Pary Barry & John- The PJ's/ Mr. & Mrs. Smith: PB & J, #16

By Kamaryn Kelsey

PB & J are now The PJ'S because John and Pary have tied the knot. Or have they? Was their circus wedding a joke and can John fix the mess left behind by his ex-wife Victoria?

Meanwhile, Pary's hot on the trail of one of America's Most Wanted. After all, a guy with his picture hanging at the post office and spotted in their apartment building is worthy of the chase, no matter where it leads her.

John and Pary are back, this time as a couple and learning to adapt to married life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kamaryn Kelsey
• Release date: Dec 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386847595

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, and events are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to real people, places, or events is purely coincidental.

This is not a standalone book.

Chapter 1

Pary, you have to quit cruising the second floor like a shark circling for food, John told her a week after their marriage. The people moving out complained to the manager that you're stalking them.

They were standing in their apartment kitchen, with Pary eagerly awaiting morning coffee.

Please, John, Pary said with a sniff. I don't stalk. You know this. I surveil and besides, those slow-pokes need a prod to get out of our new place!  I've never had two whole bedrooms to decorate!

John smiled and hugged her. Is this place so bad?

She shook her head. No. But I miss my colors! I think they're getting lonely in storage.

That's another place that asked me to have a talk with you, he replied, knowing what was coming next.

She backed up with a huff and put her hands on her hips. Seriously? It's MY stuff. Am I not allowed to visit it on occasion to make sure everything's okay?

I think he's a little worried that you're scaring off his customers. They hear you talking to your things, Pary.

Only a few that I really miss! Does no one have an imagination anymore? she asked.

Apparently not, he responded. But I have a surprise for you. Something to keep you busy and occupied.

Pary waited with excitement as he unfolded a piece of colored paper.

Are you ready? he asked. With a big smile, she patted her hands together in eager anticipation and John turned the paper around so she could read it.

Her hands became still and her smile froze. Flipping her eyes up to his face, she said, That's a pretty color of blue paper. Is that the surprise?

He sighed, exasperated, and handed it to her.

Read it, he suggested.

Reluctantly, she took the paper by an edge and looked it over.

It still says the same thing, she told him.

And?

I still think the paper's pretty, she offered hesitantly.

I signed us up, he told her bluntly.

Pary held it out and looked at it skeptically. For this? You signed us up for this?

He nodded, and she shook her head.

John, this is wrong on so many levels I don't even know where to start, but I'll try.

She took another look at the paper and shook her head once more, still puzzled.

A mini-marathon. Do I look like a person who enjoys running to just run, without a reward like catching the ice cream truck? Never mind. The problem is it's running... on purpose. Who does that? It's wrong. Secondly, paying to run? I want in on that scam because anyone stupid enough to pay to run... her voice trailed off, and she gave him a toothy smile and a little hand wave, hoping he'd overlook her insult.

It's not for another month so you'll have time to train, John said coaxingly.

That's another issue! she almost yelled. Then she slapped her hand over her mouth. John, this is why the city provides public transit... so people don't have to run. We just drop our money in the slot, have a seat, and get to where we want to go. Worst case is you have to stand, but still! Okay, so we might have to run to catch the bus, but that's kind of like the same thing, right? she asked hopefully.

Wrong, he grinned. It's for a good cause, Pary.

She squeaked when she read the fine print, then looked up at him with huge eyes. I don't think it's a good idea. You know my history with animals. If I have to run, this whole thing will end up in the red and they'll have to gas a bunch of animals. All because someone entered me in a race to benefit animal shelters.

It's not really a race.

Oh, yeah? Then how come there's all that pushing and shoving and people getting disqualified for tripping the person next to them when I see it on the news? she asked earnestly, hoping to make a point.

Professionals do it for the purpose of winning. We aren't professionals, we just need to cross the finish line, he replied reasonably.

What's the slowest time ever for this race? she asked. Because I want to partner up with that person. If they're in a wheelchair, maybe we can take turns. Ooh, if it's electric we can both ride at the same time. That counts, right? I mean as long as you cross the finish line. Hey, do you think I can rent one for this event? John, look at me! How can I run in these shoes? She had on a pair of floral print wedge heels. She lifted one foot to show him. What happens if I break my ankle? Can I sue them for damages? Because that I'm capable of doing.

John took Pary by the shoulders and sat her at the table while he poured her coffee.

Drink this, Bear. You need it. I think you're missing the whole point of the event, he said with another sigh.

You paid an entry fee, and we spend hours in agony for animals that will end up on the wrong side of life, all because you signed us up. What did I miss? she asked as she closed her eyes and curled her toes at the first sip of coffee. Hey, is there any wedding jelly doughnut left?

Frank had a special doughnut made to order, the size of a dinner plate, and sent it to the hotel room where John and Pary spent their first night as newlyweds. Pary almost dove in head first when the waiter wheeled it in on a cart that first morning.

I threw it away, he replied. At her look of protest, he continued, It was a week old, and it formed a shell, Pary. Refrigerated or not, it was time to let it go.

Hmm. Obviously, you've never put one in the microwave for a few seconds to warm. If you cover it, it re-hydrates. Okay, she sighed. It's just a helpful hint, because those day olds you can buy for 90% off? You better have calluses in your mouth if you attempt to eat them without heating them first.

Thanks for the tip, he said, shaking his head.

Of course Pary would know how to resuscitate a doughnut. He tossed her a protein bar, and she made a face.

You're in training now. She scowled, and he laughed at the look on her face. We'll talk about it on our way to work, he promised.

Fine, but I'm eating this in the car, she said with a smirk.

Then I'm driving.