The Big, Not-So-Small, Curvy Girls Dating Agency (Plush Daisies: BBW Romance)

by Catori, Ava

  “And I’ll be some old spinster with cats that are addicted to kitty nip and no guy because I had stupid ass requirements.”

  “So you’ll give Jonathon some thought?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Just think about it. You said you had a great night.”

  “Fine, I’ll think about it.”

  “Love you Sammy, but I’ve got to go.”

  “Bye.”

  Chapter 19

  Business was picking up with the addition of more applications, and Becky was able to set up a couple of people. Her first match was still dating, though her second didn’t go over as well. At least she had some success with her first couple. There wasn’t exactly a wedding in the works yet, but it was still early and both were pleased. The couple was going to invest more time getting to know one another.

  As Becky’s phone buzzed, she mindlessly reached down for it, knocking her diet soda to the ground. “Crap, hello?”

  “Lovely greeting, do you greet your boyfriend that way?”

  “Hey, Sam, give me a second. I spilled my drink,” she said running to the kitchen to grab a towel. Cleaning up the spill she said, “Besides, he’s not my boyfriend.”

  “What? You said you loved him, and you don’t consider him your boyfriend.”

  “Well, it’s not like I’m seeing anybody else, but I don’t know if he thinks we’re exclusive. I haven’t brought it up, and he hasn’t either which I’m taking as a sign.”

  “That’s not good. Maybe you should mention it.”

  “I want to, but it’s so awkward. What do I say?”

  “You’ll figure it out. You never like my suggestions.”

  “Right, but your suggestions amuse me and teach me what not to say.”

  “Thanks, Becks, thanks.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Well, I thought about what you said, and I called Jonathon.”

  “Get out! Really?”

  “He seemed pleased to hear from me, and we got to talking. I was thinking maybe we could go out again, and then he did it.”

  “Oh, please no.”

  “He laughed and reminded me how incredibly unsexy it was. Seriously, if you could hear him you’d understand. He’s a great guy, but I couldn’t live my life with that.”

  “You’re going to die old and alone, Sammy.”

  “Better alone than hating my husband’s laugh,” she countered.

  “Good point.”

  “Anyway, I also had something else happen that you might find interesting.”

  “Really, what happened?”

  “I ran into Brady at the pet supply store, and he asked me out to lunch.”

  “Did he now?”

  “Only, I had a two o’clock appointment and it was already one, so I had to pass, but we’re going to go out this Sunday.”

  “That’s great. Is it just friendly, or are you thinking you might be interested in him again?”

  “I’m holding judgment, but decided I’d go out with him one more time. Only I’m holding off on sex. Just because I slept with him, doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with him again. I’ve got a new four date rule.”

  “This is the first I’m hearing about it, and what about his sexual skills that were you less than thrilled with? Four dates is good.”

  “I’m going to overlook it for now, maybe it was performance anxiety. Besides, it’s not like he can’t improve with a little help. We barely knew each other. And I’m sharing my new rule with you now, aren’t I? If I have three successful dates with a guy, then I’ll sleep with him on the fourth date, but not a moment before.”

  “Do you think you can hold out that long?”

  “I’m going to try. How are things going with Reed?”

  “They’re going, I mean, there’s the whole not sure if we’re exclusive thing, but he is cooking dinner for me this weekend. I’ll be staying at his place Saturday until Sunday, so don’t call me unless it’s an emergency.”

  “Are you going to bring up the exclusive thing?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Becks, maybe he thinks you guys already are exclusive, but just hasn’t said anything. You’ve been seeing a lot of him.”

  “Right, that’s how I think. I only want to date one guy at a time, but I just don’t want to feel like a fool if he’s thinking about dating other people.”

  “You’ve got this, sister, just come out and say what you’re thinking.”

  “I guess,” Becky sighed. “I’ll have to bring it up eventually. I just don’t want to spoil the weekend.”

  “Maybe it will make it that much more special.”

  “We can hope.”

  Finishing their conversation, Becky got back to the business of her dating agency. Between the applications she had so far, and the event she held, she was sure she’d have a solid database soon enough. With one more event in mind, she wanted to put together a park picnic for singles. She hoped with enough advertising she’d bring in more potential clients.

  She didn’t have a lot of money for the actual event, but she could grill hotdogs and bring chips and pretzels. If she made it BYOB it would even be more affordable. Lastly, she’d set up stations like Frisbee, croquet, and other outdoor activities. Her biggest hurdle right now was getting her name out there and letting people know she was building a matchmaking business.

  Becky spent the night playing with wording for an ad, and after finally finishing called it a night. With the weekend coming up quickly, the rest of her spare time was focused on figuring out how to bring up the topic of an exclusive, monogamous relationship with Reed. She didn’t want to push him away by being needy, but she also didn’t want to be one of many.

  Reed was making a prime rib with red bliss potatoes and fresh asparagus for dinner Saturday night. Becky was impressed with his ability in the kitchen, because while she could get around and make a few things, she was certainly no chef herself.

