Copyright © 2015 by Josie Charles
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior express, written consent of the author.
1st Edition Published 2015
Published by: Josie Charles
Written by: Josie Charles
Cover Design by: Josie Charles
Formatting by: IndieVention Designs
Edited by: Ivy Love
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Smashwords Edition License Note
Thank you for downloading/purchasing this eBook. This eBook and its contents are the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied, and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download/purchase their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.
Published by Josie Charles at Smashwords.com
This book contains mature content and is not suitable for those under the age of 18.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Sneak peek of My Secret to Keep
Acknowledgments
Prologue
I had finally finished my schooling and passed my NCLEX-RN. I have been employed as a full-time RN at our local hospital in the emergency department for almost a year now. I love my job and the people I work with. I also love my patients even if they wear on my patience at times. Damn, I crack myself up. Yup, you’ve guessed it I’m the dorky girl of the bunch. I love and live life to the fullest of my ability every single day. I have no time to focus on the bad things in life, well, actually I don’t want to so I don’t. I’m an above average intelligent person but people don’t know that. I keep that bit of information to myself. I’m a single and mingle girl. I’m also the clumsy girl, mostly on my own time. Although I have had a few funny things happen at work.
Once, I was going into a patient’s room, they had just mopped the floors, as I cleared the doorway I went slipping and sliding, arms flailing, and wound up on my ass halfway under the bed. The patient looked down at me and all I could do was smile. He made a sweeping motion with his arms and hollered ‘safe’. We both had a good laugh. From that point on I made sure to put on my work shoes with skid resistant soles instead of my everyday tennis shoes.
My best friend’s name is Tasha. She works in the Human Resources Department, I met her when I was being interviewed for the job. We hit it off as soon as we met. You know the kind of person I’m talking about, you say something completely off the wall and they just get it right away. BAM! Instant friends. That’s us.
She’ll be my neighbor this weekend too. She and her boyfriend Danny, live together in a beautiful neighborhood and when I was visiting I noticed the house next door was for sale, having an open house. I thought what the hell and went in to look around. After five minutes I was in love. I didn’t need that big of a house but I wanted it. It has four bedrooms, two and a half baths, an office and separate laundry room. The kitchen and family room have open floor plans, with a huge island in the kitchen. The best part of the house is the in-ground pool with vinyl privacy fencing around the back yard. I can skinny-dip! It also has a two car garage and is in a gated community. So yeah twenty-eight hundred square feet is a lot for one person but I plan on making it a home. That means it will be filled with plenty of friends, fun, love and someday children.
My parents passed away from a car accident a few years ago. I haven’t spent much of my inheritance, so, why not buy myself a home? I went to school and bought a truck with the money but so far, that’s it. Why rent when I can buy and have an investment? I put an offer in right then and there. It was accepted and the closing was Monday. I’m so excited that I’ve been shopping for all new everything. Everything from furniture to sheets and rugs for the past month. Whatever is in my apartment now, I’m donating to the local women’s shelter.
I’m in the hospital cafeteria having lunch when Tash comes and sits with me. “Are you ready for the big move?”
“I am so ready. Anything I could have delivered is coming Saturday. Friday I plan on filling my truck with the stuff I’ve bought so far and bringing it over. It really shouldn’t be too bad of a transition. I can’t believe you’ll be right next door!”
“I know! Can you imagine the trouble we’ll get into?”
“Trouble? Who, us? No way.” I say while feigning innocence. I lean over, as if I’m telling a secret, and say, “I can’t wait to swim naked. No tan lines!”
She points at me with her sandwich and says, “You’d better not say anything to Danny about that or he’ll be peeking over the fence.”
“Ewww, gross! He’s like a brother.” I can’t help it my body shudders all on its own and she laughs at me.
“True. If not him it’ll be his friends. So don’t say anything or I’ll have company day and night so they can get a peek of you skinny dipping.”
“Okay. Pinky promise.” I hold my pinky out and we pinky swear.
“When are you having a housewarming party?”
“I’ve thought about that and I think when it warms up more so we can enjoy the pool from morning to night. I figured I would do it for two days that way the swing shifts can make it too. We’re going to have a blast.” I look at my watch, “Shit. I’ve got to get back. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.” I stand and give her a hug.
“Love you too. Hey, is Dr. L still after you?”
I roll my eyes and tell her, “I’ll talk to you later,” grab my tray and head back to work.
Dr. Lawson is an ED resident that has been trying to get me to go on a date with him for about six months now. I just don’t think it’s a smart move. He’s extremely good looking and has a great personality. Do we flirt? Like crazy. Am I attracted to him? Absolutely. Do I want to act on it and jump him? Yup. Will I? Nope. See, easy peasy.
