“That doesn’t change the way I look.”
“You think that’s a problem?”
“Of course. I’m not beautiful. I don’t stand out in a crowd.”
“You stand out to me. Since I’ve met you, you occupy my mind most of the time.”
She put down her fork and sat back in her chair. “I think you’ll get over it quickly.”
He gave her a crooked grin, one that touched her heart. “Maybe, but I don’t think so.”
She picked up her fork and continued eating. What could she say?
After several minutes of silence, he said, “Haven’t you thought about me? At least once or twice?”
She thought about not answering, but he’d been honest with her. “Yes, a time or two. But only because you’ve acted oddly.”
“Ah.”
She’d hurt his feelings. She knew it, but couldn’t help that. She knew she had no chance of a happy ending with someone like John. It would be useless to moon over him.
More time passed, then John spoke again. “If I asked you out to dinner or a movie or something, would you go with me?”
“John, even if I said yes, I don’t sleep around. It would only take once or twice going out and you’d be fed up with me. So what’s the point?”
“If that happens, then I’ll have only myself to blame. Okay? I’m not going to force myself on you. Either we get together because we both want to, or we don’t. Those are the rules I play by.”
“I suppose I could go out once, but it shouldn’t get back to the people at the bank. Do you agree to that?”
“Sure, I can see why that makes sense. I guess I should apologize about wanting to hold hands while we were in the bank. That was bad of me, but I just wanted to touch you so damn bad.”
Her gaze collided with his in surprise. “I—I’m not sure—”
“I apologize, Diane. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m always in control, I promise.”
HE WAS OUT OF CONTROL.
After he left Diane at the bank, John wanted to grind his teeth. He hadn’t realized getting her to talk about her life would stir him up so much. She was such a special person, and totally unappreciated by her parents. He’d wanted to pull her into his arms right there in the restaurant.
Which had caused him to be too honest with her.
Then he’d had to retreat and regroup. But tomorrow was Friday and she’d agreed to see a movie with him. First they’d have dinner and then go to the late film.
He’d need to work out at the gym after office hours before he could trust himself to be around her. Looking forward to a date hadn’t happened to him since ninth grade. But he’d found a woman who inspired him.
His dad called him that afternoon, but John could hardly keep his mind on the conversation. It kept veering back to Diane.
He’d have to convince her to go out with him again. He’d have to find something she liked to do, to tempt her the second time. He’d see what was playing at the Dallas Theater Center. Maybe she’d like to go there. Or he could take her to Antares for lunch, up in the Reunion Tower. That was fun, especially if she was afraid of heights. He could hold her against him to keep her safe. He smiled, thinking about the possibilities.
“Son, are you listening to me?”
John brought his attention back to his father. “Sorry, Dad. Say it again.”
His dad continued on with his monologue, and John tried to force himself to listen, so he wouldn’t be caught off guard again.
Before hanging up, his father said, “By the way, Angi and I want to invite you over for dinner Saturday of next week. Are you free?”
“Yes, but may I bring someone?”
“Oh, you’ve found someone new?”
“Yes, and I’d like for you to meet her.”
“Of course. Who is she? Angi might know her.”
“I don’t think so. But I’ll have to check out the date with her. We haven’t been seeing each other much yet.”
“Okay, I’ll tell Angi to count on two of you for dinner. If she won’t come, find another date.”
“Right.” As if anyone would be interchangeable with Diane. He didn’t think so. She was unique.
And somehow that scared John to death.
DIANE FOUND HERSELF in front of her closet again. It really was time to go shopping, for something other than black or gray suits. Luckily she found a casual plum-colored dress in the back.
She hurriedly redid her makeup and wished she’d agreed to go out on Saturday instead Friday, after an entire day at work. But she hadn’t thought about that in time. She’d been too swept away when he’d asked her out.
She hadn’t intended to accept, of course, but he’d sounded so desperate. That amazed her. No one had ever been desperate to date her. She’d had a steady relationship in college, with a guy who assumed she’d marry him…until he’d fallen in love with another woman.
Diane had been hurt at first, until she realized she really didn’t miss him. She just missed having someone. So she kept to herself and finished out the semester. Then she’d gotten a summer job in a bank and found her future. She liked the decorum of a bank, the security. Even changing her studies to fit a career in banking, she had finished her degree early and gotten hired by Guaranty National right after graduation.
She was satisfied with her existence. She didn’t have much of a social life, but she’d learned to live without others since she was very young. Diane didn’t intend to marry just to have someone around.
But she intended to enjoy the evening, since she’d given in to John’s invitation. It wasn’t something she’d ever make a habit of, but for tonight, she’d make the best of it.
Diane was just spraying perfume behind her ears when she heard a car out front. She leaned over to look out the window and saw John getting out of his Mercedes, early as usual. She picked up her purse and keys and waited until he knocked on the door.
When he did, joy flooded her, unexpected joy. She didn’t think this silly date would mean that much to her. Obviously she needed to get out more often.
