Wanted: Girl I Once Met

by Sonja Gunter

  “Mr. Christmenn, your table is ready. Please follow me.”

  Suddenly several cameras went off, leaving a show of flashing colors. Rane felt tension creep up her spine as all eyes turned to stare at them as they made their way through the crowd.

  Chapter 19

  The commotion their entrance had made hadn’t worn off by the time the waiter had finished taking their order. Mark appeared to be ignoring the commotion and trying to be casual.

  “How do you do it? All this?” Rane asked.

  “I don’t see anything. What are you talking about?”

  “Nice,” she said, laughing. “I noticed it walking with you yesterday and again today. People just stop and stare. Doesn’t it bother you when they act like this? I’d be intimidated. No, I am intimidated.”

  “I’m so used to the staring and the photographers following me. It’s nothing except when they get out of hand,” Mark replied.

  “Why are they so interested in you? I know it sure wasn’t me. Do they know something I don’t?”

  “I’m sorry. It’s the damn tabloids! They’ve made me popular. I don’t think of myself as famous. I tune them out, but I didn’t think how it might affect you.” He pushed his chair away from the table. “I’m going to call Philip to come and pick us up. We can go someplace else to eat.”

  “No, no, it’s really okay.”

  “If you’re sure?” Mark asked.

  Seeing her nod, he pocketed his cell phone. “I thought it would be safe to come here. Did you know I own Jake’s?”

  “Really? I’ve heard about this restaurant but I hadn’t eaten here until yesterday. I believe it’s been written up twice in the Minnesota Monthly.”

  “You’re correct. It was great for business. I try to hire new and upcoming chefs. I let them create their own style of cuisine. So far, so good. Each one of my restaurants are different, but of course, it’s necessary they serve my coffees. It helps promote the new blends.”

  “I didn’t realize you’d gone that far to secure the success of the blends. The chefs must love you. I mean, to have a boss who allows them to be creative,” Rane said.

  “Sometimes I do need to step in, but overall my chefs are acquiring quite a reputation.”

  The noise from the front grew louder. He cast a concerned glance over her shoulder.

  “The interior is nice,” she said. “I like the wildlife pictures.”

  “Oh, thanks. Sorry about the commotion. Someone must’ve seen us yesterday and somehow found out I was coming again today. Things like this happen a lot, getting ambushed, I mean. The press tries to see if I’m meeting someone important or famous. I usually arrive through the back entrances to avoid the trouble,” Mark said.

  Could all this attention be because of the pending Massaro trial? Had the local newspapers pieced together his involvement?

  “Wow! To be a part of the rich and famous. Are you on the top ten most eligible bachelors list?” Rane asked.

  “Funny. In fact, I am. You can check the Internet. I’m Number Seven.”

  Seeing her eyebrows rise in awe, Mark knew she really didn’t know much about him, which was refreshing. He was actually Number Three. He’d lied to test her, and she’d passed with flying colors and his approval.

  “I’m impressed. If you look me up, I’m not listed.”

  “Nice, you’re quick. I’ll have to talk to the manager so this doesn’t happen again. It’s good for business but I don’t want or need the attention. Come to think of it, maybe I’ll have to purchase another restaurant.”

  Rane laughed. “Sure, why not purchase another one? You could start collecting them.”

  “I just might. I already own five. The new one would be safe for a while until they found out I own that one, too,” Mark said, laughing along with her.

  He apprehensively glanced again toward the waiting area and saw it had become overly crowded with an occasional flash lighting up the dining room. His mood darkened for a moment.

  Someone was going to pay dearly for this screw up.

  He forced himself to relax when he saw Rane fidget with her napkin. He gently placed his hand on top of hers, not caring if anyone saw them.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to leave now?” he asked while absentmindedly rubbing his thumb across her smooth skin.

  “Is this what it feels like to be a movie star? Do you think I’m dressed okay? Is my hair in place? I think I forgot to put on lipstick before leaving the office. Do you think they noticed?” she asked.

  Her smile eased his uncertainties. Mark slid his hand away from hers, leaned back, and laughed, the two of them oblivious to the several flashes that went off.

  Glad she’d been able to tease Mark about the unwanted attention, Rane observed how remarkable the change in him was when he laughed. It eased the lines on his forehead and in that instant, as she stared at him, an image of a boy she’d met on an airplane a long time ago came to mind.

  She’d been about twelve and had thought every guy who didn’t have pimples was a hunk. He’d been so nice to her during the plane ride she’d even proposed to him. She’d talked about the boy for months and had fought with Val about him. It had been a good time.

  “You look fantastic! Every man here is wishing they were the one sitting across from you.” Mark grinned.

  “Ya, right! Are you trying to earn brownie points?”

  “Who me? Did I get any?” he asked.

  Giving him a look of disbelief, she stated, “On a more serious note, it’s really okay. You’ll have to decide what’s best. All this attention has caught me off guard, that’s all. Besides, you still owe me your answer. What are you looking for in a woman?”

  He smiled but didn’t reply.

