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Chapter 14
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๋ฐ์ดํธ:
2022-05-30 22:04:27
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Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 15
Laura didnโt sleep well that night. She tossed and turned, her mind playing over the brief voicemail message that Angelo had left her canceling their second date, seeing him with the blonde woman at lunch, wondering what was really going on and feeling like she was a small bit player in a bigger, far more interesting play. The alarm finally went off at 6:30 a.m. She was exhausted. This was going to be a long day. She made it in to work. She hesitated about stopping in at Coffee Haven, but she figured that since Angelo had canceled their date, he wouldnโt be showing up there. She was right. Sullenly, she sat down at her desk, staring at her coffee cup. Thatโs where it had all started, an innocent little cup of coffee. Then, she was knee-deep in something unfamiliar and confusing. She thought about the highs of the initial spark of interest and attraction, then the lows of potential rejection and humiliation for putting oneโs heart at risk. She didnโt like the feeling th
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-02Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 16
Saturday afternoon finally arrived. Laura felt very nervous. She wasnโt sure about trusting Angelo or her defenses in the face of his undeniable charm and gorgeous looks. She didnโt want to get bamboozled by him and lose perspective or objectivity. She knew how much emotional pain that could lead to. She headed to the park, which was only a ten-minute walk from her apartment. She was dressed casually in jeans, sneakers, and a light green long sleeved sweater, which was slightly sheer with a black tank top underneath it. She wondered how this would go and where her life would be heading after this get-together. Alone? With Angelo? Limbo-land? She just didnโt know. Heck, she wasnโt even sure if heโd actually show. He obviously had a lot going on in his life, though she wasnโt sure what, so what did he need her for? She got to the park a few minutes late. She purposely wanted to be fashionably late, which wasnโt her usual style, but it seemed appropriate today. She held h
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-06Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 17
They headed over to Lauraโs apartment, polishing off their hot dogs as they walked. Angelo decided to leave his car parked where it was to avoid getting ketchup anywhere else. โSo, I finally get to see your place,โ Angelo said. She nodded. She felt more at ease with him now. โItโs not much,โ she said, โbut itโs home. You can meet my cat Jasper. He likes people.โ โGood to know. I wouldnโt want to get my eyes scratched out by a kitty who thinks Iโm his competition for your affection.โ Laura laughed and elbowed him. โI make no promises. He sees himself as the main man in my life.โ โUh oh, Iโll have to tread carefully.โ โYou got that right, mister.โ They reached her apartment. It was on the third floor in a five-floor building and had a tiny balcony. It was a modest apartment, but Laura had it decorated nicely with a Moroccan feel, lots of rich colors, rugs, tapestries and cushions, making it seem a little higher end and cozy than it would have otherwise.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-06Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 18
She didnโt answer as she felt his hardness. She smiled, then lifted herself a little to look down over his body. His bare chest was muscled, his stomach taut. She admired the way his dark hair accentuated his masculine lines, how it thickened in a narrow band down from his belly button, disappearing below the towel, the obvious signs of his arousal. He looked like a delicious gift she wanted to unwrap. She grabbed his wrists and pinned them with one hand above his head. He exhaled, his lips red and swollen. โYou have me in a vulnerable place,โ he said, his eyes lowering to her lips. He groaned as she shifted her leg against his, placing a bit more pressure keep his legs open. The towel draped down between his legs, showing his intimate male form even more. There was no way he could hold back what was happening to his body. She gave a sly smile as he shifted his hips. โYes, I do, donโt I?โ She was extremely aroused by the submissive role he was playing. The juxtaposition of
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-06Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 19
Laura and Angelo had fallen asleep together in her bed for a couple of hours that Saturday night. When they awoke, it was still only early evening and they were both starving, so they had ordered a large pizza and watched a movie. Angeloโs clothes were clean by then, so he had gotten dressed. They were very affectionate with one another and had a cozy, comfortable evening in one anotherโs company. Laura felt closer than ever to him after their very steamy, erotic encounter. Angelo headed home late that night. Laura had considered inviting him to stay over, but she wasnโt ready for that. Waking up with him, the morning after, spending a Sunday together, the implication of it all was just too much too soon for her, even though she was falling hard for him, even more so now. She needed more certainty in where she really stood with him. Sarah would give her heck, but she had still been too scared to ask those questions. She couldnโt handle hearing an answer she didnโt like right n
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-06Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 20
