by Sharon Kleve
Love Found Me
Story 2 - The Love List
Sharon Kleve
Excerpt from Love Found Me
Chloe extended her hand. “Let me help you.”
Once he got to his feet, Chloe did the most unexpected thing—she grabbed him by the shoulders, pulled him close, and kissed him on the cheek. Her fragrance wafted by his nose. His mouth watered and it reminded him of the squirt of citrus that sometimes exploded in his mouth when he bit into a juicy orange slice.
Mitch couldn’t help himself, he sighed. “You smell good.”
Chloe beamed. “Thank you. It’s all the lotions and potions we use here. I’ll see you soon?”
It sound like she wasn’t sure he’d call. “Yes. Very soon,” Mitch reassured her. Chloe touched his cheek and he stared after her like a lonely puppy in Roy’s shop.
On his way out, he walked past several women who either read a magazine, or a book or chatted while they waited to be called for their appointment. And they all looked happy about it too.
Mitch spent his days at the state penitentiary, around the worst-of-the-worst criminals and God knows they never smelled fresh or looked happy. No wonder Chloe was a ray of sunshine.
Love Found Me
A Books to Go Now Publication
Copyright © Sharon Kleve 2014
Books to Go Now
Also published on Smashwords
For information on the cover illustration and design, contact [email protected]
First eBook Edition –September 2014
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.
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Other Stories by Sharon Kleve
Flamingo Blues, Published by Books To Go Now December 2011
Be Mine, Published by Books To Go Now February 2012
Klutzy Love, Published, by Books To Go Now August 2012
Love Crazed, Published by Books To Go Now May 2013
The Corny Myers Series Anthology, Published by Books To Go Now May 2013
Love Under The Christmas Tree, (Christmas Anthology), Published by Books To Go Now
November 2012
Josey’s Christmas Cookie, Published by Books To Go Now November 2012
Valentine Special Delivery, Published by Books To Go Now January 2013
Valentine’s Say I Love You, (Valentine Anthology), Published by Books To Go Now
February 2013
“Dreams Come True Series”
Halo’s Christmas Wish, Published by Books To Go Now September 2013
Brenda’s Christmas Desire, Published by Books To Go Now, November 2013
Christmas Romance, (Christmas Anthology) Published by Books To Go Now,
November 2013
Christmas Romance Volume Two, (Christmas Anthology) Published by Books To Go
Now, December 2013
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep. The more I give thee, the more I have, For both are infinite.” - William Shakespeare (1564-1616) English Poet, Playwright, Actor
Chapter One
Mitch Broden made a sharp right hand turn into Roy’s Pet Rescues parking lot. He was driving a little too fast and needed to brake hard to avoid an elderly lady with her two black Cockapoos. Until recently, he had no idea there was such an animal. Mitch gripped the steering wheel with both hands, his knuckles white from the pressure. He continued to drive around until he spotted Roy’s red Volkswagen Beetle. Relieved Roy was at work and not at an animal shelter, he quickly parked his Jeep and took a deep breath.
These things happen every day; surely Roy will know what to do.
His strode across the parking lot and pushed the door open with a little too much force but grabbed it before it hit the wall. Roy’s rescue animals didn’t need any additional stress. All Roy’s pets were rescued from either shelters, abusive situations, or abandoned. Roy was very particular about who he let adopt his animals. Mitch respected Roy’s dedication. He wished humans would treat each other with that much care. If they did, he wouldn’t be needed as a corrections officer at a maximum-security facility. That would be okay by him.
Suzie, an abandoned Dalmatian, sat in the corner of her cage eyeing Mitch, hoping for a friendly pet on the head. Mitch bent down and stoked her behind the ears. “You’re a good dog. Yes you are…” Suzie wagged her tail happily. This ritual had become therapeutic for both of them.
Mitch looked up to find Roy and a tall brunette watching him. He stood and stared back. She had a grin on her face a mile-wide that accented a small indent in her chin. Cute was the word that popped into Mitch’s mind. He was surprised when he saw that Roy had his arm around her, because Roy never talked about women, only animals.
“Hi Mitch. How’s it going?” Roy stepped from behind the register and leaned against the countertop, arms crossed in a relaxed pose.
It only took two strides from Mitch’s six-foot three inch frame to reach Roy. He tucked his hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting. “Zeke delivered kittens last night,” he blurted as his gaze wandered to the woman behind the counter. She smiled and returned his gaze. She was cute and confident.
“I thought you said Zeke was male,” Roy said and slapped Mitch on the back.
“Well, that’s what I thought. Of course, I never actually looked. You know… down there.” Mitch nodded toward a cat cleaning its belly.
