He turned to her, a smile toying with the edges of his mouth. So sexy. He had two dimples that came out to play and his eyes seemed to brighten. Talon shook his head. “Can you imagine someone accidentally seeing me?” Then his expression changed. “They might take pictures. No, there are far too many people here. It would be far too dangerous. It’s not worth the risk.”
“We could go to that wooded section of the park.” She pointed to a tight grove of trees. “I could stand watch.”
Talon clasped his hand around hers. His skin was hot and calloused. He squeezed softly, letting go almost as soon as the touch registered. “Thank you, but shifting would only help a small amount. I would need to take to the sky, to stretch my wings.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. It is something we anticipated. I don’t think we expected it to be this difficult though.”
“Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
“I will.” His voice was deep and resonant.
“I mean it. Anything at all.”
His features seemed to darken. His jaw tightened. Had she pissed him off somehow? Then Talon dashed off, he slowed down and jogged back to her in a wide loop. Running circles around her just like she suspected he would. She really hated jogging. It was only something she had done on Jeff’s insistence. They had jogged together most mornings. Talon was right, she needed to find something else. Something fun.
Chapter 13
Two days later …
Her door flew open, banging against the wall. Vicky was sure she heard the plaster crack.
There was this excited, horrified look on her assistant’s face.
“What is it? Don’t tell me …” Vicky closed her laptop. “You’ve accepted another position and you’re here to resign.” Why did she hate the idea so much? Maggs was right, it would be the best for both of them.
“No,” Maggie shook her head, “not even close, although I do have an interview scheduled for tomorrow during my lunch break.”
“You don’t have to schedule interviews during lunch. Go anytime.”
Maggie put her hands on her hips. “Are you so desperate to get rid of me?”
Vicky gave Maggie a dirty look. “You know that’s not true.” Far from it.
Her PA smiled. "I know, only kidding." She sucked in a deep breath. "Firstly, your profile is live; you've already had a couple of hits. Guys hoping to strike up a conversation."
“What?” Vicky felt the blood drain from her body. “I told you to run the profile past me first.”
“We both know you would have spent the next three weeks tweaking it and would probably never have put the thing online.” Maggie raised her brows, looking down at her with a knowing stare.
“Fine,” Vicky huffed. “I’m not sure about this. I don’t know that I even believe in love and happily ever after anymore. Hence my sucking at my job right now.”
“Who said anything about love? I’m talking about sex here. You need to get your groove back on.” Then her whole demeanor changed. “And just so that you know, love is real and it is possible. Look at Will and me. Two weeks until our big day.” Without even realizing what she was doing it, Maggie put a hand to her heart.
Then it registered in Vicky’s mind what Maggie had just said. Shit! The wedding. She had completely forgotten about it.
“You didn’t forget my wedding, did you?”
“No, of course not.” Vicky shook her head. “I would never.”
“Well, if you play your cards right, you might just have someone to take, I still have you down as plus one.”
“Why?” Vicky practically yelled. “I told you to drop the plus one.”
“Check out those guys online, you never know, maybe one of them will work out for you.” Maggs smiled broadly.
Vicky snorted and rolled her eyes. "What? In two weeks? I'm going to meet a guy and get along well enough to take him with me to stay at your parent's boathouse for the weekend?" She shook her head.
“You’re right, it probably would be too soon.” Maggie wrinkled her nose.
“You think?” Vicky choked out a laugh.
“You could always take Talon. In fact, I’m sure he’ll learn a lot about our culture here in the US. Weddings are a big part of that. I’ll ask him if he wants to come along. That way it won’t be you asking. It won’t be awkward or anything.”
“I get the distinct feeling that you’re trying to set us up or something.”
“I’m not. Not at all.” Maggie shook her head, looking the picture of innocence but Vicky knew better.
“Why is it that I don’t believe you?” She narrowed her eyes at Maggs.
“Nonsense. If that was the case, why would I have set up a profile for you online in the first place?”
