Cassandra Hall sipped her coffee and smiled. “I totally get it. I’ve had my share of…less than memorable first dates too. It’s hard to meet people, and those dating sites on the Internet are—”
“A craps shoot. I tried that, and it was a disaster. In fact, every date I went on last year, and the two I’ve been on this year, were unmitigated disasters. I don’t want to sound like a whiner, but really, I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me. My friend Harper says I’m too picky, but when a guy wants to show you his scar where he had a ballpoint pen removed from his duodenum, you have to ask yourself—”
“Duodenum?”
“Small intestine. I’m sorry I even brought that up. See? It’s me. Maybe working at the hospital has turned me into a weirdo magnet. When men find out I’m a nurse, they seem to want to show me things I’d rather not see without a doctor and an IV sedative on hand. Can you help me?”
“I think I can. Tell me exactly what you’re looking for in a guy, deep down. The real thing, not just tall, dark, and handsome.”
Audrey frowned. “So tall, dark, and handsome is off the table?”
Cassie laughed. “I’ll consider those a given. But beyond that. Describe your perfect man.”
At this point, Audrey really wasn’t sure what she wanted in a man, but she could quote chapter and verse on what she didn’t want. She thought for a moment, contemplating the rich swirl of cream she poured into her own coffee. At the moment, she knew one perfect couple. Her best friend Harper Shaw had been left only steps away from the altar barely a month ago, and in the interim had found Grant Addison, the smart, hunky, romantic, gorgeous business manager of the catering hall where Harper’s wedding reception was to have been held. Audrey was thrilled that her friend had traded her wishy-washy ex-fiancé for a man like Grant. Unfortunately, as much as Audrey might have hoped, Grant didn’t have any brothers.
After careful consideration, she met Cassie’s expectant gaze. “I want a man with character, someone who’ll stand up for himself and for me, someone who knows who he is and what he wants and doesn’t let anything get in his way. I’m not a candy-and-flowers kind of girl, but I definitely need a man who can handle a serious relationship. He doesn’t have to be sentimental, but he has to be solid and dependable and…is that too much? Because at this point I’ll settle for someone who’s never been admitted to the psych ward.”
Cassie tucked a strand of long blond hair behind one year and made a few notes on a small pad of paper she’d brought with her. She looked up, squinting her blue eye—the other was brown—as though sizing Audrey up. “You strike me as a no-nonsense type. You want someone who’s straightforward so you don’t have to wonder where you stand with him. Am I right?”
Audrey examined her coffee spoon. “I usually get in trouble for being too straightforward. I say what I think…maybe a little too often.”
“So you want a guy who can handle the truth and isn’t going to crumble if you have a complaint about something he says or does.”
“Do they make guys like that?”
“Trust me. I know a few.”
“How many can I have?”
Cassie smirked. “Sorry, I don’t do ménages. If you want more than one guy, you’ll have to find the second one on your own.”
“I’ll take one. One would be plenty. Thanks.”
“Okay. Give me a week, and I’ll call you. How’s your schedule at the hospital? Are weekends good for you?”
“Perfect.” Audrey gave Cassie her schedule and her phone number, and they finished off lunch talking about Cassie’s cupcake business. They parted in the parking lot of the diner, each heading to her own snow-covered car.
Before she pulled out of her parking space, Audrey fished her cell phone out of her purse and dialed Harper’s number. Her friend had given her Cassandra’s number and urged her to get help from the town’s self-appointed matchmaker, a suggestion Audrey had considered a joke until last week when she realized six months had passed since she’d even cared if a guy called her for a second date. She was tired of starting at square one, and after seeing how happy Harper was with Grant, Audrey decided it was time for her to find someone to fill the void in her own life.
When Harper answered, Audrey lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “The deed is done.”
“What? Oh, you called Cassandra? That’s great.”
“I hope she can find me a prince charming, because I’m afraid you might have gotten the last one.”
“Don’t worry. I hear she’s responsible for half a dozen marriages. She’s good.”
Audrey sighed. “Well, I may be the exception to the rule. Let’s see what she comes up with for me.”
“Who. You mean who she comes up with.”
“What if I’m unmatchable?”
“You’re not.”
“I could ruin her reputation.”
“You won’t.”
“I’m kryptonite when it comes to dating.”
“You’re not.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll call you later.” Audrey and Harper hung up, and Audrey contemplated her hazel eyes in the rearview mirror. “Watch out, Superman. You haven’t met Audrey Desmond yet.”
www.claricewynter.com
About the Author
Considering herself the third of two voices, Clarice Wynter is the contemporary romance alter ego of a multi-published paranormal and science fiction romance author. She lives in the Tri-State area with her husband and her children and a trio of cats.
To learn more about Clarice and her books visit her website and blog:
http://www.claricewynter.com/
Look for the rest of the Spring River Valley Series-to be released throughout 2013
Jilted in January
Fixed up in February
Mixed up in March
An Affair in April
Matched up in May
Jaded in June
Jealous in July
Awakened in August
Seduced in September
Outmatched in October
Naughty in November
Desired in December
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Jilted in January Page 9