Everett

By Melverna McFarlane

Celia James was happily single.

 

She had things to do, and if any man-child popped up talking about pledging himself forever, her overprotective twin was there to show him the door. So yeah, relationships weren't on her radar.

 

Even if she did want a relationship, she definitely wouldn't want one with Everett Baldwin, the bashful nerd who made her laugh and forget her worries. But this unlikely candidate was determined to win her over. His weapon of choice, the sexiest smile Celia had ever seen and a penchant for temptation that drove her wild.

He was too good to be true, and her sister was determined to find all his secrets, even if it meant destroying the one relationship guaranteed to make Celia happy. Soon Celia would have to choose between relying on her family's meddling or trusting in the love of a good man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: McFarlane Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Nov 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215261620

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

T his one’s on me.

Celia turned to the over-confident voice offering to pay for her tea. If not for the smug smile on his face, she might have found him attractive. But the smile told her everything she needed to know. No, thanks. I can get my own drink.

Celia had just ordered her favorite blend with her preferred add-ons at her favorite spot, Café L’amour. The café was a popular hangout in Philly near Rittenhouse Square. Like its patrons, the coffee shop offered a mix of traditional and modern spins on Eastern and Western coffees and teas. Amidst soft cushy couches, faux-antique tables, aspiring novelists, office-less weekend-working entrepreneurs, and the overly caffeinated, Celia sought a moment of peace to relax. A proposition from Smug Face wasn’t her idea of a relaxing Saturday.

Smug Face’s smile slipped, but he rallied almost immediately. A cutie like you deserves to be treated to something nice. Allow me. The unknown man stretched his arm to the barista, card in hand.

Celia snatched his card before an exchange could occur and paid for her drink.

If you wanted my name that badly, all you had to do was ask, he said, his inflated ego grating against Celia’s almost nonexistent patience. Had she been on the lookout for the next candidate in a new relationship, which she was not, Smug Face’s conceit would have ended all considerations.

Celia ignored him, walked to the nearest trash can, and threw the card in. People waiting in line laughed. It was funny after all, a man who wouldn’t accept a polite rejection getting his comeuppance. It gave Celia no small amount of satisfaction to be the one to wipe the vain smirk off her unwanted admirer’s face. The warm masculine laugh that stood out among the crowd could also have contributed to her gratification.

Mr. Smug Face—she hadn’t read his name before trashing his card—approached her with another gentleman in tow. 

I apologize on behalf of my friend. I’ve tried to tell him he has no game, but some people never learn, the new guy said with a shy smile on his face.

Celia eyed the duo. They could have been siblings rather than friends. Both stood about the same height, around six feet, with dirty blond hair. Though Mr. Smug Face had more dirt than blond and the friend had beautiful finger-magnet curls. Their bodies were similar, too: thin but toned. The newcomer also had velvety brown eyes she wanted to wrap around her like a heated blanket on a snowy day, a contrast to the icy green of his companion’s.

Celia faced the friend, a militant gleam in her eye. Let me guess. You’re his wingman, here to help him land his target?

The friend blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. If Celia weren’t so annoyed, she wouldn’t have minded flirting with the friend. He wore glasses that gave off hottie nerd vibes, and his bashful reaction was more endearing than she wanted to admit. 

"Would you believe me if I said he thinks he’s my wingman? It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t act on his own."

Dude, I’m right here. Your best bro, Jace. The one looking out for you? Mr. Smug Face… okay, Jace, peered into the trash bin, as if contemplating whether it was worth the risk of touching something squishy. He gagged before walking away, probably deciding to request a replacement card—his best option, and a cleaner route too.

It’s unfortunate, the bashful friend continued, looking and sounding too aggrieved to be an act, yet still maintaining a playful air. He’s that friend who thinks he’s the only one who knows what’s best for you and how to achieve it. I hope you don’t have to put up with someone like that.

In just a few moments, Mr. Bashful dispelled all of Celia’s exasperation, his humor her kryptonite. Pick-up lines and their owners were nuisances on a normal day. Today, for some reason, the Smug and Bashful act was working. No, not for some reason. It was the shy smile and warm eyes that convinced her to stick around. She would leave him soon enough. 

Actually, I do. Unlike you, I was saddled with her when we shared a womb. At least you had a choice.

You would think that, but he just appeared one day and never left. Now he goes around causing me all this trouble.

Rett, man, it’s like that? Jace held his hand to his heart, mimicking being stabbed, his dramatic performance chipping away at Celia’s ability to hide her mirth.

You should consider getting him a leash, she suggested when she was confident she wouldn’t betray the laugh she held inside.

I totally would, but I’m not confident enough to withstand the looks we would get in public.

Celia’s lips twitched. She forced them into submission, yet her eyes still shone with amusement.

Dude, I’m a miracle worker, not a magician, so I know I didn’t disappear.

The barista called Celia’s name followed by Everett.

Everett, huh? Celia arched her brow at Mr. Bashful while collecting her tea.

Celia, huh? Rett imitated, his lips twitching, not pretending for a second he was uninterested in her. They stared at each other as they both sipped their drinks. 

Yeah, Celia had to admit, she was interested too.

Still here, bro, Jace broke the silence by tapping a little too enthusiastically on Rett’s shoulder. You know, your best bud, Jace?

Do you hear something? Rett asked, pretending to ignore his friend.

Now that you mention it, there has been an intermittent buzzing sound.

Why don’t we take our drinks and get away from it.

I like where your mind’s at.

Rett turned to Jace. I’ll catch up with you later. Please don’t hit on anyone else. I’d rather not have to bail you out of jail because you couldn’t control yourself.

That hurts, man. It really hurts.

Jace’s pained voice was the final crack that fractured Celia’s self-control. One giggle after another escaped until the hand clasped over her mouth failed to contain her laughter. Rett and Jace watched Celia’s unsuccessful attempt to control herself, both smiling. Rett’s smile had a unique quality compared to Jace’s. Its lopsided tilt held a tinge of awe momentarily stopping her breath. The effect surprised Celia who had never reacted to a grin like this before. Nor had she inspired the kind of awe reflected at her. It humbled her.

Her laughter died away, remnants of it left behind in the soft smile gracing her face. She hadn’t noticed Jace leaving, but when she broke