Kitchen Affairs: A Riverside Novel (The Riverside Trilogy) Read online

  I got into the limo, never taking his eyes off me as he said goodnight and shut the door. It was a disappointing end to the night to say the least, but I knew dating the manager of the hotel I interned at would only cause problems. I knew I should care about that, but deep down I didn’t.

  Ahhh…. I slammed my hands into my face.

  The limo arrived to my apartment, and I thanked his driver for the lift. He nodded as if he had a choice in the matter, but either way, it was a nice gesture. I opened the door to pure quietness. Stella and Michael were already in bed for the night, which was probably for the best. I didn’t want Michael hounding me for details just yet. I stumbled into my room and changed into an oversized t-shirt. My head was too busy for me to go to sleep yet, so I went and poured myself a glass of wine.

  As I slammed the refrigerator door shut, I heard a quiet knock at my door. Startled, I looked around to see if I had been hearing things. Who the hell is at my door at this hour?

  I placed the glass down on the counter and walked to the door. As I opened it, my eyes met his. Drake. He didn’t move. I was just about to ask what he was doing here, when he suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

  “Fuck the rules.” He slammed my body against the wall and kissed me passionately letting me know I was his in that very moment. I surrendered and wrapped my arms around him. His stubble brushed against my face as his lips covered me. He grabbed my hips and lifted me up off the ground wrapping my legs around his waist. I felt him take one hand off me and slam the door shut. He started walking, realizing he had no idea where my bedroom was.

  “To the right,” I said between breaths as he stumbled through the hall.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  He placed me gently against the wall as he stumbled into my room. It was pitch black but I was fully aware of all my clothes sprawled out on the bed. I had tried on six different dresses for dinner and hadn’t put anything back in my closet. My legs were still wrapped around his waist as his lips moved from my mouth down to my neck and collarbone.

  God, he smells amazing.

  “You are so sweet. You taste amazing.” I moaned as his fingers slipped into my black lacey panties quickly tearing them off me in one smooth motion.

  “Oh, Drake… please,” I begged. I wanted him bad. I couldn’t think; I just knew that I wanted him inside me now. He took his hands and gripped my ass as he lifted me up and placed me on the bed. I felt his hand climb up my skin taking my shirt up and off me. I felt him hard against me, ready and willing.

  I felt my heart race as my breathing quickened. Everything that I worried about no longer was an issue. I wanted this man and needed him now. He was the first man since Liam that I couldn’t control myself around.

  “Jesus, Molly,” he moaned as he pressed himself into me, desire taking complete control. I reciprocated a moan to let him know to keep going. I reached for his coat and pushed it off his shoulders and then grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. I explored his body with my hands, touching every inch of his rock hard torso. Clearly, he worked out or had amazing genes. Either way, I definitely appreciated it.

  Most definitely.

  He pulled back slightly to allow me to unbutton his pants. I yanked them down as far as I could, and pulled him closer to me giving him access to pull them off the rest of the way. He was definitely aroused, pressing very firmly into my skin. I wanted more.

  He lifted me up against his chest and reached behind my back to unstrap my bra. He flung it off and in one quick motion took his boxers off. We were completely naked, pressed against one another, moaning of pure pleasure. More… I need more.

  He continued kissing me; tasting me with pure passion as our mouths explored each other. He caressed my body with his large hands, teasing me, making me beg for more. “Drake, please,” I whined into his mouth. “I need you, now.” I felt him smile against my mouth, as he pressed harder into my skin, letting me know he was teasing me.

  “Not yet baby. I want to taste you, feel you, make you mine,” he said, inhaling as he took my nipple into his mouth. I arched backed giving him access to my breasts as my hands pressed firmly into his hair. I was soaking wet, ready for him to make me his. “You smell amazing, Molly. I have wanted you since the moment I set eyes on you. I’m going to go slow and enjoy every minute of you.”

  “God, Drake…” I moaned, unable to finish the words. His touch, his lips, his hands could set me over the edge at any moment. I wanted this moment to last as long as possible. I wanted him in the worse way. Right now.

