Forget Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 1)

by Tracey Champion

  “I’m Jordan, by the way, and you are?” He took a seat across from me. Jordan held out his hand for me, and I took it. When our hands touched, I felt what could only be described as an electric current pass between us.

  “Cara, and thank you, you didn’t have to buy me lunch. I will pay you back.” I was shocked when he let out a laugh.

  “First off Cara, I was glad to buy you lunch. Second, you don’t need to pay me back. If you try, I won’t take it. Call it a case of good manners, and leave it at that.” Oh. I guess I could be okay with that. He just stared at me with his bright blue eyes. I wanted to take a picture so I could make sure the color was real.

  “Thank you again.” I knew I should probably say more, but for the life of me the words just would not come out. I took a sip of my cherry soda, and unwrapped my sandwich. My phone chimed telling me I had fifteen minutes to get back to work. “Oh, I should probably take this back to work with me, or I will be late. I’m so sorry. I feel like I’m being extremely rude since you bought my lunch.” It would take me ten minutes to get back to work if I was lucky.

  “Where do you work if you don’t mind me asking?” I told him Planners Plus, and he pulled out his phone. “Heather, please. Yes, I can hold.” Jordan was calling Heather. She was not going to be happy with me. “Heather, hi…yes, I know… I was calling to ask you a favor. I have an employee of yours, Cara, with me, and would like to keep her past her normal lunch hour. Yes. Thank you, Heather.”

  I was standing and he motioned for me to sit down, so I did. He put his phone back in his pocket and smiled at me. That smile was causing butterflies to dance in my belly.

  “Heather said it was okay for you to stay. She wanted me to tell you that you need to see her when we’re done.” I knew I was going to be in trouble. “Now, please eat and don’t worry about Heather. She may seem hard, but she’s very understanding.” I started to unwrap my sandwich again as he began to eat his. I had to force my attention to my food. There was no way I could watch him eat and eat my food too.

  “How do you know Heather?” I asked between bites. I carefully looked up at him through strands of my curly hair that had come loose from my braid.

  “She planned a party I had to work.” I felt the blush in my cheeks again. I knew I should not ask, but I had to know. “You have her number. I take it you two dated then?” I wanted to take it back when he stared at me with the straw from his cup between his lips. I started thinking about what it would be like to kiss those lips and hat caused my body to shiver.

  “No, I didn’t date Heather. She wanted me to, but she is not my type.” I could not help but think she was everyone’s type. She was perfect. Heather and Alexis were tall with shiny blond hair and green eyes. I haven’t met Mary in person, but I like to think she looked just like her sisters. Both women were thin and had very little curves.

  Then you had me. I had my long, dark curly hair and almost gray eyes. I was average height and had some natural curves. Luckily for me I liked to work out. I ran when I could and did yoga when I got home from work.

  “So Cara, tell me a little about you?” He was watching me as he asked the question.

  I was puzzled at how to answer him. “I’m not sure how you want me to answer that question.” I studied him as he sat there thinking.

  “Okay, tell me your favorite color and what you like to do for fun.” This was easy to answer. I told him pink and purple. Then I mentioned for fun I like to read or dance when I clean the house.

  “You dance when you clean?” He folded his arms over his chest. I was still eating, but he had already finished. I liked to enjoy my food. That interprets to I ate slowly.

  “Yes it was something Momma and I used to do a lot.” I stopped eating when I realized I mentioned Momma. Normally I avoided conversations that caused me to talk about her. I missed her.

  “You said was, does your mom not do that anymore.” Jordan looked as if he was trying to read me. I sat back away from the rest of my sandwich and took a deep breath. I opened up this line of questioning, so I was going to have to answer him.

  “No, she can’t. She died when I was twelve. She got sick and was hospitalized. She never woke up. I normally don’t like to talk about her.” I tried to tell myself this was no place to start crying over things that cannot be fixed.

  “I’m sorry I should not have asked. I didn’t mean to upset you.” For some odd reason hearing Jordan apologize to me sounded wrong. It wasn’t his fault for asking a simple question. I told him not to worry about it.