Laura blushed and her thoughts once again went zooming to that night. โI had hoped so, too.โ He was saying exactly what she wanted and needed to hear. โGood,โ he said, smiling. The waiter came back with their bottled water and to take their orders. Laura was starting to wish at this moment that she and Angelo were alone. Itโs just lunch, girl, she told herself, stay focused. They both ordered the lunch special. โVery good,โ the waiter said, then took their menus and departed. Angelo turned back to Laura. โI would like to invite you to a charity ball as my date.โ โWow, that sounds wonderful. Iโve never been to a charity ball before.โ โItโs quite an experience. Have you ever heard of the Dream Ball?โ Lauraโs face blanched. โThe Dream Ball?โ She swallowed hard. โEveryone in New York has heard of it.โ This wasnโt what she was expecting. He smiled. โWell, my family is one of the major supporters of it. We participate every year to raise money
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-06Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 21
Laura had worked late Monday night, and then spent a panicky rest of the evening rummaging through her closet, finding nothing even remotely suitable to wear, and then on the phone complaining about the situation with Sarah. Sarah wasnโt impressed that a man would give a woman so little notice for such an important event, no matter the excuse. She said that he shouldnโt have put her in a position like that. She emphasized how he had no consideration for Laura with respect to how much time and money goes into preparing for a high society event. Laura agreed. She was planning on turning down the invitation. Her life would be much simpler that way. She could spend a cozy Saturday night cuddling with Jasper. At least he didnโt put crazy demands on her. Maybe all I need is my cat, she thought to herself. We could live happily ever after. After having some treats and a nice, long tummy rub, Jasper seemed to agree. ***** Tuesday came and Lauraโs stomach was in knots. She
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-07Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 22
Saturday came and the night of the Dream Ball had arrived. Laura had spent the entire day getting ready. She had made appointments at her neighborhood salon for a mani and pedi and a blowout for her hair. Her regular stylist, Josie, had squeezed her in once Laura told her what the last-minute appointments were for. Laura was grateful to have the pampering. It relaxed her and it helped her to have someone to talk to about how nervous she was about the ball. They were just people, Josie told her. Just like them, just in a different set of circumstances. People were people. The rest was mostly dressing. Laura hoped what she said was true, but she was still uncertain. Laura had never been to such a formal, fancy function before, but Angelo had assured her he would take care of her and had filled her in on what to expect. She was working hard to shed her insecurities about not belonging. Finally, Angelo came to pick her up in a stretch limousine. Laura heard the buzzer.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2022-06-07
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Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 54 (Telos)
Six months later, Laura woke up feeling happier and more complete than she ever had in her life. She was now Mrs. Tsarkopolis. She lay there for a moment, letting her eyes adjust to the soft light streaming through the white curtains. She smiled as she felt the soft swaying of the 120-foot luxury yacht, the Sea Star, that Angelo had chartered for their two-week honeymoon through the Greek islands. He had wanted to show her where his family was from and do it in style. She closed her eyes again. She found the sensation of being on the water relaxing. She stretched and yawned, then rolled over. Angelo was still sleeping. The white sheet had slipped down to around his waist. Laura lay there looking at her husband. They had just spent their first night together as husband and wife. His face looked peaceful. She looked at his thick, dark hair, all askew, framing his face; the humidity giving it a wilder look. She loved it; it gave him an almost boyish charm. She looked at his long
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 53
Laura's jaw dropped in total shock. She recognized the tune right away. She looked to Angelo. โThis is my favorite song!โ He smiled. โI know. Sarah was kind enough to provide me with some valuable intel.โ Sarah winked at her. The guitarist and keyboardist started playing the familiar melody. It was instantly recognizable to the audience, who again cheered. Shanna closed her eyes, and swayed to the music. She started singing her song: Dreams Carried Me Through. Her distinctive, rich voice was clear and soulful. Lauraโs eyes began tearing up as she listened. She loved this song. She couldnโt believe this was happening, what Angelo had done for her. He saw her reaction and held her close, kissing her cheek. Nikolas was swaying to the music. Sarah and Barry smiled at them and held hands. Sarah knew how much that song meant to Laura. She had talked about it often, how it spoke to her. The audience was rapt, listening to Shannaโs unique and beautiful voice singing the well-
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 52
Three weeks after Laura had enthusiastically accepted the offer of a future position within the soon-to-be newly formed Bell Star division of Tsar Enterprises, Angelo arranged a celebratory evening at Painterโs Cove on Saturday night. Along with Sarah and Barry, who was taking the night off to just enjoy himself, Angelo brought Nikolas along. Painterโs Cove was three quarters full at this point and felt warm with colorful lights strewn about, giving a soft glow over the murals. Nikolas commented how it was a welcoming place, not pretentious, just comfortable and artsy. The five of them sat down at the best table in the house, with a good view of the stage, which Barry had taken the liberty of reserving. Laura snuggled into Angelo, his arm wrapped around her shoulder. His thick, dark hair had his usual tousled look. He was dressed in casual black jeans, a dark grey jacket and light blue button down shirt that set off his eyes nicely. His shirt collar was open a tasteful thr
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 51
