by Anthology
“God,” I say as I give her what she asks for. I’m a gentleman after all.
When she finishes, she screams my name at an alarming decibel that spurs me on. As I pump into her faster, it takes me a minute to realize I’m chanting, “Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win,” with each stroke. The fact that she’s gripping my ass and encouraging each push makes me think she doesn’t mind so much.
Finally not able to wait any longer, I turn her around and position her on her hands and knees, then enter her again. My head falls back at the feeling of this position and when I finally reach the apex, I throw my arms in the air and scream, “SCORE!”
Inning Nine
My head is pounding and my mouth feels like sawdust. My alarm is blaring next to my head, and after I shut it off, I roll over and try to go back to sleep. I think I may succeed for a little while, but when I wake up again, I feel just as bad. Wracking my brain, I try to remember what the hell I did the night before to make me feel like this.
A rustling at the door makes my eyes fly open and when I see the person standing there it all comes crashing back. The game. TJ. Opal and Ruby. The ashes. Barely paying attention to the game and doing anything I could to help Ruby so I could get laid. And hell, did I get laid. How many runs did I score last night? Three? Or was it four?
When she sees I’m awake, she rushes toward me and throws her arms around me. “Good morning! You’re awake.”
“Barely. Morning.” I’m not the biggest morning person and that’s about all I can manage in response.
“I went out and got some breakfast for us. Thought a good breakfast and a little hair of the dog would be a good thing.” I almost want to throw up at the thought. “Do you have any plans today?” she asks.
Looking at Ruby, her hair still mussed from all the sex the night before, a small smile on her swollen lips and wearing my t-shirt, I’m thinking a repeat of the night before would be an excellent idea before I tell her good-bye. “My mom would love to meet you today if you’re available.”
My dirty thoughts come to a screeching halt, “Your…mom?”
“Yes. She’s invited us to dinner. She can’t wait to meet you.”
“Uh, why?”
“Why what?”
“Why does your mom want to meet me?” I mean, I’ve dated quite a few girls, and I can count on one hand how many mothers I’ve met. Because I haven’t met any. This seems strange.
Ruby laughs. “What do you mean? She wants to meet the man I’m going to marry, of course. Duh!”
“The man you’re…wait…what?”
But it’s like she doesn’t hear me. “I still can’t believe that you proposed to me, Jensen.” She says while twirling the cheap knock off ring I bought her like it’s a two-carat diamond. “I mean, when you said that from the moment you saw me that you felt a connection, it felt like you plucked the thought straight from my mind because I feel like that too.”
“Okay, um, Ruby?”
“And you know, my mom and dad went on one date, one, and then he proposed to her. Before he died, they were married for almost thirty years. I know that my dad sent you to me. He sent me a man that fell in love with me after just one meeting too. It’s kismet.”
Oh my god, I am so fucked. Of all the women I could get asked to do a favor for, I get one that’s hot as hell, but crazy as fuck. Getting out of this is going to be a nightmare. First thing I need to do: find my jock strap and cup. I have a bad feeling that I’m going to need to protect my balls. Second thing I need to do: find more tequila. It’s going to take hair of the dog times a hundred to deal with this shit. And the third thing I need to do after that, never fucking drink again. Ever.
Worst. Hangover. Ever.
Shit. The other team thinks they’ve scored a grand slam!
About the Author
Author Jennifer Miller resides in the hot Arizona desert. Ever since winning a writing contest at the age of nine, when she wrote a book about a girl with a pet unicorn, she’s dreamed of writing a book of her own. The important lesson she learned about dreams is that they don’t just fall into your lap—you have to chase them. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother, and is very lucky to have family and friends that love and support her in all things. She also has an unhealthy addiction to handbags and chocolate covered strawberries!www.jennifermillerwrites.com
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Tattooed Redemption
By Alicia Rae
Prologue
Sometimes, when you loved someone, truly loved them, you had to let them go. It was never an easy decision but a necessary one.
Chapter One
At last, it was five o’clock, so I finished a few secretarial tasks for work at Adam and Jennings Accounting Services before closing down my computer, excited to start a three-day weekend.
I reveled at the idea of having a few cocktails with a small group of friends tonight, embraced the wonderful notion of being able to sleep in tomorrow—maybe even until noon—and grinned at the thought of vegging on my plush, cozy couch with a book in my hand for the next seventy-two hours.
I wouldn’t even deny the fact that I was a total book whore at heart. Heck, I’d own that shit and proudly stamp that little tidbit right across my forehead.
Some people might call me boring for my lack of a social life. Not me though. I knew I was living a book lover’s dream.
My boss and good friend, Raelyn Jennings, neared my desk and paused, holding a large briefcase in her hand. “Hey, Kate. I finished returning all my messages for today up until three p.m. Did any others come in this afternoon that need my immediate attention?”
“Only Mr. George Gallagher.” I reached for the yellow sticky note and passed it over the counter to Raelyn. “Mr. Gallagher stated he’d like to consult with you about updating the average sales of his newest restaurant for the past four months to project an approximate estimate of total sales for the year. He’d like to set up an appointment with you next week.”
