by Mary Smith
“You squashed my brownie,” she growled at his shoes as if they would respond.
“Oh shit. Oh man. Oh shit.” He hopped off the bag and did a small dance as if he had been walking on hot stones.
Taking a step back, Mikayla wondered what meds he took as he repeated his apology over and over. Glancing at him, she knew his three-piece suit didn’t come off some rack at the mall. Nor did his wool dress coat. He even carried a leather laptop bag. His coal black hair had the styled bedhead going on.
“Let me pay for everything.” He finally stopped jumping around and focused on her. “Shit, you’re beautiful.”
Now, most females would say thank you for the compliment. But then there was Mikayla, who lost her brownie and coffee.
“You slam into me, causing me to drop all my stuff, you ruin my shirt and you say I’m pretty?” She shot daggers at him as rage began to pulse through her.
“I said you were beautiful, and I would pay you for the trouble I caused,” he corrected her, flashing a smile.
Studying his square jaw, peppered with a five o’clock shadow, he had handsome features. “Don’t think you can flash your capped teeth at me.”
His smile faltered. “Here.” He reached into his inside pocket. “I don’t carry cash but send me the bill for a new shirt and what you spent on your coffee.” He handed her a business card.
Angrily, she ripped it from his hand.
“May I have your name?” he asked apprehensively.
“Mikayla ‘Non-Caffeinated’ Cramer.” She smirked as she bent down, picked up the trash, and turned away from him. Instead of going to the library she headed to her car and home.
Mikayla’s foul mood faded away after a shower and a couple of hours working on her jewelry. Her new hobby came to her because of YouTube. She spent time on there searching for new knitting ideas and/or techniques. After watching several videos and taking a lot of notes, she tried making some earrings. Feeling accomplished, she moved on to necklaces. Soon thereafter, she posted them on her Esty store.
As the afternoon passed, Elexis had been in the office, working, and Mikayla didn’t want to disturb her. She decided to go over to Shade and Jenessa’s house. When she moved to New Hampshire to help Jenessa, her sister closed her off. Mikayla never backed down from a fight, and she wanted her sister back.
Instead of knocking on the door, she punched in a code on the keypad and strolled in, announcing her presence.
“In here,” Shade called from the kitchen.
Mikayla took a seat on the stool at the breakfast bar. Shade Wooten stood six foot two and built like a hockey god. His golden-brown hair matched his eyes. She knew women threw themselves at him, but his love and soul belonged to Jenessa.
“What are you up to?” he asked, pouring himself a glass of water.
“Having a crazy day and I thought I’d come bug my sister.” She glanced around trying to figure out if she was close by. “Where she at?”
“Upstairs.” He sipped his water.
“Is she talking to anyone?”
“Not to me.”
“Figures.” Mikayla rolled her eyes. Jenessa had—pretty much—pushed Shade out of her life. When she lived here, it felt like those two were just roommates and not married.
“It’s fine.” He shrugged as if it didn’t bother him, but it did.
“How did practice go today?” Changing topics to hockey brought a small smile to his face.
“Good. We’re only four points from a wildcard spot.”
“Wow, considering how this season has gone, that’s amazing.” The Bears had numerous bumps in the season which should have caused them all to crash and burn.
“It’s all thanks to Dag and Jarvis.”
Mikayla stiffened at the mere mention of his name. She’d done well not thinking about him since this morning. Keeping her face expressionless and emotionless and remaining calm she said, “You helped too. You are having a great season as well.”
“Thanks,” he said gratefully.
Jenessa strolled into the kitchen wearing a pair of black leggings and an ivory cable sweater Mikayla made her a couple of years ago.
“What are you doing here?” Her question came with a glare at Mikayla.
“Hey, sis, how the hell are you?” She gave Jenessa the brightest smile but laced the question with sarcasm.
Jenessa turned her back as the answer to the question and opened the fridge. “Are you staying for dinner?”
“Are you cooking?” Mikayla’s stomach flipped in protest.
Slamming a package of chicken onto the counter, she answered, “Yes.”
Flicking her gaze over at Shade, his face turned green, like hers. Jenessa had many great qualities, and talent, but cooking wasn’t one of them.
“I’ll pass,” Mikayla said.
These two words set Jenessa into a fit. “So, I’m good enough for you to mooch from when you lived here—rent free. I’m good enough for you to call and bother all the time. Shade’s good enough for you to take his money for your tuition and books. However, I’m not good enough for you to eat the food I cook.”
She tried to remain calm knowing Jenessa took her pain out on others. She took swipes at Mikayla a lot.
“Jenessa.” Shade used an unusual firm tone with her. The underline meaning meant she went too far.
“Whatever,” Jenessa huffed, threw the package of chicken back into the fridge, and stormed out of the kitchen.
Feeling defeated, Mikayla’s hard exterior failed her. She only let her emotions out in private. This moment of vulnerability was rare.
“Hey.” Shade came up and stood on the other side of the breakfast bar. “She’s just…” He trailed off.
“Run out of excuses for her?” Mikayla quipped.
His answer for her was a small, sad smile.
