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Eva

Mother said that one day I would get in trouble because of my thoughtless impulsiveness. She didn’t say that I would be accused of stealing and threatened with jail time. Yet here I was, standing in my childhood home, 50 feet away from my sleeping parents, getting whisper-yelled at about the consequences of taking things that weren’t mine by a man not much older than me who I didn’t know. It wasn’t until he brought up calling the authorities that I felt the need to interrupt.

“Who are you?” I blurted. Maybe not the best first opening line but I couldn’t take it back now. I had already said it.

And judging by how he pulled himself ramrod straight to his full height I knew he just had to be someone important. Now that I think about it, he was probably one of dad’s investors who had been offered the guest room for the night in an attempt to get more time with him. Business over breakfast.

The man crossed his arms and stood a little bit more belligerently. “Was I not an anticipated addition to your theft spree?”

As much as I wanted to shrug off his accusations and go get some sleep, I knew I wouldn’t make it far before he stopped me. Yet words kept coming out. “Can we talk about this in the morning? I’m tired.”

He pulled back, incredulous. “You think I will let you leave and just hope you come back here to answer to the authorities? How gullible do you think I am?”

“Listen, it was a long drive to get here and I am tired. I want to get some sleep before I have to talk to you again.”

I didn’t realize I had actually put motion to my thoughts until a warm, almost hot, hand latched onto my arm and pulled me back. I slapped at his hand but he didn’t let go. In my tiredness I even attempted to pull him towards the stairs, as if that would convince him to let go.

He gave a short growly grunt. “I don’t care how long of a drive it was for you to get here. You aren’t going anywhere now. Maybe you thought your looks would buy you entrance for whatever it is you had planned as a backup plan for when you got caught but I am not falling for it.”

“My looks.” I grinned. I think my lack of sleep was beginning to affect my brain cells. “What do my looks have to do with wanting to sleep?”

His eyes narrowed. “I am not going to sleep with you.”

“Good.” I glared. “I wasn’t planning on sleeping with you. I am not a thief. And I am going to bed. IN MY ROOM.”

Instantly his face lightened and an odd strained smile took the place of his scowling. “Are you lost? Maybe I can assist you in finding the correct house.”

I groaned.

He immediately pulled me into a hug and stroked my hair as if he were trying to sooth me. In a soft low voice he murmured into my ear. “Don’t worry. We’ll sort this out and then you can be home and you can pretend this was all just a scary dream.”

“I’m not lost or mental.” I ground out as I pushed him away from me. “Mother! Are you home?”

Immediately, the man who refused to give me his name clamped his hand over my mouth. I struggled, trying to free myself. His hold finally loosened when I managed to stomp on his foot.

“Are you insane?” I yelled. “Who are you? Are you the thief? Don’t want to get caught?” I moved towards the stairs. “Mother!”

I finally heard soft footsteps on the landing above me. “Eva?”

With a sigh, I stepped further out of the shadows and smiled up at her. “Surprise, Mom. I came home for the weekend.”

“Why are you yelling for me?” Her voice weary with sleep and apparently she was too groggy to notice the man standing behind me.

I laughed and shook my head. “Sorry, Momma. Go back to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

She nodded but before she turned back to her room she leaned over to whisper. “We have a guest in the guest room so be sure to be quiet.”

I glared at the man who was now eyeing me with wary concern. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to be rude to our guest.”

Seconds later I heard the door to my parent’s room close. I turned to fully face the stranger and strode over to him with my hand held out.

“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. I am Eva Romy Black.” I didn’t try to hide my smug smile. However, I did give him my prissiest fake curtsey.

Eventually he gave me a formal bow before taking my hand in his. “Zane Deveaux, the guest. Please allow me to escort you to your room.”

I whispered up into his ear. “Wouldn’t want me making off with the family china while you aren’t looking.”

“I don’t suppose a mere apology would be acceptable at this point.”

“You accused me of being a thief.”

He nodded.

“And threatened to call the police.”

Again, he nodded.

“You assumed I would sleep with you in order to get a warm bed and escape all my troubles.”

His face flamed.

“You thought I was a lost lunatic.”

His hands went up. “I have no defense for my actions.”

“By the way, if I had been a real thief I probably wouldn’t have stood around arguing with you.” My hands tried to go to my hips but he hooked my arm in his, nudging me back toward the stairs.

“Valid point.” As we climbed the stairs he shot a stunning smile my way. “What brought you home this weekend?”

“My parents have been bugging me the past few weeks to come home for a visit. Apparently I don’t come home often enough.”

“Well, despite my gargantuan misunderstanding, it has been a pleasure to meet you. Your parents truly do love to tell stories about you over dinner.”

“Dinner? Who are you?”

He simply smiled as he gestured to my closed door. “Pleasant dreams, Eva.”

I muttered under my breath. “Breakfast is going to be interesting.” I hadn’t meant for him to overhear but he chuckled.

“Indeed it will.”

Emberlee

I guess now is the time to confess that I haven’t given much thought to Hunter Dawson Hayes since I left for college. In fact, I had made it a point to never ever mention him at all, even in my thoughts. But that is how much I have wanted to forget his entire existence. Sure, he lurks in almost all of my childhood memories as the one always pulling me down, figuratively and sometimes literally.

So why was it that I was able to recognize him the instant he stepped into the party I was currently reveling in?

“No.” I blurted.

A nearby freshman stuttered his apologies and moved away. I was too distracted to take the time to reassure him that I hadn’t been talking to him.

How in the world had he found me? After 3 years of a blissful, Hunter-free life he was not going to ruin this party for me.

Setting down my soda, I stormed over to the front door.

“What are you doing here?” I blocked him from getting any further into the house than he already was.

His slow perusal and equally steady grin burned my insides to the point where I was ready to punch him. And I would have too, if my roommate and best friend, Shay, hadn’t popped up next to me with an overly cheery smile.

He didn’t seem to notice her though as he drawled, “Emberlee Kellmann.”

“You know him?” Shay chimed in eagerly. “Introduce me, Em.”

I couldn’t form the words. He couldn’t come in and insinuate himself into my life as easily as this. Through my silence Shay’s smile didn’t waver as she swooped in front of me, dragging me closer than I preferred to be to him. “Hey there stranger. I’m Shay, Em’s roomie. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you. How do you know Em?”

And as quickly as she had appeared, Shay was pulling him to the back where a table was holding up a vast array of junk food, chatting the whole way over. He only glanced back at me once, with a smirk on his way too handsome face.

