Login to ManoBook
icon 0
icon TOP UP
rightIcon
icon Reading History
rightIcon
icon Log out
rightIcon
icon Get the APP
rightIcon
A Sketch Away From Perfect

A Sketch Away From Perfect

ID Johnson
Modern | Ongoing
5.0
Comment(s)
33
View
41
Chapters

Sometimes being outnumbered is a good thing--a very good thing! Harper When I signed up for an app that let me make some extra cash attending events with single men, I had no idea it would lead me to fall in love--four times! Scott is a caring organic farmer with muscles like no other. Damien is one of the richest men in the world who knows how to spoil me. Rafe is a famous quarterback who always hits me in the right spot. And then there's Tomas, my former professor turned Latin lover. It's scary dating four men, but they don't mind. In fact, they like how happy I am this way. Jack, however, my ex, is not exactly happy to find out my new situation. He'll stop at nothing to have me as his own--and share me with no one. When he goes too far, will my men be able to save me? If you love steamy reverse harem books, this new series from the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames is perfect for you. Why choose if you don't have to?

R18+ Modern Romance Billionaires
Chapter 41 Uncomfortable Passes
Yesterday 23:25

Chapter 1 Embarrassing Realities

Harper

"You should totally do it. My sister made loads of money. I think she paid off all her student loans!" McKenzy says, tapping the 'Apply' button on the screen insistently.

I look at https://atalooseend.com like it's a snake that's going to bite me. How did it come to this?!

"You're a poor, starving artist who doesn't sell enough pieces to cover the rent," she answers my unspoken question, her tone flat. "You have student loans so far up your ass you can taste the red ink! Trust me, this is your best option."

"But... what if they want sex?" I question, wondering if I have it in me to become an escort. I've never done anything like that before, though I'm certainly not a virgin.

McKenzy stabs her finger at the bold, red, 64-font words on the 'About' page. "'Dates are NOT required to or encouraged to provide sex or engage in sexual acts'. It's even in the legalese we read in the sample contract. Big and bold. In fact, if we go to the home page..." She reaches over my shoulder and maneuvers on my touchpad. "Ah, yes. See? They've practically got a neon sign with flares going off around it."

I have to admit, the website is making that point abundantly clear. "Still, dating for money? Isn't that a bit, you know, whorish?"

"Honey," she says, "you're at the end of your options. You're a beautiful, sophisticated, twenty-five-year-old starving artist. Shake that booty. Shake it now."

Then she hip-checks me out of the way of my own laptop and stabs my touchpad, lighting up the 'Apply' button.

"I'll just fill this out for you, if you're too nervous. Or proud." She winks at me. "You know, you're far too stuffy for a sexy woman your age. Live a little. Just give me your social security number and payment info when I ask for it, and you'll be all set."

I sit down on a plastic-and-metal chair creation of McKenzy's and try not to let out my internal scream. But she was right. If I'm going to stand on my own two feet and stop asking my parents for money, this is how it has to be.

"How's the 'rents?" she asks.

I swear she's a mind reader. "Pissed. They said if I ask for rent money one more time, they're moving me home, whether I want to go or not."

"Daaaaaamn." She fills out a few more fields.

I lean forward. "Just what the heck did you put in the 'interests' box?!"

"Big dicks." McKenzy rolls her eyes. "Relax. Art. Nature. Long walks on the beach. A good book. Partying-"

"I don't enjoy partying. I haven't done that since college," I object.

"Yeah, but they don't need to know that," she replies. "I mean, you're going to be a rent-a-woman. You're supposed to sound like you're a good time."

I groan. "McKenzy..."

"Relax. I've got this. You just go finish that painting you've been putting the 'finishing touches' on for a month." I can hear the condescension in her tone.

"You once wrestled with a coffee table design for the better part of a year," I protest.

"That was different. With the model, I can make more than one of its kind."

I see her type 'sexy and single' in another box and want to throttle her. Instead, I look away and respond to our conversation. "What do you think a lithograph print is?"

