On the Rocks, page 11
She watched as the orgasm swept through Hayley and prayed she was serious about staying. “You okay?” she asked when Hayley collapsed on her, trapping her hand in place.
“You have no idea, and stop trying to move—I might not be finished.” Hayley lifted her head and kissed her. “You’re still a sexy beast, and I’m so glad you waited for me.”
“Waited for you?” She didn’t understand the statement.
“I told Josie you were probably married with a couple of kids when she asked about you.” Hayley stopped when she moved her fingers slightly. “I’m lucky you’re not.”
“All in good time, but right now, we need to finish with the reconnecting part of our evening.” She rolled them over wanting more freedom to touch Hayley like she wanted. “There’s plenty I want, but right now all I want is you.”
“Sweet-talker…yes, like that. Just like that.”
Epilogue
Two Months Later
“Stop moving—I said it was perfect just like that,” Hayley said to Roger. They’d arrived early to set up their space at the World Whiskey Competition, and he was worse than Josie when trying to get his way. She moved the sign back to the side table where the information about Traditions was set out.
The marketing campaign had rolled out the week before, and from all accounts, everyone had fallen in love with the ads that featured Carter, Dale, and Preston. She picked the ad with the two men standing behind Preston, who sat on a stool at On the Rocks holding a glass of her new whiskey. The sight of Max and her smile still made her shiver.
“If we put it out front, it’ll draw a bigger crowd.” Roger sounded a wee bit condescending.
“Percy is delivering the ones that’ll go out front, so sit and let me finish.” She’d actually never done anything like this, but she was having fun.
She and Max had picked up from the day before she’d left, and it had been two months of making love, family dinners, and working. Max had talked her into keeping her apartment, and into splitting her time between Cinclair’s and her father’s firm. Her father had, of course, complained at first, but Max’s charming personality worked on more than one Wyatt.
“So we’re done?” Roger asked.
She nodded. “We’ll be swamped once the judging is over and we get a mad rush of people wanting free booze, but we’re ready for them. And here comes the last piece now.”
Percy pointed to the corners of the space where the two signs with the Cinclair bottles printed on them went. “Where’s the bootlegger?” he asked, using the nickname their father had coined when he thought Hayley was running away.
“Don’t call her that.” She slapped his arm. “He should be glad this thing is in New York this year. Max brought enough booze to get your guests drunk three times over at your wedding next week.”
“I’m just glad you won’t be pathetic without a plus-one.” Percy kissed her temple when she slapped his arm again.
“Can I have my girl back?” Max asked as she arrived with Major, of all people.
“Hey, Daddy. Come to check on us?” She put her arms around Max’s waist after hugging her dad.
“I came to help out.” Major’s declaration made everyone’s mouth but Max’s open in surprise. “You have an appointment to get to.”
“I do?”
“You do,” Max said, shaking Major’s hand before leading her outside. Her father’s driver was waiting for them and took off when the doorman shut their car door.
“Where are we going?” They were leaving the large hotel in Times Square behind and heading toward Central Park. “Did you have a sudden urge to take a walk, honey? It’s snowing and I’m in heels.”
“Not a walk—a drink.” Max sounded completely serious.
“A drink? We have loads of alcohol where we just left, and it’s ten in the morning.” They came to a stop at a restaurant she knew well, and she snapped her mouth shut with an audible click of her teeth. “You know this place?”
Max held her hand as she got out of the car, and they walked to the door one of the waitstaff held open. “I’ve come a few times when I was in the city, but it’s the first time I’m bringing a date.”
“I don’t think they’re open yet, but I don’t mind waiting if you don’t.”
She wanted Max to promise they’d come back in the spring so they could sit outside. How Max knew the Loeb Boathouse in the middle of the park was one of her favorite places was a mystery, but Max was always full of surprises. That’d been true for the last few months, and all those good times had made her fall deeper in love.
“Ms. Cinclair, welcome,” the maître d’ said, bowing his head slightly. “And Ms. Wyatt, welcome back.”
