Virtually Yours: A Virtual Match Anthology
Page 20
He smiled. It was the first time he’d been happy to be called a moron. “You liked my emails.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t look so smug. You’re not out of the doghouse.”
“No? It sounds like I’m out in the yard to me.” And, boy, did that make him happy. Leaning down, he kissed her right on her frowning lips. “Mm, you’re too short right now.”
With a sigh, she relaxed into him. “You’re too tall right now.” And when she opened her eyes, they were bright with amusement. “I can’t believe you told me to wear my underwear on a walk with you.” Her dimpled grin was such a relief.
He hooked his hands around her thighs and dragged her legs around his waist as he carried her toward her couch. “Believe it! I don’t think I was ever as honest as I was then.”
“Well, I expect that level of honesty going forward,” she said as he sat down with her on his lap.
He kissed her lips, and then her cheek, and then her neck… “Honey, you don’t want that level of honesty. You’d slap my face on a regular basis.” He couldn’t get enough of the way she smelled, tasted, felt. His heart was still pounding from the panic he’d been in, thinking he might lose her. He could never lose her. He kissed the divot at the base of her neck.
“Mm. I love when you kiss me.” Her arms tightened around him, holding him close, holding him where he wanted to be.
“I love when you talk when I’m kissing you.” He dragged his tongue along her collarbone. She had such beautiful, soft skin.
“You’re forgetting that Chris is in the backyard.”
“Oh, I’m not forgetting that. He’ll have himself a picnic and then take himself off. He might not make a great pretend boyfriend but he can take a hint as a friend.” Straightening up, he framed her face with his hands. “Roxie, don’t give up on me.”
She smiled and brushed her lips against his. “I couldn’t. I won’t. Don’t worry, Berg. We’ll make a decent boyfriend of you yet.” Her lips trailed along his jaw to his ear and she whispered, “But, seriously, what happened with the chickens?”
Epilogue
From: Berg Cyrano
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 3:49 PM
To: Roxie@netwave.js
Subject: Hey Sweet Thing
Hey Honey,
I had that early morning final on campus so I ran out the door before I warned you that my mom wants us at family dinner on Sunday. Okay. I admit I knew about it last night but you kept distracting me. There. It’s all your fault. I hope you’re happy. She told me that you should bring something that represents your heritage. I told her you’d bring cupcakes. I don’t think she took me seriously. Have I told you how much I love you today? I bought you something to show you how much. Hurry home.
Love,
Camberg
From: Roxie
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:07 PM
To: Berg@Oorah.mar.usa
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
Berg,
I accept the blame for distracting you and I am happy. You’re not getting brownie points for using your full name you know. Your mother told me it months ago. Why do you think I finally stopped harassing you? It’s just too bad she doesn’t know the story about what happened to your Uncle Terrance. I’m not entirely convinced anything did happen to him. He’s probably living in Aruba sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them, not realizing that the whole Cyrano clan is telling stories about him.
Whatever you bought me had better not be a thinly veiled gift for yourself. And I mean that literally. That little nightie/harem outfit last time was barely worth putting on. I’ve worn germs that were thicker than that.
Oh, Chris called to tell me to tell you that he’s not coming to your family’s Christmas or Hanukkah parties if your cousin Ruth is there. Apparently she pinches his bum. Also, he wanted to make sure you’d checked with me about Rod’s bachelor party night in January. He said it was a school night and he wanted to make sure you could come out and play. What do you tell him about me?
Love,
Roxie
From: Berg Cyrano
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:21 PM
To: Roxie@netwave.js
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
Roxie babe,
I only tell him the deviant sexual things we do so don’t worry. I didn’t get you lingerie. Okay I didn’t get you ONLY lingerie. You didn’t think I’d forget today, did you? One year ago, you agreed to marry me and be my date forever to all the holiday parties my family can dream up. Even a tired old Marine can be romantic.
And I should get credit for using my full name since I had it legally changed so the only way you’d find it out is if you tore it from the mouth of the woman who birthed me. You haven’t been torturing my mother again, have you? I can only assume it was that in order for her to give up her own son. I still laugh every time I think about you grabbing the marriage license from my hand to find out my name. Your gift is something shiny.
Love,
Your husband
From: Roxie
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:33 PM
To: Berg@Oorah.mar.usa
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
Please tell me you haven’t bedazzled a body part again.
Love,
Your long-suffering wife
From: Berg Cyrano
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:51 PM
To: Roxie@netwave.js
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
It’s round and shiny.
Yours,
Me
From: Roxie
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 4:57 PM
To: Berg@Oorah.mar.usa
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
Oh. Wow. It took so long to get the glitter out of our sheets last time. Chris will never believe it unless I get a picture, and then he’ll poke his eyes out.