  Drake lowered his body and continued kissing me below my stomach, tenderly placing his fingers inside me. I was wet and ready for him, urging him in deeper. I moaned at the pleasure of his fingers inside me while his lips sunk deeper and deeper in me. Shit, this feels incredible.

  “I need you.” It was becoming unbearable. His fingers sunk deeper and harder into me while his mouth bit my lips. I was going to come any moment. “Oh god, Drake,” I urged him in deeper, arching myself once again. Yes… God, yes!

  Just as I was ready, he ripped his fingers out and placed his hands under my ass clasping me forwards into his mouth. I trembled as I released into his mouth, moaning his name. I quivered twice before he came up for air.

  “That a girl,” he whispered before climbing over me. He edged me closer and placed my hips against his. He slowly pushed inside as he kept his eyes glued to mine. Oh god, he feels amazing…

  As he continued, it made me greedy for more. My hands slammed against the bed as I squeezed the sheets in my palms. His body rubbed against mine aching in sweaty passion.

  “God, Molly…” he moaned against my ear, unable to complete his words. My whole body quivers against his every move. “You feel amazing, baby.”

  “Please, Drake. I need more of you,” I pleaded, wanting him harder.

  “You are so beautiful. I want to take my time with you.” He reached for my face and planted a long, deep kiss on my lips.

  Wow… just wow.

  “Ahhh Drake… please,” I begged again as I needed to be released.

  “You. Are. So. Sexy. Molly,” he moaned in my ear. This is absolute torture! Amazing torture…

  With heavy breathing and eager touching, I erupted, digging my nails into his back. We panted heavily as we tried to catch our breaths. He collapsed on top of me in a layer of juicy sweat.

  “That was incredible,” I whispered into his ear. I haven’t had mind-blowing sex like this… ever.

  He brushed his lips up my neck, and gently placed a kiss on my nose before getting off me. I continued lying on top of my dresses trying to emotionally rationalize what just happened.

  Drake Stagliano. In my bed. Wow.

  “Here you go, babe,” Drake said handing me a shirt. I secretly hoped he’d stay the night with me, but didn’t want to get my hopes up. This was Drake Stagliano after all, my manager. Shit, is that going to make things awkward now?

  I was surprised when he pulled me off the bed, and pushed the sheets back. “Get in,” he demanded. I complied, and got in moving to the far side of the bed. He followed in after me pushing in close behind me. “You are something special, Molly,” he finally said. My heart was racing again, and I felt butterflies in my gut.

  This moment feels too surreal.

  “Why did you come back?” I asked curiously, as to why he waited until I got all the way home to make a move.

  “I wanted to kiss you goodnight earlier, but hesitated because I thought you would turn me down. After you left, I decided I had to go for it, so I flagged a cab and raced right here.” I could feel him smiling on my shoulder. Wow, he does have a sensitive side.

  The next morning I woke up to a loud banging at my bedroom door. Startled, I covered myself up with the sheets, realizing that Drake was nowhere to be found. I was confused at first, and then saw a note on my vanity. I quickly got dressed and opened the door to Stella waiting impatiently for me. “Sorry honey, I’ll be right out baby.”

  Molly,
>
  You looked so peaceful sleeping next to me and didn’t want to wake you. I have a breakfast meeting at 8 and have to run home to get ready. I can’t wait to see you later.

  -D.S.

  Later? Did we have plans for later? I don’t even have his phone number. How awkward is that…

  Today was a classroom day, which meant I didn’t have to be to class until ten. Most of the classroom work had been done in previous semesters, but now we just had to meet twice a week to discuss our internships, what we are learning, and reflect on our experiences.

  I helped Stella get ready for school and walked her to the bus stop. I had a couple hours to burn before class, so I decided to walk down to the cafe to grab a coffee and breakfast. I was messaging Michael on my way in when a man bumped into me, making my phone drop to the floor. Shit.

  “I’m so sorry!” the man exclaimed, picking my phone up and handing it to me. He was tall, muscular, and very attractive. His blonde locks accented his baby blue button-up shirt, and long black slacks. He sounded so sincere, that I almost felt bad.