  “I’m not going to tell you one more thing about myself until you spill your guts.”

  She folded her hands in front of her and waited.

  “Rane, Rane, you’re absolutely amazing. I was hoping you wouldn’t remember.”

  She gave him her best steely look and waited.

  “Okay, okay, you win.”

  Mark observed the stubborn tilt of her chin and her rigid shoulders. Still Rane said nothing.

  “Wow, you’re tough. I’m getting your message loud and clear. Here it is. My truthful answer. I’ve been waiting for the right woman all my life.”

  An understatement. He’d only been waiting the last twenty years.

  As the words rambled through his mind, it seemed foolish now. Taking a deep breath, he continued. “I want to find someone who wants me for who I am, not what I am. You see, half the women I meet want to go out with me because of what I am. The other half, want my money. They see dollar signs. Like winning the lottery. They want what I have; money, homes, and fame. That’s what draws them to me.”

  Mark paused while their lunch was served. He’d watched Rane’s face closely while he’d spoken, knowing he’d be able to read what she was thinking. Unfortunately, this time he saw nothing.

  “Can’t you find yourself a rich woman? She wouldn’t be looking for those things,” Rane asked and took her fork to eat her grilled chicken breast.

  “You’re wrong. They want more. They’re never satisfied. I’m old-fashioned. I want love. I’ve found rich women are usually only looking for a good time.”

  “By a good time, do you mean sex?”

  He nodded, quickly shoving french-fries into his mouth.

  “I’ve found that in the men I’ve dated, too. They’re looking for one thing, and if you don’t give out, they’re gone. No phone calls, no goodbyes, and you’re left with a bag full of their items to donate to charity. Not to mention the big letdown, an empty bed, and a bunch of emotional stress.”

  “Don’t put me in that category. I never leave anything be
hind.” He saw her eyebrows raise and a sparkle appeared in her eyes. “Okay, I’m not a saint! If the women are willing, why would I turn down a night of sex and the lost pair of boxers?”

  “Oh right. Ahh, huh, I got your number. You’re an active healthy male.”

  “And you’re not an active healthy single woman?” Mark asked the loaded question, forgetting his food. “Are you saying you don’t enjoy sex?”

  “No. I mean, yes, I do. I simply don’t offer it to every man I meet. Absolutely never on the first date.” She paused and added, “Or the second.”

  “I’ve heard about women who only give out on the third date.”

  He couldn’t help but laugh as her blue eyes widened with astonishment. He felt so comfortable talking to her it was strange. He hadn’t felt this at ease with a female since the girl on the plane.

  “It’s not as easy as you think. It’s been hard over the years to distance myself from the women I take to social functions. I’ve been very cautious not to lead any of them on in any way because most of them turn out to be cunning little bitches. Some have actually used blackmail to snare me.”

  “That’s sad. You should try what my friend, Val, does. She takes out personal ads on Craigslist. She does very well. Have you tried that yet?” She hid her smile by taking a drink of her Coke.

  “Very funny. How should it read? ‘Rich, single, white male, looking for love.’? It would probably cause Internet Explorer to crash.”

  Rane burst out laughing. “Don’t forget to add, ‘Famous Top Ten eligible bachelor.’”

  Mark gave in to her clever bantering and wished they were alone and not in a crowded restaurant. The urge to kiss her was overwhelming.

  The conversation changed tones and Rane listened to Mark talk about how the companies were founded by his father and grandfather.

  “I didn’t know your grandfather helped build the empire.”

  “He did. I never had the chance to meet him. He died a couple of years before I was born. With both the founding family members dead, I’ve been so careful over the years to make it stronger. I don’t want to lose what my family created,” Mark said.

  “How are you going to pass on your legacy if you don’t marry and have children? I think you should take out that Craigslist ad.”

  “Perhaps I will. It might help. I want to settle down, marry, and have children someday. No one has come along yet that I’ve wanted to share my life with or give my love to,” Mark stated.

  “Maybe try some of the dating services or the personals.”

  “I will if you will.”

  Rane shook her head and smiled. He returned her smile.

  If he did she’d be the first person to apply.

  “Now that you’ve gotten the lowdown on the wealthy Mr. Christmenn’s pathetic love life, it’s my turn.”

  “You sure know how to keep a woman interested. I fully understand now why the women want to be close to you. You have a soft spot deep down under that manly ego. Are you always this genuine with all the women? Or is this one of your pick-up techniques?” Rane asked.

  She watched as a look of innocence came over his face. The softened appearance made him a hundred percent more handsome than he already was. It caused her heart to stop beating for a full second.

  “My grandma warned me about men like you. Am I to understand there is no special woman in your life right now?”

  “You’re correct. No one has come close to stealing my heart,” he said with mock sadness.

  “Is that why you have your bodyguard around most of the time? To protect you from the person who might try to take your heart?”

  “He might be my driver and bodyguard but most of all he is my best friend. He’s the only person I would trust with my life.”

