by Grace Risata
“Do you like to dance?” I asked her. Strangely enough, we’d never discussed this topic.
“No, I have two left feet. Besides, no one wants to dance with me anyway. All the guys here are totally gorgeous. We definitely don’t have men like that back home in Kansas. I feel like I stepped into a magazine full of hot male models or something!”
Ah, the truth comes out. Chrissie wasn’t interested in joining the throng of revelers, but rather more entertained by ogling the menfolk. I had a few cousins and family friends that were her age.
“Go up and talk to one of them,” I urged. “It’s not like you’ll ever see them again, so who cares if they turn you down?”
If anyone had the nerve to reject the woman, I’d personally make sure they lost a few teeth.
“Why aren’t you dancing?” she asked, turning the tables on me.
“I’m about to do just that,” I informed her, putting my final surprise into action. I honestly wasn’t much of a hearts and flowers romantic kind of person, but I did want to add one special touch to the evening.
Marching onto the makeshift dance floor, I whistled loudly to get everyone’s attention.
“It’s time for the bride and groom to have their first dance,” I announced, waving them all away to make room for my husband to join me. “Hit it, Grizzly!”
As per our plan, Grizzly plugged an ipod into the sound system and gave me a nod of his head once the song was ready.
Sam took me in his arms with a curious expression.
“What do you have up your sleeve, Lee? I can tell it’s something sinister.”
“Tell me if this song sounds familiar to you…”
The first notes of a certain 80s tune began to waft across the lawn.
“Tonight I need your sweet caress, hold me in the darkness. Tonight you calm my restlessness, you relieve my sadness.”
Sam froze, stunned, and gazed down at me with complete adoration.
“You remembered…”
“Of course I did. Listen to the words.”
“So raise your hands to Heaven and pray, that we’ll be back together some day.”
“We’re back together, Sam. Not that we were really ever apart in the first place. You’re mine today, tomorrow, and always. Nothing will ever come between us and I promise to spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to make you happy.”
“Marriage is making you sentimental. You know that, right?” he asked, pulling me closer and burying his face in my neck.
“It’s just one day. I’ll be back to my cold-hearted ways tomorrow.”
“That’s my girl…”
THE END!
Okay…not really…keep reading…
Chapter of BONUS MATERIAL
CHRISSIE
I can’t believe I’m really doing this. Every cell in my brain is telling me that I should have flown from Mexico straight home to Kansas.
But I didn’t.
Lee always told me that I could stay with her if life got to be too much for me. Technically, I didn’t have any serious problems back at our family farm, but I just wasn’t ready to return to my parents and our boring existence. Ever since Sam came home with his wife, things were more fun. I was living in gray, but Lee made everything change to vibrant colors. I finally felt alive.
So I got a brilliant plan in my head that I would slightly alter my flight and end up in New York City instead of Kansas. It’s not like I was going to move here permanently or anything crazy. There was nothing wrong with a tiny little week of vacation somewhere new. Lee and Sam were honeymooning on a fancy Caribbean island and wouldn’t be back for six whole days. Surely she wouldn’t mind if I acted as a house sitter when they were gone? Or I should probably say apartment sitter, since it was New York City and rent must have been insane.
Forcing myself to be brave, I left the airport and hailed a taxi to ‘Dublin’s Pride.’ I knew that Leandra’s family owned the bar after hearing her brother mention the name when speaking to a guy named ‘Shorty.’ A lot of the people she hung out with had nicknames for some odd reason. Part of me wished I had one too. Just to be as cool as they were.
I knew I didn’t really fit in with my brother and his new group of friends and family, even though Leandra tried to include me in the wedding planning. They just all seemed miles out of my league. So sophisticated and glamorous. I swear that half the guys at their reception in Mexico could have walked right out of GQ magazine. Lee’s brother, Ian, was sweet enough to ask me to dance, but I had to shake my head and turn him down. It was so embarrassing. No one like him would ever give me a second glance in the real world.
