Strangely Amazing (Smart Girl Mafia Series: Book 2)

By Amiee Smith

Lilly Shepard
Detroit-born. Math-loving. Gamer. Kinky. I check the box: geek. I don’t have time for a relationship. I’m a scientist on a mission to eradicate disease. I don’t have time for another wealthy man making lots of plans and promises. I have patients to heal. I don’t have time for a handsome billionaire from Beverly Hills who is offering me a life people dream of... Well, maybe I can fit him in between a game of Grand Theft Auto and saving the world?

Michael Ahmed
I’m ready to settle down and start a family. I want a wife. I think I’ve found her. But she’s not impressed by my luxurious lifestyle or romantic gestures. She’s not impressed by me. If only she could see that underneath my affluence is a guy who loves hip hop and R & B, homecooked meals, and happily-ever-afters. Don’t get it twisted, I’m a prickly snob and an alpha male. I know what I want, and I don’t stop until I get it. And I want her. But can I compete with her ambition?

Standalone. Steamy, low angst romantic comedy from the world of the Smart Girl Mafia Series. Affluent, thirtysomething, diverse heroes & heroines living in California. Always happily-ever-after. Expect laughs, lite kink, a meet cute over text message, 90s music references, and a night-out with the smart girls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amiee Smith
• Release date: Nov 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463606896

Amiee Smith

So, I love the art of writing romance fiction. I’m a character-driven author. My stories are contemporary romance with steam, humor, and diversity. I run my business from my living room. When I am not writing and telling people about my books, I run another online business. Read lots and lots. Watch tons of TV series. Drink coffee and wine. Listen to music. Cook comforting vegetarian meals. Say prayers, meditate, and light candles. Text with my girlfriends. And try to squeeze in a walk and a shower. My sexy little stories are my attempt at making someone’s night. May you always feel loved, seen, and heard. Books 1-4 of the Smart Girl Mafia Series currently available. Find me at: AmieeSmith.com and @amieesmithbooks on all the socials. -Amiee

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COPYRIGHT

AMY Publishing

California

Strangely Amazing

Copyright 2018 by Amiee Smith

www.amieesmith.com

––––––––

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

DEDICATION

For ambitious women everywhere. We need you now more than ever.

Welcome to the world of the Smart Girl Mafia.

Previously in the

Smart Girl Mafia Series

Break Free

After hooking up at a party, can an introverted novelist and an ex-Olympian find their way to happily-ever-after?

Read Break Free here.

MONDAY

Monday, 3:44 p.m.

415-555-8496: Hi Michael. This is Lilly Shepard. Hope it’s not weird I’m texting you. Your number was on the delivery card. I’m Lynn’s tenant. She’s out of town so I accepted the flowers and donuts. She said I could keep them. It seemed appropriate to drop a text of appreciation. Thank you.

Monday, 3:46 p.m.

310-555-1818: Where is Lynn? Thank you for receiving the delivery.

Monday, 3:46 p.m.

415-555-8496: In L.A. She said she would reach out to you.

***

Monday, 10:55 p.m.

310-555-1818: Hi Lilly. It’s Michael Ahmed. Lynn showed me the selfie you took with the roses. My apologies. I did not realize they would take up so much space in your flat. If you change your mind about keeping them, please call me and I will have them removed. PS: You are very beautiful.

Monday, 10:56 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: The roses will probably trigger my allergies, but they are too beautiful to discard. PS: Thanks... I guess.

Monday, 10:57 p.m.

310-555-1818: Nice to hear from you. How was your day, beautiful Lilly? (Other than 1001 roses taking over your apartment.) PS: I want to get to know you.

Monday, 10:58 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Fine. Slept mostly. I did an overnight shift at work yesterday. How was your day? (Other than sending tons of roses and donuts to a woman who is out of town.) PS: Why do you want to know me?

Monday, 10:59 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: My day went well. A few meetings. Lynn told me you work at Genentech. What do you do there? Why overnight on a Sunday? PS: I like a beautiful woman who plays Xbox.

