Stardust and Moonbeams — Bethany Sefchick

Welcome to Aphrodite's Closet â€" where fantasy becomes reality.

Lauren Rinaldi, the ex-prima ballerina and Ryan Pendelton, the ex-cop, have been neighbors in Harrisburg's Capitol Heights district for years, but neither has made a move on the other. Despite that fact that the chemistry between them is hotter than Hades! Instead, they tell themselves that they're content to merely be friends, but are they really?

Ryan has decided that it's time to move back to his childhood hometown, and now Lauren is faced with a daunting proposition â€" losing Ryan forever, despite the fact that he's only moving a few miles away. Ryan can't stand the thought of never seeing Lauren again, but what can he, a simple cop, offer a woman who is used to being wined and dined by billionaires? He honestly has no idea, but he hopes he can think of something â€" fast!

When the weekend of the move arrives, Lauren is prepared to say good-bye. Until Ryan makes her an offer she can't refuse. Help him move, just for the weekend, and then they can part as friends. But is that really all Ryan wants or does he have ulterior motives for his invitation? And is Lauren finally willing to grow a backbone and go after what, or rather who, she wants? And will a supposedly enchanted lace bustier provide the key that will allow them both to finally confess their feelings?

This 13,200-word short story is written in the modern, adult romance style for a hotter read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.