I saw him grin when he looked down at his phone that lay on the table, thankfully on silent. Zander laughed when he read the text.
“Did I say something funny?” Kenadie glared at Zander.
“Kenz, how many times do I have to tell you that you are the least humorous person I know?”
We all tried to stifle our laughs. Those two frequently went at it in our meetings, or I should say, Zander did his best to get to her whenever he could. She typically ignored him, but not before giving him some sort of withering stare. She was masterful at it. I remember those same looks from my mom. But they didn’t faze Zander other than to make him smirk at her. And that’s what happened in this situation except . . .
Zander looked squarely at me. “I wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best on my arm when attending parties.”
Did I mention before how I could feel his eyes on me? I did my best not to squirm in my seat or give any reaction. I didn’t want my coworkers to know I was, let’s say, pretending to see Zander outside the office.
I was thankful for Kenadie finally catching a social cue and her snappy comeback. She looked between him and me. “The question is, can you hold on to the best?”
It was the first time I had ever seen Zander unprepared with a comeback.
Chapter Seven
I didn’t see Zander in the office the rest of the day. I was busy gathering information on the six men I had client dates with. Each week I was fascinated as I delved into these men’s private lives. There were some that were like the Zanders of the world—they wanted to date as many women as they possibly could in their lifetime. But most of the men that used our services genuinely wanted a long-term, committed relationship. They were hoping we would help them cut to the chase. For many, it worked out. We didn’t always get the right match the first time, but we eventually got there.
I had five men looking for long-term relationships and one who was what I referred to as a serial dater on my slate for the week. I studied each man, his preferences, desires, beliefs, and values. After that, I set up either a lunch or a dinner appointment with each man. That was where Kenadie and Kate would say we would have the opportunity to read between the lines of their profile. Everyone always looked good on paper, but social settings were sometimes very different. Like a few weeks ago, I met with a man who could barely string two words together. It was the most awkward meeting. Nice as could be, but not a conversationalist. We paired him with a woman who didn’t take a breath between words. So far, so good for the two.
I left mid-afternoon. Our hours were flexible owing to the fact that a few nights a week I was out with clients. I worked on my paper some more while entertaining Jasper with a ball on a string. Then it dawned on me that I should just meet Zander at his place. There was no sense in him picking me up to take me back to his place. I texted him my thoughts.
Within a minute, I received his response. My mother did teach me some manners. I’ll pick you up at seven.
I didn’t think it was a matter of manners, but I liked that he thought so. Is there food at this thing?
Appetizers and drinks.
See you soon.
I look forward to it.
I did too, which worried me. I reminded myself that Zander pulled no punches with his intentions. He wasn’t looking for, or even interested in, a relationship. And I had a purpose in all of this. Get him to kiss me, and then I was out.
I was on a mission tonight. I slid into the most fabulous pair of shorts I owned—they showcased my toned legs. Next was the tied up, tight plaid shirt. And no decent cowgirl would go anywhere without her hat and boots. I looked in the mirror and thought the city boy wasn’t going to know what hit him. I did prime my lips with a peach sheer gloss, but he was only getting a taste if he initiated it.
He was on time and came to my door without me even asking him to.
I scooted my boots over to the door and opened it, curious to see what his costume was. I did a double take, disappointed. “How come you didn’t dress up?”
He stood there speechless, with wide eyes, looking great in what he had worn to work.
“Zander?”
He took his time perusing my outfit. His lips curled into a smile. “It’s not a nurse or French maid, but I suppose it will do.”
“I’m going to change now. I’ll look ridiculous showing up like this with you dressed normally.” I turned toward my room.
Zander grabbed my hand and pulled me back to him. “Not so fast, cowgirl.” His touch was electric.
I found myself drawn to him and looking up into his eyes.
His eyes drifted toward my lips. “I see you took my advice and primed your pretty lips.”
“You never know who you might meet at these things.”
He reeled me in a little more. “Darlin’, that hurts.”
The closer we got, the more heated I felt. “Careful there. It’s almost as if you’re holding my hand.”
He immediately dropped my hand.
“Too intimate for you?”
His gaze penetrated my eyes. “If I was really holding your hand, you would know.”
“We won’t have to worry about that, now will we? I’m going to go change now.”
“Your outfit will do just fine.”
“Why didn’t you dress up?”
“I did. I was planning on being your patient or boss.”
I rolled my eyes. “I never said I was actually going to be a nurse or French maid. What makes you think I have costumes like that lying around?”
He waved his hand over me. “You obviously had something on hand.”
“These are regular clothes.”
“Well, hell, you should dress like that more often then.”
“I’m grabbing my bag so we can get this over with.”
“That was a compliment.”
“It didn’t sound like one.” I turned to get my bag.
“Hey.” He made sure to grab my arm, not my hand. “What should I have said?”
I turned, surprised to hear a hint of sincerity. “Most real compliments go something like, ‘you look beautiful tonight.’”
