Choosing Mr. Right: Mr. & Mrs. Right, #1

By Shade Rachea

Being in love with your best friend has disaster written all over it, but Reese Michaels can't help it. He's everything she thinks she wants, or so she thought. After a chance meeting with Alex, the hot new bookstore owner, Reese's life and plans are shaken up. Alex drives her crazy, zapping all of her control with his persistence, but she can't resist him. Before he came along, she didn't know what it meant to be chased and pursued. Is that enough to risk her heart for someone new or will she choose the one she's always wanted?
Alex knows unrequited love all too well. Having been single for the last two years after a nasty break up, he's ready to jump back into dating now that he's met Reese. The girl is crazy but honest and he loves that. The only problem is, she's hung up on her best friend. Can he convince her that he's Mr. Right and she's been chasing Mr. Wrong all along? Or will his own past catch up to them, ruining what could be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shade Rachea
• Release date: Oct 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386644361

Shade Rachea

Shade Rachea is a high school English teacher who lives in California with her family and loves to spend her time hanging out with them. When she isn’t writing romance or fantasy, she can be found binge reading or shopping for new movies and books. 

Book preview

Chapter 1: Reese

Irushed through the airport doors at John Wayne in Orange County, almost bumping into a family of four as I made my way to the security checkpoint with my suitcase in one hand and my purse in the other. Sorry, I yelled without turning around. My flight to San Francisco was leaving in less than an hour and I still needed to get past this outrageous line.

Geez, don’t these people have jobs or something? It’s a Monday and barely 10 in the morning. Where could these people possibly be going?

I huffed and looked at the time on my phone. I am going to miss my flight home. This cannot be happening right now. I should be blaming my agent for this. Who decides to fly in and have a last-minute meeting when their client is about to catch a flight out? Well, who agrees to attend the meeting knowing they have a flight?

Groaning, I started to tap my foot impatiently, earning a raised eyebrow from a guy not much older than me in a business suit. Yes, I’m 25 years old and throwing a minor tantrum like a child. So what? That doesn’t mean Green Eyes, yes that’s what I’m calling him, can judge me. Even if he does have the most gorgeous face and perfect jaw. Oh, and let’s not forget the dark brown hair, his being probably 6 ft, and his fit body. The epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Well, at least my version of it.

I sighed inwardly and bit my lip.

A smile appeared on Green Eyes’ face and laughter showed in his eyes.

Dang it. I must have sighed out loud.

Rolling my eyes to cover my tracks, I scowled and crossed my arms making the man chuckle. Don’t worry. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear you sigh while looking at me, the sexiest voice I have ever heard said. It wasn’t too deep but still had a manliness to it, giving me chills.

God, why did you have to make this guy hot and have a nice voice? Couldn’t you have spared me this kind of embarrassment?

How kind, I retorted, sarcasm dripping from my mouth as I narrowed my eyes. He did not need to see any more of my reaction to him. I drew in a frustrated breath and ran a hand through my dark hair. It was straight instead of curly right now so my hand didn’t get caught in it.

Green Eyes chuckled again. I’m going out on a limb here and am guessing, so correct me if I’m wrong. By your current disposition, I would say you’re more irritated about possibly missing your flight rather than by my presence. It was my turn to laugh. Come on. I’m not that bad, he said with all seriousness as he watched my face intently.

I shook my head, still laughing. You’re right. You’re not. I’m just having an off day so far.

It’s not too late to turn it around.

I shrugged. Tell me that if I make it out of this line on time, I said looking down at my phone again. Gosh, can these people go any faster?

Green Eyes laughed. I’m Alex. He stuck out his large hand for me to grab.

I eyed his hand before grabbing it. As soon as he wrapped his fingers around my tiny hand, I felt myself flush—and that’s no small feat considering I am brown-skinned—when a spark seemed to shoot through me at the instant contact. His hand was rough and slightly callused which was contradictory to what he wore. What kind of business type had rough hands?

Aren’t you going to tell me your name? he asked, smiling down at me.

I cleared my throat and finally let go of his hand. Reese.

Reese, he said like he was testing the name. I like it.

Thanks, I said more calmly than I felt. This guy was giving me all kinds of feels. Time to disengage. Well, it was nice to meet you. His boyish grin grew on his face, making me fidget. What? I tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

He gave me a knowing look. Why are you so eager to get rid of me? I opened my mouth to protest but he cut me off. Do I make you nervous?

No, I answered way too quickly. Alex smirked and I rolled my eyes. I don’t even know you.