I was too shy for my own good. That’s why I planned to order takeout food, maybe go on a few short walks around the city, and mostly stay safely inside the apartment while I was in town. My main problem was getting a key to their place. It’s not like I could have asked for one before I got here…my brother would have a fit if he knew I was in New York City all by myself. No way was I going to ruin their honeymoon by having Sam fly home to ‘rescue’ his little sister.
Nope. I’m going to march into that bar, ask to speak to a manager, and see if they can locate Ian. He must have a spare key to his sister’s place, right?
Taking a deep breath, I gathered up my courage and walked inside. This will be a piece of cake.
Or not.
All eyes turned to me, considering there were only about ten people in the place and I can’t pass for twenty-one in the slightest little bit. Yes, I’m twenty years old, but I look a lot younger. It’s the freckles and curly hair. They do it every single time.
“Can I help you, miss?” a surly bartender asked, giving me an evil glare. “Do you need directions? No way in hell are you old enough to be in here.”
“I’m looking for Ian. Ian Donahue. Any idea where I might find him?”
My new friend raised his eyebrows questioningly.
“None of your fucking business,” he replied. “If Ian wanted you to know where he was, you wouldn’t be asking me his whereabouts, now would you?”
Gasping in shock at the rudeness of this man, I became more resolved to stand my ground and not be intimidated.
“Do you have any idea who you’re talking to, sir? I’m Chrissie Kent…sister of Samuel Kent…”
“And I’m the queen of fucking England. You have two seconds to get your sweet ass out of this bar, or you’ll be thrown out. Understand?”
“…and Sam is married to Leandra Donahue,” I mumbled, slumping my shoulders in defeat and turning around. Maybe there’s a close hotel and I can get a reasonable rate for the night.
“Whoa, whoa. Hold up, there. Did you say ‘Leandra Donahue?’ Fuck. She did just get married, but what’s her new last name?”
“Kent,” I repeated.
“Where was the wedding?” he demanded, as though testing me.
“Mexico. I was there with Ian and Shorty and a bunch of other people. Is there a Fritz? I forgot everyone’s name.”
“Sit yourself down right here and don’t move,” the guy growled, rushing over to pick up his phone. I was pleased to be making progress, so I did as I was told.
After punching in some numbers, my bartender friend stared at me while waiting for his call to go through.
“This is Andy down at the pub. I’m sorry to bother you, but there’s a little girl here who says she’s Leandra’s new husband’s sister and she’s looking for you.”
“I’m twenty!” I shouted in annoyance. That does not make me a ‘little girl.’
“Ahh, she’s getting an attitude here, Ian. Says she’s twenty and her name is Crystal…Crystal Kent.”
“It’s Chrissie! Is that Ian on the phone? Tell him that I made a wedding toast about Sam being a simple farmer from Kansas and how I was proud he’d come so far, and then Ian shouted ‘golddigger’ and Lee threw a beer bottle at his head.”
I waited patiently while the bartender repeated the information, and then sat in stunned surprise when
he suddenly cupped his hand over the mouthpiece and apologized.
“He wants to talk to you, ma’am. I’m sorry I doubted your story. Please don’t…don’t tell Leandra, okay?”
I took the phone and shyly mumbled, “Hello? Is this Ian? This is Sam’s sister. Chrissie. Not Crystal. Do you remember me?”
“Of course I do,” he replied suavely. “Does Lee know you’re in town?”
“No…not really.”
“That’s what I thought. Are you in any sort of trouble?”
“No. I just…I wasn’t ready to go home yet. So I flew here. It really…it wasn’t very well thought out. I’m calling you to see if there was a spare key laying around for Sam and Lee’s apartment. Do you think it would be okay if I stayed there for a few days? She told me that I’m welcome anytime.”
In my head, it made perfect sense, but out loud it sounded kind of crazy.
“Do you have any idea where their apartment is located?” he asked in a strange voice.
