E-CRUSH: A Plain Jane Romance Series, #3

By P E Murdock

When office manager Millie Thompson joins an online dating site on a whim, her skeptical inner voice is quickly drowned out by the exciting new connection she finds with a man named BlueEyes72. Daily witty messaging leads to building an online bond fueled by shared passions for books, indie films, and sarcastic banter. Before even meeting in person, Millie finds herself falling hard for the charming Caleb Richard behind the striking blue eyes. But when their highly anticipated first date results in the shocking discovery that Caleb's profile pictures are outdated, Millie struggles with feeling betrayed by this cyber suitor. However, unwilling to relinquish the genuine mental sparks between them, Millie decides to give Caleb a second chance to turn their online chemistry into an in-person friendship. They slowly build a real-world connection through patient nurturing, texted apologies, and time spent over coffee. But just as Millie finally sees Caleb as a romantic prospect again, another obstacle threatens the future of this online-cultivated relationship. Will Millie ultimately find true and lasting love with the man behind the screen name BlueEyes72?

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Murdock
• Release date: Oct 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223397267

P E Murdock

Born on January 28, 1961, Paul Ernest Murdock discovered his love for writing later in life. With a career in warehousing and an academic background in Accounting, his real-world experiences add a gritty realism to his favorite genres, crime mysteries, and thrillers. Paul's work is a thrilling blend of suspenseful plots and complex characters. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquility of outdoor activities such as bowling, camping, and fishing. Despite his late start, Paul's passion and dedication to writing demonstrate that it's never too late to pursue your passion.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Millie Thompson stepped back and surveyed her reflection critically in the full-length mirror that leaned against the wall of her modest one-bedroom apartment. She smoothed her hands over the simple black sheath dress, adjusted the thin straps over her shoulders, and frowned. Was a dress too formal for a first online date? She had agonized over what to wear for her meeting tonight with BlueEyes72—no, Caleb, she reminded herself. His name was Caleb Richards.

With a sigh, Millie moved away from the mirror and sank to the edge of her unmade bed. She shouldn't be this nervous. After all, this was just a first date with someone she had met online. She barely knew Caleb, even if they had hit it off over the past two weeks of daily messaging. Their conversations flowed naturally, touching on everything from favorite childhood memories to debated interpretations of Shakespearean sonnets to the merits of thin crust vs deep dish pizza. Through it all, Millie felt she was getting to know the quirky, kind soul behind those striking blue eyes on Caleb's dating profile.

But that was all on the screen, Millie mused. The pixilated world of online dating could be so different from real life. What if those sparks fizzled out when they finally met in person? What if he took one look at her—makeup-free, flaws on display, and unfiltered by flattering selfies—and decided she wasn't what he was looking for? Millie knew she tended to fall fast, but getting in too deep too quickly with someone she had never met seemed dangerous.

With another glance at the clock, Millie knew she didn't have time for second thoughts. Grabbing her wallet and keys, she took one last look in the mirror and headed out the door before she could change her mind.

The late summer evening still held the day's warmth as Millie walked the few blocks from her apartment to Chez Michel, the trendy new French restaurant where they had agreed to meet. The golden glow of the setting sun cast long shadows down the street lined with cozy restaurants and eclectic shops. Groups of friends spilled out onto patios, toasting the end of the workweek with cocktails and laughter. Millie felt a pang of loneliness, seeing their easy camaraderie. Her friends were all coupled up or busy with family obligations, leaving Millie to face this first date alone.

As she approached Chez Michel, Millie paused, suddenly nervous. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and reminded herself that she was worthy of love, deserving of this chance at happiness. With summoned courage, she smoothed her dress again and approached the hostess.

Welcome to Chez Michel. Do you have a reservation? the hostess asked with a polite smile.

Yes, it should be under Caleb Richards, party of two, Millie said, hoping he had already arrived.

The hostess scanned the book, then nodded. Yes, your other party has already been seated. Right this way.

Millie followed the hostess through the cozy dining room, lit by vintage-style filament bulbs. The tables were intimately spaced, with fresh flowers and candles glowing on each white linen cloth. Patrons laughed and chatted over steaming plates of mussels, creamy soups, and buttery pastries. The scents mingling in the air made Millie's empty stomach rumble despite her nerves.

As they rounded a corner, Millie spotted him, sitting with his back to her at a table tucked in an alcove. Or at least, she assumed it must be him from the short dark hair she could see peeking above his collar. She watched as he tapped his fingers restlessly on the table, clearly anxious for her arrival. Millie felt an unexpected tenderness for this man she had not met officially.

Here we are, the hostess announced as they arrived at the table.

Caleb looked up, smiling as his bright blue eyes met Millie's. Millie! Hi! he said, rising quickly to his feet.

Millie froze, smile faltering. This was not the Caleb from the photos. The man standing before her now was at least 15 years older, with hair thinning slightly and a doughy physique that did not match the hiking pictures he had posted. Her eyes darted down to see he was also a good three inches shorter than the height listed on his profile.

Seeing the look on her face, Caleb's smile dimmed. Oh. The pictures. Yeah, they were a few years old. I should have updated them.

An awkward silence stretched between them. The hostess glanced between the two of them, sensing the sudden tension. I'll give you two a minute to look over the menus, she said smoothly before slipping away.

Caleb cleared his throat, sinking back into his chair. I'm really glad you came. Please, sit.

Millie slowly took her seat across from him. She wasn't sure what she had pictured when she imagined meeting BlueEyes72, but it certainly wasn't this. Those online conversations now seemed to belong to someone else, not this stranger before her.

Over the next excruciating hour, they exchanged small talk about the weather. They debated the menu options without ever recapturing their earlier banter. The food arrived but did little to break the tension. Millie pushed a mushroom around her plate, stealing glances at Caleb and wondering if their chemistry was salvageable or if this had been doomed from the false start.

As the server cleared their plates, Caleb reached across the table and laid his hand over Millie's. "I'm really glad we did this, Millie. I'd love