by Lea Hart
“I know they won’t let you into the airport with a gun, so I figure this is my best opportunity at having a conversation without getting shot.” Wedging his large frame into the chair next to her, he set his bags down. “I’m going to see how much I can get away with and am counting on your good manners not to make a scene.” Leaning back, he grimaced. “But seeing your eyes narrow tells me I may have miscalculated the temper and memory of a certain southern woman.”
“Never underestimate me, Chase.” She flipped her hair and gave him a once over. “I wouldn’t waste a perfectly good bullet on you. If I was going to kill you, then I’d make sure it was slow and painful, and a bullet is too good for the likes of you.” She took a sip of wine and resumed her meal, hoping he would feel the full weight of her dismissal.
The waitress strolled over and just about fell over herself when she saw Chase. The man was a beloved figure and his ten years of playing for the San Francisco team and winning three Super Bowls made him more than popular. Add to that his record for most regular season wins, and she was surprised the woman was standing upright. “He’s just leaving, so he won’t be having anything.”
The waitress looked at her, horrified, like she’d suggested poisoning small children and puppies rather than dismissing a man with the manners of a snake and a heart of stone.
Chase patted the waitress’s arm and gave her a smarmy smile. “It’s just her way, and she’s being medicated for it. I’ll have the same thing she’s having, only with a beer.”
Kicking him under the table, she watched him grin as he held her leg. “You are skating on thin ice and just because I don’t have a gun doesn’t mean I can’t cause you harm.”
“At least you’re paying attention to me, and if plotting my demise makes it possible then I’ll take it.”
“I didn’t invite you to join me, and you’re being rude.” She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a smile that was as warm as the Arctic. “Not that I expect much from you.” She felt his hand rest on her leg under the table and was about to push it off when he gave her a warning glare.
“I’m really popular in this town, and don’t want to have to protect you from my fans if they see you’re not being nice to me.”
“You do realize how low you’ve stooped, right?”
“I just want to apologize and tell you how sorry I am that it took me so long to call you after our first date. I got caught up in work, and lost track of how much time had passed.”
“I told you on our first date that I didn’t think it would work out because of your job and the geography separating us, but you decided not to listen and let your big ego talk.”
“I thought about you every day, and I’d like another chance to see what we have together.”
“We don’t have anything together. You’ve shown me who you are, and I’m paying attention to it and am not interested in pursuing anything with you.”
“Is it because of Scott Clemins? I saw him following you around last night at the party.”
“I’m not telling you who I’m interested in.” She returned to her meal and tried to ignore him but found it nearly impossible because he was staring holes into her with his big brown eyes. Turning, she gave him a questioning look. “So, this is your plan?”
“Yeah. What do you think?”
“I think you need a new one because this one sucks.” She tore off a piece of bread and dunked it into her soup, devouring it. The waitress arrived with Chase’s meal and his beer and practically kissed his feet in an attempt to make him happy. Rolling her eyes, Ronnie took a sip of wine and waited for her to leave.
Chase lifted his beer in her direction. “To sucky plans and second chances.”
“I should thank you, Chase, because your lack of interest made me change a few things in my life.” Leaning forward, she studied him and decided he deserved to hear what he’d done for her. “I’m going to tell you a story, and hopefully, it will entertain you while you have your meal.”
“Does it have a happy ending?”
“I think so but let me start at the beginning.” Lifting her glass, she drained it and then wiped her mouth. “Brian broke my heart and embarrassed me terribly. It took me a long time to get over it, and you were one of the first men I dated after I decided to get over myself and reenter the dating world. I thought the kiss you gave me was spectacular, and it gave me hope that I was ready to move forward and get to know you.”
“We still could,” he replied, leaning forward.
She pushed him back along with her plate. “At first, I was mad as a tiger with its tail caught, but then realized all my mad was just covering up my sad. I wallowed for a bit and then realized I was in danger of either retreating like I had after Brian or becoming a woman with a bad attitude. I decided neither was a good option, so I put myself out there and started accepting the invitations that came my way. What I learned is that more is better, and there are a lot of men out there who know how to kiss. Your behavior made me get out of my own way, and I should thank you since I’ve been having a ball over the last couple of months. And, for the first time in my life, I’m not worried about where any of it will end up or what it means.” Smiling, she touched his hand. “Thank you.”
“I guess you’re welcome.”
“Eat up, Chase. Your food is getting cold.” She opened her purse and pulled out money to cover her meal. “I should get going because my flight will be boarding soon.” Gathering her things together, she noticed he remained quiet as he stared vacantly over the restaurant. “Take care.” She patted him on the shoulder and then made her way out of the restaurant.
All in all, this trip had turned out better than she could have hoped because the universe had blessed her with all kinds of opportunities to close doors. Which clearly meant something extraordinary was coming her way.
***
Chase walked down the aisle of the plane and let out a low growl when he saw who his seatmate was going to be for the long cross-country flight. Apparently, he was paying for his sins after all and God decided it was best if he faced them head-on.
