Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  “Perfect.” Her eyes flitted closed.

  A second later, she was in heaven as his lips claimed hers while the rest of the world disappeared.

  19

  Three months later…

  New York…

  * * *

  Raphael fixed his blue tie over his white dress shirt as he glanced in the lobby mirror of the upscale hotel and restaurant.

  Mica was right that most people in this city wore black.

  More business-type people passed him as he rocked Jacob's stroller back and forth in the gilded halls.

  Both the man and the woman curled their nose at the sight of a baby, but neither had any idea that Jacob who he loved as his own would one day master their fates.

  Clueless fools.

  Finally Mica came out of the bathroom in her knee-length black shift that clung in all the right places.

  The diamond on her finger sparkled from the streetlights outside the windows and he offered his arm. She accepted and they strode into the restaurant together as she said, “Everything will be great. It’s good to let everyone see the engagement ring all at once so no one is calling each other with commentary and useless opinion that usually then seeks to delay a good deal. You and I are the only ones that get a real say in our lives.”

  They parked the stroller near the maitre’d and Mica took Jacob out as he said, “I'm glad could pick out one on my own, for you.” The money from the settlement had come in, and he'd given most of it to her investors to handle.

  “I’ll wear it with pride, my love.” She rocked their baby on her hip.

  He might not have fathered Jacob, but after finishing Moby Dick, he realized he’d be the best dad he could be to this boy. Once they were ready, she turned and glanced down the one step from the five star forbes rated hotel and into the michelen rated restaurant and said, “Good. Let’s go.”

  Mica smelled of fresh flowers that tickled his throat and he wanted to kiss her though she aimed for is cheek and said, “Rocco, this is my brother, Raphael. I’m going to bring Jacob to my parents for a minute. Be right back.”

  A dark-haired man about an inch shorter than him shook his hand. As Mica departed with Jacob, Raphael said, “My sister told me you’re interested in security.”

  Her hips swayed in that dress of hers and held his attention but he nodded and said, “Yeah. I’m watching out for my family.”

  Raphael straightened his shoulders. “What about your country?”

  This reminded him of high school when he'd walked over to talk to the Marines recruiter in the lunchroom after hearing him in gym class.

  Rocco stiffened and asked, “What?”

  Raphael eased his standing a little and said, “You had high military clearance.”

  “That was a few years ago,” Rocco deflected but his mind sharpened.

  Was her brother offering him a job?

  Mica looped her arm around his elbow and raised her voice as she said, “Raphael! Now now.”

  Her brother patted him on the shoulder and said, “Look, here is my card. Call me and we’ll talk about what you can do to help protect this country too.”

  Without another word Raphael went to speak to a woman who must be his wife.

  Mica shook her head and squeezed his side in a small hug and then said, “Raphael does some sort of spying for the government. I don’t really know what he does to be honest. You don’t have to do anything. Only call if you want.”

  Interesting. Helping others sounded appealing. Especially if he could still keep his family safe too.

  Mica ushered him in the other direction to a man, woman and baby girl about Jacob’s size as Mica said, “And this is Gabriel and his wife, Erica.”

  Gabriel shook his hand. “My sister says you make her happy.”

  Mica picked up the girl and made "aww" sounds about being an aunt.

  Rocco took his hand back and stared into the man's brown eyes. “I hope so.”

  Gabriel nodded, put his arm around the woman beside him and said, “Good, because Mica will always be my baby sister.”

  Mica held up her finger to show the ring as she said, “Gabriel…”

  It was clear Mica was working on her mom voice in how she inflected her brother’s name.

  “Beautiful.” Erica hugged her.

  Then Gabriel and Erica took their daughter back.

  Mica motioned toward the bar where Jacob was with her parents like she wanted their boy back. He walked with her as he asked, “So your other brother is more protective of you?”

  Mica whispered, “His first wife tried to have him killed. We had a chance to bond again now that he found love and a second opportunity to be happy with his new wife.”

  Murder. It seemed all the Murphys had their run-ins. His hair stood on end as he relived the moment those men had kicked open the hotel door, but he just said, “I see.”

  They made it halfway to the bar when a wrinkled hand pressed against his side. He let Mica go and immediately hugged the small woman who weighed eighty pounds when soaking wet as he said, “Mom!”

  He put her down and saw she still had her gray hair despite the chemotherapy as Mica said, “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Hellsworth. You look healthier.”

  “Thank you.” Treatments must be well. His mother fixed her crucifix around her neck and stared into Mica’s brown eyes as she said, “Your parents are lovely. This is a beautiful hotel.”

  Later he’d take her to the park and they might talk, one on one. Tonight was for Mica though so he patted her on the back as Mica said, “I’m happy you’re here to celebrate with us.”

