A Friendly Arrangement

  “Not. A. Chance. Coronary, remember?”

  He laughed, downing a mouthful of the beer before sliding the bottle onto the table beside the sofa. “Bullshit. I know this is just a game.”

  “Yeah, as long as you’re winning. Which is never,” she said beneath her breath.

  He nudged her shoulder. “You’re full of it.”

  “The only thing I’m full of is win.”

  He pushed her back into the cushions and hovered above her. Forget it. He couldn’t fight attraction to Holly. The air sizzled between them as he lowered his head, ready to claim her mouth. She teased him with her lips slightly parted and then jumped—wide-eyed—when a knock sounded at the door.

  Roth pulled back, his eyebrow raised in question. “Expecting somebody?”

  “Nope.” She pushed herself out from underneath him. He sat up as she made quick steps across the room. “Maybe it’s Mario and Luigi asking you to retire from video games because you’re giving them a bad name.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “You wish.”

  “Mom, Grams, Hailey, what are you guys doing here?” Holly’s smile grew tight the moment she opened the door. They all filed in with their backs toward Roth. She peeked past them down the hall to make sure there weren’t any other family members lurking in the distance. What the heck were they doing here? They never just dropped in.

  “You look…relaxed, dear,” Grams said as she patted Holly’s cheek, her gaze skimming over Holly’s yoga pants and baggy tee. As if on cue the loose neckline of Holly’s shirt slid down to reveal her shoulder, and she grabbed it and yanked up toward her neck.

  “I was perusing the local bookstore last week and found this for you.” Grams pulled a comic book from her oversized flowered bag. Holly smiled as she eyed the Justice League #12 from October of 2012. She already owned a copy, but it might be a fun little token for Roth.

  Hailey leaned in and gave Holly a one-armed hug. “Mom and Grams thought we should stop by because there’s a job opening at the law office, and I think you’d be a good fit.” Hailey peeled off her coat and grabbed a hanger from Holly’s front closet.

  “How’s the tooth? The job hunt?” Her mom leaned in for a quick cheek kiss as she took the hanger Hailey offered and hung up her coat.

  Looks like they planned to stay awhile. Holly’s gaze darted across the room toward Roth. He gave her a wink before he settled back into the sofa, clasping his fingers behind his head. He obviously liked that he could listen in on the happenings, and they hadn’t a clue he was there. Yet.

  She and Roth had been besties for so long, but her family had never officially met him. Only heard casual mentions, and she liked it that way. She wasn’t ready to give up her exclusive rights. No matter how selfish it seemed, he’d been the one thing in her life that had totally been hers.

  Holly took everyone’s focus with her as she leaned against the kitchen bar. She should introduce them, but she wanted to hold out for just a little longer and keep Roth all to herself. “Grams, I’m glad you think I look relaxed, and thanks for the comic book.”

  “You don’t have that one, do you, dear?” Grams fluffed her hair as her gaze scoured the kitchen. More than likely looking for the cookbook she had made.

  Holly shook her head, even though she did. Far be it from her to quash Gram’s excitement. She smiled at her mom. “The tooth is fine. I took a round of antibiotics, and that seems to have cured my infection.”

  “What was the problem?” Concern filled her mom’s eyes.

  “An infection from when I had my wisdom teeth pulled last month.”

  “It took that long before it set in? That seems odd. Maybe you should go see my dentist.”

  Holly shook her head. “Dr. Kroemer said it can take that long sometimes.” She turned toward her sister. “And, Hail, what’s the job?” It was nice that Hailey recommended her for a job, and she should keep her options open, but at the same time she didn’t want to relinquish her independence. All she saw were flashbacks to high school. If she took a job in Hailey’s firm, they’d be known around the office as “the twins” No. Thank. You.

  She pushed her thoughts aside to smile and feign an interest she didn’t feel. Even though that nagging voice inside her head told her she just might need her sister’s help if she didn’t find some new clients.

  “One of the partners’ admin is retiring. They’re going to start conducting interviews next month. I can put in a word for you if you’re interested.” Hailey’s eyes brightened, and their mom nudged Holly in the shoulder.

