by Kinsley Gibb
His middle niece held up a ghoulish doctor’s outfit and waggled her eyebrows. “Well? Huh? Huh?” She bounced up and down. “What do you think? It’s perfect right? I even found face paint so I can be extra creepy.”
She looked so pleased, he laughed. He couldn’t help it. No matter what thoughts filled his mind, the girls brought him joy and he was glad he’d moved here.
“I love it.”
“Good, because I have the perfect costume for you too, Uncle Derek.” She nodded her head up and down, aquiver in her excitement. Sometimes his eight-year-old niece reminded him of a golden retriever, it made him want to pet her shiny golden brown hair.
“Yeah, Uncle Derek, you’re gonna love it,” Janie said with a slightly evil smirk that made him a little nervous. Since his sister paid in food, today’s excursion was going to cost her some homemade strawberry shortcake, for sure.
He checked his watch, the timeline was tight but he estimated he could finish the shopping, drop the kids off, and have enough time to get ready before he crashed a date tonight. He grinned and ignored the strange looks his nieces gave him.
He had his own evil plan to set in place tonight.
It was time Anabelle saw the possibilities of dating a younger man.
Chapter 4
A tall, tawny haired man dressed in a pale blue shirt and cream-colored slacks stood at the sight of her. She was glad she wore three-inch heels yet still he towered over her by six inches making her level with his classic red bow tie.
“Anabelle, is it?” At her nod, her date pushed black-rimmed glasses up his nose and held out a hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Heath.”
“Hello Heath.” She looked into his aquamarine colored eyes and tried to smile, pretending like it was a client meeting rather than a first date because otherwise, she’d never survive. His grip was strong. She felt calluses and wondered how he got them when his profile listed him as an architect. Not many architects did manual labor that resulted in calluses.
“How are you tonight?” Heath had an English accent similar to those on the BBC shows she watched on Netflix. She wondered why he was so far from home.
“A bit nervous to tell you the truth.” Her smile felt more like a grimace rather than anything genuine. How had she let Charlie talk her into this tonight? She’d just opened the account his morning, for goodness sakes. It was all too fast, too fast.
“Is this your first match up then?” Heath’s smile crinkled at the corners and he pushed back a lock of sandy colored hair that had fallen over his eyes.
“Yes. Could you tell? Am I awful?” She kept her shaky hands on her lap and clutched her purse as if it were an anchor. She focused on deep breathing exercises because it wouldn’t do to hyperventilate on her first date in over eleven years.
“Not at all. You’re quite lovely.”
His warm smile reassured her and she grinned in return. “Thanks for lying,” she said and forced herself to release her death grip and placed the purse on the seat next to her.
“Have you been here before?” He looked around the quaint restaurant.
“Yes. This is one of my favorite sushi places. It’s popular with the locals and the sushi is always fresh. I’ve watched the Tomoka’s only child grow up here. He used to sit at the back table doing his homework and answering the phone for take out orders, now he’s at Yale studying economics. They’re proud of him.”
“The American dream. Very nice. I normally eat at Seito’s, it’s closer to my office.”
“That’s nice as well. Great design there. Modern yet intimate but it’s pricey.”
He shrugged and they settled into a comfortable conversation, mostly about design. Heath proved to be quietly assured, an overall nice guy, basically a male version of Anabelle. As if he’d sensed her nervousness, he spent the next forty-five minutes calming her nerves. By the end, she recognized as far as first date’s went, it hadn’t been terrible so maybe her pushy pal was safe for the night.
The problem was, she couldn’t imagine Heath naked, and she definitely couldn’t imagine hot, dirty sex with this bow tie wearing architect. Passionate, design debates, yes, but sweaty sex, no. Poor guy. Everyone relegated her to the “nice” territory and she hated it, yet here she was, doing the same thing to this guy.
