Donuts, Diamonds and Assorted Details

By Skye McNeil

Gwen Smidt dreams of leaving Iowa for sunny Florida. But her dream is derailed by Devon Smith, a dashing criminal attorney. While investigating the murder of her friend, Gwen discovers the truth about why Devon was transplanted into her life. Jeremy Schroeder is a hopeless romantic who never gives up on the possibility of Gwen. He is willing to do anything to convince her they are meant to be. In a moment of sheer insanity, Gwen and Jeremy find themselves naked between the sheets. Their rendezvous now holds their friendship hostage, and while Jeremy wants more than friendship, Gwen is reluctant to give up on the notion of a perfect man. Throughout the inevitable longing between Gwen and Jeremy, the reality Gwen believes in is a lie. Now, when reality comes crashing back down, Gwen must choose between choosing a man she loves and the man she wants to love...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skye McNeil
• Release date: Jan 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215744635

Skye McNeil

Skye McNeil began writing at the age of seventeen and has been lost in a love affair ever since. Each year capable, she participates in NaNoWriMo. Skye enjoys writing contemporary and historical romance novels ranging from sweet and sassy to steamy and sultry. She loves spending time with her family, including her two cats and two dogs. When she is not writing, Skye enjoys photography, volleyball, meeting new people, traveling, and curling up with a cup of coffee and a good book.

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Donuts, Diamonds &

Assorted Details

By

Skye McNeil

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

All rights reserved.

Donuts, Diamonds and Assorted Details

Copyright 2015 © Skye McNeil

Cover by JRA Stevens

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

Gwen Smidt dreams of leaving Iowa for sunny Florida.

But her dream is derailed by Devon Smith, a dashing criminal attorney. While investigating the murder of her friend, Gwen discovers the truth about why Devon was transplanted into her life.

Jeremy Schroeder is a hopeless romantic who never gives up on the possibility of Gwen. He is willing to do anything to convince her they are meant to be.

In a moment of sheer insanity, Gwen and Jeremy find themselves naked between the sheets. Their rendezvous now holds their friendship hostage, and while Jeremy wants more than friendship, Gwen is reluctant to give up on the notion of a perfect man.

Throughout the inevitable longing between Gwen and Jeremy, the reality Gwen believes in is a lie. Now, when reality comes crashing back down, Gwen must choose between choosing a man she loves and the man she wants to love...

Chapter 1

Gwendolyn Isabelle Smidt gripped the flimsy photo printout and gaped at it. Nothing happened, obviously, so she set the photo on the bathroom counter and drummed her fingers on the faux granite. Her stomach churned the longer she kept her deep blue eyes on the unmoving photo. She reluctantly leaned against the bathroom wall and closed her eyes. How had she gotten in this predicament wasn’t news to her. She knew how babies were made, but the fact that the only man she’d slept with in the last year also happened to be her oldest and dearest friend made her queasy.

You’re just freaking out, she told herself. This has to be a joke. You just have the flu and this picture isn’t yours. She tried to convince herself. It was true her high priority job at the Des Moines prominent public relations firm took every fiber of her energy day in and day out, but Gwen never got sick. She made it a rule to take every possible preventative to guarantee that. Hand sanitizer lined her office desk and even if someone sneezed near her, she would spray down her office with antiseptic.

Gwen looked at herself in the mirror, still shocked at the time lapse that showed on her face. Her usually pristine features were drab and the gown she was wearing was a far stretch from fashionable. She glanced down at her nails. They were once perfectly manicured and smooth, but now were overgrown and ragged. She swung her eyes back to the mirror and noticed the red highlights in her brunette hair were long untouched, and she wondered if she would get the chance to fix that anytime soon.

