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Kiera

Kiera laid her hand up against the cool glass, wishing for the warmth of the sun.  She missed the sparkling shafts of light through the clouds outside her window. Living so high above the clouds, dusk was the only time she could sit in her window seat and daydream into the clouds below, wishing to feel the breeze again. It wasn’t as difficult for her as it had been for her outgoing brother. He was going a little crazy being cooped up. He was an outdoors kind of guy. However, neither Kiera or Mason had been consulted about moving up to the new module in the sky. Supposedly it was a place where you wouldn’t get sick because there wouldn’t be any pollutants in the air.

The module she was in was odd compared to her old house. There was no yard, no visible neighbors, no open windows, no breeze or flowers. It was sterile and clean. Her parents loved it, lost in the academia they could access through their computers. All the walls were essentially glass. You could look out any direction but down and stare out into the open air. 

She would have been curled in a window seat similar to the one she was in no matter where she was. Not much had changed in her sheltered, private world; just a different view out the window.  She snuggled deeper into the pillows of her secluded window seat. 

Through the darkening sky a light flicked and drew her attention away from the book in her lap.  The other houses attached to their central module were supposed to be screened to give a guise of privacy.  Truthfully they weren’t more than a dozen feet or so away. No further than a normal neighbor but completely hidden. 

As she was about to return to reading the light flickered again.

Looking out, she was stunned to see a guy waving his hand at her, as if it was completely normal to be seeing the person in the next module. Still a little shocked, Kiera only stared. He continued to wave. Eventually she raised her hand in his direction. She hadn’t seen anyone other than her family for months. They were still ‘acclimating’. They weren’t allowed to go out and see the central module or the other people connected to them. She had a few months left of quarantine to be sure that none of her family were sick.

As soon as she lifted her hand he stopped and grabbed what looked to be a large pad of paper. Slamming it up against the window she read, PAX.

He began pointing at himself. When she nodded and waved again he dropped the paper down and wrote again.

YOU?

Glancing around to see what was near for her to write on, she had to stand up and move away from the window. In seconds she was back. 

Kiera. How can I see you?

With what looked like a chuckle he went back to his pad. Smarts and curiosity.

She stared. That wasn’t the answer she was expecting or looking for. So she waited.

His warm happy smile was addicting and he wasn’t sparing in his use of it. He flashed her another cheeky grin as he bent back over his paper to write. Putting it up against the window he watched her read.

I programmed the screen to have a glitch for 5 minutes, now I’m wishing I’d programmed it for longer. Even as she finished reading it, he put up another. Are you a hugger? 

Kiera had to stop and think. She didn’t know. She never had been much of a hugger but that was more because no one had ever really offered. I’m not against hugging…

With a look of empathy he gave, Kiera felt as though he knew exactly what she meant. She thought she had been subtle, but obviously not. Her family was more cerebral than physical in their affection.

Pax put his hand up against the glass and held it there. Kiera felt a tug to do the same, almost wishing she could truly reach out and touch his hand. She forced her hand to remain in her lap.

How long till you’re out? I have another month.

3 months. For the first time since walking into her new home she was resentful of being locked in.

That’s a long time to wait for a hug or a date. He pulled the paper down and she watched with rapt attention, aching to know what he would write next. She wasn’t disappointed. Or several of both.

Kiera had to reread that last one several times. Was he implying that he wanted to date her? Or that he was missing them in general. No one had ever paid her even the slightest attention before and now she had this gorgeous guy outside her window talking about dating…well, writing about it.

With me? 

He smirked.

Desperate? She goaded, wanting to see how serious he was or if he was flirting with her while there was nothing better to do and she was his only visible neighbor.

I’d say smart. He smirked again and held up another paper. You are gorgeous and from what I’ve seen so far, smart and funny. Intriguing. If I ask you now, I’ll be the first to take you on a date when you get out, thus upping my chances with you.

If? She questioned.

Pax nodded. You won’t reject me right? Instantly Pax’s smile changed to a pleading look and it was Kiera’s turn to laugh.

You haven’t asked yet.

Kiera watched as he glanced back to the clock on the wall behind him. Will you be here tomorrow?

Confused at the unexpected question she nodded before jotting down. I always come to this window to read, every night.

As he lifted his next message the screen began to flicker and she was unable to read what he had put up. Staring out her window she looked out at where, only seconds ago, she had been talking to the cutest guy to ever pay her such interested attention and now she would have to wait until tomorrow night to see or talk to him again.

Where she had been indifferent about the medical quarantine before, she was definitely not liking it now. Kiera was stuck being patient. 

Beth

Beth paused. You aren’t supposed to knock when you’re invited to a party right? She pulled out her phone to text Joey and ask, but stopped herself. Did she want to sound even more like an outdated outcast?

Moving into town last month had been enough of a tough reality check. She was lucky Joey had taken pity on her and invited her to this party at all. With no way to confirm what was ‘cool’ etiquette she stood there debating. Just as she was about to knock, the door opened and four girls tumbled out giggling, laughing, and luckily ignoring Beth. Ignored or not, it solved her dilemma. The door was open and she could go in.

Within minutes she was thick in the crowd and had only recognized one person. The only problem with that, actually two problems were: one, he was a guy and two, he was gorgeous. Living out in the middle of nowhere with only her parents had not prepared her for dealing with guys who looked like him… or any guy for that matter. So instead she stood there looking for a good place to try and blend in or at least not stick out.

The table covered with chips and treats was a good bet, no friends were required to grab some. As she made her way over, Beth was stopped by a black-haired pixie of a girl who looked vaguely familiar but she couldn’t place where she knew her from until the girl spoke.

“Go home newbie.” Rosh glared. 

As easy as that Beth remembered. Rosh was in her english class and had made a point to throw verbal jabs her way any time she was close enough to hear.

“I was invited.” Beth ventured.

Rosh scoffed. “A pity invite is not really an invite. Who would even bother to invite you?” Rosh leaned forward to whisper. “‘Cause I’m going to make sure they regret it.”

Beth silently shook her head and stumbled past. Stunned by the open anger directed her way, Beth puzzled over what she had done to deserve it.

As she moved once more toward the food an arm slipped around her shoulders and Beth was surprised to find her nervousness had instantly morphed to flutters. It was him. Mr. Too-Gorgeous-to-Talk-To. She stared up at his bright smile and dark green eyes.

