Valentine's Day Kisses : Boxed Set Read online

  “Whoa.” I hook my arm around her and bring her in close. “Tell me those are happy tears.”

  She nods, wiping her face down with the back of her hand. “No one has ever done anything so nice for me.”

  “Yeah, well, you deserve it.” I point over to the counter where a very special gift I bought for her lies covered with a dishtowel.

  “What’s this?” She looks up at me from under her lashes.

  “Why don’t you do the honors and find out for yourself?”

  Roxy plucks the towel off and sucks in a breath.

  The mint green Kitchen Aid mixer stands strong and mighty, ready to churn whatever she might throw at it.

  “Cole!” She lands her arms around me and plants a wet one right over my lips. “It’s gorgeous.”

  “Is it the right color?”

  “Pistachio, the exact color I wanted. You’re a mind reader, you know that?”

  “It’s only one of my many superpowers.” I grind my hips into hers. “Besides I’ve been looking for a promising business to invest in, and I thought what better place than yours.”

  “You bought all this with your own money?”

  I swallow hard. “My dad left a little to Baya and me. I thought I should use my share wisely, and I think I did—I know I did.”

  “Cole.” She shakes her head. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, for starters.”

  “Don’t thank me. I wanted to do this. You deserve it. I’ve never seen anyone so driven, so passionate about what they do. Come on.” I lead her toward the bedroom. “I’ve got one more surprise.”

  “I bet you do.” She cups me over the crotch and gives a squeeze.

  “Not quite that, but I like where you’re going.” I open the door to my old bedroom—her new office.

  “Are you serious?” She gapes around the room.

  The walls are painted the same cheery green as the kitchen with oversized dots bouncing around the room. A giant framed chalkboard sits on one side, reading Roxy’s To Do List…1. Kiss Cole Brighton.

  2. Make lots of cupcakes.

  There’s a white desk with a matching chair and a pale blue couch against the opposite wall for her to sit on while she trolls magazines for new ideas, or screws me, whichever boosts her creativity best.

  I give a lewd grin.

  “You dirty dog.” She gives my earlobe a soft bite, and I moan with approval. “I absolutely love it.”

  “Good, because I’ve got one more thing to show you.”

  “No.” Her features smooth out at the idea.

  “Yes.” I lead her back out to the hall, to the scoreboard where Bryson and I marked our conquests like two morons who didn’t care about anyone else in the world but themselves. I pause and point up at my handiwork.

  “Where did it go?” Roxy runs her hand over the smoothed drywall.

  “I yanked it out and did my best to cover my tracks—put in new rounded corners, too. I may not get my deposit back, but I’m not too worried about it. I’m just glad it’s gone. I like the new marks on the place.” I nod over to the kitchen. “You make me a better person, Rox—move back in with me.”

  “Of course.” She wraps her arms around my neck. “But now that my office is in your bedroom where are you going to sleep?” She purses her strawberry red lips, just begging me to take a bite.

  “I was sort of hoping there was a vacancy in the spot next to you on your bed.”

  “I don’t know, let me check with Sally.” She glances down at her skintight dress. “You’re in luck, we’re feeling generous.”

  “Is that so?” I tilt into her. Roxy is hot as hell with her dark hair framing her pale skin. Those magenta highlights ignite around her like a flame. “Harry and I think maybe we should put together a little reunion.”

  “Rumor has it, you have a few boo boos that need kissing,” she purrs.

  “Lots and lots of boo boos.” I dip a kiss over her lips. “You know what I like best about us, cupcake?”

  “The fact our private parts have their own hit movie?”

  “That and the fact neither one of us has to feel alone ever again.” I assure her. “It’s you and me against the world.”

  “You think we can take ‘em?”

  “I know we can.”

  I wish I could call my dad up and tell him I found the one. But I have a feeling he already knows. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had a hand in landing me in an apartment with an oven to begin with. If I hadn’t met Bryson, if Baya hadn’t met Laney who introduced her to Roxy, it would have all ended a lot different, a lot more tragic as far as my balls and that scoreboard were concerned. The truth is, I needed Rox. And, in a strange way, it was because of my dad’s tragic death I found her. I was never too hot on Whitney Briggs until he passed away. And after that I was so concerned with keeping his memory alive—being him—I made sure I landed in the very school he once attended. In a strange way, he led me right to my soul mate—right to the girl I plan on spending the rest of my life with.

  Thanks Dad.

  You came through for me one more time.

  Roxy navigates me toward the bedroom. We tug at one another’s clothes as we struggle to pull each other in deeper, tighter, harder, faster.

