Jordyn's Army, page 37
“Oh my god, tell me you’re not joking, please. For the love of all things Warner Brothers, tell me it’s real.”
“Sadly, yes, it is, but what happened to not laughing? Do you want to see it?”
“Um, partially blind here, so I’ll take your word for it.” Rue could tell by the way she looked at him that she could see some things, especially up close, but he didn’t push her. She needed a retreat and that was it. That didn’t mean he didn’t imagine the look on her beautiful face if he walked up to her, dropped trou, and bent over so she could see Mr. Fudd in all his glory.
They continued to share details most couples wouldn’t learn about each other for months of dating. The more he learned about Lena, the closer to the edge he got. He may have only known her for a handful of hours, but he knew his fall was inevitable. He could easily be in love with her before her father left town.
His gaze drifted to Rose as Lena spoke about her first pet. She’d untucked one foot and it drifted back and forth along Rose’s body, they both seemed perfectly content with the arrangement.
Rue decided even if he couldn’t make her his girlfriend for real, he could never separate her and Rose. He knew he would eventually lose his heart to Lena if things didn’t work out, like he’d already lost his dog.
Walking to his bags, he removed his football and placed it on the mantle next to a picture of Lena and a man he assumed was her father and a tiara. He loved the way their stuff juxtaposed when placed side by side.
Rue placed the pictures he’d grabbed from his place around the living room, intermingling them with hers. One white-framed photo blew him away. It was a younger Lena standing in front of a weather map with a blinding smile on her face. Her lavender colored eyes sparkled with joy. A sticker proclaimed it her First Day at Channel 5. He made a mental note to take some pictures together to add to the collection.
“Cartoon hunters aside, I would like to negotiate a few of the smaller points in your proposal.” Rue watched her closely, reading her body language for clues if he went too far. She shifted her weight and placed her cup down on the table next to her. Lena patted her thigh and Rose snapped to attention then gently leapt up on her lap before resuming her nap.
Rose is her shield. It hit him like a ton of bricks, she needed Rose more than he realized. Glad I’m already resigned to losing my dog. In a matter of hours, Rose became so much more than the puppy who knocked her down, Lena needed her.
Rue wasn’t one to believe in fate and all that crap, but he was quickly converting. Rose was destined for Lena not him, but he was meant to bring them together and he had. It felt as if he’d served a higher purpose.
Lena was so independent she wouldn’t accept help from people, but she allowed a dog through her walls at first sight, accepting help and comfort from Rose. Rue was determined—now more than before—to follow Rose inside those walls. He wasn’t crazy enough to think he was deeply in love with Lena at first sight, but he wanted more than a pretend relationship with her.
And I know just the way to find that entrance.
“Okay, but I am not having sex with you if that is what you’re after. I want you to help me, but I don’t need you. I can hire someone else.”
Bingo. I knew it. The word need was where she got tripped up. The key was to make her want, not need.
“Not that I don’t want to make love to you, Lena, because I do, but no, that was not one of the points I wanted to discuss. I would like to revise a few other lines. I believe hand holding and facial kissing should be practiced so it flows naturally. If the first time I kiss you on the cheek is as I pull out your chair for dinner with your father, he will know something isn’t right.”
Rue watched the wheels turning. Lena’s face was so expressive. He imagined how it would be in moments of passion.
“I mean, the page on your father was very telling. He’s a smart man if your words are to be believed, and it sounds as if he knows you like the back of his own hand.”
5
Lena
“That’s true. I agree, we can prepare for that aspect, it needs to look real.” Silently she added, Just please don’t make it too real. She was attracted to Rue. More so than she had been to any other man. There were moments where she imagined she was her pre-accident normal self. Rose knocked her over and started their epic love story. Just like in a romance novel. Silly, she knew but couldn’t resist.
She could see the book cover clearly. Fancy yellow title font, the color of the sun’s golden rays would proclaim: Love is Partially Blind. All large title size except partially. Partially would be canted and muted in a different type, set behind Love is Blind. A dog on the sidewalk with crushed roses and the shadow of a couple embracing in the background against a store-front would make the title pop.
Lena wasn’t fanciful often, but when she was she went all out apparently. She decided she would write that book, and it would be insta-love, unlike real life. Rue would be his dashing self but fall head over heels in love, the way she’d tumbled over from Rose.
But that was a story that belonged in a book and their fake relationship needed attention now. Pulling herself from her daydream, Lena hadn’t realized Rue had stood and extended his hand to her.
“Okay, what next?” It was a question she didn’t want to ask but did anyway.
“Lena, take my hand, please.” Hesitantly, she shooed Rose off her lap and obeyed.
Rue pulled her close by interlacing their hands. It felt more intimate than the hug she somehow expected. When he leaned his face to hers, her breath hitched. Rue really was a handsome man. She could make out his dark eyes and tanned skin almost crystal clear now. He had freckles, she noticed with a smile. Just like me.
