The Touch Series Box Set

by t. h. snyder

  "So tell me stud, who is the jack ass you allowed to move in with you and become your personal assistant? I didn't appreciate his tone." I say with a quirky grin, my nose scrunched up as I smack his hand away from the hot stove.

  "Hardy, har, har...wait did you just call me stud? Are you coming onto me Charlie? Cause you know my heart only has room for one Taylor girl." Derrick says with a wink and he sits at the table in my kitchen.

  "Ugh, you are a prick. You know that right?"

  "Yes Charlie, How can I forget? You tell me every day."

  Derrick is the sweetest guy in the world and Chloe is a dumb ass for treating him like shit for the past eight years.

  Even after all they have been through he has stuck by her side, waiting for her to commit to him and their relationship. I mean my god, eight years is a long time, but I understand they want to pursue their careers first and let their relationship happen as it should.

  Aside from the ever-loving boyfriend thing he has going on, Derrick is a great friend. He’s the brother I never had. Geez, if he had a brother he could hook me up with, that would be a-ma-zing!

  The genes that run in the Peters family are like no other. Derrick is 6' 2; lean built with baby blue eyes and messy brown hair. Chloe and I love to tease him that there’s no need to do a thing to his 'man' hair coming out of bed, yet he spends at least a half hour primping it and too much money on hair product and cuts.

  Derrick and I sit to eat the spread I was preparing when he came over for our recurring Sunday brunch. We discuss his week at the firm, my week at work, how much Chloe loves Los Angeles, and few details about his new roommate Riley.

  He doesn't have too much to say about him, but I’m still intrigued with this guy that answered Derrick's phone last night.

  I had just been woken up too, but the sound of his sleepy voice did things to my mind and body. It was as if I could sense the goose bumps creeping back up just by thinking of him. A man's voice has never done that to me. Either it’s my lack of a sex life or I’m in need of this man's touch.

  How can I learn more about this new guy without Derrick getting weird on me?

  Maybe...yes that’s it, Char you are brilliant.

  "So what are you doing after work Wednesday?" I ask in my most sincere and loving voice.

  "Why what's up, you need me for something?" Derrick replies with a mouth full of food.

  "I was thinking of coming over and making dinner for my best friend. It has been a while since I cooked dinner for you." I say as I bat my lashes in his direction.

  "Why whatever do you mean Miss Charlie? Are you saying that I don't cook for myself? Because I am capable of making PB&J and I can boil noodles and dump sauce in to a pot."

  With my best puppy dog eyes I tell him, "No, that’s not it. I just thought it would be nice and it will give me the chance to meet your new roommate." Oh he is so going to catch onto little miss obvious.

  "You don't think I know what you are up to little girl, because I do. But whatever, come on over around six. What do you want to make and I will have the stuff there for you?"

  Damn you Derrick Peters. He knows me too well. But who cares, my plan worked.

  Ugh, I roll over in my big ass bed and wonder what the hell happened. The blinds and curtains are drawn in my room. It’s dark as hell in here and I have no clue what time it is, shit. Mental note, buy an alarm clock for my bedroom with big red numbers so I can see what time it is. Till then I will have to find my cell and check it out.

  Man, I guess I didn’t realize how much sleep I was lacking. I just slept the day away. This is not me, poor Manny must be dying to get out for our daily run.

  By the time I get out of bed, it is well after noon and the house is way too quiet. I assume Derrick has plans for the day and when he gets back I will clue him in on the mystery call that woke me at 5:30 this morning.

  I guess I'll take Manny for a run, jump in the shower, start up the growing mounds of laundry in my bathroom, and head out to the store for a coffee and Sunday newspaper.

  Sounds like a hell of a plan for the day.

  Jesus Christ Manny is in super run mode today. What the hell pent up aggression does a two-year-old bulldog have to release? Guess we both need the exercise.

  Derrick still isn't home when I get back from my run so I decide to deal with my other shit for the day.

  I get my stuff in order at the house, jump in the Durango with Manny and head over to the Dunkin Donuts and mini-mart down the pike.

