Beth and the Bachelor

by Susan Mallery

  ‘‘Great,’’ Jodi said. ‘‘We’ll be fine. I’m sixteen, and even though Matt’s still a baby, he’s sorta mature.’’

  Matt assumed a boxing stance. ‘‘Say that again, sister, and I’ll show you mature.’’

  Jodi dimpled. ‘‘You can’t hit me. I’m a girl.’’

  Matt groaned. ‘‘Come on, Mom. Just once let me hit her. Just once. Please?’’

  Beth ruffled his hair. ‘‘Sorry. No. You can’t hit women.’’

  ‘‘But she deserves it.’’

  ‘‘So do you sometimes, but I don’t hit you.’’

  He straightened. ‘‘That’s because I’m the same height as you and I’m a tough guy.’’

  Beth stared at her baby, who actually was almost her height. Jodi had reached five eight and stopped, but Matt was going to easily pass six feet.

  Matt took a step back. ‘‘She’s got that look, Jo. The one where she starts talking about how cute we were when we were little. You’d better run for it.’’

  The sound of a car engine distracted them all. Beth felt her stomach dive-bomb her toes. Dear Lord, she was going to throw up.

  ‘‘He’s here,’’ Matt called as he raced to the front of the house. ‘‘It’s a limo, Mom,’’ he yelled back. ‘‘Black and really cool looking. So how rich is this guy anyway? You think he wants to buy me a car?’’

  Jodi touched her arm. ‘‘You’ll be fine. You look great. Just smile. If there’s a lull in conversation, ask about him. Guys love to talk about themselves.’’

  ‘‘How do you know all this?’’ Beth asked.

  Jodi grinned. ‘‘I’m repeating the advice you always give me. It works.’’

  Beth could feel her chest tightening. She was going to pass out or something equally embarrassing. ‘‘At least I raised my kids right,’’ she said as she kissed her daughter’s cheek.

  She walked slowly toward the front door. Matt knelt on the sofa facing the window and motioned for her to come look out with him. ‘‘The driver is turning the car around at the end of the cul de sac. You can’t see in the windows or anything. This is so great. Maybe you could really date this guy, Mom. I’d pretend not to like him and he’d give me money to change my mind. What do you think?’’

  She bent over and kissed the top of his head. ‘‘I think you have a great imagination, which is why I push you so hard when you write those English papers. I know what you’re capable of.’’

  ‘‘I wonder if the driver is in a uniform and everything,’’ Matt said, ignoring her comment. ‘‘How much do you think Mike paid for this date?’’

  Beth didn’t want to wonder about that. She didn’t want to think about the fact that she wasn’t ready for this at all. She didn’t want to think about the fact that Todd Graham was going to take one look at her and run in the opposite direction, or at least wish that he could. He went through postadolescent models the way other people went through tissues, tossing them into the trash when they got a little used.

  She reminded herself this was for charity. That if Todd hadn’t wanted to go on a date, he shouldn’t have been in the bachelor auction to begin with. Then she repeated Cindy’s words that this was just practice…nothing more. Better to get the first-night jitters over with someone who didn’t matter. And if it got really, really horrible, she would just walk out of the restaurant, get a cab and come home. She’d made sure she had enough cash in her purse.

  She drew in one deep breath for courage, walked to the front door, flipped on the porch light…and waited.

  Chapter Two

  Todd Graham glanced out of the tinted limousine window and realized that, until this particular moment in time, he’d never been in the suburbs before. Looks like he hadn’t missed much.

  Two-story brick houses lined the residential street. The architecture was all similar, with the painted trims ranging from white to ivory. The trees lined up perfectly, there were minivans and sedans parked in the driveways. So this was Middle America. Who would have thought it was only twenty-five minutes away from his high-rise penthouse?

  His driver drew the vehicle to a stop in front of a house that looked much like all the others on the street. Todd decided that despite the sameness to the construction, the neighborhood wasn’t unappealing…in its own way. If only he could say the same about his date. Middle-aged women were not his style, but he’d been coerced into the charity bachelor auction and he couldn’t think of a good excuse to back out of his date.

