by Pat Simmons
4. In my thirty-three years, I’ve done things at my own pace to my own satisfaction. I’ve managed to hold my own without a woman, but I’m willing to make time for one, as long as she’ll make time for me.
She raised her eyebrows.
5. I’ve never married because I’ve never met a woman I felt I couldn’t afford to let get away. When I meet that woman, I’ll waste no time proposing, because I’ll know that I’ve fallen in love.
Brecee had to pat her chest a couple of times. “Whew.” She could almost hear him say the words. Last week, she’d gotten a glimpse of his intensity.
So, those were the top five on Adrian’s wish list. She read on.
6. Faith is important—my parents made sure I knew that—but I don’t think that church is necessary. This belief is based on my observations of the way people act during the Sunday service versus all through the rest of the week. I figure I can do without the hypocrisy.
God, how will this this work? was her silent question. A committed, convicted Christian man was a must.
Show him the light, the Lord whispered. Be the light.
Brecee smiled at the reminder of Matthew 5:14-16. She continued reading.
7. I want children, plural. Being an only child had its pluses and minuses. I do know there is a Scripture about two being better than one. Does that earn me an extra point?
“Yes, it does.” Brecee smiled as she reached for her Bible, then used the concordance to find the passage he was referring to. It was Ecclesiastes 4:9- 10: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they jail, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls, he hath not another to help him up.”
8. I’m a caring person. You care for children, and I care for damsels in distress.
The rumble of laughter started deep inside Brecee until it exploded in a thunderous chuckle. Instead of being annoyed by his reference to her crying binge, she found it amusing.
9. I don’t believe in coincidences. I do believe that God has a reason for why and when things happen.
10. If you want to know anything else about me, call me. I would love to hear your voice.
Reaching for her phone, she did just that.
Chapter Eleven
N
o, no. Adrian gritted his teeth when he glanced at the TV in the dealership lounge and saw the Cardinals’ third baseman hit a home run with two RBIs to take the lead, six to three, over the Cincinnati Reds. He rubbed his neck in frustration. He was waiting on several clients’ referrals to come in for a test drive, and he’d need extra innings, like two or three of them, to give him time to get to the Maxwells’ for the post-game party.
Adrian missed Brecee like crazy. They had talked on the phone the past two nights, but one topic that hadn’t come up was how they were going to make a relationship work with their schedules. That was his main worry.
The dealership required only forty hours a week, but, like most transportation problem solvers, he had to meet a monthly quota. For April, the manufacturer was pushing twelve luxury vehicles for extra bonuses and incentives.
The Cardinals held off the Reds, winning the game in the top of the ninth inning. By now, most of the staff had left for the night, but Adrian was still waiting on one client—a restaurant owner who was coming in to test-drive the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class she’d picked out online and to sign the papers. Thankfully, she’d already taken care of getting her credit approved.
Minutes later, she arrived. Once the keys were in hand, the sale would be marked as delivered. Then he would need just three more to meet his quota for the month.
When the lady drove off the lot, her taillights blending with the other cars on the road, Adrian hurried to the restroom to freshen up. He didn’t want to look as tired as he felt, so he patted his face with a paper towel dampened with cool water. Then he changed out of his shirt and tie into the dark polo shirt he’d brought. In a sense, he was off duty; but, as a car rep, he was never truly off—not with business cards in his wallet and a bright smile that showed he’d been faithful in maintaining his routine dental appoint-ments for teeth whitening.
Once he'd programmed the Maxwells’ address into his phone’s GPS, he called Brecee to let her know he was on his way. The sound of her voice made him smile.
Adrian wasn’t surprised that the Maxwells lived in Town and Country, an elite suburb of St. Louis, where national broadcasters, CEOs, entertainers, and professional athletes resided in grand estates with acres separating them from their closest neighbors.
When Adrian turned into the long driveway, he recognized Brecee’s Lexus under a stone archway that seemed to serve as a bridge from one part of the house to another. He parked behind her car and stepped out.
