LOVE AT FIRST CLICK

by Jessica Caryn

  DAMON

  Chapter Two

  New York City, NY

  One month later…

  This was my last day in the city until next month. My decision to spend most of my time in Saint Louis will be good for business. I wanted the architectural firm there to be operational. I purchased a stone building in a high traffic area downtown. It had an industrial loft style interior and will be what I wanted after minimal renovations. I made sure my clients had updates on the transition. The clients near Missouri would benefit from the location. I took a sip of coffee. I always think about the woman from the bistro whenever I drink this blend. It’s been a month but I remember how shocked she was. She was beautiful and had that sexy pout… It was an accident but I still wanted a chance to make it right. I’m glad Rick called and said his wife’s friend cancelled. I agreed to meet her because it would be a good idea to know someone else in the city. I’m sure we’ll see each other at some point. I heard a light tap on my office door. I motioned to Olivia. She wore her power color. Her red dress was business casual. She knew what pleased the eyes and her wardrobe was a representation of her skill as an interior designer. She walked, well more like glided over to the leather chair. Olivia sat and crossed her legs. I knew she would put in her best effort.

  “Damon, I don’t think we need another firm.”

  “You don’t want things to change.”

  She sighed. “I hate that you know me so well.”

  “I’ll be available. I’m sure everyone will adjust.”

  “I don’t care about them, this is about me.”

  I laughed. “Olivia you’re at the top of your game.”

  “I want you here so I can stay that way.”

  “Oh, so you admit that you need supervision.”

  She crossed her arms.

  “Why don’t you keep the building in Saint Louis, it’s a great industrial space. I’ll work my magic and make it a comfortable city escape. I’ll design an office for you on the lower level in case you would like to conduct business there. I’ll also pay for all the renovations.”

  “No.” I sipped my coffee.

  “My budget will be fifty thousand.”

  “The answer is still no.”

  She cursed under her breath.

  “You’ll leave and business will decline.”

  I laughed at her statement.

  She tried not to smile.

  “Okay, new angle what about the fragile hearts you’ll break by leaving the city. This is where you belong.”

  “Olivia you know I’m from the tristate area and I’m not in a relationship with anyone. I think the women will manage.”

  “Damn it, I tried my best.” She sighed.

  “I’ll accept defeat and move onto business. I had brief conference calls with the free-lance architects in the Saint Louis area that are interested in working with you. I know three are a definite yes, the other one is questionable. He’s intent on being the primary on any projects we assign him to. Their requested pay rates are between seventy four and eight four dollars an hour.”

  “Alright send them to me, please include the…”

  My phone screen lit.

  I glanced at it and smiled.

  “What pretty vixen caused that amazing smile?”

  Olivia’s voice filled with excitement.

  “I have this new social app.” I told her.

  She clutched her chest in horror.

  “Damon, please tell me it hasn’t come to that.”

  “It’s for people new to Saint Louis.”

  She sighed in relief.

  “I thought you lost your charm.”

  “It’ll never come to that.” I chuckled.

  “Well I know you aren’t online to hook-up. So if you connected with this woman and she was able to make you smile that way via a text, I’d love to know more about her.”

  “She’s a graphic designer, has her own business, and moved to the city last year.”

  “I’m intrigued.” Olivia leaned forward.

  “No, you can’t meet her.”

  “Can I at least see her photo?”

  “We didn’t exchange them.”

  “Mysterious, I like it.”

  I laughed. “We’re online friends.”

  “Of course, so you say.” She grinned.

  “I know I’ll never hear the end of this.”

  I went to the website and entered my password.

  “Here, take a look at my profile.”

  I turned the computer monitor.

  Olivia sat on the edge of my desk.

  “Articulate Scholar 569, nice.”

  “Thanks.” I sipped my coffee.

  “You have a lot of notification alerts.”

  “I delete them because I’m not interested.”

  “This woman must be special.”

  “We’re not dating. I can call someone for sex.”

  “It has to be more than physical …”

  Her voice trailed off as she read.