He shoved his suitcase in the overhead bin, and studied Ronnie as he tried to determine what she might be able to do to him with limited resources. Collapsing into the seat, he knew the most powerful one was always at her disposal, and it was her sharp mind and deadly tongue.
“You look like a man who lost his dog; why so cheery, Chase?”
Ignoring her, he pulled out the things he wanted for the flight then shoved his bag under the seat. He sat back and, out of the corner of his eye, noticed Ronnie shrug and turn back to her Kindle. “How many men are you kissing?”
The sound of thunderous laughter filled the first-class cabin, and he didn’t think his question warranted the hyena laugh. “You sure are loud for such a small woman.” When that made her laugh louder, he crossed his arms and noticed a couple of people try and peer over their seats and find the person who was making such a ruckus.
Maybe if he pointed to Ronnie, she’d finally quit. Pulling out his handkerchief, he held it up and watched her smile through tears as she waved her hand in front of her face. He shook his head and tried to imagine what she would’ve done if he asked who exactly she was sleeping with.
Ronnie wiped her eyes and took in a long breath. “Damn, that felt good. I haven’t had a laugh like that in a long time, and all it took was NFL legend Chase Bedford asking me about my love life.”
“I see you’ve done some research.”
“Had to,” Ronnie replied. “After you didn’t call back, I Googled you and discovered you were a big deal in the world of football, which, by the way, doesn’t make a lick of difference since you couldn’t find two minutes to call me and tell me you had changed your mind.”
Turning, he narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t change my mind; I just got real busy with the team.”
“That is a crock of you know what. I found out you had a colorful life while playing ball, and a woman
never held your interest for long, so you making statements you had no intention of keeping is a regular play.” She wiped her eyes, blew her nose, and searched for her bottle of water. “Thanks for the hanky, I’ll send you a new one when I get home.”
The flight attendant came by, and he ordered himself a scotch, knowing it would be the first of many if he hoped to make it through the flight. Hearing Ronnie order a bourbon let him know that she wasn’t looking forward to their time together either, which once again pissed him the hell off.
Turning toward the aisle, he tried to ignore her and found it damn near impossible as she moved around getting herself comfortable. When she put her earbuds in, he knew she wasn’t going to answer his question, which made him ask himself, if she was so willing to kiss anyone who came her way, then why wouldn’t she just kiss him.
The minute the thought entered his head, he realized how ridiculous it was and looked over his shoulder and told himself he didn’t care about the woman anyway. She wasn’t that special. Hell, there were a dozen women who’d probably love to go on a date with him, so he certainly didn’t need to waste his time with one with such a difficult personality.
Not him.
No, sir.
Ronnie was more trouble than he wanted and was certainly smarter, probably richer, and had sarcasm in spades. She’d be nothing but work, and he wasn’t interested.
He needed a woman who was gentle, kind, and easy to please.
And that was a big fat lie since he’d had that a hundred times over and had always been bored out of his mind.
The flight attendant handed him their drinks as well as a small dish with warm nuts, so he tapped Ronnie on her shoulder and felt his gut clench when she gave him a sweet smile. Their fingers brushed when he placed the drink in her hand and electricity ran up his arm.
When she didn’t react to their contact, he told himself it was just because she couldn’t stand the truth of them and, before a second passed, he knew it wasn’t true, and she really was unaffected by him.
Damn, woman.
The announcement for takeoff was made, and he watched Ronnie finish her drink and then sit up as she passed her empty glass over to the flight attendant. “Need another after takeoff?”
“No, I’m going to fall asleep before too long.” Lifting her eyes, she smiled. “I should warn you that I have a habit of falling asleep on strangers, so if I start leaning your way, just push me back over.”
“Why don’t you just lean against me now that way we can avoid the pushing you over later on. I’m exhausted, so I’ll probably fall asleep pretty quickly, too.”
“No, thanks.”
Seeing her scrunched nose made his temper flare. “Why not?” Lifting the armrest, he gave her a raised eyebrow.
“I think it would be inappropriate, based on our current relationship.”
“You’re kissing any man who comes your way, so I’m not sure why you’re suddenly concerned with what’s appropriate and what’s not. You said yourself that you’re free and easy and enjoying the bounty of men out there.” A dark, thunderous expression crossed her face, and he found it incredibly satisfying, not caring one bit that he was poking the bear.
“That’s rude and completely untrue.” Pushing the armrest back down, she gave him one last glare before turning to the window. “I can’t believe you said that.”
Feeling like an ass, he put his hand on her arm. “I’m sorry, Ronnie. I hate the idea of any man’s lips on you.”
“Chase, if that were true, you never would’ve left me alone after our date. I think you just want what you can’t have and what you’re feeling has little to do with me and everything to do with wanting what’s not immediately available.” She patted his hand and gave him a small grin. “Don’t worry. It’ll pass quickly, and someone will come along any minute, and you’ll hardly remember my name by next week.”