  “Isn’t that nice of your sister?”

  And so it starts. “Very. Let me think about it.”

  All three of them started yammering at once, and Holly resisted the urge to cover her ears. How did her father handle this day after day?

  “You need a job.”

  “You can’t wait until the last minute.”

  “The pay is great. You won’t have to live paycheck to paycheck.”

  They just kept shooting comments at her, and she managed to nod, grin, and make eye contact with each one before glancing over at Roth. She bit her lip to quash a laugh as he flashed her an over-bright smile. Apparently he enjoyed her discomfort almost as much as he liked that nobody had spotted him.

  Well, the time was up. She’d take some of the heat off herself by introducing him.

  “Hey.” She almost yelled to get them to stop talking. “I appreciate it. I’ll think about it. I do have some prospects, you know. Let’s see where things go.” She waved her hand in front of her face as they each opened their mouth to speak. “Since you haven’t noticed, I do have a guest.” She had their attention now, but only for a second as they all spun around toward Roth.

  He waved.

  They all waved in unison, and Holly fell right into the mix along with them. She forced her hand down and laughed. Looks like the gig was up, but for some reason it sent a shot of relief through her system.

  Roth’s smile took on a mischievous twist and went straight to his beautiful baby blues. He lifted his beer in a silent greeting and stood to make his way toward them.

  Gawd, her family would eat this up. Grams probably already had his name penciled in as top prospect on Holly’s Husband List, and Hailey—Hailey seemed speechless. She’d known about Holly’s bestie, but Holly felt sure she hadn’t expected her neighbor, her best friend, to be wrapped in the package he presented to them now. All hotness topped with delicious sauce.

  Roth shuffled toward them, but his shuffle became more of a sexy swagger, even in his blue plaid pajama pants and a very faded concert T-shirt that had seen better days. Holly tugged at her yoga pants. They looked like a couple very comfortable with each other. The pizza box and empty beer bottles didn’t help. All of this was a recipe for her mom to get the wrong idea. She could already see her mind ticking as she took in the room and how they were dressed.

  Holly swallowed as her mom met Roth halfway and held out her hand. “I’m MaryAnn Haggerty, and you are?”

  Roth took her hand. “Roth—”

  “Roth Esterly. Holly’s neighbor.” Hailey’s grin spread from ear to ear as she followed their mom’s lead and took in the scene.

  “Wow, that’s some neighbor…” Grams slapped her hand across her mouth as if she’d revealed a government secret.

  Holly rolled her eyes. Roth had no idea what he was in for.

  “Well, if we’d known you were entertaining we’d have called first.” How could her mother make that little sentence sound dirty?

  “I’m not entertaining. This is just Roth. We were playing video games, eating pizza…” Why was she defending herself? She could see the glint in her mother’s eyes as she raked them over Roth from head to toe. Mom would probably be on the phone with David’s Bridal shop in the morning.

  Ugh. This is going to be a long night.

  Roth helped Grams to the couch. She’d suddenly become helpless. “And you must be the legendary Grams.”

  G
rams held on to Roth’s hand a little longer than necessary. She giggled, and a blush crept over her cheeks. “I see my reputation precedes me.”

  He bent and kissed her hand, falling into Grams playful side, and in that moment Holly knew she was in deeper trouble than even she’d anticipated. They wouldn’t just like Roth, they’d love him. At least if Grams had any say in the matter.

  “Sit down and talk to me.” Grams patted the seat next to her, and Roth obediently obliged.

  Her mother sat in the chair across from them, folding her legs at the ankles as she leaned in. “You’re the jewelry designer?” When Roth nodded, her mother’s smile brightened. “How’d you…”

  Hailey grabbed Holly by the arm, and she lost the conversation going on among the others.

  Her sister dragged her over to the kitchen counter, pulling her tablet from her purse. “Can you help me with this social media crap? My boss wants us to have an internet presence. I have no idea where to begin.”

