Love Transposed Read online

  She wanted to struggle. To protest. And she would have, she told herself later. She definitely would have. If her heart hadn't been struck straight through. Her bones dissolved, and contact with his body shut off her brain before she got the chance to mount any defense. When he changed the angle and deepened the kiss, she moaned. Or was that him?

  He broke off and let her go. She blinked. Then, as her mind cleared, she opened her mouth to tell him off. But he put his fingers against her lips, shook his head, grabbed his toolbox and backpack and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

  As she stared at the door, her head spinning and her breath coming in gasps, she noticed the sketchbook lying on the floor. She ran into the kitchen for matches.

  ""Well," she muttered, slapping the box of matches against her palm. "Those horrid drawings will be good for something. They'll make a nice warm fire in my newly repaired fireplace." She knelt to retrieve the book. But when her fingers touched the cover, pain shot through her heart, running down both arms to her fingertips. "What the hell?"

  Chapter Two

  Two weeks later:

  Jane stared at the sketchbook on her coffee table. She should have burned it to ashes, she told herself in disgust. Then she wouldn't be faced with this terrible dilemma. Her ordeal would be over, and Dan would be out of her life. But it wasn't. And neither was he.

  She hadn't seen him for two weeks. But he'd been on her mind every lonely minute of that time. Ever since she'd felt that strange pain when she picked up his sketchbook, she'd been unable to get him out of her thoughts.

  In fact, she'd been so obsessed with him, she'd gone through his sketchbook page by page. She'd found only a few words and numbers written in the book, but she noticed that many of the letters and some of the numbers were backwards. So she'd done a little research-and been stunned by what she'd learned.

  Dan was dyslectic. No wonder he'd transposed the paint numbers and painted her living room purple instead of blue.

  Naturally, Jane had sent him the money she owed him the minute she found out. But when she thought about the way she'd berated him, her heart felt like it was being squeezed into a girdle three sizes too small.

  I wish the cherry-wood floor he was so crazy about would just open wide and swallow me whole.

  She ran a hand over the crown molding he'd refinished. How could he do such meticulous work, requiring exact measurements, when he struggled with numbers? With a sigh, she glanced at the sketch book again. His talents weren't limited to woodworking and carpentry either. Those cartoons he'd done were...what had Tara called them? Oh, yes. Quality artwork. Well, Twin Two was right.

  Jane had taken the sketches to a friend of Tara's. The man worked for a publisher, and he'd been ecstatic, wanting to offer Dan a contract for a book on the spot. He'd called twice since, begging Jane for Dan's contact information. But she'd been hesitant to give it out since Dan didn't even know she'd shown the sketches to someone. She wondered what he'd say when he found out.

  A small groan escaped her. She had to go see him. Had to tell him about the offer. She couldn't let her stubborn pride and wounded feelings keep her from making Dan aware of what could be his road to success. As much as she dreaded facing him, she knew she could never live with herself if she didn't.

  He had a right to know those obnoxious drawings were worth more money, even rough and unpublished, than she made in a year. Didn't he? Yes, she decided as she picked up the sketchbook. He did.

  And maybe, if she found the courage to face him, look him in the eye and apologize, she might discover why she couldn't get the bastard out of her mind. Or her heart.

  ***

  Jane was the last person Dan expected to see when he answered the knock at his door.

  He couldn't speak, only stare at her. God, she looked just as beautiful as he remembered. And her hair was still untamed. Perfect. He rubbed a hand over the ache in his heart. Could she really be here, or was he hallucinating-seeing her because he couldn't get her out of his thoughts?

  Maybe she'd missed him, and that's why she'd come. Yeah, right, a little voice in his mind snorted. Hey, he replied. It could happen.

  Then she spoke and shattered his illusions. "For Christ's sake, jerk wad, are you going to ask me in, or leave me standing in the hall?"

  She hadn't changed. Not that he'd want her to. Though he was probably in desperate need of therapy, he liked Jane just the way she was. He shook his head to hide his smile and stepped back to let her in.