She swung open the door, a smile on her lips. But it wasn’t John at the door. It was one of her neighbors, a flight attendant who shared the apartment with five of her colleagues.
“Oh, hi, Betsy. How are you?”
“I’m fine, but I was wondering if you could keep an eye out for a package for me. I’m going out tonight and I figured you’d be here.” She smiled, as if she hadn’t said anything hurtful.
“I’m sorry, Betsy, but I’m going out, too.”
“You are? You don’t usually—” The woman broke off to stare at the handsome man climbing the stairs. “Damn! Which one of my roommates has a date with him?”
Chapter Four
The unexpected swell of satisfaction surprised Diane. She hoped she didn’t show that to her neighbor as she quietly said, “I’m going out with him, Betsy.”
John reached the two women. “You ready, Diane?” he asked.
“Yes, John. I just need to lock my door.”
Betsy stuck out her hand as she turned to do so. “Hi, I’m Diane’s neighbor, Betsy.”
“Nice to meet you, Betsy.”
Diane turned around, closely watching John. She wouldn’t be surprised to see him checking her out. The statuesque brunette always had boyfriends in and out of the building, but tonight, for the first time ever, she had a date that Betsy wanted. For tonight, at least, Diane could hold her head high. She owed John for that feeling.
Just as she was about to tell him she was ready, the flight attendant handed him a card. “Just in case you’re interested,” she said, a flirtatious smile on her lips.
Diane had to struggle to keep herself from scratching Betsy’s eyes out. But John didn’t give her time. He slid his arm around her and moved down the stairs.
When they reached the bottom, Betsy leaned over the railing to say goodbye.
“She’s very friendly,” John murmured.
“Yes. Maybe you should take her o
ut next time.” Abruptly, Diane wanted to bite her tongue.
He looked down at her. “You’ve got to be kidding. She’s the same kind of woman my father likes. I have no interest in that type.”
It annoyed Diane that relief flowed through her. The man shouldn’t matter that much to her. After all, she’d only agreed to a date for one night. And he’d given her a wonderful memory. He and Betsy together.
THEY STOOD IN THE NIGHT air among a crowd of people, looking up at the movie titles on the marquee. His hand rested on her back, where it had been since they’d left dinner. Diane had to admit it felt good, even right in a strange way. With John at her side, she somehow felt different. More feminine.
“Is there something particular you want to see?” John asked. “There’s a romantic comedy, an action movie and a western I wouldn’t mind seeing.”
“A western? You like old-fashioned things?”
“Yeah,” he admitted with a grin.
“Me, too. I choose the western.”
“I knew you were different from other women.”
“Why? What would they choose?”
“The romantic comedy, for sure.”
“Not me. I guess I’m kind of an old-fashioned girl. I think I might have been born in the wrong time. Except that I don’t want to give up the conveniences and I don’t want the limitations put on a woman’s choices.”
“Then the western it is. I was afraid you were just trying to please me.”
“No, I didn’t even think about that,” she confessed.
He laughed and pulled her into a hug. “You are so good for my ego.”
She stepped back from him with a gasp and looked around at the crowd. “John, we’re in public!”
“Quit worrying. You’re allowed a social life.”
“Not with one of my clients!” she snapped, irritated that he would dismiss her concerns.
“So I should have taken you to a cave? Wouldn’t you have been suspicious?”
She drew a deep breath and realized what he said was true. “Oh course, you’re right.”
He put his hand on the small of her back again and escorted her inside the theater. “I hope you saved room for popcorn.”
Diane smiled at him. “Absolutely. But I have to say, that was the best steak I’ve ever eaten.” John had taken her back to the restaurant they’d gone that first night, and it totally lived up to its four-star billing.
“I told you. You should’ve stayed for the meal last time.”
Her eyes danced mischievously when she retorted, “Well, unlike this evening, you made that impossible.”
He looked sheepish. “I hope you know I’ve changed my behavior so it won’t happen again.”
“I’m glad.” Even though she kept reminding herself his behavior didn’t matter. She’d only agreed to one date. One dinner and a movie. One night.
A night that was racing by way too fast.
WHEN THEY CAME OUT OF THE theater, John still had his arm around Diane, where it had been throughout the whole two hours. He leaned down and asked her, “What did you think of the movie?”
“I enjoyed it a lot. How about you?” She looked up at him to see what he thought.
But John didn’t speak. Instead, he stopped walking, bent over and kissed her.
She pulled away, her eyes wide. “You—you shouldn’t do that!”
“Why?”
“Anyone could see you! We talked about not letting anyone see us out together!”
“I think you talked about that. I didn’t,” he said calmly.
Diane didn’t know what to say or where to look. She certainly wasn’t going to glance up at John. He might kiss her again. She didn’t dare let him know how much she’d enjoyed that kiss. After all, it had been several years since a man had taken possession of her that way.
When they reached his car, he opened the door for her and then shut it behind her before heading for his side. That was something else she missed. The special care he gave her every time they went anywhere.
