I hustled out of my class and ran to the locker room to assess the damage. My hair was as unruly and sweat drenched as ever and my skin was past glistening. It was more like saturated. I soaked up as much sweat as I could with my towel and threw a clean t-shirt over my tank top, but not before I layered on the deodorant. I took several deep breaths, which did no good. My heart rate was soaring.
I did my best to walk casually up to the front, but I found myself wanting to rush. It was the magnetic thing again. When I turned the corner, I could hardly blame myself. There he stood in all of his British glory, looking fine in his business suit that screamed I’m the luckiest clothes ever. Not only that, he was holding a bag of my favorite food. My fantasies were going to reach new heights, and unfortunately, no one was ever going to compare.
He turned from looking at one of the gym’s brochures and we made eye contact. His come-kiss-me grin had me smiling from ear to ear. I tried not to, I really did, but the chemicals in my body took over. I didn’t want to like this man.
He tucked the brochure into his suitcoat pocket as he approached me. The difference in our appearance was more than apparent, but hey, this was my job and I was proud of what I did, even if I wasn’t making millions or receiving accolades from adoring fans. I had had my shot, there was no use in looking back.
“Hey,” I greeted him.
His green eyes turned on like a Christmas tree. “Hello.” Everything he said sounded classy. He held up the bag from Pablo’s. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved.” My protein shake from this morning had run out a long time ago.
The way he clamped his lips together said my response amused him. “Where would you like to eat?”
I turned and looked at the women at the front desk who were carefully watching us, or were they just ogling him? I had planned on taking him to the break room, but judging by the longing looks, I decided against it. “I know it’s only in the sixties, but we have a picnic table outside in the back we could use.”
“After you, love.” He motioned with his hand toward the door.
I swore the ladies at the welcome counter sighed. I wanted to as well.
He made sure to open the door for me and followed me out into the warm-for-December day, the type we sometimes got in Nashville. The sun, mixed in with the cool air, was perfect. I needed Mother Nature’s help to cool down.
We walked in silence toward our destination. All I could hear was the crunch of the dead leaves beneath my feet and the pounding of my overexcited heart.
I was happy to find the table unoccupied. “Here we are.”
He waited until I was seated and he took the bench across from me.
“Thanks for bringing me lunch. You didn’t have to do that.”
He grinned over at me. “I wanted to.”
“And thanks for taking Noah last night. He had a great time.”
“It was my pleasure. He gave me superb information about you.” He smirked.
“Is that so? He failed to mention that.”
“No need to worry, it was all smashing.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure. The question is, why were you asking?”
He laughed, and within it was this melodic tune. “Turnabout is fair play, I would say. You found out I wear clean underwear, so it was only right I found out more about you. Though your brother hadn’t a clue about your underwear. I took that as a good sign.”
Out came my smile again. “Hopefully he didn’t reveal any of my deep, dark secrets.”
He raised his eyebrow. “Intriguing.”
Something was intriguing all right. “Should we eat?” The food smelled delicious, and despite my stomach being twisted in all sorts of knots, I needed nourishment.
“Of course.” He reached into the bag and pulled out a container with my favorite steak strip taco salad. He handed me the spicy ranch dressing that made it even better.
“Again, thank you.”
“Your friend said it was your favorite.”
“She was correct.”
He smiled and pulled out his own food that smelled delish. “She recommended this for me.” He lifted the lid up on the plastic container to reveal a shrimp dish over rice.
“I don’t think I’ve tried that. Smells good, though.”
He took his fork and stabbed a shrimp and held it out for me to taste. “Try it.”
“Okay.” I leaned forward.
His eyes widened. I think my willingness surprised him, but his smile said he was pleased by it. He slowly inched the fork forward. I opened my mouth and he gently placed the food in my mouth.
I was immediately hit with yumminess. I savored the bite while watching him watch me. “Mmm.”
His lips parted and he leaned forward. “Would you like another taste?”
Oh yeah. I shook my head no. “Do you want my fork since I used yours?”
He took a quick bite of his Baja shrimp.
“I guess that’s a no.”
“We are going to parents,” he reminded me.
“So what’s a little germ swapping?”
“My sentiments exactly.”
Boy did I want to swap some serious amounts of germs with him. I was jealous of his fork. Instead, I turned to my salad. I cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces so I wouldn’t make a fool of myself.
“Aren’t you going to offer me a bite?”
I surveyed my food. “No way. Now if you would have brought dessert? Maybe.”
He chuckled. “I’ll remember that for next time.”
I tilted my head. “Next time?”
“Puppies, remember?”
“Yes.” How could I forget?
“You’re not happy about it?”
“Are you?”
“The timing and her choice of mate are not ideal, but . . .”
“Are you putting my dog down?”
His smiled dropped. “Not at all, but we will be fortunate if we can give the puppies away.”
“Right, because who would want a dog that doesn’t come with all the right certifications?”
His eyes narrowed. “Have I upset you?”
“No. Just tell me what your veterinarian said.” This was good. It was a reminder that our worlds were completely different.
He stared at me for a moment longer. I’m sure trying to read me. I shouldn’t have flirted with him.
