“What about Brooke?”
Instead of answering, he exited the vehicle. I followed suit, perplexed why he blew off my question. I walked toward him with my hands in my pockets, not sure this was really a good idea. I probably should have given that some more thought earlier.
He gave me a close-lipped smile. “I can’t have you acting unsure.”
I hated that he could read me so well.
He tugged on a couple of my belt loops and drew me to him. “I need you not to worry about who has or hasn’t been in my apartment. I need you to smile that pretty smile of yours and hang on my every word.”
I rolled my eyes.
“None of that.”
I smiled at the fool who was making my pulse race.
“There’s the smile. Now don’t be afraid to lean in close. If you want to get the practice kiss out of the way now, we can.”
I smacked his chest and pulled away from him. “I’m not kissing you.”
He put his arm around me and we headed for the elevator. “Famous last words, darlin’.”
“Feel free to kiss me. I may or may not kiss you back.”
“I’d have you weak in the knees before you knew what hit you.”
“I guess you did dress up tonight. You just forgot your crown.” With that said, I had a feeling he wasn’t lying. Being close to him was having more of an effect on me than I anticipated. I liked the feel of his arm around me. It wasn’t a good thing. We were statistically improbable and he was a womanizer, I reminded myself.
“Tonight, I’m going as the luckiest guy in the room.”
I nudged him. “Only the room?”
He pulled me tighter against him. “Maybe the building.”
“You’re going to have to do better than that if you want me to be convincing tonight.”
We entered the empty elevator. He gazed down at me and gave my hat a little tug. “Thanks for coming with me tonight.”
I tilted my head. “Keep talking like that, and you’ll have me convinced.”
He smirked and focused on the elevator doors. We were headed to the first floor of the posh building.
The doors opened and I could hear the noise of a crowd and loud music. And just a glimpse of the sleek furniture had me second guessing myself. I pulled back on Zander’s arm. “I’m going to feel out of place wearing this, aren’t I?”
He held the door of the elevator open. “You have my vote for best costume. Let’s go.”
I eased out of the elevator and took in the sights and sounds. I felt like I had stepped into a five-star hotel. Everything from the décor to the architecture screamed modern. I felt surrounded by metal and glass. The whole placed gleamed. I strung my arm through Zander’s and held onto his muscular bicep. It wasn’t a bad gig.
He rubbed his hand over mine. “Very convincing.”
I wasn’t trying to be convincing. I felt out of place and he was my only source of comfort. We turned a corner and came face to face with a large group of people that seemed to be spilling out of what looked to be their community room, but it resembled more of a club type atmosphere, which honestly was never really my scene. I was telling the truth about a quiet dinner at home on the couch being my favorite kind of night. I knew how to have fun, but the country kind.
Several people waved or greeted Zander. I received a lot of stares. I was sure Zander’s reputation preceded him. They were probably all looking at me like, you poor woman. I had a feeling that some of the women probably wanted to pull me aside to warn me I was headed for heartbreak. I didn’t need the warnings; he was clearly marked with a do not attempt label. And he was proud of it.
With each step into the fray, I gripped Zander’s arm tighter.
“Relax,” he whispered in my ear.
That didn’t help. It only made me want to forget about the warning label. At least I wasn’t out of place. The costumes were many and varied, everything from presidential candidates to French maid. I watched Zander’s eyes follow the scantily clad women.
“No good boyfriend would linger on another woman for so long.”
“I was only imagining what you would look like in that costume.”
“Nice try.”
He pulled me along until we found an empty bistro table just off the dance floor. The place was hopping. The lights were low, but a strobe light thumped to the beat of the loud music played by the DJ. It looked like there was an open bar and a table filled with an assortment of appetizers and desserts. The little clubhouse at my apartment complex had nothing on this place.
Zander, in a surprise move, pulled out a chair for me.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” I think he meant that. He pulled his chair close to mine and sat next to me. “What do you think?”
I watched the pretty people of the world laugh, flirt, and dance. “It’s a little over the top.”
“I thought you would be into it.”
“Why?” I had to speak loudly.
He shrugged. “You’re a people person.”
“I like small gatherings.”
“We can go anytime you want.”
I looked out at the dance floor. “We should at least dance a few times.”
“I don’t dance.”
I leaned back. “A ladies’ man like yourself doesn’t dance? Why don’t I believe that?”
He moved in close. I felt his breath against my ear making me shiver. “I don’t need dance moves to entice a woman.”
I sat up straight, trying to compose myself. He was alluring all on his own.
“Do you want something to drink? I think I saw some cans of soda.”
I let out a deep breath. “Sure, whatever they have.”
I watched him walk away. He moved with a prowess I had never witnessed before. That was, until he was sidelined by a buxom blonde wearing a killer devil’s costume with fishnet stockings and stiletto heels to match. I knew in an instant it was Leann. I honestly thought she would be plain and unassuming, but this chick was a bombshell. I was surprised Zander didn’t want to take her up on whatever she was offering, and from where I sat, I could tell she was offering something. I supposed it was show time.
