Coming Up Daffy

by Sandra Sookoo

  “I—”

  She shrugged, completely ignoring him. “Every day is a challenge, never knowing if I’ll make enough money to pay the rent on my store each month. Being a small business owner in a small town isn’t as charming as everyone thinks.” Once she’d gotten started, she couldn’t stop. “I mean, it might be nice to have the option of buying a new car instead driving around an ancient station wagon.”

  “But—”

  She forced a swallow, appalled at her behavior. But as if a dam of feelings had broken, the words kept pouring out. “Or goodness, I’d love to live on my own and not need to continually take care of my dad and have my own life — even though I love him — but I can’t because being a florist-slash-gardener doesn’t pay that well. Just once I’d love to be able to do something or go somewhere without my dad always questioning my motives or choices.” She pinned him with a glance she just knew was heavy on the skepticism. “You don’t even have a plan, Mark.”

  “Since when has being spontaneous been a crime?”

  “Oh, since it makes a guy less suited to a serious relationship.”

  Confusion overtook his expression. “So, because my life is different than yours, you’ve decided to wipe your bad mood all over me, or worse, dismiss me?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know.” To her mortification, tears welled in her eyes. She wiped at them with a sleeve. Great, because that’s what a potential boyfriend wants to see on a second kinda-sorta date is a complete emotional breakdown. Why did everything need to be so hard, and why did she always need to open her mouth and mess up what might be a good thing? But the hurt lingering in his eyes tugged at her heart. “I’m sorry. There’s no reason for me to be snarky and ugly.”

  “You’re right. There’s no reason.” He threw his fishing rod to the ground and then headed down the shore line. Thanks to his long legs, he’d covered a fair distance in no time.

  Well, I deserve that.

  When Mark didn’t slow or even return, Alice shoved all her insecurities from her mind. It wasn’t his fault she had bumps in her road. “Mark, wait.” She chased him down. He kept going. “Mark, please.”

  He stopped but didn’t turn around. His shoulders slumped and he hung his head as if the thought of talking with her depressed him. “What?”

  “I’m sorry.” Her chest ached as she realized she genuinely felt contrite. Alice scurried around until she faced him. She put her hands on his shoulders and stared until he met her gaze. “Really, I am. I guess falling in the lake just put the period at the end of a crappy week, but still, that’s no excuse for how I acted.”

  “Then why did you do it?” He whipped off his ball cap then shoved a hand through his hair.

  Oh man, his curls are every bit as darling as I thought! Alice tamped the thought. Now wasn’t the time to wax poetic about a guy’s hair. She took a deep breath. It wasn’t as if things could get any worse. She’d pretty much hit rock bottom. “I was just mad that you seem to have your life together and you’re enjoying it, despite the not knowing, while I don’t. I’m out of control even though I’ve planned a clear path. I worry all the time that I’m a failure, not only in the business world but in my personal one as well. My plan isn’t going well.”

  “You’re not a failure.”

  Alice went on barely aware he’d said anything. “Have you ever felt as if everyone you know is savvy? Or that people in your age group have way more success and they’re doing stuff you only dream of doing?” She released him in order to walk the shoreline. Contemplating the gentle waves did nothing to calm her mind. “I always thought I’d be better off at this age than I am, you know? I mean, I’m not married, I don’t have kids.” She heaved a sigh as another round of silly tears threatened. Sweet fancy Moses, is this what it feels like when someone’s biological clock acts up?

  “I don’t even have a dog, Mark.”

  “Why not?” His soft question sounded directly behind her, low and as sensual as a caress in the dark.

  Alice spun to face him. “Because my dad doesn’t like dogs.”

  “Well, you live in the house too, and besides, you’re a grown woman. You have an opinion.”

  “I do.” Her pulse accelerated. Having him so close almost made her forget how cold she was in the wet clothes. “Anyway, I apologize. I hope you’ll forgive me for losing it back there.” Please, please, please don’t think I’m not worth a second chance!