I stared. He had to go. There was no way he could stay. 

Realizing that I had lost the battle of keeping him out of the party I again stormed across the room, stepped right in front of him leaving no space between us, and crossed my arms. Yes, I fiercely ignored the shivers shooting through me as I practically threw myself into his ridiculously hard chest. With a gulp, I struggled to scowl.

He didn’t look down at me immediately though his hands found my waist, settling there as if he thought they belonged there. When he did meet my glare it was more like a casual acceptance, as if he had been expecting me to be there, in his space, all along.

“Yes, Emberlee?” His low chuckling voice was at odds with the serious look he gave me as he ignored Shay.

“Get out.” I growled quietly. I stood my ground, even when he smiled his uber-charming smile my way. Even after I felt his hands slide around my waist, pulling me even closer to him. After a lifetime of seeing that smile and its influence I knew I wouldn’t fall under the spell of it. Though maybe I had lost some of my immunity as my knees wobbled slightly.

“Now, why would I leave? I only just got here.”

Shay grabbed at my arm for my attention. “Why would you kick him out when we were just getting to know each other?” She pouted and I had to resist the urge of shaking her off too.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Shay. She is an amazing roommate and an even better friend. She was just way too distracting right now when I needed all of my attention to corral Hunter and keep him out of my current life.

I switched tactics, forcing my voice to go sickly sweet. Shay did a double take beside me. “Maybe we could step outside for a minute and catch up, Hunter. It’s been so long and you have definitely grown since the last time I saw you.”

His chest swelled even as his eyes narrowed on me. “With a request like that, how can a man refuse?”

Gritting my teeth I allowed him to take my hand and slowly lead me out the back door and onto the less crowded patio. We may have weaved through the crowd a little more than necessary but I wasn’t going to blow my chance to get him in a corner and pound some sense into his head.

I don’t know how he managed it but as soon as the door closed he was spinning me into a deep, strong hug. I couldn’t put any distance between us.

“What are you doing here, Hunter?”

Hunter didn’t look up, his arms tight around me. His smile lit up his eyes. “It’s been a long time, Emberlee. You haven’t come home. And there are some things I’ve been waiting quite a while to say to you.”

“Like what? My hair is the wrong length? My shoes look stupid? My face offends you?” I could feel my irritation rising even though he appeared unaffected.

He shook his head. “No.”

“Then what?” I was shaking and I didn’t know why because it wasn’t cold out.

“Now?” He looked a little surprised.

“When else am I ever going to see you again?”

His smile bloomed once again. “Actually I was planning on staying in town for a bit.”

“A bit? How long? Why?”

He leaned in, touching his forehead to mine. I don’t know why on earth I let him do that but I did. “I meant what I said, Emberlee. I want to catch up.”

I resisted the urge to stomp my foot. “You want to catch up? How did you know where I was? What did you come here to say? Why won’t you answer my questions?”

His arms stayed locked firmly around my waist as he pulled back just enough to look firmly into my face. “Emberlee, I’ve been answering your questions. Looking back on the years we spent growing up together I realized I seemed very much like a bully. And I want you to know that I wasn’t out to hurt you or make you feel bad. I liked you. I thought I was protecting you and keeping you safe from other guys. Now I know how wrong I was and I want to apologize. I want you to get to know the real me.”

“You treated me like you did because you liked me?” I could feel the heat fueling my ire begin to subside.

He nodded.

Backing away I shook my head. He was too handsome to be near with that kind of knowledge.

I whispered as I retreated. “And you still like me?”

“I haven’t seen you in a few years but I’d like to venture to say that I do. Give me a chance to show you that I am not the boy you knew.”

“There’s going to be a lot of proving before I believe you are different. We need to become friends if you ever want me to consider more. You made my life miserable.” I warned as I poked him in the chest. “Now I’m going inside, friend. Enjoy the party.”

Sela

Stepping out into the arena Sela rolled her shoulders and slid her sword into the sheath on her back. Twenty five of the potential competitors were already out stretching, sparring, and posturing. A title and an invitation to the annual royal ball was a high prize and large motivation for many. Sela included. Everyone knew the benefits of being able to attend that ball. Deals were struck, alliances forged, and people discovered.

As she strode out over the field to where a large array of weapons were on display, she wished for more of her own gear. They had allowed her the sword but nothing more. Only one personal weapon per competitor.

She scanned the large dirt field, taking note of the several odd shaped mounds off to one side.

More competitors arrived and joined the rest. The first few days of competition would hopefully narrow down the numbers at least a little. It all depended on if the royals were looking to extend and prolong the competition itself or get it over with.

“Sizing them up?” A lithe, fluidly graceful man sauntered up to stand next to her, a born swordsman by the looks of him. And he looked to be no more than five years older than her.

Sela didn’t answer. Why share what she knew with the competition?

“Not much of a talker?” He smiled.

She slowly turned to face him, maintaining a carefully neutral expression. He remained unguarded, not even moving back. Instead, his smile grew. 

“Hello.” 

She fought to not smile back. A horn sounded and echoed through the arena. Immediately the contestants started moving to where the stage was set up at the far end of the field.

The man beside her didn’t move to follow the rest. She paused and looked back at him, trying to figure out what his angle was. He stood still, watching as all the other people passed him without so much as a glance at any of them. A few of them nodded his way, one even bowed respectfully towards him and Sela’s eyes narrowed. His gaze stayed trained on her. When he saw her quizzical stare, he folded his arms. 

Sela didn’t move. Her senses went on high alert and her guard up. She didn’t really want to let someone as casually confident as this man be behind her where she couldn’t see him. His smile widened even further when she didn’t look away.

“You heading over?” He tilted his head to the side.

“Are you?”

“You speak!” The elation on his face had her fighting to keep her concentration on her surroundings.  “That’s wonderful. And your voice is beautiful, almost melodic. Maybe don’t speak while you’re competing because then they might mistake your interaction for a date.”

“My sword coming at their face might give it away that it’s not. And I could be competing against a woman when I chose to speak.” She eyed a large lumbering man who slowed to leer at her. 

He nodded. “Fair point. I still stand by my warning though.”

Soon Sela noticed that there weren’t any people passing them anymore. All the other competitors were behind her but this man. And yet, she was more willing to have all of them behind her, out of sight, than the man standing in front of her now.

“You’ve been left behind.” He pointed behind her.

She gave a slow nod but didn’t look away. Another horn sounded and he gave her a slight bow.

“A pleasure having such a deep and insightful conversation with you. We must do it again sometime.” He turned and began walking away, the opposite way of the rest of the competition.

