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Jesse's Reign
Jesse's Reign
Jesse's Reign
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Jesse's Reign

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Imagine, for weeks you’ve been exchanging secret glances with a handsome, mysterious stranger on the subway. He’s so very different from you, in every way. Everything about him screams danger in that, oh, so sexy manner. Chances are your paths would never meet. Yet, no matter how your work day went, you could always count on him being on the very same train, in the very same seat across from you, making you feel like the most desired woman in the world.

What would you do if suddenly all that was about to change? What if a dramatic switch in your daily commute would alter your route in such a way you might never see each other again? Would you simply let it happen? Would you let all those late night fantasies go to waste or would you be brave enough to do something about it?

Jesse Rain, the drummer for the Toronto-based Goth band, These Bones, and Beverly Sparrow, legal secretary, couldn’t be more different, yet their attraction to each other is undeniable. Casting seductive glances at each other is their only form of communication. That’s good enough for Beverly because anything more would be too scary to contemplate. But when she’s faced with the prospect of never seeing him again, Beverly forces her fears aside and does the unimaginable. She asks him out on a date!

LanguageEnglish
PublisherMaria Bernard
Release dateJan 5, 2016
ISBN9780993806711
Jesse's Reign
Author

Maria Bernard

Maria Bernard is a Canadian author, residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her music-obsessed husband, and her adopted cat, Rex. Maria eats, sleeps and dreams with romance in mind. One day the idea to share the many stories and scenarios that swirl in her imagination became a reality. Her stories are heavy on the romance with a healthy dose of steam. Maria’s characters are creative, strong-willed, artistic individuals, unafraid to show their vulnerable sides. Hand in Glove is her first published full-length novel in the Stick Shift Lips Series. She has since written and published thirteen books and is currently working on a few upcoming projects. Besides writing, Maria enjoys listening to music and playing guitar with her husband. She also loves drawing, painting, and travelling.

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    Jesse's Reign - Maria Bernard

    Chapter 1

    The place settings were perfect, well, as perfect as possible on such a small and wobbly table. The candles were a nice touch, but then again, would he think they were too much? But the question that weighed heaviest on her mind was, would he even show up?

    Beverly wrung her hands at the unwelcome thought. She hoped he hadn’t just said yes to avoid hurting her feelings.

    She still couldn’t quite believe she had finally gotten the nerve to talk to him, her mysterious commuter companion, let alone invite him over to her place for dinner.

    They’d been exchanging covert eye contact for weeks. Ever since she moved into her ground floor flat, in Toronto’s High Park neighbourhood. At first, she didn’t think too much about it. She’d convinced herself that she was just imagining his shy glances. Being quite bashful herself, she would only dare sneak furtive peeks at him in return, averting her eyes the moment he’d catch her.

    She’d been quite content with their harmless mutual flirtations until recently when she found out she would be transferring offices across the city. The move would significantly alter her usual commuting route. Since she wouldn’t be travelling on the same train, she might never see him again! For some reason, the idea of losing touch with the mysterious, handsome Goth became unbearable. As a result, Beverly panicked, and she knew she had to do something. She had to at least try.

    The only thing she could think of was to pretend to drop something while she was on the train. Hopefully, her instincts would be correct about him and he’d be kind enough to help a damsel in distress. It may have been overkill to have strategically dropped the lingerie bag, overflowing with frilly unmentionables onto the floor of the subway train as she got up at her stop. But it worked! At the first sign of her distress, he’d shot up from his seat across from her and picked up the bright pink package along with its tousled contents.

    ***

    She checked the oven again. The chicken breasts were just about ready and the Parisian potatoes had that lovely shade of gold to them. The mixed baby greens were steamed to perfection. All that was missing was her guest of honour.

    ***

    She had blushed crimson at the time. Especially when he had handed her the bag overflowing with tantalizing lace while locking eyes with her. He had the most amazing dark chocolate, brown eyes. Thank you, she said with a nervous smile.

    You’re most welcome, he said, his voice a gentle purr. It was the first time she’d heard him speak. As she was about to take the bag from him, he held it to his chest instead. She may have gone overboard with excess props, but it worked for her. He had noticed that her arms were already full with her briefcase, an umbrella, and her lunch tote.

    I’ll carry it for you. Please, allow me to walk with you, he said, gazing at her with those soulful dark eyes. You appear overburdened today.

    Ignoring the curious stares from the other commuters, she smiled and nodded with enthusiasm as the train came to a stop.