“Thank you.” She doubted he knew her but followed him to the back and almost hesitated when he took their coats and opened the door to the outside seating.
“Trust me, Ms. Wyatt, you won’t freeze.”
When it wasn’t freezing, this place was one of the most romantic spots in the city with a view of the lake and the gondola and rowboat rides, but even in winter, this was picture-perfect. The snow and the early hour gave it a peaceful surreal feeling that made her think they were miles away from the craziness that was New York.
“Thank you,” she told him, “and thank you for bringing me.” She kissed Max before sitting in the chair Max held and looking out at the water and park. “My parents come here often.”
“They do?” Max nodded and a waiter brought out a bottle of Traditions with two glasses and a bucket of ice.
“My father proposed to my mother here, and she loves telling people about it.” She watched Max pour two small drinks and place a cube of ice in each glass. “That might’ve been the last romantic thing he ever did.”
“I don’t believe that, and that’s not what he told me.” Max handed her a glass and held up hers. “According to him, he’s plenty romantic, but you, my love, will never complain about that. To us.”
She tapped her glass to Max’s and gazed at her. “To us, and to the universe for giving me the biggest romantic of them all.”
“Eh, I do all right,” Max teased her. “All I wanted was to have you all to myself for a bit.”
“Believe me, you do better than all right in the romance department.” She leaned in and whispered in Max’s ear, “It’s why I’m constantly wet.”
“Ms. Wyatt, you are something, but right now I want to talk to you about traditions.”
“Oh?” She sat back and tried to concentrate on work.
“Not what’s in the glass.” Max put her drink down and took her hand. “More like family traditions and the history they mark in our families.”
“Is this a new idea for a campaign?” She smiled when Max laughed. She loved that laugh.
“Not exactly a work campaign.” Max pushed her chair out and dropped to one knee. “See, your father told me where he proposed, and how happy he was Percy chose the same spot. It’s become a Wyatt family tradition of sorts.”
“It has?” All she could do was stare into Max’s eyes and pray she wasn’t misinterpreting this.
“It has, and he followed that up with what he expected of his daughter-in-law before he gave his blessing.” Max reached into her suit pocket and took out a box. “I gave him my word I would love you, take care of you, and do my best to make you happy.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you, and I’m going to spend my life showing you. You’ll never doubt how much I want forever with you. Hayley, will you marry me?”
“Yes.” It was all she could say before she started crying again as the box creaked open.
“This was my grandmother’s ring.” Max took out the two-carat square-cut solitaire and placed it on the end of her finger. “She would’ve loved you and the dreams you’ve inspired in me. Gramps said she wore it for a lot of magic-filled years, but its job isn’t done.” Max slid it onto her finger and kissed her hand. “Thank you for saying yes.”
“My heart gave me no other choice.” She kissed Max until she heard retching noises from the door.
“Good Lord, you two are so damn sappy,” Josie said.
“It’s why I’m not single,” Max said without turning around.
“I still say it’s because you’re richer than shit,” Josie said as Max stood and helped Hayley to her feet as both their families came in.
“Why do you think I agreed to this?” Major said, putting his arms around both of them. “I’m kidding, and I’m happy for you both.”
There was plenty more teasing and congratulations before everyone had a glass in their hand and Carter lifted his in a toast. “To Hayley and Max, may all your days be filled with love and good times, and may the bad times be easily handled over a glass of good whiskey.”
“You’re stuck with me now,” she said when Max pulled her aside.
“You make that sound like it’s a bad thing,” Max said and kissed her. “You do realize all those Cinclairs come as part of the package, right?”
“As long as I get a few who are all mine, I’ll be fine.” She kissed Max again because she couldn’t help herself, and as usual her feet came off the floor.
“You get whatever you want,” Max said as she put her down.
“Then let’s get to it.”
And they did.
