A Little Bit Cupid: A Collection of Short Stories

by Lady Boss Press

  “All my guys are out on one assignment or another. For the first time in weeks, I have a morning off. The whole day actually.”

  That may actually work out well for her. She wanted to get out for a little. Besides her siblings being protective, she’d been afraid of being out on her own. As long as Doug was out there, she didn’t want to risk running into him. But the cabin-fever was getting to her. “The whole day, huh?”

  He plated the second omelet and moved over to the kitchen table. “Yup. Wanna get the bacon?”

  She moved the bacon while he poured each of their coffee. “I was thinking of getting out for a little today. All I’ve done is go from here to the courthouse and back. Oh and that time I had to go for a fitting for Holly’s wedding. I want to do something fun.”

  “Dress fitting isn’t fun.” He raised a brow at her. “Isn’t that kind of essential to what you do?”

  “Exactly.” She took a seat at the table. “That’s my job. It’s not fun. And after you’ve done it a few hundred times, the novelty wears off.”

  He swallowed a mouthful of food. His Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “So what does Nadine Salinger do for fun?”

  An idea formed in her mind. “It’s been years since I’ve gone bowling. I used to love it. I mean, I’m not that good. But I loved all the cheesiness of it. Rented shoes, greasy snacks. All of it.”

  His brows now reached his hairline and he put down his knife and fork. “You want to go bowling?”

  “Yep.” Why did that surprise him. “You could join me. I mean, if you wanted to. I could go on my own. It’s not the kind of place I’m likely to run into Doug.”

  He was quiet for a beat, his eyes narrowing. “Nadine, you don’t have to force yourself to go out. There’s no timetable of milestones or anything.”

  “Jack, I’m bored.” She leaned back in her chair. “I’m not sure whether I want to continue modeling. I have a lot to figure out. But it’s been such a long time since I’ve had fun. I want one carefree day.”

  He smiled at her, making her stomach do that flippy thing it always did when he looked at her a certain way. “Then bowling it is.”

  A few hours later they were dressed in comfy jeans and oversized t-shirts, donning ridiculous rented bowling shoes. Jack had complained because they didn’t have his size and his toes were being pinched.

  It was great seeing him outside of his element. He was usually so stoic and serious, his mind always on his work. Watching him punch the air as he bowled another strike was refreshing. His shoulders were relaxed and he flashed that gorgeous smile a lot more. He looked a lot younger when he was having fun. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he knew how to bowl.

  As expected, she sucked at it. But she didn’t care. She didn’t have to care. No one was around to insult her or belittle her. She didn’t have to worry that she’d be accused of flirting just because she smiled at a stranger. And worry that anyone would hurt her for it.

  Jack handed her one of the black balls. “Your turn.”

  His fingers brushed hers as she took it from him. Shivers ran up her arm and she turned away from him. “Thanks.”

  The last thing she needed was for him to notice her attraction. It was embarrassing enough to be attracted to someone who was not her husband. To put him in the position to have to reject her would be humiliating. And she’d been through enough humiliation.

  She stood at the end of the alley and lined up the ball. She bowled and watched as the ball stayed in the centre as it made its way to the pins. The ball hit the middle pin. Then three more. And then the rest went tumbling over.

  “Yes!” She ran toward Jack and jumped straight into his arms without thinking.

  He spun around and planted a kiss on her lips. And then her world was spinning for a different reason.

  Jack pulled away, loosening his arms a little so she could find her feet without falling. “Sorry.”

  She nodded and turned as the waitress brought their food. “Our burgers are here.”

  It wasn’t that she needed conversation. There were many times in the last few weeks where she and Jack could sit in silence. Her reading, him working. Yet, as they tucked into their food, the silence felt heavy. Awkward even. That was the one thing she wanted to avoid.