“Sasha’s veterinarian estimates she should deliver between mid to late January.”
“So soon?”
“They only have nine-week gestation periods.”
“Lucky.”
He cracked a small smile. “She is at a vulnerable stage right now. She shouldn’t be rough housing with other dogs.”
“I’ll make sure she and Toby play nicely.”
“I have no doubt.”
“Anything else I should be aware of?”
“Upon my return I will take her in for an ultrasound so we can see how many puppies we should expect.”
I nodded.
He reached across the table and placed his hand on mine. Yeah, that felt good. Did he think so too? His hand sure lingered. “It will all work out splendidly.”
Says the guy wearing a suit that cost more than two of my paychecks.
Chapter Nine
I placed the final bow on Noah’s presents. A wave of sadness and a major sense of failure washed over me. I knew in my heart Christmas wasn’t about the presents, but Noah had been through so much, and he asked for very little. I wanted to give him something he wanted, not just the clothes he needed. I could hear Momma’s voice ring in my head that we were blessed. And I knew we were, but I found myself focusing lately on what we didn’t have more than all we did have. Maybe because I found something—or should I say someone—I wanted, but I knew it wasn’t in the cards.
I couldn’t get Mr. Beckett off my mind. He was due at my house any moment. He was flying out today. Noah and I would be watching Sasha for the next ten days. At least Noah was looking forward to that. And
seeing what’s his name again. I should probably get over myself and call him Beck, but seriously what were the odds of meeting someone called Beck, when you go by Call?
My Jillian ringtone went off. Be nice, flirty, fun, sexy. Her text read. She was disappointed that our lunch together hadn’t netted a date.
I looked down at my snug workout clothes. It was as sexy as I was getting. I had to teach a couple of classes this morning. I hoped people showed up. It was five days before Christmas and people had priorities other than working out. Now, come January second, my classes would be packed. I hoped that meant more personal training clients, too. Working both jobs was wearing on me. And it wasn’t helping my financial situation much.
Our doorbell rang, and with more enthusiasm than I thought was possible from Noah, he yelled, “I’ll get it.” I could hear him run down the stairs. His Christmas break had started today, so he was home and surprisingly up this early when he didn’t need to be. I knew it was the Englishman’s doing.
I sauntered down the stairs because, well, because I wanted to run toward him as well. When I reached the bottom of the steps and turned to look down the hall toward the front door, I was met with a sweet scene. Noah was kneeling down while Sasha licked and nudged his face with hers, and there was Toby glued to her side, looking at her adoringly like he knew she carried something special inside of her, something he helped create. I really needed to get over being jealous of my dog.
Then there stood Mr. Object-of-my-desire. As soon as he heard me, he lifted his head and our eyes met. He was dressed casually and looked fantastic. I actually preferred it.
“Good morning,” left his lips with a smile.
My heart skipped a few beats before thumping erratically. “Hello.”
Noah looked up and between Mr. Beckett and myself. “I’ll take Sasha and Toby outside.” He smiled crookedly. What was he up to?
“Brilliant,” Mr. Beckett replied, but not before kneeling down and rubbing Sasha’s head. He looked at her with such affection as he held her face in his strong hands. “Be good, love.”
So, the whole calling me love thing took on a new meaning. He must call everyone that. Oh, well.
Noah left and the two lovebirds followed after him.
I stood near the hall table and mirror and leaned against the wall a few feet from the him.
He entered my personal space.
I internally sighed and breathed in his clean citrus smell.
“Thank you for agreeing to watch over Sasha.”
“My pleasure. We’ll take good care of her.”
“I know.” He handed me a piece of paper from his jacket pocket. “Here is my itinerary, Sasha’s diet and meal times, and a list of numbers, including Sasha’s veterinarian and my mate Christopher and his wife, Jaime, just in case.”
I raised my eyebrow. “Did I hear longing in your voice?” I placed my hand over my mouth. I hadn’t meant for that to come out.
He stepped back and stood eerily still as he studied me.
“I’m sorry . . . I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Agreed.”
I closed my eyes, wishing I could disappear into the wall. My mouth had a way of getting me in trouble. When I opened my eyes again, I found him still staring at me with his hard green eyes. I was burning from embarrassment and his gaze.
“I need to get to work,” I stammered.
His penetrating glare dropped a few notches. “Of course. I’ll be in touch . . . about Sasha.”
Yes. I understood. I had obliterated any chance with him.
“Have a safe flight.”
His eyes softened a touch. “Thank you.”
“Happy Christmas.” I knew they said it that way in the UK.
He nodded and then marched out my front door, into the crisp morning air.
I followed and watched him walk across my lawn from the window in the front door. He walked with deliberation. When he reached his car door, he looked back toward the house and caught me staring at him. I didn’t move. We stood there looking at each other for several seconds until he pulled his jacket together to ward off the lower temperatures. I was about to open the door and run out and apologize again, but he jumped in his car and sped off. Instead, I banged my head against the door. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
I looked down and noticed Sasha’s bag filled with her food, bedding, and toys. I noticed a card sticking out of it. I reached down and plucked out the red envelope. The outside of it had my name written on it in calligraphy. It made me angrier at myself. The inside had me irate.
