Long, Slow Surrender

by Stephanie Morris

  Connor looked at Erica with a fond sadness. She was nice. He had high hopes for her, and damn it all, the contents in the pot smelled really good. But there was Michelle, looking sexy as hell and a little bit irritated, and he really didn’t have a choice.

  “I’m sorry about this. I should have told you the truth.” Connor gave Michelle and pointed look. Understanding his message, she hunched her shoulders, sinking lower in the chair.

  “To be honest, I just started going out with Michelle and, well, it’s been somewhat of a surprise.”

  Especially that kiss.

  Erica emitted a sound of irritation.

  Theodore wasn’t so calm. “Connor, how could you do such a horrendous thing?” He inclined his head Michelle’s direction. “Are you certain you want to remain in such a dysfunctional relationship? One day in, and he is already cheating on you. How could you tolerate such a womanizer?”

  Michelle sat up straight, her blouse becoming a lot less revealing. Thank goodness. “Technically, he’s not a womanizer.”

  Erica flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Maybe not to you, but just give it a little time. The girls at the nail salon in the shopping center near the restaurant he works at warned me about this one. Said he was a heartbreaker. He doesn’t have any money either. It would be impossible considering he’s a chef, sous chef, yes, but a chef nonetheless.” She pointed a scarlet-tipped finger at Michelle. “You’ll be next, sweetheart. Guys like this”—she clicked her tongue—“worse than dogs in heat.”

  Theodore patted Erica’s hand. “You poor woman. Michelle, if you’re ready to leave this playboy’s love nest, I’d be more than happy to escort you home.” His gaze cut back to Michelle’s cleavage. Connor allowed himself one proprietary smirk.

  Not in your dreams, Theo.

  “I’m not leaving,” Michelle replied in a dreamy voice that reminded Connor that they still needed to lay out a few ground rules before she did really leave. That one kiss might cause him to lose a few nights sleep, but there were some lines he wasn’t about to cross. He thought of the kiss again and corrected himself. Okay, he wouldn’t cross them more than once.

  “Connor, have you got anything with alcohol in it here?” Erica eased herself into a standing position. It was the only range of motion the short skirt allowed.

  “Michelle, you really should—” Theodore began, but then pulled his pager from his pocket. “Shoot. I have a dental emergency. I need to go to the hospital.”

  “An emergency?” Michelle questioned. “This time of night?”

  Theodore puffed up a little. “Yes, an oral maxillofacial surgery I complete earlier today.”

  Erica laid a hand on Theodore’s sleeve. “You’re a doctor?”

  “Dentist,” Theodore corrected.

  “Very interesting. So, do you think you could drop me off at home on your way? I took a cab over here and I would have to wait on one to pick me up so that I can get back home. I could take the bus or the train…” She gave a look of distaste.

  Connor watched his brother. Theodore, play heroic knight to a woman like Erica? Yeah, that’d be the day.

  “Why, certainly. You’re in such a fragile emotional condition, and you don’t need to be subjecting yourself to having to stick around this place any longer than necessary.”

  Oh, really?

  He glanced over at Michelle. Tonight, everybody was somebody new.

  Erica placed a hand over her heart. “It shows? You know you are such an observant man. All of the guys I’ve dated just miss my little signals.” She glanced over at Connor and exhaled softly. “I can’t believe this has happened again.”

  Theodore took Erica’s arms and looked at Connor with disgust. “Now look at what you’ve done.”

  Erica fluttered her lashes at Theodore. “Do you drive a BMW?”

  “Bavarian Motor Works?” Theodore scoffed. “No. Japanese. Lexus to be exact,” he said, opening the door for Erica.

  Her appreciative “oh” echoed as they walked out of the apartment. Connor heard the clinking of Erica’s heels as they started down the stairs. One problem dealt with. Now to solve the other one. He closed the apartment door and turned to Michelle.

  “Now, about that kiss…”

  * * * *

  Mind-blowing was the first word that came to Michelle’s mind. She already felt like he had ruined her for other men, and she was only thirty-one. Heck, he was only thirty-seven. Maybe she should have gone for an older man before now. Then again, maybe she’d tire of his kisses in time. She studied his mouth, wondering where he’d learned to kiss like such a professional. “What about it?” she asked, not sure where this conversation was going.