"Yeah, yeah. It's never the same as having the original," she mutters. "Okay, social security and payment info."

Thinking about my debts and knowing I've been utterly defeated, I sigh out the number. "And the email address for my payment method is michaelvernonfan33@gmail.com."

McKenzy swings her head around. "Are you still crushing on that guy?"

"I'm not! McKenzy, he's my favorite artist. I'm not crushing on him. I admire him and his work," I explain with failing patience.

"I get you. I get you. But I'll bet you'd pose naked for him and then roll around in the paint if you could." She giggles.

I rub my temples. "He's married."

"Well, shit. There goes a perfectly good fantasy," she laments.

"Are you done yet?"

McKenzy cracks her knuckles. "Aaaaand 'Submit.' Congratulations, you're a registered escort."

I throw a fuzzy decorative pillow at her. "Date. I'm a date!"

"I know. I'm just messing with you." She steps away from my laptop humming, proud of herself.

I feel sick to my stomach, nervously going over to see the profile she's made. "McKenzy, this isn't me!"

"Of course it's not you," she replies. "It's the you that you need to be to hook a man."

The profile picture in particular mortifies me. "I am not using a beach shot in a bikini as my picture!"

"You should actually add a lot more pictures," she muses. "They'll want to see you from every angle."

I consider shutting the whole thing down right then and there, but then my banking app pings my phone to tell me my balance has reached zero dollars.

"I'm changing the profile pic," I grumble. I look at my phone again and wince as the bank app continues with another push notification, letting me know something bounced. "And... maybe add a few more."

McKenzy claps me on the back. "That's the spirit!"

* * *

Two hours later, I've got what I think is a profile I can live with, sans bikini pics. I am just drying my hair after showering off flecks of paint, when my laptop dings. Curious, I look at my phone then realize I haven't downloaded the At a Loose End app. It has to be the app. Everything else is synced to my phone.

I cautiously flip my laptop open, almost afraid the website will suck me in and deposit me at the feet of some pervert. Taking several deep breaths, I remind myself that I get the final say on who I choose to "date."

My avatar in the upper right corner winks playfully at me, tempting me to look at the request.

I have no choice. It's this or move back to Otsego to live with my parents. There is no way I'm moving back home..

I click on my avatar, and the very helpful drop-down shows me I have one request–and a message. I think I can handle the message. Actually, accepting the request might require some huffing into a paper bag first.

ScottIAm: Hi.

'Hi'? That's all I get? I look at his avatar, an ear of corn, and see a green dot indicating he's online. I decide to respond. If I can feel him out, maybe I'll feel better about accepting the date.

ArtIsMyLife33: Hi. I'm Harper. This is actually my first time

Oh, right, let's start with that, Harper. Great start there. I shake my head at myself. At least I didn't embarrass myself right off the bat.

ArtIsMyLife33: Hi. I'm Harper. Are you interested in a date?

Would you like to chop me up into little bits in your van? Ugh. Get it together, girl!

ArtIsMyLife33: Hi. I'm Harper. I hear you need a date.

I bang my head on my screen, causing the touch screen to get mad and try to minimize everything. No, Harper, he's contacting you because he needs advice on how to make a casserole. I restore my Internet window.

ArtIsMyLife33: Hi. I'm Harper.

Enter.

Done.

...

Fuck.

ScottIAm: ...

ScottIAm: Hi, Harper. I'm Scott. Pleased to meet you.

What am I supposed to say to that? 'Pleased to meet you too'? I'm not exactly pleased. I'm desperate.

ArtIsMyLife33: Listen, I'm here for your wallet, you're here for my arm candy, let's just get this over w

I take a deep breath through my nose and let it slowly out of my mouth. I need to feel this guy out because, as much as I don't want to move back to Otsego, I want to end up being pulled from the Mississippi in pieces even less.

ScottIAm: This is kind of awkward, isn't it?

Yeah, no shit.

ArtIsMyLife33: Yeah, it kinda is.

