by Pat Simmons
When a round of applause erupted, Brecee reached for the program booklet and realized that the speakers' comments had concluded.
Now, with dinner over, Shae tapped her on the hand. “Rahn and I are going to make a spot on the dance floor. Are you going to be okay?” She was already on her feet with her husband’s hand around her waist.
She was about to say her good-byes and catch a cab home or hitch a ride with the limo driver when a presence nearby.
“It’s nice to see you again, Brecee.” The voice was unmistakable.
Whipping her head around, Brecee sucked in her breath as she stared into Adrian’s brown eyes. She’d always thought men looked sexy in suits— she blamed that on her being continually surrounded by male doctors in scrubs—but the tux on this man looked hand-stitched to accentuate every muscle in his body.
“Adrian,” she muttered. “Hi.”
From the corner of her eye, she noticed that Shae and Rahn had returned to their seats. What happened to their dance number?
“So, a face to go with the name,” Shae said. Her tone was so odd, even Brecee couldn’t tell if she was being nice or mildly scolding.
“Hello, Mrs. Maxwell.” Adrian looked back at Brecee. “You two really do look alike. More so in person.”
Rahn extended a hand. “Rahn Maxwell.”
“I know.” Adrian grinned, and a slight dimple flashed before Brecee’s eyes and then was gone. “Adrian Cole. It’s nice to meet you. I’m glad the Cards won tonight. I gave away my tickets to the game to be here.” He reached inside his breast pocket and pulled out his card. “I’m a transportation problem solver with Broadway Motors.”
Brecee wondered if it was always all about business and networking for him.
Her brother-in-law didn’t even look at the card. “No need. I remember names and faces.” He waved him off. “If it’s okay with my wife and Brecee....”
Uh-oh. What is he up to? Brecee held her breath.
“I’d like to invite you to be our guest for a post-game party we’re hosting next week after Friday’s game.”
Shae narrowed her eyes at her husband. “We would?”
Although her brother-in-law was always personable, Brecee hadn’t seen that coming. He never invited just anybody to their parties.
Adrian nodded, then faced Brecee. “I accept, if you’re okay with that.”
“Great,” Rahn said, tugging Shae out of her seat again. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some dancing to do.”
“Would you like to dance?” Adrian asked, a glimmer in his eyes.
She shook her head, trying to figure out what had just happened.
“Then do you mind if I sit with you?” He placed his hand on the back of the empty chair facing her, but he didn’t budge.
“I don’t.”
She observed his every movement, which seemed to be precisely calculated. His expression gave nothing away as he made himself comfortable.
Wow. He was so good-looking, she didn’t want to blink. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I came with some colleagues. Our dealership partners with this organization and a number of other charities.” Then Adrian leaned forward and extended his hand. “Let me reintroduce myself. Adrian Cole.”
She giggled, but he was serious, his gaze steady on her.
When she reached out, his hand covered hers with ease. Her eyelids fluttered at the feel of his strong yet gentle hold.
“Sabrece Carmen,” she said. “But my family and friends call me Brecee.” She would play his game.
“I gave Dolan your message, and he says Laura’s doing fine.” Adrian paused. “Do you want his number?”
Please. Brecee held in a grunt. She didn’t call men, especially after she’d given them her number. “No, I don’t.”
“Good. You won’t regret it.” He grinned and stood. “Now would you like to dance?”
Feeling as if they had come to some type of terms, albeit unnamed, unknown, and undeclared, Brecee got to her feet. “I think I would like that.”
He escorted her to the dance floor, in view of her sister, who was peeping around Rahn’s shoulder, shamelessly spying on them.
Chapter Eight
A
drian smirked. Any other woman would be glad to be wrapped in his arms. Brecee evidently did not, based on the imaginary line she maintained between them. What a shame. With every whiff of whatever perfume she was wearing, the only thing Adrian wanted to do was pull her closer.
“I’m glad you’re not taken,” he whispered.
“What makes you think that?” She lifted one of her perfectly arched eyebrows in what appeared to be a challenge.
“Well, For starters, you came here alone. There isn’t a ring on your finger....” He gave her a challenging gaze of his own. “Should I keep going?”
“Why not?” she asked, calling his bluff.
Chuckling, Adrian gently spun her around, moving to his own rhythm rather than that of the band. “If you were taken, that man would have been right there at St. Louis Bread Company to console you, unless you don’t have time for romance and therefore the absence of a significant other.”
When she stopped swaying, so did he. Maybe he had hit too close to home. The sexy expression on her face was tempting as she puckered her lips—probably done without her realizing the effect on him. What he wouldn’t give to be finished with school and to have more free time to explore a relationship.
She tilted her head upward, seeming to study him. “Are you finished playing guessing games?”
“I don’t play games with people. That’s not my way. What you see is what you get.” He shrugged. “That's exactly what I want in a woman.”
“Is that why you’re not married yet?” she pressed.
“My parents and my grandparents married for life, and I plan to follow in their footsteps. So, I don’t believe in rushing into anything, including relationships,” he said, emphasizing the last word. “I do believe in destiny, soul mates, and the perfect woman for me—and that our two hearts will beat as one.”
