Destined for Love Read online

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I have two kids to feed. Most apartments are twice the price as this one,” Melanie said.

  Val looked from one neighbour to the other. “Maybe Mrs Osgood can extend the time.”

  Melanie shook her head and her dark curly hair brushed over her shoulders. “I spoke with her and asked. She said the city has plans to tear down the building.”

  Val wanted to throw her arms up and scream. She’d lost her only source of income, and now her home. Terri’s idea of moving in with Thomas was sounding better by the second.

  “Then I guess we don’t have a choice.” Val unlocked her door then pushed it open.

  Mr Buchanan shook his head as he headed for the stairs. “It’s a sad day. I’ve lived here nearly twenty years. Never thought I’d leave it.”

  “It’s a sad day for all of us.” Melanie escorted him then stopped at her door.

  Val stepped into her apartment. A sad day didn’t begin to explain everything she’d been through since this morning. “Have a good evening.” She shut her door and locked it.

  Val walked into her apartment and stopped at the kitchen counter. What more could go wrong? The entire day had gone straight down the toilet.

  She placed her bag and purse on the countertop. The red light on the answering machine blinked, signalling a message. She wanted to call Thomas and inform him of her miserable day, but opted to listen to her machine first. Finger over the play button, she pressed it.

  “Val, it’s Thomas.” He paused and sighed into the phone. “I’ve been thinking and I’ve decided I want to date other women. I hate to do this to you, but I met someone else and I really like her. I think you’re a great person, Val, and I hope you don’t hate me. Good luck.”

  The sound of his cold and heartless voice made it clear he had no sympathy for her feelings. He’d made up his mind about what he wanted, had ditched her, and had already moved on. Wow.

  She tilted her head back and stared up at the ceiling. Why me? Why now? What had she done to deserve all this misery? Although she wasn’t much of a churchgoer, she still believed in God. Was this his way of testing her? Why?

  She lowered her head. No job. No home. No boyfriend. Was there anything else she could lose before the day ended? She still had her health. Maybe she shouldn’t question any more in case it was the next item on the list.

  Tears built in her eyes and her stomach tightened. She fought the urge to cry and throw up by thinking about Thomas. Kicking him in his balls would help comfort her.

  What a lousy day this has been. Everywhere she went, trouble showed its ugly face. But there was one place where beauty thrived and the world was peaceful. She picked up her keys and purse from the counter. The drive to the beach would take half an hour. She could sit, watch the waves, and enjoy the sunset. It would be a perfect end to a shitty day.

  She hurried from her apartment to her car. Within minutes, she was back on the interstate. The entire time she drove, she created a hefty list of items to do on Saturday. Need to touch up résumé, clean laundry, clean the apartment, make a grocery list of the bare necessities, search for a new place to live, and create back-up plans in the event I can’t find a job or a home in thirty days.

  By the time she’d parked at one of the lots at the beach, a light headache had emerged. She’d never faced so many challenges at once, and frankly, she was frightened. After tucking her purse under the seat, she exited the car, locked the doors, then shoved her keys into her pocket.

  The crashing of waves soothed her ears while fresh ocean air filled her lungs. Day or night, she’d always found tranquillity at the beach. Even with all her worries, she still found that sense of calmness. She walked near the water, inches from where it had rolled up on the sand. A jogger headed towards her, and not another soul was in sight. Most people were probably having dinner.

  She’d walked well over a mile from where she’d parked before she sat to watch the sun setting. Seagulls squealed and the ocean lapped on the shore. In the sky, magic transformed. Beautiful shades of pink, blue, purple, and peach appeared. Her life was in the crapper, but, for the moment, she had a gorgeous sunset to reflect upon.

  The clang of glass knocking against a hard surface stole her attention from the beauty in the sky. She scanned the area, searching for the source of the noise. The water receded and revealed a dark green beer bottle. Typical. Someone had left their garbage on the beach even though the city had placed plenty of trash cans near the parking lots. Since she believed in keeping Mother Earth clean, Val rose and headed for the bottle.