  "What are you doing here?"

  "Returning this." She held up his sketchbook. "I thought you'd want it back."

  "I'm surprised you didn't burn it."

  "I was tempted." She shrugged. "But I couldn't."

  "Why not?" Heading toward the kitchen, he called back over his shoulder, "Have a seat. I'll get you a beer."

  "Thanks," she said when he came back with two bottles and handed one to her. "I couldn't destroy something that shows so much talent." She pointed at the sketchbook. "And it's a good thing I didn't. I took it to a friend in publishing, and he wants to offer you a contract to do a whole book of cartoons. Set you up for regular contributions to a magazine, as well. And he'll give you a huge advance for the book."

  When she named a figure, Dan blinked then gaped at her. "What did you say?"

  "You heard me." Shifting on her chair, she sipped the beer. "I don't know why you're so shocked. You must know how talented you are."

  "But I-I thought you hated those cartoons. Why would you show them to your friend?"

  She jerked a shoulder and looked away. "It wasn't the drawings I hated. It was knowing you thought of me like that."When she turned back to face him the tears glistening her eyes nearly brought him to his knees.

  "I'm sorry for the way I treated you," she said, handing him a slip of paper. "That's the man's name and phone number. You really should call him." She set the beer bottle on the coffee table and headed for the door. "You have a tremendous amount of talent, Dan. Don't let it go to waste. Share your work with the public."

  "Jane, wait," he called as she reached for the doorknob.

  He walked toward her, almost afraid this was just another fantasy-like the ones he had of her every night since they'd kissed-and she'd vanish the moment he touched her. But when he put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him, she didn't disappear. She just chewed on her lower lip and watched him.

  "I don't have a bad opinion of you," he said, unsure how to convince her. Maybe he should just go with the truth. "I did those cartoons in self-defense." He cleared his throat. "The fact is, you make me crazy. When I came to your house that first day and you opened that stubborn door, you turned me inside out. You looked so adorable, all frustrated and grumpy, blowing your bangs out of your face in that way you have."

  He stroked his knuckles over her cheek then teased his fingers through her hair. When she trembled, a thrill ran through Dan's entire body.

  "I really got shot with Cupid's arrow the minute our lips met." A small grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "It's a good thing you were such a pain in the ass. Made it easier to accept that you're so obviously out of my league."

  "Out of your league? I wouldn't be the first rich girl to date a man who works with his hands."

  Though he didn't want to, he had to tell her all of it. Even if she walked away. His heart pounded in his throat and made talking painful.

  "I barely even made it through high school, Jane. I'm dyslexic. That's why I transposed the numbers on the paint you wanted. I should have told you to write it down for me." He tugged her a little closer, encouraged when she didn't try to get away. "But you messed up my thinking so bad, I couldn't concentrate on anything but you."

  "I know you're dyslexic, Dan. But I don't understand why that makes me out of your league. There are other reasons, I admit." Her face remained serious, but her eyes were smiling. "Such as lack of respect for a girl's sleep and grooming time."

  "I'm a failure, Jane.
I couldn't keep a job. I-"

  "How can you say that?" she demanded. The venom in her voice surprised him. Her shove caught him off guard and he stumbled back two full steps. Fisting her hands on her hips, she glared at him. "How can you even think it?"

  She stormed over and snatched up the sketchbook then marched back and slapped it against his chest.

  "This book isn't the work of a failure. It's the work of an intelligent and talented artist, who looks like some kind of Greek god." She snorted. "Though he's obviously a complete idiot."

  As she ran for the door he caught her on the fly and pulled her into his arms. "A Greek god?"he asked, delighted. "Really?"When she struggled, he just tightened his embrace and grinned down at her. "How about a kiss to appease the god?"

  "How about a bonk in the nose for being a baboon, instead?"

  His grin widened. "Nah, I prefer a kiss."He nibbled on her lips and watched passion flare in her eyes. "Since you called me good-looking, does that mean you have the hots for me?"