  He reached down and hugged her one more time and then said, “Talk to you soon, Mom. Tomorrow morning, it’s a date for just the two of us.”

  His mother wiped her eyes, crying happy tears as she nodded.

  Jacob smacked his gums which was the boy’s tell to pay him attention. He guided Mica who immediately reached for her son. He shook the couple’s hands. “Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.”

  Her father folded his arms like he was still king of Wall Street or something as he said, “Well, my daughter is getting married again. I hope you work out better than the last one.”

  He hugged Mica’s waist and said, “I’ll do everything in my power to keep her and Jacob safe.”

  “Then you already win. Come, dear.” Her mother pulled her father away to order drinks.

  Now he’d seen all the Murphys in one room. He could say Mica fit in, but didn’t bother. This was their world which was fine by him.

  She bounced their boy in her arms and said, “See, it wasn’t that bad. Now everyone knows how much we love each other and that we intend to marry.”

  Rocco kissed her on the mouth, not caring who saw. They were going to live happily-ever-after now. And he’s show Mica for the rest of their lives how amazing she was.

  Thank you for reading Mica and Rocco’s story. I had a blast with this. He wasn’t my usual billionaire, prince or rock star. Just a regular guy and it was refreshing. However Mica’s brothers were both super reclusive. If you’re interested in reading Gabriel or Raphael’s tale, (and Gabriel’s won Kindle Scout back in the day which funded my writing career), please start with Hidden Gabriel. You can find all the links and sign up for my newsletter at VictoriaPinder.com

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author, Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston then moved to Miami. Eventually, found that writing is her passion. She always wrote stories to entertain herself. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what she enjoyed doing, writing became obvious.

  Visit my website and download a free novel

  www.victoriapinder.com

  victoria@victoriapinder.com

  Secret Crush

  Renee Lee Fisher

  Secret Crush © copyright 2017 Renee Lee Fisher

  * * *

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Con
ventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  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.

  Created with Vellum

  SECRET CRUSH

  A revealed Secret Crush ignites romance, intrigue and things turn a little wild.

  * * *

  David is the general manager at Arden’s, one of the finest restaurants in Cape Cod. For fifteen years’ he has been very happy, until the day, Heath Harrison was hired.

  * * *

  Immediately Heath had the girls falling at his feet except for one girl, Lavin Williams. David began to have real feelings for Lavin. She appeared very interested, but not in him, it was Heath, she had a crush on.

  * * *

  Can David ruin Heaths chances with the women, especially Lavin? He is determined to get rid of Heath. David has become completely fixated on observing Heath’s every move at the restaurant…and beyond.

  Prologue

  Present Day – The end of the Summer Season

  The Complete Package

  Dear Mr. Editor,

  I’m pretty certain I will find myself the town’s number one enemy after you receive this letter and the enclosed videos and make them available to the public. I am hoping though that I am not exiled from the town and my job will only become more secure after I rid the restaurant of Heath Harrison. Many faces are visibly recognizable, and I figure before I am run off the Cape, I might as well leave behind my account of everything. I know we previously discussed that I had something very newsworthy for you. Something juicy, head turning that would capture a lot of attention. I’m sorry if you were looking for a quick letter as we discussed, but this is going to be a much more thorough representation of my point of view and how everything happened. You see, it’s not easy being the general manager at Arden’s, the most popular bar and fine dining restaurant in Cape Cod.

  Working at this place for the last fifteen years has been the best time of my life. I’ve loved every summer: constantly making insane amounts of money and maintaining a powerful position; a plus was how often I’ve gotten to meet young pretty faces as they came to the little beach town to bartend, hostess, or wait tables. The first ten years were great; I was fine with hooking up with the attractive college girls that looked up to a man with power like me.

  Until the day Heath Harrison walked into my life as a cocky college graduate with a high GPA from a fine school. Although he took a year or so off and didn’t apply himself to any job, I soon found out he was starting employment at Arden’s and in a high position, Floor Manager, without having to climb the ladder in the restaurant. Heath was just turning twenty-three but seemed very worldly. I am sure you know the type, 6’4”, white but with a solid tan, dirty blond hair that stays in place every day. He was built like one would be if they lettered in three different college sports and had a face that would make every girl near him smile or blush. He was the owner’s son so I didn’t have a say in whether we hired him or not, and I am sad that I never pushed for him to be fired. I honestly thought he would be lazy and mess up on the floor or in the kitchen. But he didn’t. He seemed quite at ease in the restaurant business. Even at the peak of the season, with a full house, he never wavered in his calm demeanor. He seemed to have a knack with the clientele, extensive knowledge of the wine selections, and a few times helped me with the supply orders and scheduling. He could have been a great guy, but I had a taste of dislike in my mouth the moment he started his first shift. That feeling grew and became much worse. I hated how Heath Harrison had all the girls falling at his feet and offering themselves as sacrifices almost immediately after meeting him, which he eagerly accepted and sexually took advantage of each season. How do I know this? I filmed it.

