Let’s Talk Love: The Love Vixen Series Read online

  “You would be surprised. We have twenty-three replies and they are in favor. That’s more than enough for the conference.”

  Jodi’s smug smile made Mina grin. “I can’t believe it. Why would anyone want to be away from home at that time of the year?”

  “Christmas is a hard time for many people for a lot of reasons. Now can I post it on social media? I’ll put it up as a poll.”

  Mina had a feeling if she said no, Jodi would stuff her in one of the product boxes. “Yeah, fine. Go ahead. I’ll talk to Devin about the wedding as well.”

  “Are you sure about this, Mina? You’re going to be so busy with the conference; are you sure you want to add a wedding on top of that?”

  What was it with Jodi and her negativity toward the wedding? “We’ve been friends a long time, Jo. Why don’t you want me to get married?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Of course I want you to get married.”

  Yeah, that didn’t ring true. “But not to Devin. Am I right?”

  Their eyes met and Mina could see her friend wanted to say something, but then the moment was gone. “Jo, tell me. What’s going on?”

  With a dramatic sigh, Jodi changed the subject. “Nothing, Mina. Do you want me to call the venue and see if the chapel is still available?”

  Jo said it was nothing, but Mina could see that something was going on. “You’ll be my maid of honor, right?”

  Tears filled Jo’s eyes, but she didn’t look happy. “I’d be honored to stand up with you. You’re my best friend, Mina. Always remember that.”

  “You’re my best friend too. There’s nobody I trust more.”

  Jo nodded and grabbed a folder off her desk. “I need to get this copy down to marketing.”

  Mina watched her go and still had the feeling she was missing something.

  Chapter 5

  Dear Love Vixen,

  I’ve been with the same guy for over a year. We’re in a good place except for one thing. Oral. He says that I shouldn’t expect him to return the “favor” because going down on a woman is gross. And the few times he has, it felt like a puppy dog lapping water from a bowl which, may I say, actually is gross.

  No Favors in Florida

  Dear Favors,

  Is your boyfriend a germaphobe? That would certainly explain such selfishness.

  Going on the assumption that he is not a germaphobe, well, that’s different. It’s a pity he hasn’t taken the time to do his due diligence in the matter or even watched a few videos to learn and refine his technique. He has no clue what he’s missing.

  I’m going to include some of my favorite training sites for you to share with your Boo. I predict you are going to be one happy woman very soon.

  Best wishes, hon.

  The <3 Vixen

  * * *

  Mina opened the oven door for another peep at the lasagna. She could hear it bubbling under the foil wrap and it smelled amazing. Closing the door, she checked the timer. It needed another twenty minutes to cook and then about fifteen minutes to cool, which would make it ready to eat when Devin arrived.

  She had a salad ready in the fridge, the table was set, complete with candles, and she had stopped by her favorite bakery and picked up a cheesecake for dessert. Devin loved cheesecake. After dinner, she’d put on a sexy little number for a special welcome home.

  Her fiancé had arrived back in the States two days ago and interviews and publicity shots had kept them from getting together. They only had a few weeks until he was back off on another movie set. She couldn’t remember where this one was, but they would be reunited two weeks before their wedding.

  Some might wonder how a relationship like theirs could survive, but it worked for them. They both had demanding schedules and couldn’t see each other often, but the few times they were together were quality time.

  That’s why getting married over the holidays was perfect! They would both be off for an extended period of time and would start the new year off as husband and wife.

  Mina had met Devin during a red carpet event. Her first actually. She’d just trended in a big way and was getting a lot of media attention thrown her way. That night, she’d been somewhat starstruck and felt out of place. Devin had befriended her, changed seating charts, and she’d spent the evening by his side as he introduced her around and taught her a few tricks of the trade. She’d been completely smitten from the start.

  A few months after that evening, Devin got the leading role in a career changing film and now parts came to him. He was in high demand and they were referred to as a power couple. Whatever that meant.

  Devin had completely charmed his way into her heart. He was everything a perfect boyfriend should be and when he’d asked her to marry him, on national television no less, she knew in her soul that they were meant to be together. He was so caring and honest and made her feel like a princess. If only Jodi could see Devin the way she saw him. If she couldn’t bring her best friend around to her fiancé’s side, Mina knew their future would change and she didn’t want to lose Jodi.

  The timer in the kitchen sounded; Mina turned the oven off and pulled the steamy lasagna from the oven. It may not be an exceptionally romantic menu, but lasagna was one of the few things she could make. Her stomach growled, letting her know she’d skipped lunch to make a grocery run.

  She opened a bottle of wine to give it some breathing time and then she dimmed the lights and straightened a picture on her way to the bedroom. She sprayed a few spritzes of lavender over the bed and pillows and then slipped into her favorite little black dress that hugged her body, making panties impossible to wear. The built-in bra also made anything else unnecessary.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled on her black stilettos one at a time and checked herself out in the mirror. She’d actually styled her hair instead of pulling it back in a ponytail or a tight bun. The glistening brown strands fell in soft curls around her shoulders. She’d pinned a few pieces at the front up with sparkly clips that reflected the light.

  Because she knew that Jodi would interrogate her tomorrow, she snapped a quick pic with her phone and shot it off to her in a message. A reply dinged in only a few seconds.

  Jodi: WOW! I’d do you. And I don’t even play for that side.

  Mina laughed and typed: You don’t think it’s too much for a dinner at home?

  Jodi: Dinner isn’t the only thing Devin is going to be eating tonight.