by MK Schiller
“Hi, stalker, nice to see you again,” Kyle said, eyeing the menu instead of looking at Lanie.
“Please don’t call me that,” Lanie said sincerely.
“Isn’t that what you are?”
“No, it’s not, and would you like it if I called you a slut?”
“Hmm…I wouldn’t mind. It fits me,” Kyle replied, putting down his menu to give her an amused look.
After she ordered a virgin daiquiri, he asked, “How come you order virgin drinks?”
Lanie shrugged, even though she had answered this question many times. “I like the taste of them, and I don’t see the point of alcohol.”
Thankfully, Kyle didn’t seem interested enough to prod further. “So, I’ve been thinking about your proposition.”
“I take it you’re interested.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Why are we here then?” Lanie asked, putting on her courtroom voice.
“Touché,” Kyle said with an amused grin. He had the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. It held all the seduction of a powerful man, but there was also a charming, boyish mischief to it.
“I know it’s hard for you to understand this, but I really have no intention of harming Brad or my sister. If Brad returns my affections, it has to be a natural process.”
“There’s nothing natural about this, Lanie. You can’t plan love; it just happens.”
“How would you know?” she asked pointedly.
Kyle looked thoughtful for a moment, as if seriously contemplating her question. Lanie bit her lower lip nervously, hoping she hadn’t offended him. When he smiled at her, she sighed in relief.
“I wouldn’t. I’m not an expert on matters of the heart.”
“That’s not why I enlisted your help.”
“Then why did you?” The food arrived, and Lanie dug in to her burger, happy to have something to distract her from Kyle’s piercing eyes and sexy grin.
“You know Brad in ways I don’t. I was hoping you could shed some light on his tastes.”
“So you can become the perfect woman for him?”
“No. As I stated, if he falls in loves with me, it has to be for me. The person I am, crazy quirks and all. I just want to know what pleases him.”
Kyle let out a sarcastic sigh and chewed his sandwich in silence. Lanie wondered if he was going to speak again. “Give me an example of what you had in mind.”
Lanie already had a slew of questions, so she didn’t have to think too hard. “Does Brad prefer sausage or bacon for breakfast?”
Kyle almost choked on his sandwich. “I have no fucking idea. Do you think I make the guy breakfast in bed?”
She shook her head impatiently. “No, but I figured that just might be something you’d know about your friend.”
“Doesn’t your sister know that? Doesn’t he sleep over?”
At the mention of her sister, Lanie shifted uncomfortably and lowered her eyes. “She doesn’t cook, and Brad always leaves very early.”
Kyle leaned in to the table, arching his eyebrows, with a mischievous smile. “You want to make him breakfast in bed?”
“Not until he asks me to. I just want to be prepared if the day comes. I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve never felt anything like this. The only way I can make sense of it is to be ready for it. You’re a journalist, so you understand the need for thorough research and perspective.”
“You really have no intention of acting on your insane feelings for Brad?”
“I promise you I don’t. I just think we’re compatible, and I hope one day he’ll see it too.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
Lanie studied the sesame seeds on her hamburger bun, trying to keep the emotion out of her voice. “I’ll let it go.”
“That’s very admirable of you, but it just makes your plan sound even more insane.”
She shrugged. “I’m not looking for your approval, Kyle, just your help.”
“Again, I have no idea how I can help you.”
“What does Brad like? Does he like backrubs?”
Kyle laughed mockingly. “First off, if I don’t know what the hell he likes for breakfast, I sure as hell have no idea about that. Secondly, he’s a man, not a fucking dog.”
“Stop making fun of me. You can see I have very little experience. I’ll gladly admit that. There’s no reason for you to exploit it.” She wasn’t angry with Kyle. She knew that the question was silly, but she had no experience to draw from and no girlfriends to ask. Even if Brad weren’t dating Cassie, she wouldn’t dare ask her sister unless she wanted another lecture about her “two and ten” theory.
“What’s the measure for success? I can do very little to assist you, and I for sure can’t guarantee you’ll end up with Brad. You don’t sound very sure of it yourself.”
“I just need a little edge with this, that’s all. I won’t hold you to any obligations for success or failure.”
He regarded her seriously for a moment then his smile shifted. “What about my story?”
“What about it?”
“I can’t fucking help you, lady. Does that mean you’re giving my story away to that hack Watkins?”
“I understand. You can still have the story. You’re the best man for the job.”
Kyle straightened. “What is it I can’t mention in the story?”
“You have carte blanche except for my identity and relation to these girls.”
Kyle narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Don’t you want credit for what you’re doing? As much as this story will do for my career, it will surely skyrocket yours.”
Lanie shook her head. “I didn’t take on their case for notoriety or personal gain. My anonymity is my only condition. That and you make them feel comfortable. The last case was in a closed courtroom, and their identities were protected because they were minors. This will be different, and I want to prepare them starting with this interview.”
“You can’t think I’m Mr. Sensitive when it comes to these things.”
“I’ve read your work, and it’s compassionate and honest at the same time. If we go to trial, they’re going to have to tell their story to all kinds of men from attorneys to judges to government officials. It’s good they start with an impartial party, someone who’ll be interested in the facts, not the facade.”
