Forbidden Attraction [The Callens 5] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) (20 page)

She’d insisted that as soon as she graduated from med school, they’d have a big wedding. Only last week did she find out that she’d been accepted to the University of Wyoming.

“I can’t wait to see the house now that it’s done.”

They had no problem picking out the model that they liked. They only had to put down a small deposit when they commissioned the builder. Now that the building was complete, they had to pay for it. They were here to sign the final papers.

Once the real estate woman explained everything, they signed their names on the dotted line. “Congratulations, you are official homeowners.” She handed them the keys.

Jenny kissed each man before bundling up. There was only about an inch of snow on the ground, but the sidewalks that led to their house had been shoveled.

“Ready to check it out?” Taylor might even be more excited about owning a home than she was. “The movers should be here within the hour to deliver the furniture.”

They’d had so much fun picking out a bedroom set and what they wanted in the living room. Her favorite room might have been the sunroom where she planned to spend a lot of time.

She walked up to Jackson and dragged a finger down his chest. “Too bad they’ll be here so soon. It might be exciting to initiate the kitchen counter properly.”

“Oh, yeah? Maybe I should call and delay their arrival.”

“I guess I can wait. It will be nice to have towels when we’re done.”

Taylor laughed.

When they walked past Jackson’s truck, he stepped over to it. “You guys go ahead. I need to get something.”

Holding Taylor’s hand, they made their way to their new home. Most of the estates in the development were finished, and all were beautifully landscaped. Their backyard was small, but it bordered a wooded area, which provided a lot of privacy. Taylor slipped the key in the lock and motioned she go in first.

The air smelled of plaster and paint, but she loved every inch from the hardwood floors to the granite counter tops. The model they’d chosen had the option of a second bonus room. Since both Jackson and Taylor wanted their own workspaces, this worked out just fine. All she wanted was her sunroom. They also added solar heating, which would extend the time they could swim in the pool. Right now, she needed to get warm.

Jackson came in carrying a bottle of champagne, some glasses, and another bag. “I thought we could celebrate.”

She looked around. “How about if we sit in front of the fireplace?” It was operated by gas.

Taylor picked up the remote, pressed a button, and the fireplace sprang to life. The power was left on and would be transferred to their name tomorrow.

“How about some heat, too?”

“Some heat coming right up.”

She tossed her down jacket near the hearth and sat on the cushy material. Taylor and Jackson did the same. Jackson popped the top of the champagne bottle and poured three glasses.

“We have so much to toast to. I don’t know where to begin,” he said.

“I’ll start. To a wonderful and happy life together.”

Taylor inhaled. “May we never let anything petty stand in the way of our happiness.”

They both turned to Jackson. “May the house someday be filled with children.”

She wanted a bunch, but not until after she had her practice up and running. “To us.”

They clinked their glasses together and took a sip. Nothing had tasted better.

Paper rustled. “I almost forgot,” Jackson said. “Some little birdie told me that Jenny will do anything for chocolate chip cookies.” He waved the container at her.

She laughed. “You’ve been talking to my mom.”

“Actually, I’ve been talking to Cody. Did I mention we went to high school together?”

Since she was six years younger, she had no idea who his friends were. “No.” She pried opened the box and ate half of a cookie in one bite. The chocolate melted in her mouth. She washed it down with more champagne. It couldn’t get better than this.

“Cody filled me in on lots of things.”

She groaned. No telling what her older brother let slip. “Like what?” She snagged another cookie.

“How when you were a little girl you liked to run around the house naked.”

Her mouth dropped open. “I’m going to kill him.”

They both leaned back and laughed.

Taylor’s cell rang. “Taylor. What happened? When can you come? Sure. That works.” He disconnected and faced them. “Furniture has been delayed. They’ll be here in two hours instead of one.”

Jackson took the cookie from her hand and placed it on top of the plastic container. “You know what this means?”

“We’re going to initiate the kitchen counter?”

“You bet.”

In a flash, both men stood. Jackson leaned over and picked her up. He carried her to the counter and set her down. The hard stone was cold.

“On second thought maybe we could do it in the hot shower.”

“I’ve got some hand towels in the truck.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.”

Jackson sprinted out the door, and the winter air rushed in. Taylor and she burst out laughing. This night was going to be one she’d always remember.

Unlike most other authors, I started writing late in life. Writing stories in high school and college was not for me. Only after I graduated did I fall in love with romance novels. For the next twenty years, I read voraciously. It got to a point where my book buying habits cost as much as my groceries. At that point, my husband suggested I write a book. Hey, it looked easy, right? All the stories started in the same spot (hero and heroine at odds) and ended the same way (happily ever after). Only it was anything but easy. Eleven years and fifteen completed romantic suspenses later, I finally published. I never would have gotten that far had it not been for two local chapters whose generous members shared their amazing wealth of knowledge.

Ménage Everlasting: The Callens 1:
Leather and Lust

Ménage Everlasting: The Callens 2:
Truth and Seduction

Ménage Everlasting: The Callens 3:
Secret Temptation

Ménage Everlasting: The Callens 4:
Dangerous Flirtations

For all other titles, please visit

www.bookstrand.com/melody-snow-monroe

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com