LOVE AT FIRST CLICK Read online

  Love

  At

  First Click

  JESSICA CARYN

  Cover Design by AM Creations

  www.amcovercreations.com

  All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2017 Jessica Caryn

  All rights reserved.

  MERISSA

  Chapter One

  St. Louis, MO

  I tried to talk myself out of it twice. It was a short drive to the bistro. I checked the traffic signs. I wanted to make a U turn but couldn’t. I cursed under my breath.

  Gwen laughed. “Merissa, it’s just coffee.”

  “It’s a blind date.”

  “Damon is here to purchase property. It’ll be great for him to meet people before the transition. I promise it’s not date. “

  “People move all the time.” I murmured.

  “Please do this one favor for me.” She pleaded.

  I turned into the lot and parked in a space.

  “Gwen what’s so special about him?”

  “Damon is Rick’s best friend from their college days.”

  “I’m not interested in a relationship.”

  “I didn’t say plan a future with him besides I’m worried about you. It’s been a rough six months.”

  I rested my head on the steering wheel in frustration. I knew she meant well and I did say yes. I shouldn’t back out now. I took a deep breath and told Gwen I’ll introduce myself but wouldn’t agree to another date. She promised it was only coffee but I heard the hint of amusement in her voice. She ended the call before I could change my mind. I sighed; well the atmosphere will be comfortable. I grabbed my things and locked the car. It felt cooler out. I went inside. The bistro was filled with vibrant energy. It was late afternoon and the cozy tables were full. I realized I didn’t know what Damon looked like. I was so focused on it not being a date, I didn’t ask. I texted Gwen as I made my way to the counter. I asked if she could let Damon know I was there. I didn’t want him to have my phone number. I read the text. It sounded okay but I could leave out…I bumped someone and the heat seared me. He asked if I was alright. I wasn’t able to respond because the hot liquid hit the delicate skin under my silk top. The shock took a few seconds to wear off. The guy reached for some linen napkins.

  I rushed out of the bistro.

  The cold wind added insult to my injuries.

  I hurried to the car.

  I heard his voice behind me.

  I glanced over my shoulder.

  My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

  His green eyes filled with concern.

  “Miss, are you okay?”

  I managed to nod.

  “Are you sure? We can... “

  “I’m fine.” I opened my car door.

  “Thank you but I have to go.”

  He said something else but I didn’t hear it. I got into the car, tossed my bag on the seat, and pulled the seatbelt to fasten it. I glanced out the window.

  Handsome was still there.

  I gave him a slight smile.

  It wasn’t his fault after all.

  I started the car. He moved so I could pull out. I drove to the parking lot entrance. I stopped the car to check for traffic. I glanced in the rearview mirror. Handsome adjusted the collar on his wool coat. He turned and I noticed his chestnut brown hair had gold streaks in it. He had a confident walk. He wore his clothes well too. I had the naughtiest thoughts. I didn’t want to talk but wanted to have sex with him. Now how much sense did that make? I checked for traffic again and turned onto the street. I hit the button on my steering wheel to call Gwen. I told her about the coffee accident. She yelled for Rick. She asked him to tell Damon I couldn’t make it. She whispered into the phone and told me to hold. Gwen didn’t share details about my personal life with her husband but she’ll ask his opinion if I needed a male perspective. I shivered and adjusted the heat. I was cold and my skin felt raw. I parked the car in a space. I was in my bedroom minutes later.

  Gwen was on the line. Damon responded. He said not to worry about it. I felt relieved. I tapped the phone and put her on speaker while I undressed.

  “How bad is it?” She asked.

  “My coat can be salvaged, not sure about the silk top, but my skin will heal in a few days.”

  “Merissa, I’m so sorry this happened.”

  “I’m clumsy; it’s not your fault.”

  “I told you about Damon on such short notice. I knew you were nervous and I shouldn’t have forced you into a situation you weren’t ready for.”

