Author: kharrison

Andi

I could kill my mother right now! What loving mother gives their only daughter a birthday trip to a surprise destination only to trick her into going to a secluded island that was apparently filled with single men when she knows I’m not dating right now? Mine!

Then again what sane daughter, knowing the kind of mother she has, would take such a gift at face value and not question it, thus finding herself in that very situation with no way out for an entire week? …me.

Like the apparent genius that I am (not), I simply packed for my trip and let my mom handle the details. I had been too busy to do details before I left. My landscape design business was just finishing its first big account and I had been swamped with finishing that. So when she had offered I agreed.

Now I fight back tears as I watch the boat that brought me here leave. Apparently all the supplies are already here and I was the last guest to arrive. Looking around I try to spot another girl in the crowd of overwhelming masculinity. Why so many men? Why? 

I walk over to the front desk, figuring that at least I can get to my room and disappear while I sort things out. To be honest, I think my brain is still trying to wrap my head around what I am seeing. I made it all the way to the desk before I read the large bright green sign hanging behind the front desk. Welcome to the Ultimate Guys Getaway!!

Stepping up to the desk I am greeted by a very confused looking employee. “Can I help you?” She asks, as if she can’t believe what she was seeing.

“I believe there is a problem.” I admit wryly. “I shouldn’t be here.”

The woman, whose name tag read AMY, nodded. “Yes, I can see where you would say that.” Amy stared at her computer screen. “I don’t see any female guest reservations.”

“Then how did I get here? I handed the guy at the dock my paperwork and he nodded me on board.” Although he had given me an odd look or two.

Amy peers back up at me. “Could I see those papers?”

As I gave her the whole folder of papers my mother had given me I looked around. Across the foyer a man in a beige fitted blazer and dark jeans was leaning against a column, openly gazing at me. Flustered, I end up dropping my bag to the ground and hurriedly turn my attention back to Amy. By now she is frowning at my papers and comparing them with something on her computer.

“Ms. Barris?”

“Yep.” I nod. “That’s me.”

“Ms. Andi Barris?”

Again I nodded.

“When booking for this weekend you should have received a notice to verify that you were wanting to participate in a men’s weekend experience. Did you see that notice?”

I sigh. Confirmation that my mother had stranded me on an island filled with men on purpose. “No. This trip was a gift. I didn’t book it.”

Amy glanced over at a man who must be her supervisor because he is behind the desk with his arms folded, glaring at Amy. When he notices me looking at him his frown dissolves into a deprecating smile. He strides over with a jaunty little self-important walk.

“Problem?”

Amy quickly explains my situation. I am already tired of this mess.

“Ms Barris.”

I turn my attention back from where I had let it wander to see the man holding out a hotel key card. 

“Room 347.” 

When I take the key he gives me a terse nod and leaves as if I am going to scratch his eyes out if he stays any longer. 

“Thanks Amy.” I mumble with a smile before heading off in the direction I am sure the elevators must be in. At least, they better be because I am heartily sick of being lost.

As I move away from the desk I see Mr Tall, Dark and Mysterious push off from the column he had been leaning on. He is making no effort to hide the fact that he is coming to talk to me and I begin to feel flustered the closer he comes.

With a suave easy smile and nod he falls in step beside me. I keep walking to the elevator. My room is practically screaming my name. I glance over at him and my heartbeat picks up a few extra beats. He looks even better up close.

When I slow to a stop in front of the elevators he speaks. “I noticed you checking in.”

I shrug. Do I want to acknowledge that I had seen him watching me? Maybe he took my response as a challenge because he chuckles and flashes an even more charming smile my way. I am going to have trouble breathing steady if he keeps it up.

 “I must say that I believe you are the prettiest guest in this entire hotel.”

“Bet you say that to all the women you meet who dare to come to an exclusive weekend for men only.” It was out before I could stop it. I blush.

His head bows a little. One point for me.

“I am happy to report that you are my first.”

My blush deepens. 

Thankfully he doesn’t wait for a clever or witty reply because I don’t have one. My mind has zeroed out. Instead the elevator opens. 

Just when I think I can escape this awkwardly flirty conversation he follows me in.

“I didn’t catch your name.” He bumps my shoulder.

I bump his back. “I didn’t give it. And you didn’t ask.”

“I guess I bungled that introduction then didn’t I? My name is Gunner Roarke. Might I inquire what your name is?” Again with the head bow. It almost seems courtly in its refinement. Definitely not fitting in with the other laid back guests of the guys weekend whom I had seen so far in their baggy shorts and tank tops.

The elevator dinges and I sigh as it opens onto the third floor. He follows me off with a casualness that has me relaxing. “Andi Barris.”

Gunner barks a laugh. “Andi huh? At least your name will fit in.” He motioned down the hall. “We are on the same floor. I’m in 354 if you need anything or want someone to hang out with. My brother dragged me to this.”

He pauses and I may have caught a hint of a blush as he pushes his hands into his pockets. “I’m going to head back downstairs so you can go to your room and not feel like I am stalking you and all that.”

I nod. I desperately want to dump all my stuff off and flop on the bed for a bit. However Gunner is intriguing and I don’t really want to give up spending time with him, even if I have only just met him. Every great friendship starts with two strangers being willing and daring enough to talk and get to know each other.

“I’m glad I’ll at least know someone here.” I smile and nod down the hall. “I’m that way. Hopefully I will see you later?”

“I’ll make sure I do, if you don’t mind.” He grins.

“I don’t mind at all.”

Tahlia

There I was, minding my own business, lost in a book, sipping my chocolate shake, at my favorite cafe, enjoying the sun beating gently down on my face and arms, oblivious to anything else when a single red rose plopped down in front of me. Startled out of the world my book had crafted for me, I struggled to orient myself. 

Glancing around I didn’t see anyone near me and no one was looking in my direction. Apparently the silly flower had decided on its own to remove itself from a rose bush and jump into my lap. 

I think not.

I stood up, already irritated that I had been so thoroughly interrupted from my reading that I was determined to figure out who had done it. 