ScottIAm: Your profile says I'd be your first date. You just started today? I'm not being creepy, I swear. I'm just curious about... you know... why.

Isn't that the million-dollar question. Actually, I'd happily settle for a couple of thousand to resuscitate my bank account. I can hear it panting from here.

ArtIsMyLife33: 25-year-old starving artist. No great mystery there, I guess.

ScottIAm: You're really an artist? That's cool. I'm an organic farmer. I don't know if you looked at my request yet, but I'm completely vetted, and I promise I've had all my shots, and I don't bite. What kind of art do you do? That's not in your profile, and I don't see any pictures.

ArtIsMyLife33: My friend made my profile. I was too chicken, to be completely honest with you. If we hit it off, I'd love to talk to you about my art. You would be my first date. I know it probably says in the request, but where do you need me to go and why?

ScottIAm: Cousin's wedding this Friday. I'm trying to keep my family off my back about marriage, so I need a stand-in girlfriend. Can I see some of your art? I'm really curious now.

I eye the expectant little chat bar with its seductive plus sign for adding photographs. What the hell? I'm an artist. I should be happy to exhibit my art wherever to whomever! I click the plus sign and attach a high-quality image of one of my paintings.

ScottIAm: That's beautiful. Have you sold it already?

I wish. I open the image and stare despondently at my colorful, abstract oil painting of a lake scene.

ArtIsMyLife33: No bites yet.

ScottIAm: I lied. Maybe I do bite.

I laugh.

ArtIsMyLife33: LOL, seriously, I don't expect you to buy my artwork in order to get me to be your stand-in girlfriend. But thanks for saying it's beautiful.

ScottIAm: Is this where I should drop the line, "But not as beautiful as you"?

I laugh harder. I am starting to like this guy.

ArtIsMyLife33: You want some crackers with that cheese?

ScottIAm: Lol. So, would you consider giving this a try? It's my first time too. I figure we can help each other through it.

My fingers hover over the keys. Then, I make a decision.

ArtIsMyLife33: Yeah. Let's give this a try.

ScottIAm: Great! So, I think you just accept my request or something, but do you know where you'd like to meet so I can pick you up? I don't want you to feel like I'm stalking your address.

With a snort, I give it some thought.

ArtIsMyLife33: Let's meet at the Hampden Co-Op. It's not far from where I live.

ScottIAm: Sounds great. Pick you up at 11:00 AM?

ArtIsMyLife33: Sounds great. But Scott, one thing. If you chop me up and throw me in the Mississippi, I am going to haunt you for all eternity.

ScottIAm: Lol! Same, Harper. Same.

Then Scott signs off, his green dot going a vacant white. I sit back in my chair, feeling stunned but also a bit relieved. It seems like my first date is actually going to be okay.

I pull up Scott's profile, just to double-check before I pull the trigger and Lord, have mercy. I do a double-take at his profile pic. How can a man that handsome have to buy a date to stand in at his cousin's wedding?! Chestnut brown hair, sky blue eyes, boyish grin, and the cutest dimples I've ever seen!

After giving it some thought, I decide that's probably exactly why he's hiring me. He doesn't want any weird set-ups by family members trying to marry him off. With me, there's no chance of any messy romantic entanglements.

No chance at all.

Continue Reading

Other books by ID Johnson

More
Beauty and the Alpha Beast

Beauty and the Alpha Beast

Werewolf

5.0

An enchanted castle full of secrets, a rite of passage she cannot avoid, an arranged marriage she'll do anything to get out of. Bexley isn't like ordinary girls. She'd rather be studying animals than flirting with men. It's too bad her stepfather insists she pay attention to Garth, a meathead who only wants her to make babies and clean his house. On her twenty-first birthday, like all women in her village, she's ordered to the castle to meet with the Alpha King. For someone who didn't even know wolf shifters existed, it's all a shock, especially when she sees the twisted body of King Canaan. Canaan is used to keeping secrets, so it's not difficult for him to keep them from Bexley-like the fact that she's his mate, so she can never leave. But the king has enemies. Not only is the witch that cursed him still out there, when Garth shows up leading a band of villagers who want to kill him, he'll have to fight against his own people. Unless Bexley can find a way to stop them. It might help if she knew the truth about herself. When she discovers her true identity, nothing in the kingdom will ever be the same. If you enjoy fairy tale retelling with a wolf shifter twist, you'll love this new series by the author of The Alpha King's Breeder and The Vampire King's Feeder.

