The Sweet Touch

by Madelaine Grant

  “This would be a one-time presentation and the fee I have in mind is substantial,” he said. “We could work around your schedule so that you wouldn’t feel pressured. Since we have several locations in the surrounding area we could choose whichever location is closest for you.”

  The man was bending over backwards to obtain her services, Kate thought in dismay. But she was determined not to give in. “Why don’t you give me your business card and I’ll think about it,” she finally said. No point in standing there arguing with him. He had that stubborn set look and was probably used to getting his own way. Besides, she still had to lug all this equipment back to her van, drive home, and then clean everything. By the time she finished, it would be late in the afternoon. She’d have barely enough time to get a run in.

  She saw him hesitate and then he took a card from his wallet. “I have a private number which I’ll give you.” He wrote on the back of the card and handed it to her.

  Their fingers touched briefly and she felt a sharp jolt of electricity from the contact. His hands were large and well-formed, his nails blunt-cut and groomed. Catching his gaze she saw his blue eyes darken with awareness. Was he cognizant of the tension flowing between them?

  “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.” He sent her an intimate smile and then he was gone.

  Kate slowly let out her breath as she watched him leave. What in the world was going on? She didn’t know whether she was relieved he’d left so quickly or disappointed. At least he had the good manners not to push his proposal again. She gazed at the business card and noted the name, Dan Brookhouse, and couldn’t help being impressed. The Brookhouse restaurant chain was a large, upscale enterprise. From what she remembered, the restaurants were located throughout Florida. With a bemused expression, she placed the card in her purse.

  ~ ~ ~

  The phone rang as Kate unloaded the last of her storage containers from her dark-blue Honda van. Checking the caller ID she hesitated a long moment. Her sister Stacy was on the other end. Three years younger, Stacy had recently opened her own law office specializing in copyright law. Married to attorney Jack Spencer for the last four years, she had an adorable two-year old son, Jacob.

  “Hi Stacy. Can I call you back later? I just finished lugging the last of my equipment in the door and I need to clean everything right away.” She tried to keep her irritation from showing. Talking to her sister was not one of her favorite pastimes.

  “I’ll just take a minute,” her sister began.

  Sighing, Kate pulled out a kitchen chair and sat down. “Okay. What’s up?”

  “You know Mom’s sixtieth birthday is coming. I talked to Greg the other night and he offered his home for a party. But I hate to burden Patty with the whole thing. She’s pregnant and still feeling queasy. Besides, with two toddlers under five, she has her hands full.”

  The slight pause confirmed the purpose of Stacy’s call - that Kate would volunteer her home for the family get-together. After all, she was the only one without responsibilities like a husband and children. She waited for her sister to make the pitch. “What are you suggesting?”

  “Well, I thought your place for the party made the most sense. Of course we’ll chip in and have everything catered.”

  “Stacy, I wouldn’t mind doing that if Mom’s birthday happened during the summer months. I’m booked solid with classes and presentations through the end of April. I have absolutely no free time until mid-May.” As she spoke something jiggled in her brain. She tried to put words to the jiggle but to no avail. “Let me brainstorm a few days and see what I come up with,” she finally said.

  “We don’t have much time,” Stacy warned. “April 19 will come pretty quickly.”

  “We’ve at least two to three weeks to make a decision. I promise to get back to you within the next few days.” That was the best she could do.

  When she hung up the phone she began the cleanup. While she washed and rinsed all her equipment, she thought about her mother’s birthday party. Sixty was an important milestone and should be celebrated. As far as her older brother, Greg, hosting the party, she agreed with Stacy. Patty was up to her ears in toddlers, especially with another baby on the way. Pondering the situation, an image of the man who wanted her to do a presentation for his restaurant chain came to mind. Most restaurants had private rooms for meetings and celebrations. Why not see if she could make a trade? A demonstration to his staff in exchange for the use of one of the Brookhouse restaurant’s private dining areas.

  The more Kate thought about the matter, the more convinced she became that this would be the perfect solution. The fact that she was drawn to Dan Brookhouse in ways she found upsetting would have to be put on the back burner. She wouldn’t be working with him alone anyway. His staff would be there to buffer the situation. All she had to do was play it cool. She’d give the man a call and see if something could be worked out.

  ~ ~ ~

  After a vigorous run at a nearby nature preserve, Kate fixed a simple supper for herself – corn and potato chowder and a plate of her favorite homemade crackers with a guacamole spread. The soup ingredients were mainly raw corn, lightly steamed potato chunks, and almond milk heated together. She spent the next hour planning her classes at the three elementary schools where she taught nutrition and gardening. The only interruption was a call from Reid McAllister. He taught science at one of her schools.

  “Hi Reid. How’re things going?” she asked, settling back for a pleasant talk.

  “Not bad. I thought we’d plan a few running dates for this week,” he began.

  Since they were both triathlon competitors, they spent time training together whether running, bicycling, or swimming.

  “What days do you have in mind?” Kate asked mentally reviewing her week.

  “Let’s try running Tuesday and Thursday right after school finishes and cycling Monday and Wednesday. You good with that?”

