and grin.
“That’s right. You’re also a damn good kisser.”
He laughs. “I should have brought you here sooner. I had no idea I’d get so many compliments.”
Smiling, I lay my head on his chest before looking out the window again. He’s built a gazebo in the middle of the yard with ivy growing up the sides and benches inside.
“I’ve always wanted a gazebo just like that,” I say, pointing toward it.
“Then I’ll have to build you one,” Nic says, resting his chin on top of my head.
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about a future together, but standing with Nic in the house he built, I can imagine it more clearly than ever.
“So it’s time to say good-bye?” I ask.
He hasn’t let me come by the house before to-
day, wanting to wait until it was finished. Neither
of us expected it to sell so fast, so it’s time to do the final walk-through before the new owners close on the property.
“Is it weird that I feel kind of sad saying good- bye?” he asks as we wander through the dining room.
“No way. This is your baby,” I say, taking his hand in mine.
He nods, gesturing down the hallway. “Come on, I want to show you upstairs.”
He leads me up a wooden staircase and through the four bedrooms, each with its own unique de- tailing. It’s obvious how much work Nic put into the house, and I’m so proud that he did all of this, if not with his own two hands, then alongside the crew he hired.
“What are you going to do with the profit? Buy another house?” I ask as we wander into the master bedroom.
The windows are open, and there’s a gentle breeze blowing. The sun is about to set, casting a golden glow throughout the room. I let go of his hand to feel the smooth metal of the antique door- knobs that Nic and I found at an estate sale.
“I thought about it,” he says. “But there’s some-
thing more important I need to do first.”
“More important?” I turn to him, confused, and see that he’s down on one knee holding a small black velvet box.
“Nic!” I gasp, not believing my eyes. This can’t be what I think it is.
“Elle,” he says, opening the box to reveal a beautifully simple diamond ring. “You’ve changed my life more than I ever expected. You’re the most beautiful, talented, smartest, funniest woman I’ve ever met. I’ve been happier since I met you than I have in my entire life, and I never want that to change. I want your face to be the last thing I see before I fall asleep, and the first thing I see every morning. Will you marry me?”
Instantly, tears spring to my eyes. I’m in total shock, but I feel myself breaking into a grin. “Nic
. . .” I gasp again, grabbing his hands in mine. “Are you serious?”
I’m in full crying mode, and I don’t even try to wipe the tears from my eyes.
“I can’t believe it.” I sob, pulling Nic up and into a hug.
“Elle,” he says, pulling back. “You never said yes.”
We both laugh as I nod my head. “Of course I want to marry you.”
Nic grins and slides the ring onto my finger. He pulls me against him and kisses me. I close my eyes and wrap my arms around him, feeling his hard chest press against me. I pull back to wipe my tears away, sure my makeup is completely ruined.
“I can’t stop crying,” I say, laughing. “I came prepared.”
Nic smirks as he pulls a tissue out of his pocket and hands it to me, just like he did at the wedding. Remembering that moment when we barely knew each other only makes me cry harder.
“It’s so perfect,” I say after I pull myself to- gether, holding up my hand to admire the ring. It’s a princess cut, and the white gold band fits perfectly on my finger. “How did you know to get this ring?” It’s the exact ring I’ve been picturing for years, and only a few people knew about it. Who could have told him?
“Well, I had a little help,” he says, pulling me close again and looking into my eyes. “I called
Christine.”
My jaw drops. “You and Christine went ring
shopping together?” I’m floored.
After I forgave Nic, I called Christine and we made up. I knew she only hired Nic to help me, and she had my best interests at heart.
But even after she and I were back to normal, she was still wary of Nic. I’ve been trying to get them in the same room for weeks so she can see how amazing he really is, but she kept making ex- cuses not to show up. I’d been starting to wonder if she’d ever be able to move past him being an escort.
“She came around after we talked it through,” he says, wiping a tear from my cheek with his thumb.
“What did you tell her?” I’ve been friends with Christine a long time, and I know how stubborn she can be. I can only imagine what it must have taken to change her mind about Nic.
“The truth,” he says. “That from the moment I met you, I knew nothing in my life would ever be the same. And I can’t picture spending even one day apart from you. Once she realized this was for real, she was happy to help.”
