Love At First Glance (Love At Firsts Book 1)

  LOVE AT FIRST GLANCE

  Copyright © 2015 by Muriel Garcia

  All rights reserved.

  This book is a word of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author makes no claims to, but instead acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the word marks mentioned in this work of fiction.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.

  Editing & blurb by Ellie Aspill

  Formatting and cover by Muriel Garcia/S&M Design

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  TABLE OF CONTENT

  TABLE OF CONTENT

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  EPILOGUE

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  ALSO BY MURIEL GARCIA

  CONNECT WITH MURIEL

  AUTHOR’S BIO

  To Ellie and Charlotte,

  You both have been with me since pretty

  much the beginning and I'll forever be

  grateful to have you both by my side

  Your continuous help and support mean

  the world to me. Thank you for keeping

  me sane and for pushing me when I doubt

  myself. This book if for both of you.

  For being such great friends. I love you both.

  My name is Haven Lee and I hate Mondays.

  PROLOGUE

  Ugh…Mondays…

  I.

  Hate.

  Mondays.

  I hate them with such a passion that you can feel the loathing emanate from me like a little cloud of rage. Honestly, you could use my anger during the day to provide energy for a small town.

  They are horrendous.

  They are quite literally the worst day of the week. You’ve just spent two days with your family or friends, relaxing or partying and BOOM, without warning, Monday rears its ugly head with a vengeance. Everybody goes back to work all grumpy and depressed because the weekend has flown by at the speed of a bullet whilst the working week drags like tortoise. Mondays are always torturous. No matter how busy or full your day is, it’s always depressingly long.

  Today should’ve been like any other Monday: slow, back to back meetings and endless tasks, but this Monday wasn’t. Nothing could've prepared me for what this Monday would throw at me.

  I knew Mondays sucked but, this much? I never thought it’d be possible.

  Let me walk you through my morning.

  I woke up at seven thirty, as usual. Well, after I snoozed my alarm clock about ten times. I am by no means a morning person. Thank god for Bernard, my saving grace. If I press the snooze button too much, I can count on him to wake me up. He’s the sole reason that I’m not late for work every day and haven’t been fired. I honestly don’t know what I would do without him. Anyway, I digress. I begrudgingly woke up and clambered out of bed, but not without Bernard’s morning petting. Oh yeah, I should probably mention that Bernard is my six month old Siamese kitten.

  I stumbled to the kitchen to feed an impatient Bernard before making my way to the bathroom to take a much needed shower in a vain attempt to wake myself up. At this point, there really isn’t much that can do the job properly that doesn’t contain caffeine. I pulled the glass shower door open and let out the loudest scream in the history of the world. I didn’t even know it was possible for me to be so loud and high pitched. I mean it was slasher-movie-scene worthy. You’d think I’d have found a dead body in my shower or even the killer, but no, just an eight legged monster. I’m not talking about a small one; I’m not that big of a wuss. Oh no, I’m talking about a huge ass spider that could eat a person alive. No joke. Needless to say, I skipped my shower. That was the first sign that today would suck balls. I should’ve known better. Finding a spider isn't that unusual, but I should have realized that it was a sign today wouldn't be any good.

  Upon finding the evil creature, I ran straight to my room, grabbed my hairspray and proceeded to spray the shit out of the spider before running water over it to wash it down the drain. My final arachnid assault consisted of putting a huge pot over the drain so the little bugger couldn’t come back to haunt my ass. I’d get Adam, my boyfriend of three years, check if it's still there when he gets back from his business trip tonight.

  After securing the bathroom, I backed out slowly, keeping an eye on the pot and half ran back to my room to get ready. Perfume and deodorant will have to do today. Not that I’m dirty, I did take a shower last night, but I love showering in the morning and it does help me wake up a little. I got ready quickly and left the apartment, not bothering with breakfast. Luckily, I live close to work and there’s a Starbucks on the way so I can get up as late as humanly possible and not have to worry about food. I stop for a coffee to go and, especially after this morning’s event, indulge in some sugary goodness.

  After my much needed coffee fix and a chocolate chip muffin with a liquid caramel center, the left heel of my favorite Louboutin's broke. I got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk, stumbled and nearly fell face first onto the concrete. Strike two for this Monday. Thankfully, a kind gentleman caught me just in time. He helped me regain my balance before kneeling down in front of me. He tapped my right ankle for me to lift my foot and removed my shoe before breaking the other heel, all the while grinning up at me.

  “Not really in style but at least you shouldn’t fall over anymore.” He smirked and kept ahold of my ankle for a few seconds too long before he placed my shoe back in on my foot.

  “Shouldn’t being the key word. Thank you.” I smiled at him, grateful that he literally saved my life.

  “You’re more than welcome. Have a nice day and keep smiling.” He winked at me and started to walk down the street.

