Author: kharrison

Maria

After a long, monotonous hour of trudging through this endless field of Tolon’s odd pale blue wheat-like plants, I was struggling to remain upright from the exhaustion. Why were there no roads on this planet? 

Exploration was definitely not as thrilling as the discovery center back home had led her to believe. In fact, it wasn’t even enjoyable. See new worlds they’d said. Be a part of something great they’d said. Nowhere had they said that she would be slogging through blue stalks of overgrown grass to meet some alien ambassador over imagined slights supposedly caused by her survey team. She wasn’t a diplomat. She was a scientist. And apparently she was a scientist who was meant to be in a lab or office, not off exploring alien planets.

Jones had reported that he had encountered a well-muscled humanoid male who demanded to meet with our team leader to discuss our purpose on their planet. Apparently headquarters had forgotten to mention that there was a civilization that would be bothered by my team poking around, or I would have sought these people out first before getting to work on the field study.

Now I was stuck being an intermediary ambassador with no clue what was going to happen. I didn’t even have any background on these people. I had no idea how I was even going to understand them. Well I take that back. Jones had understood just fine. However he hadn’t told her anything about it. Hopefully they weren’t a violent culture.

I stood there for what felt like hours, alone at the designated meeting spot.

After waiting for most of the afternoon I spotted a figure slowly walking toward me from the opposite direction. I stood from where I had flopped down to wait. As he approached, the scientist in me started cataloguing facts and from that sprang so many questions. Were all the males here as muscled as him? Was he the one that Jones had met earlier? How did their skin pigment to that color? Were there different variables with the planetary light source that caused their skin to almost glow?

He stopped several meters away from me and I blinked rapidly. He was tall, or at least he felt tall. “Halar gotong?” He called.

I shook my head. This was going to be harder than I originally thought. How was I supposed to communicate with him? How had Jones managed?

He crossed the remaining distance, hand extended. He stopped again, this time he was right in front of me and nodded down at his hand. It was empty. Again I shook my head.

I watched as he then placed his other hand in his outstretched one. After holding his hands together for a few seconds he let go and once again stretched it back out to me.

Hesitant, I reached my own hand out. He nodded but didn’t move to grab me. It was several more heart pounding seconds before I got up the nerve to put my hand in his. I was grateful for his patience. He didn’t seem to mind waiting, simply watching me with his rather luminous gaze.

The second I touched my hand to his I heard a deep male voice echo in my mind.

Can you understand me now?

Without even pausing to think I jumped back, severing the connection of our hands. When I looked back up at him he hadn’t moved, his hand still outstretched. He smiled, waiting.

It took me a few minutes to get up the gumption to place my hand back in his.

Nothing.

Hello? I ventured.

Are you well? I did not mean to affright you.

I tried not to gape, but I confess, I did.

C-can you read my thoughts?

He laughed, deep and hearty and rich. My nerve endings tingled and my chest tightened. No my lady. I can not.

But you can hear me?

Only when you purposefully speak your thoughts to me.

Oh.

Your hair shade is mesmerizing. Do all of your people have such a unique shade of oak?

No. I put a hand up to my honey blonde hair. It was then that I noticed that his hair wasn’t black as I had first assumed. It was a very very dark purple. Is your hair naturally purple?

Purple? He looked puzzled for a second. Our people’s hair is many varying shades of amethyst and slate, no oak.

I nodded. And kept nodding.

He spoke first.  I have the name Kheal. You?

Maria. My name is Dr Maria Danton. A sharp zing raced up my forearm to my elbow, just short of painful. I winced. 

His grey eyes flashed, his gaze breaking with mine to stare down at our still-clasped hands. Startled by the heat emanating from his hand I also peered down at where we were touching, albeit with much less intensity than him.  I was surprised when he dropped my hand, practically throwing it away, and turned abruptly. I stood still and waited. After all, he had been so patient with me.