Alpha of Smoke

Alpha of Smoke

History

5.0

My chances of survival are slim. Going west in the 1880s? Dangerous. Fighting rogues and traveling through pack lands where we are unwelcome? A death sentence. But Akecheta awakens a part of me I've never known before. I'm brave. I'm strong. I'm an Alpha's daughter. I will fight for my people--even if it costs me everything. And chances are, it will. If you love steamy wolf shifter romance that will leave your heart racing, read this new adventure from the author of The Alpha King's Breeder.

The Boy Who Lived

The Boy Who Lived

Romance

5.0

I watched Ryan die. So how is Ben wearing his face? Six years ago, I watched my best friend--and secret crush--splatter all over the pavement. He died. I saw him. Yet, in the back of my mind, I've never stopped looking for him. Seeing him in crowds, in the classroom, in my dreams--and my nightmares. It's cost me everything--my identity, my sanity, and maybe my life. So when I walk into class to see a man who looks exactly like Ryan standing before me, I freak out again. My therapist tells me to stay away from Ben. He's no good for me. I'll end up back in a padded room. But I have to know the truth. Is Ben really Ryan? That's not possible. But Ben has scars--real ones and metaphorical ones. If Ben is Ryan, why doesn't he just tell me? Is he trying to drive me crazy? Or worse--is he trying to kill me? The Boy Who Died is the first romantic suspense novel from bestselling romantacy author Bella Moondragon writing as B. Moon. If you love romantic suspense, are a fan of Colleen Hoover, Gillian Flynn, Christopher Greyson, or Paula Hawkins, you won't want to miss this page-turner!

Tempted by Sin

Tempted by Sin

Romance

5.0

I feel his eyes on me, staring through the darkness-darkness as black as his soul. As the fiancée of a rich state senator, I should be living the easy life, but that's not how it is for me. My mother's sick with cancer, my fiancé smells like women's perfume, and I'm not sure he even loves me. When I start to sense someone watching me, I should be terrified. Instead, I'm electrified. Kidnapped, held in a small room, but not tortured, I'm given a chance to study this man behind the mask. He's intriguing in ways he shouldn't be. He excites me in places I've never felt before. Should I give into the enticement and taste his sin? Or try to return to my regular life with a man I cannot trust who probably doesn't care about me at all? It's tempting-that's for damn sure. Tempted by Sin is a steamy dark stalker romance that might be triggering to some. You won't want to miss the shocking twist at the end!

Meet-Cute Me Under the Mistletoe

Meet-Cute Me Under the Mistletoe

Romance

5.0

Christmas magic is in the air at the Santa Clause Ball! Will it lead to love? Growing up in a town called Mistletoe Mountain, it's no wonder I love Christmas. My parents named me appropriately, too. You can't get much more Christmas-y than Holly Lane Garland! This Christmas is going to be even more magical than usual--I can just feel it! At the annual Santa Claus Ball, I meet an amazing man who makes my heart play "Jingle Bells." There's just one problem--well, maybe two. I have no idea what his name is--or what he looks like. (Did I mention the Santa Claus Ball is a masquerade?) Searching for my perfect man leads me to make a new friend. Patrick is amazing, and we have so much in common. He loves Christmas, too. But I think he has a girlfriend. And, well, he's just not the guy who kissed me under the mistletoe. Or is he? Will I find love before Santa arrives, or will I lose my chance at mistletoe magic? If you like sweet, clean Christmas romance novels that get you in the mood for the holidays, you won't want to miss this new romance from the author of Melody's Christmas, Christmas Cocoa, and All I Want for Christmas is Pooch!