“Can I go with hot?” He smirked.
“It’s your show, you can go with whatever you want.” Before I turned away, I found myself caught in his thoughtful gaze.
“You look amazing.” He said it almost as a whisper.
I found myself staring at his mouth. I couldn’t believe anything genuine could escape those lips. His words warmed me. Made me want to lean in and taste the sweetness that had just rolled off his tongue. I had to remind myself that I wasn’t giving in to him. “Thank you.”
He released me, at least physically. I was still feeling his words and touch as I grabbed my bag from the breakfast bar. It was unnerving. I walked back by my couch and gave Jasper a little scratch on his head before meeting Zander back at the door.
“You ladies and your pets.”
“We need something cute to come home to.”
“We’re much cuter.”
“Says you.” I walked passed him and out the door.
He followed, laughing. “The question is, can your cat keep you warm on a cold winter’s night?”
“That’s what flannel pajamas are for.”
“You haven’t met the right man then.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You agree with me?”
“Isn’t it obvious I haven’t met the right man? If I had, I wouldn’t be dressed like this, pretending I was your girlfriend.” I pulled out my key and locked my deadbolt.
“Hypothetically speaking, if you had met the right man, what would you be doing tonight?”
We headed down the stairs toward the parking lot.
“Well, I probably would have made his favorite dinner and he would have brought my favorite dessert. We would eat snuggled up on the couch while watching some scary movie so I could pretend to be scared and curl in closer next to him.�
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“That’s your idea of a good date?”
“No. That’s a perfect date.”
“That’s perfection to you?”
“A chocolate ganache cake and the man I love all to myself? I would say so.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
“Not enough.”
He arched his eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
“I’m still single, so it’s never been enough to last.”
Zander unlocked his car with his key fob without responding. He walked around to his side of the car, but turned suddenly back my way. “Do you want me to open your door?”
“I got it, thanks.” I opened my door and slid in. The leather felt cool against my bare legs. I rubbed my arms. I should have brought a jacket. I forgot that even in Georgia it can get cool, sometimes downright cold.
Zander joined me on the driver’s side. He took notice of my need for warmth and turned on my seat warmer for me.
“Thank you.”
“You can adjust the temperature on your side.”
“You can be a gentleman.”
“I would have opened your door.”
“If I have to ask, it seems pointless.”
“Most women don’t care.”
“Ha! Believe me, they do. They just haven’t mentioned it.”
“I don’t get it. Why do women care if we open doors for them?”
“I like to think it’s because you—well not you, but you know what I mean—want those extra few seconds to be close to me before we get in the car.”
“Men don’t think that deeply. And I’ve gotten plenty close inside the car with many women.”
“Ugh. You’re a pig.”
He laughed loudly.
“So, tell me the name of the woman I’m saving from you tonight? I mean, that I’m saving you from.” I gave him an evil grin.
“Darlin’, women love me. Some a little too much, like Leann.”
“You can live in your fantasy land. What does Leann look like?”
“You’ll know her when you see her. Stay close to me.”
“She’s not going to want to hurt me, is she?”
“Hmm.” He thought for a moment.
“Zander.”
He reached over and rested his hand on my knee. The man made my skin raise. “Give me some credit, I wouldn’t put you in that position.” He squeezed my knee before placing his hand back on the steering wheel. “By the way, you have nice legs.”
“I bet you say that to all the women.”
“Not even close.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.
Zander’s complex was above and beyond nicer than mine. He lived in a high-rise building with underground parking and everything, just like I’d imagined.
“Nice,” I commented when we pulled into the parking garage filled with expensive cars like his. He really did make a lot more than me.
He grinned, happy I was impressed. He pulled into his spot, reserved for unit 320.
“Are you going to show me your place first?”
“No.” He didn’t even have to think about it.
“Okay.” I was caught off guard by the easy dismissal. I turned to get out of the car.
“As a rule, I don’t invite women into my apartment.”
I turned back toward him. “Never?”
“Kenz has been over, but she’s different.”
“What about Brooke?”
Instead of answering, he exited the vehicle. I followed suit, perplexed why he blew off my question. I walked toward him with my hands in my pockets, not sure this was really a good idea. I probably should have given that some more thought earlier.
He gave me a close-lipped smile. “I can’t have you acting unsure.”
I hated that he could read me so well.
He tugged on a couple of my belt loops and drew me to him. “I need you not to worry about who has or hasn’t been in my apartment. I need you to smile that pretty smile of yours and hang on my every word.”
I rolled my eyes.
“None of that.”
I smiled at the fool who was making my pulse race.
“There’s the smile. Now don’t be afraid to lean in close. If you want to get the practice kiss out of the way now, we can.”
I smacked his chest and pulled away from him. “I’m not kissing you.”
He put his arm around me and we headed for the elevator. “Famous last words, darlin’.”