“Where are you going?” She took a step to follow him.

He didn’t stop walking but looked back at her, striding backward with as much ease as he had walking forward. “I have to go up in the stands. My father is probably freaking out enough as it is.”

“Why would he be freaking out?”

“I really hope you win. I would enjoy talking to you more. However, I doubt I can sneak away again after the competition actually begins. I think my father even made it a rule that you don’t get to talk to anyone outside of the other competitors so you can’t get any outside help.” He flashed another smile her way. “Though maybe I can be an exception. I’ll work something out.”

“You are talking as if you are not competing.”

He nodded cheerily. “I’m not.

“Who are you?”

His delighted grin caught her. “You don’t know me? I thought you knew, since you gave me your full attention.”

Sela shook her head, trying to figure out why she should be able to recognize him by sight. He did look familiar and now that she was truly looking at him and not only sizing him up as competition, she felt that she should know who he was. It didn’t come to her.

“You really don’t?” He smiled and gave her a courtly bow. “I look forward to calling you milady and watching you attempt your first noble curtsey.”

She held back a groan. “You’re a noble.”

“You say it like it’s a bad thing. How many nobles do you know?” He stopped his very slow departure.

It was her turn to smile. “You sir, do not know me either.”

“Indeed?” He started walking back to her. “What is your name?”

“I would need a very good reason to share that with someone who is obviously unwilling to share their own. Besides, the officials might start to consider requiring me to leave and not enter the competition if I take too long.” It was her turn to face away from him, though all her instincts told her not to.

He caught up to her easily enough, walking beside her as if they were on a stroll in a private garden. “You aren’t going to tell me?”

Sela motioned up to where the audience was still cheering. “If all goes to plan, I am going to be announced and you will know who I am. You are going to walk away and there is a likelihood that I would never find out who you are. “

“Fair point.” He took hold of her arms and she fought to not tense. “I guess you will just have to win and get to that ball. If it helps, I am now rooting for you.”

She hesitated a moment, debating, before she flashed him a cheery smile. “I am too.”

Lovisa

Lovisa smoothed the skirt of her dress once more as she sat perched elegantly on the edge of the forest green velvet settee.

Practice is essential for womanly improvement.  Her mother’s voice repeated in her head.

And so she sat, perfectly poised to attract the type of suitor her parents expected of her, in the middle of their empty-except-for-her-mother sitting room.

She fought back a yawn, knowing her mother would immediately spot it and lecture from her very comfortable chair by the fire. Hours of sitting would be followed by unnecessary practice of walking and tilting her head just the right sort of way to be flirtatious without being provocative.

Scandal was not to be tolerated. Gossip was inelegant. Slouching was unladylike.

From the time she turned eight Lovisa had begun training. At first, it had been boring but not intolerable; a little posture improvement here and some style tips there.

Now, as she neared her social debut, her entire day was devoted to training; etiquette, form, elocution, poise, and more. Whatever her mother deemed necessary. Her father had long since disappeared into his study to ‘deal with financial matters’ as he did every day.

“Lovisa.” Lady Treston’s voice was laced with disapproval. “Your attention has wandered and your posture is slumping most inappropriately. You will never catch a proper husband if you do not take the time now.”

“Yes, Mother.” Lovisa quickly corrected her already perfect posture and tried to look as if she were paying attention. She still hadn’t quite figured out how to pay attention when no one was talking and nothing was happening to pay attention to. Yet her mother was adamant she learned. 

Lady Treston had given her quite the set down the last time she had asked why. Apparently it was good practice for when she was in conversation with a man who was a wealthy bore. Her mother hadn’t actually said those words because she would not insult anyone by making such a broad claim but the heavy implication was there.

“As you know, Father has made arrangements for your debut this evening.” Lady Treston stood. “Come. It is time to make you ready to present yourself to society. Such details cannot be left to the last minute.”

Lovisa inwardly wilted, having hoped that they might have a small respite before getting ready for the evening. However, it appeared that food was the lowest priority of the day.

“Yes, Mother.” Lovisa glided across the room to follow her mother.

Hours of poking, primping, hair pulling, and more happened before Lady Treston was satisfied with the results.

“You’ll do.” Was her final compliment to her only daughter.

The pale empire-waisted gown and corset was tight but that was nothing new to Lovisa. In fact, it was slightly looser than her mother usually insisted upon, saying she would need to be able to breathe more when she dancing.

Descending down the stairs, an excited thrill shot through her. Surely she would be able to have some fun tonight. At the bottom of the stairs her father stood there, looking bored.

“Now Lovisa, your mother has assured me that you have memorized the list of men deemed suitable to your station and rank.” Lord Treston addressed his daughter without bothering to do more than nod in greeting.

“Yes, Father.”

 Better to be meek and unassuming than endure a 15 minute tirade while standing in heels and formal wear.

The carriage ride was quick and relatively painful. Lovisa spent the ride making sure her appearance was perfect, her posture did not waver, and her parents did not feel the need to chastise her.

Stepping out of the carriage her mother didn’t give her a chance to arrange her skirts, moving in and immediately setting Lovisa to rights. Once satisfied, she slipped her hand into her husband’s arm and walked up the steps.

Lovisa silently followed.

In mere minutes her mother had not only maneuvered them to a very prominent spot next to the dance floor but had also filled her dance card with the eligible men her father would approve of. Her only empty slots were the waltzes, since Lady Treston considered them far too provocative for a new debutante.

The whispers going on around her hushed suddenly as a man in a spotless black evening coat and starched white necktie casually sauntered their way. He bowed to Lovisa’s mother first.

“Lady Treston. A pleasure to see you here.” His voice sounded bored as his gaze turned to Lovisa.

She dropped her eyes to the floor.

And for the first time in her life she heard her mother giggle. “Oh Lord Wharton. I am stunned to see you here. It has been far too long. May I introduce you to my daughter, Miss Lovisa Treston.”

His bow was elegant and Lovisa struggled to maintain the pleasant and mildly flirtatious smile that had been drilled into her head for years. Anything more would be simply mortifying

“Miss Treston. An honor, to be sure.”

He turned back to Lady Treston. “Is there a dance free for Miss Treston this evening?”

Lovisa watched as her mother coyly shook her head. “I’m afraid not, my Lord.”

“Nothing?” His eyebrow arched. “Surely a vacancy can be found for an old friend.”

“Only a waltz, my Lord.” Again, Lovisa was stunned as she watched her mother give a low curtsey to match his bow before tapping himcoyly on the arm.

