Tempting Mr. Perfect

by Rebecca Rose

  “Quiet, shy Kathy? Are you sure it wasn’t her evil twin?”

  “She doesn’t have one.”

  Jake snickered. “Oh man. Sexually repressed women are the best! They’ll do anything.”

  “You’re such a pig.” Dave picked up another beer and handed it to Jake to open. “Jake, I really want to get to know her. I mean, I think she’s it for me.”

  “Oh man, don’t tell me you’re seeing white picket fences, children, and tiny dogs.”

  Dave pressed his lips together to stop himself from saying, “Yes.”

  “You are!” Jake yelled and stomped his foot for emphasis. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Jake, I want to get to know the side she hides from everyone. Come on, you must have felt that way with Sophie.”

  “Nope. It was all sex.”

  Dave gave his brother a bland look. “And I’m sure Sophie feels the same way.”

  “Nope. She thinks I fell head-over-heels in love with her and will do anything for her.”

  Dave took a sip of his beer while eyeing Jake. “So you bringing her breakfast in bed on the weekends and giving her foot massages has nothing to do with loving her?”

  “Nope. It has to do with the fact that without her I’m lost and I want her to know I appreciate her putting up with my crap.” Jake grinned at his brother. “Love has nothing to do with it.”

  Dave laughed. His brother had just described what love was, and he had a feeling Jake knew it. “So you’re saying I shouldn’t get to know her.”

  “Oh, you should. Totally and absolutely. This way you can mush her up with the things she likes and you get to reap the benefits.”

  “Like sex,” Dave stated for clarification.

  “YEAH. And don’t forget having someone to talk with at night. I mean it was all good and everything when I hung here with you. But having Sophie there all the time is a bonus, and Schnitzel doesn’t say much.”

  “Except when he’s hungry.”

  “Right.”

  “So sex, talking, massages, breakfast in bed. In that order?”

  “Well, not always.” Jake shrugged. “But it sounds like a solid plan to get you started. Anything you want me to do? Like get you some candles and sex toys?”

  “I don’t want your used crap.”

  Jake kicked back in his chair. “Suit yourself. But don’t be going to Sophie for ideas. What we do in bed is our business.”

  Giving his brother a mild look, Dave said, “Yeah right like I need tips from you and Sophie. You’ve forgotten who you’re talking to.”

  “Might be time to get out those spare handcuffs you stole off of Officer Bennett.”

  “I gave those back. And, Jake?”

  “Yup.”

  “If you’re going to drink my secret stash of beer, stop insulting me.”

  “It’s all brotherly love.”

  * * *

  Sophie’s quick feet gave Kathy vertigo—the dizzying sensation leaving her breathless. How can a person move that fast with so little effort? The dancer spun as if gravity didn’t exist. Every jump, leap, and promenade convinced Kathy more and more that her friend’s talent was actually a supernatural power. How else could a body bend and float beyond all logic?

  “Kathy!” Sophie wiped her face with a towel. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “I wanted to talk. Sorry if I’m interrupting.”

  Sophie gently touched Kathy’s shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

  “What isn’t wrong? Why can’t I be spontaneous, rebellious, sexy—”

  “You are sexy. What’s this about?”

  “Why couldn’t I be born with soft curves like my mother? Why did I have to take after my father? Ugh, look at these man hands!” Sophie’s long sigh gave Kathy’s plight little comfort. Over the years the conversation may have been visited many times but at this moment it seemed more urgent than ever.

  “You are beautiful. Now what’s the matter?”

  The negative energy of Kathy’s thoughts sucked every ounce of self-worth from her. She had begun to question her life’s path and the results were painful. “I’m not sure if this is right. If things don’t work out with Dave, I’ll be out of a job and it took so long to find one after I was laid off.”

  “Dave wouldn’t fire you, Kathy. Come on over here and sit down.” Sophie led her friend to a nearby couch. The soft, pale shade of pink accented the ballet studio nicely.

  “I remember picking this out,” Kathy said while rubbing the plush material.