A quick rap on the door caught her ear and she took a deep breath. She knew who was on the other side of that door, but she wasn’t ready to face him. So much happened while she was off in dreamland and she still couldn’t wrap her mind around it. If she was really going to be a mom, how would she survive? I’m used to frappes and sushi, not baby bottles and binkies, she inwardly groaned. She just wanted to go home. She wanted to slip between her satin sheets and sleep until this nightmare was over. To go back to the way things were before this. To carpool with her neighbor and not worry about falling in love with the wrong man. Pain shot through her head, reminding her of the unusual awakening she’d had not yet a day ago. What happened to me? Her eyes looked dull in the mirror and she wracked her brain trying to remember the difference between reality and the virtual reality she had lived the last four months.

Another knock on the door and Gwen grimaced. Sooner or later, she had to come out of the bathroom and face the music. She picked up the photo and delicately caressed the silhouette. That’s our baby, she whispered and tears filled her eyes. Any chance of her remaining Zen flew out the window. Her hand shook the longer she stared at the baby, and she instinctively put her hand on her stomach.

Gwen, you need to come out before you pass out, a deep voice said from the other side of the door. It isn’t safe for you right now, he urged, turning the handle.

Realizing too late she had forgotten to lock the door, Gwen saw him in the mirror’s reflection. All six feet of him slid through the door and stood mere feet away from her. She perused his form, refusing to meet his captivating eyes. If she did, she would be lost. I don’t know what to do, she admitted, keeping her eyes on his blue T-shirt.

His warm arms were around her before she had a chance to take a breath. They surrounded her like a blanket and she easily leaned into him. She buried her face into his chest and took a deep breath. He smelled like sunshine and donuts, which triggered Gwen’s memory of him. We’ll figure it out, he replied, kissing the top of her head. We always do.

Gwen didn’t bother responding. She closed her eyes and let her mind take her back to a time that made sense. A time before hospitals, babies, and sleepless dreaming.

* * *

Three months earlier...

Snow fell gently on the street lined with townhomes as Jeremy Schroeder waited impatiently in his midnight black 2012 VW Jetta that was still warming to the frigid temperatures. His wipers slowly sloshed the melting snow from his windshield as he flipped through radio stations. Talk show, talk show, sports talk show, he muttered until the radio finally landed on Jet singing Are You Gonna Be My Girl?. Jeremy smirked at the lyrics then glanced up and saw his neighbor Gwen locking her front door. Once she finished, she slipped into her long, black trench coat. Despite the bitter Iowa weather, Gwen insisted on the lightweight coat that hardly kept her warm. Jeremy watched her close the distance to his car. The sun bounced off her brunette hair with assorted highlights of auburn, some being natural and the rest manufactured. He heard her heels crunch the snow as she walked, and he wondered why she insisted on the damn things that could easily break her ankles. Her appearance, always flawless, seemed disgruntled this morning. Probably due to the new snow, he thought.

The two lived in Iowa their entire lives, so he would think she was used to the unpredictable weather. But she wasn’t. He doubted she would ever get used to it. She was more comfortable with flip flops and sunny beaches.

The passenger side door opened and Gwen slid in, shivering. I really need to move somewhere warm, she said, cranking the heat up another three degrees.

And a very good morning to you too, Jeremy replied, putting the car in reverse.

Sorry, I just hate all this snow. It drives me nuts, you know? she began as the car rolled down her driveway. Spring cannot come soon enough. I think it’s supposed to warm up this weekend. She glanced at Jeremy. Do you want to take a run with me? I’m dying to get some exercise and fresh air after being cooped up so long.

Jeremy held back a smile at Gwen’s morning prattling. In high school, she had to be dragged out of bed and when college came around, Jeremy had to entice her with a Starbucks coffee. He glanced at her chipper face. Now that they both had jobs, Gwen was the morning person he never dreamed of. Yeah, I’ll go with you. It’s probably time I start working out again. I’ve been a little lax this winter, he said, stopping at the stoplight.

Tell Jake to come too if he’s brave enough, Gwen added, flipping the visor down and applying her lip gloss. He could use some fresh air away from his computers.

The light turned green and Jeremy knew she was right. His roommate since college, Jacob Elms, was the best computer technician in the Des Moines metro, but he rarely escaped from the technology dungeon he called their basement anymore. You may have to pry him into the sunlight and even then he’ll probably burst into flames with his pale skin and red hair.