  Roxy and I have what it takes to make it last. Love—a sense of humor—most of all, we have each other.

  “You ready, big boy?” Roxy’s eyes smolder into mine. “I think Sally is about to teach Harry a lesson or two.”

  I tilt my head to the side and bust out a grin that’s been dying to explode over my face since I laid eyes on her this afternoon. “Make it hurt, sweetheart.”

  “Oh, I plan to.” She takes a bite out of my ear, and I let out a roar.

  Roxy lands her sweet lips to mine, and we begin a wild ride that I predict will last all night—all year—decades, if we’re careful.

  Nothing beats Roxy and her sugar kisses.

  Acknowledgments

  To my readers who constantly rock my world—big tackle hug thank yous for being so positive and friendly. I’m so glad to have met those I have and look forward to meeting more of you in the future.

  To Christina Kendler, I really couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for being so generous with your time and so darn good at what you’re doing!

  To Rachel Tsoumbakos, how do I ever thank you for your amazing superpowers? You are a word warrior, girl! I’m so thankful you lend your time to my books.

  To Sarah Freese, a million thank yous for carving out a space for me, time and time again. I can’t express how valuable you are and how appreciative I am for you to put up with me and my constant harassment. Ready for another book?

  And finally to Him who sits on the throne—each day I smile with peace in my heart because I am forgiven. I owe you every breath. Thank you.

  © 2015 ADDISON MOORE

  * * *

  Edited by: Sarah Freese

  Cover Design by: Gaffey Media

  Hollis Thatcher Press, Ltd

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to peoples either living or deceased is purely coincidental. Names, places, and characters are figments of the author’s imagination. The author holds all rights to this work. It is illegal to reproduce this novel without written expressed consent from the author herself.

  All Rights Reserved.

  * * *

  This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase any addition copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  * * *

  Copyright © 2015 by Addison Moore

  ISBN: 978-1-62430-030-1

  Created with Vellum

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: Sign in the window

  From: AdmiralPete’sFishandChips@hotm
ail.com

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Dear Ms. Jackson,

  * * *

  Per your incessant request “to let you know either way” I regret to inform you that Admiral Pete’s Fish and Chips will not be able to employ you as an “esteemed Ivy League Gentlemen’s Broker” who is poised to lure men with “bank” to the bar, and “weed potential douchebags from the mix.” We, at Admiral Pete’s, value our patrons and appreciate them from all walks of life. The position available is for fry cook. I’m afraid your thoughts on wearing your bikini to work might put you at potential risk for a third degree flesh burn.

  * * *

  Best of luck in your future endeavors,

  Day Shift Supervisor,

  Kirk Hudson

  Admiral Pete’s Fish and Chips

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: NEED JOB NOW!!!

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Certified and FDIC Insured

  Banking you can trust.

  * * *

  Ms. Marley Jackson,

  * * *

  Thank you for your interest in seeking employment at our Hollow Brook branch. However, I must inform you that we have never, nor will we ever, solicit to fulfill the position of “skilled escort mediator.”

  Although we here at the managerial branch find it compelling you have compiled data that pairs women with the most fiscally sound prospects, with the promised “bonus of free background checks!” our legal department has advised us to refrain from entertaining the idea any further.

  And, to answer your query, no, the free toaster you obtained from opening up yet a third checking account cannot be redeemed for cash value or as payment for overdraft fees.

  Regards, Clancy Thomas

  Branch Manager

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: An investment opportunity!

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Ms. Jackson,

  Thank you for “swinging by on the way to the killer shoe sale at Norman’s.” We are thrilled you had the opportunity to “check out some cool stuff” upon your visit. I was a bit surprised to see the twenty-point bulletin you took upon yourself to send regarding ways to improve floor traffic to the “dead space” we seem to occupy.

  I’m sure an espresso bar would, as you suggest, “liven up the atmosphere,” as well as tables and free wireless service for those customers who like to “bring their laptops and squat for the afternoon while writing that last minute paper;” however, I’m afraid it would detract from the purpose of our gallery. I’m also hesitant to believe that a trio of attractive baristas would, as you suggest, “seduce the right clientele.” We, here at the Highlands Art Gallery, are most interested in serious investors for our collections, not so much the college freshman who has a last minute paper due in Lit.

  Thank you for the opportunity to review your well-detailed plan of how to improve upon our services and thus “really make some bank!”

  We are most certainly declining your offer.

  * * *

  P.S. Thank you for your suggestion on which cleaning solutions might work best to remove “all the little spots” from “that one painting.” It was auctioned off last week for a sum of 1.7 million dollars.