    ***

    Once again, Beverly checked her reflection in the bathroom mirror. He had only ever seen her in office clothes, usually a grey or black, knee-length skirt, white blouse, and blazer. She normally wore her long, auburn hair up in a French twist.

    She hoped he would like seeing her with her hair down and wearing the little black dress she’d chosen with him in mind.

    He certainly seemed to like wearing black himself. She shuddered at the memory of how he’d looked that day.

    He wore a weathered, black leather jacket, form-fitting trousers with zippers and clasps along their length, and tall combat boots that accentuated his already impressive height. He had to be at least six-foot-two. His hair was long and sable black, his eyes, a delicious shade of dark chocolate truffles. He had high cheek bones, a perfectly straight nose, tawny flawless skin and last but definitely not least, full sensual lips.

    He was so unlike the guys she’d dated in the past. Straight-laced, average and excruciatingly dull. Oh, they’d been nice enough, but she’d never felt this level of attraction to any of them. In fact, she’d almost started to believe she would never find that special guy that would make her weak in the knees, and cause her heart to race at the mere sight of him. Until now.

    ***

    Beverly’s place wasn’t far from the subway stop. She would only have a few minutes to tell him what she needed to say. I hope this isn’t too far out of your way, she said as they quietly walked.

    It’s not far at all. I normally get off at the next stop after this one.

    Oh, good, she said with a nervous sigh. I really appreciate your help.

    It’s my pleasure, he said, looking sideways at her through his long dark lashes, his mouth forming a shy smile.

    She dared a peek at his hand, still clutching her package of unmentionables. Just the image of his fingers so close to the very same panties she’d picked out with him in mind caused her to tremble. What hands, too, such long elegant fingers, covered in ornate pewter rings, fingernails painted black. Traces of a tattoo on his wrist peeked out from the sleeve of his leather jacket.

    She hadn’t realized how incredibly tall he was until now as she walked beside him, her head reaching just below his shoulder. His long lean legs went on for miles. He was obviously making a considerable effort to slow his stride to accommodate her.

    Suddenly, Beverly couldn’t help but feel self-conscious. Surely, he wouldn’t be interested in her. Maybe he was just being nice. Perhaps she had read too much into his shy glances. Maybe he’d just been seeing through her, and she had let her imagination run amuck.

    What’s your name? he asked, stirring her from her thoughts.

    Beverly.

    He smiled thoughtfully and repeated her name. Beverly… I like that name. It suits you.

    Her heart leapt at the sound of her name rolling off his tongue, his voice, velvet soft and smooth like caramel. She couldn’t help but shake her head at her irrational reaction to such a simple thing as the sound of his voice. She couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with her?

    What’s yours? she asked, after a deep calming breath.

    Jesse.

    Jesse, that’s a sweet name, she gushed before she could stop herself. But it was a sweet name! It suited him perfectly. It was a name she could say over and over again, if only in her dreams. Better yet, in the throes of passion…

    Thank you, he said with a curious, barely detectable chuckle. Nobody’s ever put it quite like that.

    Beverly visibly reddened at his words. Not knowing what else to say without embarrassing herself further, she kept silent as they turned the corner onto the side street that led to her place.

    As they quickly approached the house where she lived, her heart rate started to accelerate with the prospect of what she would say. She couldn’t just thank him, and send him on his way. She might never see him again! It was Friday after all. On Monday, she’d be travelling in the opposite direction. This was her last chance to find out once and for all if he was in the least bit interested in her.

    Beverly slowed her steps to indicate that they’d arrived at her front door. Um, so here we are.

    Your home? he asked as he stopped and faced her.

    Yes, well, I mean it’s not my house exactly but I do rent a flat here. The ground floor. Number one on the buzzer, she said nervously. Yikes, how obvious was that?

    I see.

    They both stood facing each other in awkward silence, each too shy to speak, both reluctant to part company.

    Um… She fought for courage but found none. Her eyes meeting his, she wished he could simply read her mind.

    Misinterpreting her hesitation, Jesse quickly held her baggie out for her to take. Yes, of course, I’m sure you’ll manage just fine from here.

    She reached out automatically and took it from him, her fingers inadvertently brushing his. At that slightest bit of contact, it was like a lightning bolt of energy jolted through her entire body. She caught her breath and wondered if he’d felt it too.

    Thank you, for your help, she managed to say, if only as a whisper. Her throat had gone completely dry.

    You’re most welcome, Beverly, he said as he stuck his hands in his pockets and bowed his head ever so subtly.

    Say something… now’s your chance! She inwardly screamed at herself, but her tongue felt like cotton and her voice was all but gone.