The One - Four Fae for the Princess

The One - Four Fae for the Princess

Fantasy

5.0

All fae have a One--One person who strengthens their magic and enriches their life. A perfect mate. So why can't I find mine? What is a fae princess to do when she can't find the prince she's meant to spend the rest of her life with? I have to find him now, for the sake of my kingdom. Evil forces are moving in, and the only way I can come into my full power is to find my perfect mate. If I don't, the magical barrier that protects us will crumble because my magic won't be strong enough to hold it. But... I feel this strange pull to not one, but four different men! What in the world is going on? Can I be mated to all four of these men and still save my kingdom, or will what seems to be an asset turn out to be our undoing? The One is the first in a new reverse harem series by the author of Realm of the Chosen and Ember's Flames.

You'll also like

The Alpha King's Hated Slave

The Alpha King's Hated Slave

 Kiss Leilani
4.9

Once upon a time, there were two kingdoms once at peace. The kingdom of Salem and the kingdom of Mombana... Until the day, the king of Mombana passed away and a new monarch took over, Prince Cone. Prince Cone, has always been hungry for more power and more and more. After his coronation, he attacked Salem. The attack was so unexpected, Salem never prepared for it. They were caught off guard. The king and Queen was killed, the prince was taken into slavery. The people of Salem that survived the war was enslaved, their land taken from them. Their women were made sex slaves. They lost everything, including their land. Evil befall the land of Salem in form of Prince Cone, and the prince of Salem in his slavery was filled with so much rage. The prince of Salem, Prince Lucien swore revenge. 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 Ten years later, thirty-years old Lucien and his people raided a coup and escaped slavery. They went into hiding and recuperated. They trained day and night under the leadership of the fearless and cold Lucien who was driven with everything in him to get back their land, and take Mombana land too. It took them five years before they ambushed and attacked Mombana. They killed Prince Cone and reclaimed everything. As they screamed out their victory, Lucien's eyes found and pinned the proud princess of Mombana. Princess Danika. The daughter of Prince Cone. As Lucien stared at her with the coldest eyes anyone can ever possess, he felt victory for the first time. He walked to the princess with the slave collar he'd won for ten years rattling in his hand as he walked. He reached close to her and with a swift movement, he collared her neck. Then, he tilted her chin up, staring into the bluest eyes and the most beautiful face ever created, he gave her a cold smile. "You are my acquisition. My slave. My sex slave. My property. I will pay you in spades, everything you and your father ever did to me and my people." He stated curtly. Pure hatred, coldness and victory was the only emotion on his face. .

I Took Revenge On My Cheating Ex and Best friend

I Took Revenge On My Cheating Ex and Best friend

Gem_Ma
5.0

My boyfriend called, "Baby!" as he jumped out of bed and scrambled to pull his pants off the ground. "Please, I can explain my love." Shutting my eyes, I inhaled deeply and tried not to cry when I realized that my dream of the man not being my boyfriend had been dashed. "What?" I asked, "What do you want to explain?" How did you lie about having a business meeting while you were in bed enjoying yourself with my best friend, even though I told you I was in serious pain, is that it?" I stood there, my heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face...

Pregnant After One Night Stand With Billionaire

Pregnant After One Night Stand With Billionaire

 Feoma
5.0

6 years ago, Lydia suffered a brutal betrayal orchestrated by her own husband and step-sister, who drugged her and framed her. In a twist of fate, she ended up having a one-night stand with a stranger. Don't even remember what he looked like. Later, in the throes of death, she discovered the truth about her mother's death all those years ago. In the blink of an eye, she lost everything. 6 years later, Lydia returned with her genius son, vowing to exact revenge on all her enemies! Little did she know, she encountered an incredibly familiar man at the airport! *** The man was briskly pushing open the door to the restroom, heading to the urinal. Even with such a mundane action, he did it with unparalleled elegance and grace. Lydia, following him in a daze, saw his fierce lower body and suddenly snapped back to reality. She let out a high-pitched scream, instinctively covering her eyes with her hands, her cheeks flushed, and stood there stiffly, unsure of what to do. Lambert furrowed his brows slightly but remained calm as he continued to relieve himself. The sound of water hitting the urinal made Lydia's face even redder. She angrily shouted, "You pervert!" Little did Lydia know that Lambert, seeing her in this state, had a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Memories from many years ago flashed through his mind, and his heart couldn't help but stir. It was her!