  He already resigned himself to a long and boring evening. At least he had a seven-thirty golf game the following morning, which gave him the perfect excuse to cut things short. They were going straight to the restaurant, then straight back here. He ignored the flicker of guilt that reminded him the price paid for an evening with him should at least include going somewhere nice for drinks, either before or after, but Todd didn’t think he could stand that much insipid conversation.

  R.J., his driver, opened the rear door and Todd stepped out into the humid Texas evening. Even though the sun had set nearly an hour before, several people were still outside. The sound of laughter drew his attention. He glanced to his left and saw a father wrestling with his son on the front lawn of their house. The boy looked maybe five or six. They were both having a great time.

  Todd paused in midstride to stare. The stab of loneliness was so familiar, he barely registered the pain. There had been a time when he’d longed for a relationship with his own father. But the old man had never had time for anything but the newest Mrs. Graham, whomever she might be that month. Certainly he’d never bothered to notice he had a son growing up in his house.

  Todd dismissed the emotion, looked away from the family and headed toward the front door of the brick house. The sooner he got this date started, the sooner it would be over.

  ‘‘Mr. Graham?’’ R.J. said from behind him, then handed Todd a box of long-stemmed red roses.

  ‘‘Thanks.’’ Todd had nearly forgotten. He didn’t see the point in bringing flowers, but his secretary had insisted and he didn’t often argue with her.

  He rang the bell and waited. Less than ten seconds later the door opened. He was face-to-face with his date for the evening.

  He gave her a quick once-over, returned his attention to her face and offered her a smile. ‘‘Good evening, Beth. I’m Todd Graham.’’

  She was much as he’d expected. Maybe a little younger looking, but not by much. Her dress was navy and cream. It hinted at a full figure, not fat, but more curvy than he was used to or liked. The red hair was interesting, although he preferred blondes. She had great eyes, a nice deep blue. She looked like what she was—an attractive suburban middle-aged woman. It was, he reminded himself, only one date.

  ‘‘Nice to meet you.’’ Her voice was low and a little tense. ‘‘I, um—’’ She hesitated. ‘‘Would you in?’’

  He absolutely didn’t want to, but he was determined to be polite. ‘‘Sure. Just for a minute. We have reservations in town.’’

  ‘‘How nice.’’ She stepped back and motioned him inside.

  He moved into a small foyer. He had a brief impression of uninteresting furniture, smallish spaces, not much in the way of decorating. Again, about what he’d expected. ‘‘These are for you,’’ he said, and handed her the florist’s box.

  She opened it and stared at the long-stemmed red roses. ‘‘How lovely. Thank you.’’ Her smile was as tight as it was insincere. ‘‘I’ll just go put them in water.’’

  Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she headed for what he assumed was the kitchen. He glanced around again, taking in a bag with in-line skates by a hall closet door. Beth didn’t strike him as the in-line skating type. Then he stiffened. The woman had children. Of course. Most women her age did.

  He wasn’t sure what to think. Children. He hadn’t been around them since he’d been one himself. Some of his friends joked that his string of female friends were young enough to be classified as children, but he knew their comments al
l sprang from jealousy.

  Beth returned. ‘‘I’ve put them in water. Thank you again. They’re lovely.’’ She picked up a small handbag from a table by the door. ‘‘Shall we go?’’

  ‘‘Certainly.’’

  He waited while she locked the front door, then escorted her to the car. R.J. held the rear door open for them. Beth slid onto the seat, and kept moving until she was practically pressed into the far corner.

  Todd settled into the soft leather, then motioned to the champagne chilling in an ice bucket. ‘‘May I offer you a glass?’’

  Beth shook her head. ‘‘I’m sure it’s nicer than anything I’ve ever had but…’’ The car started moving. She clutched at the door handle to her left. ‘‘I just don’t think I should.’’

  Todd frowned. Was she afraid he was trying to get her drunk? ‘‘Beth, you are perfectly safe in my company.’’

  Her blue eyes widened. She gave a little laugh that turned into a strangled moan. ‘‘Like I don’t know that,’’ she said.

