by Haley Travis
“I’m glad,” she said. Her voice was so gentle, sweet. Everything about her was precious, from her tiny straight nose to her little silver star earrings. “So, um, your brother was running the event. Do you two work together?”
I chuckled. “He trots me out when he thinks it’s handy to put my name on the program.” I searched her eyes, and she seemed confused. “I used to be a hockey player,” I explained. “Now I do some Junior League coaching, and team-building work for various corporations.”
“I’m sorry I don’t know anything about sports,” she said. “Are you one of those players where everybody knows your name?”
I shook my head as her tea and my coffee arrived. “I was the new guy with great potential until my knee got twisted in a fight.”
Her eyes grew wide. “I’m so sorry.”
I shrugged. “These things happen.”
“Do you enjoy doing these speeches?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, it’s really interesting finding new ways to get other people’s teams fired up. But my brother is setting me up with a TV gig through one of his old university buddies. They want me to do a weekly half-hour talk show with a few other guys about strengthening teams, motivation, communication, and how putting kids in sports can teach some important life skills if you keep it fun and not crazily competitive.”
Setting her teacup down, she leaned in. “You get an adrenaline rush in front of big crowds. Do you get that, or stage fright or anything in front of cameras?”
“Not at all. They tell me I’m good on camera. And I’m great with small groups. I don’t know why I get fired up when it’s more than a hundred. I guess it’s just that I want my energy to be huge to reach them all.” I leaned a little closer, and flashed her a wink. “I can see what you’re doing – you keep asking me questions quickly so that I won’t ask you about yourself. Sneaky. I like smart women.”
Sharolyn’s cheeks stained pink again just as our food arrived.
“What are you doing for the holidays?” I asked, wanting to start with something simple to put her at ease.
“Absolutely nothing,” she smiled.
“And that makes you happy?”
She shook her head, a few blonde tendrils falling from her ponytail, curling around her cheekbone. “My family is visiting my brother and his new baby in Vancouver for the holidays, but I had to work. I couldn’t really afford it, so I gave the money I’d been saving to my sister so she could go. I’ll visit next year. I’m going to curl up with a book, watch a cheesy movie or five, and have a couple of days off.”
“That sounds relaxing,” I said. “But what about friends? Do you at least go out for a drink with the girls or something?”
She giggled adorably. “My friend has a Christmas Eve party that I’ll stop by for a bit.”
I desperately wanted to ask her if she needed a date. Or if she already had a date. I’d always been incredibly forward with women, but I didn’t want to scare Sharolyn away.
This was the first time I’d ever felt absolutely riveted by a woman’s presence. I’d gone out with a few girls, but they were always so focused on themselves. I wanted a woman of substance, who could actually discuss a book or a movie intelligently, not just the latest nail salon.
“Do I have ketchup on my face or something?” Sharolyn asked softly.
I shook my head, realizing that I had been staring. “I’m sorry, you’re just so gorgeous, and I was trying to decide if asking to be your date for your friend’s party would scare you off.”
Her mouth actually fell open for a blink. “I’m sure you must have plans already,” she said quickly. “I mean, your family is obviously the kind to have big parties and events.”
Reaching out, I took her hand, resting it on her thigh. “I don’t know what it is, but I’m absolutely drawn to you,” I said gently. “You’re beautiful, intriguing, and I really want to get to know you. If you don’t already have a date, may I accompany you to your friend’s party?”
Her eyes locked on mine, and I saw her take a slow breath. I didn’t want to pressure her, but for some reason I couldn’t let her go alone. She seemed frozen with indecision.
“Don’t say no,” I said quickly. “Please, let me get your number so that I can text you, and ask you again tomorrow after you’ve thought about it.” She handed me her phone automatically, and I sent myself a text so that we were connected.
“It’s not fancy or anything,” she said softly. “It’s just twenty people sitting on the floor of her tiny apartment, drinking cheap wine and eating tacos.”
“Tacos?” I laughed.
She laughed with me. “Jenny decided that spicy beef tacos are the exact opposite of turkey and stuffing.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Jenny is another smart woman, I take it. That’s a great idea.”
I quickly paid the bill and helped bundle her back into her big coat. “You look like one of those puffy dolls,” I laughed as we left the restaurant.
“Sometimes it takes a long time for the streetcar to get here in the winter,” she shrugged.
“May I walk you home?”
She looked up at me with the sweetest little grin I’d ever seen. “Sure.”
Sharolyn led me up the street, and as I took her hand, she walked a bit closer to me. I couldn’t help wondering whether she was timid because she was shy, or if she also had no experience with men. It was unusual how much the thought of her with another man disturbed me straight to the bones.
We reached a small gray apartment building, and she turned to face me. “I’ll text you tomorrow for Jenny’s address, so I’ll be prepared when you tell me I’m allowed to be your date,” I grinned.
Her eyes flashed as she gave me a saucy smile. “You’re pushy,” she giggled.
“That’s how you skate to the goal, sweetheart,” I laughed.
“We’re not on the ice right now,” she said.