Love On The Edge: Stay With Me, My Precious Darling

Love On The Edge: Stay With Me, My Precious Darling

 Noak Moren
4.4

Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. Only when Emma's life teetered on the edge, pregnant with Ricky's child, did he recognize-the love of his life had always been Emma.

Beauty And The Beta

Beauty And The Beta

 Beth Jackson
5.0

Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?

Love On The Fast Track

Love On The Fast Track

 Critter
4.3

When they were kids, Derek saved Norah's life. Years later, after Derek ended up in a vegetative state from a car crash, Norah married him without a second thought and even used her medical knowledge to heal him. For two years, Norah was devoted, seeking his affection and looking to settle her life-saving debt. But when Derek's first love returned, Norah, faced with divorce, didn't hesitate to sign. Despite being labeled as forsaken, few knew of her true talents. She was a race car driver, a famed designer, a genius hacker, and a renowned doctor. Regretting his decision, Derek begged for her forgiveness. Just then, a charming CEO intervened, embracing Norah and declaring, "Back off! She's my wife!" Taken aback, Norah blurted out, "What did you say?"

Chapters
Read Now
Download Book
A Sketch Away From Perfect
1

Chapter 1 Embarrassing Realities

12/11/2024

2

Chapter 2 Farmer Scott

12/11/2024

3

Chapter 3 Hard but Worth It

12/11/2024

4

Chapter 4 Until It's Done

12/11/2024

5

Chapter 5 Double Trouble

12/11/2024

6

Chapter 6 Mr. Billionaire

12/11/2024

7

Chapter 7 A Better Start

12/11/2024

8

Chapter 8 Against the Window

12/11/2024

9

Chapter 9 Sugar Baby

12/11/2024

10

Chapter 10 Driving a Stick

12/11/2024

11

Chapter 11 Three Men and Counting

17/11/2024

12

Chapter 12 Envy Green

18/11/2024

13

Chapter 13 The Naughty Professor

19/11/2024

14

Chapter 14 A Lesson in O's

21/11/2024

15

Chapter 15 Disowned and Dismissed

22/11/2024

16

Chapter 16 Coming For Me

23/11/2024

17

Chapter 17 The Barn

24/11/2024

18

Chapter 18 The Stalker

26/11/2024

19

Chapter 19 Team Harper

01/12/2024

20

Chapter 20 Pent Up in the Penthouse

02/12/2024

21

Chapter 21 Homecoming for One

03/12/2024

22

Chapter 22 Cold Comfort

03/12/2024

23

Chapter 23 All Tied Up

04/12/2024

24

Chapter 24 Flying the Coop

05/12/2024

25

Chapter 25 Love Slaps

06/12/2024

26

Chapter 26 Questioning McKenzy

08/12/2024

27

Chapter 27 Allies and Assholes

08/12/2024

28

Chapter 28 Shot

09/12/2024

29

Chapter 29 Up and About

10/12/2024

30

Chapter 30 Changes

11/12/2024

31

Chapter 31 Goodbye is the Loneliest Word

13/03/2025

32

Chapter 32 Selfish Solution

14/03/2025

33

Chapter 33 Dance With Me

15/03/2025

34

Chapter 34 Carnivals and Other Rides

18/03/2025

35

Chapter 35 Go Team!

19/03/2025

36

Chapter 36 The Lap of Luxury

20/03/2025

37

Chapter 37 Reunited

21/03/2025

38

Chapter 38 Nothing Too Extravagant

28/03/2025

39

Chapter 39 The Woman Scorned

29/03/2025

40

Chapter 40 Grandma's 100th

31/03/2025