Page 5 of Cupid Loves Curves

“Oh?” There’s an amusement in his voice and I remember how striking his smile was – full lips and perfect teeth, and a smile that definitely reached his eyes.

“I…well I know I declined your offer, but…would you still be interested in going with me to my awards dinner. I mean, I probably won’t win anything, but…”

“But it would be good to have a date.”

“Yes,” I say, thankful that he can’t see me blush. I hate that it makes things easier if I have a date, but I also love the idea of seeing him again. Even for just one night.

“So, then it’s a date?”

“Yes, if it’s not too late to ask. I know it’s tonight, so not much notice,” I say, relief and excitement washing over me. I give him the details and my address, and my mind starts a countdown clock until I get to see him again. “In return, I’m offering to teach you how to cook lasagna. It’s foolproof.”

“That sounds wonderful. Thank you. That also sounds like two dates,” he says, his voice playful. A warmth spreads through me, because I can feel his happiness and excitement. I’m not used to a guy being so excited to see me, much less to go on a date with me.

“I suppose you’re right,” I say, grinning. Someone comes up to my desk and I hold up a finger. “Look, someone needs to talk to me. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Our call ends and I can’t get the grin off my face. Everything feels sparkly and filled with promise. For the first time since I started working here, I’m excited for the awards dinner. And then an image of Lance in a suit comes to mind, and I bite my lip. A different kind of nerves fill me.

Tonight is going to be amazing.

CHAPTER 4

LANCE

Today started off blacker than I’d like to admit. Coming home from duty has been alternately a relief and stressful beyond belief. Relief, because my life isn’t on the line just because I woke up that morning in a war zone, but stressful because I don’t know what the fuck to do with my life as a civilian. Coming home was the right thing, but without someone to ground me, I’ve been lost. I can hide my turmoil well, most of the time, because it’s too much to put on strangers. People who haven’t been on the front line don’t understand. What people see in movies and TV doesn’t come close. They don’t feel the sand that gets everywhere, the aggressive heat, the non-stop stress ofIs today the day I die?

Then, that curvy angel from the other day called me, and everything felt right. She has a sweetness that knocks me on my ass. Being with her was calming, not to mention she’s got enough curves to make me weep. I’ve never found skinny girls sexy, because there’s not enough to hold on to. Because, fuck. Watching a sexy woman jiggle as they ride your cock and moan your name? Ain’t nothing hotter in the world.

So of course it was a no-brainer to say yes to being her date, not least because it means I’ll see her at least twice, so she can teach me how to cook lasagna properly.

Bernadette hasn’t mentioned it, but it’s not lost on me that tonight is Valentine’s Day and it will be our first date. It’s also perfectly clear that she’s independent, which means it’s going to be a delicate balance of sweeping her off her feet.

But I have an idea for how to do just that.

“Yes, grandma. I’m doing fine,”I say. My grandfather also served and did combat duty, so she has an idea of what I’m dealing with. But I’m not going to share my burden with her, especially while she’s on her girl’s vacation. “How are you doing? Have you and your friends already bought condos and planned your moves to Florida?” I ask, laughing. My grandmother isn’t an impulsive woman, but she’s been talking about moving for a while.

“Not yet,” she says, also laughing. “I know you came back to Cincinnati, because I’m there. I’m not going to abandon you. How is the house?”

“The house is fine, grandma. I’m not throwing wild parties. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“No,” she says, the smile clear in her voice. “You always were a good kid. Very responsible. I’m proud of you for serving our country and very happy that you made it back in one piece. Have you decided what you’re going to do?”

“That’s still up in the air. Oh! Before I forget. There’s a surprise for you, when you get home! A lady stopped by a few days ago, because she had a bunch of letters that had been misdelivered to her family’s home. Letters from grandpa.”

“Oh, my word!” The phone line goes silent as my grandma inhales sharply. Her voice is slightly jagged when she continues. “That’s… I don’t have words. Those are a true gift. He wrote me daily, for so many years. His letters are my most treasured possessions. You did get her information, didn’t you, so that I can properly thank her when I’m home, right?”

“I did,” I smile, looking at the bundle of letters. “I liked her – a lot.”

“Lance. I recognize this tone of voice. Are you planning to court this young lady?”

I laugh at her formal language, because courting is not how I’ve been thinking about it. I’m planning on seducing her and making her my wife.

“Something like that. I’m seeing her again tonight.”

“That’s… Are you taking her out on Valentine’s Day?”

“Actually, yes. She has a work event tonight and I agreed to be her date.”

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