About the Author
Ali Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey “Devil” series, the newest being The Devil Incarnate, and the Genesis Clan “Forces” series, as well as numerous standalone romances including three Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead, Love Match, and One More Chance. Ali’s latest release is A Good Chance, the sequel to One More Chance.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family’s traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, where she enjoys cheering LSU and trying new restaurants.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Before She Was Mine by Emma L McGeown. When Dani and Lucy are thrust together to sort out their children’s playground squabble, sparks fly leaving both of them willing to risk it all for each other. (978-1-63679-315-3)
Chasing Cypress by Ana Hartnett Reichardt. Maggie Hyde wants to find a partner to settle down with and help her run the family farm, but instead she ends up chasing Cypress. Olivia Cypress. (978-1-63679-323-8)
Dark Truths by Sandra Barett. When Jade’s ex-girlfriend and vampire maker barges back into her life, can Jade satisfy her ex’s demands, keep Beth safe, and keep everyone’s secrets…secret? (978-1-63679-369-6)
Desires Unleashed by Renee Roman. Kell Murphy and Taylor Simpson didn’t go looking for love, but as they explore their desires unleashed, their hearts lead them on an unexpected journey. (978-1-63679-327-6)
Maybe, Probably by Amanda Radley. Set against the backdrop of a viral pandemic, Gina and Eleanor are about to discover that loving another person is complicated when you’re desperately searching for yourself. (978-1-63679-284-2)
The One by C.A. Popovich. Jody Acosta doesn’t know what makes her more furious, that the wealthy Bergeron family refuses to be held accountable for her father’s wrongful death, or that she can’t ignore her knee-weakening attraction to Nicole Bergeron. (978-1-63679-318-4)
The Speed of Slow Changes by Sander Santiago. As Al and Lucas navigate the ups and downs of their polyamorous relationship, only one thing is certain: romance has never been so crowded. (978-1-63679-329-0)
Tides of Love by Kimberly Cooper Griffin. Falling in love is the last thing on either of their minds, but when Mikayla and Gem meet, sparks of possibility begin to shine, revealing a future neither expected. (978-1-63679-319-1)
Catch by Kris Bryant. Convincing the wife of the star quarterback to walk away from her family was never in offensive coordinator Sutton McCoy’s game plan. But standing on the sidelines when a second chance at true love comes her way proves all but impossible. (978-1-63679-276-7)
Hearts in the Wind by MJ Williamz. Beth and Evelyn seem destined to remain mortal enemies but are about to discover that in matters of the heart, sometimes you must cast your fortunes to the wind. (978-1-63679-288-0)
Hero Complex by Jesse J. Thoma. Bronte, Athena, and their unlikely friends, must work together to defeat Bronte’s arch nemesis. The fate of love, humanity, and the world might depend on it. No pressure. (978-1-63679-280-4)
Hotel Fantasy by Piper Jordan. Molly Taylor has a fantasy in mind that only Lexi can fulfill. However, convincing her to participate could prove challenging. (978-1-63679-207-1)
Last New Beginning by Krystina Rivers. Can commercial broker Skye Kohl and contractor Bailey Kaczmarek overcome their pride and work together while the tension between them boils over into a love that could soothe both of their hearts? (978-1-63679-261-3)
Love and Lattes by Karis Walsh. Cat café owner Bonnie and wedding planner Taryn join forces to get rescue cats into forever homes—discovering their own forever along the way. (978-1-63679-290-3)
Repatriate by Jaime Maddox. Ally Hamilton’s new job as a home health aide takes an unexpected twist when she discovers a fortune in stolen artwork and must repatriate the masterpieces and avoid the wrath of the violent man who stole them. (978-1-63679-303-0)
The Hues of Me and You by Morgan Lee Miller. Arlette Adair and Brooke Dawson almost fell in love in college. Years later, they unexpectedly run into each other and come face-to-face with their unresolved past. (978-1-63679-229-3)
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
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to browse our entire catalog of paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks.
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Ali Vali, On the Rocks
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“You have no idea, and stop trying to move—I might not be finished.” Hayley lifted her head and kissed her. “You’re still a sexy beast, and I’m so glad you waited for me.”