As I pushed away from the table, another rose almost whacked me in the face. I kept my eye on where I had seen the flower emerge from and stomped over. Whoever was throwing rose missiles was going to get a lecture about personal space! I didn’t slow down as I rounded the large bush the hooligan was hiding behind, full of self-righteous fury and bravado.

I should have slowed down.

Yet I hadn’t and I paid the consequences when I ran full-on into a man who was all broad muscle-y shoulders and bulging arms to match. It wasn’t until after I backed up a step that I was able to focus on his face. A handsome chiseled face, at that. Next, I noticed that he wasn’t holding any red roses so I quickly crossed him off my lecture list and looked around for the culprit. 

I didn’t have to look far, or very high for that matter. Standing next to the man who was currently making my insides blush deeper than my face, was an adorable little boy holding a beaten and tired looking bouquet of roses. I think my mouth must have dropped open at that point but I have no recollection of it. 

All I knew was that I couldn’t chastise this 3 year old about throwing flowers. The man with him though was now fair game. I turned back to him and glared. At least I attempted to glare. His chagrined smile was having a huge dampening effect on my ire.

“Yours?” I asked, in as friendly a tone as I could manage. After all, there were children present.

“Only for about ten more minutes.” The man pulled the boy behind him.

I had to pause on that phrase. “What happens in ten minutes?” Apparently my curiosity was stronger than my indignation.

“His parents take him back.” He went back to scanning the parking lot.

“Babysitting?”

His nod confirmed it and my frustration further fizzled. Time to go back to my book. “You might want to keep him from throwing any more of those flowers before they are all gone.”

I didn’t stay to find out what the man did or said in response. He was too disconcertingly attractive to stand near and avoid staring. So I would consider my retreat to have been a wise precaution of self preservation…of my dignity.

Plopping back down into my seat I took a long slow sip of my shake before opening up my book to read once more. 

I was again lost in my book when I was once again startled from the story. This time someone was stealing my rose! I had earned it. Immediately I dropped my book and made a grab for the rose, only to discover Mr Gorgeous Babysitter sitting in the seat across from me. With my rose.

The kid was conspicuously absent from his side.

“Why are you stealing my rose?” 

His smile caught me by surprise. He slowly offered the flower back to me. “I couldn’t think of another way to get your attention. And since I didn’t know your name and you didn’t notice when I sat down, I had to think of something.”

I nodded. “Sorry. I get that way when I’m reading.”

He shook his head. “There’s no need for you to apologize. In fact, that is why I am here. After what you said to me a few minutes ago Jordan confessed to throwing roses at you. I am sorry he did it and I am even more sorry I didn’t see him do it so that I could have stopped him from terrorizing you.” He laid his hand softly over mine.

If he was trying to keep my attention on him he didn’t have to hold my hand, I was already riveted but my pulse skittered in appreciation. I did not remove my hand.

“Care to make it up to me?” I blurted before I could think through what I was saying.

That devastating smile flashed back to his face. “Indeed I would. Would dinner and a stroll through the park be a sufficient apology or would I need to arrange several…” he paused for a moment to capture my eyes with his. “…apologies?”

Since nodding seemed anticlimactic to his suggestion I forced myself to respond with more than just a dumbfounded ‘uh huh’.

“As of right now, I don’t know if one will be enough.” I set my book down and leaned back, purposefully looking around at nothing in particular so I wouldn’t go all starry-eyed at him.

He held out his hand and I took it. When his other hand closed over the top of our hands I felt my heart stutter wildly. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you….”

“Tahlia.” I gulped.

He leaned in slightly. “Well Tahlia, as sorry as I am that Jordan interrupted your reading I must say that I don’t regret it happening. Would you care for a walk now and then we can find dinner later or did you already have plans for tonight?”

“Now is good.” I moved to start packing up my things.

He stood and bowed slightly. “Oh and Tahlia?”

“Hmm?” I looked up into his stormy blue eyes and fought not to get lost.

“I’m Scott.”

Lavinia

“Lavinia Cartwright, it is unacceptable for you to be late for a meal. Your father specifically stated that luncheon would be at 11. As a young lady of good breeding you are expected to adhere to the mandates set by your father and I vb.”

Mother would have continued to drone on in a sleep-inducing lecture if Father hadn’t interrupted. Father was the law and to be listened to and obeyed promptly and without question.

He cleared his throat. “Lavinia.Your appalling lack of manners aside. Your mother and I are having a dinner party here tonight with several business associates. I have just been informed that several of the men are bringing their sons with them to acquaint them with my business practices. You will be expected to attend and be on your best behavior.”

With a curtsey and a nod I tried to fade back into the background. Being late for anything was inexcusable and I had no excuse for it. Being lost in the pages of a book would hold no ground. I was grateful that he had chosen to look past my faux pas and still allow me to join the dinner party. In truth, this would be my first one. Whenever Father had people over I was excused and escorted to my room so as not to disturb anyone. On those nights I had dinner alone in my room. 

After 18 years of knowing only my Father and Mother and the occasional tutor as company, the thought of meeting someone new was thrillingly terrifying. I had been schooled in how to behave but I had never been able to put it all into practice. Father said that society was unbecoming of a lady of my station. 

“You are excused to prepare yourself, Lavinia. The gown you are to wear will be laid out on your bed. Clara will dress your hair.” Mother decreed as she settled near Father. Again I curtseyed and silently made my way out of the parlor. My tardiness to luncheon meant no food for me. I had to prepare myself to receive company instead.

As I entered my room I avoided the overly pink fluff of a dress and went straight to the window. Sinking into the plush pillows of the window seat I gazed down the long drive, trying to imagine what could possibly lay beyond. Trees blocked my view of anything more than more trees. The world beyond them was a mystery. 

Yet tonight there would be guests filling the front yard and I would be meeting them. My first glimpse at the outside.

Enduring the drudgery of getting my hair done, I was ready to descend into the sitting room to await the arrival of any and all guests with plenty of time to spare. Mother stood outside my door as I exited, looking me over as if checking to make sure none of my flaws were showing. Once I gained her slight nod of approval I forced myself to walk sedately into the heavily brocaded sitting room.

I took several minutes to carefully arrange the frothy dress just right so that it would not wrinkle. Any wrinkles would earn my mother’s immediate disapproval and possibly even being dismissed from the dinner party altogether. Resisting the urge to adjust the uncomfortably low neckline of my dress I focused on the door, hoping someone would arrive who could distract me from my own thoughts.