Gwen laughed and Jeremy snuck a peek at her dazzling smile. Many a man had been on the receiving end of her timeless smile, but none had ever stuck around, and he was glad for that. He didn’t know if he could watch his friend fall in love in front of his eyes and get her heart broken yet again.

Are you handling the Price arbitration today? she asked, changing the radio to a country station.

It was a preset that Jeremy both detested and secretly loved, but if that was the cost of their commute, he would deal with it. Tim McGraw’s voice filled the air between them and Jeremy answered, Yes, as he pulled into his assigned parking spot. Their drive time was less than five minutes, and on a good day the two would walk to work.

Cool. Thanks for the ride, Gwen said, swinging her designer purse over her left shoulder.

Not a problem, he replied, locking the doors as they walked the short distance to the firm’s front door. Jeremy glanced over at Gwen. Her professional smile was plastered on her face as they passed co-workers. With her heels, Gwen stood an inch shy of his six feet frame, but that was one of the things he admired about her. Even though she was taller than most women without heels, it still didn’t deter her from wearing stilettos with pride.

They passed the main desk and Jeremy noticed two workers adding a new painting to the entryway. He glanced up and saw the crew had finished a majority of the reconstruction. The high ceilings were even higher thanks to the edgy industrial open ceiling theme. He wasn’t one for the modern trend, but it fit the firm perfectly. The receptionist smiled broadly at him and Jeremy offered her a polite smile.

She has a major crush on you. You know that, right? Gwen asked, poking his side subtly.

He knew that. He had known for the last two years, but the cute blonde wasn’t his type. He glanced over his shoulder, then back at Gwen. Even if it has been a while, he thought to himself, then said out loud, Yeah. Good thing you’re here to ward her off. She looks a bit high maintenance.

Gwen smiled but didn’t reply as they rounded a corner to the managers’ offices. Her heels clicked on the marble flooring until they reached her office. You know you don’t have to walk me to my office every day, she reminded, unlocking the door and carelessly throwing her purse on the chair opposite her desk.

Jeremy shrugged and stood in the doorway, perusing her OCD office. Everything had its place and was perfectly aligned. Though it drove him crazy, he liked it about her. True, but I have to hold off the drooling dogs in the office that are after you, he halfheartedly joked as Gwen shrugged off her coat and fired up her dual-screened computer. More men than he cared to admit checked out his friend on a daily basis, including her ex-boyfriend, Joel. His instinctive reaction to shield her from the wolves really only made him feel better, but he kept doing it despite that fact. He doubted it did anything to keep the men at bay. Plus, it’s on my way to my office. Gwen offered him a disbelieving glance and Jeremy took that moment to make his getaway to his office on the third floor. No, her office was not on his way, but it was their routine, and he wasn’t about to break it. Every moment he shared with Gwen made his day more enjoyable.

He pressed the elevator button and felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. No doubt, his boss was already lost without him. It was inevitable with the man. He checked the phone then entered the elevator along with the cluster of others waiting. Gwen would scold him for taking the elevator, but he couldn’t be as into fitness as she had become over the years. Marathons and daily exercise routines at the gym only scraped the tip of her excessive need to stay in shape. She even coerced him into doing yoga, Pilates, and cycling with her. All of which he gladly did for obvious reasons. Gwen in yoga pants was not something he would miss, so it was worth the awkward poses and muscle strain.

The elevator stopped at the third floor and several people filed off and scattered to their cubicles, while Jeremy continued the opposite direction to his office. He glanced around as he walked. Suits for as far as the eye could see. The entire second and third floors were filled with attorneys and associates for the firm. After his graduation at Drake University, Jeremy was thrilled to be offered a position at the prestigious firm that specialized in corporate law. It was what he always wanted to do since the first day of law school. Other facets of the law paled in comparison to the corporate realm since he was more of a numbers man. Despite the fact that he and Gwen were the same age, Jeremy’s early graduation from high school and college came to no one’s surprise. He attended college classes since his freshman year in high school. It worked out fairly well when Gwen attended Drake for her freshman year, while Jeremy started his juris doctorate.