Where had that thought come from? she asked herself. She’d never needed or wanted anyone’s care and attention before. Why now? In fact, she’d preferred her independence. She’d managed her life, avoiding anyone who might try to take over her choices.
Right?
Right. And she had to continue, because John had already made it clear what he offered was temporary. She mustn’t forget that. Her life was not going to change just because John Davis had a temporary interest in her.
She said nothing on the drive to her apartment, wondering what was going to happen when the date ended. Would he kiss her again? The excitement that seemed to flutter in her stomach worried her. She wanted him to kiss her, she admitted.
Even so, when John pulled into the apartment lot she said, “You don’t have to park. I can just hop out.”
“No, I always see my dates to the door.”
Diane looked at him with mixed feelings, but she didn’t protest. After all, no one would see them inside, at her apartment door. And he’d promised he wouldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want. All she had to do was be strong.
But it wasn’t easy when a big, handsome man had his arms around her and his mouth on hers. She drew a deep breath and got out of the car before he could come open it for her.
John caught up with her and slid his arm around her again. “Are you in a hurry?”
“Uh, no, I just—No, of course not.” She felt her cheeks flushing, and hoped he didn’t notice.
They walked up the stairs silently. When they reached her door, she turned and offered her hand. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
He took it and carried it to his lips. “Thank you, Diane. But this isn’t the way I intended to end the evening. I’d rather kiss you good-night.”
He was playing dirty pool, making her decide! She squared her shoulders and opened her mouth to deny him the kiss she wanted so badly, but he didn’t wait. He wrapped her in his arms again and covered her lips with his.
His were delicious and gave her exquisite pleasure. Maybe more so because she’d been deprived of such intimacy for a long time. She felt like a desert flower after a spring rain. But she mustn’t lose control. Even as she thought that, her arms were going around his neck and he was pressing her closer. She knew there was something she should remember, but the sensations that filled her seemed to erase whatever it was.
Until he released her and suggested they go inside.
She jerked her arms down and said, “No! I…I— My apartment is a mess. I can’t ask you in tonight.”
Obligingly, John stepped back. “Ah, maybe another time, then. By the way, are you busy tomorrow night?”
There was a light in his eyes that made her uneasy. “Why?”
“I have two tickets to the Dallas Theater Center. I thought you might like to go.”
“What are they showing?”
“The Producers.”
“Oh, I’d love to see it!” she exclaimed. “Are you sure you aren’t using the tickets?”
John gave her a sideways grin that tugged at her heart. “Like I said before, my ego certainly won’t get too big with you around.”
“What did I do?”
“I was asking you to go with me, not offering you both tickets.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize—But you said we would just go out once. I’m sure that’s what you said.” She stepped back and put up her hands. “We’re not going to start an affair. That won’t work.”
“I’m not starting an affair, Diane. I simply have two tickets and it would be a pity to go alone. Won’t you come out with me just one more time?”
She knew she shouldn’t. But she wanted to see that show. Of course, she could buy her own ticket, but as John said, it would be a shame to go alone. “All right, I’ll come.”
“Great. We can have dessert afterward.”
“You don’t have to feed me, John.”
“You don’t like crème brûlée?
They have a terrific one at the Mansion. It has raspberry in it.”
Diane’s mouth watered and she swallowed before she answered. “Okay, we can go to the Mansion afterward—if you let me pay.”
John’s eyes narrowed. “I usually pay when I take a woman somewhere.”
“But I’m a different kind of woman. You said so yourself. And I don’t want you to pay for everything. You bought the tickets, so I buy the crème brûlée.”
She thought he wasn’t going to agree, and she’d have an out. Not that she really wanted one. The evening sounded wonderful. But at least she wasn’t letting him always have his way.
He looked at her a few moments, clearly deliberating. His smile gave away his decision before his response.
Then he leaned down and kissed her again, to seal the deal.
JOHN GOT IN HIS CAR, not bothering to hide his triumphant smile, since Diane couldn’t see it. Asking her out on a date took a lot of planning. He knew she’d want to see the show at the Theater Center. He’d had difficulty getting the tickets, but he’d had to find something she wanted to see.
Diane was worth the effort.
Funny how, before meeting her, he’d fallen into the trap of believing his own press. Jonathan Davis, ladies’ man. Escort to every socialite and gold digger in Dallas. Connoisseur of beautiful women with great bodies and no brains.
How ironic that with Diane he found her intelligence as attractive as her body.
She challenged him at every turn, and he found himself liking it.
Challenge helped him grow, and gave him more pleasure, too.
Now he had to plan the next date. Maybe dinner with Mark and Elizabeth. Diane would no doubt chastise him for accepting a dinner invitation without her approval, but he thought he could bring her around. He’d call Mark in the morning and set it up for… How soon could he do that? Tomorrow night? No that would be pushing it.
After considering several minutes, he decided on Wednesday night. He didn’t want to wait until the next weekend before he saw Diane again.
He whistled the rest of the way home, contemplating the future. It suddenly seemed bright.
The Marrying Kind Page 4