by Vicki Green
“And do you have a ticket?” I walk closer as she nods. “A VIP ticket?” She nods again sucking in her bottom lip. She’s not telling me something. “How in the hell do you have a VIP ticket and knowing how much I love to read, didn’t think to even tell me about the event?” My blood is racing. I shouldn’t be mad at her. I mean, why would she think to tell me about the event? It’s not that I don’t live and breathe books, sit in the back room or out in the reading area, my nose stuck in a paperback….
Every.
Chance.
I.
Get.
“Well…. I….” She looks around the room again. “I won it!” She blurts. Sure she did.
I step closer. “Oh? Where did you win it?”
“Oh, my God, Ry. Quit with the interrogation.” Molly steps up next to me, bumping my shoulder. “The main thing is you have VIP tickets for us and Addie has one too. We can all go together.” She puts her arm around me and smiles.
Addie walks the two steps until she’s in front of us. “But how will we all go? Who will watch the shop? And don’t forget. I have that weekend off.” Shit! We all turn our heads and look at unsuspecting Duncan. Yeah, no way can he run this entire place by himself for an entire day.
I smile, turning back to Molly and Addie. “I have an idea. Give me some time.”
I’m flying high the rest of the day, except when I finally calmed down about the signing, and I noticed Jax was gone. Odd that he left without even telling me. I’d hoped he’d come back, at least by evening, but no such luck. I’m still freaking out internally about the signing and a chance to finally meet some of my favorite authors and discover just who J. Stearns is. Maybe I can corner them and beg for the third in their Dream series. I’m totally gonna fangirl.
Walking home told me that fall is here. After all it is into October now. I wish I would have brought a jacket with me as I shiver. It’s beautiful around here though in the daytime during the fall. The tree lined street shows their leaves in a colorful disarray as they turn into fall colors. There’s a crispness to the air and the holidays aren’t far behind. Now, I’m sad. My first holidays without Gram.
As I walk past Maggie and Warren’s, I see lights on in the various windows. Hmmm, maybe they’ve been out of town? I’m dying to soak in a hot tub and read more of my book but sad that I’m getting close to the end. I walk up the steps with a kick in my step but stop short when I see another potted lilac covered with plastic. What the hell? Holding it in my arm, I pull off a card, taped to the plastic.
Come next door.
Weird! It’s not signed but the writing seems familiar. That was sweet of Maggie and Warren to give me a lilac. They do know I love lilacs. Maybe they’re thanking me for the cinnamon buns. Shrugging, I head back down the stairs, thinking I can wait to take my book bath in a bit. I’m anxious to see them! I stop again and turn around, running up the steps, unlock my door and go inside. Putting the plant down on my breakfast bar, I grab a container of muffins and then run back out, relocking the door, and jog down the steps. That’s twice I’ve jogged today! Pretty proud of myself! I love how short the walk is over to their condo. It’s always been so nice to have such nice neighbors so close. They’ve only asked me for sugar a couple of times and I’ve only asked for one thing, when I had a battery emergency. Thank God they had a pack of AAs. I would have died right then if I would have had to walk all the way to the twenty-four hour store.
I’m whistling as I walk to their steps and then ring their doorbell. A crisp breeze feels like it blows right through me and once again, I didn’t grab my jacket off the hook. Ugh! Footsteps sound on the other side of the door and I get excited. Only when the door opens, my mouth drops open, and I lean back and look at the numbers on the brick wall beside me. Not like I wouldn’t know their condo since it’s attached to mine. But that’s not all that drops. In my shock and disbelief, the container of muffins I’m holding falls from my hands. Well, that’s mainly because I let go of them when I cover my open mouth with my hands as I gasp. “What are you doing here?” I ask, sounding muffled since I asked through my hands.