“Beth!” he exclaimed happily. “Joey told me to keep an eye out for you till he got here. Boy am I glad he’s late.” Almost as if it was an afterthought, he broke eye contact with her to look back Rosh’s way. “See ya Rosh.”

With little prompting Beth stayed nestled in his half embrace as they made their way to a large room off the kitchen. It was decidedly less crowded and more quiet. There were only a handful of people who were all talking but did not have to resort to yelling over each other to be heard.

One linebacker of a guy sitting on a huge oversized red bean bag noticed them first. “Now look who Greg dragged into the inner sanctum. It’s the new girl.”

Beth began to wilt under his open curiosity. Greg gave her a quick comforting shoulder squeeze. “Give her a break Trent. She doesn’t even know you. Joey invited her and you should all give her a chance.”

She watched as that simple comment stopped Trent’s teasing and drew the curious attention of everyone else in the room. Joey must have a lot of influence over this group. How had she not known? It was obvious that she had entered the realm of the popular by stepping into that room with Greg.

“Huh. Well with that ringing endorsement you can sit by me.” chimed in a good looking blonde guy who patted the empty space of the sofa with great exaggeration.

Greg kept his arm wrapped around Beth’s shoulders as he steered her toward the empty sofa away from the blonde. Even if she wanted to go sit there she wouldn’t have been able to.  Beth couldn’t help but feel protected. “How about introductions first, then she can pick where she sits.” Greg suggested as they stood in front of the sofa. He started pointing and saying names. She tried to keep track of the names with their faces as he went but she quickly got lost. “Emma, Josh, Trent, Ria, Chrissy, Brandon, and Courtney. Guys, this is Beth. Her name is not new girl.”

For a half second Beth again worried how she would need to find a seat. Truthfully though, she didn’t want to move away from Greg, yet wouldn’t it be awkward to just stand there like a dunce? She was saved from deciding when Greg leaned over and whispered, “Sit by me.” All she could manage was a nod.

As they sat, Ria started chattering about places to eat and the focus moved away from Beth. She relaxed a little.

Beth happily sat and listened to the conversation without feeling any pressure to say anything to contribute. It wasn’t until Greg spoke up that she realized that she was snuggled in securely next to him, his arm still around her shoulders. It’s not like they had sat down in sync and not broken contact. Yet here she was. Her heart giggled.

Every once in awhile she would catch Greg glancing her way and giving her a soft smile. The tenderness and concern shining through his eyes made her heart sing with a tantalizing heat.

After a half hour of contented semi-snuggling Greg turned to face her directly. “We were going to watch a movie when Joey got here. Do you want to stay and watch with us?” He paused for a moment, quirking his head to the side with a meaningful grin. “With me?”

“Yes please.” Beth smiled. For a second she worried that her ‘please’ would be taken as a weird response but she didn’t have to fret for long.His answering grin lit her insides and any doubts she had vaporized. He settled back in beside her and she tentatively laid her head on his shoulder. His arm over her shoulders changed into a snuggling embrace  What a party! She thought to herself. And thank goodness Joey not only invited her, but had also been late!

Hadley

Typing furiously in my favorite corner of the Gina’s Pastry Shoppe, I was happily absorbed in chronicling my hopeless romantic of a sister’s lifetime struggle in finding true love on my blog. My own tradition of sorts. 

Three weeks ago Angie went on her first date with Tyler O’Connell. Little did I know that their relationship would take off in such epic strides. I can barely keep up. Saturday has become more of a marathon instead of the easy breezy chill time it used to be. Since that first date they have seen each other nearly every day and were still aching to spend more time together. Angie was definitely more twitterpated than I’d ever seen her. 

Whether it was official date nights, lunch dates, hanging out or talking on the phone Angie and Tyler were constantly connected and I was having to type furiously fast to keep up. I must admit though, I’ve been having a twinge or two of jealousy at the love developing between them.

“Excuse me.” A man’s soft voice shattered my concentration. Saying I jumped would be putting it mildly, though I did manage to not yelp. 

My response to his inane words was more of a strangled gurgle as I lurched around to look at who was interrupting me. I yanked my headphones out of my ears and the noise around me flooded my awareness. I almost felt guilty as I came face to face with a young, gorgeous, professor-type guy who looked positively startled by what must have appeared like a crazy reaction to his banal interruption.

“Sorry?” He leaned slightly back. 

Restraining myself from doing anything even more embarrassingly worse, I mentally slapped myself for ruining what could have been a romantic start to a new relationship with this handsome stranger. Not that that was why he was there. At least as far as I knew. 

In the mere milliseconds it took for me to realize how good looking he was, my writer’s brain took over and was already writing out all the sweet romance permutations that could have evolved into lifelong bliss if I had only reacted as a character in a romance novel would. Too late now.

“I…yes?…” With a gulp, I pulled myself together and blushed. “Hi.” Awkwardly I waved my hand before dropping it back to my keyboard as if I could convince it to stop embarrassing me. Oh how I wished I could start this whole thing over and at least appear to be cooler than I’m sure I looked at that moment.

With a chuckle, the confusion on his beautiful face melted into grin. “Hi there.”

I had to wait there in silence wondering if he had said why he had interrupted me or not. It only took a few seconds of me staring up into his light blue eyes before he blinked and stepped back.

“Oh yes.” He shrugged so self-consciously it was adorkable. “I couldn’t help but notice you here again.” 

“Again?” When had I seen him before. Here? I never talked to anyone here. “Do I know you?”

He glanced around before snagging the chair across from me and sitting down. “Well, we haven’t met. I realize that’s how it sounded after I said it.” He leaned back in the chair as he ran his hand through his hair. “I saw you here last Saturday and you were sitting in this exact same spot, typing away. You must have amazing concentration to not get distracted here. I thought about saying hi but I didn’t want to bother you. After I left, I found myself thinking about you throughout the week and wishing that I had at least stopped and said hi, maybe introduced myself.  When I saw you here today I guess I took it as a sign to come over.”

I sat there, flabbergasted. I couldn’t even recall the last time I had been noticed by any guy, much less a cuter than average guy like him.

“Really?” Cue the full on blush. Can I be any more lame? Did I really ask that out loud? “Are you a stalker?”

If he thought I was slow or dim witted he didn’t let it show. He had a rather charming smile. “No! Maybe I should just leave. Sorry to have disturbed you while you were working on…well…whatever it is you are working on.” He stood quickly.

