Around the World in 80 Men Series Boxed Set 1-10

by Brandi Ratliff

  Morgan sat up laughing while rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “He's better than any alarm clock, that's for sure.” Gio sat up as well and stretched his overworked muscles, thanks to Morgan, and yawned as he checked the time.

  “Looks like we did it again, it's nearly noon.” He threw his legs to the side of the bed and stretched one last time before standing.

  Noon, it was a swift tug in the heart for Morgan as she put her head down with the reality that she would leave soon. In her still sleepy haze, she thought of where she would go after her short stay with Tanner, more importantly, Morgan just wanted something to take her mind off of the fact that she had to leave. That thought forced her to bolt from the bed and grab her phone from the dresser. She saw that Julianne had sent a message hours earlier, and she opened it quickly. Good morning, dear. Check the database for men in the area, there are plenty. I've contacted Tanner and I will fly you to Australia, then to your next destination. Enjoy your time with Tanner, I know I would. Call me when you land. Julianne.

  The next text that she checked was from Tanner. Hi Beautiful, just wanted to tell you again that I can't wait to see you. I know, I know. But it's true. Tanner.

  Gio left the room for a quick shower while Morgan pulled the laptop from her oversized bag. She hadn't even realized that she was alone until she took a moment to look around while Julianne's website loaded. She looked toward the open bedroom door and made a quick wish that Gio would reconsider going to the office that day, and spend their last few hours together. Morgan knew that he wouldn't, it was nice to wish anyway.

  “Whatcha doin', sweet ass?” Angel plopped down on the bed beside her and stared at the screen as all of the available men in Australia were loading one by one. “Oh! You're man shopping! This is so fun!” He clapped his hands together and they both laughed as the fourth Aussie's photo was displayed. Angel grabbed the laptop from her legs and Morgan put up a small fight to get it back. It was only with the memory of Sean taking over, that gave her Kole, that allowed Morgan to relax while Angel gave his opinions.

  “Alright, go ahead and take a quick peek.” She put her hands in her lap and they both scanned the handsome men.

  “Bachelor number one has a full beard, that just won't do! He looks like a horny lumberjack, so he's out with a side of ewwwww!” He waved the first man away as he clicked to enlarge the second man on the list. “What is he wearing?! Is that a Member's Only jacket? Oh! Someone needs to pull that off of his chubby body and burn it!” Angel shook his head in disgust as he clicked the third photo. “Uh....hate to be the one to tell you this, but he's looking for something that you don't have, baby girl.” He dramatically pointed to his lap and nodded. “Oh yeah, he's more gay than I am, I'd bet G's money on it.” The fourth photo made Angel cry out for a pair of virtual tweezers that would take care of bachelor number four's massive unibrow. “And I'm not even going to mention his bowl cut!” Morgan had to laugh, although she felt bad for how critical her friend was of each man. However, if she were being honest, she would have thought the same things if she had looked at them alone.

  “Alright, let's look at New Zealand.” It was close enough to Australia, but she was starting to wonder if she would have to travel even further, considering her choices thus far.

  “Sweet sticky buns! If you don't pick this one, I'll never speak to you again!” Morgan looked quickly at the man that had Angel nearly hyperventilating.

  “Ohhhhh he's cute!” She stared at the man on the screen, and felt her heart race at the thought of meeting him. “What's his name?” She tried to push Angel away to get a better look.

  “I hope you had that reaction when you saw me.” Gio's voice filled the room as Angel stood up with Morgan's laptop. He left the room and giggled quietly as he ran by his boss.

  “Oh, I did more than that when I saw you.” Morgan stood and walked to her client. “You look nice!” She stepped back to take in his whole look, one that made her wish for one more afternoon with the gorgeous man. He was wearing a black suit that was cut even better than Finlay's, and a stark white shirt that made his tan skin look even more inviting. “Are you sure you have to leave so soon?” She stood on her toes and kissed his soft neck as she pulled him closer to her body.

