Speed Date

By Jacki Kelly

When you can’t trust your instincts where do you turn? Egypt turned to a psychic to find her true love. But following the sage advice from the tarot cards has as many pitfalls as it has advantages. There are two obstacles in her path. One is easier to remove than the other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacki Kelly
• Release date: Nov 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781942202028

Jacki Kelly

Men and women have always sought the promise that only love can offer. Jacki invites you into an intriguing world where romance abounds around every corner and down every street. You’ll be amazed at the crazy things we do and don’t do for the promise of love. Most of the time you can find a thread romance in almost every book.Jacki has been writing since her fourth grade teacher made her keep a journal for a grade. Now she does it to keep track of all the fascinating and heartbreaking moments that life throws our way. Poetry, personal essays, short stories and novels have all occupied space in her heart and her hard drive.Jacki lives in the northeast where the winters are too cold and the summers are warm. But, she wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else, well maybe for a fabulous house on the sunny sands of Miami Beach in February. Her loveable husband and adorable floppy eared dog endure her long periods behind the computer creating happy-endings for her amazing hero and heroines. Romance makes the world go round and Jacki is enjoying the ride. The first two book in her Sweet Road Series are now available – The Sweet Road Home and The Sweet Road To Love. Happy Reading!Visit her at JackiKelly.com

Book preview

SPEED DATE

Jacki Kelly

Copyright 2014 by Harris, Jacqueline

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-1-942202-02-8

First Edition Electronic April 2014

Published by Yobachi Publishing, LLC

This is a book of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead or events or locales is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. The reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or in any part by any means electronic, photocopying or other means available now or in the future is forbidden without written permission. For permission please contact YOBACHI PUBLISHING at [e-mail].

To My Readers,

First and foremost I want to thank you for following the ‘Dating Just Got Serious series. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these books as much as I have enjoyed writing them. The series is not done yet—as you will see Renee and Richard have a story to tell, too.

I have some exciting stories coming out in the near future, so stay tuned. For inside information on what’s coming next or excerpts or giveaways please sign up for my newsletter at:

JACKIKELLY.COM

I enjoy hearing from you, so leave a review on this book or any of my books at your favorite site or drop me a note on my website.

MUCH LOVE

SPEED DATE

Chapter One

Egypt Carrington’s heart beat a zillion times faster as they neared the Washington, D. C. nightclub. The thumping sound of the live music, the thickening crowd, and her date waiting on the inside were like a magnet pulling her forward. She glanced over her shoulder at her slow-moving girlfriend. Renee, hurry up or he’ll be gone before I get to the door.

Have you ever tried to walk fast in stilettos? Renee’s voice was tight, as if talking took energy away from her ability to walk.

I’m wearing this tight mini skirt, and my heels are higher than yours.

You’ve got legs like an Amazon, so that doesn’t count.

Egypt slowed her pace to allow her friend to catch up. I’ve been looking forward to this all day. Slade sounds perfect. He’s tall, dark haired, he has a job and he comes from a large family that loves spending time together. The way he talks makes me believe they actually enjoy each other. Egypt talked louder, over the pounding music echoing across the block. Now wasn’t the time to tell Renee what else he had.

You have never met this man. You only know what he told you during a few phone calls and on the speed dating website. Don’t put him in the perfect category until you’ve met him face to face. People lie on those match-making sites.

Renee, you might as well get with it. Three out of five dates meet online now. I haven’t been intimate with anyone since I left Philadelphia. Egypt lowered her voice. When I made the pact with Geeta, I had no idea it would be so long. I’m wound up so tight my insides are about to turn to dust. Besides, I have a special feeling about him. If he wasn’t really interested in me I’d know. Egypt forced her voice to sound normal. "From his pictures, he’s good-looking, with soft brown eyes. He’s got a David Beckham quality about him, including the scruff on his chin.

Renee shrugged one shoulder. You’re horny. You probably think that street person we passed a few blocks back is easy on the eyes, too. It happens to the best of us. Just because your psychic said you’d find true love doesn’t mean Slade is the one. No one takes real relationship advice from a woman with a scrunchie in her hair, a gauze skirt, and a full beard.

Stop making fun of Ms. Cleo. It’s only a few hairs on her chin. Egypt grabbed her friend’s hand to pull her the remaining few feet to the entrance. The darkened double glass doors made it impossible to see inside. Egypt took a deep breath and squared her shoulders to calm the jitters in her stomach. When Slade saw her for the first time she wanted to hook him.