It took several precious seconds for my brain to register the fact that he was leaving and I called out, “Wait!” He stopped and glanced back.

“I don’t think you’re a stalker.” I shrugged with a blush creeping up my cheeks. When he turned back around I motioned to the chair he had just left. 

“I just realized what a dunce I am. I still haven’t even introduced myself.” He stuck out his hand across the table.  “Brandt. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Oh. I…Hadley.” As I fumbled and flubbed my way through saying my own name I was convinced he would leave thinking I was brain-dead or well on my way to it.

Once again he surprised me. Not once did he look embarrassed or like he was suddenly wishing that he hadn’t sat back down. Instead he kept a hold on the hand I had extended. “Now I know you are busy with whatever you are working on but I figured that I could take this opportunity to ask if maybe you would be willing to go on a date with me sometime?”

Instantly my heart lifted and I felt like squealing YES!  I settled for a nod. “I would love that.”

I could see his relief as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, handing it over to me. I put in my phone number and handed it back. He glanced down then back up at me with a happy grin.

“See you soon?” He asked as he stood, looking hopeful.

“Not soon enough.” I found myself daring to say, smiling with the anticipation of a date with Brandt. He stumbled back into a nearby chair as he turned to make his exit, nodding and smiling at me the whole way. 

Angie

Welcome back Searching for Love readers! I still hope that these entries of my sister’s quest for true love has a happy ending. My sister’s belief that there is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime connection to be found, a soul mate as you will. After so many years of failed relationships I admit that at times my faith in Angie’s convictions of finding her one true love has been shaken. And I know some of you have been asking about if I have a special someone and it would be great to find a special connection with someone but it hasn’t happened for me yet. And I don’t think it means that they are going to be my one and only and everything will magically fall into place.

And so here I sit on my bed, in the apartment I share with Angie, and I find my thoughts drifting back to her first date. I was 13 when I watched Angie enter into the world of 16 year old dating. The smile on her face when Dave Johnson picked her up on her first date was pure bliss. 

He didn’t ask her out again. And she seemed unfazed by it. I was devastated enough for the both of us. As time passed and she flitted from one boyfriend to the next, helplessly and hopelessly falling madly and devotedly in love with each one; I felt my own heart sadden. If my die-hard romantic sister was having such a hard time finding her one true love with all her buckets of optimism, how was I supposed to when I doubted it even existed at all?

Now, ten years later, I still watch my sister flit from guy to guy, always in love. After all, she flits around so well. A part of me has begun to wonder how she can put her whole heart into each relationship only to have it broken. Does the human heart have the capacity to be endlessly broken and still survive intact and undamaged in love when the one finally comes?

As I said, I still look at Angie and I find myself hoping for both her sake and my own that she finds her once-in-a-lifetime forever connection. Yesterday’s date has promise. After the guy came to pick her up, with me spying from the doorway of my bedroom, I knew that of all the dates my sister had been on recently this was one worth looking in on.

After she put down the little white flower that he’d brought her they headed out. Maybe it sounds a little creepy of me but I was thrilled as I watched from our tiny living room window when he opened the car door for her. Even my wary heart did a little fluttery pitter patter.

And I find myself wanting to clarify that I wasn’t some creepy stalker following my sister and her date. I may have followed them to the restaurant but I was only there for a few minutes before I headed home. What truly gives me real hope was Angie’s reaction to the date when she got home.

It was the first time in years I didn’t have to wait to pry information out of her the next morning at breakfast. 

I had been laying around reading and pretending I had been there all night when the apartment door slammed open, before she came bouncing into my room. She only made it a few steps in before she blinked and moved back to the doorway. I must have looked like I was sleeping or she hadn’t seen my book because the next thing I knew I heard her softly calling out.

“Hadley? Are you awake?” 

Too surprised to say anything I nodded. She never came to see me after her dates. Either it was usually too late and she assumed I’d be asleep or she would be sad and not want to talk. This new post-first-date Angie was intriguing to me. For a second I wondered if I’d not watched them on their date long enough, but quickly I checked myself. I was not going to be that nosy of a sister.

“I found him!” She declared. “Tyler O’Connell is the dreamiest, sweetest, more considerate man I have ever met! He’s the one.” 

I continued to stare. Was it really that easy to know? She’d never told me that anyone else was the one before. I didn’t know how to respond. 

“Hadley, say something.” Angie demanded as she came in and flopped on my bed as if crashing in my room for a girly chat about boys was commonplace.

“Does he know?” It was all I could manage to think to say.

“Know what?” Her bubbly cheer rebounding in my small space, not the least bit dampered by my less than enthusiastic response.

“Did you tell him you thought he’s the one?” I cringed, hoping and praying that she hadn’t. There had been a few long past boyfriends that she had become attached way too fast and they had ran the other way, leaving my sister a sobbing mess.

“Of course not.” Angie flopped onto my bed with a sigh, “I’ve learned something after dating all this time.”

I breathed. Maybe this one would last and she could find out for sure if he actually could be the one.

“So what did he do that has you convinced? Doesn’t it take longer than a few hours to know these kind of things?” I questioned, eager and curious to know. I wasn’t exactly overflowing with any sort of experience and I knew I would be writing this all to you.

Thus began Angie’s thorough evaluation of the evening, beginning with the fact that he came to the door with a daisy, continued with how he opened every door for her, seemed actually interested in what she was saying and even escorted her to her door at the end without demanding a goodnight kiss as payment for the evening. And yes, that has happened once or twice to my dear naive sister.

So readers, does true love exist? Is Tyler the one?

*Searching for Love is a fictional blog written by my fictional character Hadley

Emme

“I am so sorry, Emme.” Was all she heard him say before she mentally retreated inwards to fortify herself for whatever was to come.

Hearing Aaron so heartbroken tugged at Emme in a way that the words he spoke did not. Yet swamping her inherent need to sympathize was a healthy amount of shock as she reeled at what he possibly could have done that would have him sounding so dejected and apologetic. Carefully she sat down next to him on the curb, where he had slumped.

“Sorry for what?” She questioned, gently placing her hand on his knee.

He looked down at her hand and mumbled, “Please forgive me Emme.”

“I need to know what it is you want me to forgive before I can.” Emme did her best not to sound scared. She waited, her heart thumping faster and harder the longer the pained silence stretched.