  “Sure. No problem.” Holly could set up most social media accounts in her sleep. She’d set up several for clients and also did a lot of maintenance on others.

  Roth’s laughter caught her attention, and she glanced across the room as he smiled, laughed, and nodded. Both Mom and Grams were enthralled, shooting questions at him one after the other. Roth took it in stride, his smile never wavering. He even managed to glance her way and gave her a thumbs-up.

  It might be all fun and games now, but he’d no idea what he’d started. He hadn’t believed her when she’d told him how crazy her family could be, especially when it came to prospective candidates for Holly’s Husband List. Poor guy, he had no idea he was now being interviewed.

  “Thanks, Holl. I owe you big. And what do you think about coming to work at the firm? You’d do great there.” Hailey typed in her password and then turned the tablet toward Holly.

  “I’m not sure. I had a big interview this past week—they should be getting back to me soon—and a few more lined up. I’m really excited.” She didn’t want to think about either job now. She wanted to help Hailey and then get back over to Roth before Grams and Mom secretly arranged their marriage. “What are you thinking? Twitter, blog, Facebook page?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Holly laughed. “Okay, we’ll start with Twitter.”

  From across the tiny room, her mother cleared her throat, and Holly looked up. She shot Holly a serious look that seemed to say, “He’s the one. The perfect one.” Holly shook her head sternly and mouthed the word “no.” Mom merely smiled and leaned in, laughing at something Roth said as she patted his arm.

  Holly tried to ignore the conversation across the room, but found herself leaning in and holding her breath as she tried to catch bits and pieces of the conversation. If only Hailey would shut up for more than ten seconds, she might actually hear something. Instead, her sister droned on and on about Twitter, hashtags, and building a following.

  Several minutes later she had the Facebook page set up and had given Hailey a quick rundown on what she needed to do to start managing the page and getting likes. Their mom walked over and leaned against the counter.

  “He’s so cute, Holly. I can’t believe you’ve never brought him home for Sunday dinner. He’d get along with your brothers and Dad so well.”

  “Mom, he’s not the missing family link.”

  The glint in her mother’s eyes chilled her to the bone. “He’s funny, polite, charming, employed, and movie-star gorgeous. You can’t ask for much better, can you?”

  “Why do you have this driving desire to see me married?” Holly jammed her finger on the enter key and then crossed her arms. She didn’t want to fight, but she hated this conversation. Each and every time they had it.

  “I’m just saying…” Her mother shrugged.

  “I know what you’re saying, and I told you, we’re just friends.” She spelled out the word “friends” in agonizing slowness.

  Hailey touched their mother’s shoulder. “Maybe if you didn’t try to force it, things might just fall into place on their own.” She turned her attention toward Holly. “But you have to admit, the man is hot, hot, hot.”

  “Looks aren’t everything.” Holly tapped her fingers against her upper arms.

  “You’re right, dear, but from what I can see, and from the little I’ve talked to him, he’s the entire package.”

  “Please, Mom. You’ve talked to him for an entire twenty minutes.”

  “I have wonderful people skills and judgment.” Her mother lifted her chin. “I’m a Realtor, after all. Necessities of the trade.”

  “What you have is this urgent need to see all your kids married and reproducing. And that’s not me.” Holly returned her stare but backed down first. She loved her mother and didn’t want to be disrespectful, but she’d appreciate the same courtesy when it came to this entire dating subject.

  “Listen up, girls. There’ll be no fighting tonight.” Hailey played peacemaker as she grabbed each of their hands. “Mom, you have to let up on Holly. And, Holly, Mom only wants your happiness.”

  “I know. I know.” Holly pulled her mom in for a hug and met Roth’s look of concern as he approached with Grams. She gave him a reassuring smile. “I wish you’d understand I don’t need a man in my life to make me happy. I’m happy. Beyond happy,” she whispered into her mother’s ear.

  Mom rocked her back and forth in her arms. “I worry about you. You’re my child. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. No matter if I’m married or single.” Holly squeezed her close before releasing her. Her mom slid her fingers down Holly’s arm to hold her hand.

