Chapter Thirteen
For Sunday night book club, they met at Canon’s again. Since they’d swapped books the night of Albie and Canon’s breakup intervention and they all read fast, they were ready to switch. Ophelia arrived first, but visited with Grammie Nan before joining the men. They had already selected their new books.
Canon had vacuumed and brought the dinette chairs into the living room.
“What happens in book club stays in book club,” B.J. said.
“Are you talking about Disney karaoke?” Ophelia asked from the doorway, holding a plate of cookies.
Forrest covered his tomato-red face with his hands. “How did you—”
“I have my ways.” She glanced at Brad and giggled.
“Haven’t you noticed she’s been in the group chat from the beginning?” Canon pointed out.
“No shit.” B.J. rubbed his jaw, appearing constipated. “I, uh, apologize about all that stuff I teased Brad about.”
Blushing, Brad crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back. “Let’s talk about characterization.” He attempted diverting the conversation.
“Nice try.” Ophelia patted his knee.
“There’s a first time for everything, but B.J. was right about this book. Magic semen is the bomb,” Parker said, waving the paperback.
“I’m next in line to read it.” Canon said. Parker handed the book over and Canon flipped the novel, reading the back.
“Let’s get the series by the author,” Ophelia suggested.
The men glanced at each other. “Awesome.” B.J. jumped up, thrusting his fist in the air. The others gaped at him. “What? I love the world the author builds. It’s kinda like Firefly. You know, alternate earth history. Humans way, way in the future.” He put his hands out. “Of course, having a super-wanker is cool.”
“Talk about fiction,” Ophelia mumbled.
Brad raised his hand. “I enjoyed the world, too. It had rich characters. And even though this was in the middle of the series, I felt it was a standalone. I could sympathize with the non…” he coughed. “Non-super penis individuals. The author painted a picture of the dying race so well you cheer for them.”
“Here here,” Parker agreed.
Canon opened the book and read the beginning. The first few lines hooked him. Bar fight and damsel in distress. It’s a winner . When the doorbell rang, it spooked him. He dropped the book.
They glanced at him, and he rose. He hadn’t expected anyone else.
Forrest rubbed his hands together. “Maybe Nan made more cookies.”
Canon smiled. “It could be.” He rushed for the door. A murmuring broke out behind him as the guys and Ophelia sampled the homemade treats.
Canon pulled open the door with a huge smile. His smile dropped when he spotted Albie there. He couldn’t breathe.
“You haven’t replied to my texts,” she whispered.
He rubbed the back of his head, not knowing what to do.
“Let the girl in,” Ophelia said.
Canon stepped back, exposing the group to Albie. Her eyes widened, and she blushed, but she continued into the room, pulling her rolling suitcase. She paused alongside the sofa. She raised her hand, wiggling her fingers and offering a gracious smile. “Hello everyone. Book club?”
“Yes.” B.J. frowned and crossed his arms.
Ophelia glanced from Canon’s pained expression to the other men’s hostile glares. “So dear, I’m Ophelia Cox. Have you met the others?”
Albie nodded but still didn’t move.
“Did you have a pleasant visit?” Ophelia asked.
“Yes. My dad is going to be fine. Thank you for asking.”
“What happened to your dad?” Canon asked. Worry gnawed at his gut. Stepping beside her, he placed a palm on her shoulder.
Albie leaned into his touch. “I told you on the voice mail.”
“No, you didn’t. All I heard was that you were leaving me with short notice.” His gaze bored into hers.
“Oh, no. I’m sorry, Canon.” Albie bit her lip, then heaved a sigh. “The rest of the message about Dad must have cut off.” She waved a hand, her blush intensifying. “After we… went to bed, I noticed mom left me a voicemail. She doesn’t call that late. Ever. My dad had a diabetic reaction and went to the ER. It was pretty serious.”
“Oh, God, I’m sorry.” Canon took her in to his arms and hugged her. The sweet scent of her lavender shampoo tantalized his senses.
“It’s okay, Canon.” She gazed up at him. “You thought I left you?”
His breath caught. “I wondered what I did wrong.”
Albie took his face in her hands. “Nothing. You’ve done nothing wrong. I should have written a note. I’m sorry.”
“You aren’t leaving forever?” Canon asked.
She snuggled against him. “How can I leave my forever?”