“No. I was hoping you could help me out with that…”
This guy is going to think I’m nuts.
“Here’s what I want you to do, Chrissie. Don’t go anywhere. Stay right there. I will come and get you in about ten minutes…maybe twenty if I get stuck in traffic. Put Andy back on the phone, please.”
“I don’t want to be a bother. Maybe I can just find a hotel…”
“Chrissie. You will sit your ass down and not move it. Is that understood? Put Andy on the phone right now!”
With a sigh of frustration at being ordered around like a disobedient child, I handed over the phone.
“Yeah…yeah…make sure she doesn’t leave…don’t let her out of my sight…no one speaks to her…twenty minutes max…I got it, boss. Don’t worry.”
Andy hung up the phone and said, “I have no idea what makes you so special, but he threatened to make me eat my own shit if I so much as take my eyes off you. Can I get you something to drink while you wait? A bottle of water? If you need anything at all, please let me know, ma’am.”
What the heck was going on? One minute this guy was ready to kick me to the curb and now he was all ‘please’ and ‘ma’am.’ Wow.
This town is wild! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
********
[Author’s Note: No, this story is not ending on a cliffhanger because I would never do that to you. I just really, really grew to love these characters and felt like more of their story should be told. Shy and innocent Chrissie in big, bad New York City? Wow. The possibilities are endless. Guess I better hurry up and get writing…]
Acknowledgements
This book came about in an entirely unusual way. I decided I needed a challenge, so I posted a picture in my Facebook reader group and asked the members to each come up with one line for a short story. I was then tasked with combining their sentences to form a coherent narrative. Here is what they gave me:
1) With his head down, he focused on cutting up garnishes for the night in order to focus his thoughts and center himself as he prepared for the crowds to come. (Given by Julia)
2) She breathed in the clubs atmosphere and felt a thrill go through her, sex was in the air. (Given by Autumn)
3) I crossed my legs, knowing I was giving some lucky bastard a shot at my goodies. (Given by Teri)
4) Was this going to be the night when she would learn whether she was able to let go of the past, let go of him, and finally move on with someone new? (Given by Cathy)
5) She stared in amazement, she’d never seen a purple kangaroo with pink spots before. (Given by Aidan because she loves to challenge me)
6) There he is, the star of some of my most graphic sexual fantasies. (Given by Sheri)
7 & 8) As I gazed longingly at the bar, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. AND Absinthe would never be considered a good idea. (Celeste gave two sentences)
After composing a 2,000 word short story, I fell in love with the characters and kept on writing…and writing…and writing.
In addition to the above people, I would also like to thank Karen, Ronda, Dawn, Nadine, Sybil, Jan, Tori, Sandra, Kat, Becky, Melissa, Kathy, Patti, Sunday, Eric, Wysty, Marla, Maggie, Julie, Lindsay, Diana, Rosy, Sherazad, Minae, Lois, Ashley, Kelsey, Saranya, Arec, Nikki, Steph, Tamara, Pavan, Crystal, Jamie, Pat, Tessa, Tania, Angela, and anyone else I inadvertently left out. I dislike doing acknowledgements simply because I’m deathly afraid I’ll forget someone. However, it takes a village to support an author and these people have gone above and beyond to help me out. Special thanks to VMC and RLR for their infinite love.
Finally, a giant ‘THANK YOU,’ to you, dear reader, for taking the time to read my words and let me entertain you for a little while. Your support is most appreciated!
Til next time…
Grace
Grace Risata Bio and Author Contact Info….
I would first and foremost like to thank everyone for taking the time to give my stories a chance. My goal is to take you out of your world, and all the stresses that go along with everyday life, and bring you in to my world of romance and fantasy. I have a special weakness for hot alpha males and the feisty heroines who love them. Above all else, I hope you got a laugh out of my book
My professional biography is as follows (I’m not sure why it’s in the third person, evidently that’s the rule): Grace is happiest when reading, eating Portillos hot dogs, and patiently waiting for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.
