How (not) to get over your crush: compare him to every man on your dating app... Chloe is on the wrong side of her quarter-life crisis. Dead-end job, lease ending, and single af. It's made all the harder by knowing exactly who the perfect man for her is: her super hot, incredibly kind, and extremely taken friend Austin. What's a girl to do but drown her troubles in pinot and let her bestie open her an account on a dating app? If there are other perfect men out there, she's determined to find them. Her ensuing series of boyfriends spark several revelations for Chloe: Never date a man with step-mommy issues. Always ask about criminal records on the first date. Swimsuits were never intended to be made from leather. Maybe perfection is as overrated as her new app.
SPRING FLING
One
"Is this the hill you're going to die on, Chloe?" Boy, if I had a quarter for every time someone asked me that. And then another for every time I did, in fact, die on said hill...well, I would have to drop "starving" from my artist bio.
The Instagram-worthy eyebrows of my bestie challenge me to stand behind today's bold statement-that I prefer to be alone.
My brain frantically rummages through my extensive collection of history facts, trying to find one that applies to modern times. Since women can no longer be arrested or considered a prostitute for going on a date, I'm not sure how to answer Charlotte's question in a way that makes it believable. No one wants to die on a hill alone, do they? Unfortunately, I may. Unlike me, most twenty-six-year-olds are pro-actively seeking their other half, succumbing to their biological clocks which are ticking down the tragic seconds until they die...not alone.
"What's wrong with being a lone wolf?" is all I can come up with.
"Nothing. But...humans aren't wired to be alone. We're pack animals by nature." Narrowed brown eyes pin me to the sofa. "Plus, I know why you're choosing to not date anyone, so it's my duty, as your best friend, to give you a nudge in the right direction." With a whirl of her chair, she turns back to the computer she's convinced holds my future partner.
I drain my second glass of Merlot and slump into the leather of Charlotte's couch, silently asking it to swallow me whole so I won't have to go through with her outlandish idea of finding me a man via dating app. When I arrived at Charlotte's place, I had no idea this was an intervention of sorts. This visit was supposed to be chilling with wine and flower shopping for Charlotte's upcoming wedding. Instead, I've been bamboozled with an online matchmaking site that will have men sending a rock, if they're interested in me. Not the kind on Charlotte's finger, a poorly drawn stone rock to symbolize the building of a solid foundation.
How can I take this seriously when I'm not impressed with their branding?
"Granny Mae would not approve of this," I counter, since history has failed to provide me with an adequate defense. "You know how she feels about the internet." Maybe I'm not playing fair using Charlotte's adoration of my grandmother and her questionable southern charm, but desperate times call for desperate measures, so I continue, "Full of damn trolls I believe were her exact words."
Charlotte gasps at my underhanded attempt to thwart her plan, but is undeterred. "Granny Mae is in North Carolina. Probably making biscuits, with her sweet little granny hands. Besides, she'll never have to know how you met the love of your life. You'll blow her bonnet off when you go home to visit." She points to the website with smiling people on the screen. "Look, it's called FriendsOfFriends, so that's respectable. F-O-F. And you know what that O is for!"
"Of?"
Charlotte glances over her shoulder at me. "Wow, this is why you never get laid."
Never is a bit harsh. It's not like I've intentionally chosen to be celibate for years. Well, maybe I have, but there's no time to respond with more grannyisms about the dangers of social media, because the front door opens and in walks the reason for my nun-like state and Charlotte's insistence that I give this a try.
"What's up, ladies?" Austin, Charlotte's roommate extraordinaire, drawls in his husky timbre that warms my wine and brings the fine hairs on the nape of my neck to attention.
"Hey," I say, sitting a bit straighter. "How was work?"
"Busy." He deposits a white to-go box on the counter separating the kitchen and living room. "What do you have for me today, Chloe?"
For a moment, I can't think. He truly is extraordinary, in an understated way. Dark eyes, dark hair, and a dark sense of humor. He's the holy trinity in my book. But, like all good things, he's taken. So I can only mope and admire his tall frame from atop my lonely dying-hill.
"Forks were once thought to be sacrilegious," I finally say.
He chuckles and leans against the counter, crossing his arms. "Why is that?"
"When they were introduced in the 11th century, they were considered artificial hands and as such, an offense to God."
"Amazing. You never disappoint me, Chloe." And his amusement at my gems of worthless knowledge never disappoints me. "I've got something for you, too. A customer ordered fettuccine Alfredo, and while I was making it, they canceled due to carb-guilt." He winks at me. "I know you love to eat, so I brought it home for you."
Three concerns immediately present themselves.
The fact that he expected me to be here is troublesome. For someone who wants to be alone, I'm always hanging out here to avoid being alone. Maybe I do need a date.
Austin is a phenomenal chef, so although I hate being predictable, I'll take the fettuccine. Seems fair. He feeds me delicious pasta, and I feed him useless history facts.
He cannot see what we are doing. Sure, he's got a girlfriend, but do I want him to think I'm off the table? Not that I'm on the table. But I might be? Some day?
"Thank you. That was really thoughtful." Faster than Austin can dice an onion, I spring from the couch and cross to Charlotte's desk, positioning myself to block the screen.