Laura slept in with Angelo on Saturday morning. They took a shower together and he made her breakfast. She needed to get home to Jasper, so he gave her a ride home to Brooklyn. They had agreed to meet at Angeloโs place, Sunday around 11 a.m. to help with the preparations for Nikolasโ move. She was excited to finally meet his brother. She spent a few hours doing things at home and had some quality kitty time with Jasper before meeting Sarah at Painterโs Cove for dinner and drinks to get caught up on one anotherโs love lives. When Laura arrived, Sarah was already there, sitting at the bar talking to Barry. She noticed immediately how affectionate they were with one another. After a quick greeting, she and Sarah went and sat down at their own table to talk privately. Laura was happy to learn that Sarahโs relationship with Barry had also progressed rather well. They toasted to the fact that they had both now fallen in love with great guys and secretly shared a few choice detai
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 50
His eyes were riveted on her. She wore only his t-shirt, which was huge on her, and panties. She grabbed his hand and placed it under the roomy t-shirt, on her stomach. Her eyes were warm with desire. He leaned forward, pulling her close to him. He wrapped his arms around her, burying his face into her stomach. She held his head in her hands, running her fingers through his thick, dark hair, still damp from his shower, and bent over him. He could feel the touch of her breasts through the t-shirt. He slid his hands up and caressed her bare back, relishing the feel of her skin. โI constantly crave touching you, feeling your body.โ โAnd I want you to,โ she whispered into his ear. She writhed in his grip, letting him know his touch was pleasurable, desired. His strong hands moved to her waist, then felt the curve of her hips. She swayed her hips in response, inviting his further touch. His hands tightened their hold on her hips. He felt the edge of her panties, and
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 49
Laura hesitated, then turned back. She made it back to her doorway then stopped. She placed a hand on the doorframe, not sure which way she should go. She felt a swell of emotion for the man behind the door at the end of the hall. She took a deep breath and padded down the hall to his door. She listened. She didnโt hear anything. She looked down. The light was still streaming through. โHere goes nothing,โ she whispered to herself. She knocked on the door. No answer. She knocked again, this time a little louder. โAngelo? Are you still up?โ Still no answer. She was about to turn back around when she felt a swell of confidence. She knocked one more time. โAngelo, can I come in?โ Still nothing. She bit her lip. She placed a hand on the doorknob, then turned it. Her heart was beating furiously in her chest. She opened the door and peered inside. He was sitting up on the far side of his king-size bed, propped up against some pillows, his bedside lamp
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 48
They held each other for a while, looking at the flames flickering in the gas fireplace, each lost in thought about their conversation tonight. Angelo got up to make them some herbal tea. Laura sat staring out his large windows, marveling at the nighttime view. She felt like she was in a dream. But she wasnโt. This was real. He was real. And she loved him with all of her heart and soul. Angelo came back with the tea and they stayed up talking for hours. The night was growing late and soon they grew quiet again. Finally, Angelo had to ask a question. โItโs getting late. I donโt mean to pressure you or anything, but I wanted to let you know that youโre welcome to stay the night here. With me. If you wanted.โ She looked at him. She wanted to, very badly, but part of her still felt slightly guarded. She hesitated to answer. โI, um, hadnโt planned to stay. I didn't pack an overnight bag or anything.โ He looked at her and nodded. โAnd I suppose, much of tonight's
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 47
He nodded, looking down at her hand. โTheyโre married now, that also happened pretty fast. When the engagement ended last year, I stopped dating for awhileโฆuntil I met you.โ He looked back up at her and smiled. โReally?โ she asked, the surprise evident on her face. โReally. Why do you look so surprised?โ he asked. โBecause, you were one of New York Cityโs most eligible bachelors, and like I said youโre gorgeous, young, successful. I would think it would be impossible for you not to have women constantly hanging all over you, workaholic or not.โ He shook his head. โAfter the kind of experiences I had I felt pretty used and rather jaded. Plus, my father also died last year and when I was appointed CEO, my life changed dramatically. It was hard to lose him like that and at the same time get thrust into such an all-consuming and demanding role.โ Laura felt for him. โThat must have been a terribly difficult time for you.โ He nodded. โI wasnโt in a good place so
Struck by Love ย ย ย Chapter 46
She squeezed him tight. She actually felt relieved to have gotten that off her chest. After a few moments, she figured sheโd just get the rest of her rather unremarkable dating history out. She sighed. โAfter that thereโs not a lot to tell. Iโve had a couple of dates with guys who never called back, some dates where I just wasnโt feeling it. Nothing that lasted too long. After Aaron, my longest relationship was about three months. His name was Brad. He ended up getting a job in Dubai. I had no intention of moving. But it wasnโt that big of a deal, we werenโt really that serious.โ She looked over at the fireplace, then down at her glass. โThe last guy I dated, we went out for maybe three weeks, split as soon as we'd slept together. That was not quite a year and a half ago.โ She looked over at Angelo. โNot the best track record, hey?โ โIt helps me understand you better,โ he said gently. โWhy I mightโve made you nervous.โ Laura felt her face flush. โWell that, and just the fa
