by CJ Warrant
Jesus. She was so damned cute. “Are you going to be there?” I had to look away, before my dick called attention to itself, especially with Lila gawking at me. The last thing I needed was for her to take notice of the bulge in my pants.
“No, I don’t do dances,” Charlie said, clearing her throat.
“But I will,” Lila chimed in.
Neither Charlie nor I responded to her statement.
Chapter Three
Charlie
“So Mark. Where’re you from?” Lila cooed out the question. God, she was going to make me sick the way she made her voice so syrupy. And she was driving so darn slow I could have walked faster to Arlene’s.
Also, I hated the way she called him Mark. Markus was a better fit for the gorgeous man sitting in the passenger side. Wavy dark brown hair and intense green eyes that reminded me of moss after a morning rain.
“Chicago.” Straight, no nonsense answer. His voice pulled me out of my musing.
The way Markus sat there with so much confidence, he wasn’t the usual man Lila attracted. But I knew Lila well, and she didn’t care as long as they had a pulse she’d jumped their bones. The real question was, was he attracted to her. Merde! The way she kept jutting her boobs out, I swore they were driving the truck.
“Ooh. I’ve always wanted to go to Chicago—Now why do they call it the Shy Town? I can’t imagine people there are shy.” Ugh. The sugary lift in her tone had me clenching my teeth to keep from gagging out my morning coffee.
Markus looked over at Lila and shook his head. “You mean Chi-town, C, H, I. Not S, H, Y. Some people always had that misconception of the spelling. Anyway, I think it was an abbreviation for Chicago. But, I really can’t say why.” Got to say, I liked Markus more. I guess he wasn’t into what Lila had to offer. But all men were sort of good in the beginning. Just like Devon.
I had wasted two years, four months and nine days on that sorry no-good-cheating-loser who I happened to catch kissing Lila in his car. That was the real reason why I hated Lila. Yet, it wasn’t worth fighting over a guy who simply didn’t want me. So I let it go…with her.
Nana was wrong about a lot of things, especially the attributes of men. And Devon was proof that men could be nice and be a total cheating jerk at the same time.
“So interesting,” Lila giggled. She glanced at him and winked.
“Really? Lila. You know if you went to the library, you would have known that answer,” I chided the slutty tramp.
“Really Miss Smarty-pants? I’m sure there’s nothing inside that rickety old building with any information about Chicago.”
Markus chuckled, which sent a wave of warmth through my belly. But I needed to ignore it. Swearing off men meant swearing off all men. No penis was worth a broken heart, unless it was battery operated.
Lila sent me a snide smirk before she jerked the steering wheel to the right, and slid into a parking spot at the end of the lot. “We’re here. And Mark, with today’s special, you get a sweet piece of pie—of course, if you want it.” She winked again, turning off the truck before getting out.
“Du musst mich verarschen verdammt sein,” I hissed in a barely audible whisper. I was thoroughly disgusted at how Lila was throwing herself at Markus.
“What?” Markus turned and asked me in surprise. My eyes went wide at his question, and couldn’t help but smile. He wasn’t immersed in languages, so he wouldn’t have understood my German. And I was no way going to explain what I just said.
“What did you just say?” he asked. His sweet looking mouth turned up in a half smirk.
“Nothing,” I chirped.
Markus shook his head, slid out and extended his hand to me.
I didn’t hesitate and took Markus’s hand and stepped down onto the snow-covered pavement. My Nana would probably say, “Now that’s a man’s man. He’s what you need to look for in your life, Charlie. He’d treat you right, and with respect. He’s a keeper.” Geez, if I listened to everything my Nana decreed as importance in a man, I would still be a virgin. Besides, helping someone out of the truck wasn’t some life saving endeavor.
“Thanks,” I uttered with hesitancy, and then pulled my hand away.
“Charlie?” There was trepidation in his voice.
“Yes?” My body stiffened in response, but was afraid to look into his beautiful piercing green eyes.
