Coffee, Cats, and Unexpected Love

"When Love Walked In"

 MFX: For an intro... "Did You Ever See a Dream Walking" performed by Bing Crosby

Announcer:

Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Today's radio romance is brought to you by our sponsors: Torquere Press, presented by Charlie Cochet--Where Romance is The Cat's Pajamas. 

Bruce Shannon is a Private Investigator dealing with case after case of missing persons and infidelity. None of which inspire warm, fuzzy feelings during the week of Valentine’s Day. Then again, Bruce isn’t exactly a fuzzy feelings kind of guy, which suits him just fine. He doesn’t need anyone anyhow, only his cat, Mittens. That is, until the handsome Jace Scarret wanders off the streets and into Bruce’s life.

As the curtain rises...

The young man's expression soon gave way to wariness as he looked Bruce over. There was a sudden alertness in those slim shoulders and Bruce figured the kid had seen some trouble. Enough to know Bruce looked like the kind of guy to be mixed up in it.

"Relax. I don't know you and no one's payin' me to," Bruce assured him, though for the life of him he didn't know why. He should be escorting the guy out, not making conversation. "What's your name?"

"Jace. Jace Scarret," the young man replied quietly. When he realized he was still holding onto Bruce, he quickly released him. "Sorry."

Damn, that was one smooth voice. No. Nope, he was not about to go down that path.

Mittens jumped onto Jace's lap, purring and rubbing her head against the young man, making Jace smile. And what a smile it was. Despite the beard and shabby state of him, that smile was something else and it certainly seemed to suit him.

Bruce shook his head at his wayward thoughts and his wayward feline. "Mittens, you shameless hussy. Stop twitching your tail for other men."

Jace chuckled and gave Mittens the attention she demanded. "She's real friendly, isn't she?"

"Tell that to all the mugs who ended up pin cushions." Frankly, he was surprised to see Mittens taking a liking to anyone other than him and Joe. Not even Gladys had had the honor. Content with the affection she'd been lavished, Mittens sprang off Jace's lap and cantered over to the apartment door to scratch at it. "Her highness is eager to get indoors."

"I don't blame her," Jace replied with a wistful smile.

Aw hell, how could anyone expect Bruce to kick this poor schmo out on his ear? Better yet, when the hell had he become such a sap?

(Cue: Music)

Announcer:

And so the curtain falls. Will Jace end up showing Bruce that maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t so lousy after all? This broadcast was brought to you by Charlie Cochet. Why not obtain a copy of When Love Walked In, sponsored by Torquere Press.


Visit The Cat's Pajamas, where you will find many other interesting stories, and general tomfoolery. You can also find out more about Charlie. Until next time, we bid you-- good day.



Hello there! My name's Charlie and I hope you enjoyed today's radio romance. Stay tuned to this station where I'll be chatting about everything, from my debut story: When Love Walked In, to the dirty 30s, detectives, and even pajamas!

When Love Walked In is a sweet Valentine's Day short story set in the 1930s. It's about two regular Joes, each with his own host of problems, the least of 'em being love--or lack thereof. Of course, when you're not looking for love, that's when it smacks you over the head (or falls asleep on your stairs).






Author Bio:
 

Charlie Cochet is a passionate author of M/M Historical Romance who loves to get lost in eras long gone, specifically the Roaring Twenties and Dirty Thirties. From bootleggers to hardboiled detectives, speakeasies to swanky nightclubs, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Charlie is an amalgamation of three different cultures: the Hispanic one that created her, the American one that raised her, and the British one that completed her. Having lived in multiple states and countries, she’s always been an avid supporter of gay rights and looks forward to the day when gender is not an issue.

When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from her readers. You can find out more about Charlie and her writing at: The Cat's Pajamas

When Love Walked In now available from Torquere Press.

Attributions: Radio and announcer photo public domain