  As I’m walking into the mini-mart I notice there’s one paper left lying on the rack.

  "Shit!" I curse to myself.

  I almost missed out on getting the classifieds, good thing I got here just in time.

  As I step to grab the last Sunday paper a little brunette jumps in my path and scrounges it.

  "What the fuck chick, did you not see that I was reaching for that when your tiny little meat claws went to snatch it away from me?"

  "Excuse me." She says in a raspy voice.

  Damn that voice is sexy.

  After not being in a relationship and not getting laid for a few weeks, there’s a sudden need to readjust before I continue to approach the situation. I turn back her way to grab the paper as she continues her rant.

  "Yea you heard me right. Who the hell do you think you are? You don't own the mini-mart or the paper rack. Who gives you the right to claim the last one?" She says with a cute smirk and crunching up her little nose.

  "Hey sorry babe, but I just want the paper for the job classifieds. How's about I make a deal with you?"

  "No way! Take the damn paper; I will just get one at the next store."

  With that last statement she walks out the store, swaying her little body with those amazing curves. Shit I need to readjust again.

  Even though I feel like an idiot, I still want to shout, “Hell yea I still scored the last Sunday paper”. Damn, I should have asked for her number.

  God I’m a loser.

  I need to find a job and a life before I go postal.

  After my brief meeting with the ‘crazy mini-mart bitch’, I head back to the house.

  With my hard-earned Sunday paper and coffee in hand, I walk into the kitchen where Derrick is attempting to hang a ceiling fan. Before the poor guy electrocutes himself, I better lend him a hand, after all this is part of my trade.

  "Hey handyman, you want help there before that hair is standing up on end?" I say with a cocky smirk.

  "Oh shit, just in time. Yea thanks man. I have no clue what the hell I’m doing here."

  "No problem, get off the damn ladder before you kill us both and make sure the power is off on the switch attached to this light. I will have it up and working in less than five minutes."

  While I hang the ceiling fan for Derrick, I tell him about the call this morning and the ‘crazy mini-mart bitch’. He laughs it off and tells me his girlfriend's sister was the early morning call and that she will be over Wednesday night to cook us dinner.

  A possible chick interest and she is making us dinner. Sounds like a plan to me I tell him.

  Shorty after graduation I was fortunate to get an accountant position at Minnich &Rizzotto, a large Boston accounting firm. I kept telling my parents my love for money and numbers would pay off one day. Boy was I right; I’ve loved every paycheck since I started.

  Just as 5:30 rolls across my computer clock, I save my spreadsheets and database, shut down the Mac, and lock up my office for the day.

  Good god. This is the week from hell. I’m so busy at work and had little to no time since Sunday. Thank goodness tonight I’m heading over to Derrick's to cook dinner and relax with a bottle of wine.

  I should text him to see if he has wine or if I should pick up a bottle on the way.

  Char - Hey stud, do you have any White Merlot at the house or should I pick a bottle up before I come over?

  Within seconds, my phone is vibrating in my hand.

  Derrick - See there's that stud comment
again. How many times do I have to tell you I am with someone Charlie, it’s time to let go.

  I giggle at his comment and hate Chloe for abandoning this man.

  Char - Yea, yea I know

  Derrick - Don't worry about stopping. I'll tell Riley to grab you a bottle while he is out getting our stuff for dinner.

  Char - Wow! Not only does he answer your calls for you but he does your shopping. Nice Derrick. How do I find me one of those?

  Derrick – Ha-Ha little shit, see you around 6 :)

  Char - You bet-cha ;)

  I finish my last text to Derrick and put my phone back in my purse.

  I am ready to relax the night away with Derrick, but more anxious to meet the man behind that sexy voice, Riley. Good thing I wore something comfortable yet flattering to match my figure, not that I’m hopeful for a hook up.

  My shoulders and mid back are covered by long, wavy, dark brown hair and I have big, brown eyes. I have a petite figure standing tall at 5' 3 with boobs and an ass that make me curvy in all the right places. My family continues to tell me I’m beautiful; however, I tend to disagree. This is why I push the fact that I’m still single.