Maybe she was being too quick to judge. Maybe underneath the bow tie and crisp, blue shirt, lay the heart of a sexual animal? It was possible. He looked fit, she hadn’t detected a paunch and he was attractive. She cocked her head and smiled at Heath, maybe chemistry would build between them.
“Heath, would you like to help judge a student design competition our network is sponsoring?”
“I’d love to. When is it?”
“It’s in two weeks at the Convention Center.”
“Let me check my calendar but I think it’ll work, I’m not in town for the next few days but I’ll put that on my calendar.”
“Excellent.” This time her smile felt natural and Heath answered with a smile of his own. Deep dimples bracketed his mouth and she wondered why she didn’t feel an answering heat like when Derek smiled at her. She frowned at the thought.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” There was no point in thinking about Derek. He didn’t need a cougar lusting after him. And she didn’t want to be pitied.
Heath was a fine looking man, perfect for the next stage of her life but a thought occurred to her. “Are you gay?”
He looked surprised but shook his head. “No.”
“Not that there’s anything wrong with it…I needed to be sure…you never know anymore…” she rambled on and he let her. It was an awkward conversation for the first date and her face felt hot but she needed to know.
“It’s ok, Anabelle.” His hand covered hers, his warmth and quiet understanding reassured her that maybe coming out tonight hadn’t been a mistake after all.
It wasn’t everyday a man turned into a stalker.
Not his finest moment by any stretch and he wasn’t proud. The initial plan had been to disrupt the date by any means necessary. But on the way over, he’d changed his mind thinking that maybe it was good Anabelle was gaining dating experience. The last few years had been hard and he didn't want her thinking she wasn't desirable. If he wasn't her choice and she wanted to date a complete stranger, then he would watch over her and ensure her safety.
If Dani were here, she'd laugh in his face and call him out on his bullshit.
Pure and simple, he was on a reconnaissance mission.
He’d done it for Uncle Sam, been paid for it so he was fairly good. Dani, the little troublemaker, was well aware of his protective instincts when she'd planted the seed. She'd known he’d go crazy at the thought of Anabelle on a date with a potential psycho.
He sat in the corner and waited for his order to arrive. By habit and so he'd have a full view of the restaurant, he'd chosen the seat against the wall. Within minutes, he'd spotted his target nestled in a romantic alcove with his competition.
Anabelle’s date looked to be in his mid-thirties with sandy colored hair. The guy looked more white collar than blue collar with his old fashioned bow tie and shiny shoes, like a model for Brooks Brothers, right down to his Clark Kent glasses. If that was her ideal man, he was in trouble since on the surface, they didn't have much in common.
He had money in the bank, but he wasn’t old money by any stretch and it didn't bother him. He had what he needed. He hadn't thought it mattered to Anabelle either. She drove a Prius, wore vintage clothes and shopped at Target. There was no evidence of weekly purse rotations.
Hard luck stories made her cry and she was always spearheading some committee. The latest event was the student design competition she'd roped him into judging although he didn't mind. As long as she was nearby and not hurrying away as fast as she could, he considered it a bonus. He didn't delude himself into thinking she wanted the pleasure of his company. But since the competition focused on sustainable design and he was somewhat of an ex
pert, she was stuck with him.
He grinned.
Somehow he didn't think she was as happy about it as he was. He kept waiting for her to make an excuse and back out but she was committed to the cause.
A plate of sushi arrived and he dug in, still watching his target. Bow tie must have said something funny because Anabelle laughed and the throaty sound made him groan. Bow tie grinned as if surprised at Anabelle's laugh and Derek knew just what the guy was thinking.
Derek's grip on the chopsticks tightened. Despite her conservative appearance and sweet manners, between the hooker shoes she was partial too and that husky laugh of hers, it made a man think of rumpled sheets and sweaty sex. And if bow tie began to look the least bit lecherous, Derek would have no qualms about taking him down.
He dunked his sushi roll a little too hard in the soy sauce and spilled some on the table. He thought Charlie was his pal. She'd witnessed his pathetic drooling in Anabelle's presence for almost a year now. You'd think she'd steer Anabelle his direction, but no. He shook his head. Where was the loyalty?