I’m trying to change that.

Why? I questioned him. There was no way this guy was single. I mean, how do you look like you walked out of a magazine and not have a girlfriend.

Easy, you don’t date, and you turn down every superficial, social climbing, gold digger who tries to get their claws in you. My mouth dropped open and someone snickered behind me.

Oh my gosh. Did I ask that out loud?

Shoot me now.

Can’t. Security would probably tackle me if I whipped out a firearm.

I groaned and palmed my forehead. You’re making me crazy, I accused Alex.

Not used to sharing your thoughts with the whole world, Crazy Girl, he mused.

My eyes narrowed at his new nickname for me. Obviously not, and my name is Reese.

Alex held up his hands. Hey, I’m not complaining. He gazed at me with amusement as I stared daggers at his apparent choice to ignore my last comment. And thanks.

For what?

You basically inferred I was good-looking.

If I wasn’t another color in the face before, I’m pretty sure I was now. Mhm.

Alex chuckled. To answer your other question, I’m trying to get to know you because you intrigue me. I mean how many times can a guy claim to have met a beautiful woman about to throw a tantrum in the middle of the airport.

I was not about to throw a tantrum, I protested. The person behind me faked a cough calling bullshit. I turned around and came face to face with a scrawny pimple-faced teenage boy. Not wanting to get into it with a kid, I just glared at him.

The kid opened his mouth to probably make some smart-ass comment, but Alex jumped in bringing my attention back to him. You’re the only woman I know who would hear that one specific part instead of focusing on the fact that I called you beautiful.

Oh, I heard... Wait. He called me beautiful. I replayed his response from earlier in my head. A smile formed on my face.

Judging by your expression, I’m guessing the compliment has registered in that pretty little head of yours.

I nodded. Yes, but I’m still in disagreement about this whole tantrum thing you accused me of.

Alex laughed, bringing attention to his neck muscles which seemed to vibrate. I swallowed and returned my focus to his face. I’m sure you are, Crazy Girl.

I tried to be irritated about the nickname, but my face betrayed me and I ended up smiling instead of scowling. Dang it. What is this guy doing to me? We stared at each other with equally goofy smiles on our faces momentarily forgetting where we were.

A throat cleared from in front of Alex snapping us out of our moment. Alex shook his head as if to clear it before stepping up to show his I.D. and scan his boarding pass. I glanced at the time on my phone before taking my turn. Looks like I’m going to make my flight after all. I thanked the worker and moved to the side to start placing my things in a bin. Taking out my laptop, I put it in a separate bin from the rest of my things and then removed my sandals.

You a fan? Alex asked, gaze locked on my Lord of the Rings laptop case.

Kind of have to be if I’m using it.

Alex shook his head and smiled. You just can’t help it, can you?

Help what? I asked, playing innocent as I stepped behind him. Of course I knew what he was referring to. I’m sarcastic by nature.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. A wicked look spread across his face and I swallowed down any response I was about to make. Alex looked devilishly handsome wearing that expression. But coming from you it’s quite charming and cute, he continued casually before stepping through the metal detector.

My mouth dropped open and my mind went blank. He called me charming and cute. Wait, CUTE? I snapped my mouth shut and glowered at him. I am not cute. Charming yes, but cute? No. I shook my head. I prefer the terms beautiful, gorgeous, sexy, pretty. Cute is what you call a kitten or a puppy. I’m neither.

Alex laughed as I stepped through the metal detector. I don’t know. You could definitely be a kitten.

You are so infuriating. I don’t know why I’m even still talking to you.

Because you like me? he offered.

I scoffed. You wish, Green Eyes.

Alex paused and looked up from where he sat putting on his shoes. His green eyes darkened as they pierced my dark brown ones, holding them for a full minute.

A force from behind knocked me off balance sending me barreling into Alex. His hands shot out, catching me before we both fell on the ground, me on top of him. The people around us gasped but I could barely hear them with how loud my heart was pounding in my ears.

You okay? Alex asked, searching my eyes. I nodded, too stunned to speak just yet. Then I think you should probably get up. His words registered as I felt something poking me. I looked down and I swear my eyebrows shot up to my hairline. Is that his...

I scrambled off of him, not finishing that thought, and turned to grab my things, finding the teenage boy from earlier watching me. I take it you’re the reason I fell?

My bad. The teen moved around me and headed for his gate without a glance backward.

I silently fumed as I gathered my things. That kid better be lucky I’m scared to go to jail or I’d throttle him. Alex chuckled from beside me, pulling me out of my head. What’s so funny?