“You know how my parents have been pressuring me.” He hedged.

She nodded when he didn’t continue.

“Well I agreed.” He blurted out in a rush.

“That’s not so bad.” Emme shrugged. “We can figure around a few months of you traveling with your dad for work.”

Even as she said the words Emme cringed as she watched him shrink in on himself, as if he could curl up and hide right there in front of her.

“Is there more?” She asked tentatively.

He nodded. He shifted so that he was fully facing her. “I didn’t exactly tell you everything that my parents were wanting from me. I was hoping to work it out so I wouldn’t have to, but they didn’t budge.”

“What didn’t you tell me?” She almost didn’t want to ask. In fact, she didn’t want to know the answer.

“It is more than a few months.” He trailed off. His head drooped, not looking at her.

“What else?” She prodded, tamping down her panic.

“No girlfriend. He says that I will be better able to focus and socialize with his associates’ daughters if I am single.” Even as Aaron spoke he didn’t look up at her.

She didn’t know how to respond. Instead she sat there. It was unreal. They had fought so hard, for so long, to be together and with no warning at all he had given up on her. He was breaking up with her and using his parents as an excuse. Shaking, she stood and rubbed her hands on her jeans.

“I have to go.” Emme forced herself to speak, simply wanting to leave.

In a few steps she was at the stairs leading back to her apartment, pleading with her body to make it up the stairs before she broke down weeping. It was a struggle to move fast enough.

“Don’t leave.” He cried, desperation tearing at his plea.

She stopped but couldn’t turn to face him.

“Why?” She tossed back at him angrily. “You apparently have already left me. For your parents.”

“No, I didn’t want to.” He mewled piteously.

“Want to or not, you did.” Emme forced herself to hold her head up straight and not slump as she went inside her apartment. Hidden behind the curtains of her front window she watched him leave. She loved him. With a tear falling down her face she forced herself to walk away from the window and into her bed where she cried herself to sleep.

The next morning Emme was not prepared to face the long lonely day ahead. She knew though that there was no way she was missing class. Head down, she walked to campus. Wrapped up in her thoughts she didn’t see him coming until he was holding her arms in front of him. She automatically jerked away.

“Wait!” Aaron stopped her before she took another step away. Caught, she slumped and refused to look at him. He pressed on anyways. “Emme, I realize how much of a jerk I was last night. I never thought of it as picking them over you. I thought I was making a compromise that would let us be together eventually.”

Eyes blazing Emme raised her head to glare up at him. “How on earth would dumping me and leaving to go schmooze with client’s daughters help us be together?” she whispered furiously.

“Doesn’t matter. I’m not gonna do it.” He pulled her close, going in for a kiss.

“Aaron.” She pulled back with enough force to break away. They both staggered back.

“Emme. I don’t understand. I told my dad I’m not going to do it. I’m not giving you up.” His sad, pleading eyes tried to read the turmoil in her eyes.

“That’s the thing.” She paused, stepping back. “You already gave me up. I’m not a toy you can leave behind and come pick back up on a whim.”

“No.” His whisper tore at the precarious bubble attempting to shield her heart from getting hurt even further. “What can I say or do that would prove I will never give up on you?”

She shook her head. “I need time. I can forgive you but I don’t trust you right now. And for our relationship to work there has to be trust.”

Instantly he stood up straight. Emme tried her best not to snuggle up into him. Physically she was still drawn to him. It was her head that was screaming for her to stay away. With no choice but to pull back she jerked her head up toward the nearby building. “I have to get to class.”

“I’ll walk you.” He ventured, adding quickly, “As a friend.”

All she chose to do was nod. At this point she wasn’t in the mood for a conversation. Yet a sliver of hope wiggled its way into her thoughts. Aaron seemed to sense her need for silence and walked amiably at her side, not getting too close and not pushing for her to talk. He opened the building door and stayed with her until she reached her classroom.

Before she went in his hand softly touched her waist. He withdrew his hand quickly.

“Emme I am serious. I am not going to give up on us. Take the time you need. Just know that I will be here for you. No matter what.” With that definitive assurance he gave her a small crooked smile and a shrug. “Enjoy your class.”

Lia

“Excuse me. Excuse me” Lia fought her way through the crowd, simultaneously fighting down her rising panic. She should have never let Casey convince her to come to this stupid party. There was too much noise and too many people. She had to get out. Stumbling, she pushed her way forward, hoping it was the right direction to get to the door. In the chaos she couldn’t tell. When she shouldered her way into a circle of guys, she found herself looking up into a pair of stark blue eyes. 

A blush flamed across her skin. “I’m sorry. Could you excuse me please?” It all came out in a jumbled mess as she moved to continue pressing through the crush of people. A hand shot out and gently caught her arm before she could pass. 

“You look like you could use some help.” Blue Eyes flashed a charming smile her way. “Where you headed?”

“The front door.” She admitted. 

“You’re leaving? The party just started ” He spread his arms, effectively blocking her way with his whole well-built, very toned body. 

With a genuine smile she shrugged. “Came with a friend. Leaving for my sanity.”

“Ahh.” He nodded and sidled in closer. “Your friend a girl or guy?” He asked, his lethal blues piercing her soft green ones. 

“Why?” The question came out before she could think about the implication.

“Well,” He cocked his head to lean in close to her ear. “If your friend’s a guy, there’s probably some romantic type feelings involved since you obviously wouldn’t be here of your own volition. However, if your friend is a girl, most likely she’s a roommate or friend who dragged you here so she could meet guys without feeling guilty for leaving you home alone on a Saturday night.”

He waited and she blushed. 

Lia shrugged, “Casey, my roommate, insisted I come have fun and meet cute guys with her.” Again she shrugged, unsure and uncomfortable.

“Ahh.” He wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder. “In that case I will be happy to help you get to the door.”

It was Lia’s turn to tilt her head up at him. “And if I had said I came with a guy?”

His grin turned mischievous. “Then I would’ve pointed you in the right direction. Come on, let’s get you to the door.”

He let go of her shoulder and held out his hand for her to take. She tentatively placed her small hand in his. His grin quirked up a notch before he turned and began pushing his way through. It wasn’t fair how easily he could get people to move. His quiet authority had people moving a lot quicker than her desperate pleas had. 

In minutes she could see the open front door and exhaled in relief. Her rescuer faced her as soon as they stepped out onto the porch. 