“Waited for you?” She didn’t understand the statement.
“I told Josie you were probably married with a couple of kids when she asked about you.” Hayley stopped when she moved her fingers slightly. “I’m lucky you’re not.”
“All in good time, but right now, we need to finish with the reconnecting part of our evening.” She rolled them over wanting more freedom to touch Hayley like she wanted. “There’s plenty I want, but right now all I want is you.”
“Sweet-talker…yes, like that. Just like that.”
Epilogue
Two Months Later
“Stop moving—I said it was perfect just like that,” Hayley said to Roger. They’d arrived early to set up their space at the World Whiskey Competition, and he was worse than Josie when trying to get his way. She moved the sign back to the side table where the information about Traditions was set out.
The marketing campaign had rolled out the week before, and from all accounts, everyone had fallen in love with the ads that featured Carter, Dale, and Preston. She picked the ad with the two men standing behind Preston, who sat on a stool at On the Rocks holding a glass of her new whiskey. The sight of Max and her smile still made her shiver.
“If we put it out front, it’ll draw a bigger crowd.” Roger sounded a wee bit condescending.
“Percy is delivering the ones that’ll go out front, so sit and let me finish.” She’d actually never done anything like this, but she was having fun.
She and Max had picked up from the day before she’d left, and it had been two months of making love, family dinners, and working. Max had talked her into keeping her apartment, and into splitting her time between Cinclair’s and her father’s firm. Her father had, of course, complained at first, but Max’s charming personality worked on more than one Wyatt.
“So we’re done?” Roger asked.
She nodded. “We’ll be swamped once the judging is over and we get a mad rush of people wanting free booze, but we’re ready for them. And here comes the last piece now.”
Percy pointed to the corners of the space where the two signs with the Cinclair bottles printed on them went. “Where’s the bootlegger?” he asked, using the nickname their father had coined when he thought Hayley was running away.
“Don’t call her that.” She slapped his arm. “He should be glad this thing is in New York this year. Max brought enough booze to get your guests drunk three times over at your wedding next week.”
“I’m just glad you won’t be pathetic without a plus-one.” Percy kissed her temple when she slapped his arm again.
“Can I have my girl back?” Max asked as she arrived with Major, of all people.
“Hey, Daddy. Come to check on us?” She put her arms around Max’s waist after hugging her dad.
“I came to help out.” Major’s declaration made everyone’s mouth but Max’s open in surprise. “You have an appointment to get to.”
“I do?”
“You do,” Max said, shaking Major’s hand before leading her outside. Her father’s driver was waiting for them and took off when the doorman shut their car door.
“Where are we going?” They were leaving the large hotel in Times Square behind and heading toward Central Park. “Did you have a sudden urge to take a walk, honey? It’s snowing and I’m in heels.”
“Not a walk—a drink.” Max sounded completely serious.
“A drink? We have loads of alcohol where we just left, and it’s ten in the morning.” They came to a stop at a restaurant she knew well, and she snapped her mouth shut with an audible click of her teeth. “You know this place?”
Max held her hand as she got out of the car, and they walked to the door one of the waitstaff held open. “I’ve come a few times when I was in the city, but it’s the first time I’m bringing a date.”
“I don’t think they’re open yet, but I don’t mind waiting if you don’t.”
She wanted Max to promise they’d come back in the spring so they could sit outside. How Max knew the Loeb Boathouse in the middle of the park was one of her favorite places was a mystery, but Max was always full of surprises. That’d been true for the last few months, and all those good times had made her fall deeper in love.
“Ms. Cinclair, welcome,” the maître d’ said, bowing his head slightly. “And Ms. Wyatt, welcome back.”
“Thank you.” She doubted he knew her but followed him to the back and almost hesitated when he took their coats and opened the door to the outside seating.
“Trust me, Ms. Wyatt, you won’t freeze.”
