Love in the City (The Complete Collection Boxed Set) Read online

  Hung By Her Tongue

  “God, I can’t believe I just said that out loud.” My face is heating up and I want to bury it in my hands. “We hardly know each other and I’m talking about fingering, my waxing girl, and using your tie for God knows what.”

  “You have nothing to worry about. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun with someone. You’re quite entertaining.”

  “Really?” I ask, totally surprised. “My mother thinks I need to learn how to, and I quote, ‘control my tongue.’ But every time I meet someone I’m attracted to, I start saying things that are totally inappropriate.”

  “And this lack of filter issue only happens when you’re attracted to someone?” He quizzes me, while cocking a brow my way. He’s one sexy gentleman. Lucky old me.

  Crap, he caught the “attracted” remark I made. I’d better explain a few things to him.

  “Yeah, I tend to speak like a crazy person when I’m around a hot guy. I have a chronic condition of hormone-induced Tourette’s.”

  Looking into his eyes, I continue. “You are my worst case yet.”

  “Why’s that?” he asks with a devilish smirk, seeming to enjoy my discomfort.

  “Jeez, I think that’s fairly obvious,” I declare. “You’ve looked into the mirror, right?”

  “Yes, daily, when I brush my teeth, comb my hair, boring, necessary stuff like that,” he dutifully outlines his morning mirror routine. Whatever…

  “Well, then I’ll just have to quote my favorite line from the movie, Zoolander.” I stop and pause before reciting the punch line in my best Derek Zoolander accent. “You, Mr. Michaels, are really, really ridiculously good-looking.”

  He starts to laugh in this unbelievably cute way. I can’t resist it and join in too.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he chokes out between laughs. I find it difficult to believe that I am really this funny. Maybe he hangs around dull, stiff-lipped people. Who knows? But either way he needs to know that I’m as serious as the boring people he likely socializes with.

  “No, you really, really are. You’re one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen. I’d call you beautiful, but you’d probably not like that tag. Most men think it’s weird or something.”

  His eyes stay locked on mine as the glow of the dashboard lights reflect off his face. His gaze becomes serious. All previous humor is missing.

  “Thanks for the compliment, Kat.” His voice is soft, gentle. I want to reach over and take his hand, but I can’t break this moment just yet.

  “It’s hard to believe you have no idea what a catch you are.” My words make him bashfully bow his head. Could he be any more adorable?

  “Okay, here’s the list I’ve compiled in the hour we’ve been together.” He looks wary, but I continue on. “You’re sweet, handsome and successful. I didn’t think guys like you really existed.”

  There’s a moment of quietness once I quit speaking and the atmosphere between us changes. It makes me want to reach out and touch him perhaps caress his hand with my fingers. I’ve never, ever desired someone like this. This “thing” I’m feeling toward him is pretty strong.

  Throwing care to the wind, I decide to reach across the console and boldly take his hand in mine. His next breath comes out in an audible gasp as our fingers touch. His eyes look down and watch as our hands entwine together.

  Holding his hand up slightly I ask, “Is this okay?” He nods and I smile, glad to know I’m not being too forward.

  As we continue to hold hands, I feel something intense in our connection and touch. I can’t help but hope he’s feeling something for me too. Next thing I know he brings my hand up to his perfect lips.

  As he gently kisses my knuckles, it’s clear we’re both feeling something now. I close my eyes and hum quietly while his lips caress my skin. It feels heavenly. My entire body moves toward him and our shoulders touch, coming together over the center console.

  After his gentle kisses cease, he continues to rub my hand with his fingers and whispers, “You feel so soft, so warm.”

  “Thanks. This is the best wreck ever.” I sigh contentedly and he laughs.

  “You’ve been in quite a few wrecks then?”

  “No, just this one. Best and only.” I smile up at him. Our hands are still clasped together.

  “I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll be rescued before midnight,” he speculates.

  “God, I hope so. It’s not New Year’s Eve unless I see a ball drop.” I turn red and he laughs. I’m beginning to see a pattern here. I speak in my unique form of Tourette’s and he seems to think it’s as funny as hell.