For a second I wondered if maybe I had hurt him in some way, without realizing it. There were too many unknowns for me to reasonably hypothesize what was happening with him.

After several minutes Kheal reached his hand out once again. As I took his hand I noticed his eyes had turned silver, not at all like the pale gray they had been earlier. Now they were shimmering, almost metallic. They were stunning.

The moment our hands connected again his voice, low and strong, rang in my head.

Dr Maria Danton. I felt the cazah when you gave your name to me. I claim you as my life mate as custom requires. You are to come with me.

He didn’t let go of my hand as he turned and strode back in the direction he had come, ignoring my verbal and mental protests. I struggled to stay upright as he pulled me along behind him. Wherever we were going, we were getting there quickly. His long strides forced me to practically run in order to not be dragged.

So not what I had signed up for.

Ava

Attempting to keep a steady hold of all her books and papers and her picture of her parents AND step off the elevator looking all professional for her first day on the job was not easy. Especially in stilettos and a pencil skirt. Regardless. Ava knew she looked professional, from her frizz free bun down to her shiny black shoes.

As she did her best ‘new-to-the-office’ strut she noticed the sign posted on the wall in front of her. NO SHOE CLACKING.

Inwardly groaning, she now had to struggle to not clack her 3 inches of high heeled shoes while carrying all her stuff and look cool, collected, and professional. However it was nearly impossible to walk with confidence while trying to keep stilettos from making any noise, no matter how much, or how little, one was holding in their arms.

Her preplanned confident stride turned into an almost embarrassingly slow walk down the hall.

“Problem?” A warm male voice behind her chuckled as she was passing the receptionist’s desk.

“No. No problems here. Just walking.” It all came out rather fast. Then she made the mistake of stopping to look at who was speaking to her. Why did the first person to talk to her have to see her walking with all the awkwardness of a newborn fawn?

And apparently he had not been expecting her to stop because he barely managed to not run her over. Quickly Ava resumed her careful non-clacking crawl and Mr Nerdy Hotness himself was talking to her and matching his pace to hers.

“Where are you headed?” He gave a sort of gentlemanly head bow. “If I may be so bold to ask.”

“My new job. I didn’t know that shoes making noise was a problem so I’m wearing the wrong shoes. I’d take them off if I wasn’t so worried about making a good impression. Not that I could take them off with everything I’m carrying. I just can’t believe I’m going to mess up the first impression with my new boss because of my shoes. I was going for professional and now I feel more like a mess. Sorry.” Forcing her mouth shut so as to stop the verbal spewing, Ava almost bit her cheek.

“If I offer to hold your things you could take off your shoes until we get to your new desk. Would that help? You could slip them back on as soon as we get there.”

“What if he saw me?”

He shrugged. “Most of the top execs with offices on this floor are either away at meetings right now or heavily ensconced in their caves and won’t reemerge till they need more coffee. Who’s your new boss?”

Ava could feel herself relaxing. He was so calm. If she could make it to her desk then she could re-center herself and still start the day off on the right shoe…foot.

“A Mr. Harcourt. I’m his new personal assistant.” She handed over her armful of everything and bent to take off her shoes. When she reached for her things back he was already a few steps ahead of her and not looking back.

“I’d be happy to show you where you’re going if you don’t know already.” He nodded further down the hallway.

Ava quickly caught up to him, shoes in hand. “I figured I’d just go down the hall looking at the names on the doors. Your way sounds much faster…and more efficient.”

His laughter was warm and low as he glanced her way.

It didn’t take long to make it to the large door with the words Mr Daniel Harcourt emblazoned on it.

Ava followed him in where she found a desk sitting beside another large door.

“Your desk.” He announced, placing her bundle in the middle of the clear space.

“Do you think I should knock and let him know that I’m here?” She moved closer to the door. She was just about to knock when she looked down at her feet. Jumping back with a muffled squeal she dropped her shoes and hurried to put them on again. She set about straightening herself and threw her shoulders back. “Should I knock?” She hesitated again.