  Jack was her safe space. The one place she could cry and talk. Or just be quiet and be. She didn’t want that to change. As she sat there with him she felt as if something had changed between them. He kissed her. It wasn’t even romantic or sexy. He was just reacting to her. Maybe she shouldn’t have jumped into his arms. Or if she didn’t—

  “Stop.” He looked at her, his eyes serious. “I can see that brain of yours working. You’re finding a way to blame yourself for me kissing you.”

  “I hate it when you do that.” She put her burger on her plate. “Not the kiss. I mean, that was great. The way you can read my mind is really annoying.”

  “It wasn’t much of a leap.” He took her hand in his. “You’re used to blaming yourself. But I crossed the line. That kiss is on me.”

  “I didn’t exactly pull away.” She didn’t want him to think that it was unwelcome.

  “I noticed.” He let go of her hand and she felt the loss immediately. “But we can’t go there. You’re still married. And as long as Doug is contesting the divorce, you’ll stay married.”

  “So what?” She pushed away from the table. “So I’m supposed to live like a nun forever?”

  “Not forever, sweetheart.” He offered her one of those smiles. “Once he’s found guilty and incarcerated, he won’t be able to contest the divorce.”

  She looked at Jack. She knew what he said made sense. But he was expecting her to respect her marriage. A marriage that had brought her nothing but heartache and hurt. There was no respect in her marriage, and she wasn’t about to start now. But she would respect Jack’s wishes.

  Chapter Three

  Jack

  One kiss. One sweet kiss, a little over two months ago, and his brain had been fucked ever since. Part of him regretted that he hadn’t deepened the kiss. Those soft lips on his were etched into his brain and he wanted more. He wanted what he couldn’t have.

  Yes, she was married. But if he was honest, at least with himself, it was more than that. A woman like her needed more than a man like him. A man who had seen so much evil, it often gave him nightmares.

  More often when he’d heard her crying in her sleep, it was because he had woken from his own bad dreams. She needed more than that. What she needed was a man that could help rebuild her life after the hell she’d been though. Not one who brought his own demons with him.

  The start of the processional music playing pulled him from his thoughts. One by one the wedding party walked up the aisle, each wearing a different style dress but in the same shade of red.

  Holly had a large wedding party and he waited quite a while for Nadine to walk through the doors of the chapel. When she did, his mind froze. A floor length wrap-around dress with thin straps on the shoulder. She looked like a gift, ready to unwrapped.

  As she reached the altar, she shot him a sexy little smirk and winked. His dick twitched at the small gesture. How did she affect him so bad?

  Neither Wyatt nor Adam missed the interaction and raised a brow at him. He shook his head, hoping to dismiss them. He needn't have worried, though. The processional music stopped, and Holly stood at the entrance of the chapel. Her brother, Gabe, was at her side. Since they were essentially orphans, he was accompanying her down the aisle.

  Jack spared a glance at his friend. Adam’s grin nearly reached his ears; he was completely transfixed by his beautiful bride.

  Who wouldn’t be? Holly looked like a real live princess in a lace and chiffon dress with so many layers in the skirt, she appeared to be floating on a cloud. Her dark hair was pinned up and those dark brown eyes shone with moisture as she kept her gaze fixed on her husband-to-be.

  As the ceremony got underway, though, Jack had eyes for only one woman.
Her bruises had faded, leaving her creamy skin luminous. Her shoulders were more relaxed, and her posture was closer to that of the woman who graced so many magazines. But it was more than the physical.

  Nadine had a quiet confidence that could easily go unnoticed. She was fiercely loyal to her family, even when their meddling irritated her. She was kind and nurturing and so much more than he deserved. So much more than any man deserved. The thought of her with another man brought his attention back to the present.

  The minister looked between the happy couple. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

  Adam dipped Holly in a passionate kiss. Cheers and whistles played through the room and the couple started the procession out of the room. As the groomsmen and bridesmaids partnered off down the aisle, he was fortunate enough to hook arms with Nadine.