Yours,
Me
From: Berg Cyrano
Sent: Wednesday, December 7, 2016 5:25 PM
To: Roxie@netwave.js
Subject: RE: Hey Sweet Thing
Mrs. Cyrano,
You have a filthy mind. I just heard your car pull up. Bring that filthy mind, the ring box, and the other box on the kitchen counter, and meet me in bed. I think maybe I overdid it on the blades today. I think I’ll need parts of me massaged. They’re stiff. Did I mention you could bring your filthy mind with you?
Love,
Mr. Cyrano
Roxie: Anything else I should bring? Oh masterful one.
Berg: Just that worshipful devotion. And maybe some whipped cream.
Roxie: Maybe I’ll eat dinner first.
Berg: I can hear you out there. Don’t make me put on my legs and come grab you.
Roxie: I’m opening the bigger box. I figured I’d change into something more comfortable out here.
Berg: You’re killing me. OK. But then come in here.
Roxie: This is not more comfortable! Do we need a safe word for you? What are you wearing?
Berg: Nothing but your sandals. Now get in here.
Roxie: You’re never going to let that go.
Berg: I’ve got one of my legs on.
Roxie: LOL. Hang on. This thing has straps. It should have directions.
Berg: I’ll help you if you come in here.
Roxie: It’ll never make it on.
Berg: Roxie!
Roxie: This outfit is crazy. You’re crazy. But I love you.
Berg: You’re gorgeous. Love you too. Now get in here so I can show you.
A Note From Wendy
If you enjoyed this story, reviews are an author’s life’s blood. Please leave an honest review on Goodreads, retail sites, social media, or on blogs and spread the word. Reviews are the adult way of saying, “Just one more story please…” You can also chat with me on Twitter @Wend
ySparrow, visit me on my Author Facebook page www.facebook.com/WendySparrowAuthor/, or contact me through my website, www.WendySparrow.com.
I’ve also written other novels and novellas available right now as ebooks, including the Taming the Pack paranormal romance series.
About Wendy:
After a childhood spent wandering as a military brat, Wendy Sparrow found her home in Washington State. Her days involve convincing her two kids she knows how to properly parent and her nights showing her husband all the cool things romance authors know…or goofing around online…or reading, but mostly the first thing. She’s active in OCD and autism communities and writes on her blog to support awareness in both. With her whole heart, Wendy believes everyone deserves a happily-ever-after—especially those who feel they won’t find it. She writes their stories.
Acknowledgments
In order to write a character like Berg, I stalked you. I visited every disabled veteran’s blog I could find. I watched YouTube videos documenting your dedication and perseverance. I saw your pain, your sense of humor, your courage, and your honesty. Berg is a composite of fifty different people—all of whom were brilliant and amazing. I couldn’t possibly do you justice and any mistakes in that portrayal were definitely my own. Thank you for serving. A portion of my royalties will be donated to Fisher House Foundation.
Thank you to my husband for his continued support and for providing the joke about two chickens—around which the entire story was crafted. (No. Seriously.)
A very special thanks to Kait Nolan for inviting me to join this anthology. I’ve loved every minute of being with these other awesome authors, and it gave me a chance to write a story very close to my heart. Thank you.
Code Name: Girlfriend
A Geeked Out Novella
By Jessica Fox
Heat Level: 1 Flame
Written and published by Jessica Fox
Copyright 2016 by Jessica Fox
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: The following is a work of fiction. All people, places, and events are purely products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, places, or events is entirely coincidental.
License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
For the hive mind that pushed me to make this book happen, and the man who brought real romance to my life.
Chapter One
Caroline Grant was in over her head—literally. She was surrounded by towering stacks of boxes in the storage room at Limited Edition Comics, trying to figure out just how long it would take to make a pathway through Max’s latest haul from the publishers.
“Am I stuck in here until I’m done?” she yelled in the general direction of the sales floor. “You know I have to leave at three o’clock to get to the center!”
Max Anderson’s amused chuckle drifted back to her from the doorway. “As tempting as it would be to say yes, I know better than to try to trap the dragon in the dungeon.”
“How much did you order from Strong Man, anyway?” She pushed aside a few boxes with the white rubber toe of one hot pink sneaker. “I thought we were all ‘damn The Man, save the Empire’ around here.”
“Yeah, well, The Man pays our bills, as much as I hate to admit it. Your paycheck too, I might add. Plus, their titles aren’t all bad. The reboot of Ultimate Universe looks pretty solid!”
“Not enough beefcake in that one for my taste,” she said, gingerly picking her way through the maze of stock. “I’m not exactly the target audience for two-panel spreads featuring nothing but cleavage.”
She made it to the other side of the boxes in time to see her boss blush to the roots of his surfer-boy blond hair.
“You know that’s not why I read it,” he said. Max was so easy to rile up, which made it one of Caroline’s favorite pastimes.