Ava couldn’t understand why he was blushing when she looked back at him.

“No need.” He glanced to the door leading out to the hallway, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“Why? Should I wait until he comes up for air?”

“Under normal circumstances I would say go right on in. However, since I know he isn’t in there right now, I’d say no.” He still wouldn’t look at her.

“How do you know?” Ava moved to the desk to start organizing her things. “Oh. I completely forgot. I guess my manners have been completely frazzled by it being my first day and everything. I’m Ava Michal.” She stuck her hand out across the desk to him.

Again he blushed. This time a small half smile appeared as he squared his shoulders and reached out to take her hand. “A pleasure Ms Michal. I’m Daniel.” He hesitated, taking a slow breath. “Daniel Harcourt.”

If she could have dropped her hand away from his, she would have. However he held tight, keeping eye contact with her, as if daring her to not be embarrassed. Before she could reply to the stunning news that she had been making the worst first impression of her life to her new boss, Mr Malone, the one who had hired her, popped his head in.

“Ahh good. I see you two have already met. I will stop back in after I track down the other new PA for Sherman. Then we’ll go on a tour.” With that he was gone, leaving Ava to stare up at her new boss.

“A-any chance you’ll forget the last twenty minutes and pretend we just met?” She ventured, absently fingering the pages of the book she’d been holding.

His chuckle was enough of an answer for her but he replied anyways. “No Ms Michal. I must admit I am a little glad of the way we met. Now we don’t have to pretend that we are stuffy professionals all the time. Besides, I rather like knowing that you took your shoes off.”

If it was possible for embarrassment to be fatal, she would be dead.

Abigail

Dear Mr Abernathy,

It has come to my attention that an agreement has been made regarding marriage between you and myself. After overcoming the great shock of not having a say or even an inkling of knowledge regarding this endeavor and apparent subsequent proposition, I have taken it upon myself to write to you now.

Having looked over the contract I do not see a way of breaking the terms without great financial loss to us both. Since I do not know you beyond a vague meet and greet several months ago, I am going to assume that it was my mother’s stipulation that there would be so much financial loss incurred with backing out.

Now, the question is how amenable are you to making this arrangement agreeable to both parties. I assume you have a life outside of work that will be affected by my mother’s meddling as will mine. Please respond at your earliest convenience to set a date where we can meet to discuss details.

Ms Charles

Abi gave a quick nod after she reread the email and sent it. It was several days before she received a reply. 

Ms Abigail Charles,

I apologize for taking so long to respond. Since receiving your letter I have had to first track down what agreement you were referring to because I was completely unaware of its existence before you wrote to me. Apparently you are not the only one who has a meddling mother.

Forgive me for being brief, I can cover the loss stated in the contract for termination if that is what you wish. I would not force you into any arrangement or situation to which you are not in full agreement. 

With chagrin I must also confess that I believe my mother went to such great lengths to secure this contract in the first place because of something I said. I may have mentioned you in an argument I was having with my mother about marriage prospects, as an example of someone who would be a wonderful partner and wife. Apparently she took that to mean that she could get away with arranging our marriage.

As smart, beautiful, and strong as I remember you being, I am sure you wish to quickly put this past you. I will not be informing my mother and I hope you will do the same to avoid the drama both our mothers intend to provide if we do not follow through with this marriage.

If I am correct in my assumption, my mother was intending to hide this contractual agreement from me to marry until the day of the wedding, and spring it on me .

If you are able to meet next Wednesday at the fountain park in front of your building at 2, I will be happy to discuss what can be done regarding the stated agreement until monetary recompense can be provided.

Grayson Abernathy

Abi stared at the screen. She was inclined to write him back and schedule a different time, just to prove she could. This whole ordeal was embarrassing enough. But to find out that it was because he had said that she was an ideal wife? To his mother, in an argument. Was the admission supposed to come across as some sort of compliment?