With his finger, he tipped my face up to him. “I’m not interested in Lila’s pie,” Markus offered with a small knowing grin.
“What—” I pulled away from his touch. “How—the audacity to think I give two merdes about what you do. I don’t even know you. There’s Arlene’s. Have at it.” I turned and stalked off toward a large brick building that had seen better days. My haven from the world.
“Where are you going?” Markus called. “I thought you were hungry.”
I spun around and hollered back, “I’ve lost my appetite. Hope you enjoy your stay.” Then I gave a single wave goodbye in hopes that I would never see Markus again.
***
Markus
I couldn’t help but laugh to what happened next. While Charlie back-pedaled, she tripped and landed on her ass in a pile of snow. She cursed something fierce in another language as she quickly got up and rushed inside the rundown building without a glance my way.
The crumbling sign above the doorway read, Valentine Public Library. Established in 1856. Damn. The library was old. But the building looked much older. I was surprised the structure still stood on its decaying foundation. Then I noticed the sign next to the door, with a bold red notice.
Warning. Enter at your own risk.
Shaking my head, I turned and headed for the restaurant. Situated at the end of the small town, the charming building was a weathered grey Georgian Colonial style with black shutters flanking each window. It stood out like a beauty queen at a mud rally.
Between the Bait and Tackle on the right and Alex’s Hardware store on the left, all the town was missing was a post office and bank.
Chimes rang as I walked through the doorway. All but a few tables turned and looked my way. I ignored the outright ogling, especially Lila’s blatant air kisses and waving hand.
To the right was a small reception desk, which I assumed was used to check in to the bed and breakfast, and immediately to the right was the hostess stand for the restaurant. I shook my head before I veered left to a small busty woman with graying hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her warm smile was welcoming.
“Welcome to Arlene’s. I’m Arlene. You needing a room or a table?”
“A room, please. Just for the night,” I said, looking around the décor of antiques mixed with modern day country style furniture of the restaurant.
“Are you sure?” she asked with an upturned smile. “I have only one room left and it’s the honeymoon suite. It’s going to cost you.”
Great. Just my luck it’s the honeymoon suite. I couldn’t help frown. “I’m sure.” I studied the restaurant and wondered who was actually staying there. They looked like locals. Then I pondered if Arlene was feeding me a line of bullshit. Though, it wouldn’t matter. I needed the room.
“Alrighty then.” Arlene pushed a small registry book and pen my way. “Please sign here.” The woman was bouncing up and down in what looked like nervous energy. “How are you going to pay?”
“Credit card.” I paused in mid-sign and looked down at the woman. “Is that okay?”
“You’re fine…” She glanced at the book. “Mr. Landry, we’re no country bumpkins here. We have WiFi. And if you’re hungry, we have our Valentine meal special for only $8.99. And if you want some fun, head just a little down the street at noon, and the VFW is hosting a dance. There will be plenty of pretty ladies to dance with.” She waggled her brows at the last few words.
“Wonderful. I’ll keep that in mind,” I mumbled with false enthusiasm, and handed Arlene my card. She ripped it out of my hand and swiped it through the machine like a ninja with a sword. She waited a second
and turned, handing me my card along with the receipt.
While I signed the slip of paper, Arlene retrieved a key from one of the cubbies behind her and then placed it on the registry book. “Here you go. Room 1206. Like I said, it’s our honeymoon suite. This room comes with complimentary champagne too.”
I wanted to decline, but after the past twenty-four hours with Beth’s call about my mother and driving with no sleep, some shitty champagne might do the trick to settle my contentious mood and nap for a bit. “Sure. Thank you.”
“It’s all good. Now, up the stairs to the left at the end of the hall.” Arlene pointed up the stair and wiggled her finger gesturing the left direction. “If you need anything, just dial six and leave a message if I don’t answer. I’ll respond as soon as I can.”
I nodded. Though, I wanted to laugh at the comicality of her comment, instead I stifled the amusement and followed her directions upstairs. I found the room where Arlene said it was. After slipping the key inside the lock, I pushed open the door and walked in.