Mother and Father arrived in the room with barely a glance my way. They met an odd looking man and woman at the door. While my dress was similar to my mother’s, hoops and all, this woman was wearing a mere slip of a dress that was quite form fitting and rather revealing. And the man seemed to have forgotten his waistcoat. I had to blink to maintain and smooth away any shock I felt. Both mother and father seemed unsurprised, which shocked me even more. They were always going on about my wearing proper attire. Even my neckline was a new development, when usually my dresses came straight to my throat. 

I stood and curtseyed from my vantage point but was unnoticed. I sank back into my chair only to have to stand right back up again as more people entered. As people steadily made their way into the large room I gave up trying to sit and remained  standing, ready to curtsey.

I received some odd looks and no one else seemed inclined to curtsey back. I was flabbergasted. Had they no idea of manners?

It wasn’t until a young man who looked to be much nearer to my age came in that I had any trouble keeping my calm demeanor. He strode in as if he owned the room, dressed in the same sort of clothes I saw my father wear when he left for work. I stared. He spotted me and instantly made his way over. I nearly stumbled back. 

He flashed a rather roguish smile my way. His bow was far too deep but I wasn’t going to call him out on it. In fact, I could scarce breathe with him so near.

When he leaned in further I nearly fainted. “Jason Dunway.”

I dropped my most elegant, graceful curtsey. “A pleasure to meet you Mr. Dunway.”

The pause after I spoke was awkward as if he were waiting for me to speak further.

Another smile suffused his face, making him even more handsome and my heart beat faster. “And your name?” He prompted.

“Oh.” I blushed hard. “Miss Lavinia Cartwright.”

“Old Cartwright has a daughter?” His short bark of a laugh startled me as well as several others nearby. I stepped back. I had never heard my father spoken of with such a lack of respect.

I could only nod.

“Well Lavinia, I hope I get to sit by you. My father has been trying to groom me to take his place when he retires so he dragged me along.” He leaned in again. “Between you and me, I don’t know if that’s for me. I’m thinking software engineer. I took an extra class this year at Berkeley focused on programming and I loved it. What about you? Heading to college soon or already there and just home for a visit?”

I could tell he was waiting for an answer but I had none. I had no idea what he was talking about. 

Mother joined our conversation then. “Jason. So good to see you. Your father regals us of your soaring grades at school. He is so proud you are following in his footsteps. And I see you have met my daughter. Your father has asked to speak with you for a moment.”

And just like that I was deprived of my first acquaintance and I found myself rather put out. The look mother gave me didn’t help. As if it were my fault that he had approached me. Yet I wanted to talk to him more. Ask him what college was, and software engineering.

Kaleigh

Kaleigh hesitated as she looked over at the garden party situated cozily by the gazebo. It was far too tempting to return back inside and get lost for a bit in the house, delaying the inevitable drudgery of small talk with the ladies and gentleman gathered outside. Her mother had claimed a headache and Kaleigh dearly wished she could have done the same. She knew no one here. She had only been invited because her mother was good friends with Lady Moreland.

And so she stood in the shadows just inside the doorway. No one had seen her as of yet. She could even leave and send a note apologizing for missing the party.

“Contemplating a hasty exit?”

She was scarcely able to swallow her yelp. Before she could turn to ascertain if she knew the man who had so rudely snuck up behind her, a hand settled around her waist further pulling her back, deeper into the shadows.

“Polite society miss or mischievous imp?” He growled softly, setting her spine a tingle.

At that, he slowly spun her to face him while at the same time pushing her gently into the wall so she could not escape. She opened her mouth to answer but froze. His proximity was oddly intoxicating and thought-scattering.

“Shall I kiss the answer out of you then?” He leaned in, an unruly smirk brightening his features.

Kaleigh could only manage to gasp. Her mouth would not move to answer. 

Time almost stilled as her overly taxed brain watched as he drew near. If she hadn’t been backed into a wall already she was sure that she would have moved away, mostly sure at least.

As his lips gently brushed hers her eyes fluttered closed, lost in the sheer immensity of the sensations rushing through her. While the situation wasn’t what she had imagined of her first kiss, the kiss itself rose beyond all expectations. It wasn’t more than a second or two before he eased back and flashed a slightly chagrined but roguish grin her way.

With a bow, he stepped back and away from her and she felt bereft. Of what, she knew not. 

“A pleasure to meet you.” His smooth charm lingered on the word pleasure.

And before she could do anything more than gasp at his audacity, he was gone, out the door and onto the lawn.

Now she knew that she would not be staying for the garden party. She couldn’t. Not with him there. She would hardly be able to hold her countenance.

As she turned to leave, Miss Roselyn and her mother, Lady Durrant came into view. Now there was no avoiding it. Nodding amiably in their direction she preceded them out the door, as if they had not caught her lingering in the hallway.

Approaching the party she slowed so that she would arrive at the same time as the other new arrivals.

Lady Moreland immediately rose from her chair on the manicured lawn.

“Ah you have come! I had worried you would not make it.” She was looking straight at Kaleigh as she said it before turning to the others. “Lady Durrant, Miss Roselyn, Miss Fawcett, allow me to make introductions. You all must know the Wuthers already as well as Miss Trent and Miss Lively. However I just finished introducing my nephew who has only recently returned home from touring the continent. Lord Endicott, Lady Durrant and her daughter Miss Roselyn. And Miss Kaleigh Fawcett, daughter of my dear friend Lady Fawcett.”

Kaleigh could scarcely breathe or look anywhere appropriate as she was introduced to the man who had already acquainted himself with her in the hallway moments before. He was Lady Moreland’s nephew! Oh how she wished she could faint.

Seconds passed and curtsies were made to the man who stood there smirking in her direction. Kaleigh prayed that no one else took notice of his undue attention. Once seated she turned her gaze to the rest of the group, steadfastly not looking in Lord Endicott’s direction.

It did her no good however when once again his voice whispered into her ear. “You seem a favorite of my aunt’s, we may be seeing more of each other.”