He hesitated as he glanced at Lady Treston’s hand. “Indeed. Then I find I must beg you to allow me to claim one of those waltzes.”

At her mother’s nod Lovisa gave a small shocked smile.

With another bow Lord Wharton sauntered off.

Instantly her mother turned to her. “Lord Wharton is to be considered an utmost priority. Your father will be thrilled to hear that you were able to dance with one so prestigious. Usually he is so aloof and distant when at these sort of events. Do not mess this up.” That last part was delivered in an urgent whisper.

“Yes, Mother.” And for the first time she didn’t mind agreeing, for she was intrigued to learn more of this Lord Wharton. After all, he had easily provoked my mother to a fit of giggles.

And he wasn’t even on her much-vaunted list.

Miss Daynes

Space travel itself isn’t very difficult. Especially when you manage to secure a spot on one of the luxury passenger liners that offers deep sleep beds as a complimentary service.

I’d traveled from Atoll 4 to Talos in what felt like only a few hours. True, the actual journey had been a period of 34 days by Hyperlite but since it hadn’t felt like it, I was still the sick and nervous but also excited wreck that I’d been when I left.

“Miss Daynes?” My personal automated assistant from the journey beeped from the wall next to me.

“Yes?”

“Are you ready to disembark? I just received the signal that your escort has arrived at customs.”

“Escort?” I pulled up short, taking a step back. “I did not arrange for an escort. Enquire who sent them and proof that they were sent by a legitimate source.”

“Indeed. A wise decision.” A slight pause. “The captain has advised me to direct you to the south parlor to wait until we have heard back from the customs office. Follow the blue light and I will show you the most expeditious route.”

I made my way to the parlor and found it empty. So I sunk down on the biggest, most comfortable looking seat available.

I wasn’t there for more than a minute or two when my assistant beeped again. “Miss Daynes. Customs has verified your escort’s identity and confirmed with your mother that she did request that he pick you up when you arrived. Shall we proceed to the debarkation area?”

I groaned as soon as I heard the word ‘mother’. “Yes.”

My assistant bid me farewell as I reached the outer door. It was after I was making my way to the customs office that it occurred to me that I had not obtained the name of my mother-approved escort. Instead, I was forced to look around wondering who would come up to claim the honor of my company.

If only I had been able to secure the ticket and accommodations without my mother knowing. Then I would have been able to have a real vacation. Of course, without her financial assistance and insistence on only the best for her only child, I would have also made my way on the cheapest passenger liner and be slumming in whatever place I could afford. Each option had their pros and cons.

However, the choice had been taken from me when mother had found a few of the brochures I had stupidly brought home. I had been so careful at looking into travel information only while at the library.

As soon as she knew my itinerary, everything else had been planned down to the minute. Unfortunately, Mother had friends on Talos that she had informed of my arrival so I would be required to attend the events my mother had already accepted on my behalf. I shuddered as I remembered the list she had handed me as I was packing.

A hush fell over the area surrounding me as a voice right next to me spoke, “Miss Daynes.”

I turned to discover the crown prince of Talos. Hurriedly I bowed. “Your Highness. Forgive my lack of manners. I did not see you here.”

“Make no mention of it. I should not have snuck up behind you. However, I was still in the office talking to the stationmaster when you arrived so I was unable to greet you properly. Did your mother make no mention of me before your departure?”

“No. She did not.” I blushed and glanced away. “I admit. There is a possibility that if I had known, I would have hidden away so that you would be unable to escort me.”

“Am I truly so terrible of a choice of escort? I usually receive quite the opposite reaction. I promise to be on my best manners.” His face gave away no hint of what emotion he was feeling.

I gave half a curtsey. Maybe I was trying to sort of apologize. “The only thing wrong with you that I know of is your title. I was hoping for a low key, less formal vacation. Walking out of here on your arm will provoke the gossiping and my picture will be everywhere before the night falls.”

“Aw yes. That would be a problem. One that I cannot resolve and fulfill my duty as escort.” He looked around. “Give me one moment and I will see what I can do.” In a louder voice he said, “Forgive me, miss. I believe I have mistaken you for another. Enjoy your visit here on Talos.”

I stared in surprise as he walked away without looking back. Now what? 

Several minutes later a man who looked to be either a royal messenger or driver approached me. He stopped right next to me but didn’t look my way. No one seemed to notice him and I breathed a little sigh of relief.

“His Highness has arranged a decoy car to transport you to your hotel. It will be just outside the main entrance. It is a small white Lio model with a small swan-like decal on the back window.” He slipped me a paper and was gone in seconds.

I held in my pleased smile, momentarily wishing that I didn’t have to give up time with the prince in order to have an anonymous vacation. Holding tightly to the paper I made my way to the car that was waiting right where the man had indicated.

Once inside and on my way, I opened the note.

Miss Daynes.

I hope that you are able to have a truly enjoyable time here at Talos. I envy you your chance at social freedom, even if it is only for a short time. Now, I am hoping that since I have done you a favor that you will do one for me. Have dinner with me tonight? I assure you that we will go somewhere where there will be no photographers or snooping gossipy people about to ruin your anonymity. I will have a car pick you up outside your hotel if you are interested. All you would need to do is inform the front desk of your hotel to let you know when Jacob has arrived.

By the way, please call me Holden.

P.S. Since your mother didn’t inform you that I would be your escort I wanted to make sure you knew that my father expects you at our ball at the end of the week. I  regret not being able to provide you with anonymity any longer than that..

I held in my squeal. I had a whole week of anonymity and a date with a prince. And I wouldn’t have to have my picture taken for it to happen. Thanks to my mother, I can’t remember the last time I had gone on a date that wasn’t highly publicized.

Naomi ~Part 2~

Click here to read the previous Naomi short story!

Naomi paused to look more closely at the man who practically oozed appeal. “And why would my friend tricking me into a speed dating auction be perfect?” The snap in her voice echoed in the shadows.

He stuck his hand out. “I’m Kieran.”

“Serial speed dater?” She resisted the urge to stick out her tongue, keeping her arms crossed.

He nodded with a chuckle. “I can understand why you’d think that, but no.”

The same assistant that had been trailing the woman in charge approached with a broad grin. “Oh perfect! You’re ready!” She bustled up, looking around before checking her clipboard. “And where is the male wild card? A Max Devlin?”

“Here!” Max came jogging forward, his mischievous grin on full display. “Dang Mimi, you look nice!”

Kieran turned back to her. “Mimi? Your name is Mimi?” 