It took Lanie a moment to define the soft smile he offered her—it was a mixture of gratitude, but there was something else too…maybe remorse? “I sincerely appreciate that, and I really want to do this story justice.”
“I’ll be in touch,” she replied meekly, taking her wallet out.
“This one’s on me, Lanie.”
“Thank you,” she replied, gathering her items.
“Wait, tell you what…maybe there is something I can do.”
“What do you mean?”
“We both agree you are very socially awkward. I’m assuming you were so assertive the other night because you rehearsed for our initial meeting.” It was Lanie’s turn to be shocked. Kyle was very perceptive. “I don’t mean to be insulting, but I have no idea how you’re a lawyer and so…reserved.”
Lanie laughed at that. The man was very insulting and he knew it, but she didn’t mind. She liked that he said things to her face instead of behind her back. “I told you, most of my cases never make it to court. I’m good at reading people when it comes to something impartial and business related. I’m horrible at it when it involves me and is emotional. I appreciate your candor. I’m not a girl who takes offense in the face of truth.”
Kyle actually looked concerned, causing the glimmer in his eyes to dissipate. It was the last emotion Lanie wanted to evoke from him. She’d rather have had his scorn or anger than his pity. “Don’t feel sorry for me, Kyle. I don’t want your sympathy.”
He looked down at her hands. She followed his gaze and saw they were shaking. She moved them to her lap.
“Does Brad even know you’re interested in him?”
“I do
n’t think so, but I won’t ever tell him. He has to make the first move and only after my sister breaks up with him.”
“Lanie, how can you expect him to make any moves if he doesn’t even know what’s on the table?”
She shrugged. “How am I supposed to let him know without being manipulative?”
“Maybe flirt a little or something.” She looked at Kyle in horror. “Nothing outrageous. Don’t throw yourself at him. Just let him know that if he’s interested, you’re available.”
She laughed, covering her mouth. “I don’t know how to do that.”
“You don’t know how to flirt?”
“Can you teach me?” she asked anxiously.
“It’s not really something you can teach exactly.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She nodded and gave him a weak smile.
Kyle suddenly grabbed her hand and caressed it, causing her to shiver. “When you smile, you’re beautiful. It makes me wonder how to make you smile more. But as much as I like your smile, I’d love to hear your moan.” Lanie pulled her hand away and brought it to her face, surprised to find how warm she was. Kyle gave a cocky grin at her reaction. “That’s flirting, sweetheart.”
“Um…you’re a very good actor,” Lanie said, wondering if they had turned up the heat in the restaurant.
“I am. Look, maybe we don’t concentrate on Brad. We shift our focus to you and work on getting Lanie to be more desirable to Brad.”
“Thanks, but I’m not a good actor. I’m not good at being someone I’m not.”
“A lawyer who can’t lie? Now I’ve seen everything.” Kyle smirked.
“Brad’s a lawyer, and he doesn’t lie,” Lanie responded earnestly.
“Brad’s an idiot because you’ve got a smoking body, and he can’t see it.” Lanie felt the temperature rise incrementally with Kyle’s words.
“Are you fake flirting with me again?”
“You’re a smart girl. I think we can be friends. I’ve never met a girl I can be so honest with, who doesn’t take offense.”
“I don’t think I can flirt like you though.”
“Try it.”
“You have nice eyes,” she said.
“That’s on the tame side, but it’s a good start. It helps that you really feel that. It’s more believable.”
Lanie tilted her head. “Who said I really felt it?”
”Touché,” he replied with a crooked grin, nodding appreciatively.
His smile was sincere, bordering on sweet. It was infectious, and Lanie found herself looking forward to any lessons Kyle wanted to teach her. In fact, she really enjoyed talking to him in general. She had a feeling he’d be an excellent instructor.
Chapter Five
They met at another sports bar a few days later. Kyle waited in a booth where he could easily watch the hockey game. Lanie was a few minutes late, and she again took the seat beside him. The first time Kyle had thought it was part of her brashness. Now he realized that it was easier for Lanie to sit beside him like this, without making eye contact. He didn’t mind. And he didn’t feel an ounce of guilt for eyeing all the luscious girls in the bar. He even got the waitress’s phone number, and Lanie gave him an encouraging nod when he did. Why wouldn’t she? She was in love with Brad after all. Kyle was a little irked by that. While he liked the freedom, he was so used to jealous girls that he took it for granted. Obviously, Lanie had no interest in him.
Why did that bother him? He had no attraction to her. She wore enough garments to clothe three women, and her shape was a total column, not the hourglass he coveted. Really, he felt sorry for her. Brad was an upstanding kind of guy, but like all guys, he wanted to spend his nights with something soft and feminine, not frizzy and hard-edged. She was realistic about her unattractiveness, but the matter-of-fact way she debased herself drew on his sympathies.
Lanie wore her hair down tonight, and it made her more feminine. Her hair was by far her best feature. Probably her only feature. It was long, falling just past her shoulders in soft, curly waves of brown and red highlights. She didn’t seem like the kind of girl who highlighted her hair, so they must be natural. His wanted to run his fingers through it so badly that they actually twitched.
