by Skye McNeil
“Your grandma’s awesome, don’t deny it.” Clara snagged the wine and swigged it. “I thought he was deployed. I mean, isn’t it the reason he used to break up with you?”
“We were never a couple,” she cut in quickly. Her cheeks burned more than the blackened marshmallow in the sink. “We made out a few times leading up to Jessie’s wedding. He got a call for a new deployment, and that’s it. End of story.”
“Sheesh, calm down, Roberta. You’re getting all flustered.”
“No, I’m not,” Bobbi defended, but she couldn’t deny her cheeks felt flushed. Whether it was from the wine or subject of conversation, she couldn’t say.
“I think it’s cute. Even talking about him makes you blush. I mean, hell, he’s gorgeous according to his social media pages I may or may not have stalked. I’d lock him in the psych ward if you know what I mean.” Clara laughed and then grabbed the mail on the counter. “Bill, bill, junk mail.” She paused. “Ooh, look, the new Date Me magazine is here.” She waved it around for dramatic effect, but Bobbi merely shrugged.
“And what words of wisdom does the magazine have this month?”
“Hmm, well, there are some makeup tips for the holidays,” she began.
“Yeah, I’ll pass.”
Clara thumbed through the pages, most being advertisements, while Bobbi looked over her shoulder. When she reached a page that made her face light up like the Christmas tree nearby, her roommate cringed. “This is perfect. Listen to this, ‘How To Make His Christmas List.’ How cute.” She squealed and shoved the flimsy booklet toward her.
Pushing it in the other direction, Bobbi shook her head. “Nope, not reading it.”
“But you’re going to see Jared,” her roommate reminded, brown eyes mischievous. “And you totally like him still.”
“Even if I do, which I don’t, what does it matter? He’ll just get deployed again. End of romance, take two.”
Tossing the magazine at her, Clara scowled. It was a cute expression for the usually sweet face. “Come on, Bobbs. What if you sweep him off his feet with these suggestions and he whisks you away to a mountaintop and makes hot, sweltering love to you?”
Bobbi giggled at her friend’s antics. “You’ve been reading way too many romance stories.”
“Oh, please.” She pointed. “You were the one who got me hooked on them. Wouldn’t it be fun to live your own version of a romance novel?” She sighed and rubbed her lips together. “Just think about it. Excitement, romance, maybe even love. Jared wouldn’t know what hit him.” Bobbi opened her mouth to argue, but Clara included, “You have to consider it. Doctor’s orders.”
She had to admit; it wasn’t a horrible idea. A little Christmas love was just what the doctor—quite literally according to the beauty in front of her—ordered. Despite the prescription, Bobbi shook her head. She had enough going on. A spicy interlude with the sexy Ranger wasn’t in the cards.
Not wanting to dwell on the train wreck of her love life she turned the tables. “Any update on the hot radiologist on the third floor? I’m pretty sure he was drooling the other day when you had to take off your scrubs in the ER because of contamination.”
Clara’s cheeks turned bright pink. “He was?”
“Oh, yeah.” Hopping up on top of the counter, Bobbi flicked her newly dyed red hair over her shoulder. The act of switching colors happened each time she was in between men. Over the years, her scalp managed all the hues of the rainbow at one time or another.
“Well, if he wants me, he needs to make a move. I’m not doing it.”
“Aw, why not? Just ask him out already.” Bobbi eyed her artistic snowman. “If a guy isn’t going to use his balls, we have to nudge him along.”
“Because it’s been so useful in your experience…”
Bobbi swung her bare feet back and forth. Shy wasn’t in her vocabulary. If she wanted something or someone, she’d make it happen. Men were no different. Unlucky for her, such an attitude lost its appeal to the majority of the males she dated.
“One of these times it will.” She pointed her right index finger. “And he’ll love my sassy charm until his dying breath.”
Clara’s eyes widened when her roommate took a chomp out of the marshmallow man. “Which could be sooner rather than later.”
A loud snort escaped Bobbi’s mouth.