  “It’s my fault, don’t worry about it.” I took my phone from his hand noticing my screen was cracked. Fucking great. I’d have to run and get a new phone now.

  “Travis,” he said before letting me walk away from him.

  “I’m Molly. Nice to meet you, Travis,” I smiled, hoping he’d let me walk around him. Why do men always trap me?

  I shoved my phone in my purse and started to walk past him. “Could I have your number, Molly? I’d like to treat you to dinner seeing that I busted your phone and all,” he urged with a smile. Ugh, I didn’t want to turn him down. I’ve had many men over the years ask me out since Liam, but I always managed to get out of it by showing them my ring. Damn, why did I take it off? Right, because I was meeting Drake for dinner last night.

  “S-s-sure,” I stuttered, unsure of how to respond. He handed me his phone, and I quickly added my name to his contacts list. I decided to insert the last digit wrong so incase he did call me; I wouldn’t have to reject him. “There ya go, Travis.” I smiled, handing him his phone back.

  “I’ll call you tonight!” He took his phone back and smiled. Doubt it. I walked past him to go order and headed back home to get ready for class.

  Class was long and boring. All I concentrated on was Drake, and how I developed feelings for him so sudden. I wanted to let my guard down, to let him in, but I knew it would be hard after not doing so all this time. The teacher called on me, but my mind had been overflowing at that point that I had no idea what we were even talking about. I pretended to feel sick and excused myself. Lame, Molly… seriously?

  After class, I went to get a new phone. Feeling curious as to how I was going to get in touch with Drake, I was stunned when I arrived back to my apartment with two-dozen red and white roses displayed in a vintage, crystal vase. They were absolutely beautiful and I knew immediately they had to be from Drake.

  These flowers reminded me of how sweet you taste. I’ll be seeing you tonight. -D.S.

  Wow… amazing.

  “By the looks of it girl, you haven’t lost your touch,” Michael teased waltzing into the kitchen eyeing the huge vase of roses. I rolled my eyes at him and smiled. It felt unbelievable to feel like this again. I was falling for someone for the first time in over four years. Four long years.

  “Not sure what he means by seeing me tonight though. I don’t even have the man’s phone number,” I pondered aloud. Perhaps, he was stopping by? Or with all his extensive background checks, I’m sure he has my phone number anyways.

  “He’s Drake Stagliano, honey, he makes what ever he wants possible. I’m sure he’ll make sure you two find each other,” Michael chuckled making a face at me.He has a point.

  Stella was in her room playing when I walked in to see how her day was. She exclaimed that she pinched a boy named, Bobby, because he pinched her first. Well, he did start it after all, but I figured it was a good time to have the ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ conversation.

  After tucking Stella in for the night, I started to wonder if I would ever hear from Drake. It was still early, but since I would be at my internship again on Monday, I needed to make sure things weren’t going to be awkward if I ran into him. It’s not like I wanted to go around announcing I had great sex with the hotel manager, but it would be nice to know we were on the same page as far as discretion went.

  I decided to indulge in a bubble bath so I didn’t sit around like a typical girl waiting for a man to call. I wasn’t one of those girls, and I didn’t want that to change just because he was Drake Stagliano. And stunning. And amazing. And great in bed.

  As I was soaking up the bubbles listening to music, I heard a soft knock at the bathroom door. Assuming it was Michael, I told him to come in. I panicked as I saw Drake walk in, and quickly sunk deeper into the tub. He’s felt and seen every inch of your body, Molly.

  “Well, hello there,” he smirked, getting a glimpse of my naked breasts.

  “Hello… wasn’t expecting you to walk in.” I blushed, sinking deeper into the water.

  “I know. Michael let me in. He said you were taking a bath, so I though I’d come and see if you needed any help,” he teased eyeing my body.

  “Help? I’m sure I can manage, thank you,” I smirked.

  He took his suit jacket off, and placed it on the counter, following his shoes. He unbutton his cuff links, took off his shirt and pants and soon he was standing there naked. He climbed in the tub behind me and wrapped his arms around my body holding me close.