  As I pull into Derrick's neighborhood, I’m struck with the sadness of missing Chloe. This is my first time coming over for dinner without her being here in the home they bought together. As much as I hate to admit it, I do miss my big sister.

  I pull my Jeep into the driveway and start to hop out the driver's side door when I’m met by the cutest looking dog I’ve ever seen.

  "So I see you’ve met Manny." Derrick says as he walks off the front porch.

  "Geez Derrick, my sister leaves and you get a pooch? Why didn't you tell me? I love him, drool and all."

  "No Charlie. Manny isn't my dog. He’s Riley's mutt."

  "Well then Manny why don't you take me inside and introduce me to your daddy." I say and glance at Derrick with a coy smile and follow the two inside the front door.

  Man I need to find a job and fast. Being Derrick's little bitch today has me hating life.

  After the day I’ve had running errands to the local farmer's market, butcher, and wine store; I’m ready to have this meal laid out in front of me. I hope to hell this gal can cook because I’m starving and could use home cooked food.

  I don't know too much about Derrick's friend other than her name is Charlotte, but by no means am I to call her that or Charlie. I guess those names are reserved for her parents and Derrick. It’s Char, just Char. I figure I better stick to calling her the right name and creating a good impression. After all, she is cooking us dinner.

  It's 2:30 and I am done with the tasks Derrick asked me to help out with for the night, so I pull out the job classifieds from the Sunday paper.

  I laugh to myself at the thought of how I got this paper and the ‘crazy mini-mart bitch’.

  I look through the items I’ve circled and decide to give one in particular a call because I have the time to spare. I notice through the ads that there’s a few contractors looking to fill positions, but there’s one that I want to try out first. Derrick told me he has a connection to one of the bigger crews here in Boston, but for my own pride, I want to see if I can give it a go on my own.

  I flip the page to where the giant add is in print and run my finger down the side till I find the number. Under big bold letters reading Taylor & Sons Contracting, I spot the number 555-1430. I pick up my cell and dial, fingers crossed this could be my golden ticket.

  After a brief conversation with the general contractor, I score myself an interview for late Friday afternoon.

  This could be my lucky day; I feel it in my bones. I made the right choice moving up to Boston and slowly but surely, I am getting my ducks in a row.

  With still a few hours to spare, I decide to take Manny for a quick run and if possible take a well-deserved nap. After all, once I start working, I don't plan on having any more lazy days.

  The rest of the afternoon passes by and I’m feeling good. I got in a good workout, I have an interview set up for Friday, and I’m about to stuff myself with home cooked food once Char arrives.

  Meanwhile, I head to the kitchen, grab myself a beer, and see what ESPN has to say about our good ole Boston Red Sox.

  Anxious to start cooking in Derrick's amazing kitchen, I hurry into the large gourmet room followed by Manny. I’m dumbfounded when my eyes catch site of the man standing in front of the fridge.

  The first thing I notice is he’s talking to himself in a deep and raspy tone. The second thing, as my eyes begin to travel over his body, is that he is built. I catch my mouth hanging wide open.

  He is about 6' 2, as tall as Derrick, with nice broad shoulders. He has the body of a man who works out or else does something damn well. I see something peeking out of the sleeves of his tee-shirt, but I can't make out what they are. Tattoos of some sort I guess. He has short brown hair, but long enough to run my fingers through it and give a good pull. From this angle, it looks as if he may be wearing glasses.

  Holy hotness, this man screams sex from his head to his feet...well at least from behind.

  I continue to observe him for a few more seconds; no one seems to be watching me. Oh my! Yes indeed, this man is yummy from behind; now I need to get him to turn around before I drop my panties and lurch onto him.

  "Hey guys, I see you two are here in the same room. Riley this is Char, Charlie this is my new roommate Riley." Derrick introduces us and my feet are stuck to the tile.

  As he begins to turn around, I close my mouth while fixing my hair and posture.