  We spent some more time talking. Mostly it was him asking me questions. He even asked me if I was allergic to anything. I told him I was allergic to milk because too much made my skin itch. He told me he was allergic to stupid. I ended up laughing so hard my sides hurt.

  I was able to get in a few questions, but not as many as he did. I really was enjoying myself. Jordan came off as a really nice guy. I couldn’t help myself from thinking that him being extremely hot was just an added bonus. He seemed smart, funny, and very kind. I was beginning to like Jordan.

  He was nice enough to walk me back to work. “Can I see your phone?” I reached into my purse for my cell phone, curious as to why he asked for it. I saw him start to dial a number and heard his phone go off. “Now you have my number, and I have yours. Call me sometime. I would really like to see you again. I enjoyed lunch.” I just told him okay. Without any warning, he leaned toward me and kissed me on the cheek. I felt like I was floating when I walked inside the building.

  I had just reached the elevator when I felt an arm around me. “Who in God’s name is that sexy man you were with doll face?” I turned around to see Aaron. His face was lit up like a freaking Christmas tree.

  “Aaron, that man’s name is Jordan, and we had lunch together.” I ended up having to tell Aaron about forgetting my wallet at home and how Jordan bought me lunch. I told him the whole story. He was really excited and by the time we reached my desk, I missed seeing Heather.

  “Cara, my office please.” She looked mad. I knew it was directed at me. I walked into her office, and she told me to take a seat. I should never have allowed Jordan to talk to her. I should have come back to work.

  “Cara, I was going over your work today. Karen has the last two files she was working on, but I didn’t see any on your desk.” Oh, I sighed, she wasn’t mad at me over Jordan this was work related. I had a great explanation.

  “I finished before lunch. Alexis told me that when it gets busy, I can put on my headphones to work. I did and was able to enter all the information, so when I finished I put away the customer files that I was working on. The task was easier without the extra distractions.” Heather was looking at me. She no longer seemed upset, but rather pleased.

  “Well, then Cara that answers my question. Since we have nothing left for you to do today, you are welcome to go home. You will be paid for a full day’s work.” She smiled at me, and I was pleased to have some time to collect my thoughts “Cara from now on you can continue to work like you did today with your headphones on. I’m very pleased that you are done. I will see you tomorrow and enjoy the rest of your day.”

  I’m shocked she even noticed my work today. I wonder if Karen mentioned anything to her. I’ve been here almost a year, but Heather and Alexis are always busy with clients. I’m thankful she took notice of my productivity.

  I did enjoy the rest of my day. I got my paperback copy in the mail of Bright Side. The book looked pretty on my bookshelf. I finished cleaning my apartment and spent way too much time thinking about Jordan. I wanted to see him again.

  I ended up taking a hot shower to calm my nerves. The shower was no help. I read a few pages of a book I had purchased and then had to put the book away. I was officially horny. My normal tank top and panties that I slept in were getting in my way. All I could think about was those amazingly sexy blue eyes Jordan had.

  As I was lying on my bed, I started to imagine what it would be like to have a man like Jord
an kiss me. I reached my left hand up my top and started to play with my breast. I pinched my nipple, but it was doing nothing to relieve the heavy ache.

  I started thinking about Jordan’s big hands being mine. That it was him touching me. I had to close my legs to help with the ache that was starting to gather there too. I continued to play with my breast giving equal attention to both. The ache was starting to subside, and I was feeling immense pleasure.

  I pictured him above me. I started to wish I had some real experience to go by instead of what I read in books. I continued to imagine that my hand playing with my boobs were his. I ran my right hand down my stomach and into my panties.

  I had touched myself before to reach an orgasm, this was nothing new. The only thing different was I had a real man to fantasize over. I began to rub my clit. My panties were already noticeably wet. I closed my eyes picturing Jordan touching me and felt the start of my orgasm. I had never reached one this fast. I pressed a little harder on my clit and then slipped a finger inside of me. I normally never fingered myself, and I wasn’t going to start now.

