The Boyfriend Diaries: A Romance Box Set Collection

by S. E. Law

  Flora clucks.

  “You can’t give up. Seriously Cindy, are you ready to die a virgin? Because that’s what’s going to happen if you don’t put yourself out there.”

  I stare at the bubbly brunette.

  “Hey, I told you I was a virgin in secret. You can’t go repeating it.”

  Flora’s eyes go wide.

  “Of course not. I wouldn’t share your secrets. But seriously, Cindy, you’re twenty-two, and it’s too early to give up dating. In fact, it’s pathetic if you give up. Quitters never prosper.”

  I shoot her a droll look.

  “Isn’t it cheaters never prosper, and not quitters never prosper? But thanks for your support,” is my wry reply. “I’m glad you have my back.”

  Flora throws her hands up in the air, making her brown ponytail bounce.

  “No, it’s not that. You know me, Cindy-pooh. I totally have your back, and you’re too young and pretty to give up. If you give up now, it bodes ill for your dating future.”

  “Flo,” I say patiently. “Like you said, I’m only twenty-two. There’s no rush.”

  But my friend gets serious then.

  “Yes, you’re twenty-two, and that’s all fine and dandy. But you’re probably the only twenty-two year-old virgin in the world. That’s my point,” she says with a smug smile.

  I sigh. Sometimes I wish I’d never confided my deepest secret to Flora because look where it’s getting me now. I’m being pressured to try on-line dating again despite the fact that I’ve had awful experiences that would make any woman run for the hills screaming. It wasn’t merely that my dates were awkward and bad, it was that my dates seemed to come straight out a freakshow. The men had no idea what would be considered “normal,” and what would be “weird.”

  Then again, “normal” is a subjective term, so I get it. What might be strange to me, is maybe a turn-on for someone else. Although I think it’s bizarre that anyone would find Jared’s overinflated biceps to be attractive, maybe some girl will dig it. It looked like he had dead puppies stuffed beneath his skin, but who knows?

  Regardless, I have to get Flora off my back by any means necessary.

  “Okay, I’ll go back on DrunkBehindTheWheel. I’m sure that site has some guys who are normal,” I say in a sarcastic voice. Of course, I don’t add that most of the men on the site are likely DUI offenders, but Flora merely shakes her head excitedly.

  “No, no need because I just got an idea. I’m going to set you up!” she says with excitement.

  “On a blind date?” I ask wryly. “You know how those usually go.”

  “No, no,” scolds my friend. “This blind date is going to be awesome. It’s with my uncle.”

  “Your uncle?” I shriek. “What the hell? NO! He must be fifty at least!”

  “Forty,” my friend says with a grin. “But it’s a good-looking forty, I promise. Uncle Blake is my mom’s younger brother, and he was the “accident” in their family. My grandparents had Uncle Blake when they thought they were done with kids, but I guess not. Birth control is never perfect.”

  I stare at my buddy.

  “Flora,” I say slowly. “Why would I want to go out with your uncle? Please tell me that.”

  “Because he’s hot, if I do say so myself!” my friend says cheerfully. “He’s coming into town next weekend for a business trip, and I was going to take him on a tour of the campus. But you know what? Why don’t I set you guys up on a date instead? You can show him around campus instead of me. Sounds good, right?”

  I stare at my friend.

  “Flora, I’m not going to be your last-minute substitute tour guide. Is it because you have something else to do?”

  “No, of course not,” my friend scolds. But then she grins. “Okay, maybe. Lonnie Everson asked me to lunch that Saturday, so I don’t have time to take my uncle around. But you’ll do it, won’t you? It’ll be so fun. Pleeeease? And he really is hot.”

  I shake my head again.

  “No. I don’t want to show your uncle around campus. Nor do I want to go on a blind date with him.”

  Tears begin to brim in Flora’s eyes.

  “Please, Cindy? I’ll be your best friend forever. You know that I’ve had a huge crush on Lonnie since freshman year, and I’m finally getting my chance! Please? I’d reschedule my date, but you know Lonnie. He’s on the football team, so he’s busy all the time, and I’m afraid if I reschedule, we’ll never end up going out. Pleeeease?” she wails again.

