Where could he be?
Sloane stepped into the canteen, and looked around. Where had his boyfriend gotten to? It was always worrisome when Dex went missing. Who knew what mischief he’d get up to. Actually, Sloane knew. He’d witnessed plenty of instances where an unsupervised Dex resulted in chaos. It was especially worrisome when Dex was being secretive.
Did Dex really think Sloane hadn’t noticed him take Sloane’s keys that morning and sneak off to his car? He’d put something in the trunk, then when they’d arrived at work, he told Sloane he’d meet him upstairs. Sloane had changed into his uniform, and when he reached their office, still no Dex.
Spotting Cael and Rosa sipping hot drinks at one of the tables, Sloane headed over. “Hey, any of you seen or heard from Dex? I’ve been tried calling him on his com, but he’s not answering.”
Rosa looked thoughtful. “The last I saw him, he was with Hudson. I went to Hudson’s office to ask him about some supplies, and Dex was there.” She looked to Cael. “Have you seen him today?”
“About an hour ago when I went down to Unit Beta to follow up on some intel. He was by the canteen.”
Why the hell was Dex is Unit Beta? Whatever he was doing, Sloane hoped poor Zach wasn’t involved.
“Thanks, guy.” Sloane headed back to Unit Alpha. On the way to his office, he was stopped by Letty.
“Hey, Sloane. Dex had been looking for you.”
Sloane threw his hands up. “For crying out loud. Where is he?”
Letty looked around. “He was here a second ago. Maybe he went back to your office.”
“Thanks.” If Dex wasn’t there, Sloane was just going to wait for him. He was getting tired of running around HQ. Why was Dex being so damn secretive? He walked into his office and figured he’d had his answer.
A large white foamboard poster was propped against his desk. It was a Valentine’s Day letter from Dex. They had plans tonight which included dinner, a movie, and a gift exchange. Sloane was looking forward to it. He hadn’t expecting Dex to do anything for him at work. It was incredibly sweet.
Reading it, Sloane couldn’t help his big smile or the way his heart did a little flip. That big dope. His boyfriend was just adorable. His earpiece beeped, and he answered.
“Brodie.”
“Did you get my present?” Dex asked, sounding excited.
Sloane chuckled as he took a seat behind his desk, and turned the letter toward him. “I did. I’m looking at it now. Though I gotta say, I’m not very good at Mad Libs.”
“Why would you need to be good at Mad Libs?”
“Because there’s a bunch of blank spaces where certain words should be.”
The colorful swear words that followed told Sloane those blank spaces shouldn’t be blank.
“I’m on my way,” Dex grumbled.
Several minutes later, the commotion outside his office drew Sloane’s attention, and he headed out into the bullpen to find Dex glaring accusingly at his fellow agents.
“All right, which one of you candy-bar-thieving jerkfaces is responsible for ruining my Valentine’s Day card?”
Candy bars. That made so much more sense now. Aw, Dex had made him a candy gram.
Just as he’d said the words, Ash walked by eating a Lion Bar. The irony was not lost on Sloane. Dex let out a gasp.
“You thief!”
Uh-oh. Dex lunged at Ash, and Sloane caught him before his screeching little spider monkey could crawl all over Ash to disembowel him, or at least attempt to.
“That was part of my boyfriend’s candy gram!”
Ash looked from Dex to Sloane to his candy bar before shrugging, taking another bite, and walking off. Sloane held on tight.
“Come back here, you—”
A candy bar wrapped crinkled behind them and they turned to find Hobbs tearing through a wrapper. When he realized Dex was staring at him, his eyes widened.
“Where did you get that?” Dex asked, thrusting a finger at Hobbs’s chocolate bar.
Hobbs motioned to his hair and made spikes then put his hand to his heart.
“That thieving little pineapple!”
Sloane let out a bark of laughter before he could stop himself. Dex stopped trying to get away from him and pouted.
“They ate your card, Sloane.” He pointed to their office, and Sloane followed him in. Dex fished his phone out of his pocket, unlocked it, and scrolled through his photos. “It was perfect.” He held the phone out to Sloane.
“Aw, baby, it was perfect. Thank you.” Sloane pulled Dex into his arms, and kissed him, smiling against Dex’s lips when Dex melted against him. “I promise it’s not ruined. You’re sweeter than any candy bar.” He nibbled on Dex’s ear. “I can’t wait to taste you tonight.”