He ambles closer, bringing the seductive scent of garlic with him. "What are you-"
"It's lady underwear stuff," I half shout, at the same time Charlotte says, "Setting up a dating app."
Austin's eyes volley between us.
"A dating app...for Charlotte," I amend. This is not my finest cover-up.
He stops a few feet from my raised hand and gives me side-eye. "Charlotte's engaged."
"She may need a fling." I shrug. "Don't shame her sexual needs."
"I do need to know I'm still desirable," Charlotte adds, because besties roll with stuff like this. "I'm a modern gal in a post-modern world, bud."
He grazes his bottom lip with a peek of white teeth, and then, like the laid-back guy he is, lets it go. "Okay. Keep your secrets. I'm going to shower and nap before I meet Lucy."
Right. Lucy. The totally put-together new girlfriend with a successful career in public relations.
"Let me know how you like the fettuccine," he calls on his way out of the room.
When he's disappeared down the hallway, Charlotte whispers, "You know, you're doing this to get over him. So it's okay if he knows. Because...you're moving on?"
"Shhhh. He doesn't know about my crush. And never will. Because you would never, ever tell him, upon pain of death. Right?"
"I'm offended. Girl Code is more sacred than the cross."
"You're Jewish."
"It's the principle."
"Well, I'm already nervous enough about going out with strangers, I don't need him making me more nervous. He'll have me convinced they're all serial killers."
Actually, I don't really need convincing on that part.
Our lips stayed locked as we grinded and humped, a tight ball of tension growing deep in my belly. Iād never been so intimate with someone during a first kiss let alone the first night weād met. Never felt so close to orgasm with all of my clothes still on. Never been on the verge of begging for sex from a near strangerāThe sound of a throat clearing brought me tumbling out of ecstasy. Dylan broke his mouth from mine and peered around me. āYes?ā The driver. Oh my God, Iād forgotten about our driver. **** British ad exec Dylan Locke isn't looking for love. He isn't looking for fate. He's definitely not looking for Audrey Lind. She's pretty, far too young, and overly romantic--in short, exhausting. But when the girl, young enough to be his daughter, literally lands in his lap and asks for his expertise, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't interested. But Audrey isn't looking for love either--she's looking for lessons, and she's certain Dylan knows everything she needs to learn. If he agrees to play the teacher can he keep his heart? Of course he can. Then again, he might be lying.
Are You Sure You Want To Delete This Contact? He hesitated. Maybe he was overreacting. Just because his parents hadnāt worked outā¦ āChrist, Brad, divorced?ā Stu said into the phone. Until now, Stu hadnāt said much and his sudden outburst drew Micahās attention. āI knew that chick was just after your money.ā Stu paused. āLook, Iām real sorry to hear that. Iāll get Pam to spin it to the press however you want me to. Itās funny, I was just saying to another client that relationships in Hollywood are tough.ā Stu gave a knowing wink and Micahās mind was made up. He looked back at his phone. Are You Sure You Want To Delete This Contact? Micah pushed Yes. And Maddie from the party was erased from his phone. Erased from his life. *** On the night of her graduation from film school, straight-laced Maddie Bauers fell completely out of character for an oh-my-god make-out session with a perfect stranger. Complete with the big O. Seven years later, that romantic interlude is still fresh in her mind. That stranger is now a rich and famous actor. And sheās one very distracted camera assistant working on his latest production. She might consider another trystā¦if he even remembers her.
Heāll get what he wantsāeven if Iām already taken. Holt Sebastian is royalty in our world. As CEO of the Sebastian News Corp, heās the man with all the power. The man who decides if Iāll always just be a local television anchor or if Iāll be the rising star of my own show. I make it my mission to be noticed. Make him see my potential. But soon, it's clear he's the one in charge. His possessiveness is brutal. His eyes own everything they touch. I feel his gaze on me when he's in the room. The heat of them as they rake down my body, taking me in, marking me as his. He doesnāt just want me on the screenāhe wants me in his bed. And Holt Sebastian gets what he wants. No one will stop him, no one will get in his way. No one can protect me from his desire. Not even the man who promised nothing would come between us and his ambitionāmy husband.
āHeās never going to go for you,ā a voice came out of the dark in front of me. āNot while youāre a virgin.ā I squinted, and when I looked closer, I saw there was another bedroom at the end of the hall with the door wide open, and though I couldnāt quite make out the figure, I could see there was someone sitting in an armchair, smoking a cigarette. Or a cigar maybe. I took a step forward. Surely he wasnāt talking to me, but there didnāt seem to be anyone else around. āExcuse me?ā āWeston never goes for virgins. Itās one of his rules.ā Heat rushed up my neck and flooded my cheeks. āUhā¦ā āYouāre offended.ā **** When I met Donovan Kincaid, I knew he was rich. I didnāt know he was filthy. Truth be told, I was only trying to get his best friend to notice me. I knew poor scholarship girls like me didn't stand a chance against guys like Weston King and Donovan Kincaid, but I was in love with his world, of parties and s*x and power. I knew what I wantedāI knew who I wantedāuntil one night, their world tried to bite me back and Donovan saved me. He saved me, and then Weston finally noticed me, and I finally learned what it was to be in their world. And then what it was like to lose it. Ten years later, Iāve found my way back. Back to their world. Back to him. This time, Iām ready. I've been down this road before, and I know all the dirty, filthy ways Donovan will try and wreck me. But itās hard to resist. Especially when I know how much Iāll like it.