  “That’ll work for me.” She wondered about setting up a meeting with Dan Brookhouse. Then again, she could always change things with Reid. A few years younger, he was a laid-back guy. She was comfortable with him since he didn’t try to push her into any romantic involvements. Not that she hadn’t glimpsed a desire for something more in his expression occasionally. They had similar interests in fitness training and often competed in the same races.

  The very last thing Kate did that evening was soak in a lavender-scented bath for a full half hour. Feeling decidedly decadent, she relaxed against her chic bath pillow and emptied her mind of everything. With half-closed eyes she surveyed the peach and brown bathroom with its luxurious whirlpool tub and glassed-in shower stall. She was pleased she’d enlarged the space to include a small alcove for a vanity table and mirror.

  Although the home she’d purchased three years ago was a small one, she’d modernized the space by creating an open concept living, dining and kitchen area. Keeping the colors light and airy, she’d purchased white wicker furniture with comfortable floral print cushions in tones of peach, turquoise, and brown. Several abstract paintings on the walls plus an unusual glass-topped coffee table created by one of her friends gave the place an arty look. With all the hard work done, she could relax and enjoy her home.

  Of course the front and back areas always needed work. This past year she’d had a greenhouse installed. This new feature allowed her to offer classes in growing veggies in all kinds of weather. As she contemplated her life now she couldn’t help feeling pleased. Comparing it to those intense and difficult years with Jared, she felt positively blessed.

  Jared. Just thinking about him caused her stomach to clench. It hadn’t always been that way though. She’d been ten years old when Jared entered her life. He was her brother, Greg’s, best friend. Five years older than Kate, she’d been obsessed with him from the beginning, following him around like a lovesick puppy. Of course
he’d simply tolerated her until she’d turned fifteen and started blossoming. By the next year they were a couple. When she graduated high school, Jared had finished college and was entering medical school. He proposed marriage and she was overjoyed. Her parents were less than enthusiastic.

  “What about college?” Her mother asked. “I thought you wanted to continue your education.”

  “You’re not even eighteen,” her father reminded her. “Much too young for marriage.”

  But she was adamant. “I love him and I know this is best for me. I can’t be happy without Jared in my life.”

  Her parents finally conceded defeat. Elated, Kate and Jared moved into a small apartment near his school. She worked two jobs to pay the rent and expenses. Jared had a heavy schedule of classes and couldn’t contribute monetarily to their upkeep. But she hadn’t minded, at least for the first few years.

  Sighing, Kate came back to the present moment. It was painful rehashing the past. She’d made so many mistakes, taken so many wrong turns. At least now she could look at her life and feel a measure of contentment. That was enough for her.

  Chocolate Pudding

  1 medium size ripe avocado, peeled and cut into small pieces

  1 ripe peeled banana

  1 tablespoon cacao (find this ingredient in health food stores)

  1 tablespoon maple syrup (honey or agave will work also)

  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Using a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Makes enough for two small portions.

  Chapter 2

  “Daddy, Daddy, can I have a magic birthday party? I really want one like Sammy had and he said it was really great. Can I? But you have to get someone to do the magic part. Can you get someone, Daddy? Can you?” Ethan clung to Dan’s arm as he pulled on his sleeve and jumped up and down.

  “Slow down, Ethan. Just let me put my briefcase in the office. Then I can listen and you can tell me everything you want.” Dan drew in a long breath and mentally prepared for his son’s onslaught. No matter how tired he was at day’s end, he always spent the first half hour home paying close attention to Ethan’s every word. It relieved some of the guilt he felt for the many business trips and late night meetings when Ethan was left with the housekeeper or a babysitter.

  “Okay, let’s get comfortable on the couch.” Dan shrugged out of his blazer, eased his loafers off, and sat down. “Now sit a minute and let me hear about your day. How was the reading test you were worried about?”

  “Daddy, I don’t want to talk about it.” Ethan scrunched up his face and bounced on the cushion. “You promised I could have a big party this year when I’m seven. Remember?” He pushed his head into the crook of Dan’s shoulder, burrowing against his father.

  Tousling Ethan’s light-brown hair with one hand, Dan held his son close. “I remember. I’ve never forgotten your birthday. What’s this about a magic birthday party? I thought you wanted a cowboy party with ponies to ride. Did you change your mind?” He’d already made inquiries at a nearby ranch to host the event.

  “No.” Abruptly Ethan pulled away and started bouncing again. “Sammy had one and he said it was cool. You just have to find a magic person.”

  “You mean a magician?” Dan fought the impulse to stop his son in midair knowing it would be a futile gesture. Hyperactive since birth, Ethan was always in constant motion. Dan hoped he would begin to slow down as he grew older. Meanwhile, he tried to cope with his son’s constant moving about. Ethan could ask more questions in the space of a minute than anyone Dan had ever known.

  “Yes, yes, a magician,” Ethan cried as he slid off the couch and landed on the floor only to jump onto the couch again and begin a series of high bounces.

