Epilogue 2

BELLA VALENTINO A/K/A AVA COSTA

This was not a good move.

Maverick McKinney entered my office like a bull in a china shop.

After speaking with Nina, I went through the list of guys that applied, reading their bios and trying to find a good fit for everyone. I narrowed it down to three that live within a fifty mile radius. I was scanning the list to find a name that looked familiar. Not that I know their friends well, but I did meet a few at the National Book Event.

Two of the men sound super sweet. Almost too good to be true but they listed their ‘dating downfalls’ as too nice and too eager. I don’t see a problem with that but if they want to come and listen to me spout off about being a possessive man, then so be it.

Women and their red flags.

And then I found the man Nina and Jay signed up. The name Maverick stood out like a sore thumb and I knew it had to be the guy I met at the event. He was handsome and funny but our brief interaction led me to believe his good looks gets him lots of women and his dirty sense of humor is what keeps the frat boy inside him from settling down.

But that third man to join today’s class is Maverick because Nina basically begged me to take him on. But knowing Nina and Jay wrote his bio making him look like Prince Charming, and remembering our quick conversation, I can already see what the problem is.

He reminds me of my ex husband.

Maverick is a good looking, good time guy down for fun, flirting and fucking. But anything more serious than a facebook status update and he’s out.

“I am definitely hot for the teacher!” Maverick whistles as he saunters into the room and claps hands with the other two men. He’s dressed neatly in jeans and a polo. A hint of a five o’clock shadow and ‘mussed on purpose’ hair make him very attractive. His dark eyes and full lips, plus a slightly bent nose add to his stunning appearance. His white sneakers tell me he takes care of what he has. But the godly swagger?

No thanks.

I lean against my desk, arms crossed waiting for him to settle down. He takes a seat, slouching in it, legs spread wide with a smug grin that reminds me why I didn’t like this guy from the start. He twirls his finger in the air. “Shouldn’t you be dressed differently? I imagined today’s class being taught by Britney Spears, circa 1998.”

Raising a brow but otherwise keeping a straight face, I switch my stance against my desk. “Gentleman, thank you for joining me today. I’ll start off by saying my friends and I are pleasantly surprised at the response for Building a Book Boyfriend and look forward to learning right along with you.”

Maverick scoffs. “I saw that video. Four drunk chicks thinking they can hypnotize men into doing what they want. You’re a little late sweetheart. That class has been sold already. It’s called ‘Power of a Good Pussy’.”

The two guys snicker beside him and he leans back in his chair again with a look that says ‘challenge me’. I stare him down, showing no emotion at his outburst. I’ve dealt with this type of guy before, hell, I married the frat boy. They do it for the reaction and I won’t be giving it to him.

“I personally have a passion for love and romance, and especially for helping people find their happily ever after. It’s why I love to write. I hope my words portray my emotions and maybe help people find out they feel similarly but didn’t know how to say it. Just recently, I had a couple get engaged after reading my latest release.”

The shy guy raises his hand. “I-I’m not ready to get married. I ju-just want to be able to t-talk to a woman without feeling nauseous.”

I smile at him as he stutters his way through his sentence. “No one’s getting married so don't worry. Nerves are a normal part of any interaction in meeting someone new. From speaking in front of crowds to a one on one date, being that center of attention, if it doesn’t come natural is a hard thing to break out of. It all comes down to practice.”

Maverick elbows the man. “Bruh, no ones talking when the lights go off and you’re in between the sheets. That's where the real practice comes in.”

“Mr. McKinney.” I snap out his name. “This is not sex ed. And if that's what you’re here for, I suggest you find another class.”

He stands and bows before me before saying, “I apologize. So, what are we here for?”

“As I explained in the video, which I’m sure you’ve watched on repeat,” I raise a brow and purse my lips, “we’re here to fine tune your romantic abilities. Our goal at BBB is to make you more aware of your woman and perfect those little nuances often seen in movies and read in books that will have your girlfriend, wife or new love sit up and take notice of the difference between you and every other guy she’s dated.”

“Jesus. How long did it take you to memorize that? You sound like a late night infomercial.” He stretches in his chair, his polo lifting slightly, just enough to see that happy trail that makes women drop.

But I’m so mad, I'm not noticing that. I’m about to lose it on this guy. My patience is wearing thin and I’m really trying to hold it together. I don't want to be unprofessional and I’ve dealt with plenty of guys like this one. But the more he pokes, the more I want to kick his ass out.

Taking a deep breath, I push from the desk and walk closer to the three men. “As I’ve said before, love is my passion. I believe one hundred percent in what my friends and I are doing here, and I believe in every single sentence I’ve ever written. This may look like a joke to you, but I assure you, it’s not to me. And it’s not to these gentlemen here or the other three hundred and twenty three who applied.”

“Okay, okay so what’s first on the schedule?”

“Today is meant as a get to know you day. I want to see how comfortable you are with learning and growing and where you stand status wise in a relationship right now. My friends decided to take on one client for now but I wanted to make sure I was finding the right client who’s here for the right reasons. My plan is one, but if two of you need help, I’ll do that, as well.” I wait for his reaction after mentioning two. I don't plan on taking Maverick at all.

“A threesome? I like it.” He snickers again and I break.

“Mr. McKinney! I don’t think this is going to work out.”

“Oh, baby girl, you’re breaking up with me already?”

I narrow my eyes. “I’m not your baby girl.”

“Aren’t you, though? Baby girl, sweetheart, princess.” I watch as he stands and moves to my office door, leaning his forearm against the door jam and dropping his head before lifting it again slightly, looking at me from under his lashes. “Tell me what you want me to say.” He says the last line an octave lower and my blood pressure boils.

“Since you’re already halfway out the door, say goodbye. You can come back when you take it seriously.”

His eyes flare. “I'll come back when you take that stick out of your ass.” And out the door he goes.

I inhale and exhale, closing my eyes as I do so. A moment goes by before I can calm myself and when I open my eyes, I’m met with the two guys still left in this class. Embarrassment washes over me but I maintain my composure.

“I apologize for that. Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with men like him a time or two which is exactly why I like my book boyfriends more than real men!” The three of us laugh together awkwardly.

Fuck. I’m going to kill my three besties for getting me involved in this.