  “It was fun.”

  They sat there in silence for a few moments. “I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is the product of a self-made pity party or a well-deserved crisis.”

  “Either one is good. What’s going on with Dave?”

  Kathy’s eyes rolled to look at the ceiling. “The man is driving me nuts. I don’t understand. It’s crazy. I’m crazy. He’s so darn adorable with the way he taps his pen against his desk when he’s trying to figure something out. Then there are those biceps of his that seem to constantly be flexing. I want to grab him, throw him to the ground, tear off his clothes and… well, that’s just it, I’m too afraid to take what I want.” Unable to stay still, Kathy rose to her feet and walked to the ballet barre. “How can you get your leg up here without pulling all your muscles?”

  “Years and years of practice. What do you see in Dave’s eyes?”

  Turning to look at her friend, Kathy leaned back against the wooden handrail. “You’re gonna think I’m nuts.”

  “Already do.”

  “True. Okay, I don’t know if I’m ready for a man like him.”

  Puzzled, Sophie asked, “I don’t get it, what do you mean?”

  “Whatever’s between us is overwhelming. I feel like if I allow this thing that’s happening, I’ll lose all control and… Sophie, Dave looks at me as if he wants to eat me.” Kathy winced. “That didn’t come out right.”

  Sophie laughed goodheartedly. “Yes! Kathy, my friend, you are going to learn what it’s like to have a man take care of all your needs. You’re feeling desire, lust, attraction!” She jumped up from the couch and danced a little jig. “I can’t wait.”

  “Geez. You’d think you’re the one who might get laid.”

  “Oh, I get that every night, and twice on Sunday,” she added. “But you’re going to have your first orgasm. I can see it!”

  “You’re creepin’ me out,” Kathy sobered.

  “Kathy, you owe it to yourself and him to give this a real chance. Otherwise you’ll always be asking yourself ‘What if?’ and that’ll stink.”

  “You’re right. I know you’re right. He’s the first guy I’ve ever felt this kind of attraction for and it’s not just his chest under those tight shirts, or his arms, or his butt. It’s how I feel when I’m with him. He makes me laugh and feel sexy. When he looks at me, I mean truly looks at me, I swear he can see my soul because he always knows the right things to say and do. Aagggg.”

  “We need to go shopping!” Sophie announced. “Get you some new spring and summer clothes. Have ice cream and talk about our men.”

  “Dave isn’t my man.” Not yet anyway. But did she want him to be?

  “Oh, Kathy.” Sophie put a reassuring arm around her friend’s shoulders. “I’m telling you this time will be different. Don’t think on it too much.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. Don’t try too hard. Let yourself relax. Be patient, it will come—no pun intended. The right man just hasn’t met you yet.”

  “Yes, he has. Come upstairs. I want to shower before we go shopping.”

  “I don’t want to go shopping,” Kathy miserably mumbled.

  “Yes, you do. Now stop feeling sorry for yourself and come with me. You’re going to relax and tell me everything that’s happened between you two while I get ready.”

  Chapter Five

  With the end of the week here and a successful shopping trip done with Sophie, Kathy headed to the grocery store. She was thankful to see the
crowd wasn’t as overwhelming as she feared with Easter coming the following day.

  A display stand in front of the chips and cereal aisle called her over. What could she do but give in? After all just because her family never celebrated it didn’t mean she couldn’t take advantage of all the yummy chocolate that came out during that time of year. Yesterday at the end of the work day, Dave had given her chocolate-covered strawberries in a heart-shaped box. The note attached simply said “You’re beautiful.” She gushed over the card for hours and then put it away in an old wooden keepsake box she kept in her nightstand drawer. No man had ever been so sweet.

  Kathy picked up a chocolate bunny and noticed the label wasn’t to her specifications. If she was going to cheat on her diet then she was going to cheat on her diet. From behind her a dark chocolate bunny with a caramel middle hopped into her line of sight. The hand holding it bounced the tasty treat.

  “You want me me! Don’t go for that generic junk, you’re too classy,” Dave told her in a mock bunny voice.

