Contents
Blurb
Title Page
Copyright
Also by Daisy Prescott
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
It’s Christmastime on Whidbey.
Join the holiday fun with the characters from Daisy’s Wingmen and Modern Love Stories series.
You never know who will show up at the annual Sip ’n Stroll in Langley.
Someone’s pregnant.
Someone’s engaged.
And someone gets a puppy.
Happy Holidays!
GIVE AND TAKE
A MODERN LOVE STORY AND WINGMEN CROSSOVER SHORT
DAISY PRESCOTT
Copyright © Daisy Prescott 2015, All rights reserved.
Please do not share, copy, distribute this ARC. If you know a reviewer or blogger who may be interested in reviewing this before release day, please contact the author directly.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Lyrics from Wassail Song, c. 1850
Cover Design by Fiona Fischer
Front Cover Photo: ©pressmaster/Depositphotos.com
Proofreading: Marla Esposito at Proofing with Style
Also by Daisy Prescott
Modern Love Stories:
We Were Here (prequel to Geoducks)
Geoducks Are for Lovers
Missionary Position
Happily Ever Now (coming Winter 2017)
Next to You
A sports Rom-Com standalone
Wingmen:
Ready to Fall
Confessions of a Reformed Tom Cat
Wingmen
(a boxed set of Ready to Fall & Confessions of a Reformed Tom Cat)
Anything but Love
Better Love (coming Fall 2016)
Short Stories:
Take Two (Maggie and Gil)
Take the Cake and Run (John and Diane)
Take for Granted (Jo and Ben)
Take it Easy (Tom and Hailey plus John and Diane)
Give and Take (a crossover between Modern Love Stories and Wingmen)
Two Wingmen and a Baby (John with Tom and Hailey)
Bewitched
A magical Halloween novelette set in Salem, Massachusetts
Spellbound
A continuation of Bewitched (releasing 9/29/16)
May your love be merry and bright.
Chapter One
John
Hailey opens the small crate hidden under a blanket in the cargo area of her SUV. “He’s a Labradoodle.”
A tiny brown dustball of a puppy stumbles out and blinks at us. I pick him up and cradle him in the crook of my arm. The pup snuggles into my flannel shirt and softly nibbles the cloth. “Are you sure? He looks kind of small for eight weeks.”
“I’m sure. The breeder said he’ll get big, bigger than a normal Lab.”
I examined the puppy’s tiny paws. “Not sure about that. Aren’t you supposed to be able to tell by the size of the feet?”
“I thought that was for penises, not dogs.” She blurts out and blushes.
“I think it works for both.” I need to change the subject. No way am I talking about penis size with Hailey.
As if he knows we’re talking about him, the brown fluff ball barks. The sound is a squeaky yip.
“What are you going to name him?” I let him bite on my shirt with his sharp teeth. Those things are like tiny razors.
“I figured Tom could name him, but I’m partial to Gus.”
“Just don’t let him name the dog after his boat. One Master Baiter is enough.” I scratch the top of the dog’s head.
“Knowing him he’ll pick something like Carhartt or Stihl. He’s pretty predictable.” She tugs her knit cap down over her short hair against the chilly breeze off the bay. December at the beach is quiet and beautiful, but also cold and damp. Most of the houses are empty this time of year.
“How long do we get him for?” I pull my shirt free from the puppy’s mouth. He nips at my finger, but doesn’t draw blood. Maybe they should name him Sharky.
“I want to surprise him after the Sip ’n Stroll. I don’t think I can wait any longer than that.”
This weekend is the annual holiday event in Langley. It’s a draw for locals and tourists alike. Back in our wingmen days, Tom dubbed it the Sip ’n Troll when we’d set up at The Dog House tavern to share holiday cheer. Those days are, thankfully, long over. I think I can speak for both of us when I say our lives are better off now. Way better. Whole different world.
Nodding, I say, “I can keep him here until the weekend. I’ll put his crate upstairs in the spare room so Babe doesn’t bother him.” My Lab might not approve of a new dog in the house. Poor guy doesn’t realize just how much his world is going to change in a few months.
“Thanks, John. I know how much Tom hates surprises, but he’s been hinting about a dog for months. It was either this or another fish.”
“The one he got at the fair last summer didn’t last a weekend. Are you sure he can handle a mammal?” Poor fish was half-dead before we even finished the lumberjack competition. Tom was ridiculously proud that he won it for Hailey, he bragged to all the kids surrounding him at the duck pond game. Never mind it was a kids’ game to begin with. The man wanted a fish, he won a fish.
“Poor Orca.” Hailey frowns and pulls down the sleeves of her sweater, tucking her hands into the thick wool. “Now that we’re living together, I’ll be in charge of keeping nameless here alive.”
The puppy lifts his head at her voice and squirms in my arms. “They’re both lucky to have you.”
Hailey and I don’t spend much time together without Diane or Tom around, but I like her. The two women have become close friends, and whatever she does to manage Tom seems to be working. He’s never been happier.