Brecee frowned, then asked, “Where does God fit into your plan? Because my world has been centered on Him as far back as I can remember.”
Then she sighed and glanced away, evidently disappointed with something he’d said. He wondered just what.
“I’m afraid we just might not have anything in common, Adrian. I’m a pediatrician. I enjoy childish games and playing pranks. As the youngest of four daughters, I’ve always been the center of attention in my family; and even with my three sisters being married, that hasn’t changed. So, from where I’m standing, I don’t see what we have in common. Where’s the connection that could possibly lead to two hearts beating as one?”
Although Adrian appreciated her honesty, he didn’t care to be dismissed. “I have one request.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “Okay...?”
“Show me your world.”
“Better strap on your seat belt,” she said, jokingly.
But he didn’t smile. “I’m already buckled in.”
Grinning, she appeared to relax somewhat. Moments went by without a word spoken between them as they danced. The imaginary line was still there, but Brecee seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself. Returning her steady gaze, he saw the same disappointment he felt when the organizer stepped up to the podium, called the night a success, and thanked everyone for coming. Wishing for more time together, Adrian escorted Brecee back to her table, where Rahn and his wife were whispering like two lovers deep in a private conversation.
“Do you need a ride home?” he asked.
She chuckled. “Thanks, but unless you have a chariot to trump a stretch limo, I’m good.”
“I’m a transportation problem solver, remember? I’m sure I can find you a chariot,” he teased back. “But seriously, when can I see you again?”
Brecee shrugged. “I’m off most weekends.”
“I work all day Saturday and usually spend the eveni
ng studying.”
“And you’re probably tied up with church on Sunday,” she stated.
“Not really, Sunday is definitely my day of rest,” he confessed. “I often spend it catching up with Dolan and Laura or visiting my parents. But I am so looking forward to spring break next week.”
She shook her head, the disappointment returning to her eyes. “I’m not asking for a lot in a man, except that he be intelligent and confident, and that he take time for God. If you don’t do that on Sundays, when do you?”
He didn’t have the answer she was clearly waiting for, judging by the way she stood there with her arms folded over her chest. Maybe he’d been premature in asking for a chance with her. He honestly did have a tight schedule, but he also honestly wanted to get to know her.
She rested her soft hand on top of his. “I don’t understand your world, Adrian. Before we go any further, may I suggest we be honest about our expectations? Let’s each make a list of ten things we want in the ideal mate. We can mail our lists to each other’s workplaces.”
Was she serious? “In the age of technology, why would we use snail mail?”
“Hey, it keeps the post office in business. And, to stir the pot some more, we can’t read what the other wrote until our own list is in the mail.” She lowered her voice to add, “If we don’t have at least five things in common, let’s not try to force something that won’t fit.”
A woman with guidelines—that was a first. Adrian didn’t know what he thought of her terms, but he had nothing to lose, because he sure didn’t have Brecee.
“Sure,” he finally agreed.
She wiggled her nose playfully. “You’re so easy to challenge.”
Adrian was relieved. “So, you were kidding?”
“Nope.”
Humph. School was back in session. He leaned closer to her. “If I have to play this game, I won’t lose.” He winked, then stepped back and turned to Rahn. “Thanks for the invite,” Adrian told him. “See you Friday.” Then he strolled away.
“Adrian Cole is fine,” Shae stated while snuggling in her husband’s arms inside the limo, as if she had no shame complimenting another man in front of him.
“True,” Brecee said, “but it takes a lot more than looks. I should know. I’ve dated some hunks who were only a shell of a man with no substance.”
“You act like you’re unsure about seeing him.”
Brecee shrugged. “In one word, he’s a mystery.”
Shae held up two fingers. “A mystery. Two words.”
“Whatever.” Brecee rolled her eyes and tugged on a curl that fallen out of place. “I still think I might be more compatible with his cousin Dolan. I mentioned him to you. He has done a great job instilling Christ into his young daughter’s life, and you know I love children.”
“There’s something between you and Adrian,” Rahn observed, speaking for the first time since they’d gotten in the limo. “I could tell neither of you knew it yet. That’s why I invited him over. God knows I have been in that man’s shoes.” He turned and inched his mouth closer to Shae’s. “I remember being desperate to get my woman back.” They kissed.
Brecee looked away to give them a moment of privacy. “I’m not his woman,” she mumbled.
Rahn grunted. “Not yet. But when a man has his mind made up, you women are helpless.”
Shae groaned. “Please, babe, don’t challenge my sister.”
“Too late.” Brecee beamed. “He agreed to participate in a little unscientific experiment to see if we're compatible.”
“And if you’re not?” Rahn asked.
“We Carmen sisters don’t compromise. Haven't you learned anything from being married to one?” Shae answered for her.
Laughing, Rahn pulled Shae closer. “Yep. Say no more.”
Brecee didn’t say anything. Shae’s mantra sounded good, but she wasn’t sure if her heart would cooperate.
When the limo pulled in front of her condo, she kissed Shae and hugged Rahn good night, then allowed the driver to help her out and escort her to the front door. He waited until she was inside and had disengaged her alarm before returning to the limo.