Scrunching her eyes closed she tried to better recall meeting Mr Grayson Abernathy. He had been one of so many new faces that night at her mother’s gala. All she could remember was his solid warm handshake and his laugh. Not a single thing about what he looked like. 

“Ms Charles.” Her assistant scurried into the room and quickly shut the door behind her. “Justin’s here.”

Abi groaned. Now was not the time to be dealing with her overly persistent ex. They had broken up several years ago but in the past month he had been stopping in three to four times a week to bug her.

“Joanna, simply tell him that I am too busy to see him.”

With a nod Joanna left, firmly shutting the door again. Abi returned to her letter staring. 

When her mother had laid down the contract on her desk Abi had been stunned. She had read through it several times to find a way around it. However, her mother had planned on the resistance and made the thing irritatingly concrete.

And now to find out that she hadn’t even made it with Mr Abernathy himself. She was going to be the unwanted trophy wife she had studiously fought to avoid her whole life. Rage filled her at her mother’s betrayal.

At that moment, Justin popped his smarmy head in with a smirk.

“Hey baby. I assured Joanna that I wanted only a quick minute to say hello to my favorite girl.” His simpering cockiness grated on her shattered nerves.

“Get out.” She didn’t yell. She wanted to. But she didn’t.

It wasn’t surprising that he ignored her. “So Abs I was thinking we could go to dinner tonight. I brought you that slinky red dress you know I like. I figure you can change real quick and we can get going.” He dropped a black dress bag on her desk.

Abi shot a glare in his direction and picked up her phone. “Joanna, dial security and have Justin removed immediately.”

She turned back to her computer and pretended that Justin wasn’t there. His folded arm power stance did nothing to convince her.

“Abi. Baby. There’s no need for security.” He pushed her chair out from her desk and sat in front of her, leaning against her desk. “If you would just forget our little breakup scene we can get back to being the awesome, gorgeous couple that we are. Just get that pretty little dress on and I’ll forgive you for the scowl you gave me when I came in.”

“Little break up scene?” She pulled her chair even further away from him. “You brought the press to make a formal announcement that I was a horrible mistake and an even worse girlfriend. Then you proceeded to give exclusives to anyone who would listen about how unethical and horrible you thought I was.”

He gave a little pout. “Just blowing off steam, you know. I had too much pent up.”

She growled and left her office until security came.

As he was being removed Abi plunked back down at her desk and pulled up the internet, typing in Grayson Abernathy. Several pictures popped up and she found herself wondering for a second if she wouldn’t mind getting to know her future ex fiance a little better. He wasn’t difficult to look at by any means.

“Joanna.”

In popped Joanna’s bouncy blonde curls. “Yes, Ms Charles. I am so sorry I didn’t manage to stop Justin this time. He was in your office before I could get up from my desk.”

Abi waved her excuses away. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t call you in for that. Please clear next wednesday at 2 for a 90 minute block. I have a meeting with a Mr Abernathy.”

Instantly Joanna was all business, taking down the information and nodding. Abi didn’t see her leave as she clicked on Grayson’s picture to see what else she could learn about the man her mother had arranged to become her fiance.

Molly

“Slow down, Baring.” 

Molly could feel people stopping to stare as she marched noisily down the hall, maybe it could be considered more of a stomp then a march. Zeke’s low, menacing command seemed to echo off the lockers. Several girls to her left twittered and blinked their besotted flirty gazes in the direction of the man belonging to that irritating voice. She struggled against the impulse to run, throwing in a laugh or two for good gossip material.

“Why?” Molly shot back, yelling over her shoulder. A few of those same giggly girls gasped at her audacity. She didn’t slow down one little bit but neither did she speed up.  The halls of high school were too narrow to stop and battle the barrage of students all heading to the exit. And she wouldn’t have, even if the hallway was empty. She could hear his growl in response. Ignoring Zeke Walker was not something one did if they wanted to survive high school.