“I’m surprised you didn’t notice her getting larger.”
“I thought it was the food I fed her. You said it was high in nutrition for outdoor cats.” Mitch’s frustration increased.
“How did you end up with Zeke?” the pretty gal asked.
Mitch took his hands out of his pockets and stepped closer to the counter. “A couple months ago, Zeke showed up. She dropped a mouse or bird at my feet like a gift when I arrived home from work. I’d take it and throw it for Zeke to catch and then she’d bring it back like a dog. That was fun. Then Zeke started sneaking by me and running into my house. That wasn’t fun. I’d go get her and put her out but then the constant meowing started. I couldn’t take the meowing. I let Zeke in one night and she never left. Because she was an excellent hunter and acted male—you know, seemed street smart—I named the cat Zeke.”
“Did you say ‘street smart’?” She leaned forward, giggled and shook her head. “What? Did the cat have a red bandana wrapped around its forehead and a little AK-47 strapped to its shoulder?”
The picture of Zeke with a bandana made Mitch laugh too. He was torn; he came to get advice on how to take care of the kittens, not flirt with Roy’s friend. “I’ll come back later, Roy.” He turned to leave and felt a soft touch on his arm.
“Hey, I’m sorry. My sarcasm gets the better of me sometimes.” She let go and held out her hand. “I’m Chloe.”
He hesitated.
“I
promise, I don’t bite much.” She pretended to snarl and a half-laugh, half-snort sound erupted. She covered her nose and then laughed harder. “I hate when I do that.”
He couldn’t help but laugh with her and then Roy stepped forward.
“I guess it’s up to me to make the introductions. Chloe Miles, meet Mitch Broden.”
This time Mitch extended his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Chloe replied as she shrugged into her coat. “I need to get back to work. I hope everything works out with Zeke and the kittens,” she said and winked.
“Thank you.” Mitch watched Chloe squat to say goodbye to a couple of cream-colored, mixed breed puppies. The fabric from her skirt pulled tight against her shapely behind as she tried to pet them through their cage. The puppies yipped, lunged, and then wiggled their little rear-ends. She reached into her pocket and handed them each a treat. They immediately settled down. It looked like they had Chloe trained pretty well. When Chloe stood, she rubbed her hands down the front of her skirt to smooth the fabric and Mitch had the urge to help.
He couldn’t keep his eyes off that blue skirt as she made her way to the door. Her hips had a rhythmic sway that was mesmerizing. At the last minute she turned, winked again and walked out. Was the wink for him or Roy? Mitch considered Roy a friend and he didn’t have a lot of those. He wouldn’t jeopardize that relationship for anything, not even a great girl.
“Chloe’s nice. Are you two dating?” Mitch asked, tamping down his curiosity.
“Yes, she is nice and no we are not dating. Well, we went out once but we make better friends. Why? Are you interested?” Roy grinned and cocked his head.
Mitch didn’t make quick decisions about anything. Yes, he was attracted to Chloe but his cynical side needed to know more information about her first; like, had she ever been arrested? He shook his head. Damn, he was a suspicious son of a gun.
“Chloe is one of a kind. She’s generous to a fault and has a unique sense of humor as you witnessed.”
“You sound like you’re trying to convince me to adopt her. How did you two meet?” Mitch thought that was a logical question, but Roy burst into laughter.
After Roy regained control, he plopped himself down on his soda-shop style stool behind the counter. “My long-time friend Tegan met Chloe at some single’s function at The Que Syrah Syrah wine shop. I guess my name came up as being single too. Chloe showed up here with a couple coffee’s from Cup of Joes Coffee Shop and we’ve been friends ever since.”
Things weren’t adding up in Mitch’s mind. He needed more information. “What? Was it a crappy first date?”
“No, we had a great time. There was a carnival in town and we spent the evening line-dancing, riding the roller coaster, and ate way too much junk food.”
“And?”
“We make great friends. Let’s leave it at that.”
There was obviously more to the story than that but Mitch liked his privacy and respected it in others, too.
“Okay,” Mitch said as he grabbed a bag of kitten food off the shelf, a couple stuffed mice filled with catnip, and several small fleece blankets. He looked around at the selection of cat toys for sale. “Do I need anything else? I’ve never had a kitten before.”
“Zeke should nurse and take care of her kittens, but plan on having her spayed about eight to nine weeks from now. I know a couple of great vets in the area I trust with my animals. Most importantly, keep her inside because Zeke could go into heat, and even become pregnant while she’s still nursing.”
“I’ll make an appointment now. I’m not taking any chances of Zeke having another litter.”