  His sigh of regret when he pulled away was enough to tell her that she wouldn't get her way that time. “Morgan, I've enjoyed you more than I thought possible. You're a breath of fresh air, and if I ever do settle down, I'll have you to thank for it.” He held her close and kissed the top of her head gently. “You're an amazing young woman, and I'll remember you always.” For the last time, he cupped her chin with his large hand and brought her lips to his. They shared one last tender kiss before PoPo flew into the room and demanded one of his own.

  “Your bird is a very jealous man.” They both laughed and Gio admitted that he didn't blame his Macaw, and that he too was jealous of whoever would be fortunate enough to spend time with her in the future.

  They spent some time alone in his room, talking about their time together and how much they had enjoyed it. Gio held her hand and hated that he had to leave her, and finally put his hand over hers and asked her to see him to the door. “Of course.” Her eyes held a sadness that he quickly looked away from as they left the room.

  Morgan held PoPo on her wrist as she walked Gio to the front door. She couldn't believe how quickly the time had gone by, and there was nothing she could do to keep the man with her any longer. It was over, and she was once again saying goodbye to a friend. “I'll never forget you.” She kissed his cheek before he turned quickly and left her standing in the doorway alone. She had already been told by Angel that Gio hated saying goodbye to anyone, and he even thought that his boss would have snuck from the room in the early morning hours just to avoid it. Both Morgan and Angel were surprised that he didn't, and she felt honored that he had broken one of his own rules for her.

  After Morgan watched Giovani climb in his SUV with a chubby man in a black suit, Angel appeared at her side with the biggest grin she had ever seen him wear. “Uh oh,” she looked at his devilish smile as she fought back the burning in her eyes. She turned back to the window to see the car pulling out of the driveway. Someday...this will get easier. Someday.

  “Hey, no! Don't you do that shit. Homie don't play waterworks. You'll have me cryin' and I gotta see his ass tonight!” He put his hands over Morgan's eyes to block her view and she ducked out of his grip, giggling as she ran to the other side of the room. “Oh, and you best tell Mr. Brinn that I said hello!”

  “Wh...?” Morgan took a step closer with her head cocked to the side, then put her hand on her hip. A look of understanding washed over her face. “You didn't!”

  “Oh, I did!” Angel had clicked on the sexy man from New Zealand when he had carried her laptop in the other room. The hottie, Aiden Brinn, was apparently her next client after her visit with Tanner.

  “Well, that's okay. I mean, that's more than okay. Saves me the trouble. Oh, I have to check my phone!” Morgan knew Julianne was super quick about booking her flights, so maybe she had already sent the information. Morgan went to the stairs and took two at a time, then ran to Gio's room. Angel gave PoPo a gentle push and told him to go to his room, then he followed Morgan up the stairs in the same fashion.

  “Damn, you trying to leave me so soon?” Angel propped himself in the doorway and stared down the girl who was rapidly pecking away at her phone.

  “I just had to check, sometimes Julianne sends my itinerary real quick and the last thing I would want to do is miss my flight, but she hasn't sent it yet. Which usually isn't a good sign...”

  “What kind of sign is it?” Angel took a few steps into the bedroom and sat down next to the young blonde on the bed.

  “Well, she'll probably text me at the last minute and tell me my flight leaves in four minutes.” They both laughed, but Morgan was thankful she had a little while longer with her friend, even though she hadn't had any extra time with her
client.

  “Okay, I'm going to get you packed, you get your sweet ass in the shower and I'll be done when you get out!” Angel snapped his fingers toward the bathroom and Morgan gave him a playful glare, followed by a gentle push; in which he overreacted and nearly fell off the side of the bed with his theatrics.

  Morgan shook her head back and forth as she laughed at the flailing arms of Angel trying to gather his balance and made her way to the closet, letting him fight his own dramatic battle against gravity. She grabbed the outfit Angel had already set out for her the day before. Perfect travel clothes; a pair of skinny jeans and a burgundy velor sweat jacket with a white tank top. “Thanks, Angel-face.” She flashed him a smile and went into the bathroom. Within a minute, a thick cloud of steam was already making its way from under the door and Angel was already gathering her clothing together. By the time she was done, he had put everything away...all but two items.

  “Okay Miss Nudey Pants,” he told her as she walked out of the bathroom, wearing only a robe and a towel on her head. It had been hot in the bathroom and she wasn't quite ready for her outfit.“What in fuck's name is this atrocity?”