“Likewise. Honestly, I can’t believe I’m living with Tom Donnely.”
“A year ago if you told me, I never would’ve believed it. Maybe if he was renting out a room.” I scratch my beard and give her a smile. “He’s not making you pay rent is he?” Tom inherited his land and built the house himself. He doesn’t have a mortgage and other than property taxes has no expenses other than utilities. But he can be cheap too.
“I tried to pay him once for a tank of propane. That didn’t end well.” She rolls her eyes at my best friend’s stubborn nature. “He’s oddly traditional when it comes to being a man and providing for his woman.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. He takes after Pops more than he’ll admit.”
“We all miss his grand-dad. Sometimes I like to think Clifford’s ghost gave Tom the kick in the ass he needed. Is that terrible of me?”
“If anyone could come back and haunt us, it would be Clifford Donnely.” I hand the puppy back to her. She nuzzles his head with her nose before putting him into the crate. Nameless burrows into the blanket and closes his eyes.
“How’s Diane feeling these days? I haven’t spoken to her since last week.”<
br />
“She’s good. Eating, sleeping more. Otherwise the same.” I don’t mention we’ve entered the crazy horny stage of her pregnancy. Now that she’s not throwing up anymore, all she wants to do is eat and have sex. If it weren’t for her giant boobs, I’d say she was turning into a super horny teenage boy.
“Look at you, John Day, married man and dad to be.” She grins at me. I’ve known Hailey most of my life, and despite the events of the past year, it’s tough not to see her as little Lori Donnely’s tough-as-nails tomboy friend.
“I could say the same thing about you, Hailey. Well, not the married or pregnant part …” I let the last part trail off. I don’t really want to discuss my best friend’s sex life with his girlfriend. Ever.
She slowly blinks her eyes and shakes her head. “No on both the last two. We’re not really going to talk about sex, are we? Please say no.”
“God, no.” I take a step back. “Nope. Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
She closes the crate door and picks it up by the handle. “On that note, I’m going to head home.” She hands me the crate and a bag of puppy food. “I was never here. We never had this conversation.”
I nod and settle the bag under my arm, holding the crate with the other hand. “What conversation?”
With a wave she walks to the front of her car.
It’s a good thing she’s leaving. Our conversations should never involve penis size or sex lives. Plus, I’d gotten too close to blowing Tom’s plans for the weekend by bringing up marriage.
* * *
Christmas has exploded all over Langley. As I pull into a parking spot on Second Street, I note that every storefront is covered with holiday greenery and festive decorations. Some windows are painted with winter scenes, including a pod of Orcas wearing Santa hats at the music store, while others have enough mistletoe draped everywhere to poison the entire town.
The holiday stroll doesn’t officially start for another hour, but I told Diane I’d meet her early. Christmas carols play through the speakers hidden under the buildings’ eaves as I make my way down the path to her Pilates studio. She bought the business from Traci this fall. Once the baby comes, she’ll need someone else to take over her classes for a while, but having her own business makes her happy, and I love anything that makes her happy.
I pause outside the building and think about how casually I just thought about the baby. My baby. Our baby. After the shock wore off, I slowly adjusted to the thought that in a few months, I’m going to be a dad. Me. With a kid. Hell, we have years before he’ll be a full blown kid. Baby.
By the way, baby is a four letter word. I’ve said a lot of four letter words over the years, but baby has become my new favorite.
Smiling at what a huge softie this whole pregnancy has made me, I shake my head and open the door to the studio. Diane sits on a mat on the floor, stretching. Her belly protrudes enough she can no longer reach her toes. With her dark hair pulled back, the mirror reflects her cleavage as she leans forward. It’s my favorite part of her ever-changing body.
She catches me staring and sits up, grinning. I swear she leans back on her hands in order to push out her chest, and tease me further. “You are so predictable, husband of mine.”
I walk over and stand in front of her. The view is even better from this angle. Her workout tank cuts low, giving me a spectacular eye-full.
“Are you going to stand there ogling my boobs, or will you help my fat ass off the floor?” Her cheeks are pink from exercise. Or the tightness in my jeans. She is almost eye level with my fly and I’m certain she can see how she affects me.
Still. Every day.
Always.
I extend both my hands and lift her up. Fat ass? Never.
I pull her to me and remind her how beautiful she is. My hand cups her head as the other supports her back, dipping her slightly as my lips find hers. I moan a little when she weaves her fingers into my hair and tugs. Her strong grip on my bicep tells me she is as turned on as I am right now. If it weren’t for the fact the glass doors are unlocked and all the lights are on, I’d take this much further right now. Forget the holiday stroll. Why didn’t I lock the door when I came in?
Her stomach rumbles. Loudly. It sounds like a motorcycle revving. Or a bear growling.
I break the kiss because I’m laughing.
She tightens her hand on my arm and pulls me back down with her fingers in my hair. Her moan is of frustration.
