LOVE AT FIRST CLICK

by Jessica Caryn

  “Hi Gwen, is everything okay there?”

  “Yes Lauryn is here today but I’m frustrated.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Oh thank god, I thought you wouldn’t ever ask!”

  “We’re friends, of course I would. What happened?”

  “My parents came to visit.” She sighed. “They showed up unannounced and Rick isn’t happy about it.”

  “It doesn’t sound like you are either. I know how much you love your parents but you have to set boundaries with them.”

  “I know but it’s hard. Rick is mad because…”

  Gwen lowered her voice.

  “We don’t have sex when my parents are here.”

  “Didn’t they stay a month before?”

  “Yes and it’s horrible of me to deny my husband. It’s not to please my parents. I don’t want them in my business. They’ll start asking for grandchildren again. We’ve been married for two years. We talked about kids but right now I want time to enjoy my husband.”

  “I understand, did you explain it to your parents?”

  “No, and Rick is disappointed because Damon was supposed to stay with us. He’s in town and hasn’t found a house he’s interested in yet. We don’t have the extra space with my home office and the new man cave. Rick wanted my parents to stay at a hotel. I said no.”

  “Gwen, it wasn’t fair to Damon.”

  “I know.” She groaned. “Rick told Damon and he was okay with it but I feel awful.”

  “He’s welcomed to stay here.”

  “Merissa, I wouldn’t ask you to do it.”

  “I know so I offered. I have an entire level I don’t use. We wouldn’t have to interact much. I think it’s a good idea. It might help smooth things out with Rick.”

  “Are you sure? I know how much you hate last minute stuff. I don’t want this to interrupt your routine or make you uncomfortable.”

  “Damon is Rick’s best friend. I’m okay with it. So, how long will your parents be in town?”

  “They didn’t say. I’ll talk with them tonight but I’ll call Rick and apologize for being a terrible wife and then tell him the plan.”

  “Quit it, your husband adores you.”

  “Rick wants sex.”

  “You should give it to him.”

  Gwen laughed. “It’s been a couple days.”

  “So, there are things you can do besides you know.”

  “No, I’m a blushing bride so tell me.” She teased.

  “You can always take him to a nice hotel for the day.”

  “I like the way you think, you’re a naughty minx!”

  “I hope the nickname will bring luck and smoking hot sex with an irresistible man.”

  We laughed.

  “How are things with Articulate Scholar?”

  I sighed at the mention of his user name.

  “Merissa, was that a dreamy sigh?”

  “Yes, he’s still amazing.”

  “Will you meet him soon?”

  “We haven’t talked about it. I like what we have and don’t want to ruin it. I told him about the mystery guy from the bistro. He understood and said it wouldn’t change how he felt about me.”

  “Aww, I’m so excited for you!”

  “We aren’t a couple.”

  “Not yet.” She teased.

  “What will you do about the handsome stranger?”

  “Can’t I have them both?” I groaned.

  “You’re single so you can do whatever you want.”

  “Gwen!” I gasped.

  “Hey keep it honest but dirty.” She whispered.

  “Okay, so I have a confession. I thought about how great it will be to have a man with their qualities.”

  “Your dream man, I like it.”

  “Thanks, I went to the bistro a few times last week. I didn’t see him but I thought about leaving my number in case he came in.”

  “It’s a good idea but how do you…”

  She paused. “Rick is on the other line.”

  “Okay answer it and call me back.”

  I walked to the kitchen, checked the fridge, and tried to decide what to have. I thought about ordering out.

  My phone chimed.

  I tapped the screen.

  “Hi, what did Rick say?”

  “He thought it was a good idea. He talked with Damon and he’s on his way to your house. Rick gave him the address I hope that’s alright.”

  I smiled. “Gwen, how else will he know?”

  “Right, well Damon didn’t have to pay for another full night at the hotel. He wanted a place where he could cook.”

  I glanced at the fridge.

  “He sounds like a godsend.”

  “Oh and Rick told him how great your townhome is. Damon is an architect, so I’m sure you two...”

  I’m sure I didn’t hear it right.

  “Gwen, what did you say Damon did for work?”

  “He’s an architect.”

  I heard Lauryn in the background.

  “Merissa, I have to fix this order. I’ll text soon thanks.”

  Gwen ended the call.

  I bit my lip and thought about it.

  It was a foolish concern to have.

  I hadn’t ever met Damon.

  This was a coincidence but if he was as insightful as AS569, it would make for interesting conversation. I heard the doorbell. I went to answer. I glanced out of the peep hole. His back was turned. I should open the door and introduce myself. I paused with my hand on the knob. He seemed familiar. My eyes swept over his destroyed denims and the distressed leather jacket. His duffle bag and watch complimented his clothing. He had a casual rugged look but still refined. Damon had an eye for detail and textures. He turned and his chestnut brown hair was streaked golden in the sun.