  I sigh.

  “I don’t know why I’m doing this,” is my grumble.

  Flora throws her arms around me, squealing with joy.

  “Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver. And you know what? There’s no reason to take my uncle around on a tour because he’s seen campus before. Why don’t I set up a movie date or something? That way, you don’t even have to talk to him. It’s going to be awesome, Cindy. Wasn’t there that new action film you wanted to see? 21 Bridges or something? I’ll pick up the tickets.”

  “I did want to see that movie,” is my wry reply. “And popcorn would be nice too.”

  My friend nods furiously.

  “Of course, of course. I’ll get you a gift card to the theater so that you can treat yourselves to popcorn, candy, and drinks. You’re such a lifesaver!” she squeals again, giving me another bearhug. “Don’t worry, you won’t even notice my Uncle Blake’s in the theater with you because I’ve heard the most awesome things about 21 Bridges. Wham! Bam! Pow!” she says, miming action hero punches.

  “It’s not a Marvel flick,” I say drolly. “There are no superheroes.”

  “Oh there aren’t?” she asks, blinking innocently. “Well, you’ll have fun. Thanks for taking Uncle Blake off my hands,” she adds merrily. “I really appreciate it, Cindy. I’m in your debt forever.”

  With that, we giggle and turn back to our books even though my mind is still whirring. After all, I don’t really want to go on this date with my friend’s uncle, even if turns out to be an eye-catching hunk of man. I’d much rather read a good romance novel safe and snug in bed, thank you very much. But somehow, I’ve been roped into doing my friend a favor, and if this Blake person is easy on the eyes, then why not? I might as well enjoy the movie, and to my surprise, a curl of anticipation rises through my breast.

  “So your uncle’s forty?” I ask casually as Flora opens her notebook.

  “Mm-hm,” she says in an absent-minded tone. “And oh, he’s recently divorced. But Blake’s really hot and already has lots of women clamoring to go out him,” she adds.

  I wrinkle my nose.

  “Recently divorced? Like how recent?”

  Flora shrugs.

  “Maybe six months? Three months? One week? Honestly, I’m not sure.”

  I pin her with a look.

  “This date is clearly going nowhere. I hope he knows that, and I hope you know that.”

  My friend merely giggles.

  “I’ll just say I have a friend who’d like some company at the movies, and I’ll sure he’ll be cool with it. Relax, Cindy. It’s going to be fine.”

  With another sigh, I turn back to my textbook. Great. Now I’m going on a date with a recently divorced forty-year old man whom my friend swears up and down is as handsome as sin. Flora’s probably exaggerating, but at this point, I’m in too deep to bail, and I merely shake my head while staring at the words in my book. Hopefully, Blake Reynolds makes it all worth it, and if he doesn’t? It’s no skin off my nose.

  58

  Cindy

  I mosey up to the theater, looking around. The afternoon sidewalk glints before me in the chill, wintry air. I peer to the right, and then to the left, shivering a bit beneath my sweater. Where’s my so-called date? I’m a little late even though I’ve been wanting to see this movie for a while.

  After all, 21 Bridges is set in Manhattan, and New York City is where I want to move after graduation. Here, in our little podunk town, there isn’t even so much as one bridge. The river over
on the west side has a rapid current, but it’s something you can cross by using stepping stones. No one saw the need to build an actual bridge.

  By contrast, the name 21 Bridges refers to the twenty-one bridges on the island of Manhattan. Imagine that! It’s a city teeming with people. So many, in fact, that they need almost two dozen bridges just to keep the place in business. My smile grows wide. I have no idea how I’m going to get to Manhattan after graduation next year, but it’s in the cards. I know it. I can feel it in my blood.

  Suddenly, a low voice sounds behind me.

  “Cindy?”

  I whirl around, surprised. He must have been right behind me this entire time because I didn’t hear any footsteps approach. When I see my date, my eyes grow as round as saucers and my heart begins to accelerate.

  “Um, Blake?” I ask in a reedy voice. “Flora’s uncle?”

  The dark man throws his head back and laughs, showing off even white teeth.