  "I also called you an idiot," she muttered, but her arms wound around his neck. "You seemed to have missed that."

  "No, I didn't. I just figure after we're married, you'll call me that so often, I should start tuning it out now." He kissed her long and deep until they both moaned. "Ignoring your insults is good practice for later." His lips took possession of hers again.

  "M-Married," she sputtered when he finally let her breathe. "You want to marry me?"

  "It's either that or wring your pretty neck." He slipped an arm under her knees and scooped her up. "They both carry a life sentence, but with the first one, I'll get to spend my nights in bed with you and not a burly convict." Striding through the living room, he carried her down the hall toward the bedroom. "I think I love you, Jane. I'm not ever letting you go."

  She rested her head on his shoulder. "I suppose I love you, too,"she whispered then gasped as he laid her on his bed. "What are you doing?"

  "Practice for after we're hitched." He claimed her mouth in another long, drugging kiss. It felt like he'd been waiting his whole life for the taste of her lips, waiting for someone who believed in him like she did. "As I said, I'm dyslexic. So for me, getting things right requires lots and lots of practice."

  "I see." She pulled his t-shirt over his head and ran her hands over his chest. "Well, anything I can do to help is fine with me."

  XXX

  Cupid Gone Wild

  A Valentine's Anthology

  from eTreasures Publishing

  Sometimes true love needs help. Five Cupids take on a challenge this Valentine's season:

  To match the most unlikely couple they can find.

  Love Potion 2-14

  by Pepper O'Neal

  White witch Kole Trillion has a successful business, customers who swear by her potions and spells. Unfortunately, she also has the bad luck to fall in love with a man who doesn't believe in magic, Police Detective Gage Corwin.

  Excerpt: Official Report

  Subject 1: Gage Corwin, Detective, Morro Bay Police Department

  Subject 2: Kole Trillion, white witch and owner of Trillion's Magic Closet

  "MOST UNLIKELY COUPLE" ASSIGNMENT

  In my opinion, these subjects were perfect for this assignment. They made a "most unlikely couple" because Kole Trillion was Detective Gage Corwin's prime suspect in a fraud case. He accused her of being a con artist and fleecing the customers of her shop. He absolutely refused to believe she was really a witch. And a good witch? Not a chance!

  To be honest, at first I only focused on them because Trillion issued me a challenge-not that she realized it-and I've never been able to resist a dare. Though on second thought, I probably would've targeted them eventually, because Corwin was such a hardass. Humans! What a joke they are. They think just because they live in what they call the "twenty-first century," it's acceptable to be cynical and scientifically minded. They don't even believe in magic anymore. So when I got the chance for a little payback on Corwin-well, what was I supposed to do?

  I didn't shoot Trillion. I didn't need to. The silly little fool was already half in love with Corwin. Poor thing. I also didn't shoot Corwin at first. I figured that in order to ensure I won the promotion, I should prove that Corwin and Trillion wouldn't have connected on their own. However, when he laughed at Cupids, well-as they say in the twenty-first century-all bets were off. Served him right, too. Didn't believe in Love. Hah! I guess I showed him.

  The Bachelor

  by Heather Hiestand

  Abbie Harper didn't mean to buy the date, but one look at Jake Cordalys and she's ready for red-hot romance. Jake is not looking for something complicated, but when Cupid is involved, all plans go out the window and romance flies in.

  Excerpt: Cupid's Report - In Progress

  Cupid 1127 here.

  I first encountered Unlikely Subject Abbie Harper on February 11th, while cruising Facebook for a most improbable pair to bring together. I would make an excellent personal assistant for you because I never, ever procrastinate. Also, I'm a thoroughly modern Cupid. Note my use of the Internet. I bet all the other cadets are out cruising the streets. How archaic!

  Every status on Abbie's profile was about her daughter. Clearly, she focused on family instead of herself, but I sensed longing beneath these updates for something else. This young widow needed to find love again, but my candidate would to have to be right under her nose. Like someone in her daughter's life.

