“I realize that, Diane, but this land is special. It requires a special project.”
Minutes later he pulled the car to the side of the road beside a several-hundred-acre field with a breathtaking vista of Dallas. “See? People will pay a lot for this view.”
“It is a nice piece of property.” Nevertheless, she sounded less than convinced.
With a sigh, he said, “Look, Diane, I’ve built lower-and moderate-income housing before, but the profit margin isn’t as high on them…and even you agreed this land is really terrific.”
“When’s the last time you built inexpensive housing?”
John thought back over his recent projects. And the ones before that…
“Maybe it has been longer than I realized,” he admitted.
“THIS HAS BEEN SO MUCH fun,” Elizabeth said as she finished eating her entrée. “We should do it on a regular basis.”
Both men agreed, but Diane said nothing.
“Didn’t you enjoy your meal?” Elizabeth asked her.
“Of course.” The Mansion was quickly becoming her favorite restaurant. “But I was thinking about a conversation John and I had on the way here.”
Elizabeth’s gaze sharpened. “What was it about?”
“His new project.” She told her about the land and the housing he intended to build. “I think he should include some moderate housing, too.”
Elizabeth looked at her husband and John. “Is that true?”
Mark put his arm around his wife. “Honey, don’t worry about it. You make more profit on high-priced properties.”
“So you should only build for those who have tons of money?”
“You do if you want to be successful, and John is certainly successful,” Mark said with a big grin.
“But what about the people who don’t have a lot of money? Like us when we first started looking for a home?”
“Exactly,” Diane agreed. “Mixed communities are more successful. Then you have people who want to work cleaning other people’s homes, kids who do babysitting jobs and mow lawns. It’s a modern community that supports itself.”
John stared at her. “I’ve heard of some communities like that but—”
“You can’t change your project now, John,” Mark protested.
“I was just thinking out loud, Mark.”
“Couldn’t he change it if he took the plan to the bank again and got approval?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, but he’s already got the go-ahead for a great community. He’s supposed to start work on it next month.”
“I didn’t say I was going to change anything, Mark.”
“Good. You had me worried there!”
“But it might work on another piece of property I found the other day.”
Mark watched him closely. “Just think carefully before you change what you usually do, John. You don’t want to make a mistake.”
After the waiter came to take their plates away, John sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Diane asked.
“I was just thinking about dinner Saturday. It won’t be nearly as pleasant.”
“Who are you having dinner with?” she inquired, though she chastised herself for caring.
“I have to go to my father’s. He and my stepmother invited me to come over. That means they’re going to announce the next heir.”
“But won’t that be exciting?” Diane exclaimed.
“You don’t get it, honey. I’m supposed to be happy, but it tells me that their marriage has two years left, at most.”
“Did you ever consider you could be wrong this time?”
“I can’t think of any reason I’d be wrong. The minute she gets pregnant, she’ll expect to be treated like a princess. She won’t want to do anything, and will assume everything should be done for her.”
“But surely since she’s expecting, that’s understandable.” Diane looked away from John. “I mean, I’ve never been pregnant, but I’m certain it’s difficult.”
He took her hand. “Would you come with me? It would help hide my cynicism, which upsets my dad.”
“Oh, no, John, it would be a family night and I shouldn’t intrude.”
“They told me to bring someone, but I couldn’t think of anyone, other than you, that I’d want to take. Please, Diane? I’d owe you big time if you’d come. They’re not bad people. Dad just never grew up and—and Angi married him for his money.”
“John, I don’t think—”
This time Elizabeth prodded her. “I can’t blame you for not wanting to go, but I believe it is hard on John. I’ve seen him the next day, and he’s always so bitter.”
He looked embarrassed, and Diane didn’t think he was faking it. What difference would one more evening with him make? “Okay, if you’re sure they’re expecting you to bring someone, I could go. But I might feel sorry for your stepmother instead of your father.”
“Agreed. But I know better.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I really appreciate it, Di. It will make the evening so much more bearable.”
She stared at him. “Did you just con me?”
He grinned. “Just a little, but I really need you to go with me. I’d like you to meet my dad, and it isn’t an easy evening for me. Especially since my dear stepmother is younger than I am and doesn’t hesitate to flirt with me.”
Diane stared at him, stunned by his words. “In front of your dad?”
“Yeah. Talk about awkward! The evening seems to last forever.”
“I can imagine.” She sympathized with his situation, but she also needed to tell him that Saturday night would be the last time she’d go out with him. That’s what she’d promised herself. Diane could understand why he needed someone to go with him. But that conversation had to wait till they were alone.
After they said good-night to Mark and Elizabeth and had gotten into John’s car, Diane had a question for him. “Why am I the only woman you know you could take to your father’s house for dinner?”
“You won’t like the answer,” he warned.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve told you I don’t want to marry. Remember?”
“Of course I remember.”