  “There’s nothing to forgive. We all get hot under the collar at times. Don’t believe me? Try living with my grandma.” He winked as he lifted her chin with a finger. “And, for the record, I don’t think you’re out of control. In fact,” he closed the small distance between them until their bodies barely touched, “you’re the most perfect person I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.” His eyes sparkled with humor while his grin warned her of mischief.

  Butterflies did acrobatic maneuvers in her belly. Oh wow, he’s going to kiss me. Then her mind put up an Out to Lunch sign as Mark pressed his lips to hers. She laid a palm against his chest and let her eyes flutter closed. Kissing him felt like the times as a child when she’d swing in the park for hours going higher and higher. That same flippy sensation hit her now except this time, it was the adult version.

  The warmth of him seeped into her, and every time he nibbled the corners of her mouth, tingles raced down her spine. He didn’t move the hand that held her beneath the chin, neither did he pull her into a full embrace. Instead, he gently played along her bottom lip then did the same to the top one, leaving tickles in his wake. Alice’s heart stuttered. She adored that he didn’t push her for more, merely gave her the sweetest kiss she’d ever experienced and one that left her wishing for another one.

  When he broke the embrace and stepped backward, a silly grin had taken possession of his mouth. “I’d say this has been a very successful fishing trip.”

  What did that mean? Was his world as rocked as hers had been? She quirked an eyebrow, but chose not to comment on his statement.

  Chapter Six

  Alice couldn’t contain her smile. Dinner with her father and Mark had been a success. The two men had bonded over their mutual love of roast chicken, and mashed potatoes and gravy — the perfect Sunday meal. Since she’d served dinner late and they’d lingered over fat slices of chocolate cake — her dad’s favorite — the sun had already gone down. She filled the sink with hot, soapy water in preparation for washing the dishes. Her dad didn’t believe in spending money on things he really didn’t need. That meant they didn’t have a dishwasher or a garbage disposal, which also meant, she ended up doing the dishes by hand and composting. As she scrubbed a fork, she listened as the two men in her life wrapped up their conversation with sports stats and gossip about radio personalities.

  After a round of vibrant laughter, Mark said, “So, Mr. Attler, am I the kind of guy you’d be happy with dating your daughter?”

  She held her breath, barely moving her hands beneath the suds. What would her dad say? The scrape of a chair against the linoleum floor grated across Alice’s nerves. Ever since she could remember, she’d hated that sound. She peeked over her shoulder. Her dad had stood, and Mark scrambled to his feet as well.

  “I’d be glad to let you give Alice a chance — only if you call me Paul.” He extended a hand.

  Alice sighed with relief as Mark shook it. She and Mark were dating then? Flutters tickled her belly. That kinda had a nice ring to it. Mentally, she let out a small “woohoo.”

  “It’s a deal. Are you going to watch the NBA playoff game tonight?”

  “Nah. I’ll probably listen to qualification run highlights from the speedway before hitting the hay, but you two have a good time. I’ll be in my room so don’t get into any funny business.” Her dad winked at her before both men disappeared into the living room.

  Oh, that’s rich. Funny business. Knowing my luck, I’d barely get Mark’s shirt off and you’d barrel down the hall. She turned away to focus on washing the plates. After the whol
e fishing thing, she wondered if she and Mark might be too different, too—

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Mark’s voice in her ear shattered her musings, but he wrapped his arms around her waist, and holding her close for a few seconds had the power to melt her fillings.

  “Uh…” Alice continued to wash the plate. She refused to think about kissing him again, and absolutely would not allow herself to dwell on how good he felt behind her or how delicious it was having his arms around her. “Not a whole lot. I’m so glad you and Dad are getting along.”

  “Yeah, he’s pretty cool, and he loves sports. That’s a plus.” Mark moved to her side, took the plate from her, and rinsed it. Then he propped it in the dish rack. “I’m going to the Indy Speedway next week and taking him. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Sounds good.” Her smile widened. Maybe she’d let her assistant run the flower shop that day just for the novelty of being home alone for hours on end. She handed Mark another plate. “Just remember, if you make me cry, he’ll be your worst enemy. You might have to move because of him.”