    He took a deep breath and sighed. Well, be seeing you then, he said with a slight tilt of his head. Hesitantly, he turned and started to walk away.

    Wait… please, don’t go, she said, but her voice came out an inaudible whisper. He didn’t hear her. He just kept walking. This was it, her last chance! No! No, you won’t! she shouted. We’ll never see each other again, she added breathlessly. He stopped in his tracks and turned back around.

    Throwing caution to the wind, she dropped her things on the sidewalk, took brave steps towards him and gazed into his curious expression.

    I mean… I won’t ever see you again, on the subway, she said, giving her head a shake. Why was this so hard? She now clearly understood how men felt when they asked a woman out. The fear of rejection was unbearable.

    He searched her face, obviously needing clarification. Because I’ll be travelling in the opposite direction, she explained, wringing her hands painfully. I… I know this might sound weird, but these last few weeks… I couldn’t help but notice you… noticing me?

    She swallowed then and waited for him to respond one way or another.

    He stood expressionless. He wasn’t going to make this easy, was he? Perhaps he had a girlfriend. That was probably it. No, but that couldn’t be so. Surely, he wouldn’t have made eyes at her so obviously on the subway if he had a girlfriend. Besides, he’d walked her home, carried her bag for her. A man already in a relationship wouldn’t do that, would he?

    I’m sorry, you must think I’m daft, she said, exasperated. But darn it all, I have to ask… He lowered his head towards her and nodded encouragingly.

    Are you… could you be… in the least bit interested in me? Before he could respond, she quickly continued. Because I think we have something between us. She gestured with her hands. An attraction I can’t explain. I know we seem very different, and quite an unlikely pair, but… but I’m inexplicably drawn to you.

    At her admission, Jesse stood up to his full height and quirked a curious eyebrow at her. He seemed to consider her words but said nothing.

    She visibly shrunk at his initial lack of response. Her shoulders slumped and she bit her bottom lip. She’d obviously been wrong about his affections and now she’d made a complete fool of herself.

    I’m sorry, she said, feeling deflated, not knowing what else to say. I obviously misunderstood. Disheartened, she started to turn away.

    Yes, he finally said.

    Yes? she repeated, hoping upon hope, slowly looking over her shoulder. Yes, I misunderstood?

    No… He furrowed his brow. Confused, she turned and searched his eyes, looking for a clue.

    He frowned, obviously frustrated at his own lack of eloquence on the matter. Beverly, I am very interested, as well as flattered. Was he ever… He’d been fantasizing about her ever since he first set eyes on her.

    She couldn’t hold back her smile. In fact, she grinned like a schoolgirl. Really? He shrugged self-consciously, smiled politely and nodded. Phew… I’m so relieved to hear you say that.

    He was such a contradiction. So tall, dark, and in all respects intimidating, yet so reserved in his mannerisms. It took all her willpower not to give him an exuberant hug right then and there.

    Would you like to have dinner with me? she asked with newfound courage.

    I would like that very much, he said without hesitation.

    Are you free tomorrow night? I could make us both dinner. Since you already know where I live, you could come by at seven. I should have everything ready by then. She watched his thoughtful expression and waited on bated breath.

    Jesse blinked and unsuccessfully suppressed a goofy grin. He was obviously pleased if not surprised by her enthusiasm.

    That would be very nice of you, he finally said.

    She was practically beaming with joy. Great! Hey, um by the way… do you eat meat? she blurted excitedly. When he raised his eyebrows, she grimaced and blushed a full shade redder. What a way to put it! Could she be any more awkward? I mean, you’re not a vegetarian, are you?

    He chuckled mirthfully, gave her a crooked smile, and an unexpected wag of his eyebrows that turned her already wobbly knees to jelly. No worries, Beverly. I eat it all, he said with a jaw-dropping wink. I’ll see you tomorrow at seven. He chuckled and turned away, walking with a cat-like swagger that she hadn’t noticed before.

    Oh, my… what had she just gotten herself into!

    Chapter 2

    Well, how absolutely unexpected, Jesse mused as he made his way home. Of course, he’d noticed her. How could he not have? With her heart-shaped face, those expressive hazel eyes, all that luscious auburn hair, he’d been helpless. He’d lost the battle before it had even started. In fact, he’d found her so attractive that he hadn’t been able to stop looking at her. He even went as far as to make sure he got on the exact same subway car at the same time every day, taking the seat directly across from her. Thereby, giving his eyes a clear shot of her lovely legs not to mention the rest of her.