Chapter
1
I’m all moved in and so tired I can barely stand. I get ready for bed and climb onto my new king size bed. It’s absolute heaven. So soft and cushy and with the new linens it makes me feel snug as a bug in a rug.
I’m in my new house and there’s a knock on the door. It must be Tash or Danny because I don’t know anyone else here and the guard shack didn’t call for a visitor. I open the door and it’s Jack, Dr. Lawson. Damn, he’s looking all sorts of yummy in his salmon colored polo and khaki cargo shorts. “Hey Jack…” I don’t even get to finish my greeting before he grabs me and smashes his mouth to mine. I automatically open to him and our tongues mingle together smoothly at first and then work up to a frenzied pace. He walks me backwards and kicks the door shut while keeping our mouths connected. When he pulls away he doesn’t say a word just picks me up and carries me to the bedroom. He lays me on the bed and lifts my nightgown then rips my panties off. Rips them off! His mouth is still on me like it was when I answered the door. This is crazy, why am I letting this happen? OH MY GOD his tongue, it’s vibrating! Fucking vibrating on my clit? How did he get down there? “Oh god, Ja
ck, I’m going to”…there’s a beeping noise and he stops.
Holy shit! I shut my alarm off and try to gather my wits. Fuckety, fuck, fuck, fuck. Why would I have a sexual dream about Jack? We’ve worked together and flirted for over a year and I’ve never dreamt of him. Maybe because he’s been asking me out again, being tired and the new house. That has to be it. Good grief the man’s tongue was vibrating. Nobody can do that but I do know one thing that can. I lean over, open my nightstand drawer and grab my vibrator so I can take care of this ache before jumping in the shower.
I set my alarm last night so I didn’t sleep in too late. I want to spend my first full day in my new home enjoying the kitchen. I like to cook but I love to bake. As long as I have my music and can sing and dance around I’ll spend all day in the kitchen.
I was making Danny his favorite, brownies with peanut butter frosting, when I slipped in my socks and busted my nose. I literally broke my nose. Not a good start to the first full day in my new home. Danny was home so he took me to the hospital. Of course, Jack was the doctor. It wasn’t too bad of a break. I didn’t need stitches or surgery. I do have two very pretty purple eyes. My yellow and lavender scrubs will match nicely, thank you very much.
“Thanks for taking me to the hospital.”
“No problem. I also got to see Tash while we were there so it was a win-win.”
“How’s that a win-win?”
“You were making me brownies and I got to see Tash, win-win.”
“Got ya. Do you mind if you get them without the frosting?”
“They won’t taste as good but how can I ask you to make the frosting when you’re hurt and high from pain medicine. You want me to stay with you when we get home?”
“No. I’m going to take my butt to bed and sleep. Thanks though.”
“If you need anything just call.” He pauses and then says, “Hey are you seeing anybody?”
“No, why?”
“Well, there’s this guy I work with and I think you might get along with him. I don’t know him personally, as in buddy buddies, but my boss does and raves about how decent he is. He was telling me about his bad online dating experience and I thought of you.”
“Why the hell would you think of me? I don’t do online dating anymore you know that.”
“No. I mean I thought you should go on a date with him,” he grins at me. “Unless you’re only doing booty calls.”
“Not exactly.” If you want to call a vibrator a booty call then yeah I think to myself. “I just don’t have a lot of time but what the hell, why not? Sure, you can give him my number.”
We pull up in his driveway and when I get out and shut the door I tell him, “You better hope he’s not an ass or no goodies for a month.”
“That’s a bit harsh. How about two weeks and you have a deal?”
“Like you have room to bargain.”
“Hey, I said I didn’t know him that well.”
“Fine. Two weeks. Thanks again. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye, Sid.”
I walk in the kitchen and see the mess I made that needs to be cleaned up. I’m not putting it off, I don’t want bugs. I keep my tennis shoes on and clean it all up. A half hour later I’m on my way back to bed for some drugged sleep. I hope I don’t have any more fucked up dreams. On the bright side I have a few extra days off from work.
Chapter
2
The doorbell rings and I head to the door, when I open it I can’t believe my eyes. You’re fucking kidding me. “Hi, James?”
“Yes.” He’s licking his lips perusing my body.
“Hey, Romeo, my eyes are right here.” That got his attention but it took a second. Why does this shit always happen to me?
“Are you ready to go? The early matinee starts in almost two hours. I figure that’ll give us enough time to eat before the movie.”
“Let me grab my purse and lock up.” I grab my purse from the entry table, make sure I have my phone and keys, walk out and lock the door. When I turn around I stop. Fuck my life. This has to be a joke, right?
Now look I’m not a snobby person but everyone has standards and if they mesh good, if not it’s time to move on.