  She waited for another wave to roll away before stepping on the wet sand and claiming the glass. As she walked to the dryer part of the shoreline, she inspected the beer container. Oddly, it had a cork wedged in the neck. The bottle felt light, and strange markings etched in the dark glass made her wonder where it had come from and whether it had contained any liquor. Curious to know if something was in the bottle, she gripped the round edge of the cork and tugged.

  Following a loud pop, a whoosh of air tossed her hair in front of her face and blocked her vision. A gust of wind knocked her off her feet. She fell backwards, throwing the beer bottle in the air and flinging her arms to keep balanced, which didn’t work. Anyone walking by would’ve undoubtedly thought she was drunk. Her butt smacked on the sand then the rest of her upper body continued on a backward descent. A bright light flashed and she gasped, then her head landed on something soft. She blinked to clear her vision. When she could see again, she found a gorgeous hunk standing over her. He had blue eyes, blondish-brown hair, and the most beautiful lips she’d ever seen on a guy. He gave her a kind smile.

  Her heart fluttered as one thought surfaced in her mind. I’ve died and gone to heaven.

  Chapter Two

  “Are you all right?” the innocent-looking man with blue eyes asked. He hovered above Val.

  She stared into his dreamy eyes. “Huh?” She took in a deep breath and picked up a slight cinnamon scent. The pleasing aroma tickled her taste buds.

  His light brown eyebrows rose slightly. “Are you okay?”

  “I got it,” Val heard another masculine voice say.

  She tilted her back and found a stranger walking towards her. He stopped on her side and held up the dark green beer bottle to Mr Blue Eyes. “It’s still in one piece.”

  His charming smile, dark hair and hazel eyes warmed her skin. He wore a white, unbuttoned shirt, revealing a strong chest with solid muscles all the way down. Her heart picked up more beats. Two gorgeous hunks surrounded her. She had to be in heaven.

  “Nice job,” said Mr Blue Eyes, hovering above her.

  Val shifted her gaze to the cute guy with blondish-brown hair. “Who are you?”

  The corner of his lips curled. “I’m James, and this is Mark. We’re…roommates.”

  “In a manner of speaking,” Mark said.

  Movement underneath her head made her jolt upright.

  “Careful,” James said. “You took quite a fall. I managed to stop your head from hitting the ground, but you might have other injuries to your back or—”

  “I’m fine.”

  She looked around the beach. The sun had dipped beyond the horizon, which was a good indication she hadn’t blacked out. Except for a few birds, they were alone, which made her wonder where Mark and James had come from.

  “I don’t recall seeing either of you on the beach a minute ago.”

  James smiled, and her heart accelerated. “You found us.”

  She couldn’t help but stare at the hunk. Like Mark, he wore an unbuttoned shirt and jeans. She glanced down and spotted light blond hairs on his chest. And, dear Lord, he had a six-pack to die for, too. Swallowing hard, she blinked and looked away.

  “I’m sorry, I…” She scratched her head and looked up at Mark. “How did I find you? Maybe I did hit my head.”

  Mark chuckled and showed a perfect set of white teeth. “What’s your name, sweetie?”

&nb
sp; Her pulse quickened and she felt flushed. He’d called her sweetie. “Valerie. Val for short.”

  James rose and held out his hand to help her. “Val, we’re here to help you.”

  Help her? How did they know she needed help? Considering how her day had been one heaping pile of crap, she wasn’t about to refuse assistance from a stunning man—especially not from two of them.

  She accepted his offer of help, and he gently pulled her to her feet.

  “Careful,” James said.

  “I really am fine. I think.” She looked from one man to the other. They were models—heart-thumpingly attractive and were making her hornier by the second. How on earth did she get lucky enough to find them?

  Mark stepped closer to her. “Maybe we should take you home.”

  “That’s a good idea,” James said. “We can discuss this at your place and clear everything up.”

  “Clear everything up?” Confusion picked at her brain. What did he mean?