  Laughing, Kathy took the Godiva bunny. “You’re absolutely right. I’m a Godiva girl.” She turned to Dave with her lips pressed together in an attempt to suppress her amusement. “How about you?”

  “Guess,” he said with a wiggle of his brows.

  His eyes twinkled with mischief and Kathy accepted his invitation to play. That something special about him pulled at her and the closest she could come to putting a name to it was comfort. She felt that, and peace—he gave the world around him a solid foundation for all to stand on. But what intrigued her most was what she didn’t know about him. How odd that he can be both soothing and mysterious.

  “I’m gonna guess jelly beans and Peeps.”

  He leaned in and gave her a peck on the lips. “You know me well.”

  The quick kiss left her wanting more and wishing she was brave enough to kiss him back while in public. “I bet you were the kid who put the sweet yellow chicks in the microwave to see them grow.”

  “Nope,” he corrected her. “I liked seeing them explode.”

  “You would!”

  They stood there for a moment staring at one another; silence preluding more to come.

  “Kathy, would you have lunch with me?”

  While her mind stumbled, her heart was confident. “Yes. But aren’t you at the Lion today?”

  “I called Sue in to cover for me. Figured I deserved a two-day weekend.”

  Kathy looked at her basket of groceries and Dave’s cart. “That’s a lot of food for one person.”

  “Jake and Sophie are coming over tomorrow for Easter dinner and my parents will be up sometime next week. Why don’t you join us tomorrow? We’ll be eating at two.”

  With one hand up in protest, Kathy declined. “I don’t want to intrude—”

  “You won’t.” He took her hand, brought it to his lips, then smiled. “Have lunch with me today. Give me a chance to change your mind about joining us.”

  “Are you a romantic or just out to seduce me?”

  “A little of both.”

  “Okay. Lunch.”

  “Great. Let’s pay and get out of here.”

  “But I’m not done.” Panic streaked across her mind as she glanced at her basket.

  “You don’t want to buy anything perishable anyway. It’ll go bad in the car.”

  “But—”

  “Actually maybe we should just leave our stuff.” Dave looked as if he was seriously contemplating the idea.

  “You can’t do that!”

  A little wild-eyed, Dave told her, “But I don’t want you to change your mind.”

  “I… no… I mean. I won’t. Promise.”

  The look on his face was the picture of Christmas morning and Kathy had to smile.

  “You won’t run?” he asked in all seriousness.

  “No.” How could she? His presence alone had brightened her day.

  “Okay, let’s go.” He dropped the chocolate bunny that started it all in his cart then nodded his head for them to go to the cashier.

  “So where do you want to go?” The sun glistened off his brown hair and Kathy glimpsed the blond highlights that were sure to become lighter in summer.

  “What do you like?” she asked.

  “Italian, American, Chinese, sushi, you name it, I’m all over it.” His body bobbed in excitement.

  “I love sushi.” She giggled, while realizing the full scope of Dave’s boyish cuteness. How come she had never noticed it before?

  “Awesome. I know this great place. Let’s take my car and we’ll come back for yours.”

  “Umm, okay.”

  He grabbed her grocery basket and tossed it into his cart. “Come on. We’ll beat the lunch crowd.”

  “Dave, slow down.” Kathy lengthened her stride to catch up with him.

  “Sorry.”

  The big-toothed grin he gave her on top of the disheveled hair that currently stuck out everywhere on his head made Kathy laugh harder than she had in months—possibly years.

  “You laughin’ at me, Miss Smith?”

  “Yes.” She covered her mouth to stop the snort that was sure to come next. “I just never realized how truly adorable you are.”

  “Oh, I’m cute. And sexy,” he replied, and pulled her into his arms. “You though… you’re stunning.”

  She let out a huff. “Really, Dave? You’re so going to give me a big ego.”

  “It’s okay. I can handle that.” Staring into her eyes, Dave brought his mouth down to hers. Unhurried and ever patient she understood the immense need inside him when he grasped her behind and crushed them together.