At the sound of heels clicking against the brick walkway, he turned and gulped at the vision floating toward him. Brecee’s beauty immobilized him. Her curls were gone, but her hair spilled over her shoulders and hung down her back. A simple knit top complemented a skirt that flirted at her knees in the front but resembled a wedding dress train in the back. If her slip-on heels were designed to look comfortable, they had the opposite effect. She appeared polished, confident, and ready to strut anywhere at a moment’s notice.
He released a low whistle, and Brecee stopped in her tracks. The spotlights against the house gave her a glow. He walked slowly toward her, as if she were a goddess and he didn’t want to disturb her majesty.
As if of their own volition, his arms opened within feet of her. Without hesitation, she filled them, and he trapped her in his embrace. The only sound was his breathing as he sniffed the fragrance of her hair. A welcome- home kiss would have been nice, but they weren’t playing house yet.
When she stepped back, Adrian reluctantly loosened his hold, then rested his forehead against hers. “You look very pretty.”
Brecee reached up and rubbed his jaw. Good thing he’d shaved that morning.
“Thank you,” she whispered, then broke free. She linked her fingers through his and led the way to the front door.
The power couple had superb taste, from the manicured lawn and flower beds to the strategic lighting, as if their home were a theater production.
Just before they reached the landing, Brecee paused. “Adrian Cole, you’re one handsome man, and I’m glad you want to be here...with me.”
Adrian wanted to tell her that he was glad that she wanted him there, but the door swung open, and Shae and Rahn practically tugged them inside.
“It’s good to see you again, man.” Rahn welcomed him with a handshake, a smile, and a pat on the back. As if he was eager for male company, he immediately steered Adrian away from Brecee and Shae and offered to show him around.
A tour? Adrian couldn’t deny that the home was a show house, but he was here for Brecee. When he looked back at her, she winked, and Shae wiggled her fingers good-bye.
Slipping his hands into his pockets, Adrian fell into step with Rahn. The outfielder had already sent a referral his way, so a relationship had already been established, and Adrian wanted to build on that.
They left the foyer of marble tile and ornate crown moulding. Rahn showed him the entertainment room, the living room, the gourmet kitchen, the family room, the library, the home theater Adrian stopped counting.
“What’s the square footage?”
Rahn shrugged. “Eight thousand, give or take a couple hundred, with six bedrooms—one of which is Brecee’s, for the times when I’m on the road.”
Too bad Adrian sold luxury cars instead of luxury homes. He could just imagine the commission.
He followed Rahn down a short hallway ending at an elevator. They stepped in and traveled up two levels, and when the doors opened again, Adrian’s jaw dropped at the open floorplan of an over-the-top game room. With a pool table as the centerpiece, it also featured a four-lane bowling alley, complete with snack bar, and a children’s playroom with chalkboard walls and even a miniature roller skating rin
k.
Adrian smirked and shook his head.
Rahn grunted. “It’s all about keeping my little ladies happy, and the best part is, I have God to thank for blessing me with this all.”
That statement gave Adrian pause. Had he ever given God credit for the material possessions he’d accumulated or the accomplishments he’d achieved?
Before he could ponder his answer, Rahn crossed the room, which easily could have been divided into six bedrooms. “Now, this is our home theater- slash-stage,” he said, pointing to a raised platform then turned and pointed to a set of French doors. “And Shae’s sewing room is through there.”
“And I thought customizing luxury cars was meticulous,” Adrian said in awe.
They both chuckled, then Rahn patted him on the back. “Have a seat. I don’t know if you’re hungry or not, but I’m sure those sisters are warming up something to get this party started.” He strolled to the bar and grabbed an assortment of bottled waters and sodas.
When Adrian lowered himself into the recliner Rahn had indicated, his muscles practically sighed with comfort as he stretched his legs. Man, he needed one of these in his condo. “How many people are you expecting?”
