Checking Every Box (InstaLove Lists 1 of 2)

Checking Every Box

(InstaLove Lists 1 of 2) 

By Haley Travis

Copyright 2020 Haley Travis.  All rights reserved.  Cover design by Lexie Renard.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted or duplicated in any form whatsoever without express written permission of the author. This book is intended for sale to adults only. This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to actual people or specific locations or details is completely coincidental, or intended fictitiously. All characters are over 18, no sex partners are related, all sex is consensual. This is fantasy. In the real world, everyone practices safe sex at all times. Right? Right.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One ~ Heather

Chapter Two ~ Steve

Chapter Three ~ Heather

Chapter Four ~ Steve

Chapter Five ~ Heather

Chapter Six ~ Steve

Chapter Seven ~ Heather

Chapter Eight ~ Steve

Chapter Nine ~ Heather

Chapter Ten ~ Steve

Chapter Eleven ~ Heather

Chapter Twelve ~ Steve

Chapter Thirteen ~ Heather

Chapter Fourteen ~ Steve

Epilogue ~ Steve

Other Stories and About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

* Heather *

I knew it was going to be a weird day when I was stuck on six across, Four letter word for desire. Tapping my pencil against the free newspaper on the subway, I realized it had been so long since I’d felt any desire at all. It couldn’t be love since the last letter was a T. Could it be want?

Dammit. I wanted to feel some spark, some desire. It had been far too long since I’d even considered it.

Yet now was not the right time. According to my life plan, I should start looking for a boyfriend next month, once I’d worked at my brother’s real estate brokerage for a full year. No distractions until I was settled. It was the only logical schedule, and I almost always stuck to my lists.

My older brother Joel had taken a chance by hiring me, and there was no way I would let him down. He knew that I was a good worker, but I was often a bit shy and skittish. Finally, after completing some administration courses, I found a way to hold myself together.

I just made lists, then checked off boxes. It was an incredibly simple concept, but somehow looking at everything in a tidy, linear format made me feel like I was in control. No matter how scattered or anxious I felt, once I saw everything in a row, I knew that I could handle it.

My schedule for finding a boyfriend could begin after I had a little financial stability, and could spend a bit more effort on my hair, my wardrobe, and going out to meet interesting men. Right now, my plain dresses and long, straight hair was a prim, quiet look that likely wouldn’t turn many heads.

Giving up on the crossword for now, I squished out of the subway with a crowd of people, and walked the block to the fancy blue glass building that held Highfield Real Estate Brokerage. Joel’s company was on the twenty-second floor, so I was glad I was running a few minutes early as I waited for the elevator.

I was accustomed to shuffling into the small space with a dozen people, but today everyone seemed a little extra aggressive. I found myself being shoved against a tall man in a perfect black suit. As I stumbled, I put my hands out to stop myself from falling, landing with my palms flat on his chest.

Instantly his arm slid around my waist, holding me. Are you all right? he asked. His voice was deep, but it was a gentle tone.

Looking up, I couldn’t believe that such deep blue eyes belonged to a man with such black hair and tan skin. I’m fine, sorry, I practically whispered. Snatching my hands away, I turned slightly so that we were shoulder to shoulder. Well, his was nearly a foot above mine.

Everyone must be in a ferocious hurry today, he said, shaking his head. I thought we were all supposed to be mellow on Fridays.

Looking up to smile back at his warm grin, I couldn’t believe how handsome he was. Tall, and wide through the shoulders with a sweet smile and piercing eyes. Although I hadn’t revised my list of most attractive qualities in a man lately, so far he was checking every box.

Feeling like I was blushing, I turned away quickly, slipping off the elevator and walking quickly to my desk. Pulling my phone and newspaper out of my bag, I set them down next to my water bottle, then turned to go to the coffee room. But there was a massive black suit in my way. He must have followed me straight off the elevator.

Hello again, he said. I’m Steve Oxford, with a nine am appointment for Joel Highfield.

Peering across the hall, I could see that my brother wasn’t in his office yet.

I’m sorry, Mr. Oxford, I said, channeling my best attempt at a confident tone. Mr. Highfield had a breakfast meeting, but I’m sure he’s on his way in. If you don’t mind having a seat, I’d be happy to fetch you a coffee.

Lust.

A shiver ran through me, as I realized that was indeed what I was feeling for