Free Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set by Brooke Cumberland Page A

to conquer the day after the amazing wake-up call I had. It was bliss beginning my day with Drake. And ending it with Drake. It was as if we had been together all along, when in reality it had only been a week. He was helping me make sense of my life, giving it purpose. It was mind-blowing how strong my feelings were for this man already.
    “Why are you so happy this morning?” Blakely asked, accusingly.
    “Just am.” I smiled. I noticed Travis and Brad looking at me for any signs of why I was so happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. It made for a very productive day in the kitchen.
    “All done. I think we had another successful day,” Brad praised. “You guys game for hitting a couple drinks after?”
    I wasn’t picking Stella up today, and I wasn’t sure what Drake’s plans were, so I decided a drink or two would be nice. “Sure, I’ll go.” Brad’s eyes lit up and he smiled.
    We went to our usual tavern, not too far from the restaurant. The memory of Drake sitting at the bar and catching me before I tripped sent shivers down my spine. It had only been a week, and yet so much had changed since then.
    Between Brad and Travis and their continual flirting, I was starting to feel uncomfortable. Blakely was fooling around with Micah and Anthony playing darts, and I was ready to get back home.
    “So, Molly, what are your plans after graduation?” Brad asked, sipping his beer.
    “I would actually like to work at the Riverside Restaurant, but ultimately, I’d like to run my own restaurant someday,” I responded shyly.
    Brad laughed. “That’s a hard position to get, Mols. No offense, but the Riverside Restaurant is the most elite and competitive in Chicago. Only the best of the best get hired there.”
    “I know. Are you saying I’m not good enough?” I asked teasingly.
    “No, not at all. Just saying I wouldn’t get my hopes up. It’s a hard place to get into. The program itself is intense,” he said, trying to sound sincere.
    “Well, it’s one of my goals, and just because it seems impossible doesn’t mean I’m not going to aim for it.” I finished my drink and slid out of the booth.
    At the bar, Blakely had charmed Micah and Anthony into buying her drink after drink. “Hey, I gotta get going. See you tomorrow?”
    “Definitely. Night, dear,” she said, giggling as Micah whispered in her ear. I waved goodbye to the rest of the group and walked out the door.
    Was I crazy for thinking I’d get a position at the Riverside after graduation? I knew it would look bad if word leaked out I was sleeping with Drake. I wanted to earn it on my own with no favors.

CHAPTER 7
     
     
    I arrived home just in time for the Stella and Michael fashion show. Michael was walking the runway in a short, red dress and black heels. Stella had on her princess dress that she got last Christmas. There was music playing as they took turns posing. I could hear Stella giggling from all of Michael’s antics.
    “What do we have here?” I asked, grinning. “Is this a private fashion show?”
    “You know it, baby.” Michael gave me his best serious model face. I sat on the loveseat, watching as Stella showed off her gown, accessorized with a crown and pearls.
    “What a beautiful princess!” I smiled at how much fun she was having. I heard a bang at the door and got up to answer.
    “Miss Woods?” a man in a black suit with his hands behind his back asked me.
    “Yes?” I responded, more than a little confused.
    He brought his arms to the front and handed me a large, bulky envelope. “This is for you, ma’am.” I took it from his hand and thanked him. He nodded and walked away. I shut the door and walked back to where Stella and Michael were still modeling their gowns.
    “What’s that?” Michael asked, coming closer to me.
    “I’m not sure. It was just delivered.” I ripped it open, curious as to what it could be.
     
    Molly,
    You have captured my heart. Let me capture yours. Open the box. I want you to wear them.