I hated how he said my name, like he had all the power because he knew that bit of information about me. Hated it and loved it. I also hated how his eyes drew up my body, long and slow. Sensually touching my every curve, my every angle. Hated and loved it. Hated that I loved it. I sat on the chair that was still behind me, not trusting my legs to keep me steady for much longer. āWhat exactly is this deal you have? And who are you?ā āI,ā he paused, āam JC.ā Iād never heard of him. āJCā¦?ā āJust JC.ā He said it like it answered everything. Two short syllables to put me in my place. āAs in Jesus Christ?ā JC chuckled as well, his expression brash and sexy. āIāve been called that. But usually only when my face is pressed between a womanās thighs.ā Ew. Also, hot. āā The only reward Gwen Anders got from her rough childhood was a thick skin and hard heart. Sheās content with her daily grind managing a top NYC nightclubāEighty-Eighth Floor. So hers isnāt a happily ever after. She doesnāt believe in those anyway. Then she meets J.C. The rich, smooth talking playboy is the sexiest thing that Gwen has ever encountered, but sheās not interested in a night-in-shining latex. But when a family tragedy pushes her to the brink, itās J.C. whoās there to teach her a new method of survival, one based on following primal urges and desires. His no-strings-attached lessons require her to abandon her constant need for control. Her carefully built walls are obliterated. Gwen discovers thereās a beautiful world outside her prison. Freedom is exhilaratingāand terrifying. When she starts to feel something for J.C., she fears for her heart. Especially as she realizes that he has secrets of his own. Secrets that don't want to set him free.
āI donāt need your money.ā She stuck out her chin. Insistent. āI do fine.ā āāFine,ā but youāre getting kicked out of your hotel roomāā āFine doesnāt mean I can spare the money for an impromptu trip to NYC and a fancy hotel room. Regular people donāt have gobs of cash lying around.ā The comment about regular people hit me in the gut. Because Iād always been the regular one, and sheād never been anything close to āregular.ā But I understood what she was saying. She wasnāt desperate. She could take care of herself. She just couldnāt take care of this, and to make matters worse, the reason sheād splurged on this was because sheād put all of her hope in me saying Iād help her out, and I refused. ___ We were supposed to run away after graduation. When she didnāt show at our meeting place, I got brave and went after her. It was a mistake. I left bloodied and bruised. I had no choice but to walk away. Years passed. I traveled, settled halfway around the world, made enough money that I didnāt have to look back. But I never got over her. Then, out of the blue, she calls. And, what she asks for, the favor that she wants? I never thought I'd be willing to take a life. But the truth is, and always has been: I'd do anything for her.
On their wedding night, Rogelio wrapped his fingers around Marian's neck and spat at her, "Congratulations! From now on, you live in hell!" The reason for his wrath was that he believed she was responsible for the death of his elder brother. So, he married her but refused to touch her, determined to make her suffer for the rest of her pitiful life! However, due to an unforeseen accident, Marian was forced to sleep with Rogelio in order to save him, and she ended up getting pregnant. Concealing her pregnancy, Marian lived cautiously under Rogelio's watchful eyes. He hated her and relentlessly humiliated her, yet he would never allow anyone else to lay a finger on herā "Mr. Bailey, your wife got into a fight with someone!" Rogelio secretly took action, eliminating that person completely. "Sir, your wife claimed that all of your family's wealth belongs to her!" Rogelio quietly transferred all the shares to her. Unaware of all this, Marian only wanted to escape, but Rogelio pulled her into his warm embrace, whispering, "Mrs. Bailey, where do you intend to go with our unborn child?"
For ten years, Daniela showered her ex-husband with unwavering devotion, only to discover she was just his biggest joke. Feeling humiliated yet determined, she finally divorced him. Three months later, Daniela returned in grand style. She was now the hidden CEO of a leading brand, a sought-after designer, and a wealthy mining mogulāher success unveiled at her triumphant comeback. Her ex-husbandās entire family rushed over, desperate to beg for forgiveness and plead for another chance. Yet Daniela, now cherished by the famed Mr. Phillips, regarded them with icy disdain. "Iām out of your league."
Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancĆ© ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, āDo you think you deserve it?ā Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, āMarry me?ā
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***
On her wedding day, Khloeās sister connived with her groom, framing her for a crime she didnāt commit. She was sentenced to three years in prison, where she endured much suffering. When Khloe was finally released, her evil sister used their mother to coerce Khloe into an indecent liaison with an elderly man. As fate would have it, Khloe crossed paths with Henrik, the dashing yet ruthless mobster who sought to alter the course of her life. Despite Henrikās cold exterior, he cherished Khloe like no other. He helped her take retribution from her tormentors and kept her from being bullied again.