“You’re really relieved.” He ventured.

Surprise zipped through her. “How could you tell?”

His laid back laugh made her feel warm. “Easy. I could feel the tension leave your hand as soon as we stepped outside. You stopped clenching.”

“Oh” She blushed again. “Well, to say I have a hard time in crowds is a little bit of an understatement.”

She watched as surprise and then anger flashed through his expression of concern. “And your friend chose to bring you to this party?”

Lia nodded and looked back at the party going on inside.  “More for her than for me.”

“Some friend.” He grumbled. “But you should know that I think you handled yourself wonderfully well for someone on the verge of a freak out.” He shrugged. “Let’s just say you had a look that I recognized.”

As she moved to leave she stopped and spun back to face him, sticking out her hand. “I’m Lia. Thank you for helping me out. “

He took her hand and tugged her back to him, giving her a warm hug. For a second she lost herself in a fuzzy happiness.  Then reality slapped her in the face as a pretty girl pranced up the walkway and greeted Lia’s rescuer. “Hi Cole.”

“Hey Jo. See ya inside.”

Embarrassed, Lia stepped back and looked down. She felt absolutely ridiculous for holding onto that hug. She’d known this guy for all of a minute and here she was melting and simpering like a clingy ex girlfriend. 

“Sorry for that.” She stammered out.

“For what?” He tugged her chin up to have her look straight into his all-too-sincere eyes. “I hugged you.” With an exaggerated whisper he leaned forward. She almost didn’t hear what he said because his very kissable lips were kissably close. “And I’d happily help you out again. Anytime Lia. When do I get to see you again?”

“Oh, I. Well.” She blinked, flustered. ” I live at the Abbott house near campus.”
His pleased smile was worth the admission. It was rare for her to even admit that she lived near campus and she had just given this gorgeous guy everything he needed to find her. Her audaciousness had her brain spinning. She stood there frozen, unsure whether she wanted to stop him from getting any closer or lean in to let him kiss her senseless. He whispered against her lips; not a kiss but the ghost of a promise of a kiss. “See you tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow?” She struggled to process that this guy was going to come find her tomorrow. Less than a day. “Really?”

His chuckle slid deliciously down her spine. “I wouldn’t let you leave my side tonight if I didn’t think it would scare you off.”

“Isn’t…isn’t Jo waiting inside for you?” Lia was not interested in opening herself to have any feelings for a player or a liar.

“Jo?” His confusion was real for a few seconds as he tried to figure out who she was talking about.

“The girl who just went inside a minute ago.” She clarified.

“You must think I’m an idiot for not remembering her. Yeah that’s my best friend’s girl. We hang out all the time.”

“Oh.” 

“Jealous?” His smile never left his face as he slowly inched his hands around her waist. However, he must have been able to tell she was starting to feel uncomfortable because he didn’t press further. Instead, he gently kissed her cheek. “How soon tomorrow can I see you?”

“Do you have to leave at all?” Her eyes widened when her brain caught up to her impulsive outburst.

“You’re the one leaving Lia. Breaking my heart, leaving the party early.” He let her go and stepped back further onto the porch. “Tomorrow. Lia.”

Lia held onto the words like a promise as she slowly waltzed her way home on a cloud.

Jess

Jess stood behind her pedestal desk, trying to surreptitiously switch her weight back and forth between her equally aching feet. Stupid heels. Why did her job demand her to be in high heels? Looking over the high-end sales floor filled with art and antiques, she took a deep breath. The huge warehouse sized sales floor required more involvement than typical sales. With Owen loosely monitoring the cameras and the coms in each employee’s ears for any stress words and Jess swooping in to support but not steal sales, the whole team was improving and growing stronger. 

As she glanced around, Owen’s voice echoed into her ear through the com. “Rich guy just walked in. Your turn Jess.”

Straightening her skirt, Jess approached the tall man standing just inside the doors. His dark brown, almost black hair was combed back in a smooth sleek wave. Tall, dark, and gorgeous as all get out. 

“Anything I can help you with?” She asked politely, maintaining a distance to make sure he didn’t feel pressured by her proximity.

His dark eyes shot to her face before slowly taking her in. Head to toe. Jess tried not to shiver under the onslaught of jagged nerves prickling her skin.

“Yes.” He answered smoothly, not stopping his studied perusal and definitely not ashamed he was caught looking her over. “I was looking through the online inventory list and came to see what would fit my needs best.” 

Jess tamped down the urge to blush. “Could you tell me what pieces you are interested in and we can start there.” Most people came in with a list. But he was the first one to make her feel like she was on it. The suave smile he flashed her way almost made her want to be. Almost.

With a cough she raised her eyebrows. “Did you bring that list with you, Mr. …?”

“Quinn. Quinn Davison.”

Professional. Stay professional. When he still didn’t pull out any list she asked again. “Your list, Mr Davison?”

“Oh.” He flashed her another heart-stopping smile. “The list. Right.” Slowly he pulled out a neatly folded paper, keeping his eyes on her. He handed it over to her, pausing as their hands touched. 

She glanced through the list. “Any favorites that stand out? We can see those first.”

“No, no favorites. And I have the time to see them all today.” He held out his arm. “Lead the way Jessica.” She glanced down at her name tag. Figures.

For the next hour they went from painting to vase to antique. Jess realized quickly that she wasn’t dealing with a guy who wanted expensive art as a sign of success. He wanted histories, past owners, and quirks that made each piece special. Jess delighted in being able to share her extensive knowledge with someone so interested as well as interesting.

Jess saw Chloe, her overly flirtatious coworker, converging on her with fire in her eyes. As soon as Mr Davison faced Chloe though, that sweet angelic charm surfaced. Chloe smoothly interrupted. “Jess, Leon has an issue with an order. Would you mind if I helped out your handsome customer for a few minutes while you take care of it?” The sweetness oozed out her mouth and Jess had to swallow her frustration.  This was what she had been working towards, having the team look to her to solve problems. 

“If you would excuse me Mr Davison. It appears I am needed. Chloe can help you with whatever you need, while I look into the matter.”

Mr Davison actually looked disappointed. At least Jess hoped that was what she glimpsed before heading off to track down Leon. With any luck Chloe wouldn’t lose the sale by not knowing enough information. Her sales were mostly based on batting her eyes.

“Owen, where’s Leon?” She snapped through the com once she was far enough away. 

