by MK Schiller
“As your friend, I’ve gotta tell you, you’re working too hard and need a break.” She gave him a suspicious look that made Kyle laugh. “It’s not what you think. Tomorrow we’ll just hang out like friends. Be ready because I’m going to pick you up early.” She nodded, and this time Kyle did plant a discreet kiss on her forehead.
“We can do something tomorrow, but I wanted to tell you that you don’t need to take me to my work party. I’m sure you’ll be bored to death stuck in a room with a bunch of lawyers and their significant others. It’s really just an excuse to dress up, eat expensive food, and gripe about country club memberships.”
Kyle smiled at her. “I’ll remember to bring my shark repellent then. I know I don’t need to take you, but I want to. Will you allow me to escort you?”
“Why?” she asked and he tried to think of an answer quickly, but he wasn’t sure why. The idea of the party didn’t appeal to him at all, but he didn’t appreciate the assumption Magda was making that Lanie wouldn’t have a date. In the end, he said the only answer that would make sense without making either of them uncomfortable.
“If Brad’s taking Cassie, then I should take you.”
She seemed satisfied with the answer, but Kyle wasn’t because it lacked honesty. He wanted to take her, and the idea terrified him. He wasn’t a suitable companion to escort a lady to her work function. Rather, he was the right man to call if the lady in question wanted sex after the function. These things always required introductions, and he never wanted to be introduced as someone’s boyfriend. It was still a few weeks away. Maybe by then he could come up with an excuse to blow it off. He knew she would understand because Lanie, if anything, was an understanding kind of girl. The whole thing was confusing, but he put it out of his mind. He had a story to write, after all.
Chapter Eleven
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” Lanie asked Kyle, sipping the espresso he’d bought for her. He’d said early, but she hadn’t thought he meant eight in the morning. She’d stayed up late working on her case and was very tired. They had been driving for over an hour. At least Kyle’s SUV was roomy and comfortable, Lanie thought as she shifted on the smooth leather of the passenger seat.
“I told you it’s a surprise,” he replied and clasped her hand. He was wearing a black Henley and snug jeans that gripped his hips perfectly. His black leather jacket and ruffled, dark hair made him look incredibly sexy. Lanie had spent most of the ride looking out her window, but his clean, masculine scent permeated the space, making it difficult to sit still.
“Are you going to take me somewhere secluded to ravish me?” she asked as a joke, hoping to mask her nervousness.
Kyle cocked his eyebrow is surprise. “Is that what you want? Because if so, I can just pull over and cure your virginity right now.”
“Cure? You’re acting like it’s a disease, Kyle.”
“It’s a choice, but I’m still in awe of how you managed it all these years. You’re a pretty girl. I would think a guy would have tapped you by now.”
“And you’re a total romantic, but thanks, I guess.” Lanie tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks by turning her head away from him. “It wasn’t really a conscious decision. I was just too busy.”
“You understand sex doesn’t require a huge time commitment, right?”
“Shut up. Of course I know that.” She tried not to roll her eyes at him.
“So, we’re good with now then?” Kyle flashed a wicked smile at her, and she felt a fluttering deep in her belly, causing her to seriously consider his offer.
“Keep driving, buddy. I’d like my first time to be in a bed. I’m not sixteen, you know.”
“Baby, I doubt you ever were,” Kyle retorted, taking her hand and kissing each finger. He rested his hand on her knee, rubbing it slowly. Lanie was enjoying it, but she shifted, realizing it was turning her on too much.
“You’re not an adolescent either, Kyle,” she said softly.
She saw Kyle tense at her words, and she wondered if he thought she was going to lecture him. She gave him a bright smile, and his shoulder immediately relaxed. “You might get a cramp.”
Kyle‘s laughter boomed through the car. “You’re such a smart-ass. Don’t worry about me, Lanie. I can handle myself.”
“We’ll see,” she replied, smiling seductively.
“You will. I promise.” Kyle pulled in to the driveway of an impressive redbrick colonial home.
Lanie shot Kyle a confused glance.
He turned off the ignition and turned to her. “We’re just friends today. I want to introduce you to someone very important to me.” He got out of the car. By the time Lanie grabbed her purse and placed her coffee in the cup holder, Kyle had opened her door for her.
A stunning young woman with long inky-black hair and green eyes like Kyle’s greeted them.
“Rachael, this is my friend Lanie. Lanie, meet my sister, Rachael.”
Lanie held her hand out, but Rachael took one look at it and shook her head. Instead, she hugged Lanie hard.
“Sorry, my sister’s a hugger,” Kyle explained.
Rachael punched Kyle gently on the shoulder before hugging him too. “You’re lucky you brought company or I’d really punch you,” she replied.
“Why do you think I brought her?” Kyle said.
Lanie looked around the house, impressed by the detailed moldings, high ceilings, and dark wooden floors that made it seem elegant but comfortable at the same time.
“Your home is beautiful, Rachael,” Lanie said.
“Thanks, Lanie. I think we will be very good friends,” Rachael replied, but she was staring at Kyle.
Suddenly two young boys dashed into the room, and each one grabbed one of Kyle’s arms, yelling “Uncle Kyle.” He managed to lift them both off the ground in one swift move. “Hey, double trouble,” he greeted them. “Lanie, my nephews, Thing One and Thing Two.”