Everything in him wanted to rush the guy and break up the intimate party of two but he forced himself to unclench his muscles and relax. Chest beating was foreign to him as was being a player.
He was a modern man with two sisters and three nieces he adored. And because he held firm to his philosophy that every woman was someone's sister, daughter or family, women loved him. He was honest, never promised more than he was willing to give and they loved him for it.
Attracting female attention had never been a problem for him, so it bothered him that Anabelle treated him like a pariah. It bothered him even more that Anabelle was stuck on the fact that he was younger. Age was a number. He was responsible, paid his bills on time and was kind to women and children, yet because he wasn't the correct age, somehow it made him unappealing.
There had to be a way to change her mind. He wondered about the checklist Charlie had mentioned.
The duo got up and headed his way. He finished the last sushi piece, crossed his arms over his chest and waited. The sexy little black dress Anabelle wore had a deep neckline that showcased her killer cleavage. The fact that bow tie hadn’t once looked served as a warning to Derek. What if bow tie was like Anabelle’s ex?
Derek frowned, his eyes narrowed and his body primed to attack. No one would take advantage of Anabelle’s sweet nature again.
A few feet from his table, Anabelle glanced up and caught sight of him. Her surprise made her stumble and in a flash, he was up and steadied her, ignoring her gasp at their electric contact. He caught a brief hint of her scent before she pulled away, steady once more on those heels of hers.
“Thanks.” She shot him a polite smile and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, peeking up from under her lashes. If she knew what that habit of hers did to him, she would run hard in the opposite direction. Instead of keeping him away, like she seemed to want, it only served to bring out his cave man instincts. Even now, he had an overwhelming urge to toss her over his shoulder and make off with her.
“Not a problem.” He widened his stance and waited for an introduction.
“Hello Derek.”
“Anabelle.”
“What are you doing here?” She fiddled with her purse strap. It looked like she was blocking his view of bow tie standing behind her.
He lifted a brow, catching the guilty look in her eyes. “I was in the mood for sushi.”
“Really?” She bit her lower lip, as if she didn’t quite believe him. Smart girl.
“Yes, really.” He glanced behind her and she sighed.
“Derek, this is Heath, my date.”
Bow tie extended a hand and he took it. “Hello Derek. Good to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well.” Derek nodded and crushed the guy’s hand, already hating the fancy boy accent he heard. Bow tie had a good grip and smiled back as if he hadn’t noticed Derek’s bone crushing grip.
He wondered if Anabelle was the type of girl who went nuts over an English accent. Unfortunately, Dani was half in love with Pierce Brosnan although Derek wasn’t a hundred percent certain the guy was English. At one point, Dani had set Disney’s Ocean documentary as her sleep mode, claiming the sound of Pierce’s narration gave her ultimate sweet dreams or whatever the hell that meant. As he wasn’t comfortable with the thought of his kid sister as a sexual being, still saw her as the kid who melted her Barbie’s hair playing beauty salon in front of the furnace, he’d pretended he hadn’t heard her dreamy eyed confession.
Women.
He loved them, was often surrounded by them, but he didn’t necessarily understand them.
And if Dani heard his competitor’s accent, he’d never hear the end of it. On that depressing thought, he pumped the guy’s hand a little harder and blamed it on the MSG loaded soy sauce, he heard it made people crazy.
Anabelle looked on with worry.
“Heading out?”
“Yes, we were-“
“Good. I’ll walk with you.” He avoided the glare sent and threw down money to cover his bill. He motioned her forward and casually stepped between the couple.
“How do you two know each other?” Heath asked after the hostess bid them a good night.
“Derek and I work together,” she said as they stepped out into a perfect October night. Shoppers milled about enjoying the balmy weather in the upscale residential plaza. “He makes sustainable furniture and custom wood work.”
“Yes, Wheaton Woodwork.”