Vicky shrugged. “I don’t know. Covering all your bases maybe. You’re thorough like that.”
Maggie looked away, her cheeks distinctly pink. “None of this is why I’m here to see you.” She came to stand next to Vicky behind her desk. “I need to show you something. May I?” Maggs pointed to Vicky’s keyboard.
“Yeah, sure.” Vicky wheeled her chair away, giving her friend room to work.
Maggie’s fingers flew over the keyboard, opening up the dating website. Using the mouse, she quickly navigated through a number of pages, all showing mostly headshots of men. Lots and lots of men. Vicky felt a tad nauseous all of a sudden. “I’m not sure this whole dating thing is for me … what? Wait a minute … is that …?”
Maggie had clicked on one of the profiles and a four or five-year-old picture of Jeff enlarged on the screen. “HopelessRomantic,” Vicky read above the photograph. It was the nickname Jeff had given himself. “Have you ever! Jeff wouldn’t know how to be romantic if he tried.”
“It’s him isn’t it?” Maggie’s voice was animated.
“Yes, it’s definitely him. “I was with Jeff when this picture was taken a couple of years ago. “We attended a conference in New York. I was standing next to him. He conveniently cut me out of the picture.”
“Bastard’s up to his old tricks.” Maggie grit her teeth.
“He might have a profile up for research purposes, in order to stay abreast of what’s going on in the online dating industry.” Even as she said it something twisted in her gut, telling her otherwise.
“You really believe that?” Maggie raised her brows.
“I don’t know.” Jeff wasn’t her problem anymore. He was someone else’s problem now. “He got the young, pretty girl. She’s pregnant with his child. His business is thriving. What more could a guy want?”
“Once a cheater, always a cheater. I doubt very much his original affair with … Dolly Bird—”
“Kerry, her name is Kerry.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Maggie said. “I don’t think his affair with Kerry had anything to do with him being unhappy with you. Guys like Jeff, AKA HopelessRomantic,” she rolled her eyes, “are habitual liars. Habitual assholes. I don’t think he can help himself. It would serve the Dolly Bird right. What goes around comes around.”
“I guess,” Vicky mumbled. She didn’t want to think about Jeff or his girlfriend. She’d wasted too much time on him already. There was this other feeling inside of her though, one she couldn’t put a finger on. Then it dawned on her. “Oh, my word!”
“What is it?”
“I must well and truly be on the mend because I kind of feel sorry for her. If he is up to his old tricks, and I think you’re right, once an asshole, always an asshole.”
Maggie shook her head. “That, or you’ve lost it. Let’s forget about that loser and focus on your love life, shall we. Talking of which, where is Talon?”
“Do not mention Talon and my love life in the same sentence. We spoke about this yesterday.”
“You know what I mean,” Maggie snorted.
“Not really but I’ll let it go this last time. I only came in for a few hours. I left him binge watching Grey’s Anatomy.”
“I don’t know and it doesn’t matter.” Maggs was no fool, her friend could smell a rat. “I don’t think Talon’s that kind of guy. One who would go from relationship to relationship.” Vicky shook her head. In fact, he still thinks he’s mated to his wife who died ten years ago. He is still very much in love with her and while we’re on it, I have the hots for him. As in big time. “Show me my profile, please,” she finally said, since she couldn’t say any of that other stuff.
Maggie’s fingers went to work on the keyboard again and a picture of her popped up. It was from the recent photo shoot she had done for the billboard picture. Not bad. She looked a bit stuffy but it was flattering otherwise. Her hair half up, half down. Her eyes bright and very blue against the pale blue of her blouse. Her mouth looked a bit tense, even though she was smiling. She wanted to keep it professional, yet approachable. Then she caught her profile name. “MissHopeful.” Vicky squeezed her eyes shut but had to smile. “I’m not so sure.”
“I think it fits.”
“You don’t think it makes me sound desperate?”
