Fortunate Encounters (The Sign Series Book 1)

by Caterina Passarelli

  Spraying whipped cream onto his massive erection gets a laugh out of him, but he lets me keep going.

  “Now look who giggles when we fuck?” I tease, which gets a smirk out of him. “I can’t forget the cherry on top,” I purr while reaching over to grab a cherry from the bowl on the floor and adding it to the cock sundae I’ve just created.

  “You better eat all of your dessert or you’ll be in real trouble, missy.” He points his finger at me.

  “Don’t call me missy while I’m hovering over your cock,” I laugh, pointing my finger back.

  How did this sexual night turn into two juveniles laughing? Normally it would be awkward to crack up during intimacy, yet I’m relaxed with Clark. I feel completely comfortable with myself and with him. This is something I can’t say for my other sexual experiences.

  Leaning further toward my ice cream creation, I lick up his shaft while getting my mouth covered in whipped cream.

  “You enjoying your treat?” Clark asks while looking down at me with mischievous eyes.

  “Delicious.” I wink.

  “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Clark teases while I wipe the excess cream off my face.

  Licking off the remaining dessert, I reveal Clark’s perfect package. When I take his manhood into my mouth and it hits the back of my throat, he hisses while grabbing a handful of my hair and pulling hard.

  “That’s it,” Clark growls.

  When he must not be able to take much more, he grabs me by the waist and flips me over onto my back.

  He pushes my dress up and over my head in a matter of seconds. He takes one of my nipples into his mouth and sucks hard before squeezing it between his teeth. I pant while scratching my nails down his muscular back.

  Clark presses his cock against my entrance. He rubs himself back and forth against my clit.

  Grabbing the back of his head, I pull him down to me. Our mouths devour each other with intense kisses. He tastes like milk chocolate ice cream.

  When I can’t take much more of his teasing, he thrusts inside of me with such force that I bite into his shoulder. I lock my legs around his waist as he continues to thrust his powerful hips.

  As my legs shake uncontrollably, he growls into my ear as we both surrender to our bodies’ pleasures and then collapse into each other’s arms on the floor.

  “You are a machine.” I let out a sigh as I catch my breath.

  “Right back at you, honey bunny,” Clark says before kissing my cheek.

  I jump out of his grasp and look at him in shock. “What did you just call me?” I shout at the top of my lungs.

  He looks confused. “What just happened? Are you out of your mind?”

  My heart races faster as he delays his answer. Did I not just hear him say the word? The magic word I asked the Universe for. I’m seeing stars and may pass out from dizziness.

  “Say what you called me again. Say it!” My hands clench into fists as my body shakes. “Say it, now!”

  Clark sits up and stares. “Do I need to call an ambulance? Are you having a mental breakdown?”

  I bolt up from the floor and knock over the bowl of cherries. “Shit. Sorry about that.” I bend down to scoop the fruit back into the bowl.

  Clark grabs my trembling hands. “Stop, it’s okay. What is happening? I’m seriously worried about you.”

  Giving the bowl to Clark, I flop back down on the floor.

  “Hey,” Clark pushes a lock of hair behind my ear. “I think I said honey bunny. Need me to say it one more time?”

  I knew it! He said bunny. He is not allowed to use my Universe word. Not yet at least.

  “I need an answer. I need an answer right now.”

  Now Clark is the one to stand up. “An answer about what?”

  Why is he stalling?

  Why can’t he answer a stupid question?

  He knows what the question is.

  “Don’t play dumb with me, honey bunny,” I say.

  “You want to know if I’m done with friends with benefits? If I want a true boyfriend-girlfriend relationship type of gig? You want to know if this date won me over?”

  There’s no way to read his emotionless face.

  Without saying a word, I nod my head and stare at him.

  “You know I’ve never done this before.”

  He’s going to say no?

  I will not beg him. I will not explain why I think we should give this a try, nor will I utter another word until he gives me a definite yes or no.

  Give me an answer.

  Clark drops down to his knees and grabs my hands. “Today was the best day I’ve had in forever. Spending time with you makes me laugh, makes me crazy, and makes me want to bend you over every surface in New York to fuck your brains out.”

  I let out a weak laugh. He still hasn’t said yes or no. If he doesn’t say something soon, he might have to call that ambulance after all.

  “This boyfriend thing—do you think I’ll be able to pull it off?”

