by SUE FINEMAN
He wasn’t completely unpacked when a woman tapped on the open door. “Blade? I’m Lila. Welcome.” She held up two glasses and a half-empty bottle of wine.
“I appreciate the welcome, but don’t bring that stuff in here.”
“You don’t drink?”
“No.”
She set the bottle and glasses outside the door and walked inside the room. Lila had blond hair and a perky smile. She couldn’t be more than thirty. Blondes had never attracted him, especially pushy blondes. “I understand you’re a friend of Nick’s.”
He glanced at her and put his socks in the drawer. He thought she’d get the hint and leave, but she sat on the bed. “There’s a comedy club over by the Dairy Queen if you’re interested.”
“Thanks, but I’m not into the club scene.”
She jumped to her feet. “Okay, I’ll leave you alone to get settled. If you need anything, I’m downstairs.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.”
If he wanted sex, that woman would provide it, but there was one little problem.
She wasn’t Maria.
<>
Sophia was glad to have Angelo and Teresa down the street, but Maria moped around the house like she’d lost her best friend. The biker was gone, but not forgotten.
She wanted her children to be happy, and they were, all but Maria. Fred and Maria had been separated in spirit for years, and it was time for her to move on, but she refused to date. Gerry Merlino had asked her out to dinner several times, and she always turned him down. She’d turned herself into a martyr and dedicated her life to her kids, which was fine, if that made her happy. But it didn’t. Still a young woman at thirty-six, Maria needed a man in her life, and she was pretty enough to attract any man. The one she’d attracted was a man who dressed in black leather and drove a big motorcycle.
If Maria wanted Blade, he’d have to accept that her children were an important part of her life. And if Blade wanted Maria, he’d have to learn to trust people. Everyone was capable of love, but Sophia wasn’t so sure that Blade would ever be comfortable with the give and take of married life. Add the stress of growing children to the mix and it could be too much for him to handle. Lesser men had deserted their wives and families because they couldn’t take the stress of parenthood.
Still, if Maria chose to continue her relationship with Blade, Sophia wouldn’t interfere. Having a handsome man pay attention to her boosted her ego, and Maria needed that right now. Fred had convinced her that she wasn’t a desirable woman, that she wasn’t pretty enough to keep him interested or good enough in bed to keep him at home.
Maria’s job situation hurt her even more. That stupid attorney had her fired when Robbie got hit in the head and knocked out on the playground. What was she supposed to do, leave her son at the hospital until she got off work? Now she worked for Nicky and did a good job. She felt better about herself than she had in years, and Sophia didn’t want to see her falling into another bout of depression if this relationship with Blade didn’t work out.
Maria deserved better.
<>
Blade went out to see the property again the next morning. He’d just parked the car when Gerry called. “Sunny Banner checked into the inn alone, but she had a man with her the morning she was arrested.”
“Supplier?”
“They don’t know who he was, and Sunny isn’t talking.”
“If he’s her supplier and she told him I had money, he’s still around. She probably owes him a bundle. Does she still have a house?”
“I have a man checking on that now, Blade. And my assistant is working on the will. Do you have a copy of your grandfather’s will?”
“No, I don’t. I’ll call Colin Jacobs and have him fax a copy to you today.”
Still sitting in his car, Blade made the call to New York, and then he walked down to look at the property again. It didn’t belong to him yet, but soon it would. The land was sprinkled with firs and maples and madronas, many of which would have to come out to make room for the house, and much of the property was covered with thorny blackberry vines. The berries were delicious, but the vines were nasty to work with, with thorns big enough to tear through a pair of leather work gloves.
He stood halfway down the hill when a car stopped on the road above. Maria waved and started down the hill. He walked up to meet her. After a long, warm hug, he took her hand and they walked down to the home site together. “What are you doing here?”
“I have a friend who is single and looking. I thought you might want to meet her.”
“Tell me about her.”
“She’s in her mid-thirties and lived with a guy for five years. He kept saying he wanted to get married someday, but she finally realized his someday would never get here. They went their separate ways about four months ago. She’s lonesome, and he’s planning a wedding with another woman.”
“Kids?”
“No kids and no pets, and she doesn’t want any. I think that was part of the problem with this guy. He wanted a family and she didn’t. She’s a massage therapist. I didn’t tell her about you, Blade. I thought if you weren’t interested, there was no sense getting her hopes up. She’s pretty, with long brown hair and green eyes. Would you like to meet her?”
I don’t want her, Maria. I want you.
She shook her head slightly and Blade felt hope drain away. “Yeah, okay. Give me her number and I’ll call her.”
Chapter Seven
Blade bought himself a new laptop computer and set it up in his room at what everyone, including Nick, called the Staff House. He searched the Internet and read everything he could find on the Banner-Covington Shipping Corporation, including recent newspaper articles. He printed out one article about Edward Banner and his influence on the company. Blade’s grandfather was highly respected in the shipping industry, and until the age of eighty-five, he remained active on the Board of Directors and influenced policy that moved the company out of some difficult times. He forced two board members out and named his own successor when he retired.