  She played out the conversation in her head a million times, and every single time she felt desperate. “What do you think about idea of being exclusive?” “How do you feel about dating other people?” “I want you to know, I’m not seeing other people.” She groaned, going back and forth, trying to figure out how to approach the topic. Maybe she should just let it go, and let him bring it up when he’s ready.

  It made her stomach turn, the thought of him possibly being with somebody else. But, what if he had wild oats to get out of his system after being with the same person for so long? Dropping her head, she decided that it would be up to him. She obviously wasn’t going anywhere. She already gave up the secret that she was in love with him. She cringed on remembering his response - “that’s sweet” and wished she could have a do over.

  When the weekend finally rolled around, Becky picked up a bottle of wine to go with dinner. It was the least she could do, since he went through the effort of cooking for her. Showing up, she smiled on seeing his face. She smiled every time she saw him. It didn’t matter the occasion, simply being around him was enough to make her happy.

  “It’s great to see you,” he said, taking the bottle of wine from Becky and heading into the kitchen to get glasses. “I wanted to talk to you about something. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said the other day, and how I handled it.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to,” she stammered, realizing he was jumping right into the hot topic. She went into a full fledge panic, knowing there was no way to avoid it now. With it tossed into the fire, she suddenly felt embarrassed all over again.

  “I feel like there’s this divide, and I want to address it.”

  Becky blushed, realizing there was nowhere to hide.

  “The thing is, I really like you,” he said, pausing for a moment, “I’m just not there yet. We’re still getting to know each other.”

  “I rushed it, I didn’t mean to say it, the orgasm, I was lost in the moment, it slipped,” she rambled, trying to get out of the awkward situation. She was squi
rming and needed to stop this conversation dead it its tracks.

  “I wanted to be honest and up front with you. I can’t make any promises, and I have to put that out there.”

  “I’m not looking for a promise.” Becky was fumbling, fidgeting, this was too uncomfortable. As much as she liked him, she realized they were in different places emotionally. She felt like a fool.

  Taking Becky’s hand, he kissed it. “I’d like to continue getting to know you better. I’m hoping we’ll be spending a lot of time together, but I need to go slowly. I just got out of a relationship, and though I know it was for the best, I want to make sure you don’t pay for my mistakes. If I jump from one relationship to another so quickly, I won’t have time to process my true feelings.”

  “Wow, you sound mature,” she mumbled.

  “I’d like to think I’m doing right by you. You’re a special girl, and I don’t want you to be some rebound that just fills a gap. I’m hoping you’re more than that, but I can’t promise where we’ll end up, just that I’d like to walk the path with you.”

  Becky nodded, not sure what to say. They were great words, wonderful words, hell, they were wise words, but in that very moment, she was stuck. She didn’t know what to say.

  “Dinner smells great,” she said meekly.

  “Are you okay?” Reed was looking at her. There was something else. “Did I hurt your feelings?”

  Becky shook her head, “No, not at all.” She was torn, not sure what to do, what to say. She wanted to feel romantic and sexy, but all she felt was rejected. He didn’t even reject her, but it like he was letting her down gently, without even breaking up with her. He would eventually though – guys like Reed don’t date girls like her. She swallowed hard. “I need to use the bathroom, if you’ll excuse me.” She kept her composure long enough to close the bathroom door behind her, and then sinking to the floor, caught her breath.

  Why did it feel worse than it was? He said she was special, but why did it feel like he was buffering a blow. She just had to keep it together long enough to get out of there. This wasn’t going to work; there was no way it could work. He wasn’t feeling it. Becky was ready to go forward, but Reed was still doggy-paddling and wanted to stay in place. They weren’t compatible, this was a mistake. She’d never have matched the two of them in her business, because let’s face it, they don’t belong together. You’re just a silly girl with a crush. Let it go – let him go.

  She lost track of time and didn’t want to go back out there. She declared her love for him, and he shut her down. He couldn’t promise a future, just a good time. Her ears were ringing, hearing his tone, all condescending, like he had to pander to her, afraid she’d break down.

  Standing up, she looked in the mirror and ran her fingers through her hair. You can do this, enjoy the evening and then leave. You’re going to get hurt, because yes Becky Holgate, you are most certainly in love with Reed Amwell, but he can’t promise you anything, and that means he’ll be seeing other people. Don’t be one of many, don’t do it.

  Taking a deep breath, she let herself out of the bathroom and walked to the kitchen to join Reed. Pasting a fake smile on her face, she sat at the table. “Can I help with anything?”

  “No, it’s just about ready,” his head was down, as he bent to remove the prime rib from the oven. Placing it on the stove top, he turned around and grinned, “It’s done.” Looking at Becky, he knew something was wrong. It was in her face, that wasn’t her real smile, and her eyes were flat.

  Sliding his oven mitts off, he went over to sit with Becky. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “Nothing, why do you ask?”

  “Because that’s not your real smile,” he answered softly.

  “What are you talking about? It’s the same smile I always wear.”

  “No,” he said quietly, “it’s not. When you smile your face lights up, and your eyes do this sparkling thing, sort of dancing, and you get the cutest dimple.”

  Becky looked down.

  “What’s going on?”

  “It’s not important, besides dinner is ready.”

  “Dinner can wait.”