  “I don’t think I need to worry about that.” He rinsed the last plate, stuck it in the rack, and then leaned his hips against the counter while she drained the sink. “Or about moving. For the moment, I’m sticking around the farmhouse. My brother and Lucy will just have to deal with a roomie for a while until I figure a few things out.”

  Though she silently rejoiced, a frown tugged at her mouth. “So, it has nothing to do with you figuring out you really can’t afford a place on your own?”

  “It might.” He yanked a dish towel from the counter, twisted it, and whipped it in her direction. The end snapped at her hip. “But it’s more like weird things are happening with my grandma, and I want to see how they play out.”

  She giggled and stepped back, avoiding another bite of the towel. She liked Mark’s teasing nature. He was much different than Frank in that way too. “Weird things? Is she sick?”

  “Not even close.” He tossed her the towel. “She’s getting real chummy with one of the older gentleman from town. If things progress and they decide to move in together, maybe she’ll give me her house.”

  “Well, that would be ideal. You’d still be close to your brother and the bait shop, plus you wouldn’t need to move to Indianapolis or find a new job.” After drying her hands, she folded the towel and rested it back on the counter. “Good thing you’re not a worrier.” If she’d been in the same situation, she’d develop an ulcer while trying to figure out how to make ends meet or even how the future would line up.

  “And you shouldn’t be either. It’ll all work out. I’m like a cat — I always land on my feet.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her from the kitchen into the living room. “Let’s watch the news.”

  She lightly bit her bottom lip. I don’t know if I’m in the market for a cat. I want a guy who’s stable with his act together. “But it’s only nine. The news won’t come on for an hour.”

  “I meant the Francesville broadcast. It’s usually good for a few laughs since the folks over there are always in training.”

  “Right. I always forget about News Eight at Nine on Ten-Sundays.” She rolled her eyes as she plopped down into the soft microfiber sofa cushions. “It even sounds a little dorky when you say it out loud.”

  “Yup, but it’s something to do.” Mark settled beside her and slid an arm around her shoulders. “Besides, your dad told me I couldn’t stay past ten. He informed me you had a curfew. Plus he told me kisses had to be without tongue and my hands shouldn’t wander.”

  “Oh, brother.” Heat flamed in her cheeks. Sometimes her dad’s old-fashioned views irritated her. “I’m not a teenager anymore. I think I can manage to figure out what’s good or bad for me.” She leaned against his shoulder, shoving her dad’s quirks from her mind. Being with Mark — for the short time she could this evening — was the best payoff. She’d never felt as at ease with a guy so quickly before. Did he feel the same way or was it just her and her same old wishful thinking?

  “Maybe so, but I’ll do what he says anyway.” Mark grabbed the remote control. Seconds after he flipped on the TV, the screen flickered to life. No flat screens for her dad.

  “Why?”

  “Because staying here with you, knowing your old man’s probably asleep in front of his TV, is way too much of a temptation for me. I could probably get away with a whole bunch more than he warned me about.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I don’t want to rush things and run the risk of messing them up.”

  Her stomach did a weird, flippy thing the same time her heart trembled. “Wow.”

  Mark waggled his eyebrows. “Just wait until you see what else I can offer.”

  As silence cropped up between them and they both stared at the news cast, Alice smiled. It was too early to tell but maybe growing this relationship would actually lead to a bloom; things were looking very good indeed. I guess he does think the same way. After a few minutes of listening to the monotone drone of Scott’s voice while he reported the news of Francesville and the surrounding towns, she lost interest, especially since the only thing occupying her mind was Mark’s citrusy scent and the tantalizing heat from his body.

  “Do you think Scott is a good man?” She took in his brown hair that looked as if it would remain in place in a stiff breeze, and his conservative suit with navy tie that screamed a bit too professional. The guy seemed boring and a little constipated.