  "You?" I say with a bit of shock to my voice.

  "Oh my god, you!" Riley replies.

  "What the hell are you doing here?" I say as I scrunch up my nose.

  "Oh my god Derrick, do you realize who this gal is? Ha-ha, it’s the crazy mini-mart bitch. Your Char is the mini-mart chick I told you about Sunday."

  "Derrick I can't believe this is even happening. This loon you have living with you almost accosted me at the store over a fucking newspaper. Can you believe that?"

  "I'm a loon? You saw me heading for the paper and dove right in front of me like the paper was the last Twinkie on the planet."

  I can feel the heat radiating from my cheeks and sense my face turning as red as my stilettos. I can’t believe Derrick's new friend is the same guy that I ran into at the mini-mart. Ugh, to think I was considering a slight, and yes, I do mean slight, attraction to this asshole.

  Derrick decides to share his voice."Come on you two, you do realize how stupid you sound? You hate each other over a fucking newspaper. Let's pretend that day never took place and start over, right now. Char this is Riley and Riley this is my best friend Charlie. Shake hands, kiss and makeup, or do whatever you need to do to get over your issues. I’m hungry and this girl needs to get cooking."

  I stand in shock at the way Derrick laid that on us. This is just like him to get right to the point and have us move on; he’s a great lawyer.

  I take a step in Riley's direction with my right arm stretched out in front of me. I hope he is willing to accept my apology. I sure as hell am willing to accept anything he wants to give me.

  Damn it, what am I even thinking? I can’t be attracted to this man, can I? Oh what the hell, here goes nothing.

  "Well I guess I can start over and forget the other day. Sorry I acted like a ‘crazy bitch’, I was in a rush and not paying attention to the world around me. Hi my name is Char, nice to meet you."

  "Yea I guess I can do the same. Nice to meet ya babe, the name is Riley."

  He stuck out his hand to shake mine. As our hands touch, little bolts of electricity run through my hand and into my arm. I guess this evening just took a double turn, now time to cook.

  After meeting Derrick's friend Char, I had no idea she would be as cool as she is to talk with. I mean, she seems to fit right into our conversations and I love listening to her talk. Her voice is one of the sexiest things I’ve heard.

  "Wow Char
dinner was amazing, thanks for cooking for us. Had I known I was about to meet the ‘crazy mini-mart bitch’ I would’ve bought a dessert too."

  "I wouldn't push your luck pal; we just kissed and made up." Char says with a wink.

  "Whoa slow down there tiger, it’s our first date. Who says I’m ready for a kiss yet?" I ask.

  She leaves out a sweet giggle and gets up from the table to start clearing our dishes.

  "First date huh? Who is being presumptuous now? I was under the impression I was making dinner for my best friend and his roommate."

  God I love the way her raspy voice sounds in my ears and the way her tight little curves fit into that amazing dress she’s wearing. She catches me looking her over and gives me a wink.

  She comes up behind me and leans over my shoulder. In a low whisper, she breathes into my ear and says, "See something you like, Riley?" She proceeds to take my plate from the table and add it into the sink with the others.

  Holy shit is this woman for real? The other day she was a loon and today she is flirting with me like sex on a stick. I’m usually damn smooth with the ladies, but with Char I have a feeling she likes to be in some sort of control. Where do I go from here?

  Rather than waste another second I begin to stand and walk toward the sink as Char is rinsing the dishes and adding them into the dishwasher.

  Out of the corner of my eye I see Derrick begin to stand and turn his body to face me. He crosses his arms and locks himself into a firm stance next to Char. Derrick is standing tall as if to represent her bodyguard. He eyes me up and down while whispering something into her ear.

  What the fuck man. Does he think he owns Char too? I thought he was a mess over her older sister Chloe. Man, I need to find what the hell is going on between these two because I sure as hell want to make a move on Char.

  I decide to grab the rest of the plates from the table and take them over to the sink. Once the table is cleared from our dishes, I wipe it down along with the stove and countertops. It’s the least I can do to help out after Char cooked us a great meal.