“I’m just pulling your leg, dude. It’s fine.” She cocked her head to the side, smirking. “Seriously, though, you’ve gotta get laid if two panels’ worth of boobs is all the action you’re getting.”
Max pushed a hand through his hair and gave her a half-hearted glare. “I could say the same thing for you. Taking your Captain Mal standup home from the office doesn’t count as a date, you know.”
“Ouch, you wound me.” She tried to give him a scowl but couldn’t help the giggle that escaped instead. Their daily banter was one of the many reasons she would never give up her job at Limited Edition, even though Max couldn’t afford to give her full-time hours—or full-time pay, for that matter. She didn’t mind, though, because no one job was going to pay her enough to keep all her bills paid plus help out her mom until she got back on her feet. So what if she had to fill in the gaps with hours at the local women’s shelter and freelance writing gigs on the side? At least she wasn’t stuck in some corporate drone contract, living out her best years in a sterile cubicle.
“Just trying to give as good as I get,” he said, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “Nice color, by the way. It matches your shoes.”
“I’ve taught you well, grasshopper. Perhaps someday you may yet surpass the master.”
“But that day is not today?”
“Nope. Not even this week.”
She pushed past him into the main area of the store, her Converse sneakers squeaking on the black and white parquet floor. Limited Edition was Caroline’s home away from home, even when she wasn’t at work. Unlike some comics shops, where the merchandise was crammed together on small shelves in dim spaces, it was open and airy, with well-organized displays, big windows to let in plenty of natural light, and a comfortable seating area that invited customers to spend more than just a few minutes browsing.
“I’m going to do most of the inventory tonight,” Max said, following her to the front counter. “But if you can come in a little early tomorrow to finish up, I’ll tack another $50 onto your paycheck this week.”
“Done and done, bossman.” That’d cover Mom’s cell phone for the month. It was exhausting keeping up with her mom’s bills and trying to remember to pay her own, but Caroline knew her mom wouldn’t have been able to stay afloat for the last year without her help.
Max wandered over to help a customer, and she glanced at the clock over the register—just enough time to squeak in a visit to Java Jones on her way to the Stanleyville Women’s Center. She was going to need the caffeine to make it through the afternoon after being up half the night editing her latest article for the town paper. Otherwise, she would end up asleep at the front desk.
Caroline grabbed her giant leather bag from behind the counter and hefted it over her shoulder. “See ya tomorrow!”
Max looked over the customer’s shoulder and tossed her a nod. “Don’t forget inventory in the morning!”
The sidewalks around the main square were bustling for a weekday afternoon, moms with strollers mixing with college kids on skateboards and everyone in between. But the line for Java Jones was thankfully short—the baristas were like a well-oiled machine, cranking out drinks for the caffeine-addled patrons in record time.
“Large Americano, extra shot of espresso, shot of caramel, double shot of chocolate, whipped cream.” She forked over the requisite change to the barista and moved toward the edge of the counter, already salivating at the thought of the sweet respite of caffeine and sugar.
“That’s a serious drink.” The voice behind her was amused and deep.
Caroline turned over her shoulder with a grin. “I’m a serious girl.”
The owner of the voice was kind of hot, if she was honest—tall, broad shoulders
that filled out a pretty nice suit jacket, and gray eyes that smiled just as much as his mouth. And oh what a mouth it was.
“I can tell.” He said, flicking his eyes up to her riot of bright pink waves. “It was the extra shot of espresso that gave it away. You planning on sticking to the ceiling all afternoon, or will you come down for your next fix?”
She laughed. “I only wish it was enough to make that big of a difference. Honestly, I need something more like a direct IV of caffeine straight into my bloodstream if I’m going to make it through the week.”
Her drink appeared on the counter, piping hot and smelling like a little piece of heaven. She grabbed it and took a long sip, only stopping to lick the thin froth of whipped cream from her top lip.
“God, that’s good.”
Coffee Hottie’s eyes were dilated slightly in the dim light of the shop. “I wish I felt that strongly about my coffee.”
“Then you’re definitely ordering it wrong. Try it with a shot of the homemade caramel syrup. Makes the flavor rich and deep but not too sweet.” She raised her cup in a salute and took another sip. “You can thank me later.”
“I’ll remember that.” Coffee Hottie’s megawatt smile went straight to the pit of her stomach, warming it almost as much as the coffee. “Next time, your coffee’s on me.”
“What makes you think there’ll be a second date?” Caroline winked and shouldered her bag more securely. “I’m going to be late. See ya around, hotshot.”
That smile stayed with her all the way to the center. So what if she was floating a little? Guys like Coffee Hottie were safe because they were so far out of her league they might as well be in space. They didn’t look twice at a girl like Caroline. Nothing wrong with a little harmless flirtation that had no chance of going anywhere. Besides, it was still more action than Max had gotten in months.