Out the doors and past the grassy quad Molly again fought the urge to run. Her car and escape were so close. She didn’t want to deal with whatever confrontation he had in mind when he singled her out in the hallway back there. She would rather talk to him when he was smiling. He was much more fun to be around when he wasn’t upset with her for whatever her latest stunt happened to be. Today, however, she had no idea what he was mad for. She hadn’t pulled anything in days. 

 Somehow he didn’t manage to catch her until she was almost to the parking lot.

“I told you to slow down.” Zeke grabbed her arm, forcing her to halt and turn to face him.

Yanking her arm out of his grip, she took a step back and folded her arms. “Whatever you need to say to me is going to have to wait.” Her calm voice did not betray the seething anger swelling up inside her at his high-handedness. At least they didn’t have an audience anymore.

“No.” He took a menacing step forward. As tall as he was, Molly held her ground and lifted her chin a little.

“Zeke.”

He ignored the warning in her voice.

“Baring. I said I need to talk to you and I am going to talk to you. And you are going to listen.” If he hadn’t sounded so brutalizingly strong he would have sounded like a whiny two year old. Either way she dealt with him the same as she always did.

“Zeke, you are in my face and I don’t appreciate it.” Her voice didn’t waver and she was oddly pleased that she sounded so together.

Apparently he was reduced to growls and the like, because he gave a bellow of frustration before stepping back. Molly watched as his arms shot up behind his head and he took several deep breaths. When he turned back to face her he huffed and let out a little bit of a rumble. While he still looked too angry to talk to, he was not as on edge as he had been before.

Instantly she put her hands up to stop him from crowding her. “I won’t talk to you when you are in bully-mode.” 

Instantly he pulled back and deflated. His eyes sparked their annoyance but his arms dropped.

Molly almost felt sorry for calling him out. Almost. He looked a little lost. 

The Zeke she knew when he came to hang out with her on weekends in the park was not the Zeke who would stomp around the halls of their high school to keep everyone scared and at a safe distance. And yet his looks kept him high on the popularity list.

A hint of a snarl still echoed in his tone. “I need to talk to you.”

“Why don’t you take a few minutes and cool off? When you no longer sound like you want to beat me into the ground, we’ll talk.”

“Molly.”

“No.” Her answer was soft, like silk wrapped around steel.

She resumed her steady stride to her car with Zeke following a few steps behind. As she threw her backpack into her car Zeke stopped next to her and shot her a semi-chagrined smile. “Molly Baring, you are going to be the end of me.”

“We wouldn’t want that.” She grabbed his hand for a second and squeezed. “See you in a bit.”

He chucked her on the shoulder and shook his head. “Only you.”

Molly didn’t have to wait long after arriving home. Zeke was at her door within the hour with a small grin on his face. As she opened the door further to let him inside he held out a small, slightly rumpled white daisy. “Sorry.”

“For?”

He blinked, drawing his focus up from the floor and onto her face. “My temper, I guess.”

Molly folded her arms and leaned back against the wall. “You guess?”

“No. Yes. No.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry for yelling at you at school today.”

With a slow nod she slid her hand through his arm. “Thank you for apologizing. It hurts when you yell. You don’t have to go all macho on me to get my attention.”

“I needed to talk to you all day and when I saw you leaving I lost my head a bit.” Zeke shrugged, not looking at her.

“What about?”

Without needing to ask, they both began walking over to the park across from her house. It wasn’t more than a bit of grass, trees, and a little bench but since no one else ever went there, it was theirs. It was several minutes before Zeke answered her.

“This morning my parents told me we are moving. Not far. But far enough that I have to change schools.”

“No.” Molly fell back against the bench. “No.”

“I’ll still see you here every weekend. I promise.” Zeke’s head dipped lower trying to catch her gaze. “I promise Molly.”

Molly nodded and tried to smile at him. “How soon?”

His shoulders drooped. “One month.”

Molly flung her arms around him and held on tight. It took a few seconds before he sniffed and hugged her tightly back. 

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.