  Well, that was not what I was expecting. But now that I think about it—will he make a good boyfriend?

  “Yes.” I speak up for the first time since demanding an answer from him.

  “Why are you so sure?”

  Now I’m the one who gets on her knees, still holding his hands. “I don’t have a damn clue if you’ll be a good boyfriend. You could be absolute shit, but I could be a bad girlfriend.” I shrug my shoulders. “I can tell you what I do know—I love spending time with you, laughing with you, making memories together, and doing dirty things around New York City. If we want to be in each other’s lives, then let’s do it. We’ll never know unless we try.”

  He smiles as I say my little speech and then looks down at our hands clenched together in our laps. “Okay. Let’s try.”

  Before I get too excited, I have a few follow up questions.

  “And to confirm, we are going to do this monogamously, correct?”

  “Yes,” he winks at me. “Monogamously. You and me, honey bunny.”

  And that’s all it takes for me to hurl my body on top of his for round three of this date. I don’t think I’ll be able to get this hot fudge out of my hair for weeks.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  A Tail As Old As Time …

  Juliette

  I stare at Clark across the room of this black-tie benefit in awe. He hates doing these things, but I enjoy it and that’s why we are here. He shows me off and brags about me, and everyone takes notice. Because of that, I’ve been able to secure Riverside, along with several underprivileged school districts, millions of dollars in donations through events with Clark. We’ve also raised money for The Prince Foundation that will be used for heart health research.

  I’d like to think we are a dynamic duo. A true power couple.

  He shoots me a “you owe me big” look as I give him a little wave and head to the bar. That’s when I run into Eve.

  “Girl, I’m so glad to see a familiar face,” she says, pulling me into a hug.

  “Wow. You look stunning!” She’s in a floor-length emerald evening gown that hugs every curve on her hourglass figure.

  “Oh stop. You look amazing too. Are you here with your boyfriend?” she asks.

  We grab the champagne the bartender passes along to us.

  “Yes, the boy toy is over there suffering,” I say laughing, pointing in his direction. “What about you?”

  Her face twists up. “No, just a random date. An extremely awful date that’s slowly killing my soul every minute that passes.”

  I still find it a shock that a woman like Eve would be suffering through the dating game. I’d assume her dates would be wildly charming, something romance novels are made out of.

  “That bad?”

  “We were set up through a mutual friend, which takes the awkwardness to another level. He is wearing a toupee, but he’s sweating so badly that it’s slipping from his head.”

  Even though it’s rude, I can’t hel
p it, I laugh, which makes Eve laugh.

  “Yep, that is bad. That’s the first I’ve heard of something like that happening.”

  “Where are all the normal guys? I feel like you’ve told me before, but I’m sorry I can’t remember. Where did you meet Clark?” she asks with genuine curiosity shimmering in her eyes. I know this look. I’ve had this look. It’s hopelessness mixed with desperation.

  “Clark is not normal,” I laugh, thinking about my lunatic boyfriend. We’ve had our fair share of triumphs and tribulations in the past year—from ridiculous disagreements as we navigated each other’s communication style to the first time he nervously told me he loved me in the pouring rain while standing outside of a movie theater. “But I do love him. Our first encounter was completely by accident, and I think the universe had a little hand it in. I feel fortunate.”

  Eve sighs. “That’s how everyone says it happens. You’ll just bump into him one day when you’re out and about—that’s what I keep hearing.” She smiles, but I know she’s frustrated by the bland advice.

  “I’ve been there. And I agree it sounds like horseshit when people tell you that over and over. Not to sound like a broken record, but it really can happen in a strange way. Keep the faith and maybe ask for a sign.”

  She looks at me like she has no clue what I’m talking about but before she can reply, a man with a bad toupee and unruly eyebrows spots us. He tries to push through the crowd.

  “Looks like it’s back to playing hide and seek. Off to find my new spot. Thanks for the pep talk, Juliette. I’ll see you Monday!”

  And with that the blonde goddess disappears into the sea of gowns and tuxedos to escape the troll running after her.

  I have no doubts Eve will land a prince one day.

  And I take this as my cue that it’s time to rescue my man.

  Slipping my arm through his, I say, “Mr. Chambers, you are needed at a very important meeting. We really should be going.”

  “Sorry, you heard the lady,” Clark says to the people hogging his attention. We all laugh as I steal him away from the group.