Renee nudged her arm and angled her head at a handsome hunk heading toward them. He was tall enough to be Slade, but instead of jet-black hair, his was the color of sand.

Do you think that’s him? Renee whispered.

I wish. Egypt willed her mind to find something familiar in the figure coming her way. Slade said he’d be wearing a black button-down shirt and black slacks. She hesitated long enough to give the handsome stranger a more thorough examination. Slade was good-looking, but compared to the perfect specimen in front of her, he was a distant runner-up.

Good evening ladies, let me get the door. He jerked the heavy handle with little effort.

Would you happen to be Slade? The grin on Renee’s face was as bright as the all-night gas station on the interstate.

Slade? No, I’m Declan. Declan McKinney, and this is my cousin, Richard, he said to Renee, but focused his attention at Egypt. His pretty teeth were encased in a smile that could melt leather. And you are?

Egypt Carrington. Please ignore my friend. She hasn’t had a drink yet and she was hoping you were someone else.

That’s delightful. Why don’t I buy you both a cocktail? His eyes were glued to Egypt’s breasts pushing at her strapless bustier.

Up here. She pointed at her eyes. Thanks, but we’re meeting someone. Egypt wanted to ignore Declan, but it wasn’t easy. She adjusted her top just in case the girls were spilling out. Maybe another time. She eased past him, gently brushing her shoulder against his chest.

Sure thing. Declan allowed them to enter ahead of him. Then he crossed the club, weaving between elbows.

From behind all she saw was massive shoulders and a thick patch of blond curls touching his shirt collar. He gave the definition of man a whole new meaning.

They inched through the crowd trying to get close enough to the rail to get the bartender’s attention.

Egypt stood on her toes to glance over the crowd. I don’t see him. Arriving a little late was supposed to be the right strategy. She wanted to walk up to him. Let him glimpse her curves and shapely legs as she approached. Then she’d deliver the sweetest first line and he would fall in love.

It sounded easy enough.

But the plan had failed.

Nobody in the club even came close to looking like Slade.

That man keeps glancing this way at you. Renee used her head to nod across the room at a cluster of small tables.

What man? Egypt asked without turning around.

The one who held the door for us. I think he likes you. Did you hear his sexy English accent?

Focus, Renee. I’m here to meet Slade. You know, my dream man.

Forget that. Declan is a hunk. Renee rubbed her hands together. She must have been anticipating a miracle. Maybe he’s a prince?

A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed Renee was right. She locked eyes with Declan. He was precisely the sort of guy she normally didn’t go for. He seemed proper and uptight. His type would probably be a petite blond who graduated from charm school and wanted to cook meals from scratch every night.

She jerked her thoughts away from him. From now on she was determined to follow the advice of her psychic. Her own counsel never seemed to give the results she wanted. Her own counsel had left her heartbroken and almost in bed with a married man. Her own counsel was the reason she was back in Washington D.C, still single and horny as hell.

****

Declan McKinney positioned his chair to give him a perfect view of Egypt. She was as exotic as her name. Too bad she was taken. From the curves on her body and the thick curls framing her heart-shaped face, she could very easily become his next distraction. And after Janie, he needed a new focus.

If you stare any harder your eyeballs might stick to her ass. Richard drained his glass and signaled for another.

Am I being obtuse? Declan turned to face his cousin across the table.

You’re being a McKinney. Richard sipped his drink. Nothing is ever off limits to us. Richard’s voice held the familiar tone of a man happy with his position in life.

I want to have fun. I think she could provide it in several different ways.

You’re hoping to razz the family. She’s tall, attractive, and has that African princess thing going on. You like trouble and she looks willing to bring it. Didn’t she say she was meeting someone?

She’s not with anyone, yet. I could get lucky. Declan glanced at his watch. She’s been waiting an hour. Maybe it’s not working out.

You find that even more interesting, don’t you? It’s like she just upped the ante. You’ll start pacing in about five minutes. Richard’s eyes narrowed. After Janie, I thought you learned your lesson. Even if you didn’t, my ugly divorce should be enough to warn you off marriage forever. Besides what happened to Bernadette? Last month you fancied her.

She was the typical debutante. I was a check on her scorecard. He held up his hand and spread his fingers. Meet successful man. Check. Date successful man. Check. Marry successful man and have two babies-preferably twins—while maintaining her figure and her status at the country club. I’m not going to check that box. I’ll be single until I’m too blind to see her flaws, too riddled with arthritis to spy on her and to old to care if she’s faithful.

I’ll drink to that. When the day comes, we’ll have a double wedding. Richard drained the contents of his glass.