"No, not at all. You're a positive and upbeat person. What happened with Jeff was a huge blow and yet you wake up every day. You still manage to smile. To look forward instead of back. If it were me, I would crawl into bed and never get up. You might find me in a fetal position, crying uncontrollably."
“Rubbish!” Vicky gave Magg’s arm a shake. “I wouldn’t let you wallow.”
“Exactly. You wouldn’t allow yourself to wallow either. Believe it or not, that’s what I see in you, hope. You live in hope and not just that you’ll find a guy. It’s how you approach everything … with a positive attitude, so I went with it.”
“More like, I bury my head in the sand, but if you want to call that positivity, be my guest.”
“It is,” Maggie insisted.
“Okay,” she’d have to trust her friend, “let’s see what else this says.”
MissHopeful
Big lover of chocolate, the darker the better. I love cooking but rarely consult a recipe book. I like to live life close to the edge … although not on it. I’m too pragmatic for that.
Some interesting facts:
I’m not much of a girly girl. Blue is my favorite color.
I’m a cat person. His name is Oliver and even though he doesn’t appreciate me, I love his furry-ass to bits.
I once ate a whole watermelon on a dare from a friend. Seeds and all, in case you were wondering. No, I didn’t puke.
Taking long baths is my jam. That, and eating out … doesn’t need to be fancy, I’m a burger and fries kind of a girl.
I used to be an undying romantic. Someone who believed in forever. Hoping to find someone to rekindle that belief.
I'm a professional with my own business. Always looking for new challenges and up to tackle anything.
If you think you have what it takes to make me believe again, send me a message and I might get back to you.
P.S. My cat will have to approve
Vicky felt herself tear up as she read through the profile. "Olly has to approve." She burst out laughing. Vicky's thoughts immediately turned to Talon, which was so very wrong. Olly most definitely approved of the big shifter. In fact, she had a sneaky suspicion that her cat was going to miss him more than she would. Of course, he would because she wasn't going to miss Talon. She hadn't known him long enough to actually miss him. Did she think he was hot? Yes, but that's where it ended.
Anyway, why was she even thinking of him leaving since he was still there for a few more weeks yet?
“What do you think?” Maggie asked, her hands clasped in her lap.
“I think it’s great. You know me so well.”
“I’ve worked for you for a couple of years now.” Maggie paused for a few seconds. “Do you mean it? Are you happy with what I wrote?” Maggie’s lips turned up at the edges as she spoke.
“Definitely, I probably won’t get too many messages from guys because it doesn’t give off the hook-up vibe.”
“Oh, you mean like HopelesslyRomantic’s profile?” Maggie made a face. “If you like staying up all night and having fun contact me.” Her PA recalled the last line of Jeff’s write-up.
“Yeah, that has hook-up written all over it.” Vicky smiled. She hoped Jeff wasn’t being serious. That he wasn’t out to screw his pregnant girlfriend over. Her gut told her Maggie was right on the money though. Even though Kerry deserved it, she still felt sorry for the other woman. It was like the age-old saying, a leopard couldn’t change its spots.
“Okay, so now to sort through your messages. Let’s take a look at the guys first.” Maggie moved the mouse and clicked on a few tabs. She hovered the arrow over the final tab. “You need to bear in mind that they might be lying about how they look. It’s possible a photograph could be of someone else entirely, or an old picture.”
“Like Jeff the Jerk?” Vicky shook her head. “That picture is five years old, he’s aged a bit since then.”
“Exactly.” Maggie glanced at her. “Five years isn’t too bad though, I’m talking fifteen or twenty years.”
“Okay.” Vicky pulled in a deep breath. “And you’re still sure this is a good idea?”
“Absolutely. Make sure you meet in a public place. Don’t share an Uber. Don’t give him any seriously personal information on the first few dates. Make sure someone knows where you are. That they have the guy’s details. Take the necessary precautions, is all I’m saying.” Maggie swung the chair around to face Vicky. “It’s about getting out and meeting people. So what if you aren’t attracted to him. So what if he doesn’t do it for you. Talk, try and have fun anyway.”