Her back was to him. If she moved to face him and respond in any way, the whole group would surely notice.

He continued, shooting delicious shivers across her neck. “And if that kiss was any indication, it will be most enjoyable getting to know you better. In fact, I find myself tempted to see how I can catch you alone again. And soon.”

Kaleigh could barely breathe at the thought of receiving more of his kisses. What kind of a daring rogue was this man and why had he singled her out?!

Thankfully, Miss Lively unknowingly forced Lord Endicott to withdraw from his hidden teasing as she turned her eager attentions on him.

“Lord Endicott” Miss Lively simpered. “How are you finding London after being gone so long?”

“London has not changed, Miss Lively. I find the familiarity to be most welcoming. Although there have been a few wonderful additions to my aunt’s circle of friends whom I am pleased to add to my own.”

He might not have been looking at her as he spoke, his attention directed at Miss Lively who blushed rather becomingly at his comment, assuming he was speaking of her. Kaleigh could feel his closeness as if he was once again pinning her to that wall.

Luckily Kaleigh only had to stay for a short time before a note was delivered to their party, her mother insisting she return home. Making her excuses Kaleigh rose, relieved to be making a plausible escape without appearing rude or flighty. She almost stumbled as Lord Endicott rose with her. He bent to give his aunt a kiss on her cheek.

“I must beg my aunt’s forgiveness. I had not known you were holding this get together or I would have planned more time into my day to spend with you. However I have business that requires my attention and I must take my leave. Miss Fawcett, allow me to escort you out.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond, tucking her hand in his elbow. Once they were out of sight of the party he sighed. 

“You, my little beguiling vixen, were my only reason to stay at that dratted party. How is it that I have not known of you before this?” He stepped closer.

Kaleigh was once again at a loss. “How should I know? I haven’t been hiding.”

“Haven’t you?”

When she shook her head he chuckled.

“Miss Fawcett, has anyone ever told you that you are temptation personified?”

Again she shook her head. She was not going to allow herself to get caught between him and a wall again. And as delightful and compelling as his kiss had been, she was not the kind of girl to invite scandal. He handed her into her carriage.

He bowed. “I will be seeing you again.” It wasn’t a question. More of a promise.

Rebecca

I tried not to stare as I willed my latest Blake-filled daydream from my mind. Math class was far too distracting with him there. As a new student and stunningly gorgeous, it seemed his status and popularity had vaulted over the normal rigours of climbing the high school social hierarchy into stardom. It was completely not fair. Not that I was wanting the level of popularity he was currently flooded with. 

Way too much pressure.

And so I refused to be one of the mindless masses drooling over his looks. It’s not like I even knew him. He hung out with Stacey and the other super pretties ruling the school. Not that he’d been left with much choice of who to hang out with since Stacey caught hold of him quick. He was barely on school grounds that first day before Stacey was escorting him to the office and gushing all over him about how fabulous it was that he had moved into the neighborhood. I only know because I was in the office when they came in.

Some people were just born to be popular, with their looks and charm  competing with the others they surrounded themselves with, while others were born to coast through high school as a normal, average person. I had friends, quite a few actually. We weren’t in a clique or stereotyped group though so I guess we could all be labelled outliers.

Today was different however. Today he was sitting right next to me and causing more than a mild disturbance in my now-tingling spine. Why hadn’t he sat back in the back by Stacey? He always sat back with Stacey. At least then I could have pretended that he wasn’t in the class and gone about getting my homework done early without any Blake fantasies clogging up my brain. No hope for that now. I sighed. Or was it a huff? Either way I was going to have to accept that I wouldn’t be accomplishing anything remotely productive during class today.

Once again I tried as subtly as possible to glance his direction only to find Stacey glaring at me. I shrunk in on myself and hunched over my paper. I was doing homework. If I stared hard enough at the equation I had written I couldn’t even see Blake at all. I felt like I had a sniper dot target on my forehead. Not the most comfortable feeling.

Since that didn’t work I tried to stare up at the board, watching Mr Pedolski write another equation.

A nudge on my arm practically had me falling out of my chair. Maybe I had been trying a little too hard to pretend he wasn’t mere feet away for me. I glanced over at Blake to find him blasting a killer half smile my way.

“Hey.” He whispered.

I could only blink. Now I knew what those poor deer felt like; frozen.

His full smile emerged and I had to blink even more.

“Hey.” I finally managed.

“Do you have an extra pencil? Mine broke.” Blake showed me his snapped-in-half pencil. How had I not heard that happen?

I could still feel that laser-like death glare, courtesy of Stacey, trained on my back as I nodded. Handing him the one I had been using I turned to pull another from my bag. “Stacey is going to kill me.” I muttered under my breath.

With that, the bell rang and I jumped.

Blake set my pencil down and leaned over, arms folded on my desk, to whisper in my ear. “Trust me. Stacey is too mad at me to kill you.”

I flushed pink. He was not supposed to hear that.  My blush turned a deeper red as I saw how close he was to my face when I looked at him. We were almost kissing; he was so close!

“What?!” I couldn’t move. A part of me didn’t want to move even if I could. I was still bent over my backpack and couldn’t sit up without running into his face…and lips.

At that exact moment Stacey plowed through the aisle on the other side of me, knocking my head into my desk.

“Oops.” Stacey simpered as she glanced back, not slowing down.

Hiding under my desk until everyone was gone for the day sounded perfect. Too bad Blake was there. He didn’t let me crawl up into a ball and pretend my head wasn’t killing me.

He gently helped me up, moving around to stand in front of my desk. “I’m sorry.”

I shrugged and sent jarring waves of pain through my face. I flinched.

“Can I walk you to your locker?” His hands went to mine.

“Everything alright over there Ms Johnson?” Mr Pedolski questioned from his desk.

“Yes.” I automatically answered. “I just hit my head on the desk.”

Blake slipped his arm around my shoulders, half holding me up. We walked like that out the door. I wanted to slump against the hallway wall once we were out of the classroom but Blake wouldn’t let me.

“Your locker?” He asked.

I pointed further down the hall. Talking hurt. I couldn’t form the words through the waves of pain. Luckily Stacey was nowhere in sight. Maybe I was just too out of it to notice her. Either way, I was glad I didn’t see her.