You’ll drink to anything. Declan shifted his attention back to Egypt. Her tight skirt rode up, exposing her slender, sleek thighs.

And you think this one will be different? Richard asked. Can you imagine your family’s response if you bring her to London for the family Christmas party? Your father’s heart will collapse for sure, but not before disinheriting you and leaving the company to his delinquent brothers. My father would be first in line.

Without diverting his gaze, Declan said, Who said anything about taking her home to meet my parents? I’m not opposed to a vigorous romp between the sheets. Make that two or three if she’s as lusty as I imagine.

Chapter Two

Egypt drained the last of her appletini and slammed the glass down on the bar. The constant pumping and pounding of the music, coupled with the constant shoving of the patrons jockeying for room, was too much. She didn’t want to admit it, but Slade wasn’t going to show. No matter how long she waited. No matter how many drinks she had. No matter how much she willed him to appear—it wasn’t going to happen.

She stared around the small cluster of tables along the back wall and massaged her forehead, pushing away the doubt bearing down on her.

Let’s get outta here. Two hours is long enough to wait and I should know, she yelled above the noise to her friend. Egypt clamped her clutch under her arm. She wobbled on her heels on her way to the door. Without checking to see if Renee was following, she made her way through the crowd. The need to put some space between her failure and the crime scene was more important than tracking her friend’s steps. The lump pressing on her chest grew heavier with each step.

I can’t believe he didn’t come. Egypt’s whine laced the night air. Why didn’t he show, Renee?

Because he’s a man. There was disdain in Renee’s voice.

But he was supposed to be different. He sounded sincere. I did everything right. I didn’t make any demands. I didn’t blow up his cell phone every night. I pretended to be interested in the same things as him. I didn’t push for this meeting, he did.

Renee jerked her head. I told you not to believe everything that happens on those dating sites.

But Ms. Cleo said he was the right one, too.

If psychics gave good dating advice, the lines to see them would be around the corner. Maybe you ought to visit Ms. Cleo tomorrow and get a refund.

I don’t want a refund. I want to meet Slade. I want the promise. Egypt talked with her hand, whirling it around just beyond Renee’s nose.

Girl, you must be drunk. Renee grabbed Egypt’s arm and tried to steady her. Come on, straighten up. Here comes the cute guy who’s been staring at you all night.

Egypt clamped her arms at her sides, but couldn’t suppress the giggle tickling her lips.

Declan stood with his legs wide apart, making him appear even taller. You two look like you could use a hand.

Do you have one you don’t need? Egypt burst into laughter and fell against his thick arm. He didn’t laugh at her joke. His face was so serious he probably didn’t get it, anyway.

It seems I’ve come along just in time. Declan wrapped his arms around Egypt, holding her up. Where are you ladies going?

Where would you like for us to go? Egypt tried not to slur her words, but they ran together.

We need to get her home. We came in a cab, so…

I’m parked in the lot down the street. I can give you a lift. Your friend doesn’t appear cab ready. He tightened his hold on her.

I’m tipsy, not deaf. I can hear you two. Egypt faced Declan. If this gorgeous man wanted to support her, she wouldn’t fight him. Why couldn’t he be the one? She looked up into the stubble on his dimpled chin. Balancing on her toes, she ran her tongue along his luscious lips. Instead of the wave of guilt she expected for kissing the wrong man, the hypnotic kiss took the edge off the evening.

Whoa. He held her at arm’s length. Slow down. This is a public street.

It’s a good thing you’re not blind so I won’t have to tell you how improper your behavior is tonight. Renee crossed her arms over her chest and gave her a disapproving eye that would have made her mother proud.

Isn’t he cute, Renee?

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He’s as cute as a button. She turned to Declan. We need a ride, but how do we know you’re not some kind of serial killer or a potential stalker? Just because you talk proper doesn’t mean we can trust you.

My cousin can vouch for me. Declan pointed to the man standing next to him.

Richard covered his mouth and laughed. He’s a good guy. Have you ever seen a criminal wear such an expensive suit?

"No. I guess you

Reviews for Speed Date

[Mpho Angela Ashworth · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Declan and Egypt's love story wasn't a bad read at all, although "Date Me" by the same author was better, in my opinion. I just felt like shaking Egypt sometimes for her stupid choices, especially in the way she naively kept thinking Richard could be her ally. I also thought she was very stupid when she ran away without giving Declan the chance to discuss the nude picture Richard was holding over her head. Just plain stupid. Janie and Richard were vile, a match made in hell. Why they weren't together is beyond me!!!!