“I’m about to be on very thin ice,” I said, wrapping my arms around her, “So tell me if I should stop.” Pulling her even closer, my hands slid under her huge coat to nestle against the small of her back. Her pretty little face tipped up to mine, and her bright blue eyes were huge as she realized I was about to kiss her.
I waited for an instant, but she didn’t turn away. Feeling her soft lips glide against mine, I realized that I was completely hooked. She was mine now, even if she didn’t know it yet.
She kissed me back gently, her mouth opening slightly as I pressed my lips to hers, the instant heat flaring between us. Her fingers danced along the back of my neck, as my tongue gently tasted her luscious mouth.
Just when I thought the moment could not get any hotter, the most delicate soft moan escaped her throat. One of my hands instinctively lowered to cup her firm, round ass, pulling her entire body against mine. For one incredible moment we were almost indecently grinding together right in her doorway, her hips moving against mine, my blood pounding in my ears. Then she stepped back, breathless and flushed.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” I said automatically, “I couldn’t–”
She cut me off with another swift kiss, then pulled back, grinning. I wondered if she was considering inviting me in, but I knew that would be a very bad idea. Amazing, but ultimately bad. It was physically difficult to remove my hands from her soft, feminine curves.
“Text me tomorrow?” she whispered.
“Absolutely.” She flashed me another stunning smile before disappearing into her building.
I watched Sharolyn unlock the double doors and get into the elevator, giving her a wave before walking back to the main street to hail a cab. My brother would have to forgive me for not attending his giant holiday family shindig. I couldn’t wait to be hanging out on the floor with Sharolyn and her friends, convincing her that she needed me in her life.
Sure, she was shy. But she must know that people change and grow. I know that she can let her true self out. I could feel that she wanted to be with me.
CHAPTER THREE<
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* Sharolyn *
Another day near the holidays, another ten-hour shift. When I took a short early evening break with just an hour to go, I remembered I needed to call my sister to check in. When I dug out my phone there were two texts from Nolan.
How is the sweet girl with the sweet icing today? I hope that you’ll let me be your date tomorrow night. Please let me know where and when to show up, and what to bring.
I realize you’re probably busy at work.
Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you.
I’d never had a man be so sweet to me, and I felt fluttery just reading his words. Since I didn’t know how to respond, I called my sister Laura first. After checking in with how the family was doing, and precisely how cute little baby Hillary was, she turned her attention to me.
“Sharolyn, please tell me you have more Christmas plans than just Jenny’s party?”
“No,” I said, “But that’s a lot for me. It’s okay.”
She laughed. “Who knows, this might be the year that you meet somebody there. If it’s all friends of friends, that’s a good way to meet a potential boyfriend.”
My phone made a ping, and I pulled it away to see that Nolan had sent another text.
“What was that?” Laura asked.
“It’s a text,” I said quickly. “Anyway–”
“Hold on,” she interrupted. “Why did your voice change?” She paused, then I heard her gasp. “Was it a text from a guy?”
I hesitated, then realized she would know what that meant. My sister knew me far too well. “Well, yes. I met a guy the other day.”
“What’s he like? Is he taking you to the party?”
“He’s amazing,” I admitted. “Honestly, he’s drop dead gorgeous. And he’s really sweet to me. But he’s just sort of… You know. One of those big flashy rich man types. I don’t think I would know how to be around him.”
I didn’t think it was possible to hear someone roll their eyes over the phone, but I swear I did. “Listen to me, Sharolyn.” She was using her big sister tone of voice, which was always irritating, but usually right. “You text that man back and take him to the party. If Jenny approves of him, you know he’s potential boyfriend material. Right?”
“Oh my gosh, you’re right.”
“There you go. I’ll send you baby photos on Christmas day, and I expect a report of your hot new man.”
“Bye,” I giggled.
I hated to admit when my older sister was brilliant, but she had her moments. All I had to do was have Jenny meet Nolan. If he wasn’t right for me, she would tell me right away. I’d known her for years, and she was always the sort of person to point out things about me before I knew it myself.
I checked the latest text.
I’m sorry, I’ll need one more piece of information. Is this a fancy dress party, a casual jeans and t-shirt thing, or an ugly sweater and a Christmas top hat sort of occasion?
I started laughing so hard that the rest of the staff shot funny looks to my chair in the corner. I typed out my response carefully, then proofread it twice. My hand was actually shaking as I hit send.
Hi. I’m sorry, it’s been a really busy day. The party starts around eight, but I always go over a bit early to help Jenny set up, so I’ll meet you there. It’s at 63 Jameson Street, Apt. 1752. Buzz code 5217. It’s completely casual, and I think the food is taken care of. Maybe a bottle of wine would be nice. See you tomorrow night.
I couldn’t think of a way to make the message seem more cheerful without silly smiley faces. I hope it wasn’t stiff. But I got his reply just seconds later.
Thanks so much, Sharolyn. Looking forward to it.
Can’t wait to see you. xoxo
My hand flew to my mouth to suppress a little girlish chirp. It was so weird that he was acting like we were already a couple. Was that normal? I’d never been in a real relationship before, so all I knew was what my friends told me. Ffrom the sounds of it, a lot of guys string them along for weeks before they figure out their feelings. Nolan seemed to be all in, right now. It was bizarre.