“Ignore the monster demanding food. Kiss me!”
I peck her lips. It’s all I can do because now I’m smiling and chuckling, and there is no way I can kiss her properly.
Her lips pout, full of disappointment. “You’re laughing at a poor pregnant woman.”
“I’m laughing that your stomach sounds like a bear. It’s my husbandly duty to feed you and worry about your ankles swelling.” I glance down to make sure her ankles aren’t swollen. From this angle, I can’t even see her ankles because of her belly.
“They’re fine. I’m fine.”
Her stomach grumbles again. This time it’s a low rumble. The mountain is angry. I pat her bump. “We’ll stop and get you a snickerdoodle at the bakery.”
“Mmm … I do love those.” She stretches up on her toes to give me a soft kiss. “You’re the most wonderful husband ever.”
I run my hands down her side and over her hips, which have also become more curvier in the last couple months. “I do what I can.”
“Let me change and I’ll be ready to go. What time are we meeting Tom and Hailey?” She steps away and heads toward the changing room.
I glance at the clock on the wall. “We’ve got about fifteen minutes before we said we’d meet them.
She stops walking and gives me a slow smile. Her tongue runs along the edge of her top teeth.
I can’t believe I’m turning this down. “We don’t have time.”
“We have plenty of time.”
I close my eyes to this temptress and exhale. On a normal evening, we’d have plenty of time for something fun, but not tonight. Not for the surprise I’ve arranged. There isn’t enough time for Diane to shower and get ready. We can’t show up smelling of sex. Not tonight.
“Are you turning down some hanky-panky?” Her mouth drops open in disbelief.
Staring at her inviting lips reminds me of the wood I’m half sporting since the kiss a few minutes ago. We wouldn’t have to have full out sex …
I’ve about convinced myself to offer a compromise, when cold air hits my back from the opening of the front door.
Should’ve locked it.
“There you are,” Hailey exclaims as she walks into the space. A knit hat covers her hair and a puffy coat makes her look like she’s wearing a sleeping bag. After unwrapping her long knit scarf, she stops, her focus bouncing between us. “Oh. Am I interrupting something?”
Beard burn has deepened the pink on Diane’s cheeks. Her hair is mostly out of its ponytail. She looks thoroughly kissed. Blushing deeper, she dashes into the small changing room and shuts the door. “Be right out!”
Hailey stares at me.
I rub my hand over my beard again.
“I was totally interrupting something! I’m so sorry.” She focuses on the window instead of meeting my eyes. “It’s cold and I’m early, so I thought I’d grab Diane and then meet up with Tom, but you’re here already, and Diane’s not changed yet, so she’s not ready, but you’re wearing your jacket and I’m not sure even what’s going on, but the look you two were giving each other could melt metal, and now I’m babbling. So this is awkward.”
I don’t know if she breathed at all while she said all that. Pretty sure she didn’t.
“It’s fine. You didn’t interrupt.”
She meets my eyes. “I don’t believe you, but okay.”
We stand there awkwardly for a minute.
“I dropped off the puppy at your house on my way over here. I also let him out, so he should be fine for a couple of hours.”
&nb
sp; “Thanks for taking him. I owe you.”
Luckily, Diane’s a fast changer. She exits the room wearing those black leggings she lives in these days and a big sweater.
Hailey makes a cooing sound like a dove when she sees her. “You got bigger this week. I think you popped.”
Is popping a good thing?
Diane doesn’t appear so sure. “Suddenly, I’m huge.” She rubs her belly and smiles down at her hand. Some weird pride or other emotion lodges itself in my throat at seeing her loving expression.
Huge softie. But I’ll deny it if anyone asks or comments.
“Where’s Tom?” I need reinforcement. I need my wingman. I stare out the glass doors. All I can see is a reflection of the three of us. It’s only five o’clock, but it’s completely dark out already.
“He’s running late, but said he’ll find us.” Hailey smiles at Diane, reaching out to touch her belly. “Can I feel?”
“Sure. Sometimes the baby kicks after I’ve been stretching. I don’t think she likes it.”
Hailey’s eyes widen. “She?”
Diane nods. “Well, this week I think she’s a she. John’s being old fashioned and doesn’t want to know the sex until the birth.”
“I’m convinced he’s a boy.” I cross my arms. Boys I can handle. Little girl? I’m not ready for that. I know too much about guys like Tom and me to be able to survive raising a girl.
The two women give me sympathetic frowns, but amusement flashes in their eyes.
“What?”
Diane flattens her expression. “Nothing, honey. Girl or boy, you’re going to be an amazing poppa.”
My neck prickles in embarrassment. This is too much.
“I’m going to stop by and check on Olaf at The Dog House before this thing starts. You know how he gets cranky when there’s going to be a big crowd and a whole hullabaloo.”
Give and Take: A Wingmen and Modern Love Stories Crossover Short (Wingmen Short Stories #3) Page 1