By Mistake

by Sigal Ehrlich

  I feel like Ricky is starting to figure out adulthood while I’m already deep in. We’re in two very different places, and somehow, I don’t think that our trajectories will ever meet. It’s not even about parallel paths; it’s two divergent roads. While I’m on the highway to settling down and climbing the corporate ladder, Ricky opts for the road less traveled.

  “Well, my trip canceled,” I say.

  “That doesn’t mean we can’t play on home territory.” He eyes me, and I feel like those hypnotized characters in cartoons, like his eyes swirl and slowly bewitch me. Ricky and all his woman voodoo magic – not an act. He doesn’t force it, it’s just who he is. That’s how he roams the world, impossibly dangerously and sinfully attractive, unintentionally collecting a sizeable followership.

  I squint my eyes at him, forcing myself to avoid the voodoo eyes and no less voodoo lips. “Some of us don’t have time to play,” I say and pat his chest in dismissal.

  He grabs my hand and holds it over his chest. Very much defined peck, I notice. With my hand on his steadily beating heart and his large, inked hand covering it, I feel it all the way deep in my stomach.

  “Let’s have a drink after our session.”

  When I stare at him, contemplating my reply, he adds, “Last time didn’t cut it, Vic, I need more.”

  Good that he’s somehow holding me because I think my knees are getting weaker. Last time started with an evening walk that ended in a cozy little café somewhere in the very early hours of the morning. We talked for hours, and our immediate connection and the platonic intimacy we shared left me too unsettled for my own good. I just couldn’t get him out of my thoughts after last time.

  “Ricky,” his name comes out a little hoarse. “I don’t think that I will. I don’t think that it’s a good id—”

  “Yo, Rick, we’re on. We’re opening with The Gaslight Anthem cover, right?” Kevin, Ricky’s band member, interrupts the moment.

  With my hand still under his, attention fully on me, he says, “I’m coming.”

  I’m coming. Oh boy, is it hot in here or what? When I step away, pulling out my seized hand, he quickly captures it back.

  “One drink, Vic.” He squeezes my hand and follows his band member’s steps. Leaving me yet again very much unsettled.

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  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read By Mistake.

  So, I have a request. It would be great, REALLY GREAT, actually, it would be more than fantastic, if you would leave a review on Goodreads, your favorite ebook retailer, or anywhere else you wish. ;-)

  Also, I more than love hearing from my readers. Honestly, it’s the best part of the whole writing process. So, send me an email at: author.sehrlich@gmail.com or chat with me on Facebook.

  Thank you for allowing me to share my stories with you, and I hope to be re-invited to your bookshelf with my next release.

  Sigal

  THANK YOU to every single person out there who read my latest creation! Writing By Mist@ke was such a fun ride. After having these characters banter inside my head for days on end, even though I was working on another story, I decided to let them run free. Halfway through the writing, I knew I wanted to continue “hanging out” with the rest of the gang. What can I say, those chickens really got under my skin. So, if you enjoyed By Mist@ke, books 2&3 (Vicky’s and Kayla’s) are in the making.

  Now, to two incredible women who made writing this book as fun; two fabulous ladies who read, criticized, and loved the story together with me. Kiki, and Camilla (also known as Young Anna) — thank you so much, my chickens, for the laughs, coffee/tea-ing, and brainstorming.

  Ravit, I’m a little jealous.

  Cap, Sim, Sylv, and my Barchik, thanks for being my eternal pep squad even when I disappear inside my writing cave for days and ignore your calls.

  Tommy for almost containing the cringe when I read bits and pieces to you.

  Nicole Hornbaker, I can’t imagine ever publishing a book without you.

  BLOGGERS, truly incredible bloggers. I’m forever grateful and humbled by your continuous support. Bianca, Vicky, Dali, Sharon, and Rachel, SueBee, ladies, I feel absolutely fortunate to have you on my side.

  And last but not least, my readers; I could have not asked for better readers.

  Sigal Ehrlich is a bestselling author of refreshing, fun, and sweet romances. She loves books, cold weather, and the occasional bubbly drink. Living as an expat for most of her life, Sigal has been lucky enough to visit many exotic places and meet some unique people from all corners of the world, while experiencing the sweet triumphs and travails of trying to acclimate to new “homes.” Currently, Sigal calls the Czech Republic home where she lives with her husband and three kids.

  Sigal would love to hear from you! Please send her a message or visit her at:

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