  “Angel!” Morgan lunged at him to retrieve the shirt he was holding in the air like a person would hold a used tissue, but he pulled it out of reach. “That is a nightshirt my grandmother gave me.”

  “Ah, sentimental reasons? Gotcha. This thing is ugly though Boo Boo. Maybe you ought to burn it and just keep the memories.” He held it up with a more firm grip, but still acted as if part of it were on fire and he'd have to release it at any moment.

  “Ugh!” Morgan groaned. “ Thank you, Drama Queen!” She stole the sunflower garment from his fingers with a quick swipe of her hand and rolled her arms around the shirt until it was in a tight ball, then threw it in her suitcase.

  Just as she was about to scold Angel for his immature behavior, her phone rang out in its jazzy fashion so loud that it drew in PoPo's attention and the bright blue and gold Macaw flew into the room, landing on the lamp. Morgan and Angel laughed as she bird began to dance, lifting one leg at a time and swaying back and forth, then stopping to bob up and down. Instead of silencing her phone, she let it run it's full tune so she could enjoy PoPo's show.

  “Julianne,” Morgan told Angel with a sigh of regret. “Three o'clock.”

  “Well fuck me on the bathroom floor, we have to go!” Angel hopped up from the bed and ran over to retrieve Morgan's bags.

  “Hold on, grab PoPo! I need a picture of you two!” Angel let go of her bags and walked over to the pretty bird and before his arm was fully extended, the bird hopped on to his hand and immediately demanded a kiss. “Okay, do what you did the other day, dip him!”

  Angel laughed, and Morgan counted down from three so she could time the picture. On 'go', Angel cradled the bird and dipped him low for a long kiss to his beak. “Perfect! Oh, that's a wonderful picture!” Angel bowed and walked over to Morgan and took the camera from her fingers.

  “My turn, take the bastard bird,” he held his hand out and passed PoPo to Morgans wrist. She raised him to her shoulder and walked over to the other side of the room so Angel could get a picture.

  “Wait! I'm just wearing a towel!” she realized when she brought her hand back down.

  “So? You'd look sexy in the bumblebee thing,” he began counting down in the same fashion as Morgan, not giving her much of a choice on the matter. On 'two' Morgan said “kiss” and without hesitation, PoPo smacked her lips and Angel snapped a beautiful picture.

  “I look so stupid!” she said when she looked at the photo. “I have a towel on my head Angel!” He shrugged his shoulders to say it didn't matter and told her that she looked beautiful.

  “We have to go! I'll go put this shit in the car and you get dressed and put your face on,” he flicked his wrist toward the bathroom, shooing her in that direction. Before she could argue, he walked out of the room with two of her bags and was already making his way down the stairs. After a long sigh, Morgan padded her bare feet back to the bathroom and got herself ready as quickly as possible. It was already one-thirty and she didn't want to waste anymore time getting ready.

  Within fifteen minutes she had herself as ready as she was going to get, all of her makeup thrown in her bag and running down the stairs to meet up with Angel. “'Bout time Kittycat, I was about to grow a beard!” Angel stroked his baby face chin and Morgan giggled.

  “Have you ever grown a facial hair?” Morgan got closer and squinted her eyes, looking for any evidence of stubble.

  “This one time...” He narrowed his eyes back at her and opened the front door, ushering Morgan outside.

  “Wait!” Morgan shut the door and walked to the center of the room and called for the PoPo. “I have to say bye to my friend! PoPo!” she called again and he flew from the hallway behind the kitchen, landing directly on Morgan's outstretched arm. She gave him at least a dozen kisses and a last scratch under the wings, then set him on the back of a bar stool in the kitchen. “You're my favorite bird, PoPo. I love you!”

  “ Eu te amo, PoPo!” he responded.

  “Eu te amo,” she kissed him again and ran toward the front door in time to avoid another warning from Angel. She decided to sit in the passenger seat next to the handsome driver so they could talk on the way to the airport, but like many of her last travels, it was spent in near silence. Yes, Gio. Goodbye's are the hardest part.