  “Your profile is brilliant and all true.”

  She shook her head.

  “Of course you’d be disappointed with it.” I laughed.

  “I was hoping for a great read about an architect, who chased success and had pretty women that filled with desire at the thought of him.”

  “It’s a profile not a romance novel.”

  Olivia shrugged. “People lie on these all the time.”

  “I didn’t know you dated online.”

  “I do but my sites are way naughtier. This is standard but I’m sure people will use it for sex.”

  Her eyes scanned the profile.

  “I think your interests are great- music, art, film, and literature. Why didn’t you post your hair or eye color?”

  “Women can be superficial like men.”

  “That’s true, so can I see the woman’s profile.”

  I clicked on the notification and then her user name.

  “Curious Kitty 997, I like her already.”

  Olivia played with her gold necklace as she read.

  “I don’t know how to say this.”

  “I’m sure you will anyway.”

  “She’s perfect for you! “

  “I like her but we’re just friends.”

  Olivia stared at me.

  “Damon her profile is excellent.”

  “Thank you.” I smiled. “I didn’t find her. She sent me a message last month. We chat a lot though.”

  “Why haven’t you made a move on her?”

  I didn’t respond. She shook her head.

  “Please check out the bistro when you return to Saint Louis, if your coffee accident beauty isn’t there then it’s not meant to be. We’ve worked together for years and I hadn’t ever seen you smile at a woman like you did when you saw Curios Kitty’s message.”

  Olivia waited for me to agree.

  I nodded. She left my desk.

  “I’ll send their credentials to you.”

  “Not so fast.” I told her.

  She glanced over her shoulder.

  “When will you give Dallas a chance?”

  She blushed. “What, we work together and...”

  “Do you need your boss’s approval?”

  I gave her an amused smile.

  “Olivia, do you need me to play cupid?”

  “No, I can do it.” She cursed under her breath.

  “Okay so when...”

  “I’ll say yes, damn it.”

  Olivia rushed out of my office.

  I laughed. I knew how she felt about Dallas.

  We had drinks awhile back. He told me how much he cared about Olivia and would resign to avoid conflict. Dallas was a great architect and vital to my firm. His resignation wasn’t necessary. I gave my blessing but said he needed a truck load of luck. Olivia is too smart for her own good at times. They are both determined. I’m sure they’ll figure it out.

  I checked my message from Curious Kitty 997. I don’t ever use her
name in context. I gave her a nickname the week after we first chatted. She liked it.

  “Hi AS569, I have some new designs. I’d really like your opinion. Can I send them to you here? If you don’t want to, that’s alright but I hope you say yes.

  I smiled. She was cute.

  I was about to respond when I saw her green light.

  I clicked the private chat option.

  AS569: Hi Kitten.

  CK997: Hello! Did you see my message?

  AS569: Yes and I saw you were online.

  CK997: I wanted to wait for your answer.

  AS569: Thanks for waiting and yes please send them.

  CK997: Okay, great! Can you log out or switch your notifications to silent? I want to send five of them and don’t want to annoy you with the sound.

  I laughed out loud.

  AS569: I’ll log out and return at our regular time.

  CK997: Perfect. I’m excited, chat with you later!

  I closed out the app.

  There was truth to what Olivia said.

  I doubt beautiful from the bistro knew I liked her. We didn’t start off great. I decided to leave my information at the bistro for her. I didn’t know if she went there often. I liked Curious Kitty 997 too. She’s passionate and appealed to my intellect. She has and incredible personality. I like how friendship was important to her. I have chemistry with Curious Kitty 997. I’m not sure how much because we maintain a friend type of chat. I’ll find out eventually, I’m not in a rush. I like her that much. I checked on my upcoming projects and then had a brief meeting with everyone. They knew I’d be available via phone and email. Olivia stopped by my office with a gift box of vintage scotch. I hugged her. She’ll get used to me not being around as much. I left the office early. I was grateful to have a car service, traffic was insane as usual. I relaxed and returned text messages. I wasn’t up for company. I had an early flight. I wanted to keep it light for the night. The car stopped in front of the building. I tipped the driver, got out of the car, and walked into the lobby. I liked the vintage feel of the place and my stone terrace was a bonus. I took the elevator up to my floor. I walked into my condo minutes later. The large glass panes gave me an incredible view of the buildings