  Abbie had Friended the Vancouver, Washington school her seven-year-old daughter attended and so I dug into the school's Friend list. Who did I find, you ask? The most unlikely match for her of all - Jake Cordalys. Yes, the guy is as sexy as they come, and certainly has no trouble finding the ladies, but true love has eluded him so far.

  Jake's a substitute teacher in the school. Not a perfect match for Abbie. In fact, I'm certain no one but me could brew true love between a wealthy youngish widow and a younger, poorer man, but I will make it happen. The impossible match!

  Love this complicated takes time to sort out!

  The Boss Wore Red

  by Delle Jacobs and SamMarie Ashe

  Alexandria Bergstrom was chosen because she desperately needed to alter the course of her life. Clint Riordan doesn't know what will make him completely happy until he meets Alexandria. By giving Alexandria this opportunity to discover her true past, their pairing will repair past mistakes and produce a new, brighter future.

  Excerpt: Cupid Report

  Alexandria Bergstrom & Clint Riordan

  Recognizing the challenge of creating the most distinctive and difficult match, this Cupid has chosen to re-visit a match gone wrong nearly three decades before, when a defective arrow forged an impossible bond between Robert Bergstrom and Regeena Scarlatti. While those two did fall in love, marry and produce offspring, the marriage turned tragically sour. Their daughter, Alexandria Scarlatti Bergstrom, has not, until this Challenge, known she had a father who cared about her. So it was time for these errors to be corrected. Please note that Robert Bergstrom's death was entirely coincidental, but this Cupid chose to make an opportunity from this sad situation.

  On the surface, Clint Jason Riordan, with his calm, even disposition and compassionate nature, due to his happy childhood, marred only by the sudden death of his father would seem an easy match for Alexandria. But like the failed generation that preceded them, these two proposed lovers have entirely different lifestyles, personalities and goals, which present nearly impossible obstacles to overcome. Alexandria, the fashionista with a fixation on color and clothing and the exciting nightlife of the Big City, she has no comprehension of Clint's love of rural ranch life and horses. Clint, on the other hand, finds city life distasteful, and has little respect for people he sees as shallow and callous.

  Nevertheless, this Cupid became convinced that this match needed to be made, regardless of the obstacles. It should be noted that an entire quiver full of arrows had to be dispatched at various intervals throughout the co
urtship. However, it is the belief of this Cupid that the expense was well worth the cost.

  Most respectfully submitted,

  Cupid 4259

  The Wrong Target

  by Sherry Gloag

  Headmistress, Tina Blackberry and Ryan Thomas can't control events after Ryan's daughter steals his coveted golden arrow and takes it to school. But put Cupid on the job and nothing can go wrong-or can it?

  Cupid Project 2011

  Objective: To match Subject 1 -Tina Blackberry, Headmistress, with Subject 2 -Sam Brown, English teacher.

  Unforeseen element: The arrival of subject 3 - Ryan Thomas.

  Every so often there are days that start badly and continue to go downhill. Today is one of those days. I often think humans assume Cupid's life is one big laugh. Well, I'm here to tell everyone it's not. I'm supposed to shoot arrows at the good folk down on Earth so people will find their true love. But, as I said, today started out badly and went downhill faster than an avalanche.

  Ms Tina Blackberry gave me no problem but her English teacher and soul mate was another matter. I mean, I had the arrow sighted on Sam's heart, and what happens? This stranger storms into Blackberry's office and walks right in front of Sam just as I let my arrow fly- and I hit the wrong target... The guy was as mad as a hornet before my arrow hit, but boy, did he blow right after. I thought he'd take off into the stratosphere. It didn't look good, but a hard working Cupid can salvage any match! Can't he?

  The Hollywood Hook Up

  by Chelsy Day

  Actor, Casey Jones, and stunt woman, Sandra Benson, have a history. Can Cupid get them past their animosity and prove that true love in Hollywood is NOT impossible?