Before climbing into bed, she slid to the floor on her knees. “Lord, I don’t know what I’m getting into with Adrian. If he can’t love You, Lord, how could he ever love me?” Brecee didn’t want to be the Carmen sister who got it wrong when it came to a serious relationship.
Trust Me, the Lord whispered.
After listening a few more minutes for any additional guidance, Brecee ended her prayer with a petition to keep children safe from injuries, predators, and illnesses. “In Jesus’ name, amen.”
On Saturday, Brecee slept in. Usually, she did something with Shae and Sabrina; but with Rahn in town, Brecee was a faded memory. She wasn’t offended at all, however. If she had a husband who was crazy about her, she would be missing in action, too.
When she did step out of bed, Brecee prayed some more for guidance. “Lord, You promise that if I acknowledge You in all my ways, You’ll direct my path. I need direction, Jesus,” she pleaded, then reached for her Bible and opened it to where she’d left off reading, in chapter 2 of Titus. Her heart fluttered as she soaked in verse seven: “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity ...”
By the time she finished reading the entire book of Titus, Brecee understood the message God had for her. Adrian had asked her to show him her world—to let him enter it. She wanted him to see the benefits of following Christ in a way that would make him want to stay.
She put on her workout clothes and went for a jog through nearby Lafayette Park, admiring all the turn-of-the century architecture as she crossed the street. While so many people preferred the suburbs, Brecee enjoyed city living. Maybe that was the Philly in her.
The park was considered a historic landmark, something she’d learned from her reporter sister. Shae had taken her on a walking tour the day after she’d moved into her condo, pointing out the pavilion that had survived the Great Cyclone of 1896, which killed hundreds of people in St. Louis. The grounds were spotted with weather-worn cannons fired from a 1776 British warship and other memorable statues of military heroes.
After completing her three-mile course, she headed back home. She thought about Adrian, who would be working right now. Was the transportation specialist, or whatever it was that he called himself, wooing new clients?
She prayed for God’s will in his life. She also thought about the challenge she’d posed for him that would demand the same transparency from her.
“Right.” She figured she might as well get started after she showered and slipped into comfortable clothes to lounge in. After powering up her Tablet, she curled up on the sofa, closed her eyes, and dug deep within herself. Then she began to type.
“Number one...hmm.” She already had to pause. After a few moments, it came to her: Although I don’t consider myself vain, he has to be a looker. “So he won’t scare me every time I look at him.” She chuckled, but she meant it.
Brecee had always been partial to dark chocolate skin that was free of tattoos and piercings. Adrian reminded her of Philly native actor Kevin Moore, minus his thick beard. Adrian’s facial features wowed her: silky black eyebrows, lashes, mustache, and an engaging smile that always seemed sincere. Of course, that slight dimple was an added bonus.
His muscular build reminded her of former football player Will Demps. Brecee hadn’t even liked football until she’d caught a glimpse of him playing for the Ravens. She’d followed his career until his final game with the Houston Texans.
When Will seemed to be done with football, so was she. Still, the man was not easily forgotten. She wanted a man like that who wasn’t easily forgotten—and Adrian couldn’t be ignored. He'd definitely gotten her attention last night and, if she was honest, on the first day, when he saw her boohooing. She was just too upset appreciate it.
Number two: He must have a job, unless he
plans to be a house husband and a nanny to the children. She didn’t like the sound of that. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, at least with her first child.
When she got to number three, Brecee became more serious: He must surrender his will to Christ and trust Him to run the show. After chiding herself for not making this her first requirement, she scratched out the numbers and changed them accordingly. Then she briefly thought about Dolan. Judging from his daughter, he had probably turned his life over to Christ long ago.
No. She took a deep breath. Dolan hadn’t called, and she did find herself attracted to Adrian.
Number four: He must respect me and support me in my commitment to live for Christ—not only on Sundays, but all throughout the week. I shouldn’t have to say this, but I want to be clear: I don’t sleep around—it’s nonnegotiable. God said He is able to keep me from falling, and my desire is to be kept!
Number five: He must understand that family is important. If he can’t get along with mine, or if they don’t like him, then we can’t be together. I won’t ask either to pick sides. This is also nonnegotiable.
Number six: He must have a sense of humor. Laughter is better than any medicine I could ever prescribe. He has to be able to laugh with me, not about me or at me. :)
That gave Brecee pause. Adrian seemed so serious, but last night, there had been undeniable vibes between them. She’d felt his pull. He was like water to her oil; his subdued nature counterbalanced the hyperactivity and adrenaline rushes her daily work demanded. Could he deliver the simple things that mattered most to her happiness?
She continued typing.
Number seven: He must consider me more important than everything but God. I want to matter. I want an investment in us.
She realized that number seven was really three requirements in one. Oh, well. Deal with it.
Number eight: When he’s no longer into me, he needs to tell me and then step aside, so the real deal can come along.
Number nine: He must be very certain that I’m the one before he tells me he loves me, because he can’t take it back, and I’ll hold him to it.