  “You’ve got it,” he says. “It’s nice to meet you. I know you’re here because my niece is going out with some lughead this afternoon. Thanks for taking one for the team, if I do say so myself.”

  Instantly, my cheeks go red.

  “Um no, it’s fine,” I say in a rushed voice. “I wanted to see this movie, so it’s no big deal. Thank you for coming.”

  Blake grins and my heart goes pitter-patter again because Flora wasn’t exaggerating when she said her uncle was good-looking. This specimen is pure man candy, and even now, I can see a couple of middle-aged women around us sneaking glances his way. He’s at least six foot three, with the chiseled features of a movie star. He’s got a strong nose, a high brow, and perfectly-molded lips that are masculine yet sensual at once. Plus, he’s dressed in a green sweater that highlights his broad shoulders and dark-washed jeans that drape just so off of his hips.

  I sneak a look at his hand. Yep, there’s a thin strip of white on his left ring-finger, which tells me that he used to wear a wedding band. Gosh, this guy really is recently divorced.

  “You look nice,” he rumbles with amusement, letting his eyes rove up and down my form. “You didn’t have to get dressed up.”

  I choke a bit, flushing pink.

  “Oh no, I didn’t get dressed up. I just bought this skirt at Nordstrom’s yesterday, and I wanted to wear it. They opened last week in the town next door, so I drove right over to check out their sales.”

  Oh my gosh, while am I babbling like a fool? This alpha male doesn’t want to hear about a new department store, nor does he want care about my shopping habits. Although I have to say that my red plaid skirt is very fetching. It’s a classic tartan print, with threads of green and gold, which make it look very festive. I’ve paired it with a black turtleneck and black Mary Janes with knee-high socks to keep my legs warm.

  “It looks nice,” he says smoothly while shooting me a grin. “You’re very ripe and curvy.”

  I stare at him. What did he just say? Did he imply that I have a womanly figure? Of course, he wouldn’t exactly be wrong because I’ve got about twenty pounds to lose. Fortunately, most of the weight is settled on my breasts and hips so that I’m an hourglass shape with a generous bosom and even more generous rump.

  But before I can say anything, Blake holds up two tickets in his hands.

  “Ready?” he asks. “I think they’ve already started previews.”

  “Oh right,” I manage, a little flustered. “I’m sorry I’m late. I’m always late to things, to be honest.”

  The handsome alpha male chuckles and puts a gentle hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. His hand sears my skin even through the thick fabric of my turtleneck and my body goes hot all over from his electric touch. Oh my gosh, I’m losing it. Flora didn’t say her uncle would be this handsome, with his night-black hair and blue-as-sky eyes. Goodness.

  But Blake appears as cool as a cucumber as he guides me to the theater door before handing the usher our tickets.

  “Second floor, and then take a right,” she says in a disinterested voice while cracking her gum. Is this woman blind? Does she not see that I’m out with an insanely gorgeous man right now?

  But teenagers will always be teenagers, and the ticket taker turns back to her phone, looking bored. Meanwhile, my entire body feels like it has electricity pulsing through it. My fingers and toes are literally tingling, even though he’s done nothing but rest his hand against my back. What would happen if Blake touched me elsewhere? Immediately, my nipples grow hard and I pray he can’t see.

  The handsome man grins, and I blush again. I’m sure the low lights do nothing to hide my pebbled nips, and embarrassment rushes over me in waves. But it’s a good kind of embarrassment. It’s the kind you feel when the studly football player asks you out, or when a gorgeous man throws you a knowing look, which come to think of it, Blake is doing at this very moment.

  “Popcorn?” he asks, raising a black eyebrow.

  I stammer.

  “Yes, please. A large.”

  “Butter?” he asks.

  “Yes. A lot, if that’s okay.”

  He winks at me.

  “I like a girl who eats,” is his low reply. “It makes them lush and ripe.”

  There it is again. The word “ripe.” What does he mean by it? Does he mean that I look fertile and ready for a man? Because of course, I would love to be with him. Even though we just met ten minutes ago, a male with his commanding aura and astonishing good looks would make any woman melt into a puddle at his touch.