“I’m just saying, you need to tone down your fantasy romance ideas, Bobbs. Real men don’t steal a blue French horn or accidentally take your umbrella.” Clara wiped her hands on the kitchen towel with a reindeer embroidered on it. “Life isn’t a romantic comedy or one of the books you read. The sooner you figure the truth out, the better off you’ll be.”
Digesting the pep talk Clara gave at least once a month, Bobbi picked apart her masterpiece. Her friend had a point. To Bobbi, falling in love was magical. It was the Happily Ever After hanging her dreams. She hadn’t found it yet.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re a cynic sometimes, Clara.”
“I don’t know how you’re not. With all the heartbreak I’ve watched you struggle through, I’m surprised there’s anything left in there.” She flicked her fingers on Bobbi’s chest.
“Ow, my boob!”
“And it’s the most action you’re getting in the foreseeable future.”
The peppy doctor sashayed from the kitchen, leaving Bobbi to brood in her wake. She wasn’t wrong there either. After promising her mom not to date for a while following the Tommy fiasco, Bobbi hadn’t felt any touch but her own since Jessie’s wedding. “Not too much happened there anyway.”
Slipping to the linoleum floor, she opened the dishwasher and loaded the dirty utensils inside. Clara hummed a 90s pop song from the bathroom, catching her attention.
“You should just belt it out, roomie. You’d be awesome,” she hollered through the thin walls.
Her friend let out an operatic vibrato but didn’t relent to more. It was a shame too. She had the voice of an angel if she’d merely open up and try her hand at open mic night or even a singing competition. Not the cheesy ones, but one where a record deal was all but guaranteed.
Bobbi flicked her hand over the light switch and drifted from one room to the next until she reached the smaller of the two bedrooms. It made sense at the move-in since Clara had a hunky boyfriend at the time. Now as they were both on their way to spinsterhood, Bobbi found herself wishing she had a place of her own. She loved Clara, but there were things she didn’t care to share with the woman with Bambi’s eyes.
Pulling out her suitcase, she sighed. “Such as this.” Reviewing the mass of clothes, Bobbi plopped on the bed. A deep cobalt suit coat and matching trousers stuck out from the clothes suitable for a week in the wilderness. Not even her best friend knew all the places Bobbi would see in the upcoming days. She needed a change of pace, and when the job opportunity at Mt. Olympus Medical Center popped into her browser, she didn’t think twice before applying.
Patting the new purchase, she was thankful her brother-in-law, Asher, offered his ‘writing apartment’ as he called it for her stay in New York City. In retrospect, the spur of the moment interview probably wasn’t the best idea right before spending a week with prodding family, but Bobbi was accustomed to living by the skin of whatever duds she was wearing.
“Life’s too short not to experience it all,” she reminded herself, setting the alarm by her bed. The wine fizzled out of her system little by little, leaving plenty of room for her to dwell on the next few days of work.
Climbing into bed, she pulled the lamp string, concealing the room in darkness. She snuggled under the flannel covers with her favorite teddy bear tucked between her arms. “And a whole day to think about how I’m going to avoid Jared.” She grimaced, wondering if finding a fake boyfriend in New York would work a second time for a Davis woman. “Doubtful.”
She resolved to either face him with all her fire or ignore the chiseled Ranger. Both involved a great deal of restraint, something her leopard spotted underwear resisted whenever t
he devilish rogue smiled in her direction.
Flipping over her pillow, Bobbi shut her eyelids tight and willed her mind to sleep. It didn’t work out so well when she dreamt of Jared instead of someone attainable, like Thor, god of thunder.
»»•««
First Sergeant of the Army Ranger’s stood at attention while the subway car slowed to a halt. It was automatic, the rigid poise of his back despite the endless shuffling of transportation. He’d been traveling nonstop for the last twenty-four hours, and the end was finally in front of him. Or above. He wasn’t well-versed in New York City’s subway system. Trenches and unmanned drones he could handle, but copious crowds not so much.
Stepping onto the platform, his light green eyes skimmed across the faces. He wasn’t sure why he did it. Call it routine whenever met with new surroundings or a primal instinct he couldn’t shake, but Jared assessed the situation and found the reggae drummer with dreads harmless.
