Rosie

Rosie Rayne Matthews Copyright © 2023 Rayne MatthewsAll rights reserved. This book or any portion thereofmay not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoeverwithout the express written permission of the publisher Rayne Matthewsexcept for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Editing and Cover design by Partners in Crime Book Services Table of Contents Table of Contents Also by Rayne Matthews Part One 1 2 Part Two 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Part Three 14 15 16 17 18 BONUS About the Author Also by Rayne Matthews The Twisted Road Series Twisted Road of Darkness Twisted Road to Salvation Twisted Road of Vengeance Twisted Road of Understanding Twisted Road to Healing The Dilemma Duet Jenna’s Dilemma Jenna’s Delights Standalones Twisted Dilemma The Journal With Love, Your Loyal Reader Unfortunate Resort The Soulless Ryders Origins Series Crazy Bill Walt George Lou Ant: The Prospect Ant: The President Crazy Bill Part 2 The Organization Baby’s Penance Serge Mister O’Shea Part One Rosie 1 W E MET ON a rainy Thursday morning outside of my favorite coffee shop, and I knew he was the one. Everything I was taught and groomed for was what I should have stuck with but it all left my being when he smiled at me and held the door open. Monterey Long was it for me, and in that moment I chose my own desires for the first time in my life. He was perfect in every way and I loved his goofy side the most. Too bad at the end of it all, I didn’t have a say in our destiny. I had to do what was to come. I didn’t have a choice and I hated every second of it, but this was always my fate. I’m sorry Monte. I love you. I love the winter time. It’s cold and rainy and reminds me of the day I met my soulmate. I’m not particularly thrilled to have to be out in public while it’s storming, but it puts me in a good mood and makes me fall in love all over again with my husband. Monte offered to cook dinner, so I join him in the kitchen wearing a sheer camisole and black lace boycut underwear. “Damn you look gorgeous,” he says, licking his lips. “You like this?” I ask, doing my best sexy twirl. “You know I do.” I get up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips but there’s always a part of me that gets self-conscious. “What is it, babe?” “You hate kissing me, don’t you?” “I love kissing you, so you need to stop all of that right now.” “You have beautiful, full lips and I have nothing.” “I love your lips.” He reaches down between my legs. “These lips are full too.” “Did you just say I have a fat pussy?” “Maybe.” His teasing smile turns me on and he always knows how to distract my mind from all my flaws. No one is flawless but being with someone as handsome as Monte can be a little overwhelming sometimes. We met ten years ago when Monte was in his last year of law school at USC, or University of Southern California for those who aren’t familiar. I was a struggling photographer with no real plan for my future but it all changed one morning when my boss showed up early and sent me out for coffee and pastries. Back then I didn’t have a car and I had to walk four blocks in the pouring rain to appease the asshole I worked for. Running into the most beautiful man I have ever seen wasn’t on the calendar that day, but there I was, walking obliviously under the awnings of the businesses and fighting to close my shitty umbrella when by chance, I looked up before I crashed into the perfect specimen of all mankind. “Hello there.” “Hi. Sorry about that.” “Do you need some help with that? Umbrellas can be tricky sometimes.” “No, I’m good. It’s a touchy little thing.” “I’m sure the holes don’t help. Would you like to take mine?” “Oh, no, thank you. Are you going inside, Mister?” “I apologize. My mom would smack me in the head if she saw me right now. I’m Monte. Monterey Long.” The perfect stranger extends a hand and, when I latch on, my body bursts into figurative flames. He’s magnificent. “Monterey. Like the city?” “No, the cheese. My mom has a festive sense of humor.” And he’s charming. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Monte. I’m Rosie Cadena.” “I assure you the pleasure is all mine, Rosie Cadena. Can I buy you a cup of coffee?” “I would like that a lot.” “Earth to Rosie.” I snap out of my magical thoughts and turn to my husband. “What did I miss?” “I was asking if you wanted to taste the sauce. I wouldn’t want my spice queen to be disappointed.” “Your parents are from Jamaica, I highly doubt you could ever disappoint me in the spice department.” “You know, I never realized how much of our cooking is the same.” “Mexican and Jamaican food is the same to you? I don’t think we’ve been eating the same meals.” “Spice wise. Both are flavorful.” “I agree there. I’m not saying you’re a bad cook, but I’d rather eat your mom’s food.” “She’s a Master in the cuisine, and you’re a fantastic cook.” “Why thank you. Now let me taste.” He dips a spoon into the sauce pot and holds it up to my mouth, and the second it hits my tongue, it feels like my forehead is about to explode. Instant numbing of my mouth and sweat on my brows turns my husband into a laughing fool. “Is it too hot?” All I can manage is to nod vigorously and go in search for something in the refrigerator to cool down the flames in my mouth. Meanwhile, Monte laughs so hard he doubles