  When my finger was wet enough, I pulled it out using it to rub my clit faster imagining Jordan touching me and kissing me. My body started to feel warm, and I felt a tingle crawl up my back.

  I was so close to the delicious orgasm I was chasing. I pinched my nipple and that was all it took. My whole body felt like it had caught fire. I tried to continue rubbing my clit to hold on to the pleasure coursing through my body, but the lightest touch was too much. I just closed my legs and rode the wave.

  I felt sated and tired. That was my first intense orgasm. I walked into my bathroom to clean myself and to wash my hands. I ended up taking another shower.

  By the time I went to bed, I was miserable and lonely. I wanted more than anything to have a man in my life. I decided that tomorrow I would talk to Amber about Jordan. If I were lucky, she would help me figure out a way to let go of my shyness and take the chance and ask him out.

  Finally, I fell asleep hoping he would say yes to me.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Friday passed by quickly. Alexis handed me some new customer files to start adding into the system. The office was slightly busy today. They were getting ready for the upcoming weekend events. I just took this as my cue to plug in my headphones and plug away at the files in front of me.

  I was finished by noon and had the files back in the filing room. I asked Alexis if she had anything else for me and she said no. I decided to walk through the office just to check on veryone and make sure nothing was left undone. When I spotted Heather at my desk, she had a big smile on her face.

  “Is there anything else I can do Heather?” She looked at me and then looked around the office. “That is why I am here Cara. You are done again for the day. There is nothing more for you since everything will come from this weekend. You are welcome to go home.” I smiled and thanked her.

  When I got to my car, I called Amber. She was excited that I was off early and told me to text my address. Then she told me to be ready by 2:30 pm. When the call ended I texted her the address and rushed home. Luckily, traffic wasn’t bad and I made it home in no time.

  I decided to take a shower and washed my hair, I styled my hair, leaving it loose. I let the curls hang free. I added a little makeup, natural colors, and my pink, shiny lip gloss.

  Amber told me it was a normal hangout for everyone. I decided to wear my short white dress that had hot pink flowers. I even grabbed my matching open-toed high heels. I was in love with these high heels only because they were hot pink.

  The time was almost 2:00pm, and I needed to eat something, so I made myself a piece of toast and peanut butter. I was grabbing my iPad when my phone chimed. Amber was telling me she was running early. Thankfully, I was ready.

  She arrived seconds after I got the text message. I grabbed my purse and headed out with Amber. She began to complain about how she felt uncomfortable at my apartment building saying she felt it was an unsafe area and would worry about me. I told her I was okay and that I liked my independence.

  I was surprised to see the car she drove; a bright blue Camaro. I had to ask about the beautiful car. “The car was a mess when my dad bought it for me. A little love from me, my dad, big brother, and you get, Cami.” I was surprised to hear she had named her car.

  The drive to Jessica and Nate’s was a little long and I took the time to tell Amber about Jordan. I told her all about the lunch and how he paid for it. I told her how he was incredibly tall and had gorgeous blue eyes.

  Amber asked me a few questions about Jordan, and I couldn’t tell if she was excited for me or analyzing what I was telling her. I was happy to be able to share this with her.

  After a little while, we pulled up to an older three-story house. The actual house was two stories with what looked to be windows to a basement. Amber parked in the driveway and looked around, but there were no other cars. I guessed were early.

  “This guy you were talking about earlier, what was his name?” Amber hesitated as she asked. I thought back to see if I had mentioned it.

  “Jordan. I was thinking of asking him out to lunch next week. I figure that I could make up for the lunch he bought me. He gave me his phone number before he kissed my cheek.” I was nervous and rambling like a fool.

  “Cara, I don’t want to burst your bubble, but I think you described my brother.” She paused and looked pained. “Jordan has a girlfriend. Her name is Hanna, and they have been together for almost a year. If you are talking about my brother and I hope you aren’t, then I’m so sorry.”

  I realized she had never mentioned her brother by name, and now I didn’t know what to think. First I was nervous and excited about the idea of asking someone out. Now, I’m scared to death to think that the man may have a girlfriend.