The further we walked the better my head felt. By the time we reached my locker, after a series of pointing where to go every 30 seconds or so, my head was mostly fine.

“This one is mine.” I stopped. Blake slowly let his arm drop.

He stood there a minute before leaning against the locker next to me. “I know this may not be the best time but I need to ask.” He paused and chuckled. “What’s your name?”

I glared over at him. “I didn’t hit my head that hard.”

“No…I…No.” He groaned. “I was going to ask you after class and then Stacey happened. I just want to know your name. I’m Blake.”

Maybe a slight smile eeked out of my face. “I know who you are. Everyone does.” I clicked open my locker. “I’m Rebecca.”

Jessa

As much as she had tried all day to avoid him Jessa had run out of luck while walking home after school. She watched as Dusty covered the ground between them in huge, pounding strides. Everything about him, body language and face, screamed intimidating and fierce at that moment. It was so different from the laughing smiling guy who somehow managed to ease through life with no troubles at all, except for when she was around.

He was by her side and far too close for comfort in seconds. 

Grabbing her arm he growled into her ear. “Let’s talk Newman.”

Jessa stood her ground and wouldn’t let him pull her anywhere. He seemed almost surprised when he met with so much resistance. 

Dusty dropped her arm but didn’t back off. “I heard what you did.”

She shrugged. 

“Why?” Dusty continued to growl. “My mom took you seriously.”

“Serves you right for making me have tea with your mother.” Jessa spat out. Striding indignantly away was a good idea and even what she had planned, but it didn’t work out that way. He stepped in her way as she turned to go around him. Stupid basketball allstar.

Without warning his arms swooped around her, carrying her in close to him. She couldn’t read the look on his face until it was too late and he was kissing her. Stunned and shocked, she didn’t think to pull away until he was pulling away himself. His arms dropped to his side, freeing her. After a stumbling and unsteady step back she managed to rebalance herself.

As he was running a hand through his hair, Jessa slapped him hard. 

“What was that for?!” He yelped, covering his now bright red cheek.

Her mouth dropped open. “I could ask you the same thing! You kissed me! Dusty, you just yelled at me and then kissed me!”

Standing there on the sidewalk they faced each other. He had gone from growling at her to kissing her then back to looking even angrier than before the kiss. They weren’t even friends. She watched as he folded his arms, his muscles accentuated by the gesture. It wasn’t fair that he looked so good and caused her so much grief at the same time.

“I didn’t make you have tea with my mother. She did that on her own.”

“Wait what? No. She specifically said that she had invited me over because of you.” After enduring all that tea Jessa was not going to be denied her revenge. “Why would your mother invite me over for tea?”

She watched as a smug smile crossed his face before it disappeared behind a scowl. “I don’t know. Maybe she couldn’t believe that the princess of our neighborhood would stoop so low as to prank me.”

She shook her head with a smile. “No that’s not it.” 

“You don’t deny the princess part?”

Jessa rolled her eyes. “I’ve been called worse…by you, in fact. My mom worked hard to make everyone think it, so I won’t go denying it to make you happy.”

“But why would you tell my mom I secretly have been wanting to take cooking classes? Cooking!”

“It could have been worse. I almost said ballet instead of cooking.” Jessa smirked. It had been a flash of brilliance during her tea time with Mrs. Hargrove. After nearly an hour of patiently listening to her drone on and on about Dusty’s many fine achievements she couldn’t take it anymore. It had become too overwhelming to not spice it up a little.

He took a rather menacing step toward her. “She signed me up.”

“For what? Tea parties?”

He scowled harder at her. “Cooking class. She signed me up for a cooking class.”

With a laugh, Jessa nearly doubled over. It bubbled up and out and she didn’t try to stop it. 

He leaned in slowly. “You are coming with me.” His voice was low and serious, right next to her ear.

She shot up straight and looked him in the eye. Maybe he was bluffing. He didn’t look to be bluffing. He almost seemed pleased with himself.

“No.”

Jessa backed up several steps, as if distance would make a difference. Unfortunately he followed, charm eeking from his smug handsome face. She wanted to slap him again.

“Yes. I insisted. Your mother thinks it’s a wonderful idea Jessie. Says you can’t even boil water.” His arms went around her again as if he were giving her a hug. She wasn’t fooled. He didn’t want her to escape while he was still taunting her. He moved in so that his forehead was touching hers, his eyes so close that she couldn’t focus on them. Her breathing shortened and in the back of her mind her brain was screaming that she was going to get kissed again.

However he didn’t. She didn’t. They stood there, so very close. All her thoughts scattered as her hands went up to his arms to try and get him to step back. Stupid biceps! So strong. So big. So hard.

She was almost startled when he whispered softly. “I’ll pick you up at 6.” He almost sounded happy about the idea.

“Tonight?” Jessa struggled to focus on what he was saying. “Why?”

“Our first class is tonight. My mom figured the less time she gave me to figure out how to get out of it, the better. You will be coming with me.”

With that pronouncement Dusty’s arms dropped and he moved away, keeping a steady eye on her and then abruptly he turned and strode off with that distance-eating stomp.

As she watched him go she gave a sigh. One day Dusty Hargrove would realize why she pulled as many pranks on him as she did. He made her heart sizzle, always had. If that kiss was any indication, she was making progress, very delightful wonderful progress. She would need to figure out some way to get him to kiss her when he wasn’t mad at her.

And now that she knew he hadn’t tricked his mom into inviting her for tea, his mom might have figured things out before he did. And hopefully his mom wouldn’t ruin any of Jessa’s carefully laid plans. 

Cooking class might prove to be helpful though. As long as she didn’t accidentally kill him. She was an absolute klutz in the kitchen.

Briony

Briony watched her father leave, the sun shining off the window of the limo he drove. Her mother insisted on her maintaining a pleasant face no matter what. Somehow her mother thought it would attract someone with money. So far it had only kept her hidden away in the library.

Briony didn’t think a pleasant smile would make her the perfect match for some rich snob. That wasn’t what she wanted anyways.

The sound of a car coming up the drive stopped her at the front door. Turning, she saw the limo returning. When her father’s head popped out his window she hurried back down the drive to meet him. 