  Becky looked up at Reed. “I don’t do the date a lot of people thing well. I guess I wanted to ask you if wanted to be exclusive, but your big speech tonight sort of shuts that down. I’m not sure I can handle dating you, knowing you’re out with other women.”

  “Wait a minute, what made you think I was thinking of dating other women?”

  “You’re afraid I’ll be a rebound, and you can’t make promises, because you want to be with other people.”

  “Whoa, you’re adding words there. I never said anything about other women. I just don’t want to promise you forever before we truly know. Becky, I love being around you, and I only intend to date you. Hell, when I was with Jessica, I knew there was something special about you. I don’t want to rush things, because I want to do things right.”

  “Like dating for a while, before we sleep together,” she teased softly.

  “Okay, well, could you blame me? You’ve got that luscious body, and you’re adorable.”

  “You think I’m luscious?”

  “Have I not made that obvious? Listen, I like you. I like you a lot. I just need to be sure before I can use those words. They’re big words, and when I say them, I mean them. It just takes me a little longer to get there. We’ve only known each other a short while.”

  “I felt like such a fool. I didn’t mean to say it. I think I was just in the moment,” she cringed. “I think it was lust more than love, not that I don’t like you a lot.”

  “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out, but let’s do it one step at a time, okay?”

  Becky nodded.

  “And yes, I’m a one woman man. I like that in my women too, so if we’re going to keep doing this, I’d appreciate that in return.”

  “Like exclusive?” She grinned, realizing what he was saying.

  “Like exclusive,” he confirmed.

  The smile that lit up her face couldn’t hide her relief and joy. It was the very same smile that Reed had fallen for that first day he met her, that and her incredible laugh.

  Chapter 20

  Thankfully it was a sunny day, and as Becky got ready for the event, gathering up the last of her things, Reed showed up. “Let me carry that for you,” he said taking one of the heavier bags.

  “I’m so excited; I think we might get a nice turn out.”

  “With the website finished, you can send people right to the database to enter their applications now. You’ll be able to see everything from the administrator side, but it will cut out the need for paper applications. I even made it a mobile friendly site for tablets and phones.”

  Becky leaned in kissing Reed, “Thank you so much for that. It looks amazing. I never could have done that on my own. Did you bring your camera?”

  “It’s in the car. I’ll be sure to get some great candid shots to add to your singles event page.”

  “You’re the best.” Yelling over her shoulder, “Bella behave.”

  Heading out to Reed’s car, they loaded up the stuff for the picnic.

  When Sam showed up with Brady, Becky smiled. This would count as their second date without sex, and if Sammy could hold out, she might make it to a third. She was trying to go sex-free for the first few dates, thinking if she slowed things down maybe something would stick. Brady seemed happy as a clam, so Becky figured it was working just fine.

  Pulling her aside, “How’s it going? I’m so proud of you!”

  “I caved before coming over.”

  “What?”

  “It is what it is,” she shrugged. “Besides, I think I like him more than I thought I did.”

  Becky rolled her eyes, “I knew it.”

  “Seriously, you didn’t think I’d last?”

  “Samantha, how long have I known you?”

  “Okay, Mrs. I slept with Reed before going on an official date.”

  �
�Whatever,” she said, grinning, heading back to greet the new people arriving.

  Reed snapped candid shots of the day, though he was pretty sure he took more pictures of Becky than anyone. Becky smiling, Becky laughing, Becky looking beautiful…he was in love. Seeing her through his lens made things crystal clear. She was most definitely the one that made his heart beat faster. He knew she was his future, and he had every intention of making her his wife. Funny, how he had to be pushed into a commitment in the past, but with Becky his future couldn’t start soon enough. Reed smiled and snapped pictures of his future bride.

  He knew she was the one for him.

  ****

  SIX MONTHS LATER:

  Becky stood before the mirror and turned slowly. “What do you think?”

  Sam drew her hand over her mouth. “You’re gorgeous. I think that’s the one.” She wiped a tear away. “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

  “When he asked…” Becky started to choke up. “Anyway, I didn’t even know I could be this happy.”

  “You deserve it Becks. I love you, girl. And he’s a good guy. You should see the way he looks at you. He’s in love.”

  “Yeah,” she sighed. “I’m getting married. Wow. I’m getting married.” She looked into the mirror one more time before removing the dress. “Happily ever after, huh?”

  Sammy smiled. “It couldn’t happen to a nicer girl.”

  THE END

  Thank you for choosing an Ava Catori title. If you’d like to know about future Ava Catori releases, visit AvaCatori.com and sign up for my mailing list.

  If you have a moment, please consider leaving a review so others can decide if this is a book they might enjoy. Thank you for your time.

  The “Plush Daisies” series continued, and boy did I have fun writing it. Be sure to read Sam’s story… *and read an update on Becky and Reed!

  “Curvy, Crazy, and Confused”

  Samantha, a free spirited, plus-size girl who takes life as it comes finds her uptight neighbor dreadfully boring. Christopher thinks Samantha is loud, boisterous and annoying. Getting trapped in an elevator together drives them both crazy and neither can wait to get out.