  It can’t be…

  Damon was on his phone.

  He glanced at the door.

  I stared at his incredible green eyes.

  I moved away from the peephole.

  Damon was the guy from the bistro.

  I had to call Gwen.

  Where was my phone?

  I left it in the kitchen, damn it.

  I couldn’t leave him standing in the cold.

  I glanced down at my clothes.

  I had on an oversized sweater and knit pants.

  Oh great, I looked awful.

  His voice sounded closer.

  I heard movement.

  I looked out the peephole.

  He reached for the doorbell.

  I knew an awkward moment would happen and there wasn’t anything I could do to prevent it. I took a deep breath, turned the lock, and then opened the door. He moved the phone away from his ear. I saw the hint of recognition in his eyes. Damon was my crush. I didn’t know how to feel. I’ll figure it out later. I said hello.

  DAMON

  Chapter Four

  Merissa said hello. It sounded soft and sweet. Damn, she didn’t know how much I wanted to see her again. She pointed to my phone. I forgot Rick was still on the line. He asked if I could put him on speaker. I tapped the screen. Rick thanked her for helping out on short notice.

  “You’re welcome, I don’t mind the company.”

  Merissa glanced at me. Her eyes were more beautiful behind the large framed glasses. I’m sure Rick didn’t tell Gwen I wanted to stay at the hotel. He reminded me not to tell Merissa on the cab ride here. I laughed. He’s not the kind of man to lie to his wife. Rick said if Gwen asked him about it, he’ll tell her. They don’t talk about their friends. I told him I’ll text him later. Merissa opened the door more. I walked into the entry way. The porcelain tile had a dark wooden finish. I set my duffle bag on the distressed bench and took off my boots. I noticed how Merissa watched. She’s curious. I don’t know why I used that word to describe her. I hung up my coat on a brass hook. I glanced at her. I knew there was something she wanted to say.

  She took a deep breath.

  “Damon, I didn’t mean to
lie but I was embarrassed so I told Gwen about the coffee accident. She had Rick contact you. He didn’t know I made it to the bistro. I’m sorry for the lies.”

  “Please don’t apologize. I wouldn’t have explained it to a stranger either. I thought about you. I wanted to know how you were.”

  “I was alright, the burns were minor.”

  “I’m sorry for your discomfort.”

  She managed a soft thank you.

  I decided to continue with the honesty.

  “I planned to stop in the bistro this week.”

  “It’s a favorite place for me.”

  I heard the excitement in her voice.

  “I hoped it was because I wanted to see you.”

  She blushed and touched her glasses.

  “Damon, I thought about leaving my information there for you in case you came in.”

  Her statement took me by surprise.

  “I’m glad we had the same idea.”

  “We did that’s so weird.” She laughed.

  “Please let me show you around.”

  I picked up my leather duffle.

  “Thanks, I liked the exterior.”

  “I didn’t alter it but a new roof was installed.”

  We went up the steps. The scent she wore smelled good. I tried to focus on the wrought iron detail of the rail and the hickory wood steps but I couldn’t help but notice how her hips swayed. I could see the outline of her curves under the sweater. She glanced back at me. I smiled. I saw the spark of excitement in her eye. She looked away but the connection was there. I was attracted to Merissa but it wasn’t just about sex. We walked into the main level.

  The townhome had an open layout. The living area had oversized furniture and ottomans. The custom stone fireplace was the focal point. There wasn’t a dining area but the kitchen had an island that doubled as a dining table. The leather high backed stools were tucked in. I liked how the granite counter top and dark wood cabinets were modern but in contrast with the stainless steel appliances and fixtures.

  “Merissa, you have a beautiful home.”

  “Thanks, I worked with an amazing company.”

  “Are you an interior designer?”

  “No, I’m in graphic design but I love all things artistic and architectural.”

  I stared at Merissa.

  She reminded me of Kitten.

  She bit her lip. “What’s wrong? Gwen mentioned you were an architect. I didn’t mean to…”

  Merissa saw the look on my face.

  Her lips parted in response.

  She knew I wanted her.

  I smiled. “You remind me of someone.”

  “Do you like her?”

  “I do and it felt like déjà vu.”

  “I understand. Would you like to see the rest?”

  “Yes, please lead the way.”

  I didn’t ignore the way her hips swayed this time. The second level had a seating area. Merissa explained how she expanded the master bedroom. The furniture was consistent. I saw the vase of flowers on the end table. I wondered if there was a man in her life. I didn’t think to ask. I’m not sure if it would make a difference. I’m not disrespectful but I couldn’t stay under her roof while she was with someone. I’m sure he’ll figure out that I’m attracted to her. We went up to the third level. I was intoxicated with Merissa.

  Her voice was sensual and calm.