You look like your plotting a murder.

I am. We walked away from the security checkpoint and headed in the same direction. I stopped walking. Where are you going?

Alex raised an eyebrow. To my gate. Right. Wow, Reese. Chill. Relax. We continued walking looking up at the numbers to find our gates. How old are you?

16. Alex choked and stopped walking. I’m just kidding, I said, giggling. You should have seen your face. I laughed some more as he tried to maintain a serious face. I’m 25.

Alex grunted and started mumbling something about being childish and losing his mind but all that did was make me laugh even more. Shaking my head, I looked down at my phone. Crap. I have to go.

What’s the rush? Got a boyfriend waiting for you or something?

Real subtle, Green Eyes. He shrugged and waited for my answer. I’m single.

I know. You wouldn’t be ogling me if you weren’t. At least I hope not.

Shut up. I was not, I said bumping my shoulder against his. My stomach knotted at the brief contact. Did he feel that spark or is it just me?

Being a single 25-year-old virgin, albeit by choice, really sucks but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna cry about it. I date. Sort of. There aren’t many prospects around me and most of the single guys I do meet just don’t do it for me. My mother says I’m still single because I’m too picky but what’s wrong with having standards and knowing what you want?

Every girl has always dreamed of finding their Prince Charming and being swept off their feet; every girl except me. All I’ve ever wanted was to marry someone like David, and no, not the David who’s lived down the street from me since I was a kid, but the one from the Bible.

Weird, right?

Well, I never claimed to be normal. Plus, I grew up in the church so it’s not too surprising. I just always pictured him as being this attractive and manly guy who could take on anything. Everything about him screamed confidence so I wanted anyone I was interested in or dated to have his qualities or characteristics; well, minus his infidelity with Bathsheba and then murdering her husband. Even I know where to draw the line.

Anyways, my point is that I’m not all that picky. The problem is the men in Stockton, not me. The majority of the guys I know that are my age are just overgrown children who are still looking for a good time and are severely lacking in areas if you catch my drift. Well, except for my best friend Christian, but he is off-limits. Plus, it’s not like I’ve thought about dating him or anything, even though he’s incredibly hot.

I sighed.

What are you thinking about? Alex’s voice filtered into my thoughts.

My best friend.

He know you’re into him? he asked, breaking our uncomfortable silence.

How this guy reads me so easily I cannot fathom but it’s really starting to irk me. I wanted to protest and lie but from the look on his face, I could tell he wouldn’t buy anything but the truth.

As a matter a fact he does. Not that it matters, because after I told him, he freaked out and stopped talking to me for a while.

So, the feelings aren’t reciprocated?

I frowned and shook my head. I don’t know. We’ve never discussed it.

That’s all I need to know. He took out his phone. Can I have your number?

My gate came into view and I watched as the passengers got up to board the plane. Sure. What the heck. I’ve got nothing to lose. Besides, what are the odds that I’ll even see this guy again? He probably won’t even contact me after this.

I took his phone and programmed my number in it. Taking it back, he hit some buttons, and soon my phone was vibrating in my hand.

Now, you have my number. Use it.

Laughing, I saved his number in my phone as Green Eyes. Well, it was nice meeting you but I have to go or I’m going to miss my flight home.

Alex nodded. Bye, Crazy Girl. I look forward to talking to you, he said softly, reaching over and tucking my hair behind my ear.

I smiled sheepishly, my face flushing at the intimate gesture. Goodbye, Green Eyes. I turned and rushed to my gate. My section still hadn’t been called so I detoured to the bathroom and made it back just as they announced for the last set of passengers to come aboard.

I scanned my boarding pass and smiled at the woman working the gate. I thanked her after stalling and looking around the airport one last time for Alex. Shrugging, I made my way down the hall and chuckled as I played back our entire exchange.

Chapter 2: Alex

Itook my seat on the flight to San Francisco and smiled as I remembered the brown-skinned beauty I met earlier. Man, she was a live one. I could tell just from our conversation that she was feisty. I chuckled to myself. Sarcastic too. Closing my eyes, I leaned back and pictured her.

Reese.

A smile took over my face. I loved the way her name sounded. It was sweet. A serious contrast to her crazy personality but fitting nonetheless. Though she was short, maybe about five feet, she was definitely a lot to handle.

There were a few moments when all I could think about was pulling her flush against my body and kissing her until she couldn’t say anything with that smart mouth. Hell, I wanted to kiss her when she fell on top of me. I kind of got a little too excited thinking about doing just that.

It’s just too bad