I’m staring at an old Ford Fiesta. You know it wouldn’t be bad but it looks like he doesn’t even take care of it. Oh yeah, I forgot what he’s wearing. Elastic waist jeans with a Pokémon t-shirt that’s tucked in said pants with velcro instead of laces on his tennis shoes. I do know with those choices we will not have much of anything in common. I pray that this is a bet he lost and it’s not for real because I don’t have the heart to cut my losses in the driveway.
My prayers didn’t come true. We ate at the food court in the mall and caught the dollar movie there also. I told him I wasn’t feeling well and that I’d call a cab to take me home. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. That’s the last time I try online dating. Never, ever again.
I wake up and shiver from the memory of the dream. That’s why I don’t do the online way to meet people anymore. They can lead you on and make you believe anything. I’m genuine so I expect others to be truthful too but it just doesn’t work that way.
Once I have my cup of coffee I head to the backyard and my chaise lounge chair. I’m relaxing enjoying the sun warming my skin when my phone dings that I have a text.
Tasha: How’s the sniffer?
Me: Broke how do you think it is? lol
Tasha: Are you out of bed yet?
Me: Yup. Out by the pool. Grab a cup on your way back here.
Tasha: See ya in a few.
Five minutes later Tash and I are enjoying girl talk and coffee. The best way to spend the morning, soaking up some vitamin d.
“So, Danny tells me you gave him permission to set you up with a guy at work.”
“Yeah, what can it hurt?”
She flips sideways in her chair so fast I thought there was a bee after her. “I know who he’s talking about. I met him at the company picnic. Sid, this guy is ripped. Like mouthwatering, drooling, wet t-shirt contest H.O.T.”
My turn to flip, “You’re shitting me!”
“Nope.”
“Wonder what the hell’s wrong with him then if he needs to be fixed up.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. You’re gorgeous and you’re being fixed up.”
“I work a lot, don’t go to the clubs looking for men, forget online dating and you know I don’t do social media. What’s his excuse?”
“Maybe he doesn’t do those things either. I know when we’re at Danny’s work functions the girls are always hanging around and trying to get his attention. If I was single I’d date him just to look at him. And trust me I’ve dreamt of him…naked.”
This sends me into a fit of giggles and I flop on my back. “You better not let Danny hear you say that. Hey, what’s his name?”
“Alex.”
“Just like a Greek God.” If only he winds up as I’m picturing him in my mind. Mmm hmm.
“He does bodybuilding. I swear he has muscles on top of muscles. When we’ve talked to him he seems really nice and intelligent too.”
“So, why haven’t you tried to fix me up with him?”
“Because you told me to never try to fix you up.” She uses air quotes when she says never. Bitch.
“Okay, I’ll buy that…for now.” I used the same said air quotes on the ‘for now’.
“If you guys do date and you get him between the sheets you’d better spill every single detail. Do you understand?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. I need to get home and finish the laundry and cleaning. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay. Love you.”
“You too, chickee.”
I must have fallen asleep because my phone beeping woke me up. I look and it’s a text from a number I don’t know.
Unknown: Hi this is Alex Danny’s friend from work. He gave me your number and said you might be interested in going out.
Me: Yup. I
work 12-14 hours a day 4 days on and 3 days off. I’m usually available during the week if that’ll work for you.
Alex: Any day after 6 works for me. How about tomorrow at 7?
Me: That would be fine but just so you know I broke my nose yesterday. If you don’t mind a couple of black eyes and a bit of a swollen face I’m game.
Alex: Are you ok?
Me: Yup. I’m clumsy.
Alex: Glad you’re ok. If you’re sure you feel up to it text me your address and I’ll pick you up at 7.
Me: See you at 7. 8951 Sand Cove Dr. in Beachwood Estates. I’ll leave your name at the front gate. What’s your last name?
Alex: Kostopoulos. See you tomorrow.
Oh shit, he really is Greek. He may be a God after all. I hope so.
Me: Date with Alex tomorrow at 7!
Tasha: Woo Hoo!
Me: Want to go shopping?
Tasha: When?
Me: Anytime today.
Tasha: Give me 2 hours
Me: Ok
We were downtown walking around some boutiques trying different things on and I found the cutest outfit. A pair of light blue jeans, they come mid-calf and are cuffed at the bottom. A white shirt, a light yellow spring cardigan sweater and a pretty, delicate scarf. Three stores later I found a cute pair of black, strappy, wedge sandals. Tasha thought I should put more effort into my choice of outfit. I disagree and think it’s cute, I like it so that’s what I’m wearing. Besides, I want to be comfortable.
Chapter
3
My doorbell rings about five minutes to seven. I’m bracing myself even with what Tash told me. I open the door and I swear he’s an actual Greek God. Almost electric blue eyes. Dark, almost black hair that is kind of long on top and shorter on the sides, not a one out of place. He’s wearing a black long sleeved shirt with blue jeans and tan boat shoes. JACKPOT!!
BeForeplay Page 1