  He bent down, bringing his lips close to her ear. “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled up at him. “You clean up real nice, too.”

  With all the couples ahead of them, it took a while to get out of the chapel. “Remind me again why Holly wanted such a big bridal party.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I told you. She’s never had an occasion to make a big fuss. Even with her milestone birthdays, she was either in an orphanage and after that she had no one to celebrate with.”

  “She told you this.”

  Nadine shook her head. “She didn’t have to. Her determination to include all the people who mean something to her in her special day speaks volumes.”

  Jack smiled at her intuition. It wasn’t a sixth sense, rather it came to her naturally by being genuinely interested in people. “I suppose we need to go and pose for photos.”

  “That’s usually how it works.” She winked up at him. “Don’t worry, you have a professional at your side. I can do this in my sleep.”

  As promised, she stayed at his side except when they wanted photos of the men alone. She told him to angle himself at the camera, and not smile too broadly. Apparently, it looked fake. Who knew.

  They stuck close together through the speeches and the three-course meal. They watched the bride and groom’s first dance and even joined when the bridal party was invited.

  “I’ve been looking at getting my own place.” She must’ve noticed the worry on his face. “I’m not planning on moving out immediately. But after the trial, I think I’d like to be out on my own for a while.”

  “Of course.” He ran his thumb over her bare back, not missing how she shivered in his arms. “Our arrangement was never meant to be permanent. I just want you to be safe.”

  “I know, but I cannot live in fear.” Her fingers played with the hair at the back of his neck, sending a jolt of arousal through him. “Whatever happens with the trial, I need to carry on with my life. Otherwise he wins.”

  The idea of her not being in his space unsettled him. He was attracted to her, he knew that. His feelings for her were growing, which meant her moving out was probably a good idea. Still, he didn’t like it. But he could be gracious.

  “If you need me to drive you to look at places, or haggle with landlords, just let me know.”

  She shook her head. “I need to do this myself. I moved from my mom’s home to Doug’s house. Doug bought my car. He signed me with the agency and approved all my assignments. I want to do things for myself for a change. I’ve already left the modeling agency.”

  That surprised him. “You’re quitting altogether?”

  “Of course not. I love what I do.” That much he knew. “I’ll find another agent. Definitely take on less work. Do things that I would be proud to have my name attached to. I was thinking of speaking to my siblings about securing a loan to start my own agency.”

  His mouth twitched at the corner. “So I’m guessing no more swimsuit editorials.”

  Her laughter filled the room, which was fast becoming one of his favourite sounds. “You’re such a man. Usually those are shot in the middle of winter. I hated them.”

  “Well, a man can hope.”

  He didn’t realize how much time they’d spent together during the evening until Wyatt pulled out a chair next to him and sat down. Nadine was dancing with the other bridesmaids to some Taylor Swift song about being twenty-two or something.

  “What’s going on between you and my sister?”

  In more than a quarter of a century of friendship Jack had never lied to Wyatt. He wasn’t about to start over something as important as Nadine.

  “To be honest, I have no idea.” He shifted in his seat so he could keep an eye on her past Wyatt’s head. “I mean, nothing’s happened. But yeah, there are feelings. And I’m pretty sure they’re not one-sided. But she’s married.”

  Wyatt ran a hand through his dark hair. “She’s married on paper. What that asshole did was not a marriage. It was a prison.”

  “Still.” Jack looked at his best friend. “You know I’m not the man for her. She’s seen enough darkness, she doesn’t need to deal with me. If we were to start something, it could never last.”

  Wyatt pulled his chair closer. “Look. We’re both grown-assed men and I’m not going to be the douche big brother threatening to kick your ass.”

  “Because you know you can’t.”

  “Not arguing there.” Again with the honesty. “You’re a good man, Jack. Yes, you’ve seen some real evil out there, and it changed you. But you’re still a good man. Don’t you dare believe that you don’t deserve happiness.”