Watching her turn and pull her wrap over her shoulder let him know the discussion was over. “For now,” he muttered silently as he lifted the armrest, knowing if she was going to lean in his direction, he was going to be ready.
CHAPTER FOUR
One Week Later
Stepping away from her desk, Ronnie moved over to the large windows facing the ocean and admired the fading colors of the sky. She slipped her shoes off, wiggled her toes, and enjoyed the few minutes of freedom. Hearing Nelson’s heavy footsteps, she turned. “Are you heading out?”
“I am unless you need something.”
“I’m good.”
“You sure?”
“Of course, the business is healthy, and we are turning away clients right and left. What more could I want?” Seeing her friend’s brows drop, she knew his list was long. “Don’t, Nelson. Not everyone is made for love and happy ever after.”
“But you are, Ronnie. No matter what you tell yourself.”
Leaning against the couch, she shrugged. “I like what I’ve got going on now and plan on having fun and nothing else for quite some time.”
“As long as you have something other than work, then I’ll leave you be.”
“Thank you.” Waving, she watched him turn and then heard the front door close. It had been a good week for DuMond Management, and she didn’t need anyone full time in her life. Checking her watch, she saw that she still had some time before her last meeting of the day and collapsed on the couch.
As she stared out at the last of the beachgoers, she asked herself once again why she’d agreed to meet with her friend’s client and give a second opinion on a business he was considering.
Feeling exhausted down to her bones, she knew the last year of working non-stop had finally caught up with her and closed her eyes. “Maybe a mini-vacation is what I need.”
The front door opening broke her reverie, and a small river of panic slid down her back. Standing quickly, she moved to the door and watched Chase Bedford walk into her reception area. “You!’ she shouted before letting out a big breath and covering her heart with her hand. “You scared me to death.”
“Sorry, honey, I didn’t mean to.” Moving closer, he grinned. “I came to pick you up for our meeting.”
“You’re my seven o’clock consultation?”
He held up his hands and nodded. “Sure am.”
Spinning around, she strode back into her office, muttering to herself. “That isn’t very nice. If you wanted to see me, why didn’t you just call?” She found her abandoned shoes by the window and slipped them on before moving over to the desk and sliding into her chair.
“You don’t take my calls, so I had to resort to asking my friend to work on my behalf.” He sat in the chair facing her and leaned forward. “I heard the rumors about your bowl of voodoo dolls but didn’t think it was true.”
Smirking, she moved the bowl out of his reach. “I think it’s time I have your face put on one because you’re starting to irritate me.”
“You might want to have more than one made, because I’m coming for you and expect your irritation level to be through the roof before too long.”
“Not if I kill you first.”
“Quit flirting with me,” he replied with a laugh as he sat back. “I want you to take a look at my portfolio and give me your opinion about a couple of businesses that I’m considering.”
He passed a folder over, and she pushed it away. “I’m not taking any new clients, and you know that. I understand you have Don Watson managing your wealth, and he’s quite talented, so you don’t need me.”
“Now, that’s where you’re wrong.”
She let out a loud snort and then straightened her pencils. “I’m not interested in sharing my expertise with the likes of you.”
“Please, just give me your thoughts.”
“Oh, I have some thoughts for you all right, and none of them are very nice.” She pushed his folder back across her desk and crossed her arms. “My business is as big as it’s going to get. I barely have time as it is and when the baby comes, I’ll have even less time.”
Her phone buzzed, and she turned her attention to an incoming e-mail.
Hearing Chase’s large intake of breath, she kept her eyes on her phone and hoped what she said was enough to scare him off once and for all. She typed a response to her client and then looked up, seeing his hands fisted and his red face.
“Whose baby and when are you due?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Whose baby and when are you due?”
“I’m not pregnant yet, but I want babies very soon, and need to make sure I’m creating a business I can manage when I’ve got one on each hip.” She gave one last glance at her phone and then noticed Chase didn’t look well. He was pale under his tan and sweat was covering his forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Maybe you’re having a heart attack.” She stood up, walked around the desk, and laid her hand across his forehead. “Are you having pain in your chest or arm? Maybe I should call a doctor?”
He sagged into her and let out a breath. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look it.”
“The baby thing was kind of a shock.”
“Why in the world would you care about me and my babies?”
“Because, I’m going to be their daddy and want a little input as to when they’re going to arrive.”
“You have lost your mind.”
“Can we go to dinner now?”
“No,” she replied as she stepped back. “I was actually worried about you for a minute, and clearly the only thing wrong with you is your black heart. How could you trifle with my sympathies?”
Enveloping her small hand in his, he gazed up. “I’m desperate and want a chance to have a meal with you.”
Walking back around her desk, she began to gather her things. “I’m going home.”
“I may not be well after all, so maybe you should drive me over to the hotel.”
She gave him a measured stare. “What are you up to?”