  “Well, Mark, what is the big question you want to ask? I’ll warn you that you can ask, but I’m not going to guarantee that I’ll answer it. Plus, beware, I will come back with a set of my own questions for you to answer.”

  The waiter appeared and cleared away their empty dishes. Once the waiter had left, Mark excused himself, saying he needed to talk to the manager. She heard him mutter that if he had to call Philip he was going to be very pissed off before leaving.

  Rane smiled. She wouldn’t want to be either of them at this point.

  So far, she’d been able to tally the things he wanted in a woman and they were in her favor. Her heart already felt lost to him and she didn’t have anything else to lose.

  She might as well go all the way. There’d be no turning back from this point. She’d fallen for him in one afternoon. Was she crazy? Did she just want to see if Val was right about the finger thing because she knew how long his middle finger was?

  The mere thought of knowing how long it was had her squirming in her chair. She lowered her head, not wanting Mark to see the desire written on her face.

  “The problem is taken care of for the moment. Now where were we? Oh, right, do your eyes turn colors?” Mark asked as he settled into the chair opposite her.

  “What kind of question is that?”

  “The one I’ve been dying to ask you.”

  “I see. I’ve been told they do. I guess it depends on my mood. I’ve never personally seen it happen.”

  “It’s amazing! I’ve seen them change to a green color for just a couple of seconds. Next question.”

  She sat back carelessly enjoying the moment, but stopped suddenly when her bare foot made contact with his ankle. He unfolded his arms, lifted the tablecloth and looked beneath it.

  “Do you usually take your shoes off whenever you feel like it? Or, is it a shoe aversion?” Mark asked charmingly.

  “No, to both questions.” Rane, ashamed she’d been caught again, slipped on her shoes.

  “It’s all right. I like a woman who feels comfortable anywhere she goes.”

  “I said my apologies that night.”

  “Yes, you did. I’m not looking for one now. I’m wondering if it’s a habit and if I need to add something to the employees’ handbook.”

  “It is a very bad habit. I can’t believe we’re discussing my feet.” She shook her head and continued. “The minute I get home at night my shoes are off. Or for that matter, anyplace I can.”

  Talking about the incident brought up feelings she’d thought she’d safely concealed. She could still recall Mark’s chest pressed to hers and the muscles in his hand on her arm when their bodies had collided.

  Thankfully, their dessert arrived and the talk changed to their childhood days. She talked about her grandma, the fun they shared during her summer vacations and going down to Florida for spring breaks. He in turn talked about always being sent away to private schools, which made it almost impossible to make many real friends growing up. She felt saddened by his story and couldn’t imagine not having Val around.

  The manager came over soon after they’d finished their dessert to inform them that the problem had been taken care of. He apologized to Mark, assuring him it would never happen again.

  Mark rubbernecked from left to right several times as they exited the restaurant from the front. There was no crowd and no cameras.

  “The coast is clear,” he said, and motioned for her to follow.

  They briskly walked to the office with minimal conversation. When they reached the MAC building, Mark’s bodyguard, Philip, was waiting for them along with several people with cameras.

  “Mr. Christmenn, over here,” Philip said, waving to them.

  All of a sudden, four security guards rushed out to escort them into the building. In all the madness, Mark trapped Rane in the safety of his arms, securing her against his side. He didn’t release her until they stood in front of Karen’s desk. The guards had formed a human shield in front of the doors.

  “
Go to your office, Rane. You’ll be safe there. I’ll give you a call later,” Mark said.

  Rane didn’t question him or hesitate. As she left, she glanced around and saw a lot of people she didn’t know and only a few employees. Their looks said it all. She and Mark appeared to be a couple returning from an afternoon of sex.

  Chapter 20

  Stunned, Rane waited in the quietness of her office. Was her face was going to be plastered all over the tabloid covers in the morning or worse, all over the Internet?

  How could she have been so naïve as to not have thought that dating a man of his notability wasn’t going to have consequences? Her mom was going to die when and if she saw the pictures.

  Then rational thinking took over. Maybe she was taking this too far. Her imagination had taken her ten steps out of whack before.

  Nothing is going to happen. Everything is going to be fine.

  But her sense of calm didn’t last long. Every time the elevator beeped she glanced toward her door with the silent expectation that Mark would come to see her. She wanted to know what was going on. She didn’t like being kept in the dark.

  She’d texted Val, but neither of them had been able to find any news flashes on the Internet or the news.

  You go, girl. I want an autographed copy, bleeped across her iPhone.

  Rane laughed aloud. Leave it to Val to make the situation less troubling than it was.

  Even with Val’s tension-breaking comment, Rane found herself unable to concentrate on the Purchasing Department report on the screen in front of her. After an hour of redoing page after page of numbers, she decided to send Mark an e-mail letting him know she’d keep her lunches open. Once she hit the ‘send’ button, she was able to calm down enough to work on the report.

  She was surprised when she heard Linda calling out goodnight to the employees and glanced at the computer’s clock to confirm the time. It was much later than she’d thought and Mr. Long Finger hadn’t interrupted her thoughts too many times.