  “You have a knack for saying things that seem innocent but could also be dirty. Quite the talent.” He smirks and I die a little or maybe a lot.

  “Yes, my mother has trophies all over the house from my exploits.” I turn away from him rather embarrassed but my movement makes him hold my hand a little tighter. He’s not letting me go and I’m happy about that.

  “Sorry, Kat. I’m kidding. Truth is I find your ‘condition’ pretty damn cute.” He smiles and it makes me smile back. “I have an idea. Let’s play a little game. Get to know one another. Whatta ya say?”

  “Maybe a little strip poker followed by a quick game of Twister?” I let out a quick snort because that was bad even for me.

  “That’s rather progressive for a first date, don’t you think?” And he’s back to rubbing my fingers and I feel myself melting back into his lovely leather seats.

  “A first date?” I don’t think he’s joking.

  “We could call it that. Stranded in a snowstorm. It’s a pretty unique way for two perfect strangers to meet.”

  “Yes, it is,” I have to agree with him. “I’ve had a second, third or maybe even a twentieth date that wasn’t this memorable.”

  Unhappily Rescued

  Lights come shining through the back window of the car. They’re flashing red, illuminating our little space. I know what they mean. Our time together is up, finished, and I feel sad.

  I need to get my disabled car towed and Drew will probably drive off after wishing me well. Maybe he was headed to a friend’s party where a girl is happily waiting for him. By tomorrow, he’ll forget me and I’ll be trying to forget him. But I know that’s impossible. It may take some time to get this guy out of my head… and heart.

  “Looks like we have company,” he says curtly. He doesn’t seem thrilled to see the lights either. A little flicker of hope lights up within me. Maybe just maybe…

  A knock on the window startles me, and I watch as Drew lowers the window to see who’s there. Snow whirls into the car as the outside air is exposed. It’s blowing hard, even harder than it was when my car hit the side of the bus.

  “Good evening,” a gruff male voice says to us. His face is partially covered by a thick scarf. “I’m Officer Kowalski. You’ll need to evacuate your car and follow me to the rescue vehicle.”

  “You want me to just leave my car here?” Drew questions. He sounds freaked at the thought of leaving his beloved car here.

  “There’s no other choice. The bus can’t be moved tonight and the snow trucks won’t be clearing this area until tomorrow. So this car isn’t going anywhere tonight.”

  “Okay. Give us a second to get our coats and gloves on,” Drew replies back, frustrated, I can tell, and rolls up his window.

  “Wow, this is crazy,” I say, hoping to lighten his mood. I pull on my coat and grab my purse. It’s time to brave the snow. “I’m ready to go.”

  “Why don’t you climb over the middle and exit out my side? I want to help you in case you’re dizzy when you stand up. Remember, the bump on your head?” I’m touched that he cares.

  “Okay, let’s do this.” I watch as he opens the door.

  Heating Up

  Drew grabs my hand and helps me maneuver over to the driver’s side. I dread facing the snow and wind. My body starts to brace for the shock. Once I’m by the door, his hands take mine and
help pull me out the door.

  “Oh my God,” I yell, completely startled by the cold wind’s fierceness. It whips through my wool coat and hits my legs. The black tights and red boots I’m wearing might as well be made of thin gauze. Nothing will stop me from freezing now.

  “Come on, Kat.” I hear Drew somewhere in the whirlwind. My eyes are watering as I try to open them. I’ve lived in Chicago all my life. The lake-effect winds are nothing new to me, but this blizzard is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.

  Drew pulls me tightly to his side. I cling to him as if he’s my last breath. It feels like he’s dragging me. My feet are having trouble moving in the deep snow. The next thing I know he’s picking me up and cradling me in his arms. Like a small child, I curl into him and wrap my arms around his neck. Holding on tight, my face burrows into his chest and I’m comforted by his spicy cologne. He smells all man. Masculine and strong.

  “We’re almost there,” he shouts. His body vibrates against my cheek.