My eyes fill with tears again. I’m so touched that Christine and Nic are able to be close, that I’m feeling emotional all over again. I could never mar- ry someone my family wasn’t okay with, and Nic knows how much it means to me that everyone I love sees him the way that I do.
I throw my arms around Nic and jump into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and kiss- ing him. “We’re getting married,” I say, pulling back for a moment. I can’t believe it’s all really happening.
“All right, waterworks, let’s get out of here,” he
says, setting me on the floor.
I take his hand as we walk out the door. It’s one of the first warmer days of spring, and I inhale deeply, taking in the scents of the budding flowers.
I smile up at Nic. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over the course of our relationship, but I’ve got a feeling we’re headed for a happy ending.
Epilogue
ElleOne year later
I roll over onto my stomach, the sun warming my back. When I glance up, I see Nic ap- proaching with a round of drinks, and I smile. My heart skips a beat at the sight of him shirtless, his strong biceps flexing as he sets the frozen drinks down. I almost want to pinch myself, because it all
feels like a dream.
“I can’t believe we had to come all the way to Bali just to get some alone time,” Nic says, sitting on the sand next to me.
“Can we stay here forever?” I ask, then take a sip of my strawberry margarita.
Between Nic getting his business started, me
studying for the bar exam, and planning the wed- ding, it feels like we’ve barely seen each other lately. Now, with the wedding and the bar exam behind me, I’m officially an attorney now and have joined a great firm, and we’re finally relaxing on our honeymoon. It’s been better than I could have ever imagined. Not only did I marry the sexiest, kindest, most thoughtful man in the entire world, but the trip has been perfect so far.
We had the wedding at a beautiful outdoor venue in the country, with both of our families there. True to form, I couldn’t hold back my tears throughout the ceremony, but I was so happy, I didn’t care. It was absolute perfection, and I almost couldn’t believe it was real. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being with Nic, it’s that not ev- erything is too good to be true.
Nic glances at his watch as I take another sip of my margarita. It’s delicious.
“I’ve got a surprise for you in an hour,” he says, grinning at me. “So drink up.”
“What is it?” I prop myself onto my elbows. I was ready for a long day of lying on the beach doing nothing, but I’m intrigued by the idea of a surprise.
He raises an eyebrow. “It wouldn’t be a sur- prise if I told you. But, trust me, you’re going to like it.”
Nic lies down on the sand and puts an arm around me. I scoot closer to him and press my lips to his cheek.
Even after the wedding and everything we’ve been through, I still get butterflies every time I’m close to him. Something about him has always felt like home to me. Warm and familiar and safe. Even when I hardly knew him, the only thing I want- ed was more of him. And yes, it’s true that when I finally got the full story about his background, it freaked me out a little, but he really is so lov- able that I couldn’t stay mad at him forever. Plus, it feels a little silly to complain when your husband is one of the most talented lovers in the tri-state area.
After we finish our drinks, we walk to our over- water bungalow to change and head toward Nic’s surprise. I watch the beautiful scenery from the window of the car we rented for the week, and he slides his hand into mine.
“So, is Bali everything you imagined?” he asks. We’d gone back and forth about honeymoon destinations, but after seeing some of the pictures online, we knew Bali was the right choice.
“I guess it’s okay, if you like perfect weather and beautiful beaches.” I grin. “But, seriously, this is like a fairy tale.”
He chuckles and places one hand on my bare knee.
“How does it feel being on your first interna- tional trip?” I squeeze his hand.
“It’s pretty damn amazing. Or maybe it’s just being here with you.”
“I am pretty amazing, aren’t I?” I say, smirking at him.
Nic snorts as he slows the car, finally parking in front of a small hut on the side of the road. I can’t tell exactly where we are, but there aren’t any signs of life, just a lot of trees and a huge field. I climb out of the car, trying to figure out what we could possibly be doing here. The silence gives me the creeps, and I give Nic a doubtful look.
“Wait here while I check on something,” he says, keeping his poker face in place.
I can tell he’s loving keeping me on my toes with this surprise, which makes me want to figure it out even more.
“Is the surprise that you’re going to have me
killed?” I shout after him, raising an eyebrow. Nic laughs before stepping inside the hut.