  “I’m also worried about your job situation. What’s going on there?” She squeezed Holly’s fingers. “Will you consider the job at Hailey’s office?”

  “For the millionth time, I’ll think about it. Geesh, can a girl breathe?” she said in mock annoyance. Okay, maybe not mock.

  “Holly.” Grams stern voice always managed to reprimand her.

  “Sorry, Grams.”

  Grams smiled and patted Roth’s hand. “She’s really such a good girl. Although she has bouts of disrespectfulness.”

  He nodded, his smile filling his face. “She really is a good girl, but I know what you mean about the disrespect thing.”

  Holly wanted to gag. Or maybe wiping the cocky grin off Roth’s mouth with a good right hook might do the trick. She’d ignore them for now. Maybe if she gave her family a little news on the job hunt they’d back off. “I kind of already told Hailey, but I had a job interview this past week with the people from Art Prize.”

  “Oh, my. That’s incredible.”

  “How exciting.”

  “How’d it go?”

  “Did you get it?”

  They threw questions at her so fast she didn’t know who’d asked what. She squared her shoulders. “I think it went well, but I haven’t heard back yet. They said they had several more applicants and would call for second interviews within the next few weeks. If they hire me, I’d be their first virtual employee.”

  “Oh, you won’t be a normal employee?” Mom’s voice sank.

  “I will be a normal employee, Mom. Only one who works out of her own home instead of commuting into the office each day.” Would they never understand what she did for a living?

  “That’s so cool, Holly.” At least Hailey seemed somewhat encouraging.

  “And that’s not all.” Holly beamed, taking her time to keep them in suspense. She might as well have some fun with them. She threw Roth a big smile. “I haven’t even mentioned this to Roth yet.”

  His eyebrow shot up. “I’m on the edge of my seat.”

  “You’re standing, dear.” Grams patted his hand as if he’d lost his mind.

  “It’s just an expression,” Mom said.

  Grams frowned. “I know that, MaryAnn. I’m just playing. Sometimes you guys don’t seem to understand me.”

  “Join the club.” Holly sighed.

  “What’s
the rest of your news?” Hailey asked.

  “I met one of Roth’s friends last week, and this week she called to ask me to help her with a special project for her promotion company.”

  “Brooke?” Roth asked.

  Holly nodded. “She also recommended me to one of her west coast clients who needs someone to manage his emails and social media accounts.”

  “Well, on that high note, I say tomorrow you’re all mine. We’ll have to head out for a few celebratory cocktails,” Roth said.

  “Oh, my.” Mom plastered her hand across her throat. Her eyes grew bright and her breaths slightly shallow. Of course Holly knew all she’d heard of Roth’s sentence was “you’re all mine.”

  “Celebratory cocktails sound great.” Holly gave him a high five when he raised his palm.

  Hailey threw her arm around Holly’s shoulder and squeezed. “Sounds fab. All of it. I’m so glad for you.”

  “Really?” She’d become so used to everyone in the family giving her a hard time, she didn’t quite know how to act.

  “Really. I think you’ve done a great job with your business, Holl. But that doesn’t mean I—we—don’t worry about you.”

  “I know.”

  “It really is exciting news, dear. I’ve been down to the Art Prize. I’d love to tell the girls at the center that my granddaughter helps run the thing.”

  “Don’t jump the gun, Grams. Even if I get the job, I don’t think I’ll be running things.”

  “Sounds like a lot of great prospects, Holly. But that doesn’t mean you should forget Hailey’s generous offer.” Mom pursed her lips. She always meant well, but sometimes she could put a damper on Holly’s excitement.

  “I won’t forget, Mom.”

  Holly leaned against the counter as everyone talked about Art Prize. It was a huge deal in Grand Rapids and drew in artists and tourists from around the world.

  The first break in the conversation, Roth helped Grams onto the barstool and kissed her hand again. “Ladies, it’s been lovely talking with you, but I really have to head home and get back to work.”

  “Oh, we only just got here. Are you sure you can’t stay a little longer?” Mom’s disappointment shadowed her faltering smile.