  “There’s a comfortable seating area, the bedroom has a full bath, and there’s also a small loft area you can use as a home office. The washer and dryer are on the second level where the pocket doors are. You’re welcomed to use the kitchen whenever you like.”

  “Thank you.” I put my duffle bag on an ottoman.

  “Damon, how long will you stay?”

  She held the edge of her sweater.

  I thought it was cute.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll need to travel to New York City every three weeks. My other firm and primary residence is there. My realtor said she has new house listings for me to check out.”

  “Why are you buying a house here?”

  “A firm in the area will benefit my clients. I like to cook so staying in a hotel will be inconvenient after awhile. I’ll purchase a house for the time I spend here. I can renovate it. Rental properties come with restrictions.”

  “Where are the rest of your things?”

  “My luggage will be delivered this evening.”

  She seemed relieved by my answers.

  “Are you expecting company soon? I can check into a hotel again if you need the space.”

  “Oh no, I’m not expecting anyone.” She blushed.

  “How much will it be to rent the level?”

  “I won’t charge you for staying here.”

  “I had the presidential suite downtown. It was twelve hundred dollars per night. Your home is comfortable and more to my liking.”

  “Thank you but…”

  “Merissa; I don’t want to take advantage.”

  “Alright, you can pay twelve hundred a month.”

  “My offer is eighteen, I’ll buy food, cook, and take out the trash. Deal?”

  She agreed so fast I laughed.

  Merissa left to give me privacy.

  I didn’t need it. I wanted her from the moment she bumped into me at the bistro. I didn’t feel that spark with anyone before her but it did happen with Curious Kitty 997 online. I’ll have to be honest with her in chat. Merissa is the reason I hadn’t asked her to meet. The chemistry was still there and I wanted to see if we could be more. Curious Kitty was sweet. I didn’t want to hurt her and I can’t imagine not chatting with her. It sounded selfish but I wanted them both. I’ll address it tonight. I had to.

  MERISSA

  Chapter Five

  I think I was in a state of shock or sexual bliss. I didn’t know which. I waited until I was on the second level before I quietly lost it. Gwen won’t believe this. I went downstairs for my phone. I found it in the kitchen and decided to call from my office. I sat in my comfy chair behind my desk and took a deep breath. I called and Gwen answered on the second ring.

  “Hey, it was super busy here. Is Damon there?”

  “Yes and …”

  I glanced at my office door and lowered my voice.

  “Damon is the guy.”

  “I’m confused. What guy?”

  “He spilled coffee on me at the bistro.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, he remembered.”

  Gwen cursed.

  “I apologized for the lie. He understood.”

  “Okay. Why didn’t you mention his eyes to me?”

  “I didn’t want to gush about how amazing they were.”

  “Merissa, I know you aren’t shallow.”

  “The chemistry is different with Damon.”

  “I’m sure you’ll both figure it out.”

  “Gwen, he might not be interested.”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “No but my hair is in a bun. I have on an old sweater and my eyes are irritated. I’m wearing glasses.”

  “You’re gorgeous. He probably had a fantasy when he saw you dressed like that.”

  “Gwen!” I said in a loud whisper.

  She laughed. “I picked an awesome guy for you.”

  “You tricked me. I knew it wasn’t just coffee.” I cursed.

  Gwen laughed more.

  “It was but I hoped Damon would spark your interest. I would’ve known the guy was him if you described his dark green eyes. The color is rare.”

  “Articulate Scholar said the same.”

  “Will you tell him about Damon?”

  “Yes, I don’t want to lose him.”

  “Aww, I’m sure he’ll understand. I’m here if you need to talk about it.”

  I heard a light knock on the door.

  Gwen said to text her.

  She ended the call.

  Damon opened the door.

  He leaned against the frame.

  �
��I didn’t want to interrupt.”

  “You’re not, is everything alright?”

  “I couldn’t find the linen closet.”

  “It’s on the second level.” I told him.

  “I’ll show you where it is.”

  I followed him upstairs.

  I had a few seconds to take in the view.

  I felt a naughty twinge.

  I went over to the door and opened it

  The closet resembled a fabric store. I had a variety of linens organized on the hand crafted wooden shelves. The pillows were arranged by soft to firm. There were throw pillows and blankets in different textures and fabrics. I didn’t think he’d find it interesting. I felt kind of nervous. Damon walked around the room.

  “Merissa this is a great space.”

  “Thank you, I like to be comfortable.”

  He glanced at me. “I can tell.”

  I blushed. “Please use whatever you’d like. The down comforters and pillows will have to be dry cleaned of course. I do have a service that will pick them up.”

  Damon went over his list out loud. I smiled because he was organized like I was. He looked at the pillows.

  “Do you need any for you bed?”

  “No, I have what I need.”

  “Alright, can you please help me?”