Phone humming from the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, Jared dug it out and answered. “Hey, bro, what’s up?”
“You in NYC yet?” came Asher’s friendly tone. At one time, the two were closer than hombres, but since Asher traded combat boots for photo opportunities and book signings, they drifted. Keeping in touch while abroad on a consistent basis was near impossible since Jared’s missions were anything but public knowledge. Asher understood, hell he knew firsthand.
Now, as snow floated onto the top of his black beanie, he wondered if the impromptu family Christmas would hinder or encourage their kinship.
“Yep. Just stepped outside.” He pulled up the hood of his sweatshirt. “I see you requested snow for my arrival. Thanks.”
Asher chuckled. “Special order for my little brother.”
Jared studied the street names, standing in the middle of the sidewalk unabashed at the glares from pedestrians.
“Thanks. I’m about two blocks away. See you in a few.” He disconnected without another word. The monstrous buildings on all sides instantly made his six-foot-three-inch frame minuscule. Despite all his globetrotting, New York never popped in the radar until last month when his mom begged him to join the family for the holidays. At the time, Jared wasn’t aware of who all was included when Stella Whitaker mentioned the get-together. Now, as he checked the address of the high rise in front of him for the third time, he started to regret the affirmative response. Cities weren’t his strong suit. Mountains or dense woods though, he could handle without a problem.
The last six months had been grueling and worth each moment. In between deployments, he managed to snag a flight to Barbados and snorkel amid colorful fish. He frowned at the memory when the hotel staff asked why he came alone. His response was like every other time. He didn’t get attached if he could help it. He worked better alone, and travel was lighter when it was just him. Wiping his nose, Jared couldn’t dare to think about taking along a woman with him. Whether it was a fling or serious, he wasn’t ready to expose his life to the possibilities of more pain. Not since his ex-girlfriend’s death. He kept telling himself he was over her, and he was, but no one needed to know that tidbit of information yet.
Clutching the duffle bag handle tighter, the Ranger walked through the open door, courtesy of the well-dressed doorman. His insides cringed with envy. It was obvious Asher left out a few details when he spoke of the success of his novels. Jared never took the time to look them up either. Romance novels weren’t his thing, whether reading them or reading about them.
He punched the button for the fifth floor upon entry of the elevator. “I’m surprised there’s not an elevator man too,” he griped under his breath.
The metal box rose to the desired floor with ease, dinging the arrival. With fluid movements, he steered his legs down the hall until he stood outside of 5J, his destination. Lifting his hand up to the black cherry wood, the door swung open before it could knock, revealing staggeringly blue eyes. He held his breath at the connection, his mind barreling to the possibility of Bobbi in front of him.
“Jared.”
Lowering his eyes, Jared took in the large swell of the woman’s waistline. Definitely not Bobbi.
“Jessie,” he spoke at last, pasting on a smile to hide his disappointment. He chose to ignore the meaning behind the regret of Bobbi not being there. She lived in Colorado. There was no reason for her to be here. Even if it would’ve made his welcome a smidgeon more exciting.
His sister-in-law grinned, cheeks rosy and a tad chubbier than the times he’d met her. “Well, come on in,” she directed, ushering him through the doorway. “I was on my way downstairs for a workout, but I’ll make sure Asher’s around first.”
It was then he realized she sported dark pink sneakers, a racerback tank top, and sleek black leggings. Even pregnant, she looked incredible, but he assumed it was more from her genetics than anything. All the Davis women were stunning.
The beautiful editor disappeared through the apartment, hollering for his brother. Following at a slower pace, Jared digested the expensive décor and exquisite layout. A huge bay window overlooked Central Park. Lush evergreens dotted with fresh snow looked too good to be real amid the bustling city.
Dropping the luggage, he ignored the rest of the open concept kitchen and living room and padded to the large window. The park was an escape amid the hubbub. It made sense why Asher was keen on never moving again. The serenity put Jared at ease the longer he stared outside. He could’ve stood there all day, but a loud meow broke his concentration. A nudge to his hand brought his attention to the fluffy gray cat perched on a cat tower fit for feline royalty.