Jax’s smile lights up the darkened sky as he bends down and catches my container before it hits the ground. When he stands, he reaches out and covers the side of my face, his hand warm and soothing against my cool skin. “I moved in today.” Wait! What? He chuckles and it goes right down south. “I can see you’re confused.” Boy, he isn’t kidding! He removes his hand but takes one of mine. “Why don’t you come in and I’ll explain.” Well, that would be fucking nice. I let him lead me inside, closing the door behind me. It’s been a while since I’ve been in here but I knew it’s set up the opposite of mine. Stairs leading up to the two spare rooms against the wall where mine are in the same spot on the other side. But it looks different. Newly painted, still a brief odor of the fumes, new furniture, I can tell by the fact that some still have price tags and the wooden floor has been refinished. I know this because I remember how bad the old floor looked. “Come in.” I follow him through the living room and into his kitchen and my mouth drops open again. “Would you like coffee or tea?”
“Um….” My throat is suddenly dry so I swallow. “Tea would be nice. Thanks,” I squeak. I’m in awe as I look around his kitchen. Cooks would die for this! It appears to have all new stainless steel top notch appliances. Refrigerator, double wide. Double ovens! And a stove with a grill on one side. Does he cook? I could make a meal fit for a queen here – or king. “What? How?” Great, now my stuttering is back.
He stops and walks over to me, taking my hand and leads me to a small kitchen table. He has a kitchen table! Pulling out a chair, he helps me sit, and then leans over me, looking right into my eyes. Those brown eyes! Suddenly, it’s too warm in here. “I’ll explain everything. I promise.” He kisses my nose and walks to the counter. He kissed my nose! How sweet is that? As I sit here and wait for him, I look around. No pictures on the walls, nothing personal setting out, but I notice there’s quite a few unpacked boxes neatly stacked in the corner of the living room. Just moved in. Wow! And he’s my neighbor? Okay, that can be good and bad. What if we have a fight or we stop seeing each other – you know? He walks back to the table, carrying two cups and two plates. He sets them down and I smile seeing one of my muffins on each plate by our teas. “So.” He smiles as he sits down next to me.
“So.” I raise an eyebrow as I pick up my tea and take a sip. Ah! Chamomile tea, my favorite!
“I’m sure this is quite a surprise to you.” I raise the other eyebrow to match. He laughs. “I hope it’s a happy surprise?” He shuffles in his chair. “I had no idea you lived next door when I purchased this place. Trust me, I would have said something. But….” He looks around, taking it all in. “I’ve never really owned a house, or condo, my own place.” He chuckles and looks back into my eyes. His are lit up, bright and excited. “Other than an apartment or hotel, I’ve never really had a place I felt I could call home.” Sigh. That hit me right in the heart. “So, when I saw this was for sale, I grabbed it up in a hurry. As you can see....” He waves his hand around. “I had some guys come over and repaint. I think you might have met one of them.” Oh. Oh! He chuckles again and damn if I’m not gonna need a pair of dry panties soon. Good thing I live next door. “I bought all new furniture, even a new bedroom set.” Now he raises one of his brows. “I made one of the spare bedrooms into an office and decked it out too.”
I look around and then back at him. “Well, you’ve done quite a job here. I like it.” I take another sip of tea, relishing in the taste. “Oh! I almost forgot! Thank you for the new lilac pot.” I look down, a little shy and embarrassed. He keeps buying me those and I’ve made him – muffins that were meant for Maggie and Warren. Speaking of…. “Do you know what happened to the previous owners?” I wonder what happened to them. I hope they’re okay.
He sets down his cup, after taking
a drink. “Actually, I’m not sure why but the realtor told me that Warren was transferred to New York. His work, I think?” Wow! They didn’t even say goodbye. Some neighbors they were. “Oh! Here I have something for you.” He stands and walks over to the living room, picks something up off the glass end table and walks back. He got me something else? God, he’s dreamy.
I take an envelope he offers me and open it, pulling out a short letter.
Dear Rylie,
Thank you for being the most amazing neighbor. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to talk to you before we left and let you know what was going on. Warren got transferred rather quickly to New York and you know that’s where our daughter lives. So, we are so very happy to be near her. I left as soon as we found out and looked for a house and have since been cleaning, remodeling, and then Warren joined me. I will miss you so much! Please, take care of yourself, and if you’re ever in New York please come and visit. Our new address is on the envelope.
