Wishful Kisses: A Fountain of Love Novella Read Free Page A

continued to walk toward the condo.
    "So what do you think Dean and Matt's chances are with your friends?" he asked. I frowned, pulling back slightly. He smiled reassuringly at me. "I mean, I just want to know so I can buy them the appropriate ice cream when they get their hearts dashed to pieces."
    The idea of the big, muscled Matt crying into a container of ice cream was rather amusing. It wasn't something I could ever see happening.
    "Well, Jenny will go home with any guy who smiles and buys her a drink.," I answered honestly. "Rachel's fairly picky, but that Dean guy looks like just her type. She has a thing for blue eyes."
    "So, Dean has a shot with Rachel. That's good. He liked her, and Matt..."
    "Matt has a sure thing with Jenny," I interrupted. He raised his eyebrows at me. I shrugged. "I love my friends, but I do know their habits."
    I pulled out the keys from my pocket as we approached the front door of the condo. It looked small after the luxury of Tony's aunt's palace, but it was cozy and I liked it.
    "What about me?" Tony asked, leaning against the door frame as I unlocked the door and pushed it open. "What are my chances?"
    "Play your cards right, and you'll see," I teased. grinning at him. The guy was two steps from being inside my condo. He pretty much had a sure thing as well.
    "You mean like this?" He caught my arm, pulling me back onto the porch in a spin that landed me in his arms. He then palmed the back of my neck and pulled me into him, connecting our mouths in a kiss that took my breath away. His tongue traced the curve of my lips, begging for entry. I opened my mouth and let him kiss me more deeply, and holy cow, did he rock my world. The man could kiss. I hooked my fingers in the belt loops of his jeans, pressing myself into him. My world was spinning out of control with that perfect kiss, and he was the only solid thing I had to hold on to.
    He slowly released me from his kiss, leaving me gasping for more.
    "You're definitely on the right track," I whispered. He grinned, illuminating the night with his beaming smile. I stepped into the condo, my heart fluttering in my chest, glad that he was right behind me. This was going to be the best night of my vacation.

Chapter 3
    Present Day
    ––––––––
    T here was a small grocery store on the corner of the street by my apartment on my way to the coffee shop. I stood in front of it for a good minute, trying to decide if I should buy some coffee for tomorrow now, or on my way back. I decided on "now" because on my way back, I would have my hands full of delicious mocha latte.
    "Hi, Kim," a happy voice greeted me from across the quiet store. Penny, one of the employees waved at me. She was a cute, little college student that had worked in the store for the past few years. Since it was the only place I shopped, the two of us had become casual friends. I waved back and headed in her direction. She was restocking the coffee.
    "Anything new I should try?" I asked, trying to start a conversation. I thought that maybe a little human contact might make me feel better. Less lost in the world.
    "Nah, just same old same old," she said with a shrug. "Well, unless you count this as new..."
    She thrust out her left hand. A small, sparkly diamond glittered on her ring finger.
    "It's beautiful," I said, taking her hand and peering at the stone. I hoped I sounded excited, because I certainly didn't feel it. It wasn't that I wasn't happy for her, I really was, but someone else's wedding was the last thing I wanted to think about with Tony on my mind.
    "It was Jeremy's grandmother's," she cooed, grinning at the ring. "He proposed last night. It was super romantic."
    "That's wonderful!" I let go of her ring and forced my face into a happy smile. I really was happy for her, just jealous. Incredibly jealous.
    "I thought we were going out because he just got this big promotion. He got a dozen red roses, because they're my favorite, and made reservations at Le Chez..."