In seconds Owen’s voice sounded in her ear, “Receiving doors. I told Chloe that Leon could handle it.” 

Jess sighed. “Thanks Owen.”

Minutes later, Leon’s problem had been solved and Jess began her search for Chloe. She was only halfway through the room when Owen crackled in through the earpiece. “Go save your sale, Jess.”

“What?” Jess asked, startled.

“Chloe isn’t asking for help but she is losing your customer quick.” Owen chimed. “R-7”

Immediately she turned and made her way over to R-7. She found a near tearful Chloe and an upset Mr Davison.

Cautiously she approached, “Everything alright over here?”

Mr Davison whirled to face her. “This woman knows nothing of these pieces. Furthermore, she also attempted to…” He paused, still livid. She patiently watched him take a deep breath, not looking Chloe’s way. “Jessica, is there a day that you will be working that you would be able to assist me when this woman will not be here?”

Her eyes wide, Jess shook her head. “I am so sorry for whatever has happened. I don’t know what days she works, but I do want to make sure you don’t leave here dissatisfied.”

He nodded. “I will take that up with Eric this evening.” 

Chloe whimpered slightly when she heard the owner’s name.

Instinctively Jess placed her hand on his. “Please tell me how we can fix this Mr Davison.”

His eyes softened as he glanced down at her hand. “Call me Quinn.”

“Quinn.” She smiled in genuine surprise. 

“Come to dinner with me.” 

Jess dropped her hand from his. “Dinner?”

He nodded slowly. 

“Is this coercion to get me to go on a date with you?” She whispered.

He laughed. “As delightful as a date with you sounds, tonight’s invitation is solely to discuss business with you and Eric.”

Her mind whirling at the thought of having dinner with the boss of her bosses, she subconsciously stepped closer to him and nodded. 

By then Chloe was catching on that she was going to get out of this whole fiasco with no trouble and dried her tears. Without a word she stalked off. 

“Are you going to say yes?” Owen’s voice chirped in Jess’ ear. “Say yes! You so deserve it.”

Startled by the voice in her head she laughed. “I would love to join you for dinner tonight.”

Quinn dipped his head down, his hand tilting her chin up to his. “And what about another time. As a date?” He whispered. 

Cocking her head to the side, she freed her chin enough to look up into his eyes with a snarky little grin. “I think I’m going to make you work a little harder for a real date. Mr. Davison.”

He chuckled. “It’s Quinn.”

“I know.” She paused to draw out the silence before capitulating. “Quinn.”

Brietta

Cringing as her mother’s shrill laughter echoed through the small garden, she couldn’t go any further away. That laugh was as inescapable as the afternoon tea. Brietta had been strictly forewarned against venturing any further than the small garden. So there she was, wandering the fringes of the garden, just in case any of her mother’s friend’s sons, nephews, or any eligible male relation stopped by.

“Brietta darling!” Her mother called over, shattering the illusion of tranquility. When Brietta turned to look in her mother’s direction she discovered a rather attractive young man standing slightly off to the side of the group. With a stutter, her heart skipped a beat leaving her a little breathless. He was tall but not gangly, more broad than spindly. With gold-streaked, dark brown hair and his full masculine attention fixed on her, Brietta had to focus as she inclined her head in his direction.

“Yes mother?” She responded, not moving closer; no matter how tempting it now was. The little freedom she had would not be given up so easily. She could see her mother’s eyes roll in exasperation even from this distance.

“Dear girl, come meet Lady Bristol’s son. He’s only stopped in for a moment to check in on his dear mother.” Brietta’s mother kept waving her forward even after she began making her way through the manicured shrubbery. As she drew closer his eyes followed her, tempting her to stare into their depths. Brietta gave a small curtsey, swaying as she realized she’d been holding her breath. 

In the silence that followed her mother’s pleased smile, Brietta angled herself towards the handsome newcomer. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance Lady Bristol’s son.” She quipped.

“Brietta!” Her mother scolded. Brietta braced herself for an embarrassing public reprimand.

“Forgive me.” A deep baritone voice interrupted smoothly before her mother had a chance to begin. “I should have introduced myself. I would be honored if you would allow me to do so now. Lord Trenton.” He bowed.

Brietta bit her tongue in an attempt to maintain decorum and not stick her tongue out at him. She knew she had already surpassed her mother’s limited patience for the day. Thankfully, he lifted his arm to her in open invitation. “Would you allow me to escort you around your lovely garden so that I may further apologize in order to appease your delicate sensibilities?” She glanced at her mother, who was doing her best to nod her head off…subtly.

After only a few steps down the path he leaned over to whisper in her ear, amusement coloring his tone. “Now that we are practically old friends may I call you Brietta, as your mother so sweetly named you or must I remain formal? You don’t seem as traditionally intent as the ladies over at the table.” He confessed, teasing her with the hint of a roguish and downright mischievous smile.

Brietta’s polite smile brightened with delight. In as serious a tone as she could muster she declared. “Since you have brought up the subject, I confess that I must insist you address me formally.” She paused, checking the distance from her mother before deeming it safe to continue, “In fact, allow me to appease your delicate sensibilities. Most people address me as Lord Aubrietta. I am gratified to make you acquaintance, Lady Bristol’s son.” Her attempted haughtiness failed as she struggled to conceal her grin.

Immediately he bowed low. “Forgive me, Lord Aubrietta I had no idea I was in such lofty company. May I please grovel at your feet?” He glanced up at her from his bowed position, his grin matching hers.

“Oh, do get up before my mother faints or mistakenly believes you are proposing to me.” Brietta sighed.

Lord Trenton stood slowly and once again offered his arm for her to take. They strolled further into the garden in contented silence before he smiled down her way again. “So Brietta, how is it I find you alone in this garden while a bunch of matrons of high society gossip over tea nearby?”

She took a moment to formulate her answer. “How trustworthy are you?” She asked boldly, leaning forward in commiseration. “If I tell you the truth, will my mother be hearing of it before the week is out or will you hold my secret close?”

“No one will hear it from me.” He promised solemnly. They proceeded to walk to the furthest corner of the garden, away from the matrons.

Once far enough away she said, “I was required to stay for just a circumstance as this. My mother is convinced that she will snag me a husband through her entertainments with their mothers. You are not the first son or nephew to stop by for their aunt or mother or even grandmother, and you may have noticed my obvious lack of competition here. However, if it were up to me I would be an hour into those woods over there and decidedly absent until suppertime.”