Love,
Maggie
Okay, I take back what I said. Tears make the paper blurry so I set it down on the table. His hand covers mine and as I look up, a tear falls. He reaches up with his free hand and rubs across my cheek. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way.”
I wave him off and wipe my other eye. “At least she left me a note. I’ll miss them.” He releases my hand and picks up the muffin, taking a large bite. His eyes widen, and I swear he lets out a small moan.
“Wow! There’s definite perks living next door to such an awesome cook.” He glares around the muffin and takes another bite.
“You should try them warm from the oven with a little melted butter on them.” His brow raises. I look over at his kitchen and sigh. “God, I could make some amazing meals in this kitchen.” An idea hits me right in the head. “Are you a good handyman?”
He swallows and laughs. “I can swing a good hammer.”
“Hmmm. Well, I’ve been wanting to do some remodeling and could use some help. I could swap for some good meals. Cooked in your kitchen, of course.”
Suddenly, he grabs my hand pulling me out of my chair and right onto his lap. My arms instinctively move around his large shoulders as I straddle him. Damn, is that his Hot Tamale? Why, yes. Yes it is. “I can think of other things we could trade for,” he says as he kisses my neck. I lean my head back because I want to make sure he can get to every inch of my skin.
“Mmmmm. We might be able to work out something – oh!”
Having him as a neighbor might be the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to me.
Chapter 12
Our make out session was quite the session that ended up with me taking my bra home in my front jeans pocket and going home to my beloved B.O.B. while reading in the tub, oh – about an hour later. I had to get some reading time in and hit the bed with work so early in the morning. Sigh. I left with swollen lips and Jax’s promise that he wants everything to be perfect when he makes love to me for the first time. When! Oh, my God! He said he wanted to be completely unpacked and everything set up so he can make it really romantic. Double sigh. Where has he been all my life? And those moans that came outta that gorgeous mouth when he ate my muffins, the ones that turned me on so much my panties were soaked? Yeah, I’m gonna have to make more of those. I wonder if he likes bananas. So much I don’t know about him but I aim to find out. He told me he’d be late to the shop tomorrow, had some work to do. That same work that I know nothing about. Weird.
The next day and after a very busy day at work, and no Jax, I finally settled into a cozy chair in the reading area to finish Chasing Dreams. I’m sad that I’m almost done, knowing the third book doesn’t even have a release date yet. Damn author! I swear when I go to the Ridgemont Author Event, I’m gonna have a bone to pick with her – er, him. Oh, whoever they are. By the time I close the cover, I’m bawling. Not your normal sniffle and blot of the eyes but full out snot induced, I can’t find a tissue fast enough, loud bawling.
“That good, huh?”
I look up to find a tissue in my vision. I don’t hesitate to take it, blow my nose, and nod. “It was the best story and now I have to wait until the third book is released,” I blubber. “I can’t even add Damien to my list until I’ve read the next book.” Oops. Did I just say that out loud?
Jax’s hand strokes my arm, comfortingly. “You can’t what?”
I sniffle and smile. “I just can’t believe I read them without knowing the third book wasn’t out yet. There’s not even a release date yet!” I’m just frustrating myself.
He smirks. Soft. Sweet. “Can you take a weekend off?” Okay, that was out of the blue.
“Um….” I look around the shop. Duncan is making customers laugh while cleaning a table. Addie and Molly are tending the counter, and I noticed Molly brought out more goodies recently as the display case is full. “I’d have to see what Molly thinks.” God! I haven’t been on a vacation since – ever. I look back at him and smile, tilting my head in curiosity. “Just what did you have in mind?”
He chuckles, and I swear I’m gonna have to buy out the panties section at Walmart! “It’s a surprise.” He winks. Winks!
“What’s a surprise?”
Molly stands in front of us, her face as confused as I feel.
“He wants to….”
I feel his hand cover mine, and my eyes snap to his. He winks at me, again. Turning, he looks up at Molly and smiles. “I’d love to take Coffee Girl somewhere this weekend. That is – if you would be so kind and mind the fort? I wouldn’t ask but I really would love some time alone with her and the little time we have now just isn’t enough.”