  “You too.” I watched him disappear in the sea of people. Looking down at my broken shoes, I cursed Adam. Real Louboutin's? Real my ass!

  I walked the rest of the way to work like an idiot, but I guess it was better than walking with a broken heel and falling over again. I greeted Barry, the security guard, with a slice of carrot cake like I do every Monday before making my way to my office. Sighing, I sat down already exhausted despite it being only eight thirty.

  “It’s going to be a long day,” I muttered to myself.

  I barely had time to turn on my computer and log in when my boss called me into his office. I just can’t catch a break this morning! It’s not unusual, but we have a meeting at ten and we had already discussed the details for it on Friday. I’ve been the assistant to one of the best publicists in Colorado for the past four years, and while I love my job, it's not my dream job
. My dream job is to work for a magazine. I don't mind which one, just getting the chance to get my words and opinions read by people would mean the world to me, but until the opportunity presents itself, I'll stay here as an assistant. I don't mind working here, it's just not rewarding.

  “Mr. Winston, you wanted to see me?” I asked as I poked my head round his door. He motioned for me to come in and sit down as he finished a phone call. He hung up quickly and looked at me nervously.

  “Miss Lee.”

  “Is everything okay, Mr. Winston?” I looked at him confused by his behavior.

  “Ah. This isn’t easy for me to do.” He sighed.

  “What isn’t easy? What are you talking about?”

  “You’ve been with us for the past four years now, and whilst it’s been an absolute pleasure to have you with us, the economy isn’t what it used to be. We’ve had to make some cuts and, unfortunately, your position is no longer available,” he said sadly, crushing me with every single word.

  “You’re firing me?” I screeched.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Lee, it wasn’t an easy decision.”

  “Not an easy decision, my ass! We both know you’re going to hire someone straight out of college so it’s cheaper for you,” I said, seething at his decision.

  “Now, there’s no need to get this upset.” The fucking cheek of it!

  “No need? You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me! You’re firing me, and on a Monday to top it all off, for someone you’ll pay half my salary. This is how I’m thanked after I helped you finalize the car campaign on Friday! You’re not the one who needs this ridiculously underpaid job to pay the bills.”

  “Miss Lee, calm down. I have a recommendation letter for you and a magazine that is interested in hiring you. You’re a hard worker and whilst I know it’s unfair to you, we really had to make cutbacks. I’m sorry you were one of them, you’ll be greatly missed.”

  “This is fucking bullshit.” I sighed. Feeling defeated, I took the recommendation letter and the letter of dismissal. I know I should’ve thanked him for his recommendation and the lead at a magazine, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

  After leaving his office I walked into mine, well my now old office, and started to pack my things. It didn’t take too long and all too soon I was leaving the office for the last time. I successfully managed to avoid everyone, unable to deal with the looks of pity, and headed home with my box.

  Strike three for this Monday morning. At least I’ll be able to go back to bed and sleep the day away. Bad things come in three, right?

  Or so I thought…

  As I set my box on the kitchen counter I could hear noises coming from the bedroom. At first, I thought it was Bernard tearing something apart but, as far as I know, cats do not giggle. I tiptoed to the bedroom and opened the door to see Adam sitting on our bed with Cassidy, my so-called friend, in between his legs with her face in his crotch.

  “Babe?” Adam yelled, clearly surprised to see me, as Cassidy continued to suck him off.

  “Oh this is just fucking perfect! As if today wasn’t shit enough already! I can’t believe you two could do this to me,” I yelled at the both of them with Bernard hissing at them in apparent agreement.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to happen.” Adam tried to rationalize as he covered himself up with the sheets.

  “Oh right! So she just ended up falling face first onto your dick while you were naked in our bed, when she’s supposed to be at work and you’re supposed to be in Florida until tonight?” I looked at the both of them in disbelief, daring them to come up with an excuse for their actions.

  “Look, you weren’t supposed to find out, it’s not like you’ve been really into sex since you gained weight,” Adam explained and I completely lost it.

  “How dare you?!” I screeched and hauled whatever I could get my hands on at his face. Cassidy, the thundercunt, giggled next to him, clearly enjoying my ego taking a huge fucking hit. “You two disgust me. I’ll be back tomorrow to get my stuff and I’ll know if something is missing. Don’t be here when I come over. I don’t want to see either of you ever again.” I picked up Bernard and as I was leaving the room, I turned around, looking at them both one last time as I spoke.

  “I wish you two get what you both deserve,” I spat and left the room. I grabbed my bag, my keys and hurried down the stairs to the parking garage. I set Bernard on the seat next to me and drove out of the garage like a bat out of hell.

  CHAPTER 1

  I drive around Denver for hours; well, I spend most of the time stuck in traffic, before ending up at Spencer’s house. He’s been my best friend for over twenty years and I know he’s always hated Adam, hopefully he’ll let me stay.