She groaned. “No. Only Max calls me that and I can’t get him to stop.”

Max stepped up beside her, hand out. “That’s me. Max. And you are? If you’re one of the daters and are interested in spending time with my lovely friend then you should probably stop wasting your time up here and get down to sign up like all the other hopeful lackeys down there.

“Are you done posturing?” Kieran’s hands were in his pockets and he looked like he was ready to take a casual disinterested stroll on her heart.

“Mr. Holbrook. It’s time.”

Kieran nodded at the assistant then towards Max. “We’ll introduce you first, Devlin. Your friend is garnering more interest than you, so we will need to allow the men more time to vie for her attention.”

“I didn’t even want to be here.” Naomi stepped up. “Why are we giving me extra time? I’d rather be home on my couch doing anything other than pasting a smile on my face.”

“Aw don’t be a spoilsport, Mimi. It’ll be fun.” Max nudged her in the side.

She shot him a look. “Max. This is turning out just like the skittles.”

“Skittles?” Kieran asked.

Naomi smiled and shook her head. “Just another one of Max’s crazy ‘fun’ ideas.”

“Mr Holbrook.” The assistant broke through their whispered conversation.

“Yes, yes. Mr Devlin. This way.” As Kieran led Max toward the stage he looked back at her. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Like I have a choice.”

Naomi watched as Kieran introduced Max to the women waiting for the event to start. He asked him a few questions and gave him a chance to make himself look good. 

“He’s good.” The assistant piped up.

“Max is always good at convincing people to like him.” Naomi muttered as she watched.

“I was talking about Mr Holbrook. Isn’t he dreamy?” The girl sighed.

Naomi’s reply froze in her mouth. In what felt like only seconds Naomi found herself being nudged onto stage and walking toward Kieran’s smile.

“Welcome to the stage, the lovely Naomi Watts.” Kieran raised his hand out to her. “Let’s take a moment to get to know our other wild card of the evening. Miss Watts, I am sure the first question on everyone’s mind is…” He paused for dramatic effect. “What is your favorite color?“ For just a second he turned to fully face her so that the audience couldn’t see him wink at her.

She batted her eyes at the group of men now watching her closely. “Oh pink, totally. It’s the color of love, right?” She forced out a sort of breathy giggle.

Kieran nearly stumbled over his next words as his head whipped back around to look at her. It took him a second but he recovered admirably. “Indeed it is. And what do you look for in a man? For a date?”

“Oh good question.” Naomi bubbled. “Definitely got to be a hottie.” She threw a huge wink at the crowd. “Also it wouldn’t hurt if he was successful and made my insides turn to mush just by looking at me in that gorgeous smoldering way that only real men know how.” Playfully tapping his arm she gave a sigh, furiously batting her eyes at him.

“And do you think that you’ll be able to find him here tonight?” His eyes were pinned on her with a searing intensity even though his smile was still directed at his enthusiastic audience.

“Hope so.” Blowing a kiss out at the group of men, she bounced her way back off stage to face a bent-over-double-in-laughter best friend.

“That was amazing!” Max couldn’t stop laughing. “I didn’t know you had that in you. You are going to have dates for the next year of your life!”

Naomi shoved him hard. “You’re an idiot.”

Looking back on stage she found Kieran still glancing towards her as he explained how the night was going to go.

Max and the assistant left to go find his sign up sheet and get him set up in his little private booth off to the side. She presumably had one on the other side of the room that she would be shown to shortly. She sighed.

“That was quite the show.” Kieran stepped up next to her. 

She folded her arms and faced him. “Show?”

His slow drawling smile heated her core, making her flush. “Let me guess, your favorite flowers are red roses and if there was a beach nearby, walking along it in the moonlight would be the perfect date.”

Naomi stepped close to him, as close as she could manage without touching him. “Now Mr Holbrook, why would I think that? It sounds so…cliche.” She batted her eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an audience to entertain.”

“Are you going to be honest with any of them?”

She shot him a look. “If I were looking for the love of my life at a speed dating arena then yes I would. If I was looking for a date, there’s no need to bother. All those men signed up to talk to me because of my picture. They aren’t interested in what I say, so it doesn’t matter what I say.”

“Miss Watts.” Kieran’s sharp tone stalled her dramatic exit. 

“Yes, Mr Holbrook?” She was back to using her over-the-top flirty voice. 

He folded his arms, causing him to look even more fierce. “I’d listen.”

Her smile softened. “Of course you would. And might I point out that you are also not out there signing up to talk to a woman based on her picture. Thus proving my point.” She shrugged. “I’m not going to go out and give any part of my real self to that bunch out there just so Max can enjoy his night getting girl’s numbers.”

“Admirable.” Kieran nodded.

Seconds later the assistant bustled up and was eagerly going on and on about how everyone had liked her. 

“Naomi.”

She was startled at hearing her name. She glanced back and saw him open his mouth but before he could she cut him off. “It’s green.” With a smile, Naomi turned away as he started laughing.

Check back next week to read more about Naomi!

Naomi

“Max.” I complained. “What is this?”

The large room was filled with what looked like a hundred small tables, each with only two chairs. Glancing back at Max’s face I knew I was going to regret agreeing to get out of the house with him.

I punched him in the arm. “Max. What have you gotten me into?”

“You’re a volunteer! You can think of it as charity.” He cheerfully announced.

“Charity? What kind of volunteer?” 

“Naomi, don’t worry about it. It’ll be fun.” He put his hand on my back and pushed me into the room.

I pushed back. “You are not exactly inspiring confidence, Max.  Remember when you said that it would be fun to jump on my mother’s dining table?”

I watched him cringe.

“Yeah. I was grounded for months.”

“So one time one of my ideas didn’t work out.” He laughed. “Chill. This will be fun.”

“One time? What about our first night of college? Or the time you tried to sneak skittles into everyone’s drinks at the hottest club in the city? Or when you dragged me to the opening day of the Red Sox in a Yankees jersey?” I put my hands on my hips. “I could keep going.”

Max didn’t look bothered in the slightest. “Those are some good memories.” 

“What did you volunteer me for?”

He pointed. Following his finger I groaned at the large sign declaring ‘Specialized Speed Dating’.

Dread filled me. “Please tell me that you volunteered me to pass out name tags or ring the bell.”

“That would be absolutely no fun. I volunteered you to be a wild card.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

A stunning and sophisticated woman in a black sheath dress came striding toward them with an effusive smile. “Max Devlin?” At his nod, she practically sighed. “You are just in time. And are you Naomi Lancer?” At my nod, she began to gush. “Oh my goodness, when I heard we had two volunteer wild cards I just knew this was going to be a wonderful night. Now, if the two of you will follow me.”