  “Gwen, I’m sure Damon is a great guy but I don’t want there to be any pressure for us to connect. It could be an issue if we linked up and there was no chemistry. It would be awkward.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it like that.” She admitted.

  “I’ll call you back after I take a semi- cold shower.”

  Gwen groaned. “I still feel awful.”

  I smiled. “Quit it and I’ll talk to you soon.”

  I ended the call and went in the bathroom.

  I hit the climate control, and walked over to the vanity. The tiles warmed under my feet. The burns tingled as the bathroom filled with warm air. I rushed to pin my hair before the discomfort became worse.

  I stepped in the shower and adjusted the water. The jets sprayed cool mist in the air. My body shook but I stayed in there until I reached my limit. I turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and ran out of the bathroom before the heat touched me. I didn’t want the burns to flare. I skipped the full moisturizer routine and put on comfy lounge wear. I pulled on a pair of cozy slipper socks, grabbed my phone, and then left the bedroom. I was careful on the steps. My luck wasn’t the best. The rustic hickory wood floor was beautiful but will be a painful experience if I fell. I went into the kitchen. I didn’t have much of an appetite. I put fries in the oven and then made a grilled chicken salad. I opened a bottle of wine since I decided it was a better choice than aspirin. I poured wine into a glass and then let it breathe. I knew the blend had a variety of flavors; mango, papaya, and a hint of peach. I don’t like fruit in salad but the white wine will transition. It’ll taste like a burgundy on my palate. My skin felt sore. I thought about what happened at the bistro. I sipped wine until the fries were finished. I grabbed silverware, salad dressing, and ketchup. I put it all on a serving tray and grabbed the bottle of wine. It was that kind of night. I carried it all into my office, placed it on my desk, and relaxed in a leather chair. I decided to review designs I wanted to show to my clients next week. I munched on salad between sips of wine while I checked the mock-ups. I wasn’t sure if my clients would like them. I stared at the color on the screen. It reminded me of him. My phone vibrated. It was Gwen. I forgot to call.

  I answered the phone.

  She fussed at me.

  I laughed at her serious tone.

  “Merissa, it’s not funny! I was worried. I was about to come over but Rick said I should call first. “

  “Thank him for me. I’m alright the burns are minor.”

  “Okay, are you sure?”

  “Yes, mom” I teased her.

  “Well since we’re on the subject.”

  “No, I’m too sober for it.”

  Gwen laughed. “She’s still on it huh?”

  “Yes, in her mind, it can work out.”

  “How do you feel about it?”

  “I’m finished.” I sipped my wine.

  “I was thinking about the guy from the bistro.”

  “Do you have his name?”

  “No but I’m glad Damon wasn’t there to see it. Please tell me you didn’t mention it to Rick.”

  “You
know I wouldn’t ever, now tell me about him.”

  “He was attractive and I wanted him.” I admitted.

  “He might be a regular there; you should go around the same time when you feel up to it.”

  I laughed. “So you’ve moved on from Damon?”

  “He was late or something but this man and you had chemistry.”

  “I made the poor guy dump coffee all over me.”

  “Yes, it’s the start of something great!”

  We laughed. I had an idea.

  “I doubt I’ll run into the mystery guy again but…”

  I clicked the website and typed in my password.

  “Have you ever heard of the New to the Lou site?”

  “I think so, isn’t it a social app?”

  “Yes and there is a website version. I made a profile a few months ago.

  “Oh, that’s great!”

  “Not really, I’m not new anymore.”

  “You’ve been here ten months, you’re new.”

  She said quickly. “So have you used the site?”

  “I tried it but all the men want are pictures and to flirt.”

  “Superficial assholes.”

  Gwen cursed more under her breath.

  “Merissa, you don’t have to do this and I’m ...”

  “Don’t apologize; I know you want what’s best for me. You were right; I haven’t tried to move on. I want to be more social. I need your help.”

  Okay, so where do you want to start?”

  “I think my profile is sending the wrong message.”

  I read it out loud.