Dex hugged him tight. “Happy Valentine’s day, babe.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”
For your chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card leave a comment below.
In a matter of days, Dex has been kidnapped, tortured, killed, revived, become half-Therian, offered the chance to become a spy, and accepted a proposal to marry his jaguar Therian boyfriend, Sloane Brodie. It’s been a lot to take in, and although Dex is still trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happened, he knows he has to move forward. After the events of Smoke & Mirrors, Dex and Sloane find themselves in one of the most frightening situations of all: revealing the truth to their Destructive Delta family. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same, and it’s up to Dex to prove that in the face of change, the one thing that will always remain the same is family.
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!
Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. 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 readers.
Website | THIRDS HQ | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Newsletter | DSP |Amazon |Goodreads
The Book
In a matter of days, Dex has been kidnapped, tortured, killed, revived, become half-Therian, offered the chance to become a spy, and accepted a proposal to marry his jaguar Therian boyfriend, Sloane Brodie. It’s been a lot to take in, and although Dex is still trying to wrap his head around everything that’s happened, he knows he has to move forward. After the events of Smoke & Mirrors, Dex and Sloane find themselves in one of the most frightening situations of all: revealing the truth to their Destructive Delta family. When the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same, and it’s up to Dex to prove that in the face of change, the one thing that will always remain the same is family.
Author Bio
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!
Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. 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 readers.
Website | THIRDS HQ | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Newsletter | DSP |Amazon |Goodreads
That is so clever. I would never think to do that. Gotta love Dex.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Awwww...that melted my heart. Just like chocolate melts :-D
ReplyDeleteAwe. That's just so sweet. Literally.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to read the new one! I have to reread the other 87 first, though, haha. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteallesonl at gmail dot com
Such a cute sweet story! Thank you so much for this Valentine's gift =D
ReplyDeletehumhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
I so love Dex and Sloane! Thanks for our Valentine's Day short from these guys. <3
ReplyDeleteD'aww... thank you for this flash fiction, it's too cute! Very smoochy sweet Valentine-y feels and sooo Dex! ;-))
ReplyDeleteHappy (upcoming) Valentine's Day.
This was awesome! I've been trying to read thick and thin fire a week but my son is 10 days old and refuses to give me good reading time!
ReplyDeleteAwww so adorable :-)
ReplyDeleteOMG that is soo awesome. Charlie you never disappoint! I want my own candy gram now!
ReplyDeleteOh, when Dex disappears, the troubles are coming, but this time he was very sweet. A sweet and cute gift for Sloane. I like it.
ReplyDeleteThe perfect Valentines card, but, it was NEVER going to be safe in that office. ROTFLMAO. Brilliant Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI loved it! Poor Dex people stealing his candy! This was great loved the book ! Thank you Charlie
ReplyDeleteYou got to love Dex, he is so adorable and sexy, not forgetting creative. I think the candy gram idea was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAwww, this was sweeter than any candy bar! 😍
ReplyDeleteOwww. You just made my day..
ReplyDeleteLoved it. Cute valentine. Thanks for the smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteAww, it was so sweet and clever :D. I love Dex and Sloane so much and would love to read about their Valentine Day's evening ;).
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing it.
I love these guys. Happy Valentine's Day to the THIRDS. You make us all smile.
ReplyDeleteOh my God! Could these two be any better, loved the Candygram! Thanks for the story, Charlie, now biting fingernails for Seb and Hudson's book.
ReplyDeleteI was a little scared it might have cheesy doodlez on it... What a cute idea, I'm going to steal it for my husband �� I had to look up 3 of the candy bars! I'm going to have to improvise.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet❤
ReplyDelete<3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's so sweet, and totally a Dex thing to do! <3
ReplyDeleteThese two make me so happy! This was sweet, adorable and funny! Perfect combination
ReplyDeleteLoved that! They are so cute. ❤ Thank you so much for sharing this and for the giveaway chance.
ReplyDeleteJczlapin@gmail.com
Love it.
ReplyDeleteSo cute and so very Dec.
ReplyDeleteAwwwww they're so sweet!!! Love the candygram idea!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE, LOVE, LOVE! <3
ReplyDeleteSo very Dex
ReplyDeleteThat was such a cute, loving card and exactly something you think Dex would do. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteYou have to love DEC. He's the sweetest guy ever!!!!