“I actually spoke with Mr. Gallagher an hour ago and added him to my schedule for next Thursday.”
“Great.” I scanned my desk to make sure I wasn’t overlooking any notes. “I believe that’s it for today.”
“Perfect.” Raelyn smiled. “Are you ready to close up for the night? I thought we might walk out together.”
“Yes, ma’am.” My expression mirrored hers as I grabbed my purse and rose from my chair. “All of Tuesday’s appointments are confirmed too. No cancellations.”
“That’s great.” She beamed.
I dug for my car keys as Raelyn and I made our way over to the large double door. “So, are we still on for drinks tonight? I was thinking we could go to FireSide Bar. They have three-dollar strawberry cocktails for their special tonight.”
“No!”
Raelyn skidded to a stop, and I nearly bumped into her. My shoulders slumped forward when she spun to glare at me.
“Kate, I told you a million times already. I have a surprise planned for you tonight.” She pointed an index finger at me. “And don’t you even try to pretend like you forgot about it either because I won’t believe you!”
My pulse kicked into overdrive, as I dreaded the upcoming argument she and I were bound to have. Raelyn was my boss, but more importantly, she was my friend. Neither assessment of our relationship meant I was up for being coaxed into something I didn’t want to do though.
Plus, earlier this week, she’d accidentally revealed that this so-called surprise was actually a blind date.
No, thank you.
&
nbsp; I had absolutely no desire to date.
The last time I’d given my heart to a man—every last piece of it—I’d gotten burned badly. My belief and faith in finding true love had been completely shattered. I’d lost the man of my dreams and my best friend in the same day.
Here I was, four years later, still as lost and broken as the day I’d been forced to watch Noah leave on a plane to California.
So, no, a blind date was never going to happen.
I would continue to salvage the teeny-tiny remnants of my damaged heart and give them to my book boyfriends, for I could drift off into the fictional world and read them time and time again, and they’d never leave me or hurt me.
“Kate?” Raelyn cut into my private reverie.
My head whipped up to meet her stare. Her expression was soft and filled with genuine concern.
“Yes?” I drew a blank, still stuck in my head.
“He’s a really nice guy, Kate. I truly wish you’d give him a chance.”
The sincerity in Raelyn’s tone almost made me cave. Only I had a strong, sturdy backbone, and I was prepared to hold my own here.
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t do it, Raelyn. I just can’t.” I adamantly shook my head, refusing to shed another tear over the past.
Noah had been a great guy with a heart of gold. We’d been in love since sixth grade. If Noah had knowingly broken my heart, then who was to say another man wouldn’t think twice to do the same? Falling in love again was a risk I was not willing to take. Ever.
I’d buy more books or get another cat if I became lonely.
“Okay.” Raelyn set her hand on my shoulder and gave it a sympathetic squeeze. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to open old wounds.”
“It’s all right.”
A few moments passed before Raelyn let out a sigh. “Damn, I think I need that drink now just as much as you do. How about we go to FireSide Bar after all?”
I let out a shaky breath, relieved I was off the hook for the blind date. “Hell yes.”
Chapter Two
As I followed Raelyn to the bar, I used the Bluetooth in my car and made a quick phone call to Gretchen, my mother’s nurse, to check in on my mom, Francine.
My mom had stage five Alzheimer’s disease along with many severe side effects. My father had upped and left my mother when her illness reached stage two, so she only had Gretchen and me to care for her. We rotated our schedules weekly. It truly was a heart-wrenching disease, as one had to watch a beloved one slip away. All I could do was take it one day at a time and treasure each and every moment with my mom. Even though this was my weekend off from caring for my mother, I still wanted to check in on her.
The line rang twice before Gretchen answered, “Hello?”
“Hi, Gretchen,” I greeted her kindly. “How is Mom doing tonight? Do you guys need anything?” I stopped at a red light while doing a mental check to make sure Gretchen had everything she needed for my mom this weekend. I was always worried I’d forgotten something important.
“We are fine, dear. Francine just had her bath and took her evening meds. Now, we are planning on settling in for the night and watching Top Gun.”
“Oh my.” I smiled, softly shaking my head, as the light turned green. “You know how much Mom loves Tom Cruise.”
“Five nights a week,” Francine teased with mirth.
“Sometimes seven.” I chuckled, making a left turn onto Main Street.
Sometimes, Mom and I would watch Top Gun on repeat all day. I could recite every single line in that movie, word for word.
“Indeed, dear. I’m pretty sure no one has memorized that movie like us three.”
My smile faltered as I pulled into the parking lot of FireSide Bar. I couldn’t help but wonder if my mom actually did remember any of the movie or if it was like watching the film for the first time, every time. The thought was a reminder of her illness—the disease that was stealing her from me—and the idea hurt so very much.
“Well, I’m going to make me and your mama a big bowl of popcorn, so I’d better get scooting along.”