I watched Zander try to sidestep her, but she wasn’t having it. She was trying her best to get him out on the dance floor. Why he didn’t just put her in her place, I don’t know, but I was coming to his rescue.
I placed myself between the model and Zander, wrapping my arms around his neck. “There you are.” I ran my fingers through his thick hair. I had wanted to see how that felt and it was amazing. I had to stop myself from practically petting him.
His eyes reflected gratitude. He wrapped his arms around my waist and gave me a seductive grin. “Meg, this is Leann.”
I released my hold on Zander and turned around, but he kept me firmly in his arms and held me from behind. I met Leann’s eyes, which were ablaze with hatred for me, but I still smiled.
“Leann, this is Meg, my girlfriend.”
She gave me a once over and half smiled, half scoffed. “Is she even legal?”
Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. But looking at her up close I would say she was close to forty, so Zander’s type as far as the age thing went. I wasn’t one to be put down like that, though. I gave her my best dazzling smile before taking Zander’s hand and pulling him toward the dance floor. “Dance with me.” She was going to get a show.
Zander followed my lead. I pulled him flush against my body and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Place your hands on my hips,” I whispered in his ear.
He wasted no time. The pressure of his hands had me taking a deep breath.
“Please tell me you’ve watched Dirty Dancing or Dancing with the Stars.”
In a masterful move, he spun us around and pushed his leg forward in a mambo move that was worthy of Patrick Swayze.
“I thought you said you didn’t dance.”
“I never said I couldn’t.” He moved to the beat of the music, keeping me close. The heat bet
ween us was palpable.
I removed my hat and placed it on his head.
He laughed and spun us around again. “You handled her like a master.”
I took a peek at the seething Leann. And for her pleasure, and I’ll admit mine, I whispered in his ear, “You think I was convincing?”
His hand moved to the small of my back, keeping me steady and close. “Even I bought it.” He spoke low and intimately.
“I think she wants to claw my eyes out.”
Zander turned us so he was facing her. “I think you’re right. I better keep you close. For protection, you know.”
“You don’t think I could take her?”
His eyes met mine and held my gaze.
My insides sizzled.
“I’m learning not to underestimate you.”
That was good, because I was beginning to wonder if I overestimated my abilities to resist the man who held me so well in his arms. The man who made me feel like I didn’t want to be anywhere else. It was a good reminder not to underestimate him.
Chapter Eight
“Darlin’, I appreciate what you did with Leann, but you went too far with the hostess at the restaurant.”
I leaned my head back against the headrest in his car. I was exhausted from the late night. I yawned. “I did you a favor. She was only interested in one thing, and I’m sorry, any woman who would blatantly come on to a man when he’s with another woman is not worth your time.”
“She is, if I don’t mind.”
I rolled my head toward him. “Please tell me you’re better than that.”
“I’m going to disappoint you.”
“That is disappointing.” I faced the window.
“Does that really bother you?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s meaningless.”
“That’s the point.”
“Then you’re doing it all wrong.”
“I’ve had plenty of experience—”
I held up my hand. “You can stop right there. I’m not critiquing—how do I say?—your ability. I’m just saying, if you aren’t with someone who means something to you, then I feel sorry for you, and yes, you’re doing it wrong.”
We drove in silence for a few minutes. I didn’t dare look at him. I felt let down after the fun night we’d had. We had danced a few dances and then he asked me to have dinner with him. We laughed and talked like old friends. Even if Yolanda, the gorgeous hostess who spoke with an inviting Spanish accent, kept interrupting us. I don’t know what got into me when she slipped Zander her number, but I took the card and tore it up and handed it right back to her. Maybe I should have left well enough alone, but women should watch out for women.
And why did I feel the need to school Zander? I knew from his profile how he viewed sex. It wasn’t any of my business. We weren’t really dating.
Zander reached over and tucked some hair behind my ear. My hat was lying in my lap. “Why does this bother you?”
I shrugged. “Forget I said anything.”
“We’ve passed that point. Did some guy use you or something?”
I turned toward him, thinking about what I should say.
He pulled into the first available space in the lot. He placed his car in park and looked my way, waiting for a response.
I sat up straight and took a deep breath and let it out. “I refuse to let a man use me.”
“You think I use women?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“All I’m saying is you’re missing out.”
“How?”
“Have you ever kissed someone you really loved? Or, I guess in your case I should say, did she kiss you?”
He gave me a small smirk before giving me an honest answer. “Once.”
I could guess who it was with, but I didn’t name Kenadie out loud. “Did it feel different?”
“Why does it matter?” His tone was defensive.
“Think about how that kiss would compare to say, someone like a Yolanda.”
“I have no doubt Yolanda would have done the job well.” I knew he wasn’t only talking about kissing.
“But would she have left you wanting more?”
“No.”
“That’s got to be lonely and unfulfilling.”