“Feel free to kiss me. I may or may not kiss you back.”
“I’d have you weak in the knees before you knew what hit you.”
“I guess you did dress up tonight. You just forgot your crown.” With that said, I had a feeling he wasn’t lying. Being close to him was having more of an effect on me than I anticipated. I liked the feel of his arm around me. It wasn’t a good thing. We were statistically improbable and he was a womanizer, I reminded myself.
“Tonight, I’m going as the luckiest guy in the room.”
I nudged him. “Only the room?”
He pulled me tighter against him. “Maybe the building.”
“You’re going to have to do better than that if you want me to be convincing tonight.”
We entered the empty elevator. He gazed down at me and gave my hat a little tug. “Thanks for coming with me tonight.”
I tilted my head. “Keep talking like that, and you’ll have me convinced.”
He smirked and focused on the elevator doors. We were headed to the first floor of the posh building.
The doors opened and I could hear the noise of a crowd and loud music. And just a glimpse of the sleek furniture had me second guessing myself. I pulled back on Zander’s arm. “I’m going to feel out of place wearing this, aren’t I?”
He held the door of the elevator open. “You have my vote for best costume. Let’s go.”
I eased out of the elevator and took in the sights and sounds. I felt like I had stepped into a five-star hotel. Everything from the décor to the architecture screamed modern. I felt surrounded by metal and glass. The whole placed gleamed. I strung my arm through Zander’s and held onto his muscular bicep. It wasn’t a bad gig.
He rubbed his hand over mine. “Very convincing.”
I wasn’t trying to be convincing. I felt out of place and he was my only source of comfort. We turned a corner and came face to face with a large group of people that seemed to be spilling out of what looked to be their community room, but it resembled more of a club type atmosphere, which honestly was never really my scene. I was telling the truth about a quiet dinner at home on the couch being my favorite kind of night. I knew how to have fun, but the country kind.
Several people waved or greeted Zander. I received a lot of stares. I was sure Zander’s reputation preceded him. They were probably all looking at me like, you poor woman. I had a feeling that some of the women probably wanted to pull me aside to warn me I was headed for heartbreak. I didn’t need the warnings; he was clearly marked with a do not attempt label. And he was proud of it.
With each step into the fray, I gripped Zander’s arm tighter.
“Relax,” he whispered in my ear.
That didn’t help. It only made me want to forget about the warning label. At least I wasn’t out of place. The costumes were many and varied, everything from presidential candidates to French maid. I watched Zander’s eyes follow the scantily clad women.
“No good boyfriend would linger on another woman for so long.”
“I was only imagining what you would look like in that costume.”
“Nice try.”
He pulled me along until we found an empty bistro table just off the dance floor. The place was hopping. The lights were low, but a strobe light thumped to the beat of the loud music played by the DJ. It looked like there was an open bar and a table filled with an assortment of appetizers and desserts. The little clubhouse at my apartment complex had nothing on this place.
Zander,
in a surprise move, pulled out a chair for me.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” I think he meant that. He pulled his chair close to mine and sat next to me. “What do you think?”
I watched the pretty people of the world laugh, flirt, and dance. “It’s a little over the top.”
“I thought you would be into it.”
“Why?” I had to speak loudly.
He shrugged. “You’re a people person.”
“I like small gatherings.”
“We can go anytime you want.”
I looked out at the dance floor. “We should at least dance a few times.”
“I don’t dance.”
I leaned back. “A ladies’ man like yourself doesn’t dance? Why don’t I believe that?”
He moved in close. I felt his breath against my ear making me shiver. “I don’t need dance moves to entice a woman.”
I sat up straight, trying to compose myself. He was alluring all on his own.
“Do you want something to drink? I think I saw some cans of soda.”
I let out a deep breath. “Sure, whatever they have.”
I watched him walk away. He moved with a prowess I had never witnessed before. That was, until he was sidelined by a buxom blonde wearing a killer devil’s costume with fishnet stockings and stiletto heels to match. I knew in an instant it was Leann. I honestly thought she would be plain and unassuming, but this chick was a bombshell. I was surprised Zander didn’t want to take her up on whatever she was offering, and from where I sat, I could tell she was offering something. I supposed it was show time.
I watched Zander try to sidestep her, but she wasn’t having it. She was trying her best to get him out on the dance floor. Why he didn’t just put her in her place, I don’t know, but I was coming to his rescue.
I placed myself between the model and Zander, wrapping my arms around his neck. “There you are.” I ran my fingers through his thick hair. I had wanted to see how that felt and it was amazing. I had to stop myself from practically petting him.
His eyes reflected gratitude. He wrapped his arms around my waist and gave me a seductive grin. “Meg, this is Leann.”
I released my hold on Zander and turned around, but he kept me firmly in his arms and held me from behind. I met Leann’s eyes, which were ablaze with hatred for me, but I still smiled.
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