  Connor sat down and rubbed his eyes. For the first time, she realized that he looked tired. She resettled herself back on the couch, which was quickly becoming a favorite. Maybe she could give him a massage. Or a hot bath! She loved bubble baths.

  “There will definitely be no more kissing.”

  That probably meant the bath was out, as well, but Michelle wasn’t ready to call it quits. “You’re going to have to kiss me. Theodore will think something is wrong if you don’t kiss me.”

  “Theodore wasn’t here,” he replied, easily defeating her best argument in defense of Michelle pressing her lips against his.

  “Actually, he was here.”

  Connor glared. “In visual range, Michelle.”

  She rearranged the empty beer bottle on the coffee table. “Semantics. You will have to kiss me again, or Theodore will never be convinced.” She narrowed her eyes as another thought struck. “And why did you tell Erica you were sick? Were you planning on cheating on me?”

  That thought really bothered her. It bothered her a lot more than it should. After all, she only wanted a faux affair. At least that’s what Connor thought.

  He leaned forward in the chair. “No, I wasn’t planning on…” Then he caught himself. “Damn it, Michelle. This is only pretend.” His eyes dropped to her chest. “And button your shirt. Theodore’s gone. Go home, Michelle. I’ll call you a taxi. I need some sleep. Maybe that will help me think rationally.”

  Slowly, she buttoned up her shirt, tucking in her shirttail and smoothing out all the wrinkles. Nearly midnight and already her glass slippers were transforming back to wooden clogs. She exhaled heavily. Well, this was only Day One. And what a day it had been.

  She picked up her bag and searched through it until she found her keys.

  Connor looked at her with amazement. “You drove?”

  She nodded.

  “Where did you park?”

  “Over on Beach Street

  .”

  “Beach Street

  ? That’s several blocks away. You shouldn’t be walking by yourself this late at night.” He stood and stretched, the muscles in his stomach lengthening and flexing. She watched the movement with severe longing, wanting to touch. “I’ll escort you to your car.”

  “Thanks.”

  Neither of them said much on the walk to the car, and Michelle was grateful for the silence. Although his street was anything but—kids were playing basketball, somewhere in the distance a radio blared, the sidewalk vibrated from the heavy bass. Two old men were sitting on lawn chairs near a bench sharing complaints about their lives and catching up on local gossip.

  One of the men looked like he should be in a retirement community, judging by the tacky Hawaiian shirt he wore with pride. His khaki shorts and white socks pulled up to his knees completed the picture. He took a long drink of what she hoped was tea from his glass, and then drew his hand across his mouth.

  “I saw that Reese boy just the other day. Remember back in the day? Always in trouble, that one. I thought he’d never amount to anything. But I saw him yesterday. You’ll never believe it—he’s a cop.”

  “No! Get outta here,” the younger man said. He must have been well about seventy and was mostly bald with a fringe of gray circling his head.

  The other man lifted his free han
d. “I swear it’s the truth. He had a gun and a badge. Even let the neighborhood kids fool around with the squad car lights and siren. You should’ve seen it.”

  The bald and graying man winked at Michelle. “Good evening, Connor Sakuma. Aren’t you going to introduce us to your gorgeous lady friend?”

  Connor waved them off. “Not tonight, fellows.”

  They joined together in a chorus of catcalls. They looked like such nice men, and Michelle thought it might be rather fun to have a seat with Connor and join the older men. “Could we sit for a while?”

  Connor’s eyes widened. “You actually want to?”

  More than she wanted to go home and be alone. “Certainly.” She extended her hand to the older gentleman who held the cup. “Michelle Lewis.”

  “Anthony Green,” he said, taking her hand and kissing it.

  The other man smiled, exposing sparkling white teeth. How had he managed that? “Luis Garcia.”

  Michelle nodded politely, still wondering about the teeth. Were they dentures? “Very pleased to meet you.”

  “Charmed, I’m sure.” Anthony held out his glass to her. “Would you like a drink?”