  My realtor said it was an architect’s dream. Well she wasn’t wrong. I went into my bedroom, changed into sweat pants and a thermal shirt. I put on comfortable leather slippers and a sweatshirt. I went to the kitchen and minutes later the steak was on the grill. I sipped my beer. The fire pit was on and created consistent heat. I planned to relax on the terrace

  I had to finish packing.

  My phone chimed.

  I glanced at the screen and answered.

  “Hey Rick, what’s up.”

  “Gwen’s parents will be in town for a few weeks.”

  He groaned. I chuckled

  “It’s not a problem. I wanted to stay in a hotel from the start but didn’t want to upset your wife by saying no.”

  “I know but hell I wish you had a wife.”

  I choked on my beer. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “Yeah a wife, girlfriend, hired actor or whatever.”

  I laughed. “You don’t want the in-laws to stay.”

  “I offered to pay for their hotel, Gwen said no.”

  “Hey man, it can’t be that bad.”

  “We never have sex when her parents come to visit.”

  Rick cursed. I tried not to laugh.

  “It’s not funny.” He cursed more.

  “Well, you can always take your wife out for a nice lunch and then spend the day at an expensive hotel, spice things up a bit.”

  “Damn, I didn’t think of that. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome and tell Gwen it’s not a problem.”

  “I will did you find any houses you’re interested in?”

  “I haven’t had much luck. The realtor said there are new listings she’d like to show me. I want to start renovations on the building in a few days. I have to meet with the contractors and reach out to the free-lance architects in the area. The house hunt will have to wait until the weekend.”

  We talked for a few more minutes and ended the call. I flipped the steak on the grill and continued to sip my beer. I was ready for Saint Louis. I’ll get situated and then return to the bistro. I wanted to know more about beautiful. I left the steak on and went to the kitchen for the salad, steak sauce, and another beer. I grabbed silverware out the drawer and returned to the terrace. I ate dinner next to the fire pit. I put it out when I was finished and came inside. I cleaned the kitchen and glanced at the time. I had an hour before I had to be online. I took a shower and changed into lounge wear. I called the hotel. I reserved the suite weeks before. I planned to stay a night or two at Rick’s house but was spared now that his in-laws would be in town. I liked to have my own space. I waited until I had the confirmation number. I ended the call and finished packing. I settled into bed with bottled water and my laptop. I logged onto the site minutes early. I checked my inbox, downloaded the attachments, and opened them. There were examples of banners and welcome pages for company websites. The designs were great. I really liked the logos.

  She used the same primary color.

  I heard the private chat notice. I clicked on it.

  CK997: Hi, how was the rest of your day?

  AS569: There she is, my day was productive, yours?

  CK997: My day was alright.

  AS569: Kitten, I’m here if you need to vent.

  CK997: Thank you but you know I won’t.

  AS569: If you change your mind, I’ll listen. I did check out your designs.

  CK997: Oh, I’m nervous.

  AS569: Don’t be they’re excellent.

  CK997: Thank you; I wanted you to like them.

  AS569: Kitten you don’t need validation. Your work is incredible.

  CK997: Thanks but you’re in the “business” so I value your feedback. I like that you’re an architect that’s… cool.

  AS569: I’m laughing right now. Were you about to flirt with me?

  CK997: Yes, I won’t apologize for it because I didn’t.

  AS569: I wouldn’t want you too even if you did.

  I watched the cursor blink on my screen.

  She didn’t respond.

  AS569: Kitten come back to me.

  CK 997: I’m here. I was just... blushing.

  AS569: I think your honesty is attractive.

  CK997: Thank you, which design was your favorite.

  AS569: I liked the logos. I noticed the specific shade of green was used as the primary color for all of your designs.

