Dear Somebody

Chapter Two

"Try this on," Something sparkly and white smacks me in the face but I'm too busy searching for my phone to pay attention.

I probably wouldn't have caught it even if I was, but that's besides the point.

"Have you seen my phone?"

Jackie pokes her head out of the bathroom and points the business end of her curling iron at me, "Put the dress on."

I somehow manage to put the sparkly contraption on while still searching for my phone, hoping like hell everything was delivered on time. If not I can picture all my dreams going up in smoke.

"I can't breath."

I pull the over stretched material around my belly. I'm sucking in so much I can almost feel my organs moving around.

"Beauty is pain."

I snort, "Maybe for you."

The unmistakable sound of 'You Shook Me All Night Long' plays from the pile of clothes in the corner of my room.

"Ah ha!" I shout in victory, holding my phone in the air over my head.

I look down at the screen expecting Todd's name to appear to let me know everything was smooth sailing, "Why would a private number want to video chat?"

Jackie pokes her head back out, this time a strand of chocolate brown hair wrapped around the iron and smoking. I refrain from telling her it's gonna burn off because she's giving me such a serious look, "Mafia?"

I snort again, "Seriously?"

She shrugs, "Answer it."

So I do, dropping it on the bed after hitting accept. I do everything in my power to shimmy out of the dress from hell without having to actually cut it off.

I drop my arms and huff, it's no use. It's a part of me now.

"Hello?" The voice through the phone gives me pause. Jackie walks out of the bathroom now, hair only half done. She's looking from the phone to me so many times I think her eyes might pop out and roll past my feet any second.

I shiver at the visual.

"Uh, hello?" I squeak out because now I'm picturing everyone I have been in contact with in the last twenty-six years, wondering who the f**k is in the Mafia.

"Harley," The voice rumbles.

Yes rumbles. Like something from a fantasy romance staring a big Alpha shifter.

What?

Don't just me and my guilty pleasure.

"Yes, voice of my dreams." Jackie says in an almost spot on imitation of me.

"Harley, it's Dalton."

I stop and stare at the phone on my bed, remembering finally that I did in fact send my number with the last package of cookies I sent over. The first week Jackie and I worked on what we would like to be on the menu for the big party. I had thought it was a good idea to send out the new recipe of cranberry sugar cookies to the guys.

Jackie's eyes have gone wide. This is the first time in three years I have seen her speechless. I dive for the mattress with the dress still half on. I fumble for the phone before falling to the ground.

I groan and roll to my belly, "I think I broke my ass."

"I can check that for you," It's a new voice through the phone now, not as deep but no less sexy.

I take a breath and lift the phone so I can see the screen, "Hey Dalton."

I cringe when my voice comes out breathy.

"Hey Harley."

There's a wet sound behind me and I look over my shoulder to see Jackie making out with the air.

"Is she making out with herself?" Not Dalton's voice asks.

Jackie pauses with her tongue out and peeks one eye open. Whoever it is just got a full view of her in just her bra and panties. I lower my phone so she isn't visible and instead give the guys a nice view of my boobs in just a bra.

I drop my phone and start searching the ground on all fours.

"What are you looking for?"

"A hole to swallow me up."

Jackie's snort is so ugly and pig like I can't help but join in.

"Harley pick up the phone."

"No thank you."

"Harley."

Oh, that must be the SEAL voice he uses on his men to get them to listen. I mean it's making me listen, just not with my head. A shirt smacks me in the face and I put it on before lifting the phone once more.

"Hello," I mentally face palm myself because that was about as smooth as crunchy peanut butter.

"I don't have long Harley, just called to say thank you for the package."

It's dark wherever he is but I mange to make out a few details. When he smiles, the whiteness of his teeth is such a stark contrast to the beard he has going on. His emerald eyes seem to glow.

"Oh yeah, no problem. No big deal."

Jackie snorts and her face appears on the screen next to mine, "If I had to guess, she probably spent a total of twenty-four hours on that thing."

I grab the unfinished side of her head and yank till she falls on the floor next to me.

"Glad to know I'm not the only one with an Ace."

"No, you are not." I grumble.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, the two people who aren't meant to be in on this conversation exit.

"I'm sorry for not calling sooner."

"It's okay Dalton, I understand."

His head tilts slightly while he studies me, "I actually believe you, that's a first."

Oh my heart, I think it's formed a puddle on the floor.

Was that as cheesy as I think?

"You have to do what you have to do. I'm happy you called. I'd be happy if it happened a month from now. You know why?"

"Why Harley?"

"Because I still get to talk to you either way. If anyone can understand being busy it's me. I've been busting my ass the last four weeks to make sure everything was perfect for this party tonight."

He smiles but then looks behind the camera at someone, "I have to go."

"Okay. I sent another package. Hopefully it gets there soon. It's not much but there's a present for you and the guys. Just something small to help."

"Thank you."

"Bye Dalt."

"Bye Harley."

Yo Harley,

It's Ace the amazing pain in the ass best friend who just wants to say thank you for all the dodgers gear.

Harley,

It's Quinton. Thank's for the books. It really does help pass the time.

Dear Harley,

Marry me? Just kidding! (Not really) Thank you for the guitar strings!

Love (Hopefully),

Landon

Hey Harley,

I hate writing letter but I couldn't let the other guys make me look bad. Thanks for all the sports gear."

Rascal

Oh Harley,

You've done it now. Turned a bunch of mean old grumpy men into sappy sacks of s**t. I never expected any of this but I am very grateful. The Holidays are always the hardest and I think you might have just made it a little bit more bearable. Is it bad to say it's too much and not enough all at the same time? Thank you for the new shirts. Please tell me the smell on them is from you?

Okay that was weird.

I'm going now.

Please Never Change,

Dalton

Dear...Guys,

You are all very welcome. I know what it's like to be away for the Holidays, maybe not exactly like you do but still, it's never easy. I'm glad it made it there so fast.

Ace, I expect pictures in every item. (Shirt optional)

Quinton, I want full reviews to know if they are worth adding to my personal collection.

Landon, this is very important. If you can call and serenade me I will in fact marry you. (Well maybe)

Rascal, if that's even your real name. (I'm on to you) Thank you for writing to me even though I'm sure it killed you a little bit on the inside. (Big baby!)

Hey Dalt,

It really wasn't any trouble. Making you guys happy makes me happy. None of what you said was weird. It was however cute. Yes, that's my scent, hope you don't mind.

This just got awkward.

I'm going to go.

Keep Being You,

Harley