Roy handed him two business cards for veterinary clinics. “Here you go. They’ll want to give Zeke all her shots too. There’s no way to know if she’s been vaccinated. And it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“I better buy a carrier too. God, I have no idea if Zeke’s ever been in a car before.”
“You’ll all do fine.” Roy punched him in the arm then rang up his purchases and tucked them in the carrier.
“You know…Chloe owns a day spa called The Grape Vine Spa. It’s right down the street, next to the Que Syrah Syrah wine shop. After this stressful ordeal you need a massage. You should call her and make an appointment.”
“Vine Grove has a day spa and a wine shop?” Mitch ignored the reference to Chloe. He knew Roy was trying his hand at matchmaking.
“Yes. And I bet Chloe would be willing to help find homes for your kittens. Why don’t you go by her shop and ask her?”
If he decided he wanted to ask her out, the kittens would make a good excuse for getting to know her.
“I might do that. Where’s her shop again? I’ve never seen a spa or wine shop around here.”
“More and more great new shops are opening up every day. Vine Grove is thriving, mostly due to the wineries that have opened up over the last few years. Both businesses are two blocks south of here. You can’t miss them; they both have vine-covered, lavender awnings.”
“Geez, where have I been?” Mitch muttered to himself.
“I don’t know how you could’ve missed the changes around here. They’ve even refurbished the old drive-in on the outskirts of town. They’re playing all the old classics on Friday and Saturday nights.”
“Yeah, well. That’s what my ex-wife said about our marriage. I’m not the most observant guy when it comes to my personal life. Case in point, I wrongly assumed my cat was male and now I have a litter of kittens.”
Chapter Two
Three weeks earlier
Chloe and her friends Tegan, Becca, and Laura, sat around a small, antique table in Tegan’s Que Syrah Syrah Wine Shop.
“Anyone for a refill?” Tegan asked with a newly opened bottle of chardonnay in her hand.
Chloe covered her glass with her hand. “I’m good for now. I have early appointments tomorrow.”
Becca held out her empty glass. “I could use a little more, please.” Becca popped a chocolate-covered hazelnut in her mouth.
Laura’s glass was still full, but she had a plate full of cheese, crackers and Swiss chocolate. Laura wasn’t being her usual happy-go-lucky self. Chloe got Tegan and Becca’s attention and nodded toward Laura.
They whispered, “What’s up?” Chloe shrugged.
“What’s with the nodding and whispering?” Laura stared at them.
“You tell us. You’re the one who’s acting all gloomy and glum.” Becca took a sip of wine. “Yum. This is wonderful.”
“I just started carrying this label. I’m glad you like it.” Tegan smiled.
Everyone looked over at Laura. She looked sad.
“You can tell us anything. We’re your friends,” Tegan said.
“You want to know why I’m depressed? Because I haven’t been on a date in over three months. That is way too long. I might get rusty if this dry spell continues,” Laura complained. “Tegan formed this group so singles could meet other singles—but only the four of us showed up. And now, weeks later, still no men. We might as well change the name from the Singles Club to the Book Club. Then we won’t sound so desperate, but I’m afraid we’ll never finish a book—only talk about men.”
She agreed with everything Laura said. The lack of eligible men was depressing, Chloe thought.
“We need to get serious about meeting single men. I have an idea. We should change the name of our group to The Love List,” Tegan suggested. She took a duster and wiped off a shelf that held antique tea cups.
Chloe admired Tegan’s business savvy. After Tegan’s father retired, she took over the wine shop and now it thrived. She modernized the look, updated the inventory, and even changed the name, much to her father’s surprise.
“Uh, why the Love List?” Laura asked. She sliced another piece o
f cheese and placed it on a cracker.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Each of us must know of a single guy, one that is nice but maybe not your particular type. We’ll put all four names in a basket and each one of us gets to draw a name. We’ll go check the guy out, and if we like him, we can finagle a date. If we pick our own suggestion, we get to draw again,” Tegan explained, excitement in her voice.
“What if we can’t think of a nice guy and what if doesn’t work out? Will we get blamed for a bad setup?” Becca fretted.
“No. Nobody will be blamed. Right everyone?” Laura made eye contact and then nodded to Becca.
After they wrote down their choices, Tegan shook the basket. “Why doesn’t each of us draw a name and then we’ll open them at the same time? That way, if one of us gets the name we put in then we can draw again.”
The others nodded in agreement and each selected a name.
“Okay, on the count of three, open them. One. Two. Three.” Tegan unfolded the paper and said, “I chose Richard. Somebody tell me about him.”
“Yeah!” Chloe clapped her hands. “That was my choice. You guys are going to be great together. I’ll see him tomorrow; he gets a manicure every Wednesday.”
Tegan groaned. “He gets manicures? I don’t know about that.”
