by Lacey Wolfe
* * *
A few days had passed since Neil’s date with Krista. He’d sent flowers the day after and since decided to give her some space. He wanted this to work. There was something about Krista that caught his attention and didn’t let go. A girl-next-door persona to her, mixed with that sultry smile.
She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. She had long red locks and emerald-green eyes he could stare into for hours. She had the perfect hour-glass shape. And he’d definitely noticed her rack. She’d been blessed with a nice one, ass too.
Pushing away from his desk, he set his pen down. He’d like to see her again soon and he’d been meaning to call her, but he kept putting it off so as not to scare her away. It amused him that at the age of forty-five, he was actually nervous to call a woman.
“Mr. Clark,” his secretary Tana said from the door, “you’ve got a meeting in ten minutes. Are you ready?”
He pulled back up to his desk and looked at his calendar. Crap. He sure did have a meeting. It looked like he’d have to put off calling Krista until after he met with the construction crew about the new hotel.
“Thanks for reminding me. Please tell me the meeting is here.”
Tana winked. “You’re in luck and they’re already in conference room three.”
“I’ll be down in a moment.” He closed down his computer then rummaged through the files on his desk until he found the one he was looking for.
He typically prided himself on his organization, but this week it had gone out the door. Krista had taken over all his thoughts.
“Tana, which room?” He stepped out of his office.
She gave him a strange look and he got the sense she’d already told him this info. “Three. Are you okay, sir?”
“Fine. Never been better.”
* * *
Todd would be there any moment to pick up EJ. He’d gotten tickets to a local baseball game and he was taking EJ to see it, plus keeping him overnight. Krista was thankful. Her son had kept her busy with all the activities he wanted to do for the summer. She couldn’t get him to understand that they had many days of summer and didn’t need to pack each day to its fullest.
“Dad’s here,” EJ called from the living room.
“Okay. Don’t run out without giving me a kiss.” Krista set the towel down on the counter and jogged to the living room just in time to see Todd enter the house.
“Hey.” He rubbed his hands together and glanced around nervously.
“Hi.” She leaned against the couch. She and Todd weren’t on the worst of terms, but it was always awkward when he came inside. Typically she had EJ ready with a kiss, opened the door, and they were on their way.
“Nice flowers,” Todd said, his expression hard to read.
She looked at the assortment Neil had sent. “Thanks.”
“Mom got those from a guy,” EJ announced.
Krista glared at her son and began to speak but was interrupted by her son.
“What? I heard you and Ms. Jamie talking about it.”
Todd stared at her a moment before turning his attention back to EJ. “Go hop in the car. I’ll be there in a minute.”
EJ picked up his overnight bag and pushed open the glass door before he paused. He ran back over to Krista and wrapped his arms around her. “Bye, Mom. Love you.”
Even though he drove her crazy, she was going to miss him not being here. “Love you too, bud.”
EJ returned to his path out the door, leaving her and Todd alone.
“Do I need to know anything about the flowers?” Todd crossed his arms.
Seriously? He’d sent their son outside alone to ask about the flowers? “Are you wanting to know the florist or what kind they are?”
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t be a smartass. Are you seeing someone? Is it serious?”
Krista sighed. “No, I’m not seeing someone. It was one date and it won’t be happening again.”
Todd nodded and relief washed over his face. “If it does turn serious, I’d like to meet him before EJ does.”
Krista rubbed her temple. Neither she nor Todd had really dated since their divorce. This was new territory for them. But as she’d said, she wouldn’t be seeing Neil again. “I understand. EJ’s waiting on you and I need to finish the dishes.”
“Have a good night.” Todd turned without another look and left.
Krista returned to the kitchen to finish the task at hand. After the dishes were done, her only plan was to plop her booty on the couch and not get up. She loved her son dearly, but she always enjoyed watching a show or two without being interrupted.
An hour later, she had finished one show and decided to look for a movie. She scrolled through the menu looking for some sappy chick movie about love. Pretty Woman was on. She smiled and hit the button to go to the channel.
Krista pulled a blanket from the back of the couch and got ready to snuggle in. On the coffee table in front of her, her phone vibrated as the screen lit up. Reaching forward, she grabbed it.
“Hello,” she answered, not sure who it was because of the word private on the screen.
“Krista, it’s Neil.”
“Neil.” She was shocked.
“I’m sorry to just now be calling. Work has been crazy. I had hoped this weekend to see you, but I’ve got an unplanned business trip I leave on tomorrow. And as crazy as this sounds, I was hoping you were free tonight. I’d love to see you.”
Oh, she was free all right. “I was just getting ready to watch a movie, actually.”
“Are you at the theater? I’m sorry for interrupting.”
The Michaels’ Theater of Comfy Couches. “No, no. I’m at home actually.”
“Could I join you?”
Tell him no! Tell him absolutely not; you can’t see him anymore. “Uh, I guess.” Of course her mouth betrayed her thoughts.
“Great. I’m just finishing up at the office and then I’ll be over.”
No, no, no. He couldn’t come over here. “Oh, well, the movie’s starting now.”
He chuckled. “I’m not coming to see the movie. I’m coming to see you.”