“Briony, I just received a call from my boss. Do you need a temp job for the next day or two?”

Nodding, Briony headed over to her car. “I can follow you over in my car.”

“Don’t you want to know what the job is first?” He called after her.

“Job’s a job. I’ll take it.” She called back. What she didn’t say was that she would take any legitimate excuse not to be stuck with her mother for too long. 

It took a good twenty minutes to get from their small house to the mansion her father drove to.

Stepping out of her car she moved over to where her father stood leaning against his limo.

“So what’s the job?” Briony asked, happy to be out of the house. “Please tell me it’s not cleaning bathrooms.” While she was happy to have a job, any job, she didn’t have to love cleaning.

“There’ll be a little cleaning. Daven just remodeled his library to make room for more books. When he called and said he didn’t have time to straighten, clean, and organize all the books now that the remodel is done I thought of you. Told him I had someone who could help and he said you were hired. He’s inside.” Her father nodded to the huge doors just a few steps away.

“Is he going to have time to tell me what he wants or am I doing educated guesswork?” 

“Oh I’m taking his sister to the airport in about 5 minutes.” Her father chuckled. “And don’t you mind his abruptness, he’s just busy with no time for silliness.” 

With that, the door opened and a beautiful woman strode out. She gave Briony a slight smile before turning to Briony’s father. “I believe I’m ready Mr. Jennings.” Her tone airy as she glided to the back of the car. Remembering that she was just some temp Briony gave a tiny curtsey as she headed in through the door the woman had breezed out of and left open.

Stepping slowly into the large open foyer she shut the door and stood just inside, wondering what to do next. She definitely wasn’t going to start wandering around some rich stranger’s house.

“Hello?” Briony called out. Minutes of silence followed before she called again. “Hello?”

“Jennings send you?” A male voice called from somewhere deeper in the house.

“Yes.” She took a few steps in.

“Up the stairs, straight back.” The deep, strong voice didn’t sound any closer, so she moved up the huge staircase and further back in the house. She was about to push open a set of double doors at the end of the stairway when the same voice came roaring out the door accompanied by a powerful-looking man. Briony stumbled to the side in an attempt to not be trampled. The man hollered down the hall. “Move faster.”

Clearing her throat from behind the door she peeked her head around it, trying to tone down the sarcasm, “How much faster?”

If he was startled he didn’t show it. “In here.” 

Following him into the room Briony had to stop to take in the size of it. His office was as big as their small community library. “This might take more than a day.” She muttered. It must have been loud enough because his attention twisted back on her. Turning dark green eyes her way he glared. She shrugged.  “Not a problem sir, an observation.” 

With a grunt he nodded over to a bucket of water and cleaning cloth. “All the shelves need to be wiped down first.”

And just like that she began her work while he stomped over to his large desk and glared at his computer. The only thing she accomplished that day was wiping down all the shelves. And she was honestly surprised that Daven hadn’t found anything to yell at her about. He seemed to enjoy yelling. She had listened to him yell at his computer, his phone, and to several people over the phone. 

In fact, as she left he paused his work long enough to gruffly ask if she was coming back the next morning. After a quick assurance that she would, he demanded she arrive promptly at six.

The next morning Briony knocked on the door a minute before six. She was surprised when he answered. They didn’t speak as they walked back to his office. Boxes upon boxes were now scattered and sitting open, waiting. He must have found a little time to start looking through the boxes because they had been neatly closed and stacked when she’d left the night before.  She would have to organize them first. 

“Author or genre?” She asked, sitting down in front of the closest box.

She watched him jump a little at the sound of her voice, subsequently glaring over at her. “Both.”

With a nod she set about organizing and stacking books in categories so that she could later sort by author and start getting things up on the shelves.

It was around lunchtime that she found herself slowing. Standing up, she tried to stretch and walk off some of her stiffness without attracting his attention. Apparently she was unsuccessful as he immediately glared over at her.

“Problem?” He growled.

“No. She said. “It’s lunch time.”

To her complete shock he shut his computer and nodded. “Good idea. The kitchen is this way. You deserve something delicious after the quick work you’ve made of my mess.”

“Were you looking for one book in particular?” 

He nodded, his dark brown eyes roving over the books she had unpacked. “Yes.”

“Did you find it?” She smiled. “If not, I can let you know when I do.”

“I did not. It’s called Remaking the World.” 

“By Ken Torrance?” 

He looked at her with surprise. “Yes.”

“I will let you know as soon as I find it.” She followed, happy she wouldn’t have to settle for the apple she had shoved into her purse on her way out that morning.

Maybe he wasn’t as bad as all his yelling and grumpy gruffness made him appear. After all, he knew who Ken Torrance was.

Katya

Too many words tripped around in Katya’s head as she struggled to string them into readable sentences for her history essay. She sighed as she rubbed her heavy eyes at her usual table tucked back in the corner of the Barnes and Noble café. It was the best place to write since her roommate had rescued a very yappy puppy a few weeks ago. Natasha still hadn’t trained it to be quiet for more than five minutes.  Hence the extended homework stays in the cafe.

Katya had promised herself that she wouldn’t leave that table until her essay was written. That was over four hours ago. It was definitely not done…at all. Stupid history class. Why did essays have to be so long and require so many words? She was starting to add extra words just to get that much closer to the required word count without having to research more. Groaning softly and stretching, she glanced around.

She noticed a very well dressed man sitting at the table right next to hers. And he was cute! It wouldn’t have been all that startling if he had merely been sitting at that table but since the rest of the café was empty AND he was sitting at the table right next to hers, she was more than surprised at his proximity. 

Not another customer in the entire cafe and he chose to sit that close?

Her surprise came out, NOT as a gasp, but more like a louder-than-normal-breathing sharp inhale. She did manage to keep in a rather embarrassed groan that threatened to follow her non-gasp when he looked up from his book and smiled.

Fully prepared to dive back behind her computer she stopped as she did a double take at the sight of how vibrant a green his eyes were. Katya gave a tentative smile. Time to retreat!  

Before she could disappear into her essay, Mr. Too-Cute-to-Be-Sitting-Alone-on-a-Friday-Night set down his book. She had to remind herself not to stare like a dunce. Ducking her head she stared down at her keyboard.