Time for some links…
Please check out my website for all the latest news, info, and crazy blog posts. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get exclusive access to Advanced Reader Copies of my books: https://gracerisata.wordpress.com/
Feel free to follow me on Amazon… https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Risata/e/B01AUXMZAO
Stop by my reader group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215569562397149/
Or connect with me on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14888691.Grace_Risata
Books by Grace Risata:
Please note that ALL my books can be read for FREE on Amazon if you’re subscribed to the Kindle Unlimited Program!!
Please also note…I’m fully aware that everyone is strapped for time, so I forced myself to condense the book descriptions so you’re not reading forever. Here are my stories in order of publication…
My Dirty Detour (January 20, 2016)
A shy germaphobe meets an alpha male ex-mafia enforcer and his friends when she takes a wrong turn and gets lost. It was the best mistake she ever made!
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/My-Dirty-Detour-Comedy-Romance-ebook/dp/B01AU6674G
My Dirty Bet (March 24, 2016)
Free short story on my website that’s a prequel to “My Dirty Detour.” The Dirty Detour gang find themselves at a dive bar and a bet is made to spice things up.
https://gracerisata.wordpress.com/
Nights in the Fast Lane (May 16, 2016)
A Street-racer goes on the run and meets a lonely woman and her dog during a massive blizzard. She offers him refuge and things quickly heat up.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Nights-Fast-Lane-Contemporary-Romantic-ebook/dp/B01FQ3ZM80
Mowed: An Erotic BBW Comedy Romance (September 18, 2016)
A big beautiful woman gets an erotic offer from her old high school crush. Nothing turns out the way either of them expect.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Mowed-Erotic-Beautiful-Comedy-Romance-ebook/dp/B01M1FJ7IL
UNGRANTED WISHES: A Paranormal Comedy Romance (January 15, 2017)
An unfulfilled curvy woman buys a brass pot at rummage sale and finds a gorgeous genie inside. What will she wish for?
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ungranted-Wishes-Erotic-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B01N7SLZER
My Dirty Crown (February 8, 2017)
One night of adventure with the Dirty Detour gang as they go shopping for a present and find more than they barg
ained for.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/My-Dirty-Crown-Detour-Adventure-ebook/dp/B01N2B9Z5I
Unicornia (March 15, 2017)
Free short story on my website (link on homepage). This is a short standalone unicorn porn story with a wild sex scene and unusual characters.
https://gracerisata.wordpress.com/
My Dirty Vacation: Book TWO of the My Dirty Detour Series (May 7, 2017)
The Dirty Detour gang takes a little vacation to fabulous Las Vegas. Action, adventure, and laughter lurk around every turn.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/My-Dirty-Vacation-Comedy-Adventure-ebook/dp/B071L5359F
Teaching the Dom (September 9, 2017)
A bold woman knocks on the door of a stranger and simultaneously becomes both a student and teacher of BDSM. Tantalizing sex ensues as lessons are learned.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Dom-Grace-Risata-ebook/dp/B075HK2N96
The Christmas Present From My Past: A Second Chance Holiday Romance (November 17, 2017)
Two old friends reunite while serving food to homeless folks on Christmas Eve. Feelings are rekindled and love gets a second chance.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Present-My-Past-Holiday-ebook/dp/B0776XGNKT
Undeniable Request: A Comedy Romance about Lovers that Meet Online (February 22, 2018)
Sick of the dating scene, a woman becomes fascinated with a man she meets online after receiving a random friend request. He asks for a favor that changes her life forever.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Undeniable-Request-Comedy-Romance-Lovers-ebook/dp/B079ZPTZDJ
Her Invisible Soldier: A Military Romance with a Twist
(July 2, 2018)
A volunteer opportunity at a veteran’s charity pairs a defiant alpha male with the one woman who refuses to give up on him…