  Keep yourself and your solvents away from my studio.

  * * *

  Benjamin Hathaway

  Licensed Distributor of Fine Art and Luxuries

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: Let’s do this!

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Marley,

  * * *

  Get a grip. We are not coughing up some serious cash to have you pose as a wardrobe consultant in order to help us “set the net.” We here at Alpha Chi are dedicated to the learning experience and have risen above, “scoring with cute frat boys who have a future revenue prospect of most small island nations.”

  I also want to let you know that your five-step plan to convert a “matronly bookworm” into a “sex kitten in heels” has really pissed off the majority. They totally feel it’s people like you who set back feminism by merely breathing the same air as the rest of us.

  * * *

  BTW, I am totally not pissed at you. Feel free to slip your five-point brochure in my private mailbox ASAP! You’re totally not going to charge me, right? We’re like, friends.

  ~ C

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: Employment wanted

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Ms. Marley Jackson,

  * * *

  Thank you for pointing out the primitive working conditions that exist here in our home office. No, we are not looking to replace our “garage sale” grade furnishings with something trendy that might inspire chic clientele. We tend to pride ourselves on our minimalist décor that includes recycled furnishings and flooring. While we appreciate your efforts to “launch us into the 21st century in style,” the position open was intended to draw the attention of a graphics designer rather than an interior decorator.

  Best of luck in your redecorating endeavors,

  Oliver Tate

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: Innovative marketing offer

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Marley,

  * * *

  While we appreciate your thoughts on introducing a bikini-clad hostess to our showroom floor, we regretfully have decided to pass on your offer as we feel this might affront the majority of our clients. Thank you for including your Facebook avatar as an attachment. We have no doubt you would make a fine addition to any showroom willing to “share a little cleavage.” We feel it is in the best interest of our customers to protect them from such voyeuristic trials.

  Do not, I repeat, do not send a portfolio of yourself in an assortment of swimwear. This will not be necessary.

  * * *

  Best,

  Nancy Lancaster (Tom’s wife)

  P.S. Set foot in my store in a two-piece and see how fast I demonstrate the fact rotary blades on a kitchen mixer can double as throwing stars.

  Just try me.

  YAHOO! Mail

  Re: Former student ready to give back!

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  * * *

  Ms. Jackson,

  * * *

  Thank you for the generous proposal to come in and read quality stories to our children at the low price of fifteen dollars an hour on an ongoing rotating basis. While the offer to “read as many library books as you can cram into their little brains” sounds tempting—sadly our budget doesn’t allow for such extravagances. However, I am most impressed that you can “squeal like a mouse” if need be. A talent that I’m sure will come in handy some day soon. I see big things in your future.

  And, as far as erecting a hot dog cart outside of the “barfeteria,” that, too, is a hard no. I’m proud to say we have updated our menu options since you were last a student at this fine establishment. We no longer serve “thick noodle worms” or “mystery mush that smells like feet.”

  * * *

  Wishing you much success,

  Principal Warnecki

  One Night Stand-offish

  Marley

  “Somebody is going to get laid,” I whisper, curling my finger directly at the tall, dark, and handsome, expensive suit wearing stranger I’ve been trying to net as my first one-night stand of the evening. Of the evening? Actually I’m only planning the one. This is new STD-riddled terrain for me, thus the verbiage snafu. I’m sure there will be a missionary, oral, and perhaps anal snafu later this eveni
ng as well. Scratch that. There will never, ever be an anal snafu. Although, in keeping with the theme in my life, I’m sure I’ll have an entire series of snafus to look forward to from this night on until death do I part. Considering I’ve built my existence one snafu at a time it only stands to reason.

  The front door to the Black Bear Saloon opens and closes at regular intervals ushering in the near freezing temperatures, a sure relief to those bathing in the sea of humanity. The 12 Deadly Sins are still going strong. They have every coed and frat boy in the bar dancing and thrashing in a mad drunken frenzy.

  I watch as my roommate, Annie, wraps her arms around her boyfriend Blake, who happens to be the lead singer of the aforementioned trespasses. I’m so happy for Annie, I lose track of the task at hand for a moment. Annie has been deaf her entire life, and, thanks to high tech implants, she has some of her hearing now. It’s a miracle, and, believe me, no one deserves a miracle more than Annie. She’s the definition of a kindhearted, soul. Her boyfriend, however, is the definition of here comes trouble, thus perpetuating the fact opposites really do attract. Blake is your typical rocker bad-boy with a heart of gold and apparently with a newborn on the side, but that’s another story. Annie’s happily ever after has a bit of a modern day twist.