“I’ve seen your work on Inhabitat. Excellent stuff.”
He hated that bow tie knew of and liked his work, made it a little hard to dislike him, especially as he had every intention of stealing the guy’s date. “Thanks.”
“I’ve invited Heath to help with the student competition judging.”
“You have, have you?” He understood her guilty look from before. She had thrown up another roadblock.
“Yes, I’m quite looking forward to it,” Heath said before the buzz of his phone caught his attention. He glanced at the screen. “Excuse me. It’s my sister.”
“No worries. Take your time, I’ve got a couple of those myself.”
Heath nodded and stepped away. Anabelle stepped closer and before he could enjoy her proximity, she hissed, “What are you doing?”
He lifted an eyebrow and she flushed.
“Just go away. It’s awkward enough.”
“No can do. Think of me as your fairy godmother, but instead of keeping you in glass slippers and a poufy dress, I’m here to keep you safe,” he drawled next to her ear.
She growled in frustration and he grinned.
By then, Heath stepped closer. “I’m very sorry Anabelle, my sister has locked her keys in the car. I can’t let her wait for the locksmith this late by herself when I can run by with the spare.”
“Of course not,” Anabelle said. “Go take care of your sister.”
Heath gave her a grateful smile and Derek felt a bit grateful himself for this stroke of fortune. Heath glanced toward him. “You’ll see she gets home, won’t you?” He looked at Derek in question, as if he hadn’t just handed Derek a golden ticket.
“I’ll see to it personally.” Derek knew he should feel guilty for honing in on the guy’s date, but he couldn’t dredge up even a hint. He was too busy stifling the urge to fist pump.
“I’ll be in touch, shall I?”
“Sure,” Anabelle said.
Not if he could help it.
Chapter 5
Heath walked away and Anabelle wanted to call him back, his presence provided a sense of security. Not that she was worried about her physical safety, it was more about her emotional equilibrium.
She met Derek’s gaze and swallowed at the look he leveled at her. It wasn’t anything overt in what he said or did, but she got a sense that he was pleased at the turn of events, which made no sense. Something about him reminded her of the big bad wolf rubbing his hands with pleasure, not that he was lite
rally rubbing his hands; it was more in his gaze.
It was dark and very hungry.
The notion was ridiculous because she was no little red riding hood. She was a grown woman and successful businesswoman at that. He was her business acquaintance. It was all above board, nothing lecherous.
She shook her head and turned to leave. Silly thoughts weren’t helping. She needed to go on another date with Heath. He was the type of guy she should be thinking about. If she were preoccupied with thoughts of Heath, Derek would no longer dominate her fantasies.
At least that was her theory.
“Feel up for a game of pool?”
She turned back and wondered at his game.
“I should head home.”
“It’s not nine yet.” He gestured to the twinkling stars above them. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“I know but—“
“Come on. You know you want to.”
She flushed. Had he figured out her guilty thoughts? “I’ll even spot you a handicap.”
She grinned. The offer awakened the competitive side of her. She thought of the hours she’d spent in her mother’s family room and the antique billiard table where her father first taught her the game.
“I’ll give you a three game handicap.”
“Well, I don’t know,” she said as if uncertain. She knew she shouldn’t let him assume but it was too easy. Did she not look like a pool player?
“Come on. Let’s go to Finn’s.”
“I don’t know.”
He sensed her capitulation and grinned. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Think of it as a belated birthday treat.”
She started at the reminder of her birthday resolution and need for change. She felt his warm hand at her back through the thin jersey dress and all thoughts disintegrated.
While Finn’s Bar and Grill was seedy enough to be interesting, the design wouldn’t grace the cover of Hospitality Design. There was a distinctive flavor to the place with its dark lighting, low metal fixtures centered above each table and the brick walls decorated with assorted signage. Derek ordered them Coronas then pulled her across the sticky floors to a secluded table, tucked in an alcove away from others. He began to rack the balls.