“Hello there,” he greeted, rubbing the cat’s soft head.
“Oh, sorry. I hope Bleu didn’t bother you.” Jessie grabbed the fluff ball and cuddled him. The cat bonked his nose to hers. “He’s demanding most of the time and has a tendency to monopolize guests.”
Jared nodded, returning his gaze to the park. “He’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Not used to cats, but yours seems nice.”
“Yeah, well, tell yourself that when he hacks hairballs on your pillow,” Jessie said, humor lining her voice. She sounded a lot like Bobbi. A bad reminder for him as she was the one woman he couldn’t get out of his mind. Forget the six months that passed since he saw her last. It didn’t matter the amount of time. He felt guilty for shoving her aside for his job, but it was a necessary evil. He couldn’t have it all. His life wasn’t meant for a woman like her.
“I can imagine.” He dipped his chin toward her gut. “I see my niece or nephew is doing well.”
Jessie rubbed her left hand over the swell, Bleu batting it as she did. “Oh, yes. I’m ready to have the little one out, though.”
“Well, you look fabulous.”
“Careful, she’s mine, bro,” Asher’s teasing tone jibed as he came into the living room.
Jared chuckled and hugged the taller man. “Don’t worry; I doubt I could keep up with your wife.” He broke the embrace and nodded to Jessie stretching. “I’m shocked you can.”
Asher snuck the lanky woman under his arm and kissed her cheek. “She keeps me in line, don’t you, Mina?”
Watching the tender look exchanged by the newlyweds, Jared coughed. Public displays of affection used to be high on his priority list. He’d grown up since his juvenile days. It happened somewhere between girlfriends during his time overseas. Seeing blatant rejection over the internet wasn’t how he preferred his breakups if they were to occur.
“All right, so bad news is we’re remodeling the guest bedroom and nursery,” Asher began. “But you will get to use my old apartment for the next day until we leave.”
“You kept that place?” he asked, confused at the bachelor pad reminder.
“Yes, but it serves as an office for me. Some days, I find it easier to write without a pair of gorgeous long legs to distract me.”
“Asher!” Jessie squeaked when he pinched her ass.
“Aw, come on, Mina, you know you have a nice set.”
&nbs
p; “Yeah, well—” Jessie’s face darkened to crimson and then paled. “Shit. I forgot about Bobbi.”
At the mention of the younger Davis woman, Jared’s eyes whipped from the bird perched on the window ledge to his sister-in-law. “What about her?” He couldn’t utter Bobbi’s name without his heart thudding.
“I kind of told her she could stay at your apartment while she’s here,” his wife explained with a guilty face. “I forgot Jared was spending the night when she called.” She bit her bottom lip. “Sorry. I’ve been super forgetful as of late.”
“It’s all right, babe.” Asher swung his gaze to him. “You’re free to crash on the couch here as an alternative.”
Noting the leather object, Jared shook his head. “Thanks, but Bobbi and I can figure it out.” He patted Bleu’s back. “To be honest, I don’t want to put you out.” He watched them exchange a glance. Or be anywhere near your love fest, he added in silence. Sleeping on the floor in the same apartment as Bobbi sounded like a much safer plan, though he doubted she’d feel the same.
Jessie seemed to deliberate before finally grabbing Asher and then ushering him out of earshot. They reemerged from the hallway moments later.
“If Bobbi agrees, then so will we,” she concluded with finality. The mild hint of a grin on both their faces told Jared all he needed to know. There was no way Bobbi would turn him down. Not if he could help it.
Chapter Two
If Bobbi thought Denver was upscale, Asher’s old apartment made her Colorado haven look like a second-hand store. She set her two bags on the king-sized bed and ogled the rich theme throughout the room. It was a complete man cave but held feminine touches here and there. Without asking, she felt her sister’s presence in the plush armchair and matching loveseat in the living room. Jessie could design a room, but it was Asher’s essence down to a tee. A writing desk overlooking the edge of Central Park was no doubt a favorite spot for the best-selling author. She eyed the key Jessie sent ahead of her visit.