Vicky laughed. “Hey, who’s the Love Doctor here? You or me?”
“I’ve heard you dish out advice on many occasions.” Maggie looked her in the eyes. “It’s time you took your own advice for once.”
Vicky nodded. “You’re so right.” She inhaled deeply. “Let’s do this then.”
“That’s the spirit.” Maggie clicked the tab. Three guys’ faces popped up.
“Oh no!” Vicky groaned when she really had a good look at the guy on the first photograph. “He’s at least fifteen years older than me.”
Maggie laughed, clicking on the guy’s picture. He was either completely bald or shaved his head because he was balding. Not bad in itself. Bald was fine. It was the deep wrinkles etched into his face that had her shaking her head. Again, not that wrinkles were bad, but the extreme age gap had her worried.
“He’s sixty-two. At least he’s honest.”
Vicky made a squeaky noise from the back of her throat. “Yeah, there is that. You don’t expect me to go out with him just to get out, meet people and have a good time, do you?”
Maggie shook her head. “No, I don’t recommend it. According to his profile, he is a billionaire looking for someone to help spend his money.” She giggled into her hand.
“For real?” Vicky couldn’t believe it.
Maggie laughed. “That’s what it says. It might be that fresh start you’re looking for.”
Vicky looked her friend head-on. “I’ll make my own money, thanks.”
“I thought so.” Maggie pushed a button and the old guy was gone.
Thank god!
“So that leaves AdventurousSpirit or LookingForLove.” Maggie hovered over both pictures. “AdventurousSpirit is pretty good-looking. LookingForLove isn’t bad either, I guess. If you like the stuffy type.” Maggie clicked on AdventurousSpirit’s profile. He had dark, slightly overgrown hair. His eyes crinkled at the corners. He was tanned and wore a faded t-shirt.
Vicky read his profile. “Ooh, he’s the sporty type and he loves to travel. I’m down with the travel but worry that he’s spo
rty. Don’t get me wrong. I love a guy who takes care of himself.” Again she thought of Talon. Stop, Vicky! Dammit! “It worries me more because I’m the opposite of sporty.”
“I think he’s cute,” Maggie gushed. “Let’s take a look at LookingForLove.” She clicked again a couple of times until his picture came up. “Talk about opposites. He’s in a suit and tie. Neatly cut hair. Not bad. Not bad at all.”
“A professional,” Vicky read. “Likes chess and long walks.”
“He sounds really boring. I think we should message AdventurousSpirit but it’s up to you.”
“I don’t know.” Her mouth suddenly felt dry. “What would I say?”
“You can ignore both of them and take a look through the list of guys who fit your profile. You can message someone of your own choosing.”
Vicky swallowed thickly. “As in, I should initiate contact?” Her heart raced. Her hands suddenly felt clammy.
Maggie looked at her like she was mad. “Yes.” She nodded. “I’ve heard you advise women to make the first move. To go after what they want.”
“I didn’t mean me.”
Maggie laughed. “You really need to take your own advice here. It is the twentieth century, you can be the aggressor. There’s nothing wrong with being with a guy just for fun or just for sex.”
Vicky sucked in a deep breath. She’d only ever been with one guy and look where that had gotten her. “You’re right. I quite like AdventurousSpirit.” Why was it that her hands felt sweaty? Why was this feeling taking residence in the pit of her stomach? Like maybe she was doing the wrong thing. Maybe because she didn’t know the guy from Adam. He looked fine in the picture. Thing was, she wasn’t so sure about this whole thing anymore, but she got the feeling that Maggie wasn’t going to let her back out at this stage. Dang it!
“That’s the spirit. Let’s look at his message.”
“He sent an actual message to me?” Her heart beat faster.
“They both did. Do you want to see them both?”
Hunger Awakened (The Feral Book 1) Page 13