  After a few more steps, Drew stops and lowers me. He places a hand on my head and tucks me even further into him. The wind has stopped beating against me and something meets my backside. I think it’s a seat.

  Thank God, we’re in the rescue vehicle. I open my eyes and scoot over on the bench seat so Drew can join me. A blast of warm air coming from the heater’s vent draws me forward. I can’t get enough of its warmth as even my covered fingers are tingling.

  “We made it.” My words are slurring together due to my nearly frostbitten lips.

  Even before I’m finished speaking, he has me in his arms. Again, I melt into him. He could be rather habit forming and I could get used to being his addict. I giggle at my thoughts.

  “What’s so funny?” he asks while looking down into my eyes.

  “Oh, I think I’m becoming addicted to you.”

  “What are you talking about, Kat?” There’s a look of amusement on his face. He’s just so darn handsome.

  “I have these crazy symptoms. Butterflies in my stomach, heart beating a little too fast, and the worst one of all… I keep looking at your lips.”

  “Funny thing… I have the same symptoms too.” He gazes down at my lips, and moves his mouth closer to mine. We touch. It’s a short, sweet kiss as the officer who helped us is now trying to get our attention.

  “Pardon me, lovebirds. But you all need to buckle up before I take off,” he scolds us from the front seat.

  I find myself smiling and feeling giddy. Drew likes me. I can see it. Feel it.

  “Officer, my name is Drew Michaels. My friend here is Kat Williams.”

  “Your friend, you say?” the officer questions.

  “Well, we weren’t together before the storm,” I state and glance over at Drew.

  “Actually, she was driving the car in front of me. She hit the bus and I had her join me in my car.” He’s staring back at me now. It’s really unbelievable, this pull I think we’re both feeling for each other.

  “My car’s a little banged up,” I explain.

  “Don’t forget that bump on your head.” Drew’s face turns toward the officer. “I think she should have a doctor look at it.”

  “Great.” I laugh. “We just met and he’s already telling me I need to have my head examined.”

  “You kids,” the officer shakes his head and mutters. “As a precaution, I’m taking you to the hospital, Miss.”

  I sit back in my seat, dejected. Off to the hospital we go. Not a very fun way to spend a New Year’s Eve. Maybe Drew will ask for my phone number when we get to the emergency room. If he doesn’t, I’ll ask for his because there’s no way I’m letting this one get away. This chance meeting needs to be explored, along with other things…

  True Confessions

  My purse lays across my legs and I feel some vibrations on my knee. It dawns on me that it’s my phone. It’s still by the time I dig it of my purse’s side pocket. I don’t really even need to view the screen to know who was just calling me. After a quick glance, my screen shows over ten missed calls. Pretty sure I’m in deep trouble with my mother. Better give her a quick call.

  “My mother.” I hold up my phone and show Drew the list of calls and texts labeled “Mama Bear.” I cringe at her nickname, hoping he won’t ask for details.

  “That’s a lot of missed calls. Maybe Mama Bear thinks you’re heading out to a party in the snow.”

  Oh no! I have to confess what my true plans were for the night. New Year’s Eve with my parents. I should lie, make up some story, but I can’t. Instead, I decide to tell him the truth then watch whatever cool factor I might’ve possessed disappear.

  “Actually, I was heading up to their house on the North Shore for the evening.” I prepare for the pitiful look and distance he’ll want to put between us now.

  “No kidding?” he asks.

  “Yes, me, my parents and Times Square on the television. All kinds of excitement.” I just can’t bear looking up into his eyes. Instead, I scan the scene out the vehicle’s window, hoping we’re getting close to the hospital.

  “We’re quite the pair.” His fingers gently touch the side of my cheek. With a little pressure he turns my head toward him. “I was going to do the same thing tonight. Though there were about forty other people joining my parents and me.”

  “Really? I haven’t hung out with my parents on New Year’s since I was in middle school. I just didn’t want to go out this year.” I don’t say any more because the only thing left to discuss is why, and my ex-fiancé isn’t about to make any appearances tonight.