“Ahh, to be free from marriage-minded mothers. Take me with you on your adventure into the woods.” He beseeched, pleading. “My mother is insisting I attend an afternoon concert with Lady Sophia Grace. A stroll in the woods with no such expectations sounds much more appealing.”

“I hear Lady Sophia Grace is well sought after. You should feel honored by the opportunity.” She muttered, well aware of where she stood in the social hierarchy compared to the elegant Lady Sophia Grace. There was a reason why she wasn’t attending parties where she would be compared to the other ladies her age. Her mother never hesitated to make her aware of her shortcomings in looks, form, and accomplishment. “Besides, I am not able to take you with me, whether I want to or not, because I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you want to?” Lord Trenton smiled. She didn’t have to answer, he could see in her answering smile that she was long to go anywhere and would happily take him along.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he took both her hands in his. After several seconds of simply holding them he looked up, straight into her eyes. Brietta felt positively speared by the determination and tenderness she saw within the depths of his gaze. With a heart-stopping grin he said, “I have decided. I am going to make it my mission to spirit you away from the confines of this garden so that we may go adventuring to your heart’s content. I will just have to keep coming back until we are both free of this garden and of the Lady Sophia Grace. I will see you tomorrow.” He bowed abruptly and left her standing alone in the back of the garden.

She watched as he gave his mother a sweet peck on the cheek and strode off to his waiting horse.

To read part 2 of Brietta’s story, click here.

Elizabeth

Standing on the steps of her childhood friend’s home, Lady Elizabeth Harrow’s heart raced at the prospect of seeing him again. Surely he would forgive her silence these past several years when he learned it had not been her choice.

The door opened and there he stood, tall and at attention, formally waiting to receive his guests. His dark hair was still short, trimmed, and polished. The suit he wore with casual grace couldn’t hide his lean muscled frame. He had definitely grown stronger by the look of him, standing there all tense.

As his eyes fell on her, she pulled her shoulders back. He bowed stiffly, unsmiling. “Welcome Lady Elizabeth. Please excuse me, I have work to do.” He turned to leave.

“Jameson?” She called out in shock before hastily correcting herself. “Forgive me, Your Highness.” His cold greeting astounded her. He paused at the sound of his name in his retreat before continuing his hasty escape.

She shuddered. It appeared that her best friend now abhorred the thought of being in the same room as her. 

Elizabeth had no time to dwell on this new development as her mother bustled into the room. “Ah, Elizabeth. Come. We must get you ready.” And as quickly as she came in, her mother hustled off continuing to talk even as she walked away, expecting Elizabeth to simply follow and listen. “Now, I filled your dance card with the men you are to seriously consider.”

Elizabeth continued to stare in the direction Jameson had stalked out.

“Elizabeth!” Her mother called. Reluctantly Elizabeth followed.

The frenzied hours of preparation that followed grated on her exhausted nerves. She silently endured, lost in thought over Jameson’s harsh greeting. Elizabeth braced herself for a long night. Her mother had provided the dress for the evening and Elizabeth cringed. They did not share the same taste. It was a pale pink confection that made her waist appear skinny but did nothing for her complexion or anything else.

As she descended the front stairs, she had to pause and shake off all the memories of the times she had skipped down those same stairs to meet up with Jameson. 

Her mother had certainly filled in every available moment of her night, as well as her dance card. Elizabeth was beginning to wonder if she could make it. After dancing without any rest for several dances, she was reeling but desperately fought to maintain her outward composure. None of her dance partners seemed to notice her discomfiture and whisked her out onto the dance floor before she could protest. As the night went on, she fought to not stumble or break down in tears. She felt alone, in pain, exhausted, and starving with no hope for relief.

Dances blurred and Elizabeth stopped paying attention, focusing only on staying upright. When her next partner moved her away from the dance floor instead of onto it she didn’t notice until the cool outside air hit her face. Abruptly she struggled to alertness and looked up into a familiar face. “Jameson?” She whispered. Her feelings vacillated between relief and hurt. Yet she couldn’t relax, remembering once again how he had so carelessly brushed her aside that morning.

Jameson politely inclined his head. “Lady Elizabeth, you appeared to need a bit of a rest.”

Elizabeth leaned up against the cold stone wall behind her. “How is it you can’t stand to be in the same room as me for more than a few seconds and yet you are the only one to notice when I need help?” Her eyes closed as she struggled to recover from her nonstop evening. She missed his startled look. At his irritated huff she forced herself to look at him. All she could see was how phenomenal he was looking. 

“You left.” He growled.

Startled, she attempted to hide behind cool indifference. “I did. Do you honestly believe I did it by choice?” 

His guilty glance to the floor made it obvious that he had thought exactly that and still did.

“Jameson. My mother told me we were going for a ride together. She didn’t inform me that I would be going to finishing school until I was at the gates. I wrote you. So many times. To explain. I never heard back from you.”

She laid her hand on his arm when what she really wanted to do was force him to give her the huge hug she had been craving since before she’d arrived.

When he didn’t speak she tilted her head to catch his gaze, “Is that why you had other business when I came home?”

His nod gave her hope. He glanced away, and when he looked back into her eyes she saw a wisp of sadness. “I missed you Liz.” She had no warning. He went from not touching her at all to enveloping her in one of his hugs. She collapsed into his arms. 

Instinctively he held her up. “What’s wrong?”

All the stress, the emotions, and even her mother’s good intentions overwhelmed the firm control she had been clinging to. Tears threatening, she moaned. “My feet hurt Jay. And I haven’t sat down since hours before the ball. My mother wouldn’t let me eat to make sure I fit into this stupid dress.” 

His eyes raked hotly over her dress. “You definitely look good in it. Even when I was making it a point to not look your way, I noticed. Is your mother still husband hunting for you?”

“Yes. Apparently you let her know that you were not interested in marriage with me so I’ve been ordered to not talk to you.” She admitted. 

“I told her that the day before you left because I didn’t want you to be forced to be with me. I wanted you to choose for yourself.” He pulled her tighter to him as he whispered in her ear, “When you left so suddenly I thought that you were giving me my answer.”

“Jay.” She smacked his arm but stayed nestled in close. She had missed him far too much for proper distance.

“I never received any letters.” He sighed, hugging her tightly once more. 