  Michelle looked over at Connor, who settled himself on the bench next to the men and arched a dark brow in her direction. While she wanted to be friendly, she wasn’t without common sense. “What is it?”

  “Metamucil and bourbon. At my age, you need to save all the time you can.” Anthony patted his round stomach. Connor laughed as she shuddered.

  “Anthony, mind your manners. A beautiful young lady has graced us with her presence tonight.”

  Luis sighed, wiping his forehead with his bandana. “Looks like it’s going to be a hot summer.”

  Anthony passed Luis the glass. “Times like these, I go to bed knowing I’ve died and gone to Hades.”

  “If I was married to Rosie, I’d think I’d died and gone to hell every night, too.”

  Both men shared a brief chuckle while Connor shook his head. Luis scratched his chest, sighing with satisfaction. “You know, my first son was conceived during one of these summers.”

  “Miguel?”

  Luis nodded. “The very one.” He still had a smile on his face when he turned to Connor. “How’s school treating you? Oh, and where’s my Lincoln?”

  Connor reached into his wallet and handed over a five-dollar bill. “I received high praises on the meal that I prepared. I can’t believe you were right. As much as I struggled, I didn’t think the instructor would be able to stomach the first bite.”

  “It does my heart good to know an old man can still take advantage of you younger whippersnappers every now and again.” Luis winked at Michelle. “I told Connor that he’s smarter than he gives himself credit for being. Did Connor tell you what he’s doing?”

  Connor hunched his shoulders. “Not now, Luis.”

  “You haven’t told Ms. Lewis about your career ambitions?”

  Anthony cuffed Luis on the shoulder. “Luis. Shh.”

  Michelle’s ears perked up. “What career aspirations?”

  “It’s nothing, Luis.” Connor stared meaningfully.

  Michelle wasn’t going to let Luis off that easy, though. “Please tell me.”

  Luis pursed his lips. “Nope, my loyalty is to Connor. If he says it’s his personal business, who am I to disagree?

  Michelle pulled out her purse. “Luis, I’d like for you to meet Mr. Lincoln.” She held out a five.

  “Michelle. Put that away.” Connor tried to pull her purse away, but she held on tight.

  Luis was a tough customer. “Please, miss, listen to him and put that away. I wouldn’t rat on Connor for anything less than Mr. Jackson.”

  Everyone laughed.

  Michelle looked at Connor for a minute, but he was just studying her. This was a test. She put the money back into her purse. “My apologies, Luis.”

  But then Connor surprised her and told her anyway. “I’m working to get my culinary degree.”

  She looked at him, amazed. Her hand landed on his knee. “That’s great.”

  “Don’t say anything, okay? It’s going slow. The classes don’t come cheap even with financial aid, and it will be a few years yet before I have the degree.”

  He wanted to earn a degree in culinary arts. She shouldn’t have been so surprised. While Theodore had shouted his dreams and goals from the rooftop, Connor had whispered his. Yet, no one had listened to begin with so many assumed he didn’t have any at all. But he did. Somehow, he had become serious about his future and no one had noticed.

  Connor stood, tall and capable. Theodore had always been the smart Sakuma boy, hadn’t he? She wasn’t so certain now.

  Luis stared up at the looming buildings and incandescent street lights, looking as if he was contemplating the universe, and then he gave a heartfelt sigh. “And what do you do, Michelle?”

  “Michelle’s an OSHA Labor Liaison,” Connor responded.

  Anthony nudged Luis. “You don’t say? You hear that? She works for OSHA.”

  Luis’s reply was a noncommittal grunt.

  Anthony swirled the glass in his hand, pointing it at Michelle. “I’ve been telling Luis he should find a good lawyer. Like one of them on TV.”

  Michelle turned to Luis, intrigued. “For what?”

  “I’ve been having trouble with my lungs now and nobody’s ever said anything, but back when I was on the line, they used this product cleaner that—well, it was strong stuff. They didn’t use it very long, but a couple of other guys who did the some of the same work at the same time I was there, well, we’re all in the same shape.”

  Anthony sniffed. “They probably knew exactly what they were doing to their employees, but just didn’t care. Corporate America. But that’s what the legal system is for, to keep those greedy bastards in line.”