I punched at Max again but he caught me, pulling me in under his arm. “What is a wild card?” I whispered.

“In uno?” He chuckled at his own hilarity.

“No, you dunce. You know exactly what I mean.”

They were interrupted by the coordinator.

“Alright Max, we are going to drop you off right here. Serena will help you get ready. Naomi, follow me.”

We only took a few steps before I was walking up next to her, feeling underdressed in my plain jeans and tshirt.

“So my friend Max didn’t really clarify to me what it would mean to be a wild card. Could you give me some more details?”

“Oh sure.” She didn’t slow down as she pulled up her clipboard to glance at it. “A wild card is a fun twist we throw in to spice up the night. The room is split up into specialties, the ones people are looking for in a significant other or the ones they fall into themselves. So we have a business specialty, one for computer engineering and software, gamers, high level executives, small business owners, athletes, and more. We pride ourselves on providing more than an average, ‘throw everyone together and hope two people find each other who might have a chance at a relationship’ event.”

“So they sign up for which group they want to speed date in? How do you avoid confusion if an athlete wants to date a doctor but all the doctors are in the medical group or are off looking for a small business owner to date?” There were too many variables for me to make sense of it all.

The woman shrugged. “We do our best. We have the first hour of the night where all the men are in the group that is their profession and the women choose which group to speed date in. The next hour we have all the women in their profession group and the men choose the groups they are interested in dating. Then the last hour is a big social, where everyone gets to mingle and connect.” 

“So I don’t mean to repeat myself but I still don’t understand where I come in.”

The coordinator chuckled. “Sorry, I sometimes go off on a tangent. A wild card, you, will be available for dates by request. We get you all dolled up and take a gorgeous picture of you. Then the men of all the groups can choose to request you specifically. Then they will each get a time slot to meet you.”

“Why doesn’t every girl desperate for a date sign up to be a wild card then?” I was bewildered. It didn’t sound like it was beneficial to not be a wild card.

“Most ladies prefer to feel like they have more choice.”

I glanced around the room we were in. “It looks like what I would assume speed dating looks like. You all sit down and one side cycles through. Not much choosing.”

“Ah but they get to choose their group.”

“I don’t have to say yes to a date with any of the men that sign up to meet me right?”

“No.” She hastily assured me. “This is where I’ll leave you with the experts to get you ready.”

And just like that, she was gone and I was surrounded by several smiling people who were pulling out clothes for me to try on, asking about my skin, and fingering my hair. I was going to maim Max.

People were arriving and I was surprised to see how many men took one look at my picture and headed straight to the sign up sheet. 

“Sizing up the suitors?” I looked to my left to see a dark haired man in a charcoal gray suit leaning against a nearby chair, his light green eyes focused on me. “By the looks of it, you’ll have plenty of attention.”

I blushed and stepped further into the shadows. 

The man had noticed my retreat and made his way over to stand next to me. He turned back to watch the newcomers.

“What brings you here tonight? Looking to meet your prince charming or handsome knight errant? That happily ever after story?”

“No.” I stepped away. “I’m here for a friend.”

“Is she desperate for a man or a love story? Or both?”

I looked straight at him with a sultry smile, or at least as sultry of a smile as I could muster. “No.”

He was better at the sultry thing. In fact, he made it look natural and effortless. “That’s it? No insightful details into your delightsome and alluring personality to entice me into asking you out?”

I laughed. “My friend dragged me here to torture me. HE wants me to get out of the house more and sees it as his personal mission to see it happen.”

“Brother?” His eyes sparked.

“Friend. Annoying life-long friend.”

The sparks in his eyes heated. “Perfect.”

Come back next week for more of Naomi!

Kali ~Part 3~

To read more of Kali’s story click here: Part 1 & Part 2

Settling down on the large overstuffed sofa, Kali couldn’t decide whether to smile or scowl over toward the kitchen where she could hear Dillon moving around. With a sigh, she pulled the thick blanket onto her. With only the lamp next to her, the small living room felt cozy and almost romantic. Her mom and Mrs Anders had definitely done their research to find a cabin where they wouldn’t be able to avoid each other. They’d even managed to manipulate their transportation so that neither of them could leave before the weekend was over.

Kali cleared her throat and shifted the blanket once again. 

“When was the last time you snuggled up to watch a movie?” Dillon entered the room with a large tray laden down with two small cups that were almost the size of shot glasses and a porcelain gravy boat filled to the brim with liquid chocolate. At her raised eyebrow he shrugged. “It was all I could find. Well, it was this or mugs the size of soup bowls.”

With a nod, Kali moved the blanket covering her feet to show him where he was going to sit. “That’s fine. I’ve missed your chocolate.” 

He set the tray on the empty coffee table and plopped down almost on top of her. The weight of him forced out a little oof before she slugged him.

“What was that for?” She moaned.

He moved off her and laid his arm around her shoulders, settling in next to her. “Encouragement.”

“Encouragement for what?” Her bafflement was apparent. “To pummel you and call off the deal?”

“No.” He squeezed her shoulder as he turned on the tv. “You never answered my question. And before you have a chance to avoid it, our deal has officially started and I will be counting any kisses from here on out.”

“You agreed to a friend movie night with no kissing, Dillon Anders.”

He shrugged, nudging his shoulder against hers. “One, the movie hasn’t started yet. And two, I have all weekend. Answer the question.”

“You never could bear to lose at anything. Now, what question are you going on about? If I wanted a toe curling kiss?” Kali scoffed even as she blushed. “This is not the way to convince me otherwise. Besides, I thought I answered that question very clearly when I said no kissing.”

Dillon propped himself up on his elbow, placing his sly happy grin closer to her face. He cleared his throat. “I wasn’t talking about kissing, Kali. You brought that up. And this no kissing deal of yours only lasts until the movie ends and then its game on in the kissing department.”

Kali wanted to move back but her stubbornness wouldn’t let her retreat, so she rolled her eyes instead. “I’ll be sure to push the dresser in front of my door.”

He wiggled his eyebrows at her until she burst out laughing, which resulted in an all-out tickle fight that lasted through the opening previews and credits.

Finally he pinned her arms to her sides with a wide grin. “Now, you will answer the question.”

“What question?” She couldn’t stop laughing.

“When was the last time you snuggled and watched a movie?”