“So what’s the game plan?” Lanie asked before digging in to her basket of chicken wings. Did this girl even know how to be a girl?
“Did you try flirting?”
“Um…sort of, but I don’t think it worked.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, I told Brad I liked his tie and asked him where he purchased it.”
Kyle started laughing. “Lanie, he’s going to think you’re buying a tie for another guy.”
“Oh…I guess you’re right,” she replied, unable to hide her disappointment at her first foray into flirting.
Kyle leaned in toward her and whispered into her ear. “You should have said ‘I like your tie and wonder how it would feel wrapped around my wrists.’” Kyle laughed at Lanie’s shocked expression, but he was annoyed she pulled away from him, especially when a silky strand of her hair brushed his cheek.
“I can’t say that!”
“I suppose you couldn’t. Scratch the flirting for now. Maybe I can just give you some advice.”
“I’m willing to listen.”
“You’re very severe in your looks. We both know you’re not the prettiest girl, but you should at least play up your features.” He’d just hit a new level in douche baggery, but she didn’t react to his words.
“No kidding. Tell me something I don’t know.”
“Your hair looks better when it’s down. Always wear it down.”
“It’s a lot of work to wear down. It’s easier to tie up.”
“Jesus, Lanie, do you want Brad to notice you or not?” he asked, slamming down his drink with too much force. “I thought you were a hard worker.”
“I am,” she replied, acting offended for the first time.
“Well, then work hard at this like you would an important case.”
“I plan on a makeover, Kyle, but only after my sister breaks up with Brad.”
Kyle sighed. “Let’s say she breaks up with Brad, and he moves on. Brad’s just going to pass you up. You blend in with the wallpaper. I bet you get shoved a lot.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re not noticeable. You’re like a chameleon and not in a good way.” She chewed on her lower lip, brushing her hair back nervously. “Just take my advice. I may not know anything about love or relationships, but I know what makes a girl hot.”
“I’m never going to be hot, Kyle.”
“No, but maybe you’ll be passable one day.” Again, she didn’t take any affront to his words. Kyle felt an emotion he rarely used rise up—remorse.
“Okay, fine. Any other suggestions?”
“Do you have to wear glasses?”
“I was thinking about getting laser surgery. I believe I’m a candidate.”
“Good. Do it. Do it now. And, for God’s sake, stop wearing fifty layers of clothes. You look like you’re ready to hibernate for the winter.” Kyle stared at her and tried to imagine what she would look like under all those layers. A fleeting thought drifted through his head of peeling all of them off one by one.
“I have to dress professionally for my job.”
“I’m not telling you to dress slutty, Lanie. Just show a little skin once in a while. You look like a member of a freaking Mormon cult or something. We live in Chicago, not Baghdad.”
“Okay, got it. So to summarize, less clothing, no glasses, and hair down.”
“Yes, and smile more. You look more approachable when you smile.” Lanie flashed Kyle the biggest smile he’d seen from her, and he changed his mind. Her smile was her best feature. She had very soft, sultry lips. “Yeah, so now that I’ve done my good deed, when am I going to get this interview?”
“Two weeks or so. I need that time to prep them,” she answered.
“Prep them? I want the r
eal story here, not some rehearsed version.”
“It won’t be, Kyle, but my main concern is my clients. If you interview them now, they’ll be nervous and scared. It won’t be good for anyone.”
“What’s going to change in two weeks?”
“I’m working with them. They already know you’re the interviewer, and I’m going to get them to trust you with their story.”
“Do you trust me, Lanie?” Kyle blurted the question, not even sure where it came from.
“I do. Despite your reputation, I know you’re a decent guy. Do you trust me, Kyle?”
“Jury’s still out on that one.”
“How can we be friends if you don’t trust me?”
“Good point. The thing is, I’m kind of worried your crazy fixation with Brad is going to transfer to me.”
Lanie laughed heartily, to Kyle’s surprise. The question was only a half joke, and Kyle didn’t like her response.
“No worries there. You’re definitely not the hero in my story.”
Kyle turned and stared at her until she met his gaze. “I’m not the hero in anyone’s story.”
“Then I guess we have an understanding.” The statement should have brought him great relief, but it did just the opposite, filling him with a sense of anxiety, and he didn’t know why. “We do.” Although he couldn’t identify his jumbled feelings, one thing was for certain. Lanie kept him off balance, but not in an uncomfortable way. She wasn’t just different…she was special. Kyle had no desire to be the hero, but he felt drawn to the story of her and had an incredible craving to be a supportive character at least.
* * * *
Lanie was surprised when Kyle called her the next day at work. She had thought their business was concluded and she would never have a personal exchange with him again. Except maybe at her wedding to Brad. She knew she was being childishly dramatic, but she couldn’t help it. She’d never imagined her wedding, even when she was a little girl. Brad brought out the dreamy side in her, and she liked it.
“You’ll be happy to know I have an appointment tomorrow for laser surgery. I’m wearing my hair down and only three layers of clothes today,” she said brightly.