Monday, 11:02 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’m a per diem scientist. Medicinal chemistry strategies for emerging treatments. I work a few 12-hour shifts (8 p.m-8 a.m.) a week depending on the project. What type of meetings? PS: Oh...the Xbox was on the floor in the pic I sent to Lynn. Good eye.

Monday, 11:02 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Planning sessions for real estate developments. Lynn said you’re working on your dissertation. Where? In what? PS: Yes, I do have a good eye. What games do you play on your Xbox or does it belong to your man??

Monday, 11:03 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’m working on my thesis research. Molecular pharmacology at UCSF. Must be extensive real estate developments if you can afford to send such lavish gifts. Do you live in SF or L.A.? PS: The Xbox is mine. Lately, only GTA.

Monday, 11:03 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I have homes in both L.A. & SF. Do you have a man... sending you gifts?

Monday, 11:03 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: If I did, would you still be trying to talk to me?

Monday, 11:03 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Probably. I tend to go for what I want.

Monday, 11:06 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Ha! And 12 hours ago, you wanted Lynn. I must go. A half a donut, a glass of rice milk and a game of GTA are waiting for me.

Monday, 11:07 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: But no boyfriend... waiting for you?

Monday, 11:07 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Good night, Michael. Nice meeting you.

Monday, 11:10 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: PS... I’m single.

Monday, 11:10 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: [red heart emoji] What’s your gamertag?

Monday, 11:14 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: GeekBlackGurl.

Monday, 11:14 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I’ll find you. ShahMichael.

Monday, 11:15 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Are you Persian?

Monday, 11:15 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Yes. Not into Persian guys? You’ll be into me.

Monday, 11:16 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Depends on if you get upset after I run the table on Grand Theft Auto. Let’s play.

TUESDAY

Tuesday, 12:46 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Damn, beautiful Lilly. You show no mercy. Good game.

Tuesday, 12:51 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: You gave up. A man who lets me kill him on GTA... makes me want to ask...

Tuesday, 12:51 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Ask what?

Tuesday, 12:52 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: What are you wearing?

Tuesday, 12:52 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Blue plaid pajama bottoms and a white undershirt. Are you still in leggings and white tee without a bra?

Tuesday, 12:55 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: No. I have a GTA outfit. You really analyzed my pic. Good night, Michael. Thanks for the game... made my night.

Tuesday, 12:56 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Bra or no bra?

Tuesday, 12:59 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Maybe... I’ll show you the next time you’re in the City.

Tuesday, 12:59 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: It’s a date. I’ll be there in a few days. I’ll call you. Good night, Lilly.

***

Tuesday, 10:10 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Good morning, beautiful Lilly. I enjoyed our game last night. You've been on my mind all morning.

Tuesday, 10:11 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: My gaming skills are legendary. You should see me play dominoes! Good morning, Michael.

Tuesday, 10:11 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: My dominoes skills are pretty good. We need to play. When are you free? I'll be in SF tomorrow.

Tuesday, 10:12 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: You send Lynn 1001 roses and two dozen donuts, but I only get a game of dominoes?

Tuesday, 10:13 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: No. We’ll go to dinner too... then we can play afterwards. [winking emoji]

Tuesday, 10:13 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Play? How rough? Spanking? Biting?

Tuesday, 10:14 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Was that a tease... or are we negotiating?

Tuesday, 10:17 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Maybe. Should I be having this conversation... with someone I haven’t seen?

Tuesday, 10:17 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: You’re digging the mystery, babe. Dinner? Dominoes? Negotiating? Tomorrow? I’d love to know what you think about collars.

Tuesday, 10:19 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: [pic]

Tuesday, 10:26 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Send me a pic. Would love to see if you’re wearing a bra today.

Tuesday, 10:29 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Lilly?? I’m going into a meeting. Would love to see your face.