When it wasn’t freezing, this place was one of the most romantic spots in the city with a view of the lake and the gondola and rowboat rides, but even in winter, this was picture-perfect. The snow and the early hour gave it a peaceful surreal feeling that made her think they were miles away from the craziness that was New York.
“Thank you,” she told him, “and thank you for bringing me.” She kissed Max before sitting in the chair Max held and looking out at the water and park. “My parents come here often.”
“They do?” Max nodded and a waiter brought out a bottle of Traditions with two glasses and a bucket of ice.
“My father proposed to my mother here, and she loves telling people about it.” She watched Max pour two small drinks and place a cube of ice in each glass. “That might’ve been the last romantic thing he ever did.”
“I don’t believe that, and that’s not what he told me.” Max handed her a glass and held up hers. “According to him, he’s plenty romantic, but you, my love, will never complain about that. To us.”
She tapped her glass to Max’s and gazed at her. “To us, and to the universe for giving me the biggest romantic of them all.”
“Eh, I do all right,” Max teased her. “All I wanted was to have you all to myself for a bit.”
“Believe me, you do better than all right in the romance department.” She leaned in and whispered in Max’s ear, “It’s why I’m constantly wet.”
“Ms. Wyatt, you are something, but right now I want to talk to you about traditions.”
“Oh?” She sat back and tried to concentrate on work.
“Not what’s in the glass.” Max put her drink down and took her hand. “More like family traditions and the history they mark in our families.”
“Is this a new idea for a campaign?” She smiled when Max laughed. She loved that laugh.
“Not exactly a work campaign.” Max pushed her chair out and dropped to one knee. “See, your father told me where he proposed, and how happy he was Percy chose the same spot. It’s become a Wyatt family tradition of sorts.”
“It has?” All she could do was stare into Max’s eyes and pray she wasn’t misinterpreting this.
“It has, and he followed that up with what he expected of his daughter-in-law before he gave his blessing.” Max reached into her suit pocket and took out a box. “I gave him my word I would love you, take care of you, and do my best to make you happy.”
“I love you so much.”
“I love you, and I’m going to spend my life showing you. You’ll never doubt how much I want forever with you. Hayley, will you marry me?”
“Yes.” It was all she could say before she started crying again as the box creaked open.
“This was my grandmother’s ring.” Max took out the two-carat square-cut solitaire and placed it on the end of her finger. “She would’ve loved you and the dreams you’ve inspired in me. Gramps said she wore it for a lot of magic-filled years, but its job isn’t done.” Max slid it onto her finger and kissed her hand. “Thank you for saying yes.”
“My heart gave me no other choice.” She kissed Max until she heard retching noises from the door.
“Good Lord, you two are so damn sappy,” Josie said.
“It’s why I’m not single,” Max said without turning around.
“I still say it’s because you’re richer than shit,” Josie said as Max stood and helped Hayley to her feet as both their families came in.
“Why do you think I agreed to this?” Major said, putting his arms around both of them. “I’m kidding, and I’m happy for you both.”
There was plenty more teasing and congratulations before everyone had a glass in their hand and Carter lifted his in a toast. “To Hayley and Max, may all your days be filled with love and good times, and may the bad times be easily handled over a glass of good whiskey.”
“You’re stuck with me now,” she said when Max pulled her aside.
“You make that sound like it’s a bad thing,” Max said and kissed her. “You do realize all those Cinclairs come as part of the package, right?”
“As long as I get a few who are all mine, I’ll be fine.” She kissed Max again because she couldn’t help herself, and as usual her feet came off the floor.
“You get whatever you want,” Max said as she put her down.
“Then let’s get to it.”
And they did.
About the Author
Ali Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey “Devil” series, the newest being The Devil Incarnate, and the Genesis Clan “Forces” series, as well as numerous standalone romances including three Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead, Love Match, and One More Chance. Ali’s latest release is A Good Chance, the sequel to One More Chance.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family’s traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, where she enjoys cheering LSU and trying new restaurants.