Her laugh quieted then stopped. “Maybe I was avoiding that question.”

“Which makes me all the more curious about the answer. You know how nosy I can be.” He pulled her into his chest and leaned back into the couch. “Did you have a bad experience? Bad memory? Or was it a dating tradition with one of your exes and that’s why you’re avoiding it? I’m not like our moms, I don’t mind if you tell me about other guys.” He winked.

“Let’s just watch the movie.” She pleaded softly, training her eyes on the tv.

“Kali.” Dillon softly tugged her chin to have her look up at him. 

With a slow sigh she let him guide her gaze up. “It’s just been a while.”

“A while?”

“Yes.”

“If I told you how long it’s been for me, would you do the same?” He whispered, glancing over at where the movie was playing.

Kali nodded.

His eyes locked on hers. “I haven’t snuggled and watched a movie with a girl since our last movie night when we fell asleep.”

“At all?” Kali shook her head. “I distinctly remember my mom going on and on about that one girl, Jamie I think, and how she was stealing you away from me because she would let you kiss her while you watched movies. I never heard the end of it.”

“Jamie?”

“Yes. Jamie. She lived down the street.”

Dillon chuckled. “I remember who Jamie is. I just never dated her. My mom invited her over for dinner a few times my sophomore year but that girl got on my nerves. I don’t even want to talk about her.”

With a small gulp, Kali peered up into Dillon’s face. “You really haven’t done this with anyone else?”

He shook his head slowly, his warm gaze never leaving hers. “It was our thing. And I couldn’t have our last movie night be waking up to my mom taking pictures while both our moms went on and on about cute grandbabies and a spring wedding as soon as we graduated.”

“I remember. I woke up and screamed at them that it was never going to happen.” With a gulp, Kali nodded at the tv. “We were watching this same movie. Do you carry this movie around just in case I might be around to finish watching it with you?”

“Kali, you didn’t even look back when you stormed out of the room. That night, I lost my best friend.”

Sitting up straight, Kali shook head. “I had to. You understand that, right? I wanted to live, date, make mistakes, fall in love, break hearts, go to college, all of it. My mom had me married off and making babies before I had ever had a boyfriend.”

Dillon pulled her back into him, hugging her tight and settling back into the couch, holding her like he always had during all their movie nights in high school. “I understand. And a part of me did then too. It just hurt. I’ve missed you.”

Kali sniffed, trying to hide the lone tear snaking its way down her face. “I’ve missed you too. I just hate being told what to do.”

“I know.” 

Halfway through the movie Dillon whispered into her ear as she was fading towards sleep. “I’m going to kiss you Kali Richards, until you can’t think of anyone but me. 200 times and more.”

Come back next week for a new story!

Kali ~Part 2~

If you want to go back and read the first short story Kali was in, click here!

Kali scowled over at where Dillon had easily withdrawn, her lips still a little tingly from his sneaky kiss. He had begun pulling out everything he needed to make homemade drinking chocolate. 

“That kiss does not count. I didn’t agree.” She folded her arms and fought back the urge to go over and snatch the chocolate away from him. However, her rational brain was not letting her emotions trick her into getting too close to him before some rules were put in place.

He glanced over and shrugged, a smile dancing in his eyes. “Is this your way of agreeing and getting me to kiss you even more? Need I remind you that you are the one trying to not be kissed this weekend?” 

His wink had her insides mushing a little. She disguised her almost gulp as a huff.

Dillon stopped gathering supplies and speared her with a smile that was much different than any other one she ever recalled him directing her way ever before. It was almost charming. “I’m going to assume that you still like drinking chocolate better than that watery hot chocolate crap.”

No, charming wasn’t the right word. It was more than that. She stared at him as her brain struggled to put a more fitting word to it. Not flirting. Not daring. Alluring? Yep. He had never, ever tried to draw her in before.

She stayed where he had left her and watched him work. As he moved to pull out the pot and light the stove, she moved a step further away. If he was planning to sneak in any more kisses like he had the last two, she was going to have to maintain a safer distance from his lips…him.

“So why haven’t I seen you around anymore, Kali?” Dillon laughed a little as he stepped back over to his gathered ingredients. “I know it isn’t because our families are seeing any less of each other. Your mom is pestering me about my grades and my social life as much as my mom is. Both of them get all riled whenever I tell them about any girl I date or even look at because it isn’t you I’m talking about.”

Kali huffed a laugh and flicked on the stove, setting the cream to heating, forgetting her need for distance. “I’ve been actively avoiding all things Anders. Especially their twerp of a son. It was working pretty well.”

“Until today.”

“True.” She watched as Dillon spun in another circle and laughed. “Dillon, are you lost?”

“Ha ha. I was looking for a glass bowl.” He stuck his tongue out at her.

She shrugged. “Don’t ask me. It’s not my cabin.”

“Do you want chocolate or not?” He began opening every cupboard.

With a dramatic sigh, she threw open the cupboard nearest her and leaned down to peer in. “It isn’t here.” 

His voice came from directly behind her. “You sure?”

She shot up straight and turned to glare at him. Instead, she found herself in a quick peck of a kiss. 

“Does that count as one?” He laughed as he moved in closer. “Or should I try again and be less sneaky so you know it’s definitely a kiss? Either way, I’m up for the challenge. What’s my tally up to? 5?”

“None! Those haven’t counted. You are going to extreme measures in order to get a girlfriend, Mister.” She squinted up at him. “Or is this to finally get our mothers off of the whole soulmates thing? ‘Cause kissing seems like the opposite direction.”

He shrugged and moved away, once again looking for the bowl. “Or maybe I just like winning. And if we haven’t started counting yet, when will we? Because I’m beginning to think you are just angling for free kisses.”

“ Free kisses! From you? You are the one that made this bet…deal…thing up! I haven’t agreed.” Kali threw open the next cupboard and it took her several seconds before she realized that she was glaring at a small glass bowl. “Found one.”

When he moved to take it, Kali stepped further away. “How badly do you want this bowl?”

“What?” His grin broadened as his arms went out wide. “You want a real toe curling kiss? Cause that can be arranged, even if you didn’t have the bowl. Or are you teasing me?”

She shook her head. “Taunting, maybe. However, I did not say anything about kissing.”

“Then what do you want in exchange for that bowl?” His eyes were twinkling as he remained there, only inches from fully pressing her up against the counter.

With the cabinets open next to her, she was boxed in even though he was still not touching her at all. She immediately hid the bowl behind her. 