O.M.G! Swoon!
Her face softens, and her body relaxes. He totally just got me off for the weekend. Well, let’s hope part of his surprise is to totally get me off this weekend. I can tell by just looking at her that he just melted her panties. I know how she feels.
“We can handle this weekend.” She looks straight at him and smiles. “I mean, we’ve got a great staff. I’m sure we can cover.” She places her hand on her hip, still staring at him. Hello! I’m over here! “You know. I don’t think Rylie’s ever had a day off in her life. This will be great for her. And you. Together.” Oh, my God! Now she’s stammering. I must be rubbing off.
“I’m right here, you know.” Shit! I forgot about Willy!
Her eyes snap to mine. “I’ll just stay at your place, while you’re gone. That way I can take care of Willy too.” Damn, she’s good.
Jax smiles and she melts some more. “Thank you. I appreciate it. I think this weekend will be just what she needs.” God, I hope so!
I’ve sworn off B.O.B.
Shudders.
I know. But if what I hope happens this weekend – happens, then I don’t want to take the chance that B.O.B. will cause HT to have issues trying to make me get the BIG O. Think of it like getting ready for a wedding night. You want the exhilaration to be hyped, going without so that everything is magnified that night, the anticipation leading up to it making you want to explode, needing and wanting. His first touch. The moment his mouth is on you and the extreme adrenaline when he’s finally inside you for the first time. I’ve dreamt about this moment ever since I read my first romance novel. The many times B.O.B. has fulfilled my dreams – in only the mechanical way he can, only to imagine it was the lead male character of that story. Now, my dreams are filled with Jax – my Dreamboat and his Hot Tamale on a stick. Sigh.
Then, on the other hand, to think he wants to take me away. Me! I look in the mirror at my reflection. My blonde hair is straight as a board. My eyes too squinty, the color such a pale blue, and nothing really vibrant about them. My body isn’t terrible, as I get enough exercise, but I’m short, not at all like the tall, slender women I’ve seen come into my shop. Molly tells me all the time to shut the hell up, that I�
�m a real looker. I’d think she’s lying but she has no filter and says what she really thinks. I mean – she’s told me, more than once, that if she swung the other way, she’d do me in a heartbeat. That’s friendship. Tilting my head, I push up my girls. At least that’s one thing I’ve been blessed with. A healthy sized “C”. They’re still perky, and where they should be, until one day having kids will drag them down. Then I’ll have to resort to the dreaded underwire bras to give them some lift. Like a lot mothers do.
I’m also a klutz around guys, a menace to them actually. How many trays of food have I dropped when a good looking man walks into my shop? How many scalded hands have I had because I’d look up and see one standing before me? Then there was the most recent time that I fell on top of HT. Wait! Okay, that one was actually nice. I got to feel his Hot Tamale for the first time and man – that was hotter than hell.
Now, it’s the day we leave and I still don’t know where he’s taking me. To say it’s driving me insane wouldn’t cover it. Of course, I’m making him crazy with asking.
All.
The.
Time.
I love and hate how he takes it all in stride, winking and chuckling every time I ask. God, he’s so freakin’ gorgeous. And to think he wants to take me somewhere. I’ve had dreams, every night this week. Sticking my tongue into his deep, sexy dimple. Running my hands over his sculpted abs and his Hot Tamale on a stick. Yeah, I can’t even imagine that in my wildest of dreams.
“It’ll be fun,” Molly says for the millionth time. She came over to ‘help get me ready,’ her words. She then proceeded to remove everything I’d packed in my duffle bag and started repacking it. What? I’d packed the essentials. “Rylie. You’re not taking your old panties and bras. Take the Victoria Secret ones I bought you last year for Christmas.” The ones with the tags still on them. The ones with the dreaded underwire in them that will push my girls up even more. “And these!” She holds up a pair of my very worn yoga pants, the ones I love to wear while relaxing at home while reading. “Seriously?” So, I might want to be comfortable.