  ‘‘Then I don’t understand.’’

  She angled toward him, although he noticed she was careful to keep herself anchored in the corner. ‘‘I mean this in the nicest possible way, Mr. Graham, but I really don’t want to be out with you tonight.’’

  He was so stunned he could barely speak. ‘‘You don’t want to be on our date?’’ He couldn’t believe it. While it was fine for him not to want to be there, he couldn’t believe that she wasn’t thrilled.

  ‘‘I think I would rather have a root canal…without the painkiller.’’

  That was telling him, he thought, and longed for the respectful, often shy, young women he dated. ‘‘Then why did you bid for me at the auction?’’

  ‘‘I didn’t.’’ She drew in a deep breath. ‘‘Some very well-meaning friends bought this evening for me. They thought it was time for me to start getting out into the world, and this seemed like an easy way to make that happen.’’ She shook her head. ‘‘Easy for them. They aren’t the ones who are going to throw up in the car.’’

  Throw up? He inched back slightly. ‘‘Would you like me to roll down the window?’’

  ‘‘No. I’m fine. I meant that more in an emotional way than physically, although it’s why I don’t want to risk the champagne.’’ She looked at him ‘‘To be honest, I haven’t been on a date in twenty years. I don’t remember what to talk about, or how I’m supposed to act. I don’t imagine I’m your idea of the perfect partner anyway, what with me being well over twenty-five.’’ The last comment was delivered with a slight smile. ‘‘From what I’ve read, younger would be your preference.’’

  He didn’t like the direction this conversation was going. ‘‘So you know who I am.’’

  ‘‘It’s hard to live in Houston and not have heard about you, Mr. Graham.’’

  ‘‘Then we’ll agree that I’m the expert in this dating situation?’’

  Her gaze narrowed. ‘‘Maybe.’’

  She didn’t trust easily and she wasn’t a fool. Despite her obvious nerves and the fact that she was so ill at ease, she was saying awful things about him, Todd had to respect her honesty. ‘‘I’m going to give you some dating advice.

  Use my first name. Mr. Graham makes me feel like I’m the high school principal.’’

  She stared at him, opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. A flush of color crept up her cheeks. ‘‘I have been calling you that, haven’t I?’’ She shook her head. ‘‘I don’t think I should do this. I wasn’t good at dating when I was young and I know I haven’t improved since then.’’

  He liked her vulnerability. Maybe this evening wasn’t going to be so horrible after all. ‘‘It’s like riding a bike— everything will come back to you.’’

  ‘‘You say that like it’s a good thing. I’m not so sure. I distinctly remember being tongue-tied and incredibly nervous in high school. I don’t want to go back to that.’’

  ‘‘How about if I handle the difficult parts? I’ll introduce topics of conversation and keep things running smoothly. All you have to do is remember to breathe and respond where appropriate.’’

  Some of the stiffness left her body. ‘‘Should I take notes?’’ she teased, as she flashed a smile that momentarily made her quite attractive.

  ‘‘I think you’re smart enough to remember the highlights.’’

  ‘‘Keep the instructions in single-syllable words and I’ll be fine.’’ She leaned forward a little. ‘‘Actually, I do have a few dating questions, if you wouldn’t mind answering them.’’

  ‘‘Not at all.’’

  ‘‘Do you like all the dating you do? Don’t you get tired of all those different women? And how on earth do you keep their names straight? I’ve always wondered about that. Do you use a common endearment? Are they all honey, or in this case because they’re so young, baby?’’

  Todd’s first instinct was to be insulted. If one of his male friends had asked him the last question, he would have decked the guy in about two seconds. But Beth wasn’t one of his male friends, and as he gazed at her, he realized she wasn’t trying to be rude.

  ‘‘I’m only asking because your life is so different from mine or from anyone’s I know.’’ Her mouth turned up at the corners. ‘‘I was married, all my friends are married. The most romantic excitement at my house is when there’s a good love story on television.’’