“You’re it,” Rahn stated as he passed him a bottle of water and sat down on the sofa.
What did that mean?
Before he could inquire, there was a soft chime, and the elevator doors opened. The sisters stepped out in synch. Shae was carrying her baby daughter, and Brecee held a platter of sandwiches and side dishes.
Getting to his feet, Rahn relieved his wife of the baby, and Shae graced him with a kiss. In that moment, Adrian got a glimpse of his own future as a husband and father.
He stood, as well, and took the tray from Brecee.
“Thanks,” she said with a smile—instead of a kiss like Rahn had received from his wife.
“Where do you want this?”
She nodded to the coffee table.
After fulfilling his task, he turned his eyes back to Brecee, studying her expressions, trying to read her body language. He wanted to know what she was thinking.
“I was about to put her in bed,” Shae told her husband.
“I can do that, babe. Let Daddy hold his princess for a bit.” Rahn spoke to his wife but kept his adoring gaze on the little girl, whose eyelashes fluttered sleepily. As he strolled back to the sitting area, he asked Shae, “Uh, can you give Adrian and me a minute?”
“Okay. Brecee and I will be in my sewing room. I wanted to show her my latest project.” Looping her arm through Brecee’s, Shae tugged her away and disappeared through the French doors.
Adrian noted the similarities in the sisters’ mannerisms as he turned back to Rahn, fully expecting an inquisition, of sorts. Bring it on, Adrian thought. He settled back in his seat and waited on his host.
But Rahn took his time, staring at his baby and smiling. There was no doubt the man enjoyed being a father. After a few minutes, it seemed Rahn had forgotten Adrian was even there.
Finally, Rahn glanced over his shoulder toward the sewing room. “We probably don’t have long before those snoop sisters return.” He chuckled, turning to Adrian. “But I feel that we needed to come to an understanding.”
“And what kind of understanding is that?” Adrian asked, reaching for a slider sandwich. He’d just realized how hungry he was.
“First, please don’t involve my wife if you and Brecee have any further spats. I can’t keep every man in St. Louis from calling my wife, but when I can put a name to a face, it’s only fair we have this conversation.”
“I’m not interested in your wife,” Adrian said calmly. He respected the sanctity of marriage, no matter how fine another man’s wife might be.
“I didn’t think so, but that’s good to know.” Rahn nodded. “Listen, the real reason I invited you to my home is that when I saw the way you focused on Brecee when you approached our table at the charity banquet, I was hit with deja vu. Although I knew very little about you, my heart goes out to any man who falls for a Carmen sister. Shae and I were at a crossroads in our relationship when I attended a similar function in order to ambush her, in a way, hoping she’d talk to me.”
Adrian grunted. “I wasn’t aiming for drama. I was there to support a client. I didn’t even know Brecee would be there. We're still just getting to know each other.”
“I’ll add you to my prayer list,” Rahn told him. “Maybe I can save you some trouble, since you and Brecee are just starting off. The Carmens are a close-knit family, and since she moved to St. Louis to be near her sister, the family is holding me responsible for looking out for her while she’s single. If I don’t take my role as brother-in-law seriously, then I’ll have to deal with an unhappy wife and unhappy in-laws, and that’s not happening. I’m warning you: Be afraid.”
Amused, Adrian wanted to ask of whom he ought to be afraid. But the man seemed serious, so he kept his poker face while Rahn covered every base and angle, sounding like a father laying down dating rules for his teenage daughter. Despite the absurdity of the discussion, Adrian listened until Rahn ran out of stream.
“I respect this talk and you looking out for Brecee.” Adrian leaned back and crossed his legs at the knee. “But Brecee and I have decided to give this relationship a try. I have my own code of ethics that I employ when I date. I have no intention of hurting her; if I do, I’ll make amends. As far as disrespecting her, that’s not going to happen.” He reached for his bottled water, unscrewed the lid, and took a swig. “I haven’t known Brecee anywhere near as long as you have, but something tells me you have her all wrong. Just like that Lexus she drives—”
“What’s wrong with that Lexus?” Rahn’s nostrils flared. “I had that custom-designed and loaded with the premium package features, including an upgraded security system,” he boasted. “That was our gift to her when she became board certified in pediatric emergency medicine. Trust me, I did my research.”