  I pick up Bernard and climb out of the car. I walk up to Spencer’s front door and knock. God I hope he’s working from home today.

  I don’t have to wait long before he opens the door and greets me with his panty dropping smile. I could easily fall in love with him. Spencer is a tall, lightly tanned mass of perfectly sculpted, lean muscles. His tattoo sleeves and that damn V makes women’s brain to mush, coupled with his devilishly good looks. I take in his appearance and secretly thank God that he answered the door topless, hello V. He’s wearing gray sweatpants that do nothing to hide the fact that he’s not wearing anything underneath. Spencer is God's gift to women and men. He's that hot.

  “Gross, I can see your dick.” I frown and hug Bernard to me, hiding my face in his fur.

  “Don’t look then, crazy woman.” He chuckles and steps to the side to let me in. I walk in and set Bernard down when the front door is closed. As soon as his little paws touch the floor, he shoots to Spencer and rubs against his legs. He promptly picks him up to pet Bernard.

  “Only pussy I’ll ever get.” I hear him mutter and I roll my eyes before giggling.

  “Yeah, right. You have women lining up to be with you.”

  “Yeah, but none that spark any interest.” He shrugs and walks into the kitchen before opening a drawer and looking inside, no doubt for a cat treat. He closes the drawer and sets Bernard on the counter and holds up a treat. “Down,” he tells Bernard.

  “You do know that he’s a cat, not a dog.” I giggle.

  “I know. Bernard, down.” He insists and the damn cat complies, much to my amazement and amusement. “Ha! Told you. Good boy.” Spencer gives him the treat and continues to pet him. “Why are you here so early anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” Spencer looks at me with a skeptical expression on his face.

  “Supposed being the key word.” I sigh.

  “What happened?” He looks at me with concern.

  “Got fired and then found out Adam was cheating on me.”

  “What the fuck?” He slams his fist on the counter, making both Bernard and I jump. “Sorry buddy,” he apologizes to Bernard and scratches behind his ear as he continues, “What did that lowlife piece of shit do?” He growls. Shit, I’ve seen him pissed before, but never like this.

  I tell him everything that happened this morning in detail and he pulls me to him, squeezing me tight. Up until now I hadn’t shed a single tear but, being in my best friend’s arms, I lose it completely and break down. And not just dainty crying, oh no, this is full on ugly crying, complete with red, puffy face, snot and the inability to speak coherently.

  “He never deserved you, Princess. You’re better off without him.”

  “What am I going to do? I don’t have anywhere to live or a job.”

  “You’re going to stay here with me, tomorrow you’re calling that magazine and then we’ll go get your stuff. I’ve got you girl. You’ll be just fine.” He backs away from me a little and gently pulls my head up to face him. He looks me with adoration and smiles his megawatt smile, the one that would make anyone feel better.

  “Thank you, Spence.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He leans down and for a second, I think he’s going to kiss me but instead I feel his lips on my forehead and I sigh wit
h relief. “How you wound me. I thought you were one of the women lining up for me.”

  “Spence, I’ve known you since we were in diapers. You’re like a brother to me, just knowing you’re wearing fuck all under those sweatpants and your dick is touching my thigh is making me really uncomfortable.”

  “Ah, thinking about my dick again, aren’t you?”

  “How can I not when it’s pressed against me? Thank God it’s not hard!” I shudder.

  “Well, I have to say that having your curves pressed against me like this is doing a little something to me.” He mocks and waggles his eyebrows.

  “Gross, stop it!” I frown.

  “You’re beautiful, Have. Never ever let anyone tell you otherwise, especially not that dipshit. I’ll kick your ass before theirs if you listen to their bullshit.”

  “He wasn’t exactly wrong. I have gained weight and haven't had sex with him ever since.” I sigh and sit on the kitchen counter next to Bernard who’s still chewing on his stick treat.

  “I think I need to pay Adam a little visit for messing with your head, no one disrespects you without me doing something about it. As for Cassidy, I should probably fuck her into oblivion, give her the best night ever and then leave her high and dry after.” He glares at me. “You’re short and curvy. I have to warn my friends off because they all want to fuck you. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to hear them talk about how your bubble butt and big tits gives them boners?” He frowns and I burst out laughing. “It’s not funny! They are all jerks and don’t deserve to look at you, let alone get hard-ons because of you.”

  “It’s fucked up that you’d want to fuck Cassidy, especially after her sleeping with Adam. She’s not worth you catching gonorrhea from her after the amount of dicks that have been inside her.” I shudder at the mental image. “I can’t believe it bothers you this much that your friends are talking about me.”

  “Well, yeah, it’s disturbing. I don’t want them fantasizing over you.”

  “So you’re never going to approve of anyone I date, not even if one of them is a friend of yours. I’m going to die alone, surrounded by cats and crocheting little cat jumpers. Crazy old cat lady.” I pout and pick up Bernard who settles into my arms immediately.