  Leaving behind the glitz and glamour to climb into Clark’s car brings me peace. It’s the quiet moments that we share that touch my heart. I’ve never found myself comfortable enough to enjoy the relaxed company of another person. I always needed to fill every minute with chatter, never wanting any awkward silence.

  “Am I your best friend?” I ask.

  Without hesitation, Clark says, “Of course. Am I yours?” He studies my face when we approach a red light.

  “Duh, bestie.” I lean over to kiss his cheek.

  Nothing is awkward when you are with your best friend.

  As the car comes to a stop, I realize we are right outside of Jackie’s Bar.

  “Care for a nightcap, my lady?” he teases.

  “Yes, I’d love one, good sir.” I wink and giggle.

  Another trait I never knew was repressed within me—playful affection. I used to keep everyone, men and women, at an arm’s length away. Boundaries kept me safe and protected.

  Clark opens the door to Jackie’s and we head over to our table—the one we met at by accident.

  Denise drops off a whiskey and a vodka tonic without saying a word. Yes, we are now both regulars.

  “So I was thinking,” Clark says before pausing to make sure he’s got my full attention. “We should change things up this year. I have a proposal.”

  “Oh great.” My smile fades as I swirl my drink around in my hand. “Proposals haven’t always been the smartest thing for our relationship. If you say the words friends with benefits, I’ll kick you in the nuts under this table.”

  Clark laughs as he reaches inside his tuxedo pocket.

  “No,” he says as he sets a ring box in the middle of the table as my eyes go wide. “I meant a real proposal.”

  My hands shake as I put down my drink and pick up the ring box. I can’t bring myself to open it in fear that a snake will pop out. That this is all some big prank. Clark the guy who went from “I don’t do relationships” is now proposing a lifetime together as husband and wife?

  “You afraid of that box?” Clark reaches over to help me open the box that’s resting in my palms. The most gorgeous diamond ring stares back at me. “Juliette, will you be my wife?”

  “How’s that for a proposal?” I throw my head back and laugh. “Yes!” I shriek, jumping up from my seat and running over to curl up into his lap. We share a passionate kiss until champagne bottles pop around us.

  “Congratulations!” Everyone at Jackie’s claps, smiles, and passes flutes of bubbly around. Once everyone has a glass, Denise holds hers high in the air. “To Clark and Juliette!”

  “To Clark and Juliette!” The rest of the bar repeats in a loud, celebratory fashion.

  I plant another kiss on Clark’s lips. If rainbows and unicorns could shoot from my eyes, they would right now.

  “You’ve made me the happiest girl, ever. I’m glad I sat down at the wrong table and that I accepted your sleazy proposal back then … and this beautiful one tonight.”

  Clark takes the ring from the box and slides it on to my finger.

  “See, it wasn’t so bad?” He laughs as he admires the ring he picked out. “Now let’s go home and fuck like rabbits.”

  The End

  More To Come

  Think the story ends there? Guess again!

  Juliette & Clark will make an appearance in Eve’s adventure looking for love.

  Just like Juliette, Eve visits our favorite matchmaker, Aunt Edie, and chooses a sign for her own love life.

  And her’s stings!

  Encounters In Disguise will release soon.

  For updates on the release date of Eve’s story, sign up for Caterina’s newsletter list here.

  Pay It Forward

  Did you enjoy Clark & Juliette’s story?

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  This helps readers discover new authors & means the world to me. <3 I can’t say enough about how much I cherish each and every review.

  Also by Caterina Passarelli

  Romantic Suspense Duet:

  My Mr. Beautiful

  Fighting For Mr. Beautiful

  Contemporary Romance Standalone:

  The Power of Salvation

  Romantic Comedy Standalone:

  Thirty Dates Later

  Let’s Stay Connected

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  With Love

  My amazing readers, you are the reason I keep writing! Thank you for picking up my novels, allowing me to tell my stories & sharing your favorite parts with me. I am honored to have you in my life!

  To the team of people responsible for helping me to bring this novel to life:

  Duncan Koeber for your stellar job in editing.

  Najla Qamber for designing our fifth insanely gorgeous cover. You are a miracle worker.

  To my mom & sister for proofreading this novel. And for always telling people to read my books! <3

  To the InkSlinger PR team and bloggers, thank you for helping to spread the word about this novel. I truly appreciate that support!

 

 

 
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