ReplyDeleteAwwwww Dex is so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou have to love Dex. He's the sweetest guy ever!!!!
ReplyDelete(Sorry my first message got messed by autocorrector)
Wow that was so cute I'd never heard of a Candy Gram and it was such a perfect present if the others hadn't sneaked the candy lol!
ReplyDeleteShirleyAnn(at)speakman40(dot)freeserve)dot)co(dot)uk
Need to broaden my candy horizons - I've never heard of some of those! Perfect Dex idea😊
ReplyDeleteAww...loved this! I love Dex and Sloane! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for another funny tidbit inside Dex & Sloane's life!
ReplyDeletefoebz (AT) hotmail (DOT) com
Awww that's co cute! And very clever :)
ReplyDeleteI love Dex and Sloane so much! They are the perfect couple, bar none!
ReplyDeleteThat was perfectly Dex! Thanks Charlie!!
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I loved it. Love Dex & Sloane! colby69@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteI love it! thank you! ^_^
ReplyDeleteThat was great, I love that Dex is so corny and Sloane just eats it up, or Ash and Hobbs, lol
ReplyDeleteLove it
ReplyDeleteSo sweet, Hobbs is adorable!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww... love it!!
ReplyDeleteLove Dex!!
Totes Adorbs....<3 Dex
ReplyDeleteThat was so cute! What a wonderful idea - the candy gram. Too bad the team had to go and eat it. But, Dex and Sloane will still have the best Valentine's Day. :-)
ReplyDeleteAdorable! I love describing Dex as a "screeching little spider monkey", so funny - great job!
ReplyDeleteThat was adorable!!
ReplyDeleteSo love Dex and Sloane, thanks for the visit Charlie.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteI loved this! A candygram is an adorable idea too. - Toni violet817(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThirds is my favorite series. Bar None!
ReplyDeleteThat was so cute!
ReplyDeleteThat was brilliant, and Ash wandering by eating a Lion Bar made me LOL, I know Hobbs wouldn't have ruined the candygram so it had to be Ash who took the candy, good job Dex took a photo or it woulda been totally ruined.... So clever Charlie
ReplyDeleteDex is so adorable a perfect Valentines. Thanks RJ and Charlie
ReplyDeleteAww! That was adorable! And what a great idea...I need to steal it!
ReplyDelete"That thieving little pineapple" - one of the best lines ever! Thanks Charlie. Loved it
ReplyDeleteThat's so Dex. Loved it. Thanks so much for all the extras and your wonderful books!
ReplyDeletedreamseeker331(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you Charlie and RJ, this was a sweet and funny valentine.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day! Hope we all receive a Candy Gram from someone special
so cute!
ReplyDeleteI love this series especially Dex and Sloane.
ReplyDeletedejamew@centurylink.net
What a perfect Valentine's card! Thank you for this gift to all of us! Happy Valentine's Day to you & yours!Love you from Alaska
ReplyDeletecandygrams are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteOMG. That is the sweetest thing ever! *steals idea for v-day*
ReplyDeleteLOL. After the stressful day today, it's really nice to read about our Thirds guys with a goofy grin on my face. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! I love this idea! I've never heard of Lion candy bars, I will have to do some research now!!! Lol! Thanks for sharing this today!
ReplyDeleteevjochum[at]aol[dot]com
I love thirds anytime but this one is really cute would love a copy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the extra love.
ReplyDeleteOMG,that was so funny but I expect nothing less from something involving Dex. 😂
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI love Charlie's books and all I've ever heard was praise over this series. I finally broke down and bought book 1 and after reading this I think I need the rest of them. 😂😂
ReplyDeleteOMG...only Dex!!! LOVE IT <3
ReplyDeleteAhhh! So cute! I just freaking love Dex and Sloane!
ReplyDeleteThat was great. Wished I would have seen it sooner as I could have used it or an idea like it.
ReplyDeleteThat was so sweet! luminousblade@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI really can't get enough of these two. So cute and sweet.
ReplyDeleteLove the flash fic! I've been following the series on audio so I can't wait till Thick and Thin is out!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! I love these guys!
ReplyDeletemilicawho0805@gmail.com
Is it too late? I love Dex and Sloane and just want to squish and cuddle Dex (easy there, Lenny). hehe. Melissaeckenroth at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI've done something like this and it was a huge success :)
ReplyDelete