They broke apart as they heard footsteps clicking closer to them. Within moments a footman appeared. With a cough he turned to the prince. “Prince Jameson. Your mother is looking for you. Apparently you have missed the last three promised dances with her friend’s daughters.”

“Thank you. I will be in momentarily to soothe the ruffled egos in the room.” He bowed to Elizabeth. “It may not have been a long enough break for your feet but I don’t intend for you to dance with anyone else tonight as I will require my fiance by my side for the rest of the evening.”

“You have a fiance?” Elizabeth struggled to support herself on pained feet. “Since when?”

His boyish mischievous grin caught her by surprise. “Hopefully since right now?” He knelt down in front of her. “Will you marry me Liz?”

Jenna

Jenna almost didn’t step into the ballroom. She felt as though she was cheap taffeta in a room full of silks. Of all the places to meet on a blind date why had she agreed to this event? This was the social elite of the city.

Not that she was poor, she just didn’t make enough to be invited to this party on her own merits or money. Alise had insisted on setting her up on this date and had reveled at having her best friend and this mystery guy, Evan, meet.

At first the idea of going to a fancy event in a gorgeous formal dress and sleek new heels sounded incredible, like a princess fairytale for a night. Now that she was here, all the prepping and primping done, she dreaded the inevitable disappointment that was sure to appear in her date’s eyes. Unfortunately Alise, as a well-meaning friend, tended to talk her up. It was hard to recover from that sort of disappointment in the course of one date.

Braced for what was sure to come Jenna scanned the room again. Amidst all the men wearing tuxedos she had no chance of finding him. Instead, she would have to wait for him to find her. While she stood there, a horrible thought crossed her mind. What if he couldn’t find her? Or did and bailed before introducing himself?

“I’m going to be alone all night.” She muttered.

“Not if you don’t want to be.” A low voice right behind her rumbled with a chuckle.

Jenna swirled gracefully around in her shimmery cream ball gown, secretly loving how gracefully the skirts effortlessly spun.

Standing in front of her was a hulk of a man, all broad shoulders, narrow waist, and bulging biceps his tux couldn’t hide. Tearing her eyes away from all that muscle she found herself once again staring, but this time into amused green eyes framed by short tousled hair the color of burnt sienna. Her heart stirred.

Met with silence he deferred, “Unless you wanted to be alone?”

She shook herself out of her obvious ogling with a blush. “I…no…sorry. I was just looking for someone I was supposed to meet here.”

The smile he beamed her way pulled at her. He cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe I can be the one you are looking for?” With a formal bow he announced. “My name is Paul Carson, of Carson Tech.”

Disappointment marred her smile for only a second but he noticed.

“You are looking for someone in particular? Do you only know their name?” At her nod he smiled. “May I escort you while you search?” He leaned in. “I can be an invaluable help. Introductions and all that.” He looked so beseeching she couldn’t help but relent with a laugh.

“Deal.” She nodded. “Where to first? I am all yours.”

“Tempting.” He smirked. “If you were mine, I would be keeping you all to myself.”

A blush flushed to her face in a flash. “I didn’t mean that. I meant… I should have said…”

He interrupted. “I know what you meant.  A man can dream. Now, I will need to know who we are looking for if I am to be of any help.”

She smiled. “I am beginning to wonder if you are actually going to help me find my date or if you will purposely keep me from him.”

“The thought had crossed my mind I confess but I quickly chose the honorable thing so I would have a shot if your date didn’t go as planned.” Once again he let loose his smile, leaving her dazed. “So how do you not know what your date looks like? Did he not ask you out?”

“It’s a blind date.” Jenna admitted.

“Ahh. If only I had the right name then.” He smirked. “He should have picked you up.”

Jenna inwardly agreed but didn’t say it aloud. They stood there looking at each other in silence with happy contented smiles until he leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially. “His name? And while we are on the topic, your name?”

“Oh yeah. I’m Jenna.” She blushed and gave herself a shake to focus her brain as she nodded. “His name is Evan Cranston.”

He did a double take. “And you don’t know what he looks like?” Surprise and doubt covered his face and tone.

“No.” She confided softly. “Should I?”

It took a few long seconds of him studying her face for him to answer. “It’s just that most people do.”

“Hmm. Well” She shrugged, “I trust my friend who set me up to not set me up with a psycho.”

He nodded, appearing thoughtful and oh so charming. “How are you supposed to know it is him when you find him?”

Promptly she hooked her arm in his, secretly thrilled to be so close to so much gorgeousness. “That’s why I have you!”

In a low rumbling growl he admitted, “I’m finding it difficult to stay motivated in locating your errant date.”

“Why?” 

“The longer it takes, the more time I get with you.” The smile he shot her way was nothing short of devastating.

It was her turn to study him. “You do know what he looks like?”

“Ah yes. I assure you. I know all too well what he looks like.” His eyes scanned the crowd before them.

“And you’re sure you’re not the Evan I’m looking for?” She asked.

“I wish.” He inclined his head to her. “Shall we begin our search?” With a nod from her, they stepped into the press of people.

Over the next hour Paul took the time to introduce her to everyone they passed, and kept her laughing and distracted from the fact that she hadn’t found her date.

“Where do you propose we look next?” She sighed. Her date was officially past late. “Or have I been ditched?”

“It seems your persistence has been rewarded.” He pointed over at the door leading into the grand ballroom. “Evan has made an appearance.” Paul sounded disappointed. She stopped to glance his direction before turning to get a look at the man who was her date.

When she didn’t move toward the man Paul had pointed out, he nudged her.

“Jenna?”

Jenna startled at the sound of her name. She fidgeted with her dress. Here she was, over an hour into this grand event, had met dozens of very important people and still she was nervous. With a sheepish smile she shrugged, “Now that I’ve found him I find I am regretting it.”

“Already?” Surprise was apparent in his tone. “Not many people are ever disappointed finding Evan.”

“Not because of him. He’s handsome enough.” She flushed.

“Then what’s wrong Jenna? We’ve spent all this time looking for him.” Paul pulled her close with the slightest touch of his hand to hers.

Her silence and inability to meet his eyes suddenly made it obvious. Leaning down till their noses touched he snared her gaze smiling, “Save me a dance?”

Jenna’s relieved sigh was answer enough, but he chuckled when she straightened and looked boldly up at him. “Deal.”