  ‘‘Flash cards,’’ he said, pretending seriousness. ‘‘I have my secretary write out flash cards on each of the women I date, then I memorize the information. If I start to get confused, I just pull it out for a quick review. Of course it gets more difficult in the bedroom, what with me not having access to my pants pocket. In that case, I either tuck it between the mattress and the box spring, or under the pillow.’’

  Beth stared at him for a long time, then she smiled again. The smile broadened and soon she was laughing. He joined in. His gaze drifted over her face. She was prettier than he’d first realized. Her blue eyes seemed to signal her emotions in the most charming way.

  ‘‘Flash cards,’’ she said. ‘‘What a great idea. Should I ever find myself in your situation, I’ll remember that. Although the odds of it being a problem are quite slim.’’

  ‘‘I think you’ll do fine. You’re all right now, aren’t you?’’

  Her hands rested in her lap. He stared at her long, bare fingers and could easily imagine a slender gold wedding band on the ring finger of her left hand. Beth was one of those women born to be married.

  ‘‘If I’m not fighting nausea, it’s because of you,’’ she said.

  ‘‘A compliment to warm my heart.’’

  She returned his smile. ‘‘I’m being serious.’’

  ‘‘I can tell.’’

  ‘‘No, really,’’ she insisted. ‘‘I never thought it would be like this.’’ She motioned to the limo interior, then to him. ‘‘I didn’t think everything would be so nice or that I would be able to talk to you.’’

  ‘‘What were you expecting?’’

  ‘‘I thought you would be kind of a snob, and that you would be angry that I wasn’t some young girl…you know, a bimbo.’’

  Todd couldn’t remember the last time someone had insulted him so completely, all the while apparently unaware of what she was saying.

  ‘‘Oh, no,’’ Beth said quickly. ‘‘You have this tight look on your face. I said something horrible, didn’t I? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.’’

  ‘‘I’m not upset,’’ he told her.

  ‘‘Then what?’’

  He looked at her. ‘‘You don’t have a very high opinion of me. So far you’ve implied that I date younger women, that I call them all baby because I can’t remember their names and that they must be bimbos.’’

  Beth covered her face with her hands and made a sound low in her throat. ‘‘I should never be allowed out on my own,’’ she moaned. ‘‘Especially not in a situation like this.’’

  She raised her head and s
tared at him. Remorse darkened her eyes. ‘‘I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to be insulting. That’s not even what I was thinking. I guess it’s because I don’t think of you as a real person. I mean I’ve read about you in the newspaper and everything. You’re like a movie star or a celebrity—very much larger than life. I don’t think of you as being like everyone else.’’

  He wasn’t sure how to take that. In a way, her opinion was flattering. He liked the fact that she saw him as larger than life, but he didn’t want her to be intimidated. But before he could figure out how to respond to her, the limo pulled to a stop in front of the restaurant.

  Beth glanced out the window, and read the discrete lettering on the awning. ‘‘I’ve heard about this place,’’ she murmured. ‘‘It’s very expensive.’’

  Todd leaned close. ‘‘I can afford it,’’ he whispered.

  She looked at him. Their faces weren’t that far apart and he had the sudden urge to kiss her. Startled by the impulse, he pulled back.

  A uniformed doorman reached for the rear handle and opened the door. Todd stepped out, then paused to assist Beth. He took her hand in his as she stepped out, then released her.

  ‘‘I’m sure you meant to reassure me when you told me you could afford a place like this,’’ she said as she walked next to him toward the double doors. ‘‘But it didn’t work.’’

  ‘‘So you think this would be easier if I was a truck driver or maybe a schoolteacher?’’

  She tilted her head slightly as she thought. ‘‘Maybe. Although I can’t imagine dating ever being fun. But yes, I would like it if you weren’t so…’’

  ‘‘Successful? Rich? Incredibly good-looking?’’ he offered helpfully.

  She came to a stop on the walkway and stared at him. ‘‘Not to mention modest.’’

  But there was a smile tugging at her lips and she wasn’t as tense as she’d been before. Todd bent his arm, then drew her hand up to the crook of his elbow. ‘‘You’ll be fine,’’ he promised. ‘‘I won’t let anything bad happen to you.’’