  “Ethan, be careful.” Dan tried to keep his cool. “The leather is slippery and you could slide off and hit your head.” They might be better off taking a walk outside. There were fewer places for jumping. “Why don’t we see if any of the flowers we planted are popping up?” He rose, grasped Ethan around the waist, and set him on the floor.

  ”Okay,” Ethan cried. “Let’s go.” He ran out of the den and down the long hallway to the back of the house.

  “Wait for me,” Dan called. There was no way he could keep up with the youngster, especially after a busy day at the office.

  Walking outside, Dan strode quickly toward the small flower garden he’d put aside for Ethan to have as his own. There was plenty of room on these two acres of land he’d purchased shortly after he and Melissa married. The sprawling ranch home included a three-car garage with an apartment over it for his housekeeper, Eileen Henley, and her husband Fred. When he was away from home, Eileen and Fred moved into the main house to care for Ethan. They stayed in a spacious room with their own bath right next to his son’s bedroom. What made the whole situation work so well, Dan thought, was the presence of Lady, the Henley’s golden retriever. Lady always slept at the foot of Ethan’s bed, much to the child’s enjoyment.

  Eileen did the cooking and shopping while Fred managed the landscaping and any fixit problems. If Dan needed a ride to the airport, Fred was always around to take care of that task. Dan was grateful he’d found such responsible help.

  “Daddy, look, I see some little flowers coming,” Ethan exclaimed as he knelt on the mulched flower beds.

  Dan bent to examine the small buds. “I think those are marigolds we planted a few weeks ago. Want to water them?” Ethan always loved that job.

  His son ran to grab the hose while Dan turned on the water. He knew Ethan would be drenched by the time he finished, but he’d have burnt off lots of energy, which was just what Dan needed.

  “How about a swim?” Dan asked. “We have a half hour before Eileen serves dinner.” The indoor-outdoor pool had sliding glass doors which could be opened during warm weather and closed when it was chilly.

  “Okay.” Ethan ran ahead to change into his bathing suit.

  Dan followed at a more leisurely pace. Swimming always cleared his head and also gave him a chance to exercise. Sometimes when he couldn’t sleep at night, he’d make a beeline for the pool. The hot tub at one end was a necessity for tired limbs and achy backs.

  After dinner Ethan settled down for Dan to read him a few stories. He tried to choose stories that would ease his son into sleep. Keeping his voice to a monotone, he made sure the tales were interesting but had little excitement. Most nights it took over an hour before Dan could kiss Ethan goodnight and leave his bedroom. Often his son called him back to complain he couldn’t fall asleep. It took all of Dan’s patience to deal with the boy’s difficulties.

  Ethan’s first few years hadn’t been all that demanding. It was only when the youngster started to run about and talk constantly that Melissa became a nervous wreck. His ex-wife couldn’t cope with the situation and opted to leave three years ago, shortly before Ethan turned four. He remembered the conversation between them.

  “You don’t understand what I go through,” she’d cried. “I’m with him all day while you’re at work. It’s a problem to get babysitters. They don’t stay long. I tried to put him in nursery school and the teacher said he wasn’t ready, that he needed more one-on-one care. I’m sick and tired of dealing with him. I want my life back.”

  In some ways he couldn’t blame her, but he still resented the fact that she rarely kept in touch with Ethan. Melissa started a new life and she didn’t want any part of her old one. It was hard to watch his son’s disappointment when his mother didn’t even wish him a happy birthday or send something for Christmas. Dan knew he couldn’t change things. All he could do was show his son how much he loved him.

  Retreating to his office after Ethan was finally asleep, Dan tried to work on several projects, but his thoughts veered elsewhere. An image of Kate Bromley danced through his mind. He couldn’t help smiling as he remembered h
is first glimpse of her. That had been one provocative pose. Then he sobered as he considered the odds of her phoning him regarding the demo for his staff. She’d sounded pretty definite in her refusal to take on more work.

  Oh well, he’d given it his best shot. The young woman had stirred something in him he hadn’t felt in quite a while, not since he’d began dating Melissa almost twelve years ago. She’d been a hostess at one of his restaurant. From the moment he’d laid eyes on her, he’d been attracted to the slender, dark-haired beauty. Within a month, they were in a relationship and married a year later. The first few years were exciting. He was building a business, beginning new restaurants all over the state and enjoying the company of his young wife.

  Dan wondered if their marriage would’ve succeeded if they hadn’t decided to start a family. Maybe if Ethan had been a quiet, easy-going child, it would’ve worked. He’d never know.

  While he was ruminating on the pros and cons of relationships, the phone rang. It was after nine p.m. and not too many people had his private number. When he noted the caller ID his pulse raced. There was only one Kate Bromley.

  “Dan Brookhouse.” He tried to keep his tone neutral.

  “Hi Dan. This is Kate. Hope I’m not calling too late.”

  He heard the hesitation in her voice. “Not at all. This is the perfect time.” He settled back in his comfortable, brown leather office chair with a smile on his face.

  “Well, I’ve been thinking about your proposal, and I wonder if we can make a trade. I need a private dining room for my mother’s sixtieth birthday party in mid-April.”