She saw her error too late. Dillon took an easy step forward and wrapped his arms around her, effectively pinning her arms behind her. His grip wasn’t tight. In fact, she was pretty sure he would let go if she attempted to break free at all. Her skin tingled slightly as his arms softly brushed against hers.

“If I agree to cuddle on the couch and watch a Jane Austen movie with you, can I have the bowl?” His breath sent wisps of air across her neck.

Her mouth dropped open. “How?”

A blush crept up his neck slightly before disappearing again as he shrugged. “I know all sorts of things about you.”

“My mother?”

He nodded.

Kali hesitated still. It had been a long time since she had some good solid friend time, snuggled up watching a movie. For a brief instant she thought back to when she and Dillon used to do that very thing, back before their mother’s had decided they were soulmates and began pushing. “We used to be friends.” She whispered. 

He chuckled. “Kali, you were my best friend. I hated our moms for a long time for what they did. I lost my best friend to their conniving.”

“Ok.”

“Ok what?” His forehead wrinkled in confusion.

She nodded and looked up at him. “I will give you the bowl in exchange for a friend movie night…with no kissing.”

He whooped and pulled away. “Best deal I’ve ever made. Done! Let’s make chocolate.”

Come back next week for another snippet of Kali and Dillon and their kissing contest!

Kali

Suitcases thunked to the ground. “Dillon Josiah Anders. Please tell me you had nothing to do with my mother dragging me out into this middle of nowhere cabin and locking me inside with you.”

Dillon turned abruptly. “Kali? What are you doing here?”

She halted her angry march across the room and stood still. “You didn’t plan this?”

“No.” He laughed. “I was told that I was meeting my brother here for a quick hang out. Then we were supposed to spend the rest of the weekend skiing.”

“It’s Thursday. Don’t you work?”

He plopped into a large leather armchair. “Yes. But not until Monday. I took today and tomorrow off to get in some good brother bonding time. I’m guessing that won’t be happening. Unless he came with you?” His eyebrow raised.

“Ugh!” Kali screamed. “No.”

“What’s it been? 3 years?” Dillon leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “Maybe it’s time for us to catch up.”

She stomped right up to where he was lounging on the large black sofa, hands on her hips. “You know very well our mothers have been plotting, scheming, and dreaming for the two of us to somehow magically fall in love and get married so they can be related and have grandbabies together.”

He lazily raised his head to meet her glare with a firm and steady gaze. “And?”

“So they’ve trapped us here!”

He simply looked at her as she glared.

“Doesn’t that bother you?” She demanded.

“No.” He smiled his lazy charming smile up at her. It was the same one he used to give her when he’d tossed her toys out the window and into the snow. She hadn’t found them until spring.

Kali kicked the couch. “What? Do you enjoy being manipulated and prodded?”

“No.” He sat up. “But the kitchen is fully stocked and I don’t hate you. So I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t relax, kick back, and enjoy a free vacation courtesy of our mother’s obsession. Unless you’re planning to fall in love with me. Then we would have a problem and I would be forced to exile you to one of the small little rooms in the basement.”

Huffing and folding her arms because she didn’t know what else to do with them, she continued to glare. “I am not going to fall in love with you, Mr. Anders. You are a complete stranger to me.”

He shrugged and stood. “Strangers meet and fall in love all the time, Kali. That aside, come check out the kitchen.” He was almost out of the room before he glanced back at her. “And I know it’s been a long time but I still go by Dillon.”

Putting on her sweetest smile she laughed. “From what I remember you like to be called Danny, or was it pudding pop. Isn’t that what Irene called you after you kissed her on my doorstep?”

He let out a full-bodied laugh. “I had forgotten about that night. That was funny.”

“She was heartbroken when you broke up with her two days later.” Kali folded her arms. “What excuse did you give her? I was just trying to bug my neighbor? Or something vague like ‘we are just moving down different paths’?”

“Hey, give me a break. My mom was coming down on me hard to date you. So my rebellion was wrongfully aimed your way. Can’t you move past that? We are adults now.”

“You egged my car.”

He walked into the kitchen, calling back to her “You can’t prove that was me.”

“Why would I need proof? You aren’t denying it. And what about the time you convinced my first boyfriend, the guy I had been crushing on all year, that I was a bad kisser? You had no basis for that. I am not a bad kisser.”

Kali stormed into the kitchen after him, determined to face him while she was finally getting a few things out into the open.

She wasn’t expecting him to swoop in behind her, spin her tight into his arms and kiss her soundly. It took several seconds for her brain to remind her that she had been in the middle of yelling at him.

“What are you doing?” She breathed unsteadily as she leaned back against the counter in shock.

“Now I know.” He gave her that smile again. 

Her knees twitched and her pulse skittered. “Know what?” Her eyes narrowed when she realized what he had said.

“How wrong I was.” He didn’t look away, the intensity of his gaze sharpening his vivid golden brown eyes. “You are not a bad kisser. I’ll go apologize to whatever his name was and inform him that I was wrong. Maybe I can even arrange for you to go on a date together.”

She glared at him, opening her mouth to finish yelling at him, but he cut her off.

“And I changed my mind. You are more than welcome to fall in love with me this weekend if it means I get to keep kissing you like that.” He smirked.

She pointed at him, her finger slamming into her chest. “Don’t do that again.”

“What?” His hands went out. “Admit when I am wrong?”

“No. Don’t kiss me again.” She almost stumbled over the words.

With one step he pressed her softly into the counter. “Why not?”

Kali’s mouth hung open. “I…”

“Please, Kali.” He smiled as his face drew closer. Temptingly close.

“What?”

“One more kiss.” His arms went around her.

Her brain finally showed up. “What? No!” And she pushed him away.

“This might be a fun weekend after all.” Dillon leaned on the counter next to her. “I quite enjoyed kissing you. And you know how much I love a good challenge. So how about this…if I don’t manage to kiss you more than 200 times this weekend I will forever leave you alone, no matter what any of our parents or friends say. Not even a good car egging opportunity.”

Kali folded her arms. “And if you do?”

“You will agree to happily be my girlfriend for at least 3 months.”

“No.”

He shot her a smile as he sauntered over to the fridge. “Kali, if I manage to get that many kisses in, I can practically guarantee that you will be thrilled to be my girlfriend for any amount of time. But if you think about it, one way or another it will finalize the potentiality of a relationship between us for our parents.”

“True.” She was deep in thought, when he once again swooped in out of nowhere, pulled her in, and gave her a short sweet kiss.

“One.”

Come back next week to read more of Kali’s cabin trip with Dillon.