I look up at the sky, which is clear and blue. Whatever we’re doing, we couldn’t have gotten better weather for it. Between the past few days of snorkeling, hiking through gorgeous scenery, and seeing all kinds of exotic animals, I don’t think there’s any surprise that could top what we’ve al- ready been doing.
“They should be here any minute,” Nic says, stepping back out of the hut.
“Who?” I ask. I know I should just wait to find
out, but I can’t help it.
Before Nic can answer, I hear something loud approaching above us. I look into the sky as a heli- copter appears and touches down in the field.
I turn to him, gaping.
“This is our ride.” He grins.
“Seriously?” I laugh, raising an eyebrow. “We could have just taken the car.”
“Not where we’re going,” he says, taking my hand and pulling me forward.
I’ve never been in a helicopter, or even on a
small plane, and I can’t believe Nic booked this for us.
We climb into the helicopter and get settled in our seats. My stomach is filled with nerves as Nic straps me into the five-point harness. I scream as we take off, but I’m more excited than I am ner- vous.
Once we’re in the air, the scenery is so beau- tiful that I forget all about my fears. After a few short minutes, we’re high enough that we can see the entire landscape laid out before us like an ex- quisite map.
“This is amazing,” I say to Nic through the headsets the pilot gave us.
“Look.” Nic points down at the water. There’s a group of dolphins leaping through the water below us.
I grab his hand as we watch the dolphins, and I can’t help but smile. It’s one of the most majestic things I’ve ever seen, and I’m so glad I’m experi- encing this with Nic.
After we’ve been in the air for about fifteen minutes, the pilot points out a small island, tell- ing us that it’s supposed to have the most beautiful beaches in the world. Then the helicopter starts to
descend toward the island. I turn to Nic, wonder- ing if this is supposed to happen, but he just winks at me.
I look around in awe as we touch down on the beach. Only once we’re on land again does my stomach finally settle. Nic unbuckles his own seat belt and then helps me with mine. When the door swings open, he steps out and takes my hand to help me climb out onto the warm sand.
“Welcome to your private island for the day,” the pilot says, and my jaw drops.
It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. It’s drenched in sunlight, and the palm trees sway in the slight breeze. The sand is soft under our feet, and the water is shockingly blue.
I turn to Nic, still not sure how he put all this together without me knowing.
“When did you plan this?” I ask after the pilot leaves, promising to pick us up at the end of the day.
“It’s just something I threw together.” He shrugs and I laugh, putting my arms around him.
“This is by far the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” Happy tears build in my eyes, but I
blink them away and hug him again.
“It’s not over yet,” he says, grabbing my hand and pulling me along the beach.
“There’s more?”
My mouth drops open. I still can’t quite believe Nic rented us a private island. I take in the rocky cliffs surrounding the beach situated next to clus- ters of palm trees. There’s a gentle breeze, and the only sound is the ocean waves lapping at the sand.
I squint down the beach, trying to make out something in the distance. “Is that a bed?” I ask, incredulous.
“Let’s find out.”
Nic grabs my hand and we walk over to the canopy bed, which is draped in white curtains. A picnic basket of food and a bottle of champagne chilled on ice wait next to it.
“This is insane. I feel like I’m on The Bach- elor.” I turn to Nic and break into a grin, and he laughs.
“I’m not sure if I should take that as a compli- ment or not.”
I nod. “Oh, it’s definitely a good thing.”
We pop open the champagne and lie back on the bed, watching the ocean. I snuggle into Nic’s arms, closing my eyes. It feels so nice to lie here peacefully with him, I never want to leave.
After we finish our glasses of champagne, I climb off the bed, ready to experience everything our private island has to offer.
“Let’s go in the water,” I say, tugging his arm.
I toss my sundress on the bed, and Nic removes his T-shirt. He follows me as I jog into the ocean, letting the waves crash over my legs. The water is surprisingly warm.
We play in the shallows for a few minutes and then move to deeper water, where I climb into Nic’s arms. He lifts me easily, and I lock my legs around his waist. He looks so happy, his posture relaxed, his eyes alight with mischief and his mouth form- ing a grin.
“I love you,” I whisper, pressing my lips to his.