  Blake saunters off to get the popcorn and I stand there, looking around nervously. Goodness, I hope he doesn’t pick up on my anxiety because that would be humiliating. Even more, I hope he doesn’t pick up on how aroused I am.

  But the moment he reappears with a large bucket of popcorn in hand, I know that this alpha male knows everything. Those blue eyes gleam and a smile plays about his sensuous lips. But he doesn’t say anything other than, “Ready?”

  I nod, and together we walk into the theater. It’s dark and Blake puts his hand on the small of my back once more to guide me through the aisles. Holy smokes. I’m going to spend two hours in the blackness with this gorgeous specimen of man by my side? Suddenly, a movie never sounded so good.

  59

  Blake

  Cindy settles into a chair and I sit next to her. I pray that her eyes haven’t adapted to the darkness yet because she’d see my huge member otherwise. It’s obscene. The moment I saw the pretty blonde waiting by the theater entrance, every nerve in my body caught fire.

  After all, my niece’s friend is gorgeous. She’s curvy and lush with long blonde hair trailing down her back and innocent blue eyes. And her outfit is straight out of a wet dream. I didn’t know that co-eds wore red plaid mini-skirts with knee high socks showing off just a glimpse of creamy thigh. My cock jerked when her skirt swished a bit, giving me a tantalizing peek of white panties.

  How the hell did this happen? After all, my niece Flora set me up on this blind date. She made it sound as if I was doing her friend a favor.

  “Cindy’s cute but she’s had a string of bad luck and could really use a friend,” Flora announced. “You should go see a movie with her.”

  I shook my head.

  “I’m here to see you, Flora. I’m not here to hang out with your friend, nor to see a movie that I could catch just as easily in New York.”

  But Flora babbled on, ignoring me.

  “Cindy’s really amazing, but she’s just had the most awful string of bad dates, did I mention? The last guy she went out with was some kind of addict. He kept shooting up.”

  I look at my niece with surprise.

  “Drug use in public?”

  “No, no,” my airheaded niece chortles. “Not shooting up as in drugs. It’s different, sort of. Evidently, he likes having really big muscles so he injects his biceps with a synthetic chemical called synthol. If you look it up online, prepare to be grossed out. It makes guys look cartoon characters with Popeye biceps. W
hy anyone would think that’s attractive is beyond me.”

  I nod with agreement.

  “That does sound bad, but still. I’m not going out with your friend. She can find another man on-line. Or what about school? You guys attend a college that has thirty thousand people on campus. Why can’t you meet someone in real life?”

  Flora pooh-poohs my suggestion.

  “Because the guys on campus are all idiots, that’s why. They’re pimply, disgusting adolescent boys who are just big babies. We don’t find that attractive. But Lonnie is different, of course,” she says with a dreamy smile. “He’s mature and soooo good-looking.”

  I snort.

  “Okay fine. Go on your date, and I’ll meet up with your friend. But don’t expect me to forget this.”

  “Thanks Uncle Blake!” my niece says, giving me a big hug. “And don’t tell Mom, okay? She’d kill me if she found out I wasn’t a proper hostess.”

  I merely roll my eyes and snort a little under my breath. After all, my niece has always been flaky. It’s a miracle she even got into college, and an even bigger miracle that she’s graduating in a mere matter of months. But the world is full of surprises, and who knows? Maybe Flora will even get a job after all of this is over.

  So I got ready for the date without expecting much. I’m in town for business, and pulled out the only casual clothes in my suitcase: a green sweater and jeans. It didn’t matter. I was sure Flora’s friend was going to be ugly with coke-bottle glasses and a huge overbite.

  But instead, Cindy is absolutely gorgeous. Her breasts are huge and soft, lovingly encased in the black wool of her sweater. Her hips sway with every step, and her long legs are slim and lovely. And that face is unbelievable. She has the big blue eyes of an angel; a pert, ski-slope nose; and a lush mouth that was made to be claimed by a man.

  What? I shouldn’t be having these thoughts about my niece’s friend, for god’s sake. She’s probably twenty years younger than me, not to mention innocent and sweet. By contrast, I’m an old geezer who’s already been married and divorced with some bitter life lessons under my belt.