  “Merissa, it sounds like a resume.”

  “I filled in the sections that were there”

  “Were they required?”

  I grabbed a sticky pad and pen.

  “I’ll make note of the ones without an asterisk.”

  “Okay is there a please ask or contact me option.”

  “I think it’s in the drop down selections.”

  “You can use that for any questions you don’t want to answer, please delete your measurements.”

  “Why, I was honest about my weight, height, etc.”

  “Merissa the men know your breast and hip size.”

  “Oh damn it.” I groaned.

  “I should delete this profile and start over.”

  “No, it’ll be easier to get rid of what you don’t want.”

  I started to remove the extra info.”

  “What’s your user name?” Gwen asked.

  “Curious Kitty 997”

  “I think that’s so cute! “

  “Thanks, the numbers are random.”

  I finished my profile and then read it out loud. Gwen thought it sounded good. It seemed generic to me but could attract the right attention. The next section was what kind of relationship I wanted. I read the choices and realized “no strings attached” wasn’t there. Gwen said I can finally admit I put up a profile to have dirty sex. She teased me until I laughed with her. I thought it would make sense to have the option; people will try to try to hook-up regardless. I consider it random sex but casual dating can be emotional and physical, like a relationship without the obligation. Gwen agreed but the dating sites used it however they want. I checked the friendship box to be on the safe side. I clicked on the notifications. I had flirts from guys that didn’t have paid memberships. They asked me to send them an email so they could reply. The gold members didn’t email but sent flirts to show interest. I chose the same automatic response for all of them. “Hi. I don’t think we’re a good fit.” I didn’t want to upload a photo so I went to advanced settings and restricted users with profile pictures. I wanted to make it fair. I had fifty plus inbox messages. I deleted the guys that sent dick pics and those that sent their phone number.

  I thought it was too soon for it. Gwen couldn’t stop laughing. I clicked and deleted until there were five emails left. I went to the oldest sent.

  Jim149 didn’t take life too serious. He wanted to find a “friend” who had a sense of humor. He liked to relax all the time, even at work. He joked about how funny his co-workers were whenever they complained about him.

  I couldn’t handle the non- work ethic.

  I sent a no thanks response.

  Steven070 wanted a woman who knew how to treat a man. He considered himself a strong alpha male and wouldn’t hesitate to put anyone in their place. He liked his women to...

  “Delete it.” Gwen said.

  I laughed and moved onto Trucker87.

  He would like somewhere to call home and a have a sweet thing to call his. He enjoyed being outdoors and wanted a special woman who could sleep under the stars with him. He has a complicated situation with an ex-lover. He can’t seem to quit her.

  Gwen cursed.

  I sent a best of luck response.

  The next email was from abashmonk42.

  He was ashamed of his past behavior. He’s finished with his womanizing ways. He wanted Saint Louis to be a new chapter in his life with one faithful woman.

  I didn’t read the rest. I deleted it.

  The last email was from drunkendriven27.

  He wrote about how adventurous he is. He enjoyed the thrill of something new. He came to the Lou in search of freedom because he was accused of driving under the influence and there’s some warrants but...

  “Block him now!” Gwen demanded.

  I deleted it and poured more wine while Gwen cursed. I laughed when she apologized. I sipped my wine and clicked the advanced search. I read the selections out loud. I selected what I wanted and then clicked the search button. The results showed ten men per page. I glanced at the number in the bottom corner.

  “Gwen there’s a lot of pages.”

  “You don’t have to look at them all.”

  “I’ll stop when I see someone I’m interested in.”

  “Okay, sounds good.”

  I checked profiles while Gwen made dinner.

  We talked about her flower shop. I remembered when I walked in. I thought it was the cutest place.

  My then fiancée hired an expensive consultant to help plan the wedding. She wasn’t very helpful and wanted to be in control of everything. I fired her and decided to do it alone. Gwen answered my questions and showed me great combinations that I liked. She offered to do floral arrangements. I hired her and she helped plan my dream wedding. We became friends. I continued to sip wine and check profiles, ten minutes later I saw Articulate Scholar569.