Several minutes of concentrated staring at her screen and not typing passed before she glanced up, no further in her essay than before and found him still looking her way. As soon as she made eye contact, he stood and smoothly slipped into the chair across from her.

“Lawrence.” He held out his hand over the table and her laptop.

Nodding, she pulled her computer halfway closed and shook his hand. 

“Sorry to disturb you while you were working but I just had to introduce myself while you were taking a break.” He glanced at her laptop. “Are you taking a break now?”

“Katya. I’m Katya.”

With a chuckle he nodded, “Wonderful to meet you Katya. I am going to assume that hidden in that introduction was affirmation that you are indeed taking a break from your writing? Would you care for a pastry?”

“I…yes, please.” Katya nodded.

Lawrence quickly stood up and weaved through the tables to the counter, purchasing two warm cinnamon rolls and coming back over with a smooth smile only minutes later. There was no time for her to rein in her embarrassment.

“So what brings you here?” Katya questioned with a grin as she bit into the warm gooeyness of the roll he had given her. Yet another reason she came to the café to work on her homework.

“To your table? I’d have to say that the way you were biting your lip while you typed. It drew me right to you.” Lawrence shrugged.

Katya shook her head, laughing, “I meant, what brought you to the café?”

“Oh. Habit really. I stop here most days on my way home from work. Usually I just grab my treat and keep walking, but you caught my eye.”

“Me?”

His attentive gaze warmed as he smiled at her blush. He didn’t say anything more and it had her beyond flustered.

Katya saw the book he had been reading. “And you just happened to have a book to read? How long have you been sitting there?”

“About a half hour. And no, I didn’t have a book to read. I bought one from the first table I came across when I realized how focused you were on whatever you were typing, . I might have taken more time to choose a more appropriate book, however I worried you would leave while I was gone.”

“So you sat down then left to get a book, then came to sit back down and I didn’t notice any of it?”

“You were very focused.” My grin echoed his.

“Well Lawrence, I don’t know whether to be creeped out or flattered.” Leaning back in her chair Katya’s stomach fluttered to the point of mild nausea. She attempted to smile. Hopefully it looked less like a grimace and more flirty.

“Please be flattered. Now that you mention it, it does sound creepy.” Lawrence put his hands up as if begging, then paused and stood up. “I should go. Sorry to be such a creeper.”

With a little laugh Katya once again looked him over, trying to assess if he really was a good guy or a creepy stalker type guy.  He didn’t look crazy or psycho. In fact, he looked very smart and put together. His grey dress pants were crisp and clean, evidence of the crease that must have looked sharp at the beginning of the day. The deep blue button down shirt was doing great things for his green tones in his eyes. His dirty blonde hair was carefully kept in check with only a few hairs out of place.

“What book did you pick?” She finally asked.

Lawrence burst out laughing. “Is that the swing vote? If it’s a good book I’m not some psycho serial killer?”

Katya shrugged, keeping a steady gaze on the intriguing man when he held up a small paperback with a couple kissing in a speedboat. He tentatively sat back down.

She stuck her hand out again, reaching back over her computer. “Nice to meet you Lawrence…?”

“Lawrence Atwater, future architect and apparently secret romance reader. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

Victoria

“Victoria Harron, is it?” Mr Andrew Larsen growled irritably from behind his massive executive desk in his equally large corner office. “Let’s get one thing straight right now. HR hired you because of your looks to improve my client’s overall quality of visits. I told them no because I need a competent and qualified assistant but apparently I was not listened to. Which means more work for me. So if you plan on keeping this job I suggest you show me that there is at least a little competency and smarts behind those gorgeous green eyes of yours by doing what I ask. Now get out of my office and get to work. There’s a to do list for you to complete by the end of day out on your desk. It should be simple enough for you to manage.”

Victoria hesitated for a moment. The highly trained recent graduate in her wanted to refute his claims and argue her merits. In that same moment she also knew that arguing would be pointless and he probably wouldn’t listen to her anyways. So she did an abrupt about-face in her killer stilettos and left the room. First day on the job and her new boss had all but thrown a two week’s notice in her face because she was pretty. His words, not hers.

He wanted proof she would be an amazing assistant, she knew she could provide that. Just give her the day.

The paltry to do list she found on the desk just outside his office left her wondering if he had even looked at her resume or if he had simply seen her picture and drawn all his conclusions from there. 

A half hour later, with the sorting and filing he had left on her desk done and the few fluff calls handled and Victoria wondered if she should bother him or wait a bit longer before facing him. She had even reorganized the mess of a calendar she had found on the computer. It wasn’t even connected with Mr Larsen’s. How was she supposed to know when she could schedule meetings and clients? With a shrug she stood. She might as well start off honest with how long it took her to accomplish menial tasks like the ones he had assigned her.

He looked up, irritation covering his handsome features as she stepped inside holding the list, and sighed, “I don’t have time to show you what to do. Take an early lunch and I’ll find someone to teach you.”

Victoria waited until he stopped and actually looked up at her. “Is there anything else you need done?”

Irritated and impatient he snapped, “Just do what’s on the list.”

“I did, Mr Larsen.” She stayed calm.

The surprise on his face was almost comical. After several seconds of somewhat awkward silence she decided to take some pity on him.

“Mr Larsen I’d be happy to do more if you have something else you think I could handle.”  Her slightly teasing reproach shook a smile loose from his stunned look.

In an instant his disarming smile morphed into a look of challenge. “Alright. Let’s see how much you can handle.” Victoria paid careful attention as he quickly rattled off a long list of things to do. “Update me on your progress before you head to lunch.” With an abrupt nod he summarily dismissed her.

Victoria reigned in her triumph to a small acceptable smirk. As she closed the door she popped her head back in, “And in terms of looks sir, you might want to wonder if that’s why they hired you.”

An odd happy tingle sparked through her when he laughed. “Thank you Miss Harron. I’ll be looking into that promptly and seek to prove otherwise to you.”

“A very sound idea Mr Larsen.” She agreed as solemnly as she could, even though a smile did crack through.

“Please, call me Andrew. I have a feeling I am not going to have to fire you.”