When Gwen was offered an internship with the public relations department, Jeremy knew they would never let her go. True to that prediction, the firm snatched her up within six months and she quickly scaled the corporate ladders to her current assistant manager of special projects position.

In the distance, Jeremy heard his boss ranting in the conference room and hoped the man had been refused his espresso this morning. When Jeremy caught sight of Stewart, his boss was guzzling the remnants of the large coffee cup. It’s going to be a long day, he muttered, opening his office door. At least lunch is in a few hours.

* * *

Gwen clicked through her mass of emails and scowled when she saw her boss wanted to meet with her at nine in the morning. She glanced at the clock. Ten till. Looks like no time for coffee this morning, she said bitterly. She desperately needed coffee every morning even though she put on a chirpy façade.

Good thing I already got you one, a friendly voice stated from her doorway.

Without looking up, Gwen already knew who stood in her office, her boss and subsequent ex-boyfriend, Joel Stratton. Putting on her best smile, Gwen met his silver-blue eyes. Good morning, she murmured, and Joel stepped fully in her office and shut the door behind him. His Calvin Klein cologne filled the office almost as much as his muscular frame. His crisp black suit, matching loafers and newly laundered white shirt fit every nook and cranny of him. A slow, easy smile played his lips. The same smile every woman in the office wanted directed toward them. Gwen took the outstretched coffee and predicted it was her usual low-fat, white chocolate mocha with an extra shot of espresso. Thanks. She muted the music on her computer then asked, What did you want to talk to me about? If it’s the Jacobson contract, I already have it drafted and sent to the clients for signatures.

No. He shook his head then took a sip of his coffee. I know you have that under control. He took another drink. Black with two sugars, she recalled. I want to talk to you about your position with the firm. You have been pulling quite a bit of money in lately and the partners are impressed.

Thank you, but it was a team effort, Gwen replied. She couldn’t take all the credit. Well, just most of it.

The partners will be in town in a few weeks. I want you to prepare a bid on Doctor’s Incorporated and present it to them along with the clients.

Gwen nearly spit her coffee out. You want me to do D.I.? she asked, shocked at the honor.

Of course I do. You are the best we have, Joel said with a handsome grin. You’re much better than Tina, or whatever her name is, and beyond what the pool out there could pull together. He nodded toward the cubicles outside her office filled with interns and training P.R. consultants.

Her eyes followed his and studied the group. She was better than the other assistant manager, Tina, of course, but to get the request from the partners and head of P.R. meant she was being noticed. Gwen saw Joel study her body. And not all in the best way, she reminded herself. Their fast-paced relationship last year was doomed from the start, but it hadn’t kept them from rattling the desk drawers at work. Gwen blushed despite herself. Yes, they had fun while they were together, but she knew how jealous Joel got and how easily he turned dark. After their breakup, she decided to focus on work.

Gwen took her turn looking over Joel’s chiseled features. He had been working out. A lot. And that work made Gwen’s breathing uneven as she recalled the delicious things he used to do to her. The things he could do with her again. If he did make another move, she probably wouldn’t turn him down. She caught Joel’s placid stare. Probably.

So, what do you say?

She shook her head, trying to clear the fantasy and said with a smile, It is a huge honor. I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t do it.

Joel nodded, not expecting any other answer, and stood. Great. If you nail this bid, you will be looking at a promotion. He took a gulp of the coffee. And maybe even relocating to our Miami office. I know you’ve been ogling it for some time.

Gwen snapped her eyes to Joel’s smiling ones. He knew she hated the cold winters just as much as he did. Every other month, he flew down to their Florida office. Rumor was that he would be taking it over within the year too. If she played her cards right, she would be the next vice president in the P.R. department in Miami. I think you know I am more than willing to relocate there.

Joel chuckled as he leaned against her door. I thought as much. Why don’t we have lunch together and discuss this some more?