“You read too many fairytales, Meg.”
“I don’t believe in fairytales.”
“What do you believe in?”
“Myself.”
~*~
I woke up with a headache. I had a Zander hangover. I rubbed my temples with my hands, trying to make the throb go away. Or to make Zander go away. But he wasn’t leaving. Somehow, I gave him an in and he was consuming my thoughts. I could still feel his embrace and the way he whispered my name in my ear. It was all for the sake of play, but my body and mind were reacting in a real way. I couldn’t keep “pretend” seeing him. Kenadie was right. He was alluring, despite his admissions. I was too smart to fall for someone like him.
I was getting over the whole make him kiss me thing. I could never kiss him, whether he initiated it or not.
I headed into work, decidedly against ever playing Zander’s girlfriend again. Not that he would want me to. I didn’t think he was pleased that I deprived him of another notch on his bedpost. But I honestly meant what I said. I thought he was better than that. When it was only him and me alone, he was more than decent. He could even be thoughtful.
It didn’t matter. He was a grown man and could live his life how he chose to. It wasn’t my place to judge.
I arrived at work to a flurry of activity. The Nanettes had landed and they were on a mission. I didn’t know why all three needed to come take measurements, but I guess best friends did everything together. I thought of Krista and Bernadette. We had been inseparable in high school. I wasn’t sure I ever went to the bathroom alone during our school years. But now they were both married and moms. And here I was pretending to date a man I was more than attracted to, but knew I should stay away from.
While Cissy and Adelaide were taking measurements, Mrs. Marshall was smiling at the wall of bliss, in particular the picture of her daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law.
“They are a beautiful couple.” I stood next to the elegant mother-in-law to be.
She turned to face me. “Yes, they are.” She sighed. “For a while there, I never thought this day would come.”
“It looks like it was worth the wait.”
“Maybe someday soon it will be your turn.”
“Me?” I laughed. “I’m not even dating anybody.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What about Zander?”
I looked around hoping no one heard that. I was afraid Daphne, the receptionist, may have. I think I heard her gasp. “We’re just friends.” I made sure to say that loud enough for Daphne to hear. But I was afraid some damage had already been done.
She gave me a sure-you-are sort of grin. “That’s what Kennie used to say about Jason.”
“Have you met Zander? He’s not the settling down type, and definitely not my type.” I had a piece of paper to scientifically prove it.
“Do you know who Warren Beatty is, dear?”
I thought for a moment. “No, should I?”
She patted my cheek. “You’re probably too young, but back in the day, he was the cat’s meow.”
I laughed at her. No one talked like that anymore.
“He was a Hollywood heartthrob and claimed to have been with hundreds of women.”
“Sounds like a pig.”
She tossed her head from side to side and wagged her eyebrows. “But a gorgeous one.”
Sounded like Zander. I kept that to myself.
“Anyway. He eventually met the one. And he’s been faithful to her now for twenty-five years. They have a beautiful love story.”
“That’s nice.”
She strung her arm through mine. “True, but there is some real-world application here for
you.”
I knew where this was headed. “How would you like to see my office?” There was nothing special about it, other than it was private.
“All right, dear.” Her grin said she knew full well why I was asking.
As we walked by Cara’s office I could hear Cissy and Adelaide fussing over Cara’s rock hard body. She taught Pilates on the weekends and she had a stunning physique.
I made sure to close the door behind us once we entered my small office.
Mrs. Marshall made herself right at home and went straight for the framed pictures I had on my desk. She picked the biggest one and looked it over. “Is this your family?” She smiled as she touched the glass.
“Yes, ma’am. That’s all of us at my brother Colton’s wedding this past summer.” I pointed out my younger brother, Lincoln, my dad, Clint, and the blushing bride, Savannah, who was six years younger than me.
“You and your brothers look close in age.”
“My mom had her hands full for sure. Colton is two years older than me, but Lincoln and I are only a year apart.”
“I bet your daddy misses your momma for events like these. I know I’m missing my husband now more than ever.”
I knew Kenadie and I shared the tragedy of losing a parent in a car accident. I looked at my handsome dad. He stood tall and proud in his dress shirt and jeans. The wedding wasn’t a formal event. Not like what Kenadie’s wedding was shaping up to be. Colton’s wedding was more like a big barbecue with a wedding ceremony thrown in for fun. My dad looked like a surly guy, and maybe he was in some regards, but I never knew a harder working man, or a better one. He was the first one to help a neighbor in need and he always did his best to provide for our needs and wants. I remembered him driving me to Salt Lake City my junior year and letting me pick out my prom dress. It was uncomfortable for him sitting in the formal dress shop, and the price tag on the gowns made it more so. But he told me to pick out one I loved, despite the cost. That aquamarine satin gown still hung in my closet.
I nodded. “I think he misses her more than he lets on. He’s not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve.”
“I think most men are like that. At least in public.” She set the photo back on my desk. “Speaking of men, do you know where Zander is this morning?”
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