His heart raced, and he turned her around and tipped her chin up. “Do you mean it?”
Albie smiled and nodded. She tiptoed and claimed his lips. Canon gasped, then relaxed into the kiss. His heart hammered, and he heated. Albie’s soft warmth pressed against him. She hadn’t left him. His heart soared, and he clung to her. She opened for him and his tongue swept in. She moaned and tightened her hold.
When they ended the kiss, B.J. started clapping. “Great show.”
Albie buried her face against Canon’s shirt. “Oh,” she squeaked, jumping back. “Mr. Doodles is in the car.” She raced out and within moments, she let the kitten out of his cat carrier. He darted out and under the sofa.
Canon sunk to the sofa and pulled Albie to his lap. With her hands around his neck, she sighed and said, “Carry on. I’d like to see what happens in this group.”
“What happens in book club stays in book club.” Forrest said, repeating B.J.’s earlier statement. Albie crossed her heart.
“Well dear,” Ophelia said, “we were discussing how the guys love an author who has created an alien with magical sperm. This sperm is so exceptional that any woman they have sex with becomes addicted to it and has the best orgasms of her life.”
“Nice fantasy,” Albie said.
“Have you read together?” Brad asked.
“Not yet,” Albie said. “He wouldn’t let me start in the middle. I agree. I’d like to start at the beginning.”
“Canon has the magic semen book now. There’s a lot of female pleasuring in the scenes,” Brad said.
Parker nodded. “Yep. I’ve read it too. Check out page forty-two. I starred it. Lisa particularly liked that chapter. It might be a winner for you two.” He eyed the young couple.
“Do you like ice cream?” Brad asked, winking at Parker.
“Yes, why?” Albie asked, sitting up.
“Good. It will be fine,” Brad said with a chuckle.
Albie leaned back against Canon. Her petite body wasn’t heavy, and he enjoyed the pressure against him. He hugged her tight, but after a moment, she sat up straight. “Are those Grammie Nan’s cookies?”
“Yes, ma’am” Canon said. Forrest pushed the plate toward her. There were pieces of cookies left. She took one and popped it into her mouth. “Mmm” she hummed.
“So Albie,” Jasen said, “You came back to Canon because of his Grammie Nan’s cooking.”
“No. Because of my B’SHOAF,” Albie declared with shining eyes.
“What’s that?”
“Me.” Canon said. He claimed Albie’s lips with renewed fervor.
After they broke apart, Albie said, “He’s my big, sexy hunk of a fireman.”
“Fire Man, huh?” Jasen teased. “I still think Batman is cooler.”
“No way,” B.J. said. “Superman and Spider-Man are better. They’ve got powers.”
Parker glanced at Brad, who rolled his eyes.
“I seem to recall Ms. Hardmann saying something about the Fire Man having a magic hose,” Forrest reminded, then chuckled.
Laughter filled the room. Even though Canon’s face flared hot, he mumbled, “In her dreams.”
“Probably,” Brad agreed.
Albie whispered, “In mine.” She giggled and blushed.
It’s one superpower he wouldn’t mind using. He tickled her and her laughter rang. Canon figured out his weakness. The sound of her joy and the way her face lit up melted his soul, melding it with hers. Canon gazed longingly into Albie’s sparkling eyes.
“I call this dare successful.” Forrest clapped his hands and rose.
“I second that motion,” B.J. stated.
“All in favor say ‘aye’,” Jasen added.
Everyone said, “aye.” The book club exited the duplex, leaving Canon and Albie alone.
Albie lifted the novel and opened the cover. “Chapter one…” She met Canon’s gaze, and they shared a grin.
He dropped to the sofa and patted the cushion beside him. Albie took a seat, tucking her feet under her. He draped an arm around her shoulders as she snuggled against him.
“I can’t wait to see my big sexy hunk of a firefighter’s interpretation of page forty-two.” She raised her hooded gaze and blinked slowly.
Canon’s magic hose reacted to her nearness. He squeezed her tight, his heart full. “I’m glad you came back.”
“I never left.”
Canon set the book aside. With a wolfish grin, he said, “AImee dim the lights.”
“Don’t you want to read?” Albie squeaked, as he pulled her onto his lap.
Canon hooked her chin, peering into her bright hazel eyes. “I don’t need a book for my happy ever after. I’ve already found it.”