The understated request didn’t surprise her. This wasn’t about the high profile pitch or lunch. This was him making a move even if it was a subtle one. It took him longer than she expected, but since she shot him down every other time he asked, she figured she might as well give him a break. Sure, she finally managed and hoped she didn’t seem too excited. He was the last guy she had been with and that was nearly six months ago. She needed some attention even if it was from Joel.

Joel offered her a wink then raised his coffee cup in salute. See you later, then, he finished before walking out of her office.

She watched him leave and felt envious female and a few male eyes glaring at her. Joel was the epitome of a daydream for the women in the office. She knew because she used to be one of the hopeless that fawned after his tight body. It came as a complete surprise when he asked her out a year ago. She made a multitude of enemies that day and the days that followed when Joel would have lunch with her. She bit her bottom lip, remembering the fun lunch dates they used to have. I could go for a few of those, she mused. Her love life was lacking in all aspects and a quick romp might do her good.

Absently, Gwen returned to her desk and was soon engulfed in research on her latest project. Her desk quickly filled with stacks of papers and folders filled with needless statistics. If it hadn’t been for the light knock on her door, Gwen may have stayed in the same position all day. Raising her eyes, she spotted Jeremy on the other side of the window holding a little white paper bag. She smirked when he walked in and set the bag on her desk before plopping down in the seat opposite her. Gwen dropped her pen and cautiously looked at the bag. Is that what I think it is? she asked, eyeing him.

Jeremy sat back and folded his arms over his chest. Open it and see, he replied nonchalantly.

Gwen carefully opened the bag and peered inside. The scent of her favorite bakery filled the office. White powdered donuts met her eyes and she giggled. You successfully killed my diet, she scolded, grabbing the fluffy pastry.

Jeremy snagged one of the miniature donuts after her. Good. You’re too skinny anyhow.

Throwing her better sense aside, Gwen eagerly dissolved in their favorite childhood snack. She bit into one and recalled the first time Jeremy brought a bag just like this to her house. They had become friends that day and she was grateful that such a tiny treat could result in so many years of fun and camaraderie. Do you remember eating these after prom?

If I recall correctly, you were a little ‘under the weather’ that night, he retorted, grabbing another donut.

Gwen giggled at his sarcasm. Yes, she had been a bit dizzy after their classmate spiked the punch bowl with vodka. I still remember how crazy Mrs. Pools got when she realized she had been guzzling the stuff. The two laughed and Gwen wondered how they stayed such good friends after all these years. She was no saint and drama seemed to follow wherever she went, but Jeremy kept up with her despite all that. She glanced over to him, trying to keep the powdered sugar off his newly tailored suit. Somehow, he stayed, she thought. Her work phone buzzed annoyingly and she checked the caller ID. It’s Joel, she announced then answered on speakerphone, Gwen Smidt, she said between bites of donut.

Are we still on for lunch? I’m planning on leaving now, Joel stated.

Glancing at the clock, Gwen wondered where the morning had gone. It seemed like five minutes had passed since she finished her coffee. She shook her coffee cup. It was still half full. Okay, I’ll be ready, she replied then hung up. Glancing up at Jeremy, she noticed an odd expression on his face.

You’re going to lunch with Joel? he asked, replacing the donut in his hand to the now crinkled bag.

Gwen stacked her papers orderly as usual and smoothed her hair. Do I have any donut on my face? she asked Jeremy as she locked her computer screen.

Jeremy stood quickly and shook his head after scanning her face. Nope. You’re good. He leaned over her desk and lowered his voice. You know what happened last time you went out with him, right?

Yes, I know, but I need this, she replied rummaging through her purse. Every girl here wants a little one-on-one attention, especially with Joel. Since we have a history, I know what I’m getting into. She liberally applied her mint flavored lip gloss. Jeremy was acting peculiar. Normally, he didn’t make a fuss when she went out on a date, and this wasn’t even a real date. She figured he was worried she would fall back into the routine she and Joel shared last year. She learned from that mistake and wouldn’t repeat it. It’s a working lunch, Jeremy. We are going over the pitch for Doctor’s Inc.