    He’d taken that train religiously even though it hadn’t been necessary for the last few weeks since he’d gotten his motorcycle. From the first time he’d seen her, though, he hadn’t been able to stop himself from practically stalking her.

    She’d obviously caught his stolen glances. He hadn’t meant for her to notice, but he was glad she did.

    Odd that she’d actually asked him out, though. They were indeed an unlikely pair. Who would have thought that a sweet little lady like Beverly would be interested in the likes of him, a scary Goth?

    Usually, people avoided eye contact with him. It had never been his intention to intimidate people, but nevertheless, he understood their apprehension. Why this particular little lady felt the need to pursue him, he wasn’t sure, but he was certainly most grateful that she had.

    It shouldn’t really shock him, though, since all three of his Goth bandmates had recently gotten together with three very mainstream ladies. In fact, both Falquen and Darien had gotten married. Even Gray Forrester, the gregarious Goth, had fallen in love with his Marly. They too were now engaged to be married. How quickly things had changed over the last little while.

    Still, he couldn’t get over it. One thing for certain, he was glad Beverly had taken the initiative since knowing himself, he would never have asked. Oh, he’d wanted to. He’d dreamt about it often enough, but fearing she’d never be interested in him, he would never have gotten up the courage. Good for her. Even better for him.

    Hey, what’s with the goofy grin? Not very Goth of you, little brother, Laura called from the front steps of his house.

    He hadn’t noticed, but, indeed, he had been smiling rather uncharacteristically all the way home. Laura, what brings you here? he asked, pausing just inside the iron gate that separated his walkway from the sidewalk.

    What? Can’t a girl visit her little brother now and then? She pouted, looking up at him with her dark-lined eyes. He smirked knowingly and sat down beside her on the front step. Now about that smile? She leaned into his lanky frame and scrutinized him.

    There’d be no point in hiding anything from his sister. She’d always been able to read him while others were always left mystified by his odd personality. He and Laura had a very special bond that went deeper than most siblings.

    They were all that was left of their family lineage. When their parents died in that horrible fire, they were both still in their teens. Since they had no living relatives, they would have been placed in foster care, probably even separately, but thankfully, Laura had just turned eighteen. She’d been granted custody of him. Just three years older than himself, Laura had taken upon herself to look after her fifteen-year-old brother.

    Being older and, therefore, having such responsibility thrust upon her, Laura had matured rather quickly and took the lead role in their relationship. Besides their similarity in looks and both being Goths, personality wise, they couldn’t be more different. Laura was outspoken and some might say a tad crass, a bit of a firecracker. Jesse, on the other hand, was quiet, calm and observant. He wasn’t shy as some might think. He was more contemplative than anything.

    Well? Laura prodded.

    I met someone.

    Oh? Do tell, Laura said, surprised. It wasn’t like Jesse to just meet new people, let alone smile so readily about it. Better not be some girl who would only tear his gentle heart to shreds, like that last one. She wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with the possibility of Jesse getting hurt again. Who is she and what’s her name?

    Her name is Beverly, he said, testing her name on his lips once again.

    Hmm… and who is Beverly?

    A girl I met today, he simply stated.

    And where did you meet her? Laura asked guardedly.

    On the subway.

    Pfft… Laura scoffed. The subway? Jesse, have you lost it? You know better than to talk to strangers on the subway. There are all kinds of weirdos on the subway! she stated incredulously.

    Jesse sat away from his sister and frowned at her. You forget that I’m a grown man, of twenty-five years of age. If anything, I’m the weirdo, in this case, looking the way I do.

    You may be that, but you’re still my little brother and I don’t want to see you get hurt! she snapped at him.

    What makes you think I’ll get hurt by meeting Beverly? he asked.

    Oh, Jesse, you’re just so naïve sometimes, she said with a sigh.

    That’s not very nice. I am not as naïve as you would like to believe, he stated calmly, even though he couldn’t help but be upset by his sister’s constant belittling of his passive nature.

    Laura took a calming breath and smiled apologetically at him. It’s just… well, you obviously don’t remember how hurt you were when Sara dumped you?

    Jesse scoffed indignantly and shook his head. Laura, that was ages ago. Beverly is not Sara.

    Well, just be careful. Don’t go falling in love with her until I meet her first.

    I’ll do my best, he said with a fond smile that he reserved only for his sister.

    Affectionately, Laura grabbed him by the ears and pressed their foreheads together. Little brother, you are my world. You know that, don’t you?

    Yes, sister, I know, as you are mine.

    Chapter 3

    Standing by the window, Beverly covertly checked the front porch once again. He should be arriving soon. It was a quarter to seven already. She wiped

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