Joseph K. Grafton, President and CEO, now ran the company. In an interview, Grafton said, “Edward Banner wasn’t just a highly astute businessman. He was a man of high principles who set standards for safety in an industry that lost too many people to accidents. His policies on responsibility have saved our ocean beaches and wildlife from another catastrophic accident like the Exxon Valdez.” The reporter went on to say that Banner-Covington had spent millions to institute those policies, and they hadn’t had a serious accident or spill since then.
Another article talked about a possible takeover attempt by another shipping company. If Blade didn’t get his hands on his grandfather’s stock and the charities sold those shares on the open market, the company would be ripe for a takeover. He didn’t want to see his grandfather’s policies put aside for the sake of higher profits.
Blade dug through his papers and found Colin Jacobs’ business card. He had an e-mail address, so Blade sent a request for company information, minutes of past board meetings, and profiles on the other board members, past and present. He had no intention of walking into a board meeting without doing his homework first. The meetings were held quarterly, and the most recent was held last January. Blade requested an invitation to the next regular board meeting, which should be held in April.
He’d just sent the e-mail to Colin Jacobs when his cell phone rang. Gerry asked, “Blade, when is your birthday and how old will you be?”
“May second, and I’ll be forty. Why?”
“You’re running out of time. If you want the rest of your inheritance, you have to be married by your fortieth birthday.”
“Aw, shit!” he said on a groan. It was already the third week of March. That only gave him six weeks to get married. It took him longer than that to buy furniture, and a bride would be harder to choose than furniture.
His first impulse was to call Maria, but she’d made it clear that she didn’t want to marry him. If he cou
ldn’t have the one he wanted, he’d try her friend.
He called the phone number Maria had given him. “Debbie, this is Blade Banner. Maria Fredricks gave me your phone number.”
“Oh, she told me a little about you. I’m glad you called.”
He arranged to take her out to dinner at the Harbor Inn that evening. She lived in a big apartment complex at the top of Soundview Drive in Gig Harbor. He’d lived in apartments before, and he hated having other people living so close, playing music too loud or slapping their kids and screaming at each other. He’d rather live in a dumpy little house out in the boonies.
Blade dressed in gray slacks and a black cashmere sweater he’d bought in New York and drove his new car to Debbie’s apartment complex. Debbie opened the door, looked him over, and smiled. So far so good.
“Well, look at you. Maria didn’t tell me you were so good looking.”
She was pretty and she had a nice smile. But once she opened her mouth, all she talked about was her ex-boyfriend and how he’d used her and dumped her. The poor little me act was wearing thin before they were seated in the restaurant.
Blade worked the conversation around to the normal getting-to-know-you subjects, like what she did for a living, how long she’d lived in Gig Harbor, and what she looked for in a relationship. She said she wanted to get married and live happily ever after, but he got the feeling she wanted to marry just to show her ex-boyfriend that someone else wanted her.
She asked him what he did. “Contract work, mostly technical writing and training seminars, although I expect to be involved in my grandfather’s company in New York soon.”
“New York?” Her eyes brightened. “I love New York. Do you own a house there?”
“Yes, but I’m selling it as soon as the estate gets through probate. I expect to be there several times a year for the board meetings, but I don’t want to live there.”
“But New York is so exciting.”
“Too exciting for me. I’m a small town guy who lives a boring life.” With his best friend, Harley.
The conversation from then on went downhill, and Blade knew she felt as relieved as he did when the evening ended. She didn’t want to date a man who lived a boring life, and he didn’t want to marry a woman who wouldn’t be satisfied living with him.
Scratch Debbie.
He wasn’t home a half-hour when Maria called. “I heard your date was a bust.”
“I’m boring and she spent half the evening talking about her ex-boyfriend.”
“She would have slept with you, Blade. All you had to do was ask.”
Sleep with me? “Is she that desperate?”
“One kiss would have won her over.”
“I didn’t want to win her over, Maria. Who’s next?”
“You want to try again?”
“I have to find a wife.” He plowed his hand through his hair. “I hate the way that sounds, like I’m shopping for a new car or a dog.”
“Killer or Spike?”
He smiled at the teasing in her voice. “Who would name a dog Daisy?”
“Jimmy wanted to name her Bruce. After I explained that the puppy was a girl, Andy came up with the name.”
“Figures. He’ll probably be a veterinarian when he grows up.”
“I don’t care what he does as long as it’s legal and he’s happy. Are you serious about finding another woman?”
“If I want my inheritance, I have to marry, but it’s more than the money. If I don’t get my hands on my grandfather’s stock, his company could be taken over by people who don’t meet his standards for safety. I owe him, Maria. He left me a responsibility, and I owe him.”
One of the kids yelled for Maria to come. She said, “Blade, I have go. Al just got in, and I have to take Mom and the kids over to Nick’s.”