  “I’m really sorry. And, hey if your Jordan is not my big brother, by all means kick my ass, call that man, and ask him out. Shit, I will give you the date money.” I just smiled at her. My stomach was starting to knot, and I was beginning to feel sick as we walked up the walkway to the front door.

  Amber knocked on the front door and walked on in. She told me it was a house rule and that we needed to find Jessica. As we walked in, the entire house smelled like cookies. Amber motioned to the kitchen, and I followed. Jessica was washing dishes when we entered.

  “Amber! You brought her, I’m so excited.” Jessica dried her hands and walked to me. She wrapped me in a big hug. “You are just in time. My last batch of cookies is almost done. We girls get to eat these.” We spent some time talking in the kitchen. After a while, a few people knocked and came in. At one point, I heard a woman’s laughter. Whoever it was didn’t join us in the kitchen.

  “Cara you have to tell me how you got Amber to read a book.” Jessica was working on her fourth double chocolate chip cookie. I liked the cookies. She mentioned she made a whole bunch more and that they were downstairs.

  “Amber noticed I was reading and asked. I only told her the name of the book. I don’t think I did anything special.”

  “Girl whatever you did you can keep on doing it. I would love to know more about this book.” We talked about Bright Side and another book that I was reading. I was enjoying spending time with Amber and Jessica. The distraction was nice.

  I was still wondering if Amber’s big brother might actually be the Jordan I met.

  Jordan

  I don’t know why Hanna was giggling when we arrived. What I did know is her laughter was getting on my nerves. She knew what we had to do tonight, and if she kept this up, I was going to have one hell of a fucking headache. Hanna started this afternoon by pissing me off. I was lost in thought about my lunch with Cara yesterday, and Hanna had to ask the million- dollar question: what was I thinking? I told her it was work related, but she wouldn’t drop it. My thoughts were no longer any of her fucking business. Right now, I’m regretting the choices I have made in my life.

  When we arrived at Nate’s, I followed the
usual routine. Jessica told us to just knock on the door loudly and then come on in. They had their home set up perfectly. The house had three stories, one more than mine. Nate was allowed to turn the third story or the basement into his man cave as he calls it. Jessica refers to the room as the party room. I don’t care what it’s called the room is pretty fucking cool.

  There is a spare bedroom and a bathroom. They had a contractor put in a mini bar that includes counter space, cabinets, a sink, and refrigerator. Nate won an argument with Jessica, and the win included adding a pool table. She got to close off the rest of their house. I never asked why but I think it had something to do with her not wanting to clean up after all of us.

  Nate even spent the money to turn a wall into a giant TV screen. He typically has the guys over to watch football games. I can’t complain. Granted seeing a game in person is nice, but a big screen isn’t that bad, plus there is always food.

  When Hanna and I walk downstairs to the den Nate is watching one of “The Fast and the Furious’ movies. I stopped keeping up with them after the second one. He has his PTSD dog, that he named Butler, at his feet. I feel bad that he needs the dog, but I get it.

  I remember when Jessica went through the entire process to obtain the therapy dog. The problem she came across was a long waiting list, and she asked me for help. I called in some favors with government agencies that my company works with, and now Nate has Butler, a specially trained chocolate brown lab.

  “Hey Nate, did you figure anything out yet?” I have him working on a job involving a missing girl. Her parents believe that she was taken for sex trafficking after they received a picture of her in the mail.

  “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Found out, the picture was sent by her fucking ass of an older boyfriend. I got local police involved, and the girl is at home with her parents. Luckily, I put a word in with Matt, who has her on an ankle monitor because she was involved with sending the picture. She’s only fourteen, and it was her idea to take the picture, but not to send it. We told her it is considered child pornography since she is under the age of eighteen and the picture was sexual in nature, just to scare the crap out of her. We could get the boyfriend for the photo, but the DA says it’s not worth the trouble.” Nate says all this as I sit in a chair across from him. He hates cases involving missing children. I can’t blame him for wanting to scare the girl straight.