While we kiss, he carries me back to shore, set- ting me on the sand before lying next to me. I climb on top of him, kissing him and running my hands through his wet hair. My tongue slides into his mouth, and he runs his hand along my hips, pulling me against him. My heart beats hard as he slides
his hands up my back, and our kissing becomes more urgent.
I pull back for a second to take him in, smooth- ing his hair back. He looks so sexy, so tanned and with his hair messy from the ocean, that I’m tempt- ed to pull off my bikini and fulfill my sex-on-the- beach fantasy right here.
“Exactly how private is this island?” I ask, slid- ing a hand underneath the waistband of his trunks.
Before he can answer, a large wave crashes on the shore, completely soaking us.
I scream and jump up to run farther up the beach. Nic follows, and we grab the towels that have been left for us, and wipe away the water and sand. Then we collapse on the bed together, still laughing. I wrap my arms around him, our legs in- tertwining.
If someone had told me a year ago that I’d be lying in a bed with Nic on our own private is- land, I’d have thought they were crazy. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that some of the best things in life are the ones you never expected.
“It’s pretty private,” he says, answering my question from before, and places his hand against my waist. “But we’ve got all day.”
I smile at him.
“Do you want something to eat?” he asks.
I nod and sit up in the center of the massive bed while Nic fixes us two plates with fresh tropical fruit, cheese, crackers, nuts, and little cookies that are swirled with caramel.
I take a bite of cheese while Nic pops a whole cookie into his mouth. Everything is delicious, and we eat quietly for a few minutes.
“So, what’s going to happen to the guys?” I ask.
“Hmm?” He toys with the ties holding my bi- kini bottoms in place, and a warm tingle spreads pleasantly south.
“Case and the agency, I mean. Ever since you left. I don’t know; I guess I’m just curious.” I pop a grape into my mouth and chew, waiting for him to reply.
“You mean, who’s satisfying the women of Chicago since your sexy-as-fuck husband got out of the game?”
I toss a pillow at him.
Nic laughs and catches the pillow, stuffing it
behind his head. “Well, Case and Ryder got busier
when I left, picking up the slack, and the last time I talked to him, Case was trying to hire a new guy. He’s actually got a book deal from a major publish- er to write a self-help book on having great sex, so he’s been putting more of his time into that lately.”
“A book deal? That’s interesting.” I take one more bite, savoring the sweetness of the cookie with the crisp, chilled champagne.
Nic nods. “Yeah. Couldn’t help but notice something seemed off with him at the wedding, though.”
“What do you mean?”
He shrugs. “Just a feeling I got. I had that same feeling the last time I talked to him too. Some- thing’s been going on with him for a while now. You don’t know someone as well as I know Case and not notice when something’s up with the guy.”
I nod. I wonder if it bothered Case to see Nic so happy, to watch him fall in love and get mar- ried. I can’t help but think deep down that every- one wants to find love, to find that special someone they’d give it all up for, and male escorts probably want that too. Sure, they act tough and are sexy as sin, but sometimes I think they need love more than anyone.
“Sorry,” Nic says. “I didn’t mean to dampen the mood.”
I lean over and press a kiss to his lips. He tastes like champagne, and I smile. “You didn’t. I love that you always tell me what’s on your mind.”
He nods. “Course I do, baby.”
I pat his hand. “When we get back, let’s have Case over for dinner.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Once the food has been put away, we lie back against the pillows again. It’s so peaceful here. The sky is a brighter blue than I’ve ever seen it, and the sun shines brightly overhead, but we’re shaded by the white cotton draped over the poster bed. A warm, happy feeling fills me as I nestle in closer to my husband.
“I guess we got our happy ending, didn’t we?” I ask, tilting my chin up toward him.
I look into his chocolate-brown eyes, unable to imagine being with anyone but him. I never knew I could love someone this much, and the whole wed- ding and honeymoon have been a dream come true.
“You know what the best part is?” he asks, pulling me in closer. “This is only the beginning.”
I lay my head on his chest, listening to his heart beat. For once, I’m not worried about the future. Actually, for the first time in a long time, I’m not worried about anything at all. I’m just happy to be here with Nic in this moment.
Our story may not be the most conventional, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the journey.