“Line thirty-nine—”
Lena interrupted, “Is non-negotiable.” She tried to pull away, but Rue didn’t allow it. Even so, she didn’t feel threatened or out of control, which shocked and pleased her at the same time.
“What if I promised to wear pajama pants and not touch you in a sexual way unless you asked me to? Would you allow it then? I promise I would never do anything to hurt or scare you, I just . . .” Rue seemed flustered and it was cute. Lena—post accident Lena—had never flustered a man before.
Summoning all her bravery, she asked a question she wasn’t sure she was prepared to hear the answer to.
“You just what?”
Rue backed his face up an inch. She could see better at that distance and even made out the plea in his eyes.
“I just want to get to know you. I can’t explain it. We’ve literally only known each other for a few hours, but I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone before. But that’s not why I want to sleep in your bed with you, and I emphasize sleep. How much more intimate can two people be without having sex than holding each other when they are most vulnerable? That’s what I want, to hold you and get to know you like that.”
Rue took a deep breath and it felt important, like that sound was the preface to something vital.
“Why fake it? I’m not saying we get engaged, but let’s date. From now until your father leaves, let’s make it real. That gives us a chance to get to know each other and maybe it will lead to love and maybe it won’t, but what do you have to lose? If at the end of that time you don’t feel anything even remotely romantic for me, I’ll pack my things and leave without protest. And Rose will stay here with you . . . if you want her.”
Lena pulled back in disbelief. He would leave Rose and he wanted me? Was the moon out of alignment sending the earth’s rotation into chaos? Before she had a chance to speak, Rue soldiered on.
“I know this is all pretend, but I would like the chance to maybe make it real. See where it could lead. I know it says no relationship period, but do you think you could maybe be open to one . . . with me?”
“Why? Why would you want someone like me?”
“Someone like you who’s beautiful and fascinating and sexy as all get out? Why would I want someone like that?”
Lena paced off. She needed the space to think. Is he the one who’s blind?
“No, I mean someone like this.” She pointed to her face with all the hatred she felt for her scars.
Rue rushed to her and kissed her stupid. “No, damn it. You are more than just that. You are compassionate and kind. Rose loves you like crazy and dogs are excellent judges of character.” His kisses fell on her nose and cheek, trailing down to her neck. His lips made her dizzy and his words made her want to believe.
In everything.
Believe a man like him could want her, not in spite of her scars, but because they didn’t define her.
Believe in love, or at least the seeds of love, at first sight.
Believe she was more than her scars.
Believe she was worthy.
“Someone who would let a stranger into her home and share all the intimate details of her life with him just to make her dad happy. I want someone like that. I want you. I can’t promise lasting love with marriage and kids and more dogs. Not now, but if things go the way I hope, the way I believe they can for us, those could definitely be down the road. What do you say, turn this fake fiancé into a real boyfriend and see what happens?”
Lena laughed. She had done that more times in one day than she had in all the months since her accident. It wasn’t easy, but she made a choice to trust Rue with the possibility. She was sure it would’ve broken her heart when he left anyway, so the additional risk was minimal. For the first time in years, Lena followed her heart.
“I feel like I just stepped into a romance novel. The real world me is screaming I should say no, but the book obsessed me says I should say yes.”
“The real world is overrated, I say listen to the other you. I can’t promise you a happily ever after, Lena, but I can sure as hell try to give you a happy for now if you let me. And I’ll always bring you roses.”
Lena was giddy with the possibility. She was definitely writing that book and that would be her closing line.
Rose barked her approval.
“You’ve already given me the prettiest Rose of all.”
Rue was right, it wasn’t a happily ever after, but she was happy and Rue appeared to be happy. Rose was certainly happy and her dad would be thrilled. What could be better than that?
Before she had time to overthink her decision, Rue’s lips claimed hers once more and it was intoxicating.
“So, did I successfully renegotiate line thirty-nine?”
“You most certainly did, Deveroux Parker.”
THE END . . . FOR NOW.
LINE 39 is a happy ending that is just the beginning.
If you crave more, look for Rue & Lena’s expanded tale coming soon.
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Coming Up Roses
Michelle Windsor
1
Now Boarding
“Let me help you with that.” His voice—deep, raspy, and hot against the top of my head—startles me. At the same exact time, I feel a hard chest press into my shoulders as large, masculine hands plant just beside my outstretched fingertips, effortlessly lifting my computer bag into the overhead compartment. “There you go.” The heat from his body is gone as suddenly as it appeared, leaving a crisp, clean ocean scent lingering in his wake as he moves away from me.
I shuffle back an inch, trying to give myself enough room to turn in the small space of the aisle, my heart screeching to a halt when my gaze locks onto the demi-god standing mere inches from me. Please, please, let him be sitting next to me. His eyes crinkle at the edges as they meet mine, the corners of his mouth lifting as he speaks. “You smell like roses.”