“Okay. I’ll stop by sometime tomorrow afternoon and check in on you both.”
“No need, dear. Enjoy your day off. Lord knows you deserve a break, you hard-working lovely girl. Go enjoy yourself. We’ll see you on Sunday afternoon for our usual brunch.”
Gretchen was one of the sweetest, most kindhearted women I’d ever met. But she was also a stern old lady; one you didn’t dare argue with. Plus, she genuinely loved spending time with my mom, so I’d let them be.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you on Sunday.”
“Good-bye, dear.”
“Bye.”
I pulled my car into a vacant spot next to Raelyn, turned off the engine, and grabbed my phone and purse before exiting the vehicle.
Raelyn’s fingers were busy typing away on her iPhone as she bounced over to me. A huge smile spread across her face.
“What is it?” I asked, wondering what had sprung on her sudden cheerfulness.
“Iris is on her way.” Her smile morphed into a devious grin. “She said you’d better be ready to get your drink on.”
Iris was Raelyn’s best friend, but we had all become close over the past two years. The three of us could easily knock back a few drinks and get ourselves into some trouble. It was always a good time when we were all together.
“Oh, boy.” I laughed.
“You got that right.” Raelyn winked.
She and I crossed the parking lot and entered FireSide Bar without delay. The bouncer checked our ID cards before allowing us to enter the building. Colorful strobe lights and music consumed my senses.
Raelyn spotted three open seats along the bar and gestured for me to follow. She took the stool on the left, so I opted for the one in the middle.
Two male bartenders quickly shuffled out drinks to guests around us. The one standing closest to us pivoted to face Raelyn and me.
Dark locks fell onto his forehead when he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the wooden counter before us and smiled. “What can I get you, ladies?”
Raelyn spoke first, “We’ll start with three strawberry daiquiris, please.”
The bartender glanced between Raelyn and me with a comical expression. “Rough day?”
Raelyn chuckled and said, “Something like that,” as I offered, “We are waiting on a friend to arrive.”
The guy’s eyes sparkled with amusement, focusing on me. “Right. That’s what they always say.”
My lips parted to speak, but I was too stunned to form a retort.
Plus, Raelyn’s quick wit beat me to it. “If I planned to get wasted, which I do, I’d surely have no reason to lie about it. The third cocktail is for a friend, and we fully intend on ordering a second and third and maybe even a fourth round of drinks throughout the night.” She lifted a brow. “Is that okay with you?”
The man’s laughter was low and deep. “Yes, ma’am. You got it.” He winked.
“Good.” Raelyn shifted her position on her chair. “Now, how about those drinks?”
I mentally high-fived my friend as the bartender set about making our cocktails. He placed each of them on the countertop, one at a time.
Iris arrived as the bartender placed the third glass on the bar top. “Look at that. You two even have my drink ready to go for me. I knew there was a reason I loved you guys so much,” she joked, plopping herself on the empty stool at my right.
“And the mysterious friend makes an appearance.” The bartender unleashed a mischievous wink at Raelyn before redirecting his attention to a needy guest wanting another Bud Light.
“Whoa, he’s hot.” Iris scooched closer to me and leaned forward to glance between Raelyn and me. “You two bitches have already started flirting with the bartender without me. What the heck? I thought we were all friends here.”
Raelyn’s shoulders vibrated with laughter. “That’s what you get for taking so long.”
“So long? I was right d
own the street!” Iris argued. Then, she waved a dismissive hand at Raelyn. “Don’t worry; I see how it is. Every woman for herself.”
Raelyn snorted. “Not that I would, but he’s way too damn hot to share.”
I picked up my cocktail and took a drink while silently eyeing the bartender. I’d be lying to myself if I said he wasn’t good-looking—not that I’d ever pursue him. I was still a firm believer that no man was worth the chance of heartbreak.
“True,” Iris and I said at the same time.
The three of us laughed.
The laughter was flowing as Raelyn, Iris, and I reminisced over old memories of our time together, including a weeklong road trip to Nashville, countless sleepovers that had begun with a couple of bottles of wine and ended with us passed out on a pile of blankets on the living room floor, and a handful of girls’ nights out that had concluded with a few hazy recollections due to alcohol consumption.
Our third round of cocktails were placed on the counter, thanks to the same bartender who’d been trying in vain to flirt with me for the past hour.
He delivered my drink last. “So”—his eyes locked in on mine—“what are the odds that you’d say yes if I asked you to have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
Raelyn and Iris both swung their heads in my direction and practically gaped at me, awaiting my answer.
I bit my lower lip, contemplating the easiest way to let this guy down lightly. He was naive to think I hadn’t seen him give that same smile to other women in the bar tonight. Plus, I stood firm on my no-dating belief. Maybe someday, eventually, but not anytime soon.
“I’d say you’d need a better pick-up line than that,” I replied because it was the truth. “Besides, I’m sorry, but I have plans tomorrow night.” Other than gorging on books, I wasn’t preoccupied, but he didn’t need to know that.
