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Chapter 32
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Holiday Hearts Chapter 33
Right before Val left his office on Thursday, the note appeared in his in-box."From: Cora LopezTo: Val: c/o Compu-CupidThanks for the invitation. I'd love to meet you for coffee after work today. How about Coco's Coffee, at 5:30? I'll be wearing a navy suit with a pink blouse.Sincerely, Cora"This was getting ridiculous. Maybe if he actually met her, he'd be able to explain that it was just a mistake. The coffee shop in question was just a few blocks from his office. Anyway, it was only coffee after all. What harm could come from having a quick snack with a pretty girl? Tomorrow he could get back to trying to wipe his file from that stupid dating site.At 5:15, Cora spotted the email just as she was about to shut down her computer and go home. Oh no, this was so not happening."From: Valentine HolidayTo: Cora: c/o Compu-CupidCoco's at 5:30 sounds great. I'm wearing jeans with a blue shirt and a tweed jacket. Looking forward to seeing you.Val"Now what? She felt as if
Holiday Hearts Chapter 34
Val's dark brows furrowed. "Don't you think that's stretching coincidence awfully far? And what exactly is Compu-Cupid, anyway? Had you ever heard of them before this?""No." Cora tried to think back over what little TV she watched. "But honestly, I don't get out much. I'm not very savvy about the singles scene."Val nodded. "I imagine social work is one of those jobs where no matter how much you do, it's never enough."Good grief, a man who actually got it. She nibbled on another chunk of muffin and nodded. "It's endless. And each case just breaks your heart.""I'm sure. So what do you do to unwind between cases, Cora? Pretty name, by the way." He lounged back in the chair, drinking his coffee and eating his scone - utterly non-threatening except for those gorgeous eyes and that killer smile."Between cases? There is no between. Mostly I work, sleep then work some more." Belatedly she registered the second part of his sentence. "Oh - and thanks. It's short for Corazon - ""Spani
Holiday Hearts Chapter 35
"So I have no idea what to order here," she admitted with a rueful twist to her full lower lip. "Any suggestions?"He asked a few questions to ascertain what she could handle as far as meats and spicing then ordered a sampling of appetizers and a couple different entrees for them to share. Rajit, the waiter and son of the owner of the place, was an old friend and had thoughtfully tucked them in the coziest booth, secluded from most of the rest of the dining room. A sandalwood-scented candle burned on the linen-covered table between them, bringing out hidden glints of flame in Cora's black hair."So tell me about your day." He stretched his long legs out under the table, smiling when his calf brushed sensually along hers. "I know the details are probably classified, but surely you can vent about some of it without giving away names or anything."She sighed. "Let's see, today started with a nasty custody hearing. This adorable little girl and neither parent really wanted her except as
Holiday Hearts Chapter 36
Val tossed and turned in bed that night, unable to sleep. All he could think about was Cora. Finally he kicked off the covers, reached down and grabbed his aching cock. What would sex be like with Cora? Her buttoned-up image was a cover - he was sure of that. Underneath the conservative suit was a hot-blooded beauty who would melt for him like the finest chocolate. Her kiss alone had proven it.He stroked his fist up and down his swollen shaft as he remembered that kiss. So hot. So sweet. She'd tasted of tandoori and mango lassi. She'd smelled of curry and woman. Her small hands had gripped his waist while she responded like wildfire, opening her mouth and welcoming him inside.Would her pussy be that hot? He had no doubt of it. She'd be silky, wet and tight as a glove, her muscles clenching down as he thrust into her heat. His cock swelled farther as he imagined her short nails digging into his shoulders while her legs wrapped around his waist. Or maybe he'd take her from behind, hi
Holiday Hearts Chapter 37
Val had just gotten home when the doorbell rang. A delivery boy stood there with a gift basket topped with a big red ribbon."You sure this is the right place?" Even if it was less than a week to his birthday, Val couldn't think of anyone who would send him a basket of chocolate chip muffins.The young man read off the name and address, so Val tipped him and carried the goodies over to his kitchen counter, which blocked off one corner of the open loft space. They were freshly baked and smelled divine. He opened the card attached to the basket of muffins - the same as the one he'd bought Cora the day before - and started to smile."Val,Thanks for a lovely evening.Cora"Well, that was just about the nicest thing anyone had ever done for him after a date - especially one that hadn't even involved sex. He couldn't resist diving into one of the muffins while his leftover lasagna heated up in the microwave. They tasted as good as he remembered - almost as good as Cora had, though nothing h
Holiday Hearts Chapter 38
Cora decided it was a good day to do her laundry. Tomorrow she'd get started on deep cleaning the condo - that ought to kill a week or so. Maybe she'd even go through the boxes she had stashed at the back of her closet - the ones she hadn't touched since she'd moved in. After that... Well, she really didn't have any plans for after that.What was she going to do with more than two weeks off? Suddenly a trip to the beach was starting to sound pretty damn good.When a first-class airline ticket arrived in the afternoon's mail, temptation ratcheted up another notch. She'd never flown first class before. A brochure with her resort reservations was in the envelope as well, and she practically whimpered at the sight of the luxurious guest cottage. There was a big couch in the sitting room. Maybe she could sleep on that and he could take the bed - if he even wanted to go at all. Surely they wouldn't throw her out if she showed up on her own.She waffled all afternoon while she washed and fold
Holiday Hearts Chapter 39
"Anyway," Val said, chopsticks pausing. "I think we should go. Opportunities like this don't come along every day." He reached over and touched her hand. "And forgive me, but you do seem tired. Not that you're not still gorgeous, but I'd love to see you kick back and relax a little - ease some of the strain behind those pretty, brown eyes.""I...umm...looked at the brochure," she muttered, unable to tear her gaze away from his. "There's a pretty big couch.""And?" His thumb rubbed circles on the back of her hand."Well, if we did go, one of us could sleep there if...""That's entirely up to you, sweetheart. I promise not to put any pressure on you in that regard - even if that's going to be difficult as hell.""Difficult?" Her mouth went dry as all the moisture in her body seemed to pool between her legs. "Just because you'd be sharing the cottage with a female?""No." He pulled his hand away from hers to cup her chin. "Because I'd be sharing with you. I want you, Cora. Or didn't
Holiday Hearts Chapter 40
"Oh hell yes." He bent and kissed her, just as he had the other night, and Cora practically melted in his arms. Then he pulled back and smoothed a lock of hair away from her face. "Though I should probably run out to the store first. I didn't exactly come...prepared."She was touched by his restraint and responsibility. Going up on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek. "Let me check. I don't have any, but I think Marla has a big stash in her bathroom. I can replace them later."As she turned to leave, he caught her hand. "Just so we're on the same page - I'm not looking for anything long-term, Cora. Maybe it's a baby-of-the-family thing, but I'm just not ready for commitment yet, and you're the kind of woman who deserves that."What a sweetheart. She shook her head. "My career takes up so much of my time right now. Maybe in a few years I'll be in the market for something permanent, but not right now. We're on the same page, Val. Company and a little fun while it lasts, but no strings a
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