  When they pulled up to the airport, Angel grabbed Morgans wrist to stop her from pulling the handle and opening the door. “One more thing,” he told her. From the inside of his jacket, he pulled out an envelope and handed to her.

  Morgan looked up and met his eyes briefly as her finger slid under the corner of the sealed triangle. He nodded with a smile and directed her attention back to her gift. Inside of the envelope was a card with a Macaw on the front and Morgan giggled at the words inside. This is so you can always remember the bastard bird.

  There was something wrapped in a one inch pink square in the middle of the card, but before she opened it, she looked up at Angel again. “I will always remember you, Angel.” She knew the card didn't have much to do with the bird.

  “Open it, Boo,” he smiled again and tapped the pink square. Morgan pulled it from the card and carefully flipped it over, ripping the tissue paper from the little surprise.

  “Ohhhhhh, Angel! I love it!” Like clockwork, the tears rolled down her cheeks. Sitting in her hand was a new addition to her bracelet. A beautiful white gold Macaw with a bright orange gemstone for an eye. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She reached across the seat and gave Angel the tightest hug she could conjure from her seat. At the same time, Morgan secretly slipped an envelope of her own into his pocket. It was a letter telling her new friend how much he means to her, and how much fun she'd had with him. She also enclosed two thousand dollars that she had managed to withdraw from the one bank in the market area the morning they went shopping together. She thought to use it for herself, but ended up not needing any of it. Until that morning. The money, she was certain, would continue to help his family.

  “You're the best friend I've made in years, Morgan. You said these charms mean something to you, so I hope this one does,” he took it from her hand and she held her wrist out for him to clasp it on. It went between the coconut from Kole and her first fish charm from Tanner.

  “You have no idea how much this means to me, Angel.” At that point, the first tears began to fall from Angel's eyes.

  “Shit! See! I told you it was going to happen!” Angel forced a laugh and wiped a rogue tear from his cheek. “Let's get you inside.”

  Epilogue

  The goodbye to Angel had been hard, but they promised to always keep in touch. By the time she got on the plane, he had already sent off a text and a picture message, showing the most pathetic boo-boo lip she had ever seen. As everyone settled on the plane, Morgan took a similar picture, puffing her lip out as far at it would go and the message
, I miss you already. She sent the same picture to Gio with the words, I just wish we could have had more time together, but I had a lot of fun. Thank you for everything. Your friend, Morgan. Then she texted Tanner and said she'd arrive around nine AM.

  She put her phone away and took a deep breath, then pulled out her scrapbook. After she got to the blank page after Kole, she took out the picture of Gio in front of the mermaid from her purse and slid it into place. Underneath the sexy man, she wrote her message:

  Gio Mateus,

  A beautiful man who enjoys the beautiful things in life. We didn't get much time together, but I have a feeling our paths will cross again one day.

  She snapped her pen shut and slid it and her pink book back into her bag, then laid her head against the seat. The plane had begun to move and Morgan was relieved when she looked to her right and saw an empty seat. Whew! She did a celebratory silent yes as she pumped her fist a few inches into the air. Elbow room!

  Well, Brazil was nice. On to Australia to see Tanner. Oh, Tanner. I've missed you. But we're just friends right? I'm not going to do anything like that. No, just friends. But, I want to...I want him. Okay, maybe just once. Once can't hurt. No, let's just work on friendship. Shit. What am I doing?

  Morgan debated with herself until she finished two movies, then her friends vodka and 7up helped her fall asleep. She stayed that way until a flight attendant tapped her on the shoulder to politely ask her to sit up and put her tray away. When Morgan woke up, her heart was racing and her palms were sweaty. Tanner. Her mind went right back to the gorgeous Australian man. Okay, I can do this!

  She flattened her bed hair back to her head and snapped the little tray back in its upright position, then brought her purse to her lap. First order of business, a fresh coat of lip gloss. Lip gloss makes everything better. Then she went on to freshen up the rest of her makeup and by the time they landed, she looked like she hadn't just slept for...when I fell asleep it was getting dark outside. When she looked out the window, it was early morning. She sat back in her chair and stretched her arms wildly over her head as the plane's occupants herded out of the plane like the sheep on Sean's counter.