To my surprise the room was large, simple except for the bed. A monster size four-poster king bed sat at the far end of the room with matching nightstands flanking both sides. Cream-colored walls with soft blue paisley curtains draping the two windows helped balance the room nicely. The only antiquey part of the room was the washbowl and pitcher situated on a small wooden washstand by the bathroom door. But I had a feeling it was more for show.
I dropped my bag on the bed and contemplated what to do next. I didn’t want to sit in here all day, I wasn’t hungry and there was no way in hell I was going to the VFW. At a glance out the window, the view of the library came into focus.
Charlie. I found myself chuckling at the vivacious woman I just met. Her lush body—especially her ass, was worthy of another look. I had one night. What could I lose? Fun might be right across the street. Nap first.
Chapter Four
Charlie
How friggin’ embarrassing!
The first cute man that came into town and what happened? I fell on my rear end. Markus was so handsome. Dark wavy russet brown hair, strong squared jaw, full kissable lips and eyes—the color of the Irish countryside…Snap out of it, Charlie! He’s only passing through!
Yes, he was a total jerk…well, maybe not a total jerk, since I don’t know the man and it wasn’t fair to judge him. However, I wasn’t going to admit that I was attracted to Markus or anyone else for that matter.
Markus had all the attributes that were on my Nana’s checklist. I thought Nana’s list for the perfect man was crazy. He had to have height because no man should be looking up at his woman. He had to be fit, so he could protect his woman. He had to be successful in business, so he could support his woman. And the final one, which made me always cringe because no woman in her late seventies should be talking about sex to her granddaughter, he should be well endowed so he could satisfy his woman.
And my response to all that? “Nana? No such man exists. They’re all pigs.” Her argument? I was also the part of the problem. It had hurt to hear that from Nana, but that woman never intentionally gave me anything crooked, or led me astray with her words. But sometimes it had.
But it was true. I fell fast for men who gave me total attention and never gave chemistry a chance to sink in and see if we fit like jigsaw puzzles. One simple sweet gesture and I was in love. I was talking about Devon, the man I thought I was so in love with. But all he did was break my heart. It had been two and half years since I dropped Devon like a hot potato. I was wiser now to fall in a trap with sweet words and beautiful smile.
I remembered talking to her the night before that dear sweet old woman passed away in her sleep, it had me tearing up. That was three a year s ago.
“God, I miss you so much, Nana.” I wiped a stray tear from my cheek and began turning on all the lights inside the library.
I brushed the sadness from my mind and took off my coat. Once I hung it on the coat rack right inside the doorway, I stamped my boots on the thick brown mat. A shiver of cold ran through me when I stepped further into the library.
I checked the thermostat. Fifty-two degrees. “Merde.” The furnace must have blown out again. I walked toward the set of stairs that led down to the basement where the old furnace was stowed.
Once I got the darn contraption to work, an hour later, the heat finally started to circulate around the building.
Between dusting and cataloguing the new books that came in last week, I had tons to keep me busy. Especially now with the notice from the village. They were closing the library for good. I hated the idea of telling people the library was going to close down. Yet, on the other hand, I rarely get anyone to come inside. I had a month to pack and ship all the books to the surrounding libraries that wanted any additional reads. It was going to be tough. With every book packed, my heart hurt to see this place—my sanctuary—dismantled.
It was nearly noon, and not having the time to eat, I decided to forgo lunch and work on packing up the upper stacks.
With resignation, I made my way toward the stairs to the upper back stacks, when I heard the front door creak open.
I blew out an exasperated breath and turned back around. As my feet hit the bottom step, I saw Markus stroll by, his eyes on the ceiling. I gulped at the sight. I took a few steps, watching what he was doing. I swore, he was a beautiful man to look at. And that beautiful man was looking up at the ceiling I loved. Some of my animosity toward Markus melted.