  Luis looked at Connor. “What do you think?”

  Connor shook his head. “You want a lawyer? You are going to need one of the best for a thirty-five-year-old case.”

  Michelle opened her mouth, ready to defend her labor law skills. But there was no need. Connor took care of that.

  “But I know you can’t afford one, so believe me, Michelle is the next best thing.” His smile was real, but a little sad.

  For a moment she just stared. He didn’t know what a gift he’d just given her. She didn’t know whether she should kiss him or say thank you, but he had a “hands off” look. Disappointed, she handed a business card to Luis. “Call me first thing in the morning. I’ll look into it and see what I can do.”

  Connor yawned. “Well, I’m sorry to chat and run, but I need to get Michelle back to her car, and me to bed.”

  “Sure, sure,” Anthony said as he extended a hand to help Michelle up from the bench. “Traffic should be okay for you now. Congressman Kanepi held a meeting tonight on the new park plans. For some insane reason, they’re still not done debating the location. It went on for five hours. Five hours! What’s there to discuss? Plant a few trees, some flowers, and put a swing set in the middle. It’s a park. What? They need a committee to figure that out? Well, anyway, you’re lucky you didn’t try to leave before now. Traffic was insane.”

  “Michelle, it was a real pleasure. Good night, Connor. Come down tomorrow night and talk to us,” Luis said.

  “Working late tomorrow and I have class. Can’t do it.” Connor stuck his hands in his pockets and turned left at the corner, his stride more a run than a walk. Michelle waved to the old men, then hustled to keep up. “Connor, wait. Why didn’t you tell me about you going to school? That’s so great.”

  He stopped, his expression grim. “Look. Nobody knows. Okay? I don’t know if I’ll be able to finish or not. I don’t know if I want to finish. I’ve peaked in the culinary world, and I can’t move up without it. Still, it’s a lot more than I can handle.” He pointed to the row of cars parked on the street. “Which one is yours?”

  She almost didn’t tell him. “The Range Rover.”

  He just
shook his head and laughed. “Yeah, why didn’t I guess?” She unlocked it with her remote, and he opened the door for her. “See you around, Michelle.” He started to turn away.

  “Wait, Connor.” She leaned against the cool steel door, shutting it. “What do we do now?”

  “We’ve already done too much.”

  In her mind, they hadn’t done nearly enough, but she remained silent. “I’m talking about Theodore.”

  “Why don’t you marry him, Michelle? I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. My parents would be thrilled. I think yours would be, as well.”

  He actually sounded serious.

  Why couldn’t anyone understand? Theodore wasn’t the one she wanted. “My plan is working. Theodore really believes we’re having an affair. Just a little more time, Connor. Give it a chance. I needed your help to make this work.”

  “Michelle, you don’t need anyone’s help. Least of all mine. You could do anything you set your mind to.”

  She didn’t want to see him go. Not yet. “Please? I know this will work.”

  Connor looked up at the streetlights and closed his eyes. “Why would Theodore ever believe this?”

  It was the sarcastic tone that made her angry. “Look at me. I have put up with Theodore Sakuma for twenty years! That’s longer than most marriages. For the first time, Theodore is actually entertaining thoughts of other women. Did you see him with Erica? That’s what I was trying to tell you. This is going to work. It has to work. I don’t know what else to do.” To her chagrin, she felt tears gathering at the corner of her eyes, and she brushed them away with the tip of her finger.

  Connor swore, lifted a hand to touch her, and then stopped. “Don’t start crying. Look, if you want me to help, I’ll help.” He pushed at his dark hair with an unsteady hand. “But nothing else, Michelle. I don’t know exactly what you’re thinking here, but he’s my brother. Nothing real is going to happen between us.” He pushed his hands in his pockets and took a step back. “Nothing.”

  Michelle knew when it was time to leave it alone. She opened the car door and settled into the plush leather interior. Why couldn’t she drive a Honda? He shut her door and saluted. Completely unaffected by what she considered was certainly a defeatist attitude, she rolled down the window and waved. “You work on Saturday? We can go dancing.”