  Sincerely, David Straub

  General Manager of Arden’s Restaurant

  My tightened fingers released the pen. I flexed my hand to get the blood flowing. Heath Harrison took all those perfect pussies as trophies. My blood was boiling. Even writing a simple letter while thinking of Heath Harrison had me riddled with vengefulness. Satisfied that my letter was written, I’ve never been quite certain when I would send it. I figured I would know the proper time to unveil Heath. Something would trigger inside me and alert me that I had enough on him. Until then, I would keep all the cameras rolling, recording footage of his large dick pounding into many young girls. My release would come when I was rid of him; too bad his was just poking his dick where ever he could. I was also salivating with satisfaction that his dick wouldn’t be seeing too much action once I exposed him. The owner’s son would amount to nothing. Heath Harrison was handed a position at the restaurant, and I would be the hand that removed him. I planned to only release the camera footage of him engaged in sexual activity captured in the restaurant and claim it was caught on security cameras. The camera I had stalled in his dorm room I knew was illegal, but it allowed me to see more of him and who he was bedding. As long as Lavin wasn’t in those videos I knew she was still mine. I have the power; I am the manager, and I keep a watchful eye on all that occurs… I will report the happenings that have Heath attached to them. “Soon it will be bye-bye Heath Harrison.” I voiced my words loudly, as no one was near. Late in the night, the restaurant was still. I had time to focus, not on the clientele but on my next move to out Heath.

  One evening, I found myself pacing in my office. The air was silent, the restaurant closed. I’d sent messages to Lavin earlier. I was pushing papers on my desk, waiting around for a text from her, and I was horny. I thought, fuck it, let’s see if anyone’s fucking in the dorms. I figured Heath couldn’t have all the pussy in that establishment. I hoped to find a new hire willing to respond to my needs. I needed release, and I was willing to offer a deal to any girl in the dorm that would take it. At this point, I’d given up on a response from Lavin, perhaps she was busy with getting her courses lined up for the Fall term or hanging out with a girlfriend. I knew with certainty that when her time freed this evening or tomorrow, she would respond to me.

  I walked the dorm floors, and a few employees nodded at me in a pleasant, respectful gesture. It wasn’t odd for me to engage with the staff; often I would have a drink and hang with some of them. I thought it made me cool in their eyes. This particular night, my face was calm and friendly, yet my body was tense. I was frustrated.

  My pants needed to be unzipped and my throbbing cock sucked. I heard the fun laughter of a sweet girl and my dick perked up, but as I passed her open door, it was clear she was playing poker with a few others. She was joyous in her winning hand. I would have loved her hand on me or for her to mount me. It would be a WIN for my dick at that moment. As I continued on, my thoughts were that the card game could be the makings of a night of strip poker and drinks ahead. They didn’t seem to want me involved; no invitation had been extended. I was their boss, and tonight, they pulled the door shut.

  I walked farther down the hall; imagine my pain and surprise when I heard a quite touching, tender, romantic scene coming from Heath’s room. Just outside his partially opened door, I listened intently to words of love from a girl, explaining to Heath how much he meant to her. The conversation was actually touching. I was moved by the girl’s spoken words. I stood leaning up against the wall and adjusted my dick. For the moment, it wasn’t saluting. I still sought release, but pain was not in my pants; it was now suddenly in my heart.

 
; As I passed Heath’s room, Lavin was sitting on the bed in a beautiful yellow sundress, eagerly looking at the man who sat next to her and telling him how she had always felt. Her voice was laced with nervousness as she told him of the debate that constantly ran through her mind as she thought about his sexual history. A long moment of silence hung between them. Then Lavin’s voice found a confident tone, and she stated she didn’t want to be a one-night stand, nor did she want to use someone just for sex.

  She wanted someone to love and to love her in return. She released a pent-up breath and told Heath that for some reason, everything in her was telling her Heath was the one. Heath pulled her into a tight, tender embrace and gave her a passionate kiss, and I thought to myself, “Oh boy, my sweet Lavin is going to be used and thrown out like a cum rag.” My only hope was she would finally come running back to me for comfort and call out my name, call out David just once. I may have given up on her returning my messages earlier this evening, but I was certainly NOT giving her up to Heath. In fact, I hoped he broke her heart tonight so I could have some sexual release since she would need comforting.

  I had done my fair share of eavesdropping and heard enough. I eventually left the dorms and headed to my apartment one street away. I took the longer route, walking there in the night air, trying to rid my mind of the heartfelt tone she’d shared with Heath. I was persistent in interfering in their little love connection. I sent her messages, not once or twice, but many times, hoping to break up their moment so she would reach out to me.