  I read his profile.

  “I love him.” I said out loud.

  “Merissa!”

  “Oh my god, I meant to say I love his profile.”

  “It’s too late.” Gwen laughed. “Can I hear it?”

  I read it to her.

  “Merissa, I don’t know how to say this.”

  I groaned. “Please just tell me.”

  “He sounds perfect! “ She squealed.

  “Yes and we have similar interests.” I sighed.

  “I hope this profile is real, I’d like to get to know him.”

  “Is there more information?

  “No, I see his height and weight but there’s not hair or eye color. He chose art/design/other for work.”

  “Alright, so do you want to add him as a favorite?”

  I bit my lip. “No, I’ll send him an email.”

  I clicked the option. I typed a line into the box.

  Hello, I liked you profile, email me please.

  I sounded desperate. I deleted it and typed.

  Hi, I liked your profile, what do you think of mine?

  I sounded like I needed validation.

  I deleted the message and typed.

  “Hi, I liked your profile. I look forward to hearing from you if you’re interested, if not Welcome to Saint Louis and Best Wishes! “

  I stared at the screen.

  “Merissa, don’t over think it.” Gwen said.

  I clicked send and drained my wineglass.

  “His rejection
response will happen.”

  “You’re being dramatic.”

  “I really liked his profile.”

  “You loved it” She laughed.

  “Don’t worry he’ll respond.”

  “I hope he does, thanks for being such a great friend. We’ll chat tomorrow. I think I’ll call it a night.”

  Gwen asked me to promise to call if the burns felt bad or if I woke up feeling awful. I told her not to worry and I’ll text her in the morning. We ended the call. I carried the tray into the kitchen, cleaned up, and then refilled my wine glass. I grabbed bottled water from the fridge and went upstairs. I sighed. My bedroom was heaven. I expanded the master suite. I had a cozy sitting room and a walk-in closet with plans to fill it with whatever my heart desired. I designed my dream bathroom. It had a beautiful tub. I liked the classic claw foot shape and it was double the size with a flat bottom. My large glass shower was perfect. I often imagined how great it would be to have intimate times in there. I put the bottled water on the bedside table next to the wine glass. I went into the bathroom to take out my contact lenses. I was ready for bed minutes later. I touched the panel on the wall. The dimmer lights created a warm glow around my bed. I adjusted the temperature and stripped down to my cotton tank and lace panties. I shivered when the cool bed sheets touched my skin. I sipped wine and thought about my day. It turned out much better than I expected. I wouldn’t have checked the website if I didn’t have the accident at the bistro. The dimmer lights went off; I finished my wine, and closed my eyes. I fell into a fitful sleep. Handsome and his green eyes… I awoke from the naughtiest dream. I glanced at time. I needed a few more hours of rest .I tried to sleep but couldn’t. I put a pillow between my thighs. I wanted to know how good he felt. My body flushed with desire when I imagined his hands on me.

  I held the pillow firm and arched against it. I rotated my hips. The friction against my lace panties created a burst of pleasure. I turned and straddled the pillow. I rocked and rubbed against it. I imagined him under me. I grinded against the pillow until the hot sensation increased against my clit. I ran my hand across my cotton tank. My nipples tingled under the fabric. I was so turned on I couldn’t help it. I clutched the pillow, and rode it until I was near the brink of my orgasm. I imagined the way he’d watch me. His eyes will fill with lust at my naughtiness. I put my hand inside my lace panties. I rubbed my pussy harder. I needed it. I climaxed and let out a frustrated moan. I hadn’t felt lust this strong in a while. I wasn’t sexually satisfied but it will have to do. I’ll use the website if I didn’t see him again. It would be great to know someone on a personal level without the pressure to be more than friends. I’m interested in two men but wanted different things from them. I wanted Articulate Scholar 569 to respond. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.