  “I don’t know him all that well. He just moved to the area six weeks ago. There’s been talk he’s trying to get on with a television station in Indianapolis but hasn’t had luck. Maybe he’s just not Hoosier material.”

  “Actually, he is. He used to live here back in the day just out of college. I went to high school with him.”

  “I see.” He strummed his fingers on her shoulder. “Just how close were you guys?”

  “We went out a few times with a group.” She shrugged and dislodged his arm. “I remember him being popular. You know, one of the guys everyone wanted to know.”

  Mark grunted. He leaned forward on the sofa, no longer touching her. “Why are we talking about Scott? Are you interested in him? Does he have the sort of life plan you’re looking for?” A heavy dollop of annoyance sat in his question.

  She had the grace to blush. I deserve that barb. “No way. Just look at him. He’s so stressed out, he’ll have a breakdown or blow a fuse soon. That’s why the big news companies won’t hire him.” She gestured at the TV with her chin. “I always thought news people were an even-keeled bunch, but I guess we’ll see.”

  “Why? What difference does it make whether or not he makes it?”

  Was that jealousy in Mark’s voice? “No difference. I suspect he and Mel used to be an item, but only time will tell if those sparks have died out.”

  “Is that one of your daffy tangents to change the subject?” The flash of mischief in his eyes spoke of future promises.

  She snickered. “No, and I thought you said you didn’t mind my daffy conversations.” She shoved at his shoulder. There was just something about teasing him that was fun.

  “I don’t.” At the commercial break he heaved himself off the sofa. “I’d better go. Thanks for a great dinner. You’d give my grandma a run for her money.”

  “You’re leaving?” She stood but didn’t know what to say. An awkward silence sprang between them. Man, I really don’t like the early stages of dating.

  “Yeah.”

  “Why? I thought we were having a good time.”

  He shifted from foot to foot. “Because if I don’t…” He left the sentence hanging.

  What did that mean? She glanced at him but couldn’t see anything outwardly wrong. Why were men so difficult to understand?

  “Okay.” She followed him to the front door. “Do you want to go out again? Maybe catch a movie in Tyler or hit the diner?” Crud, does that make me seem too desperate?

  The smile that broke over his face as he briefly turned could rival t
he sun. “Tell you what, come out to the farm tomorrow morning and bring a couple flats of pansies. I’ll get them planted for my grandma. It’ll be an early Easter gift.”

  “Sure.” A shiver of disappointment eased down her spine. It certainly wasn’t exciting date-wise but at least it was something. Would it be enough to grow a relationship?

  ****

  “Oh, that’s just perfect!” Mark chased Sarge around the pen inside the barn. It had finally stopped raining so he’d decided to transfer the llamas, sheep, and goats outside to let them enjoy the fresh air. While the sheep and goats had gone docilely enough, of course the llamas had other ideas. Pippa hadn’t given him a problem, but Sarge was a different story. “You’re the last thing I want to think about today, llama.”

  He hadn’t been able to sleep last night since Alice occupied his mind. She was so sweet and kind, and she truly seemed to care about her dad, even though growing pains of aging parents were inevitable. Her habit of being daffy only made her more attractive, which was why he didn’t mind her forays into unrelated subjects. And the kiss at the lake? Holy cow. If he’d been a space shuttle, he’d have launched himself into space. Though he’d kissed his fair share of women before, none of them had made him feel as if he could move a mountain or scoop out an ocean with one soft, heated meeting of mouths.

  The snort of a llama behind him brought him back to the moment. Sarge stood three feet away with a decided glint in his dark-lashed eyes. “Oh, you’re trouble, aren’t you?” Sarge had escaped an earlier attempt with the harness, and from the looks of things, the second try wouldn’t be successful either. The animal snorted, spit, and then eyeballed him with a spiteful expression — or at least as spiteful as a llama could summon. Just as Mark approached him again with the harness, Sarge danced away. He wheeled around, burst from the pen, and sprinted toward the open barn door.

  “That’s it.” Mark threw the harness onto the ground. “When Matt gets back, I’m advising him to sell you stupid animals.”