“Yeah, me too.” She got up from the bar. “Have a good night, bro.”
Before he could stop her, she rushed out the door and went back to her place.
“You look like you’re having a rough day.” Elexis sat cross-legged on the couch.
“I am.” Mikayla fell down next to her. “What are you watching?”
Elexis told her it was a new Netflix documentary about the planet. Mikayla and she had similar tastes in some shows. Although, Mikayla’s deep obsession with true crimes and serial killers tends to make Elexis leave the room.
Knock. Knock.
Mikayla and Elexis glanced at each other. Neither of them had friends besides each other.
“Dag?”
Elexis shook her head. “No, he’s spending the evening with his sons.” She stood up and went to the door.
Watching her open it cautiously, Mikayla’s heart jumped wondering if Jarvis had come over. He never came here because she always went to him. Then again, knowing Jarvis he wouldn’t chase after her since she meant nothing more to him than a quick fuck.
“One moment.” Elexis looked at her. “It’s for you.”
Still confused, she stood and moved toward the door. When her eyes met blue-gray eyes, they were staring back at her.
“What the hell? What the hell are you doing at my house?” Her voice raised with each question.
“I apologize. I searched for you because I felt horrible about today.” It was the guy who ran into her this morning.
“How did you find me?” She could not care less about his apology. A strange man searched for her.
I have a few connections.” He smirked.
“I don’t think this is funny,” she growled. “This is the how True Crime All the Time podcasts start, or it could be a Dateline episode.”
His smile fell. “Oh, well, um…” He stammered over his words.
“What do you want?” She crossed her arms and glanced at his hands ensuring there were no weapons. She only noticed a small envelope.
“Again…um…I’m sorry and I wanted to give you this.” He handed her the envelope.
Mikayla took it. Opening it, she found
two gift cards inside. One for the campus coffee shop and one for the mall. She glanced at him again.
“Sorry, again.” He repeated with a nervous smile, turning and walking down the sidewalk.
Elexis pushed her shoulder and nodded to the guy. Mikayla forgot she had been standing next to her. Staring at the guy’s back, her legs moved on their own accord and raced toward him.
“Hey, wait.”
He turned around to face her.
“Listen, I appreciate this.” She held up the envelope. “You just threw me off coming to my house.”
He nodded. “I can understand. Personally, I thought it was going to be a nice gesture. Obviously, I didn’t think it through.”
“From a female point of view, it’s creepy,” she informed him.
“I’ll remember that for next time.” This time he gave her a full smile, showing off his handsome features.
“I don’t know your name,” she said, relaxing a tad. Although there was something telling her to keep her guard up.
“I gave you my card.” He furrowed his brow.
“I was too pissed off to look at it.”
“You were.” His smile returned. “I’m Donnie Burns.” He held out his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand. “Again, thank you for the gift cards.”
“You’re welcome.”
Silence fell between them and Mikayla couldn’t take it. She hated dead air.
“Have a great night.” She went to leave but he stopped her.
“Wait, would you like to go out on a date?”
Mikayla froze. “What?”
“I’m curious if you would like to go out on a date with me.”
Studying his face, she waited for the punchline or someone to jump out from the bushes telling her it was a prank. Nothing happened.
“Are you serious?” There couldn’t be a possible reason why he would ask her out. They were opposites. His suit probably cost as much as her car, and she liked thrift stores. He probably knew what caviar tasted like, and Mikayla had never seen it in person.
“Yes.” His answer seemed to make her unsure he was being upfront with her.
“Why?” She furrowed her brow at him. If he couldn’t answer this, then they obviously didn’t need to go anywhere together.
“Because you seem like a fun person.”
Of anything he could have said, she didn’t think he would say she was fun.
“What do you say?” he asked, sounding more confident.
Still stunned, her brain tried to remember the last time she went on a date. Maybe two years ago?
“Okay,” she blurted out in her normal firm tone. “Do you know The Latte Bean? Be there at one?”
Donnie’s smile grew. “I do know where it is, and I’ll be there.”
With the confirmation, she turned on her heels and went back to her house.
Smiling at a customer Mikayla handed out another coffee before grabbing a towel she used to wipe the counters. For being a Tuesday, which usually meant a busier day, it brought a slower trail of customers in and out.
As one o’clock approached, Janie, her boss, told her she could leave. Mikayla had a class at two but figured she’d appease Donnie with a cup of coffee which wouldn’t take long. Clearly, he wasn’t her type. He strutted around in business suits. Expensive ones. Mikayla knew they were because she’d seen all of Jarvis’s suits. None of them were under three thousand dollars. Although, Jarvis never paid for them because he modeled for numerous high-end fashion designers.
After clocking out, she gathered up her items and then ordered herself an iced coffee. She found a table and pulled out her business law book. She had an upcoming test. Feeling confident she knew the material, she just wanted to refresh herself. Lost in the study guides and chapter summaries, she didn’t realize Donnie walked in and purchased his own coffee.
“The point of this date was for me to buy your coffee.”
His voice made her jerk and look up at him. “Then I guess you’ll get the next round.” Even though she couldn’t promise a next round.