The called ended. Krista set the phone in her lap. What had just happened? She then noticed she had on sweat pants and a tank top. Crap. She needed a shower as well. Looks like I’m going to miss the first few minutes of the movie.
*
Forty-five minutes later, her doorbell rang. Krista had makeup on, a pair of jeans, and a nice blouse. Her hair was still damp though; she hadn’t had a chance to get to the blow dryer. Her hair had been last priority since she had a living room of toys to pick up. Guilt took over that she was hiding her son from him, but he didn’t want kids. This relationship was doomed before it even began.
Taking one last look in a mirror, she figured this was the best she could do. She proceeded to open the door and the sight of Neil nearly took her breath away. He was dressed in a charcoal-colored business suit with a bright blue tie that brought her focus to his Adam’s apple. In his hand he held a brown bag.
“You look as lovely as ever.” He smiled.
She smirked; if only he’d seen her an hour ago. “Thanks. Come on in. It’s a mess.”
She stepped back so he could enter then pushed the door shut. Her nerves were on edge, having him in her home. With a deep breath, she brushed past him and led him into the living room where they took a seat on the couch.
He lifted the bag in his hand. “I brought dessert.”
“I haven’t had dinner.” She laughed.
“Life’s short. Eat dessert first.” He opened the bag to reveal two Styrofoam containers, each containing a piece of cheesecake. His gaze traveled over her body, making her feel beautiful. “I hope you didn’t go to the trouble of getting dressed up for me.”
She shrugged. Since when were jeans and a blouse dressed up? “I needed a shower anyway. Your coming over gave me an excuse.”
He grinned and cocked an eyebrow. “What were you wearing prior?”
/>
“Uh.” Did she really have to answer?
“Sorry. That was too personal. Here.” He handed her a slice of the cake and a plastic fork. “Enjoy.”
He grabbed his piece and settled into the couch, directing his attention toward the TV. She took a bite and practically moaned as the sweet flavors mingled with her senses. It was like a little slice of heaven. She did her best to watch the movie, but she kept finding herself staring at Neil out of the corner of her eye. She just didn’t get him. He was a giant mystery. Why in the world did he want to eat cheesecake on her ratty couch with her when he could be flying around the world with some model?
“Neil,” she said.
He glanced at her.
“What is this?”
“What is what?”
“This.” She paused. “Us. I don’t get it. We’re nothing alike. We’re from opposite worlds and yet you’re here with me.”
He took a slow bite from his fork before resting it on his container. “I like you.”
“You don’t know me.”
His gaze locked on hers. “I want to.”
“But why?”
He set his dessert down and turned his body toward hers. “Why does this have to be complicated? Can’t we just see where this will lead?”
Sure, if she didn’t have a son to think about and a heart that would get broken. “How can it go anywhere?”
Neil grinned at her. “This can be anything you want it to be. Stop worrying and enjoy.”
That was a lot easier for him. She couldn’t just live this fairy tale life, and even if she could, she wasn’t sure she was built for it. She lived paycheck to paycheck. She barely had a savings account. They were nothing alike and he’d never understand.
She set her empty box down. “I don’t know. I—”
“Sshhh. You’re ruining the movie.” He took her hand and held it, diverting his gaze back to the TV.
Krista decided to let it go for now. She’d enjoy this one night and then she’d do her best to forget Neil and hope he’d do the same with her.
“Let me get this straight. You’ve seen Neil again and you still haven’t kissed him?” Jamie stared at Krista the next morning as though she’d lost her mind.
Yes, she had lost her mind, but it was a good thing they hadn’t kissed. It would bring much more emotion into this. “I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again. I made it pretty clear that things would never work between us.”
“I think you’re passing up something great.”
Krista rolled her eyes. “I get it. He’s rich and hot. But where’s it going to go? He doesn’t want kids. I have a kid. He’s in his late forties, I’m in my late twenties. I want to get married again. He hasn’t been married yet, so chances are he never will. Tell me, why would I want to get mixed up with him?”
“Maybe you’ll be different. He’ll fall so in love with you that he’ll want to raise EJ and give you six more babies. You guys can have a beach house in Italy. And of course, you will find me a rich friend of his as well.”
Krista shook her head. “Not happening. I don’t have time to live in a fantasy world like you do.”
Jamie stuck her tongue out. “You need to learn to have fun. That’s your problem.”
Krista turned her back on her friend and sighed. She was sick and tired of hearing people to tell her to have fun. She was a divorced, single mom at the age of twenty-eight. She didn’t have time for fun. Heck, the highlight of her life was getting whipped cream on her flavored coffee at Starbucks. Sad, yes, but that was her life. She played it safe—always. Neil wasn’t safe.
“What time’s EJ going to be back?” Jamie asked.
“Not until later. Todd called and said they were going to the park or something.”
“Let’s go out for a bit then.”
Krista turned back to her friend. “The last time I went out with you, you took me to that club. I think I’ll pass.”
“Kris, its one o’clock in the afternoon. I’m thinking lunch, not hunky older men.”
She laughed. “If it’s food, I’m in. Let me go get my coupon book.”
