Free Beautiful Curses: Book One by J. Dorothy

each other’s company. And, even if I was attracted to women I don’t think I'd be dating. I’m not interesting enough. Beth’s the only one who’s bothered getting to know me.”
    Another smile itched at Jo’s lips. Of all the conversations she’d had this would have to rank as the weirdest, she wondered what Beth would think of the implications of her last comment.
    James looked confused. “So are you attracted to men? Or secretly holding a crush for Beth?”
    “Well even I admit she’s extremely good looking, but no, I think I’ll stay with the safe option, and continue to fantasise about fictitious men.”
    “Fantasies with fictitious men?” James turned his whole body to face her, making her blush pink once more.
    Crap! Why did I just say that?
    “Um ... yeah, you know, the ones in period costume who speak the Queen’s English and enjoy a good port and a game of cards after dinner.”
    The inside of the car seemed really hot all of a sudden and she wound down the window a fraction.
    “And you say you’re not interesting. I’ve never heard anyone so honest about their fantasies before.”
    Jo took another deep breath. “Well you’re in the minority. Most people find me difficult to talk to, except for my family and Beth of course. I should probably add you to that list, since I’m divulging all my secrets.”
    “I count myself fortunate to be in the club,” he said, his eyebrows drawing together. By the tone in his voice Jo knew he meant it. He wasn’t serious very often.
    She nodded and glanced out onto the deserted street, everyone must be inside by their fires. The temperature had dropped a few degrees in the past hour, but Jo still felt warm in the car. James's close proximity, kept the blood pumping through her veins.
    This conversation wasn’t turning out the way Jo wanted. The idea was for her to find out about him, not the other way around.
    “So answer me this, which one of your port drinking, card playing, fantasy men would you like to date, and why?” James asked.
    There was no sign of Spencer to interrupt them, so she decided to play along.
    “You really want to know?”
    James nodded, sat back and folded his arms.
    Jo fidgeted with her fingers. “You’re probably expecting me to say someone classic, like Mr Darcy, but I think he’s a bit overrated. I really like Colonel Brandon’s character from Sense and Sensibility. I liked the way he gave the girl time to fall in love with him. He just wanted to be there for her. Now that’s true unselfish love.”
    Jo cringed, waiting for James to make a joke, or ridicule her for being so pathetic.
    “Interesting. I knew you wouldn't say Mr Darcy. He’d be too brooding. I thought you might choose his friend Mr Bingley. He’d be easy to get along with. I don’t know this other character. I haven’t seen the film, but I’m curious to see it now.”
    Jo couldn’t believe he was taking her seriously. “Um … I’ll lend it to you. It’s one of the best adaptations I’ve seen.”
    James nodded and smiled at her.
    “What about you, James? Which fictional female character would you date?”
    “Let me see. That’s a tough question. Ah … now you’d probably expect, some hot lass, like Black Widow, but I think given the choice, I’d date Tinkerbelle. I felt sorry for the way Wendy pushed her aside. Peter Pan never rated her, but I'd like to date a magical fairy, and make all my wishes come true.” James grinned at Jo and she grinned back.
    Huh. A magical fairy. Well she'd fit half that bill. The magical part at least. Not that she was about to reveal that to him right now. No matter how appealing the prospect of dating James might be.
    “You do realise Tinker Bell is a tiny fairy with a lot of attitude,” she said, instead. “In fact, she’d probably be far too much woman for you. I think you should set your standards lower, like Sleeping Beauty before she wakes up, or Snow White after the apple drugged her. Then there’s