Books Available From Bold Strokes Books
Before She Was Mine by Emma L McGeown. When Dani and Lucy are thrust together to sort out their children’s playground squabble, sparks fly leaving both of them willing to risk it all for each other. (978-1-63679-315-3)
Chasing Cypress by Ana Hartnett Reichardt. Maggie Hyde wants to find a partner to settle down with and help her run the family farm, but instead she ends up chasing Cypress. Olivia Cypress. (978-1-63679-323-8)
Dark Truths by Sandra Barett. When Jade’s ex-girlfriend and vampire maker barges back into her life, can Jade satisfy her ex’s demands, keep Beth safe, and keep everyone’s secrets…secret? (978-1-63679-369-6)
Desires Unleashed by Renee Roman. Kell Murphy and Taylor Simpson didn’t go looking for love, but as they explore their desires unleashed, their hearts lead them on an unexpected journey. (978-1-63679-327-6)
Maybe, Probably by Amanda Radley. Set against the backdrop of a viral pandemic, Gina and Eleanor are about to discover that loving another person is complicated when you’re desperately searching for yourself. (978-1-63679-284-2)
The One by C.A. Popovich. Jody Acosta doesn’t know what makes her more furious, that the wealthy Bergeron family refuses to be held accountable for her father’s wrongful death, or that she can’t ignore her knee-weakening attraction to Nicole Bergeron. (978-1-63679-318-4)
The Speed of Slow Changes by Sander Santiago. As Al and Lucas navigate the ups and downs of their polyamorous relationship, only one thing is certain: romance has never been so crowded. (978-1-63679-329-0)
Tides of Love by Kimberly Cooper Griffin. Falling in love is the last thing on either of their minds, but when Mikayla and Gem meet, sparks of possibility begin to shine, revealing a future neither expected. (978-1-63679-319-1)
Catch by Kris Bryant. Convincing the wife of the star quarterback to walk away from her family was never in offensive coordinator Sutton McCoy’s game plan. But standing on the sidelines when a second chance at true love comes her way proves all but impossible. (978-1-63679-276-7)
Hearts in the Wind by MJ Williamz. Beth and Evelyn seem destined to remain mortal enemies but are about to discover that in matters of the heart, sometimes you must cast your fortunes to the wind. (978-1-63679-288-0)
Hero Complex by Jesse J. Thoma. Bronte, Athena, and their unlikely friends, must work together to defeat Bronte’s arch nemesis. The fate of love, humanity, and the world might depend on it. No pressure. (978-1-63679-280-4)
Hotel Fantasy by Piper Jordan. Molly Taylor has a fantasy in mind that only Lexi can fulfill. However, convincing her to participate could prove challenging. (978-1-63679-207-1)
Last New Beginning by Krystina Rivers. Can commercial broker Skye Kohl and contractor Bailey Kaczmarek overcome their pride and work together while the tension between them boils over into a love that could soothe both of their hearts? (978-1-63679-261-3)
Love and Lattes by Karis Walsh. Cat café owner Bonnie and wedding planner Taryn join forces to get rescue cats into forever homes—discovering their own forever along the way. (978-1-63679-290-3)
Repatriate by Jaime Maddox. Ally Hamilton’s new job as a home health aide takes an unexpected twist when she discovers a fortune in stolen artwork and must repatriate the masterpieces and avoid the wrath of the violent man who stole them. (978-1-63679-303-0)
The Hues of Me and You by Morgan Lee Miller. Arlette Adair and Brooke Dawson almost fell in love in college. Years later, they unexpectedly run into each other and come face-to-face with their unresolved past. (978-1-63679-229-3)
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
Looking for your next great read?
Visit BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM
to browse our entire catalog of paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks.
Want the first word on what’s new?
Visit our website for event info,
author interviews, and blogs.
Subscribe to our free newsletter for sneak peeks,
new releases, plus first notice of promos
and daily bargains
SIGN UP AT
BOLDSTROKESBOOKS.COM/signup
Ali Vali, On the Rocks