  CK 997: I’m obsessed with that color right now,

  AS569: I like the color, it’s rare. Is it your gemstone?

  CK997: I can’t tell you because I don’t want to make it weird.

  AS569: Kitten chat with me, you can be honest.

  CK997: I saw this guy. His emerald green eyes were incredible. I didn’t know him but I was attracted to him. I’m fascinated probably, and… is it weird for us now?”

  I was surprised by her explanation. I can’t tell her my eye color is the same shade of green, not right now. It’ll have to wait. I want her to be comfortable with me.

  CK997: Please type something.

  AS569: Kitten, I’m here and you didn’t make it weird. I still think you’re incredible; a crush on someone won’t change that.

  CK997: Okay I’m glad you understand. It’s pretty one sided but not stalkerish, it’s alright if you laugh.

  AS569: I laughed because you’re cute but I can relate I have a crush on someone too but I don’t think she’ll be interested.

  CK997: I think you’re... you know so if she can’t accept how amazing you are then it’s her loss.

  AS569: Kitten you’re amazing, do you know that? Did you do the logos free style or no?

  We chatted for awhile. She said goodnight first. She didn’t want me to be tired for work. I did have to be up early in the morning but I’ll be i
n Saint Louis the next time we chatted. I didn’t mention my flight in because I didn’t want her to feel pressured to meet. Kitten was different. She’s shy but will chat non-stop on a subject she liked. I plugged the charger into the laptop and settled into bed. I thought about both women before I went to sleep. I thought it would be great if the woman from the bistro had Kitten’s personality. Damn, I’ll be in heaven.

  MERISSA

  Chapter Three

  My social life improved. It was online but it felt great to connect. I didn’t feel pressured with Articulate Scholar and he didn’t complain if I asked questions. He said my user name described me but he always called me Kitten. I feel so naughty when we chat. It’s not sexual stuff but if he wanted to take it there I wouldn’t stop him. I had a great week until I saw my ex while out running errands. Jake seemed surprised I looked well. I didn’t know what I ever saw in him. I didn’t miss his dry humor or negative comments. I guess he thought I’d be heartbroken. I wasn’t. I felt relieved. He wanted an emotional response. I walked away from him but my anger was just under the surface. I was mad at myself because I let his behavior affect me. Jake was the reason I moved here but Saint Louis was home now. I was in a bad mood for the rest of the afternoon and couldn’t concentrate. I sent AS569 a message and asked if he wanted to see my designs. I was excited when he said yes. We had an honest chat later that night. I didn’t tell him about my ex but I mentioned the guy from the bistro because he asked about the color I used in my designs. I think about handsome. It’s lustful and different from my attraction to AS569. I couldn’t be dishonest but I didn’t want our friendship to end. I told him the truth and thought I messed things up until he said he was in a similar situation. I meant it when I told AS569 it’s her loss. His next line made me blush.

  I look forward to our daily chats. I thought about how great it would be to have the physical qualities of Handsome and the personality of AS569. I bit my lip. It felt naughty to fantasize about it. He would be the perfect guy for me. My day went fast. I did most of my business online. I did video calls for the clients who wanted to match a face with the name. I worked hard for years to reach this level of success. It was worth it. I double checked my schedule. I was finished for the day. I was still excited after our online chat last night. I powered through my work because it was business or masturbation. I haven’t fantasized about Articulate Scholar during a hot steamy session yet. I thought about it but decided I’d wait until after we met. I didn’t want to touch myself to the image of what I thought he’d look like and then we meet and he’s nothing like how I pictured him. It’s not a bad thing but I had to keep my hormones in check. I didn’t want to ruin it. I value our friendship too much to screw up what we have. I think I’m somewhat of an emotional mess. It’s not about my ex. I have an instant crush on a guy that probably forgot about me. I also have a computer lust with an irresistible guy online. I didn’t want this feeling to end. I wanted to make lunch but didn’t know what I was in the mood for. I texted Gwen to let her know I was free for the afternoon in case she needed help at the shop. My phone chimed. I answered.