* * *
Neil walked into The Gentlemans’ Club and headed straight for the back office. The door was cracked open and he saw Ian, the owner, at his desk studying paperwork.
He lightly tapped on the door. Ian looked up and waved him in. “What’s up?”
Neil stepped inside. “Nothing much. Was driving by and thought I’d stop in. How’s business?”
Ian put down the paper he’d had in his hands. “Good. Lots of happy men and women. I’m really glad you came out the other night. Did you find a young woman to take home?”
Neil chuckled. “I found one all right. I haven’t even made it to first base yet.”
Ian smirked. “Damn. Find another.”
If only it was that easy. “That’s the problem.”
Ian’s eyes lit up. “Wait just a minute. Neil Clark, bachelor for life, has stumbled upon a woman he can’t have?”
He hated to be reminded. Krista was his pretty that was just out of reach. “Pretty much. And it makes me want her that much more.”
Ian tapped a pen on the desk. “What’s stopping her? She was here, after all. She must like older men and you’re quite the catch.”
“I don’t think she would’ve come here on her own. Her friend dragged her here. She’s made it clear that the lifestyle I have to offer, she isn’t interested in.”
“Then forget her.”
Neil raked his hands through his short hair. That was the problem. Krista was unforgettable. Like the girl next door growing up. Always out of reach, but your wildest wet dream.
Ian leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin. “I can see the wheels turning. You don’t want to forget her. Look, tonight is a special night. We’re doing poker games. Come back. Maybe someone else will intrigue you and want you. There’s no reason to waste your time on a woman you can’t have.”
Neil nodded. Maybe he’d do that, come back tonight. He liked poker and the thought of sitting down with his friends and beautiful women sounded like a good evening. “Yeah, I’ll be back.”
“Good. There’s a woman, Beth. You might like her. I’ll make sure to set her up at your table.”
“Awesome. Well, I’ve got a meeting to get to. See you later, man.” Neil turned and went out the office door.
Maybe the only way to get over Krista was another woman. Hell, he’d been doing it for years. But then he thought back to the way Krista felt in his arms on the plane. So soft. So right. The way she’d moaned as he stroked her back. If it hadn’t been for the turbulence, he had a feeling it would’ve gone a whole lot further than it had. Somehow he had to get her alone again on a date. Get her to let her inhibitions go and then perhaps he could show her the life she could have with him.
Life. Crap. Where had that thought come from? Maybe Ian was right. He needed to find another woman. Krista was making him think things he hadn’t thought about in a long time. Not since he was young and thought the life of wife and kids was what he wanted. But when the woman he supposedly was going to marry ran off with his good friend, the betrayal had been more than he could bear. He swore he’d never love another woman again. However, there was something about Krista that told him she’d take no less.
He’d be at that poker game tonight and if he had his way, whoever that Beth woman was, she’d be riding him home tonight.
*
Neil walked through the doors to the club that evening, ready for a good game of cards. This was one card game he enjoyed—and a nice cigar to go with it sure didn’t hurt.
The place had practically been transformed. The seating areas were all pushed up against walls, and several large round tables had been set up. Neil went to the bar first to order a brandy. After the bartender gave him his drink, he turned and looked around. Ian waved his arms, catching his attention.
Drink in hand, Neil made his way across the club.
“I w
as worried you weren’t going to return,” Ian said.
“I’m a man of my word.”
“As am I.” He pointed toward the poker area. “You’re at table three, and that beautiful blonde over there is Beth.”
Neil eyed her, seeing a busty woman in a deep purple dress that clung to her like a second skin. She had on layers of makeup, and while she was attractive, he couldn’t help but think of Krista and her natural beauty.
“She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?” Ian nudged him.
Neil nodded. To some man out there she was a looker. And for tonight, she would be to him. As much as he wanted to try to get to know Krista, she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested. What other choice did he have then to move on?
“Games are about to start. Go have a seat.” Ian slapped him on the shoulder and walked away.
Neil went to the table. Beth turned to him with a giant grin. “Hi, I’m Beth.”
“Neil.”
Now that he was only inches away from her, he couldn’t help but wonder how old she was. Was she even legal? He was certain a woman had to be twenty-one to get in the club, but this woman didn’t look like she’d been out of high school long.
As he took his seat, he asked, “What do you do for a living, Beth?”
She tapped her bright pink nails on the wooden table. “I’m in college right now and not working.”
Young, very young. “What are you going to school for?”
She shrugged. “I’ve not decided yet. Just kinda having fun right now.” She leaned closer, letting her breast rest on his arm. “I’m up for any kind of fun.”
Oh, he bet she was. He smiled and winked. “Know much about poker?”
“Oh, I’m not playing. I’m here to cheer you on.” Her tongue moistened her full bottom lip. “I was a cheerleader in high school. I’m very flexible.”
He knew just her type. The type he could bring home tonight and keep in his contacts to call whenever. Leave it to Ian to find him the type of woman he usually liked. No commitment necessary.
“Perhaps you can show me some moves later.”
She placed a hand on his upper thigh. “Or we could skip this game and find out now.”