  He grinned. “Come on. We won’t hurt you. I give you my word.”

  Mark walked along her other side, holding the beer bottle. “Do you feel all right, love? One of us can carry you.”

  The headache she’d lost earlier slowly returned. Sweetie? Love? Clear things up and carry her? On top of all that, James had given his word they wouldn’t hurt her. Something terrible had gone wrong. She had to be dead. But if she was in heaven, why bother going to her car, or apartment? Two attractive men were escorting her and her hormones were running wild. Why not take advantage of the opportunity and have fun?

  Val quickly answered her own question. Things were never what they seemed. The evidence lay in the bottle Mark was carrying. Perhaps she’d blacked out and the two men had been walking along, drinking, and had found her.

  “This is very strange,” she said, rubbing her temple to ease the growing ache.

  “Does your head hurt?” James brought her to a stop. He turned her to face him then placed his hands on the sides of her face. “Let me help you.”

  Val stood frozen while he gently massaged her forehead with his thumbs. Each swirling motion generated a soft wave that soothed her mind, similar to the way the sound of the ocean brought her peace. She felt relaxed within seconds, and free from worry. Hell, she felt ready to melt in his arms if he kept touching her. And he did. When he tenderly caressed her with his fingers, electrical tingles spread through her body. Her nipples ached and moisture dampened her panties.

  “Relax, Val. We’re here to help you.” James’ voice sounded soft, seductive and as smooth as honey.

  Mark slid his arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground. “Don’t fight it, sweetheart. Just relax.”

  James took the beer bottle from Mark. “Just tell us where to find your car and let us do the rest.”

  When Mark started walking, Val locked her arms around his neck. “But don’t fall asleep on us. You’ll still need to give us directions to your place.”

  Could she fall asleep in the arms of an attractive man with another one nearby? Never. Her body had awakened from James’ touch. She yearned for more, and she wanted to know about the two gorgeous men.

  “Keep walking, and I’ll tell you when to head for the top of the hill. It’s quite a ways. Are you sure—?”

  He chuckled. “I could carry you for days and never grow tired. You’re a flower to me, delicate, beautiful, and in need of love.”

  That did it. She knew right then that she’d died. No man had ever said such a thing to her. She didn’t know if she should kiss him or cry.

  “I’m dead, right? Something happened, and I died.”

  “You’re far from dead, sweetheart,” Mark said, smiling. “Far from it.”

  “Who are you?”

  “Think of us as your knights in shining armour,” James said. “You want something, and we give it to you.”

  She pressed her lips together while her mind processed his words. Her wants were growing by the second. Sure, she wanted a job, a home, and fewer worries in her life, but, in the arms of such a handsome man, her body longed for attention.

  “Where did you come from?” she asked.

  “You won’t believe me if I tell you,” Mark answered. “And it’s not really important. All you need to know is we’re here to help you.”

  “Help me how?”

  “However you wish,” James said.

  Too strange. “If I want you to clean my apartment, or go shopping for me, you’ll do it?”

  James smiled. “If that is what you wish.”

  If I'm not dead, am I dreaming? But why would he continue to carry an empty beer bottle in my dream? Did he want to discard it properly just as I did? It was a rational possibility. Even in dreams, morals and values revealed a bit of truth about a person.

  “You’ve had a long day. The best thing for you to do is relax and rest,” Mark said.

  “You have no idea the kind of day I’ve had.”

  His lips stretched into a sly grin. “Darling, bad luck happens to everyone.”

  “I lost my job, my boyfriend, and my home, all in less than twenty-four hours. If you hang around me for too long, something bad might happen to you.”

  He tilted his head back as he laughed. “Oh, you are truly a unique one. Don’t worry, love, nothing will happen to us.”

  She kept her mouth shut and gazed into Mark’s hazel eyes. For several long minutes, he stared back. He’s a stranger, yet I feel safe with him. Why? Why am I not freaking out?