  “Not with her, Wyatt. She doesn’t deserve my demons. Especially while she’s still fighting her own.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” His friend leaned back in his chair. “And I agree, she shouldn’t get into anything heavy while she’s still married. Not because she needs to honor her vows or some shit. But because she deserves more than having that cloud hanging over her.” Wyatt pressed his hand onto Jack’s shoulder as he stood. “Just don’t be an ass.”

  As the evening wore on, he danced some more with Nadine. He even fitted in a dance with Holly, and a little later with Adam’s mother, Judy.

  He helped Wyatt tie the tin-can to Adam’s car and watched as the happy couple drove off leaving a racket in their wake.

  Nadine was sitting at one of the tables, resting her head in her hands, when he finally finished helping Wyatt wind down the evening. “Ready to go?”

  “Like an hour ago.” She picked her sandals up and stood. She was quite a bit shorter without her stilettos. “I’m so exhausted, I think I could sleep for the next twenty-four hours.”

  “Not that you’re dramatic or anything.” He held a hand out to her. “Come, your chariot awaits.”

  The chariot was a BMW convertible. Not very practical, and not the car he used everyday, but he enjoyed using it for special occasions. Even if the weather meant he had to have the top up.

  Late on a Saturday night they encountered very little traffic, and were back at his house in no time. The first thing Nadine did as she walked through the door was hook her arms around her back and unclasp her bra.

  He watched, transfixed as she pulled the piece of clothing out from her dress without exposing any part of her body. He’d seen her do it so often before, and each time it fascinated him. Not only the fact that she was braless, which always managed to get him hard, but the ease with which she did it. Like she had been doing it her whole life, not just because she was trying to be modest in front of him.

  She turned in front of him. “Can you lower the zip please.”

  Was she trying to kill him? Okay, that wasn’t the first time she’d asked him to help her, but that didn’t mean it had no effect on him. “Sure.” Slowly, he pulled down the zip, his dick getting harder with each inch of exposed skin. “There you go.”

  He stepped back and she turned around. “Thanks.”

  Neither of them moved. Her eyes were dark. She licked her lips, reminding him of how soft they were against his.

  Jack took another step back and cleared hi
s throat. “I think we should get some sleep. I have a heavy week ahead of me.”

  “You’re right. And I’m about to start apartment hunting.” She walked down the hall to her bedroom. Before she entered she turned to him. “Good night, Jack.”

  “Night, sweetheart.” He quickly activated the alarm and retreated to his room.

  He was going to have to bury himself in work. It was the only way to avoid her.

  Chapter Four

  Nadine

  Two years. Spending six years beating your wife to pulp, and you’re sentenced for two years. “I suppose I should be grateful that he was found guilty.” She was on her way back home with her brother, Logan. Well, home for one more night.

  She was moving into her own place the next day. Not exactly her own place. It was the flat above the garage at the Cooper B&B. Judy Cooper was not her mother, but she was married to Nadine’s late father. At the time that Nadine was born. In fact, all seven of her siblings were born while Judy was married to Alexander Cooper.

  Her entire family and Jack had arranged to have the day off. She had no furniture of her own, and wanted nothing from the house she had shared with Doug. The flat had minimal furniture. A double bed, and a dresser in the bedroom, and a couch and a coffee table in the living area. She wanted new things and a fresh start. What little savings she had was spent on getting a few more items for her new place. The delivery companies had been scheduled to deliver in the morning, and she was hoping everything would be done by lunch time. She really didn’t see the reason for everyone to take the day off.

  Logan glanced at her before darting his eyes back to the road. “Grateful? He should be grateful that he was arrested before any of us got hold of him.”

  “I know.” Nadine didn’t like how aggressive her brothers got when the topic of Doug came up. Not that he deserved anything else. But she genuinely believed that they would do something stupid if they came face to face with the man. “Maybe once he gets out he’ll leave the city. At least now I can get a divorce.”