  “I missed you today,” he said while kissing my neck. He moved his lips up to my earlobe. “This is my new favorite spot.” Wow… He could get me aroused at the slightest touch of him.

  “I was wondering when I’d see you.” I smiled. “And it’s my new favorite spot too.” I arched my neck giving him better access. “Oh… before I get distracted… I don’t even have your number.”

  “I guess we’ll have to fix that,” he breathed while massaging my breasts in the bubbles. God, yes. I moaned as he caressed my body with his fingers, making sure to cover every inch of me.

  Best bubble bath ever.

  “I think we need to talk before you get too happy back there.” I could feel him hard against me. “While I’m at my internship, I think it would be best to act like we didn’t know each other if we happen to run into each other in the kitchen,” I finally was able to say. He was kissing me, touching me, feeling me.

  Oh god, please don’t stop…

  “Okay… I’ll try. Doesn’t mean I won’t be undressing you with my eyes, however.” He smiled. It was going to be difficult to ignore him while I was in the kitchen, but I didn’t need to be hounded for sleeping with the hotel manager. I especially didn’t want anyone to think that’s how I got the internship in the first place.

  After our bath, we soaked up the Chicago view with a couple glasses of wine and curled up on the loveseat. I’ve been single for so long and haven’t known Drake very long, but somehow, this felt right.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Drake led me into the bedroom with my hands mangled in his hair, and his lips sealed on mine. I laughed in between breaths as we ran into the furniture on our way down the hall. We were like two love stricken teenagers that couldn’t get enough.

  “Careful,” Drake smirked as I ran into an end table that displayed the vase of roses he sent. I was walking backwards attached to him, not seeing where I was going.

  “Ooops,” I chuckled leading him into my room. It was pitch black, but I was able to maneuver us to the bed. I tore his shirt off, and he pulled my pants down. It was like a race to see who could get naked first, but in the end, we both won. Best race ever.

  “You are so precious, Molly. I don’t think I will ever have enough of you.” He pushed me on the bed admiring my naked body in front of him. I wasn’t ashamed of my figure, but I wasn’t used to having men see me naked. Somehow though with Drake, I didn’t hesitate lying naked in f
ront of him.

  He was still standing at the edge of the bed when he lifted me up slowly and in one swift move entered inside me. I breathed slowly and opened up for him. He placed one of his hands on my breast making my nipples hard.

  “Oh god, Molly, you feel so good.”

  Ahhh… feels good indeed.

  When Drake and I made love, it was phenomenal. Perhaps it was the newness of the relationship, or it was just that I was finally ready to give myself to someone. I had always been an independent woman who was confident, but edgy. Drake had somehow made me feel whole again – even though this was new, he has helped me more than I ever could explain to him.

  We moaned in satisfied pleasure at the same time. I couldn’t believe this man could give me such pleasure, and that my feelings for him were building up so quickly. I hardly knew the man, but I could feel the intense feelings between us.

  We lied on the bed panting as we collapsed into each other. “So, tell me three things about yourself.” I smiled, pulling my shirt over my head. I wanted to know him better, but I also wanted to see if he felt the same for me as I was starting to feel for him.

  “Three things? Hmm… I manage a business…”

  “Three things I don’t already know,” I pressed, cutting him off.

  “Okay, fine.” Drake smiled and stood pulling his pants up. “I’m a Sagittarius, my favorite breakfast food is peanut butter toast, and my favorite position is… whatever we just did over there.” He chuckled, pointing down to the bed. He stood leaning up against my dresser, with no shirt on and his arms crossed. He was examining my response, expecting me to reciprocate.

  I laughed as he made it clear that he enjoyed what we just did together. I fidgeted with my ear, wondering if I should invite him to stay over or not. “Are you hungry?” I asked nervously.

  “For food?” He winked.

  “Yes… food! I’m starving! Come. I’ll make pancakes.” I grabbed his hand in mine. “And peanut butter toast.” He followed me into the kitchen and watched as I gathered everything I needed. He leaned up against the island watching my every move. “Must you stare?” I asked apprehensively.