“And you did good.” Adrian nodded. “The Lexus is one of the most dependable luxury cars. It just doesn’t fit Brecee’s sassy personality. And black?” He shook his head and frowned. “All wrong. I would have put her behind the wheel of a garnet red pearl Audi A6 sedan, where she would be in control.”
“Really?” Rahn seemed to give some thought to what he’d said, and Adrian even though he saw a flash of self-doubt on his face.
“Can you hear what they’re saying?” Brecee whispered as Shae cracked open the door from inside her sewing room.
Shae strained to eavesdrop a few moments. “Girl, they’re talking about cars.” She sighed, clicking the door closed. “I guess that’s what car salesmen do.”
“Adrian’s a transportation problem solver,” Brecee corrected her.
“A what?”
Brecee shrugged and folded her arms. “He takes pride in his work, and that’s what he calls his position. I had the same reaction when I first heard him say it.” Frowning, she gnawed on her lip.
“What's wrong?”
“I’m just wondering....” She sighed. “I’m wondering if he’ll always be on the clock, networking. When I leave the hospital, I’m out of work mode, to a certain extent.”
“I hear ya.” Shae nodded. “Me, too. Maybe because the reality we’re exposed to isn’t something we want to constantly talk about.” She flopped down in a chair and eyed Brecee. “But if Adrian’s who you really want, you’ll have to accept that about him.” She squinted. “Is he?”
Releasing another sigh, Brecee slid into a nearby chair. “We seem completely different on so many levels, yet there is something about him I can’t explain that’s pulling me into this comfort zone where I feel I’m supposed to be. Odd, isn’t it?”
“No,” Shae said softly. “While others saw Rahn’s strengths, we were privy to each other’s weaknesses. We became prayer partners, in a sense.”
“I think Adrian Cole is an open book, too. He’s confident, but his occupation—salesman, transportation problem solver, car special
ist, whatever—does concern me,” she confessed.
Shae reached out and touched her hand. “Vent, Brecee. We’re sisters. You don’t have to pretend or sugarcoat anything with me.”
Brecee sniffed when Shae smiled. “Okay, here’s the deal. All my sisters are married. I’m the Lone Ranger without a husband, and I want the status of missus. There’s an unspoken expectation among doctors that we should marry among doctors, lawyers, CEOs, or someone making six figures.”
“You don’t think Adrian makes that much?”
“I think the man is making more than me right now. Clearly, he doesn’t have student loans. But sales positions never appealed to me as steady employment. If our relationship moves to the next level, which I would very much like it to, could his unpredictable income support a family if I want to only work to part-time or even be a full-time mother?” She swallowed to stop herself from adding, I didn’t study hard and go to school a long time to live in poverty.
“It’s okay to work through these pros and cons now and not name and claim Adrian like I know some women would,” Shae told her, “because it might not be who God has for you.”
“Thanks.” Brecee nodded. “I guess I’m waiting for God to show me if Adrian is the man He has for me. You said you knew Rahn was the one when he delivered a slice of cake to you at the station.”
Closing her eyes, Shae bit her bottom lip and grinned. “Yes. There were so many little things that added up to bigger ones. But don’t forget—I stood my ground and held to my convictions when that steroid scandal hit. I trusted God to back me up, and He worked it out!” She high-fived Brecee, then stood. “Come on, let's interrupt our men.” Shae opened the door, and Brecee followed her out.
When Rahn and Adrian saw them, they ceased talking and got to their feet. Shae went to Rahn and hovered over little Sabrina as Rahn transferred their daughter into her arms.
Adrian stepped closer to her. “Is this your way of ambushing me?” he asked with a grin.