My brow creases as I absorb his words. Not what I was expecting. “Excuse me?”
“The flower.” He chuckles as my eyes take in his, so light green in color they almost look yellow, then continues. “The rose.”
“I know what a rose is.” My cheeks heat, my lips straining to lift as I continue to meet his gaze.
“And now you’re blushing like one.” His tone is playful.
“You two sitting down or what?” A gruff voice grumbles from behind my demi-god’s broad back.
“Sorry,” I call out, glancing down at my boarding pass to confirm my seat assignment. Row one, seat A. First class. An actual first for me. I gesture to my row and slip inside, settling myself in the luxurious leather next to the window. “I’m here.”
“It must be my lucky day.” He gives me that grin again as he nods, lowering himself into the seat next to mine. “I’m here.”
No, it’s definitely my lucky day. I smile, dipping my chin, busying myself with the seatbelt, trying to hide the elation I’m sure is apparent on my face. No sooner than the buckle clicks into place, a flight attendant appears. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”
I really want to take advantage of the free booze in first class, but the sun’s been out less than two hours, and I don’t want the demi-god to think I’m a complete lush. So, when he orders a spicy bloody Mary, I have to hold myself back from throwing a fist in the air to celebrate. Decision made, I request my own beverage. “I’ll have a mimosa, please.”
The attendant nods. “I’ll be back in a moment.” The second she’s out of ear-shot, the demi-god leans in my direction and whispers in a low voice, “What’s the point in being in first class if you don’t take advantage of the free alcohol?”
I turn my head, a huge grin breaking across my face. “Right?”
His expression matches mine as he straightens back in his chair. “What’s taking you to New York?”
“All my dreams coming true, hopefully.” I’m only half-joking but clarify my response. “A job interview.”
“A big one, I take it?”
“The one I’ve been working toward my entire career.”
The attendant appears, places both our drinks down on the tabletop space between our seats, and leaves. I reach for the stem of my glass, my fingertips brushing against his, electricity sparking up my arm as my eyes dart to his. One side of his mouth quirks as he raises his glass in a salute. “Cheers and best of luck on your interview.”
I clink my glass against his. “Cheers.” I take a sip, savoring the sweet, bubbly liquid a moment before my manners kick in. “And thank you.”
His head tilts, green eyes narrowing as he lowers the crystal tumbler from his mouth. His tongue sweeps across his top lip, capturing the thin layer of tomato juice from the rough scruff above it. My eyes follow the flash of pink until it disappears back inside his mouth, and I move my line of sight away as I feel my teeth grip onto the tender flesh of my own lip. Heaven help me. How am I going to sit next to this man for the next five hours? I give myself a mental shake and expand on my expression of gratitude. “For the assistance with my luggage. I forgot to say thank you.”
His head bows down in acknowledgement. “You’re welcome, Chloe.”
“Wait.” My lids squint to half-mast as I analyze him with suspicion. “How did you know my name? I haven’t introduced myself.”
One finger lifts off the surface of his glass to point at my boarding pass, still lying in my lap. “I may have taken a peek.” A deep dimple appears on the left side of his cheek, his shoulder lifting in a causal shrug as he grins at me.
“Well, aren’t you just the little snoop?” I suggest, taking another sip from my flute, my lips curving around the rim as I smile.
“They say it’s good practice now on flights to get to know your neighbor.” He takes another drink then elaborates. “In the event of an emergency, or what not.”
I give him an eye roll as an easy laugh bubbles out. “Then I guess you better introduce yourself, neighbor.”
His brows shoot up as he barks out a huff of laughter. “Touché.” He lowers his drink back to the tabletop between us then extends his hand in my direction. “My friends call me Fin.”
I arch one brow as I slide my hand into his. “Are we going to be friends, Fin?”
His fingers curl around the outside of my hand, fusing our palms together as he tugs me just a fraction closer. The temperature of his skin against mine causes the blood to ignite in my veins like a match being thrown on gasoline. My eyes pop wide when he drawls out his response. “Oh, I hope so, Chloe.”
Before I can respond, his phone rings, a frown marring his perfectly sculpted lips when he checks the caller ID. He lifts his index finger. “I’m sorry, I need to take this. Please, excuse me for one minute.” The phone is at his ear a second later. “What’s up?”
I blink, perhaps to make sure the vision in front of me is real, or perhaps to ensure I’m actually awake and not in some fantasy. Being offered an interview for my dream job in New York was the absolute best thing to happen in months, but being stuck next to this man for an entire flight is a very close second. Trying not to make it too obvious that I’m eavesdropping on every word of his conversation, I attempt to look busy scrolling through the emails on my phone, not reading a single word as I listen. He is in total command of whomever he’s speaking to, the authoritative tone of his voice demanding compliance.