  “My parents go all out and entertain their entire circle of friends each year,” Drew says. “When I was younger I’d try to sneak a drink or two left unattended. Then in high school, my mom decided that she’d rather have me at home drinking than out with my friends. Been a permanent fixture at their party for years.”

  “I feel better now. I thought you’d think I was a complete loser.” I watch his facial expressions become serious.

  “Never.” The way he stresses this word convinces me that he’s telling the truth. My whole body relaxes. My mind is at ease now.

  “Alright,” interrupts the officer. “We’re at Northwestern folks.”

  We peek out the windshield for the emergency room signs. The vehicle pulls up to a sliding glass door entrance. I face Drew and try to suppress the knot in my stomach. I’m not ready to say goodbye. Not now and maybe never. It’s odd. I’ve known him for a mere hour or two and it seems like so much longer. We’ve really hit it off in our time together.

  “Well, Drew, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me tonight.” My face has to be showing my sadness in leaving him. I scold myself for feeling like this. What a stupid girl to have let him get under my skin so quickly.

  “Are you trying to say goodbye?” His brow scrunches together in confusion and then he smiles blindingly at me. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily. If it’s okay, I’d like to come in with you. Moral support and all.”

  “Really?” I ask.

  “Yes, really.” His finger traces over my face. “Why the sad face, Kat?”

  “I… I didn’t want to leave you.”

  “Good, because I’m not going anywhere,” he reassures me and faces the officer. “Thanks for helping us tonight. Who do we need to call about our cars?”

  “Here’s the card for the towing company we use in cases like this. You should call them around ten tomorrow morning. My guess is that nothing will be moving off of Lake Shore until sunrise.”

  Drew pockets the card. I don’t even bother asking the officer for one because Drew said, “who do we call.” I really like the way that sounded.

  “Thanks again and Happy New Year.” Drew opens the door while reaching for my hand. We’re leaving the vehicle and heading toward the emergency room’s entrance.

  Watch Over Me

  Once inside, I’m surprised to see an empty waiting room. Usually, this place is packed. I’ve been here for minor
issues and waited for hours. Hopefully, tonight will be a quick in-and-out visit.

  Drew takes charge and guides me to the registration desk. After all the paperwork and insurance information is exchanged, we take a seat and wait for my name to be called. I’m very thankful to have him by my side, but I’m also not sure if he wants or should be with me when I see the doctor. I bite my lip, worrying about where to go from here.

  “What’s the matter?” He’s watching my teeth push into my lip. For being practically strangers, he has an uncanny way of reading me.

  “God, this is so awkward, but when they call my name, I’ll just head back on my own?”

  “How about I go back with you and stand outside the door. So if you need me for anything, I’ll be there.”

  “Where did you come from Drew? You’re a little too perfect,” I tease.

  He takes my hand in his and I haven’t forgot how good he feels, so comforting. I sigh and lean in closer to him.

  “Perfect would be a better description of you.” He’s so good at turning the tables back on me.

  “See. That’s what I’m talking about.” If I wasn’t holding his warm hand right now, I might believe I was dreaming up this guy.

  “Katrina Williams.” I hear my name being called out by someone. We rise out of our chairs and head toward the nurse across the room. She holds a chart in her hand and has a door propped open with her leg.

  “I’m Katrina,” I tell her when we’re a couple feet away. “That was quick. I just signed in.”

  “It’s the snowstorm. No one is out in this weather.” She appraises us quickly, likely wondering what the heck we’re doing here. Her eyes then read over what appears to be my chart.

  “It says here possible head trauma?” She speaks to us as we walk to a nearby curtained area. It’s a little room with a small hospital bed and some medical equipment.

  “I hit my head when I swerved into a jackknifed bus on Lake Shore. Nothing big, really. I don’t even have a headache anymore.”

  “Lake Shore,” the nurse repeats slowly. “Were you two stranded out there?”

  “Yes, after the bus blocked the lane, the snow started to pile up and no one could move their cars.”