“Okay. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
What did he have to do to find a woman, put an ad in the paper? SWM, 40, seeks SF for quickie marriage. Reward. Sounded like he was offering a reward for a lost dog.
He walked downstairs to get something to drink. Lila and one of the guards were in the kitchen, talking and laughing. Lila wore a skimpy pajama outfit with pants so short her ass hung out, and unfettered breasts swung under the silky top. One sultry glance from her said she was willing. He was tempted to take her up on her offer, but he wanted a permanent relationship, and he didn’t want to marry a slut.
He went upstairs and made a list of the women he’d dated in the past couple years. There were five, and he didn’t really know any of them, except how they liked their sex. Jen was wild in bed, but the sound of her voice drove him up the wall. Danielle reminded him a little of Maria, reserved and proper until that first kiss. He didn’t know she had a husband until after the second date.
Misty was a beauty, with black hair and violet eyes, but the only way she would loosen up in bed was if she had a stiff drink first. Carolyn wanted to make love without a condom, and then there was Reva. She was into whips and handcuffs and torture.
That left Maria, and the more he thought about her, the more he knew that she was the one he wanted to marry. All he had to do was talk her into it. A night or two in his bed might help persuade her, but they couldn’t sleep together at her house and they couldn’t do it here, in the Staff House. He could take her to a motel, but knowing Maria, she wouldn’t go.
But he could take her to New York.
If he could talk her into it.
<>
The welcome home party for Al was in full swing when Andy and Jimmy pooped out and curled up on the sofa beside Uncle Angelo and Aunt Teresa. Since Maria and the kids were still staying in Mom’s house, Al would spend the week at Nick and Cara’s. Mom would stay here, too, so she could spend more time with her youngest son.
At six-four, Maria’s youngest brother was the tallest in the family and the most quiet. Al loved his studies and always made the Dean’s List. For a guy with his intelligence and talent, the future was wide open.
As soon as they got a minute alone, Maria told him about Blade. “He hasn’t found a plan he likes that would take advantage of the view.”
“Where is his property?”
“Right down the road. He wants something more traditional than Cara’s house, but he said he liked the shape of the corner in Cara’s sun room.”
“How soon does he plan to build?”
“As soon as he closes on the property and gets a plan through the approval process. He’s living across the street right now, and I know he doesn’t want to stay there any longer than necessary.”
“Okay,” he said, and Maria knew it was as good as done.
<>
Blade put a few bills in the kitty for groceries and made himself and Lucas some breakfast. Lucas couldn’t cook and Blade didn’t like to clean up, so it was a good trade-off. Lila had gone to Cara’s house to clean up after the family party last night. Judging from the empty bottles in the kitchen trash can and the glasses in the sink, Lila and someone had their own party last night.
“Tell me something, Lucas. Is Lila always so—”
“One kiss and she’ll keep your bed warm all night.”
Blade shook his head and slid a plate of bacon and eggs and toast across the counter. “I’m looking for a woman, but not one who drinks and cats around.”
“I thought you and Nick’s cousin had something going.”
“I thought so, too, but she’s not interested in taking our friendship to the next level.”
“Ah. Won’t sleep with you, huh. She wouldn’t even go out to dinner with Gerry Merlino.”
She would have gone if he’d invited the kids to come along. Maria had dedicated her life to her children. Blade admired her dedication as a mother, but he wished she’d loosen up and let him sample some of that passion that simmered inside her.
<>
Blade sat in the living room reading the morning newspaper when a young man tapped on the front door and walked in. “I’m looking f
or Blade Banner.”
“You found him,” said Blade.
He stuck out his hand. “Al Donatelli. I understand you need a house plan.”
“I sure do.”
Al had brought a big pad of graph paper with him. He pulled a pencil from his pocket, and they sat at the breakfast table to talk. People came and went, and both men ignored them. “I want traditional, but not formal. I like the beach cottage look, with clapboard siding, but I need a big house. I’m thinking two stories with a partial walk-out basement in the back.”
Al nodded. “I walked the property early this morning, and Nick and I talked about it. What about the inside? You said not formal.”
Remembering Maria’s vision of the perfect house, Blade said, “I want one big living room, a formal dining room big enough to seat a big family, a breakfast room off the kitchen, and an office to put my grandfather’s partner’s desk in. I want the master suite on the main floor, with an exercise room or alcove, and I’d like one other bedroom and bathroom on that floor.” For a mother-in-law or baby.
Al scribbled some notes. “Second floor?”
“I want a big library lined with bookshelves in the back, overlooking the water, and I’d really like to have a balcony or covered porch off the library. If the study won’t fit downstairs and the library is big enough, it could be part of the same room.”
“Why don’t we put a porch off the kitchen below the balcony? Like this,” he said, sketching the design, “and we’ll stack a second-floor porch on top.”
“That’s good. I like that. Leave the living room ceiling open to the second floor and add some more bedrooms up there.”
“How many?”
“Three or four, with two or three bathrooms.”
Al made more notes. “A partial basement should work well on that site.”