  She mentally laughed at herself. She didn't know the answer but she knew with certainty that, if Mark kissed her, she’d strip her clothes off and let him have his way with her, regardless of the fact that he was a stranger. The smoking hot man titillated her core with his words and beautiful eyes.

  “I’m glad you found us,” Mark said.

  She gave him a confused look. “How did I find you?”

  “This.” James lifted the bottle.

  “It’s a beer bottle someone forgot to throw in the trash.” Surely, he had to be joking. How could a liquor container have brought them together?

  “This is more than a mere bottle,” James said.

  “Darling, that glass is our home.”

  Chapter Three

  Val gripped the wheel as she drove to her apartment. James had tried to talk her into letting him drive so she could relax in the back with Mark. It was a very tempting offer, but, after hearing Mark’s words about their home being the glass bottle, she had decided to put her feet on the ground and wake up to reality. How could they live in a beer bottle? These men have to be drunk or crazy. But they don’t reek of alcohol and they don’t act stupid or immature like a drunk would. They’re kind and compassionate. Maybe I’m the crazy one. Damn, their cinnamon scent makes me want to roll my tongue down the muscles along their torsos. I need to know more about them.

  After they had reached her car, she took the reins in the driver’s seat, Mark sat in the back, and James rode next to her.

  “Do you live alone?” James asked, his head at an angle as if he had been watching her closely.

  “Yes.”

  “And you lost your boyfriend?”

  “Well, he left me.”

  Mark peered between the seats. “The man was a fool. You are much better off without him.”

  She glanced over her shoulder then back at the road. Who was this stranger sitting in the back seat? He knew nothing about her. How could he possibly know she was better off without Thomas?

  “Mark’s right. Any decent man wouldn’t give up such a beautiful woman.”

  James smiled and a tingle spread straight to her sex. She brought her thighs closer together.

  “But you don’t know me. I could be some crazy person, a serial killer, or someone who hasn’t cleaned their toilet in months. Maybe I gave him a good reason to leave.”

  Mark chuckled. “Oh, I love your sense of humour. You are a special one.”

  Val shook her head. If they knew how unique she was
with all her bad luck, they’d run.

  “Do you have a home nearby?” she asked. “Do you want me to drop you off somewhere?”

  James bent slightly then lifted the bottle from the floor. “This is our home, and right now, we’d rather stay with you for a while.”

  She tightened her grasp on the steering wheel. Why did they continue to make up such a strange story? “A bottle is your home? Seriously?”

  “We’ll explain it when we get to your place.” James handed the glass to Mark.

  Val inhaled a deep breath. The explanation had better be a good one, or she would have to consider calling the police. They hadn’t done anything to harm her, but, the way her day had gone, she wasn’t about to let her guard down.

  From the interstate, she took the main roads to her cosy little town. She glanced in the rear-view mirror a few times to check on Mark. He seemed curious as he stared out of the window, as if he was a visitor in a strange city. Unusual. She looked at James, and unlike Mark, he had his attention focused on her.

  “You have nothing to fear from us,” James said as she flipped on her signal.

  She brought the car to a stop, and waited for the traffic to clear. “You say that, but you claim you live in a beer bottle. I’m sorry, but that’s not normal. Either I am in some kind of warped dream, or you’re crazy.”

  The last car passed by, then she turned down the side street. Finding an empty space, she parallel-parked then cut the engine.

  James reached over and placed his hand on top of hers as she withdrew the key from the ignition. “Can you feel my hand?”

  His warmth spread up her arm, giving her a slight chill down her spine.

  “What does it feel like?”

  “Warm,” she replied.

  “You’re not dreaming, and we’re not crazy. This is real. You just need to open your mind and accept it.”

  Mark appeared from between the seats. “I don’t know about you two, but I am starving. Can we go now?”

  James slid his hand from hers. As she sat for a few seconds, watching him exit the vehicle, she considered his words. She’d felt his soft touch and his warmth, just as she had earlier when he’d massaged her forehead. The man was real, solid flesh and gorgeous. And he didn’t seem crazy. Maybe she was.