Yeah. The ceiling was the best part of the library. An artist in the mid forties decided to depict a scene during the pioneer days—before they named the town Valentine.
It was just one of many things I loved about the place. However, between the decaying condition of the building and lack of funds to tend to it, this library would surely be demolished soon.
“Hello, Charlie?” His voice boomed throughout the book-laden building.
The throaty way Markus said my name on his lips sent a shiver of want across my skin. I clutched my middle, because it felt like tons of butterflies dive bombing in my stomach. The thrumming between my legs wasn’t helping either. I stalled mid-step, and contemplated if I should turn and hide.
This is so not happening.
Not wanting to face the humiliation of falling on my butt, I spun around and headed upstairs when he called out for me again. “Charlie?” His voice was much closer this time.
I glanced over my shoulder and found Markus standing at the base of the stairs. I smiled down at him and knew he caught me escaping.
“Hi.” The second the greeting fell out of my mouth, my left foot slipped off the tread and tripped down a few steps, twisting my ankle. Markus caught me before I tumbled head first and crashed to the floor like a clumsy oaf.
“Merde,” I cried out in pain, grabbing at my left ankle.
“Are you okay?”
I glared at him. “Do I look okay to you?” I screeched like a wicked witch.
Markus swept me into his strong arms. “Where can I take you?”
I let out an embarrassed huff. “My office.” Feeling ten times stupider, I kept quiet until Markus walked into my tiny but cozy office and set me down on the edge of the desk.
He leaned down, pushed up at my pant leg and began pulling off my sock.
“Not necessary. I’m fine.” I tried to pull away, so he wouldn’t look at my leg. I haven’t shaved since the Titanic sunk…well, not since last month.
“Charlie.” It was a warning. I bit my lower lip and didn’t fight him. He poked and prodded around the swollen ankle, totally ignoring the shag carpeting poking out from my leg. “It’s not broken but from the swelling, it could be sprained. You should have a doctor look at it.”
“Well, the doctor’s in the next town over…and, since neither of us has a car, I’m out of luck,” I said curtly. “So what are you doing here?” I wanted to change the subject. I didn’t have time or the money for a doctor.
Markus didn’t utter a word, only gla
nced over at the small loveseat crammed in the corner of the room. One minute I was sitting on the desk barely tolerating the pain in my ankle and the next, he scooped me up into his arms like I was as light as a feather. I was stunned into silence, but only for a second.
“What the heck are you doing? Put me down.” I tried wiggling out of his hold, but he held me tighter. “I can walk.”
“Stop being a pain in the ass and let me help you.” Markus’s stern tone had me draw in a hard breath. I had an urge to punch him right in the face, and at the same time, kiss the stubborn man.
“Markus Landry, is it? I don’t need your Sir Galahad rescue.” I hoped my scowl was menacing enough to show this jerk I wasn’t the type to swoon at his ways. Been there, done that and got totally burned from it. I’ve learned the hard way.
“Sir Galahad rescue?” He laughed. “I don’t know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours, but I have never met anyone like you.” He stopped laughing but the twinkle in his green eyes had me wanting to melt into him. Of course I didn’t. Wait. Did he say I was pretty? I quickly shook off that notion.
Though, in that moment, the heat from his broad chest went straight through my right breast, down to my ribcage and that thrum between my legs grew into a tsunami of need. The intoxicating scent of his cologne bombarded my senses, which made me slightly fuzzy in the brain.
“Charlie?”
“What?” I asked, more off kilter than I wanted to admit.
“You make me laugh. And I have to say, it’s been a while since someone made me feel like this.” It was all he said, and it was all I could do but stare intently in his dreamy eyes like some lovesick buffoon. And right before I spoke up to break the magical spell he had woven with those mesmerizing eyes, lips and body, he leaned in and kissed me.
Not a ravage-all-coming kiss, not an I-want-to-do-you-right-here-and-now kiss, but a soft and gentle sweet kiss, which I wasn’t expecting.