Meet-Not-So-Cute

We’re celebrating New Love in February and there’s nothing I love better than a meet-cute between the hero and heroine.

I’m currently working on a novella connected to my Persuasion retelling, SWAY. It’s a contemporary story (like SWAY is), and it’s about Ava’s sister Beth- who we all know and love (to hate) as Elizabeth Elliot. Beth is kind of a meanie and a snob, but she’s strong as all get-out. So I had to write her an equally strong man who could handle her.

I had lots of fun writing this novella, tentatively titled CLASH, and I can’t wait till it’s ready for release! But for now, here’s a sneak peak from when Beth and Tony have their meet-cute, or rather, a meet-not-so-cute.

Tony knocked back the rest of his champagne and then handed the empty flute to a passing waiter. He turned away from his friend and straight into me.

I opened my mouth, ready to tell him to calm down.

“No thank you,” he said.

My eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“Whatever it is you want, I’m not interested. I don’t want to talk, I don’t want to flirt, I don’t want to date.”

He went to move past me but I stepped in his way. “Tony, is it?” I didn’t wait for him to respond. “Believe me, I don’t want to date you either.”

He looked me up and down and then shrugged.

“You need to step outside and take a breather, or leave altogether.”

He leaned in. He was tall, but so was I, especially when I raised my chin to meet his gaze. “Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?”

My eyes flashed. “This is my party, which makes me God, and you the mere mortal who has to obey my wishes.”

He leaned back. “Oh, so you’re the help.”

“I am not—”

“I need a drink.” He slid past me, grabbing another from the nearest tray.

I scanned the party, making sure our interaction hadn’t caused a disturbance. He’d rattled me, but I would not be unprofessional.

I followed him, lightly grabbing his elbow. He stopped, tilting his head at me.

“You again.”

I gave him my nicest, most polite, smile. “If you cause a scene,” I said, my voice low, “I will have you ejected from this party.” I patted his arm. To anyone watching, it probably did look like we were flirting.

He knocked back another glass of champagne, then smiled at me. “It would be fun to call your bluff. Liven up this fiesta.”

“How do you know June?”

He blinked at my change in subject. “Her husband, Harold, is a client of mine.”

“And how do you think Harold would feel if you ruined his wife’s party? I can’t imagine he’d be pleased.”

Tony shifted his feet and avoided my eyes.

“I don’t know what you do,” I said, “but I’ve never met a businessman who is happy when they lose a client.”

“And you’re an expert?” This time it was a shot he guzzled down in one gulp. A couple more of those and he’d be getting into a fistfight with someone. He seemed like that type of guy.

I placed my hands on his cheeks, forcing him to look at me. Anyone watching would’ve thought I was just being friendly. Hopefully. “I think you’ve had enough for one night. This is your last warning.”

His jaw clenched. “Out of all the women I have ever met, I think I hate you most of all.”

My smile was tight-lipped. “The feeling is mutual.”

Do you have a favorite meet-cute? Share in the comments!