“Well, every other woman I know thinks she can talk me into marriage if she just lets me sleep with her. Introducing her to my father would only encourage that assumption. You’re the only woman I know who won’t think I’m about to propose.”
She let out a long breath. That was all too true. She knew she wasn’t the marrying kind. Not for John, anyway.
Waiting until he had parked his car at her apartment, she said, “John, I need to tell you something. Saturday night will be our last date.”
The smile he’d worn disappeared. “Why do you say that?”
“Because I don’t think our dating is a good idea.” She hoped that argument convinced him. She didn’t have any real reason except for the fear that filled her when he touched her. She knew if she came to count on his warmth, she would be devastated when he left.
“I think it’s a great idea. You intrigue me more than any woman I’ve ever known.”
“Only because I didn’t fall at your feet or invite you to my bed at once,” she retorted. “Once you sleep with me, you won’t be interested anymore.”
“I bet you’re wrong.”
“No, I can’t risk giving in to you.” After saying that she reached for the door handle.
“Wait!” He got out of the car and came around to open it.
“John,” she said as she got out, “I’ve told you there’s no need to walk me to the door.”
“And I’ve told you I escort my women home safely.”
My women. Diane couldn’t admit to the thrill that coursed through her at that label. But she could never be one of John’s women, with all that entailed.
When they reached her door, he stepped close to her. “Are you going to invite me in?”
Her hand on his chest kept him an arm’s length away. “No. You’d th
ink I was saying yes to…to all you want. I can’t risk that.”
“What would be so wrong about saying—Damn, don’t tell me you’re a virgin!”
“No, I’m not a virgin.”
He studied her face and she shifted her gaze to the ground.
“How many lovers have you had?”
“How many have you had?” she asked in return, lifting her chin in a defiant gesture.
“Enough to be a good lover.”
“Me, too, if that’s what I want. Now, thanks for dinner.” She reached up and kissed him briefly, then unlocked her door before he could protest.
“Come on, Di, that wasn’t a real good-night kiss.”
“I think it met the definition of a kiss.”
He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her forward. Then he covered her lips with his and set her body aflame. When he finally released her, he whispered against her mouth, “Now, that was a good-night kiss.”
Unable to speak, Diane merely drew a shaky breath and began backing away.
“Where are you going?”
“I—I have to get to sleep. I have to be at work early tomorrow morning.”
“Want to meet for breakfast? I know a great place and we can start our day together.”
“No, John. Saturday night is it. Now go away!” She closed the door on his smiling face, wishing she could afford to meet him in the morning. She’d never been invited out for breakfast before. She hadn’t spent the night with a man since college, and besides, she was at her desk by eight each morning.
Still, the lingering yearning sounded warning bells in her head. It was a good thing she wasn’t going to see him again after Saturday.
She carried her briefcase into the bedroom, got ready for bed and slipped under the covers, prepared to do some work. But her briefcase remained closed beside her, as her thoughts were waylaid by John and his steamy good-night kiss.
She closed her eyes and dreamed of John and his kisses.
“DAD, IT’S JOHN.”
“Hi, Son. You’re still coming to dinner, aren’t you?”
John thought his father sounded a little desperate. Angi must’ve been in fine form this week. “Yeah, of course, Dad. But I thought I should let you know Diane is coming with me.”
“Is she the one you wanted me to meet?”
“Yeah. She’s really special.”
“I’ll look forward to meeting her. Uh, you might warn her that, uh, your stepmother might be a little…you know.”
“I know, Dad, and I’ve warned her. She’s okay. She’ll understand.”
“Good. I’ll look forward to seeing the two of you.”
“Right. We’ll be there.”
John hung up the phone, worrying about his dad. Angi must be on a tear. He hadn’t heard his dad that concerned in years. Or maybe he was just getting tired of the routine, like John was.
Oh, well, at least it had given him another evening with Diane. He had hoped to talk to her yesterday, but she hadn’t answered her phone at work. He’d thought about dropping in to pretend concern about his investments, but he didn’t even think he could pull that off.
But, damn it, he really wanted to see her.
Today was Friday. Surely she’d answer her phone tonight. He wouldn’t mind a little phone sex, or at least a teasing phone conversation. He just wanted her.
It was an interesting feeling. He had no idea how long it would last, but he wasn’t seeing any signs of it abating. Maybe Diane was right. Once he slept with her, would he lose his desire for her?
Not likely.
DIANE’S PHONE RANG. She leaned over and read the caller ID. John again. It was the third time he’d called this evening. But she didn’t want to answer. If he was canceling their date for tomorrow night, she didn’t want to know. Not tonight, when she was feeling so lonely.
Usually, she kept herself busy, but tonight she was wallowing in misery. It was that kind of night, when she surrendered to the funk. Tomorrow she’d get up and answer the phone when he called. She could deal with his cancellation, if that was his reason for calling.
She hoped not.
She wanted one last night with John. She wasn’t falling for him. Of course not. But he’d brought a little excitement into her life. She had to admit she’d gotten in kind of a rut. John had taken care of that.