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: [pic]

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: You’re more beautiful than I remembered. A diamond collar would look good around your neck. Can I take you out tomorrow? For a real date?

Tuesday, 10:31 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I have 562 more pages of medical journals to read today. I need to get to it. Have a good meeting, Michael.

Tuesday, 10:34 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: You didn’t say anything about my pic. Not feeling me?

Tuesday, 10:34 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’ll drop you a text when I’m finished for the day. I’ve appreciated this exchange. You’re very handsome. PS: I’d only wear a collar given to me by my husband.

Tuesday, 10:36 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Good luck with your reading. Hope to hear from you when you’re done. PS: I only play for keeps.

***

Tuesday, 8:46 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I wanted to say hello. If you’re busy, you don’t need to respond. I’ve looked at your pic at least 50 times. 

Tuesday, 8:52 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Hi! [happy face emoji] Just finished dinner. My day went well. I’m all done with my reading. How was your day? I’ve looked at your pic more than once...

Tuesday, 8:52 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: My day was good... a little crazy. Lynn got lost in Downtown L.A., so I helped find her. How many times did you look at my pic?

Tuesday, 8:57 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Helped find her? How gallant of you. She’s a grown woman who owns property. I doubt she was lost. I looked at your pic more than enough.

Tuesday, 8:57 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: You’re right. I can’t give myself karma points. Are you free for dinner tomorrow night?

Tuesday, 8:59 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Not sure.

Tuesday, 9:00 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: You seemed sure earlier. What changed?

Tuesday, 9:07 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’m really busy.

Tuesday, 9:07 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Busy is the thirtysomething woman brush off. 

Tuesday, 9:09 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: I don’t know about other women, but I’m actually busy. I don’t have time to run around town searching for someone who is not even lost.

Tuesday, 9:09 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I didn’t run around town. I waited for her to get back. Why do I feel like I’m messing up this connection between us?

Tuesday, 9:10 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: There is nothing to mess up. You sent flowers and donuts to my landlord and I received them. End of story.

Tuesday, 9:10 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Beautiful Lilly, this is only the beginning of our story. Have dinner with me?

Tuesday, 9:11 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: You’re persistent.

Tuesday, 9:42 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Babe, you don’t get as far as I have in life without persistence. See you soon.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, 1:15 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: It was great to meet you. You are even more beautiful in person. Sorry the roses were triggering your allergies. I guess I arrived at the right time. Let’s go to dinner tonight.

Wednesday, 1:16 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I appreciate you and Nick helping me take them to the trash. It was nice to meet you IRL. Though I’m still confused... why are you hanging out with Lynn’s boyfriend? 

Wednesday, 1:16 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Lynn and Nick are working through an issue. He needed a ride to SF tonight and I wanted to meet you. Win/win. I downloaded BreakerFall. I’ll read some of it before I go to bed. We can talk about it at dinner.

Wednesday, 1:17 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Because Lynn wrote it?

Wednesday, 1:18 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: No. I never read fiction. It’s only because you liked it. I’ll be in Palo Alto this afternoon. I’ll pick you up when I get back into the City. Where would you like to go to dinner? I’ll ask my assistant to make a reservation.

Wednesday, 1:23 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Guys like you never have to read or make a reservation. You pay people to do it for you. I’m busy tonight.

Wednesday, 1:23 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: How about Thursday?

Wednesday, 1:25 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’m working.

Wednesday, 1:25 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Can you do breakfast on Friday morning after you get off work?

Wednesday, 1:28 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: No. The only thing I want to do after spending 12 hours in the lab is sleep.

Wednesday, 1:28 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Dinner on Saturday night?

Wednesday, 1:31 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I’ll consider it.

Wednesday, 1:32 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Lilly, we’re in our thirties. You don’t need to play hard to get anymore. I’ll let you submit. [winking emoji]

Wednesday, 1:35 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Good night, Michael.

Wednesday, 1:36 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: I look forward to you whispering those words to me. In person. Good night, beautiful Lilly.