I finished my shift and raced home, digging through every single thing in my closet to find something casual but cute. Then I realized I had absolutely no idea what kind of woman he was used to dating.
I ran a search online, and there were a few photos of him with downright scary looking women. They looked made up and styled within an inch of their lives, and obviously hadn’t eaten a cupcake during this decade. One of them was so thin she looked dehydrated. Her hair was a strange cinnamon-orange, as if she’d picked the most outrageous color to try to make a statement. If these were the sorts of glamorous mannequins he was used to, he was in for a surprise with me.
But that was okay. I just had to make it through one night. Then my friends would see that I am trying to date, and he would see that I was not right for him. Also, maybe I could just consider this practice. A learning experience. All of those self-help books insist that we have to try new things and push ourselves out of our comfort zone. This was my chance.
***
As soon as I burst in Jenny’s door, setting down the shopping bags full of cookies and cupcakes and hugging the daylights out of her, I felt better. She was always the cool girl, with lots of boyfriends. I was a bit jealous of how casual she was with guys. But she’d tell me what to do.
“Oh my God, what’s up?” she asked immediately. Sometimes it was annoying that she could read me as easily as a large print book. She stepped back, looking at me very carefully. “You’re dressed up. What’s going on?”
“Don’t freak out,” I started. “I have a date coming by later, and–”
The strange squealing noise she made was nearly deafening, clearly stating that she was happy for me. Then she snapped into analysis mode, staring at me from head to toe. “Hair down, perfect soft makeup, cute dress that’s not too sexy but makes your boobs look amazing. That dark blue looks nice on you. This is a great look for a date.” She grinned. “I’ve taught you well, apparently. Who is he?”
“Nolan Briggs. He’s a former hockey player who has become sort of a corporate motivational speaker or something. I met him at work.”
“How old is he?” she asked, raising one perfectly sculpted eyebrow suspiciously.
I couldn’t help giggling. “Early thirties, I think.”
“Why didn’t he pick you up?”
“I told him to meet me here. I wanted to help you set up.”
She rolled her eyes at me. “Girl, you have to let men be men. They want to pick you up, show off their car, and walk in the door with you on their arm.”
“But I have work to do, obviously,” I said, looking around her living room. “You’ve hardly decorated at all.”
“I don’t have space,” she said. “But if you want, you could take my new red blanket off the bed and throw it over the back of the couch.”
I got straight to work, moving the blanket, digging out silver candle holders, and lighting some tea lights in front of the hallway mirror so I could turn the lights lower.
Jenny was busy cooking, so I arranged cookies and cupcakes on every manner of plate and platter I could find, setting them around the room as well. Soon it looked festive enough. People tended to come and go through the evening, so it always ended up packed.
When her phone began buzzing as people arrived in the lobby, we took turns hitting the entry button, not bothering to screen them.
We always voted on who got the comfortable seats, but this year the problem solved itself. Since Patricia was pregnant, she and her husband Mark got the tiny couch, and Andrea got the easy chair since she had pulled her back last week. Everyone else began finding spots on the floor, as people took turns making their own tacos, eating Patricia’s chocolate chip banana bread, and catching up on our lives.
“Oh my goodness, thank you so much,” I heard Jenny exclaim from the doorway. I turned to see Nolan handing her a huge poinsettia with a silver bow. He was wearing a
dark green shirt that stretched across his shoulders, making him look gigantic, with trim black pants that made him look like a rich guy trying to appear casual.
“Thank you so much for having me,” he said sweetly. He lifted a large box from the floor. “I have red wine to go with dinner, white wine for people that don’t drink red, nonalcoholic wine just in case anyone doesn’t drink, and two bottles of champagne for whenever it feels like the right time.”
“Wow – you’re the best!” Jenny laughed. She turned to me, grinning and nodding. “I think your friend is a keeper.”
I came over to stand next to him, and before I even had a chance to open my mouth to say hello, he had scooped me into his arms, picking me up as he kissed me. He was so warm. Those thick arms around me made everything inside me quiver. But for once it wasn’t from nerves, it was from the feeling of his body against mine. Should I have been able to feel his kiss in the backs of my knees?
“I missed you, sweetheart,” he whispered into my ear.
“I’m glad you came,” I smiled up at him.
He gave my hand a squeeze, then got to work uncorking the wine and putting a glass in everyone’s hand. Patricia was thrilled to have wine for the first time in months, even though it was non-alcoholic.
When we ran out of wine glasses, Nolan didn’t seem to mind at all that we simply used coffee mugs, juice glasses, or whatever we found in Jenny’s cupboards. We scored a spot at the dining room table for a couple of tacos, but then made room for newcomers by sitting on the floor in the corner.
“Can I get you another drink?” Nolan asked.
“Not for a while, thanks,” I said, checking my phone.
“Are you expecting a call?” he asked.
“No, I was checking the time,” I said. “I space my drinks out so I never get tipsy.”
He laughed, stretching his legs out and pulling me onto his lap. “I told you I like smart women. I also like sensible women.”