  “Jesus, Dave. You’re walking around like that?”

  He stayed close to her, letting their breath mingle. “This is what you do to me, Kathy.”

  Dave was hard. More than that—rock solid. And she blushed from the intimate knowledge. “We should probably check out and get to the car.”

  “Right. The backseat is better for what I’d like to do to you, though.”

  “No. no.” Horror hit her fast. What if Dave took her right there in the parking lot and she was a letdown for him like all the men before him?

  “Kathy, calm down. I’m only kidding. Here, help the invalid put the groceries on the belt.”

  She stood there grinning; trapped between delight that they ran into each other and wonderment that she never knew this fun side of her existed. “Maybe I don’t want to,” she teased.

  “Really? Hmm, how about another kiss of persuasion?”

  “Oh, you’re very good at coaxing people, aren’t you?”

  “One of the best.” He cupped the back of her head with his hand and pulled her in for a slow, gentle kiss. “Now help me with the groceries.”

  “Okay, Mr. Sanders. But I’m not going home with you to unpack them,” she said while helping empty the cart.

  “And here I was hoping you’d come over and do some cooking and cleaning.”

  “In your dreams!”

  He paid the cashier and they walked out to his car together. “Lunch awaits, my lady,” he said after opening the passenger side door and sweeping a hand out in invitation for her to sit.

  “I think this is our first official date, Dave.” Kathy’s insides danced with excitement as he kissed her lips once more.

  “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on one,” he told her. “Please be gentle with me.”

  She sat in his car while taking notice that the world around them seemed to be sparkling. Was it because spring had finally come? Or was it because of the man who sat next to her?

  “I was thinking,” he told her, “maybe we can neck after this. Just to make sure I still know what I’m doing.”

  “Somehow,” she answered as her heart swelled inside her chest, “I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem.”

  * * *

  Kathy reeled from her date with Dave. She couldn’t hide her excitement.

  “And then we went to a movie and ate a crap load of
popcorn. After that he brought me back to get my car and we said good-bye. Nothing to it. Easy stuff. I don’t know why I still feel so nervous. I mean, geez, the movie had this really hot sex scene and I could feel my body turning really, really hot and when I turned to Dave, he—oh it was so romantic—he took my face in his hands and kissed me.” A long breath escaped Kathy’s lips. “I have to say, I was a little disappointed that he didn’t even try to make a move on me. But then I realized we were in the movie theater. And then—”

  “Kathy?” Sophie’s soft voice sounded sleepy. “I’m really tired. Can we pick this up tomorrow?”

  “It’s only eight. Are you feeling okay?” Sophie never got sick. She always had enough energy for five people to live off of. But her voice sounded weak and Kathy felt a little guilty for not realizing this earlier.

  “I’m fine. Think I’ve been burning the damn candle at both ends for too long, that’s all.”

  Kathy’s lips moved into a pout. “Jake should be taking better care of his woman.”

  “Yeah.”

  Again her feeble voice alarmed Kathy. “If this goes on for more than a few days, you should go to the doctor.”

  “I have an appointment Monday morning. I’m just run-down. How about we catch up when I see you tomorrow?”

  “That sounds like a plan.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you at Dave’s for Easter dinner.”

  Excited about her date and Easter dinner the following day, Kathy couldn’t hide her excitement as she walked into her kitchen. Suddenly her cell began to ring. The caller ID displayed a number she didn’t recognize so she shrugged and ignored it. But after it stopped ringing, her landline rang with the same unfamiliar number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Kathy,” the quiet voice said.

  She froze for a brief moment before saying, “Stop calling me, Todd.” She hung up as the revolting flavor of disgust filled her palate. When her landline rang again Kathy simply picked up her keys and left both her apartment and her cell behind. She needed to buy a dessert for tomorrow anyway, and the Italian bakery around the corner boasted about having the best baked goods in town. Hopefully by the time she walked back Todd would have gotten the clear message of “Leave me alone!” and stop calling her every damn week.