***

Wednesday, 10:58 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: I hope the day is going well, beautiful Lilly. Where would you like to go to dinner on Saturday? I’m still available tonight as well...

***

Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: My day was fine. Thank you.

Wednesday, 3:31 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: You responded... so you’re interested. [smiling emoji] Still playing hard to get? I’ll indulge you.

***

Wednesday, 6:42 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Michael, this basket is incredible. Wine. Bourbon. Cheese. Fruit. Bread. Nuts. Jams. With pairing instructions. It covers half my table. Thank you. Did you send one to Lynn as well?

Wednesday, 6:43 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: No. I did not send one to Lynn. She has a boyfriend and he is currently staying at my house. The Chardonnay and bourbon are my favorites.

Wednesday, 6:44 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: The bourbon is fantastic.

Wednesday, 6:45 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Glad you like it. It’s from a distillery in Alameda. I’m having a glass right now. Did you read the card on the basket?

Wednesday, 6:46 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: I did. I don’t know about dinner on Saturday. BUT I’ll bite... tell me about you. I know you’re Persian, rich enough to own a plane and tall. How tall exactly? Age? Blood type? Kids?

Wednesday, 6:47 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Do you really bite?

Wednesday, 6:48 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Maybe. Answer the questions before I get bored and go play GTA.

Wednesday, 6:48 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: It seems like you’re not as busy as you said. Let’s meet up. Drive over. We can have a bite in.

Wednesday, 6:49 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: No car. I’ve already prepared a plate of treats from the basket. GTA is serious busyness.

Wednesday, 6:50 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I don’t know if I can compete with GTA, but I’ll try. 6’2. 34. O negative. No kids. But I think about being a dad every day. Same questions. And tell me more about the biting.

Wednesday, 6:50 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: 5’8. 31. AB negative. No kids. I definitely want a family. We’ll save the biting for another time. I should go. Thank you again for the basket. Good night, Michael.

Wednesday, 6:51 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: More cold shoulder. Eventually, I will prove to you I’m nothing like the jackass who broke your heart. Good night, Lilly.

Wednesday, 6:53 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: Yes, he was a jackass. My bitterness is palpable and probably unattractive.

Wednesday, 6:53 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: You’re sexier than you know, babe. Have a good game.

THURSDAY

Thursday, 10:45 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Good morning, Lilly.

Thursday, 10:45 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: It’s not morning for me... I sleep late on the days I work.

Thursday, 10:45 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Did I wake you? I’m sorry if I did.

Thursday, 10:48 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I was awake. In bed. Thinking about a tall, fine as fuck man who sends good gifts.

Thursday, 10:48 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Fine as fuck? Or fine enough to fuck?

Thursday, 10:49 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: I can’t deduce the situation without facts. Come over...

Thursday, 10:50 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: When?

Thursday, 10:50 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: Now.

Thursday, 10:52 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: I need to be on a conference call in 20 minutes. Besides, I don’t want to be your booty call, Lilly. I want to be your man. Let’s do breakfast in the morning after you’re done with work. A quick bite.

Thursday, 10:53 a.m.

Lilly Shepard: The quick bite offer just expired. Good luck with your meeting. Goodbye, Michael.

***

Thursday, 9:25 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: I hope work is going well. I’d still love to take you to breakfast in the morning. If not, let’s do dinner on Saturday.

FRIDAY

Friday, 8:00 a.m.

Michael Ahmed: Good morning, beautiful Lilly. Breakfast?

***

Friday, 5:34 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Don’t punish me for being a good guy, Lilly. I like you and want to get to know you. Then I will come... over as many times as you want... as many times as you can handle.

***

Friday, 10:42 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: You’re on GTA, but you won’t respond to my text messages? Let’s go out tomorrow.

Friday, 11:47 p.m.

Lilly Shepard: A regular guy would just come... over as many times as I want. And not ask for anything more.

Friday, 11:47 p.m.

Michael Ahmed: Beautiful Lilly, you