Donnie gave her a smirk. As he sat down, unbuttoning the button on yet another expensive suit, she noticed how built his chest appeared. Mikayla liked a strong chest.
“Then I promise to buy the second round.” He tipped his cup to her. “What are you reading?”
Closing the textbook she showed him the cover.
“Business law. Future lawyer or future MBA?” he questioned.
“Future entrepreneur,” she stated. “I’m a business marketing major. I want to learn how to grow a successful business.”
“Fascinating. What kind of business do you want to run?”
For a split second Jarvis flashed through her mind. Many years ago, when they used to talk, he had asked the same question. She had confessed it all to him because there was a connection with them. Now, he was just a guy from her past.
“I have an Esty store. However, I want to grow my products and gain more customers.”
“Are the products a secret?” He pushed his hand through his hair giving it a fluff. It added to his sexy bedhead appearance.
“I knit and make jewelry.” She waited for the same shocked expression she receives from everyone when she tells them. From him…nothing.
“Homemade items and small businesses, especially internet-based, are a strong economic source. Do you do well with marketing?”
His comment stunned her, and she had to think about her answer. “Um…I do pretty good. I purchase Facebook ads, travel to craft shows and flea markets.”
“There are numerous knitting conventions. You should try to secure a table? If you’re able to afford it try to become a sponsor as well. It’ll get your name out there more.”
“I never thought of that.” She felt dumbfounded by the frank advice he gave her. “Are you a knitting connoisseur?”
Donnie laughed. “Hardly. I just happen to know a thing or two about start-up businesses and getting your name out there.”
“Do tell.” She leaned on the table interested in how he became all knowledgeable in business marketing.
“You still didn’t read my card, did you?” He gave her a friendly glare.
“Maybe I did, but I’d like to hear it from you.” In truth, she couldn’t find the card.
He knew she was lying but played along. “I’m a business consultant. People or companies hire me to come in and do an overhaul to get them back on top.
Mikayla was impressed. “Wow. You have looks and a brain. I should say you’re a lucky man, but you did run into me, so we’re not there yet.” She sucked in a breath through her teeth, shaking her head in feigned disappointment.
This made Donnie laugh again. “I apologize for being a let down on making a memorable first impression.”
Lifting one shoulder and pursing her lips, she said in a friendly tone, “Maybe you can make it up to me?”
“How so?” Now, he leaned in closer waiting on the edge for her answer.
“You can tell me your rates and help me grow my business.” Normally, she’d answer with a sexual comment. However, she was turning over a new leaf and he had to be good at his job.
“My rates?” By his expression, he expected something else. He sat back, thinking for several seconds.
“Are you not allowed to consult students?”
Donnie’s faced turned to confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Well, you might be a consultant, but you’re also a professor, right?” She watched relief wash over his face.
“I’m on campus as a guest speaker a lot. I’m not contracted through the university.” Again, he leaned toward her.
“Oh, I assumed you might be.”
“I get it but no. I’m a plain ol’ business guy.” He tried to sound as if he didn’t have dollar signs spinning all around him.
“In a three-thousand-dollar suit,” she called him out.
He smirked. “eBay.” He pulled on the lapels.
/> “Pardon?”
“I purchase my suits from eBay and have them tailored. I’m a penny pincher.”
This statement impressed her as well. He just appeared to have money. “Oh I see. Back to my original question.”
Trying to hide his smile, he said, “One date.”
This made Mikayla laugh. “Are you trying to get a date out of me through blackmail?”
“Yes,” he quickly answered.
“Are you desperate for them?” She shot back.
“It seems lately I’ve worn some sort of repellent,” he told her with a slightly sad tone.
“Me too,” she told him honestly.
The silence filled the air before Donnie spoke up. “How about this? No date, just a fun time together that may involve food.”
“And you’ll give me some advice on how to grow my business?” She wanted all the points laid out.
“I promise.”
Mikayla thought for several seconds. “Do you like hockey?”
Chapter Two
Jarvis grunted as he pushed up his arms, raising the weighted bar over his head and placing it in the cradle.
“Damn, Richter. You okay?” Shade asked from above him.
Sitting up, he reached for the water bottle and towel on the floor beside him. He shrugged his answer.
“Come on, bro. What gives?”
As always, Jarvis needed to put on his smile and pretend everything was outstanding. “Just tired from the new girl in my bed last night.” He lied.
“What movie would I know her from?” Shade joked coming around the bench.
Standing, Jarvis stretched his arms to release some of the tension. “Do you watch my porn?” He used his best fake grin and winked.
“I know you. You only dip from the champagne end of the pool of gorgeous women.” He called him out.
He couldn’t argue with his friend. The truth was the truth. Jarvis had always been picky about where he stuck his dick. However, for the past couple of months, he had been exclusive with only one female.
Mikayla.
But…he ruined it.
“I’ll see you later.” He tapped Shade’s shoulder and rushed out to his car.
He had several important meetings he needed to get to before the game tonight. Normally, he didn’t stack up meetings on game day, but as the season began to close, he needed to start prepping his off season. Even if the Bears were able to make the playoffs, Jarvis had to get everything in order.