Maybe we can share dessert when I return, the inside of the Merry Christmas card read.
“You’re an idiot, Call.”
Noah laughed. “Now what did you do?”
I turned to see him coming in with both dogs trailing behind him. “Nothing. I better head to work. Call me if you need anything.”
“You like Beck, don’t you?” When had he become so observant?
I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter.”
He cocked his bedhead. “Why? I’m pretty sure he likes you.”
“What makes you say that?”
He shrugged. “It’s a guy thing. We can tell.”
“Yeah, well, I just screwed that up.”
Noah’s face dropped.
“You like him?”
“He’s cool, better than the other losers you’ve brought around.”
“Thanks, little brother.” I walked past him and ruffled his messy hair on the way to the kitchen to grab sustenance before I left, though I was feeling queasy.
“Try and fix it.” He ran up the stairs with the dogs, almost as if he was embarrassed.
I rubbed my face. I wasn’t sure how to accomplish that. I jogged upstairs to grab my phone. I dialed his number and he didn’t answer. It made me feel even smaller, but I swallowed my pride. “Hey … I just wanted to say, what I said was totally uncalled for and I’m sorry. I wasn’t accusing you of anything, I just … well … I’m sorry. I hope you have a good flight. Say hi to Edith for me. Cheerio.”
I tapped my phone against my forehead after I hung up. That sounded so dumb, but for Noah, and for my own conscience, I had to. I knew there was a story there when Jillian mentioned that her patient’s wife had turned Mr. Beckett down, but I was caught off guard when he mentioned her this morning. There was a subtle ache there, which only added to my don’t-try-and-get-involved-with-him stance. But he kept throwing out signals like maybe he wanted to. But he obviously had some hang-ups, and how could I risk it after Phil? And what if Noah got attached to him and it went south, like it was destined to go?
I put my frustrations of the early morning encounter into each of my workout routines. The dripping sweat and frequent water breaks by those in attendance said maybe I overdid it.
“At least I won’t feel guilty for overeating on Christmas,” one lady commented as she panted out the door.
I was still feeling guilty. So much so I kept checking my phone when I could to see if he had called or texted. Nothing. I tried to tell myself it was because he was in the air, but I knew he arrived early at the airport and he had a layover in Newark per his itinerary. He could have called or messaged me. But what did I expect? I had been a jerk this morning.
I carried that thought with me all day and through the night as I served up drinks at Bangers, and as I poured my soul into my version of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Someone To Watch Over Me.” As I closed my eyes, sang, and played the piano on stage, all I could picture was him. When the final note was sung, I opened my eyes and looked out over the crowd. I was disappointed at first to see that it was silent, as if everyone was in a frozen state, but then I recognized it was awe—not displeasure—written on their faces. And it was as they collectively realized that time had stood still that there was a roar of applause. The kind that makes your eyes water. I stood up and took my bow. Quinn, the house band’s lead singer and bass player, came and took up my hand and held it high in the air. “Ladies and Gentlem
an, the exquisite Call. Let’s give her another round of applause.”
I hadn’t had a moment like that in forever, and it came at the perfect time. It was a needed topper to my self-induced crappy day.
I walked off the stage and was met with lots of handshakes and numbers being pressed into my hands. Sorry, boys, I had learned my lesson. I didn’t date men I met at Bangers.
Kent, the owner, met me behind the bar and was beaming. “You’re too good for this place.”
I grinned. “Nah. Thanks for letting me perform once in a while.”
“You need a good manager, kid.”
I shook my head and took up my duties back at the bar. I was pleased to see the tip jar overflowing. I guess I needed to sing more Ella Fitzgerald songs, or maybe put some emotion into it. I knew I had lost my zing since Momma died. I felt a little of it back tonight. Maybe I needed some oomph in my life, or was that an Englishman? An Englishman who hated me.
Chapter Ten
I crept in the front door around one in the morning, tired, but somewhat elated. I made two hundred dollars in tips. Not quite enough for Noah’s gaming system, but halfway there. I was going to ask Kent to let me perform again during my next shift, much later today after my other job at the gym. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep it up. But maybe I would have my Christmas miracle and Noah would get what he wanted.
I found two sets of eyes glowing in the dark when I walked in. I guess the lovebirds were making a night of it. They both greeted me and I rubbed their heads. Sasha was beautiful, just like her owner. “You’re a lucky man, Toby.”
He wagged his tail like he darn well knew.
They trotted off together toward the family room.
I headed upstairs to bed, but not before checking in on Noah. He was sound asleep on his bed, lying on top of his comforter with his headphones in. I smiled to myself and shut his bedroom door. I walked to mine next door. I still hadn’t moved into the master bedroom. I didn’t have the heart to. That was Momma and Daddy’s room.
I sat on my full-sized bed and tried to work up enough energy to change into my night shirt. I had a feeling only my pants were coming off and possibly my bra. That was, until my phone dinged. I lazily reached for it in my bag by my bed.
Beck and Call (Pianos and Promises #2) Page 5