With a laugh of her own Victoria closed the office door and sat down to make the phone calls he’d mentioned first.

Focused on efficiency she barely noticed the time until she looked up from a spreadsheet she was proofing to find the clock on the wall showing it well past one. Hurriedly she placed all her papers inside the top drawer of her desk and approached the office door. Once again she hesitated before going in. And yet when she did, she opened the door with exaggerated flair.

“Mr. Larsen!” She proclaimed. “I have come to make my pre-lunch progress report.” After a slight pause she amended, “Sorry I meant to say Andrew.”

“And have you finished your new list?” His expectant look caught her off guard.

“I…no, not yet.” She admitted, a little anxious.

He relaxed back in his chair and shot her an endearing crooked grin and her heart fluttered. “Oh good. I was worried I’d have to give you a raise.”

“Well if you want to give me a raise I won’t stop you. I just noticed it was after one so I figured I should fill you in before I headed out for lunch.”.

Andrew’s gaze shot quickly over to the clock on his wall. “When did it get to be so late?” He lasered his focus back in on Victoria. “What if I ordered us both some lunch and you can go over what you’ve managed to get through and ask any questions you have for the rest of your list.”

Taking a seat on the opposite side of the desk Victoria sat back and nodded. “That sounds like a great idea. I would suggest sharing your calendar with me so you are aware of any new meetings and I don’t double book any.”

He nodded as he turned to his computer screen. She quickly hid a thrilling shiver that shot down her spine. With that smile on that face of his, she was going to have to be careful and stay professional.

Emma

“You’re engaged?” The familiar tenor that still haunted her daydreams broke through the quiet of the bookstore, startling Emma as she had been pulling out a book. Hand over her heart she fought to slow her pounding heart. She turned to face the man who had been hers once. 

“Kyle.” It came out in a whisper. She backed into the bookcase to steady herself. There he stood, only a few feet away. He was near enough to touch. She’d heard he’d come back to town but didn’t think he would come looking for her. “What are you doing here?”

“You’re really engaged? Did your father never tell you what he did?” Kyle took a slow step back, shoving his hands deep into his pockets.

“Told me what?” Emma fingered the fake engagement ring she had slipped on as she’d driven into town earlier that morning after visiting her parents. She knew it wouldn’t be long before she ran into Kyle and she needed some sort of physical protection for her still-battered heart. She watched, confused as he shook his head. After three years she still it hadn’t stopped thinking about him. Just the sight of him now made her want to pull off the ring and admit the truth. Instead she blatantly stared up into his kind eyes, longing to erase the pain she could see lurking there.

He took one step forward and stopped, an unspoken question written across his face that she couldn’t decipher. After a moment’s hesitation of her own she took a step toward him. She had missed him. A part of her was screaming at her not to open herself up to more rejection from this man whom she once thought was her whole world.

In one earth shattering heartbeat Kyle gathered her up close in his arms. Her body melted into the pulsing powerful calm emanating from his muscular frame, his lips barely an inch from taking hers. He whispered, “You know I’m not one to prevail on someone who is taken. You should know how much I want to kiss you right now.” His breath tickled every nerve ending it brushed; her lips, her cheek, her neck. She flushed and he continued, gazing straight into her eyes. “But I won’t. I respect you too much to kiss you when you’re engaged to someone else.”

Abruptly Emma stepped back into the wall of books behind her. She shook her head fiercely. “You’re the one who left me Kyle.”

Agony wracked his face as he shook his head slowly, sadly. “I didn’t choose to leave you, Emma. I wasn’t given a choice.”

“Kyle, I called you so many times that first year I left for college. I thought we were going to wait for each other. That you would wait for me.” His pained grimace gave her pause; a long enough pause for her to divulge her secret. “I came to see you once, when I couldn’t stand not hearing from you.”

Startled, his piercing gaze snapped up to hers. “When?” He asked desperately.

“I walked in on you kissing Marci. Obviously you were too distracted to even notice my interruption. You looked very occupied.”

“Marci?” He thought for a second. “You were there? How long?”

“Long enough.” She shouted in a furious whisper. “How long should I have watched my supposed boyfriend kiss someone else?”

“You saw the cops come and everything?” He asked slowly, not understanding why she was bringing Marci up. That made her stop.

“Cops? No.” Emma admitted.

He sighed. “Apparently Marci had it in her head that once you left that I would notice her and fall in love with her. When I didn’t, she cornered me and zip tied me to a post at gunpoint before she started kissing me. Luckily someone had seen her with a gun earlier and had reported it. But that’s not the point.”

Emma chuckled, half in shock. “That’s not the point? I went straight back to school and almost failed out of college because of that and I still never heard from you.”

“I’m so sorry Emma.” Kyle held out his arms. “I didn’t cheat on you.”

She shook her head, trying to make sense of it all. “So if you didn’t cheat on me why didn’t you call?”

“Your dad really never told you?”

“What does he have to do with this?” She stomped her foot, hands fisted at her side.

Tyler looked suddenly anxious and pulled her further down the row of books. “I went to see your dad about a week after you left.”

“What?”

“I asked for his permission to date you with marriage in mind once you finished college.” His blush made her blush.

“You did?” Surprise flashed through her and quickly made her freeze up.

Tyler continued, his head tilted towards the floor. “Your father broke my phone, changed your number, and threatened to have me arrested for harassment. He told me that he would never allow me to date you again. That you were going places and I was a money grubber.”

“My dad…” She trailed off, lost in the thoughts of what her father had done to her and her relationship with the love of her life.

Standing there silently, watching her process it all, Tyler waited for her to look at him.

“I remember getting my new number. You were the first person I called.” She mumbled more to herself than to him. “Of course if your phone was broken you wouldn’t have known and never would have gotten my new number. And I never came home after I saw you with Marci and made my parents come see me. My dad…my dad.” Her anger rose. Her eyes flicked up to Kyle’s. Practically throwing herself at him she kissed him, giving in to the temptation to wrap her arms around him. Seconds later she was striding out the bookstore’s door and calling back to a very stunned Kyle. “I’ll be right back. I have a father to kill.”

The front store clerk gave a chuckle as Kyle raced out after her.