So why send him away?
That question had been in her head ever since Wednesday night. At first she’d ignored it, but it continued to creep into her mind. And her arguments were growing weaker and weaker.
Would it be so bad? Of course not, until he moved on to another woman. That was the problem with John. There was no happy ever after. There never would be. They wouldn’t build a life together, have babies, share triumphs and failures.
They could just sleep together for a while.
And that could be wonderful…until it ended.
She pulled a pillow over her head. This decision was ridiculous.
The phone rang again. Unable to listen to it anymore, she jumped from the bed and picked up the receiver. “Hello?”
“Where have you been?” John barked.
“I’ve been here.”
“I’ve called and called!”
“You called three times, John. This is the fourth.”
“Why didn’t you answer?”
She sighed. “I—I was thinking.”
“About me?”
“I didn’t say that,” Diane murmured.
“You’re not thinking about canceling tomorrow night, are you? Because I phoned my dad today, to tell him we were coming.”
“I hope he was pleased.”
“Yeah. Especially when I told him you’d be understanding.”
“About what?”
“About Angi’s behavior. I don’t know what she’s doing, but Dad sounds pretty fed up. I’m kind of worried about him.”
“Maybe he’s beginning to recognize the pattern of his own behavior.”
“I doubt that. Anyway, we’re supposed to be there at seven.”
“I remember.”
“Good. Now tell me what’s bothering you.”
“I was thinking about work, John,” she lied. “I can tell you about your investments if you have any questions.”
“That’s not what I mean. Were you really working those three times I called?”
She’d never tell him what—or who—had occupied her thoughts. Instead, she went on the offensive. “Just because I’m going out with you again doesn’t mean you have the right to demand to know what I’m thinking about.”
“I’d tell you what I was thinking about.”
The words tumbled out of her mouth. “I don’t want to know!”
He gave a low, sexy laugh. “Coward.”
Chapter Seven
Diane stared at the house where John’s father lived as they pulled up. It was at least a million dollar home. “Is this where you grew up?” she asked John faintly.
“Yeah. Do you like it?’
“Uh, it’s beautiful, but not very homey.”
“Yeah, I know, but Dad felt it was important to appear successful. It was my mother’s family home originally, and she inherited it. When she died, Dad became owner.”
“I think I should’ve worn a suit. I’m underdressed,” Diane said, looking down at the casual outfit she’d chosen.
“Don’t be silly. You look great. Dad’s going to love you.”
She gave him a doubtful look, but got out of the car when he came around to open her door. He took her hand as they walked toward the imposing front door.
“You’re sure they’re expecting me?” she asked, afraid her nerves were showing.
“If they don’t let you in, I won’t be joining them,” John promised, knowing his father wouldn’t betray him.
The door opened and John immediately wrapped the woman who answered in a bear hug.
Diane stood quietly beside him, wondering what was going on. This woman couldn’t be Angi….
“Di, this is Mildred, my father’s housekeeper. She’s the one who raised me after Mom died, in spite of the nannies Dad hired.”
“Someone had to take charge of you, John. You were too smart for your own good!” Mildred said with a grin. “Come in, Diane. I’m glad to meet you.”
“I’m delighted to meet you, Mildred. I’m sure he was a handful.”
The two women exchanged warm smiles. Then Mildred led them into the house. “Your dad is in his office, but Mrs. Davis is in the living room and she wanted to see you first,” Mildred whispered.
John frowned. “Is Dad okay?”
“I think so. He’s been hanging out in the kitchen, reminiscing a lot.”
John’s frown deepened, but Diane didn’t have time to think about that. They entered a formal living room, a stiff, formal room befitting the millionaire developer, and found Angi, the fifth Mrs. Davis, stretched out on a gold brocade sofa.
She didn’t even sit up as they entered. In a languid voice, she said, “Oh, John, it’s you. Come kiss your stepmother, darling.”
John stopped abruptly, as if surprised by her greeting. “Angi, allow me to present Diane Black. She’s your dinner guest for the night.”
“Hello, Diane. Welcome.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Davis.”
“You can call me Angi. After all, I’m probably younger than you.”
Diane wasn’t impressed with the woman’s manners, but smiled politely.
John turned to her. “Will you be all right with Angi while I go talk to Dad for a minute?”
“Of course.” She’d dealt with all kinds of people in her work, and Angi Davis seemed remarkably easy to read.
As he left the room Diane stepped forward and sat down on the sofa opposite Angi’s. “It’s very nice of you to invite me to dinner, Angi.”
“John wouldn’t come without you, so I didn’t have a choice.”
Though taken aback, Diane didn’t bother to respond to such a hurtful remark. She leaned forward, picked up a magazine from a nearby table and started thumbing through it.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Angi demanded petulantly when several moments had passed in silence.
“No, thank you.”
“Why are you being so polite? If you want to leave, I’ll call a taxi for you.”
The Marrying Kind Page 6