The two boys were obviously twins and completely enchanted by their uncle. “Hey, that’s not our names,” they screamed in unison.
“Oh? Then why don’t you introduce yourselves to the lady?”
“I’m Jake, and he’s Joey,” one of the boys said. Both boys had the same jet-black hair and clear, light, sparkling blue eyes made them appear almost angelic.
Kyle set them down, and they immediately ran to Lanie. “Want to come see our magic act?” Jake asked.
“I’d love to,” Lanie replied.
“You can, but make it the short act,” Kyle warned.
“Why, Uncle Kyle? We want to show her all the tricks we know,” Jake said, not hiding his disappointment. Lanie could see he was the talkative one.
“Because your mother and Lanie are going out for the day,” Kyle announced, and everyone in the room looked surprised.
“What’s your deal, buster?” Rachael asked.
“I’ve made appointments for you at the new day spa in Sussex,” Kyle explained.
“Ooh la la, it’s very swanky,” Rachael said.
“Yep, no need to thank me. It’s all paid for, so just go and do what you girls do,” he replied.
Rachael suddenly looked forlorn. “I can’t go. Tim’s hunting today, and I have the boys.”
“I figured as much, which is why I’m going to babysit,” Kyle explained, winking at the boys.
The boys immediately shouted their approvals of spending the day with their Uncle Kyle, punctuating their opinions with energetic dance moves that caused all the adults to laugh.
“Well, you don’t have to ask me twice. C’mon, Lanie. We better get going before he changes his mind.”
“I don’t know, Kyle. I’m not really a spa person,” Lanie said. She had been to a spa once with her mother and Cassie. It had been a dreadful experience during which they constantly chided her for her appearance and lack of femininity.
“Lanie, you’ve been working your butt off, and this is a good break for you,” Kyle said, tousling her hair.
�
��Uncle Kyle said ‘butt,’” Jake yelled to his mother, who gave him an annoyed look.
“Come on, Lanie. It’ll be fun, and besides, if you don’t go, something tells me I don’t get to go, and I really want to go,” Rachael said imploringly, her mouth forming a small pout. Lanie shrugged and nodded her agreement.
“Thanks, Uncle Kyle.” Lanie smiled.
“Oh, crap,” Rachael said, putting her hand to her head, “my car’s in the shop.”
“You guys can drive mine,” Kyle replied.
“I can’t drive that huge thing,” Rachael said.
Kyle shrugged, something he had picked up from Lanie. “Lanie can.”
Lanie regarded him skeptically. “I can?”
“Sure, I trust you, unless maybe you’re scared or something.”
Lanie laughed. “I’m not scared.”
Rachael clapped her hands. “Great! All settled.”
The boys started clapping too and producing a sound between squealing and whining. “Come on, Miss Lanie. Come to our magic act,” Joey said, tugging at Lanie’s jeans. She let them lead her up the stairs, hoping Kyle was joking when he told them to lay off cutting her in half.
KYLE TURNED TO his sister, knowing she expected an explanation. Sure enough, Rachael was standing in front of him, arms crossed and eyes wide. “Spill it, buster. What’s the story?”
“Look, just take her out to the spa and have a girls’ day. Go shopping after and whatever else you guys want to do. I’m offering you my babysitting services for the whole day.”
Rachael couldn’t hide her joy. Her husband, Tim, was a great guy, but he rarely understood his wife needed a break from their rambunctious boys once in a while. Kyle often visited and had dinner with his sister and her family. Lately his work demands and social life had made it more difficult to make the hour-and-a-half drive. Still, he made it a point to take his nephews out one Saturday a month, and this was that day. Rachael had been expecting him, but he had thrown her for a loop by bringing Lanie.
While he listened to those awful stories in Lanie’s office, his thoughts had kept returning to his sister. If someone had ever done to Rachael what had been done to those girls…well, Kyle knew he’d be a wanted man. He didn’t have to worry because he would never let that happen. When he’d remembered he was visiting her today, he cashed in a favor, asking the style editor at the paper to get him two reservations to the hottest spa near Rachael’s house. It would be a nice surprise for both of them, and he needed to thank Lanie for the interview.
Judging from Rachael’s questioning look, it was obvious she wasn’t satisfied with the explanation. “Look, she doesn’t have a lot of girlfriends, and I know you’re good at this kind of thing.” It was true. Rachael knew how to capitalize on her already good looks. She had modeled when she was younger, and despite having twins, she had maintained her figure. Tim lovingly referred to her as the hot mom. She was a Wonder Woman, making bake-sale cookies in stiletto heels, actively participating in the PTA, and maintaining a successful interior design business. Kyle loved his sister, but he also admired her because she did all that and made it look effortless.
“Are you asking me to gussy her up for you, Kyle? That’s kind of weird,” she said, pouring two cups of tea from the kettle on the stove. Kyle hated tea, but Rachael didn’t drink coffee, and she wouldn’t let Tim either. It was a shame, because as dense as Tim could be about Rachael’s needs, she was all over his. The men in his family suffered from heart disease, and although Tim was as healthy as an ox, Rachael never let up on his family’s medical history. She was up on Kyle’s needs too, often acting like a mother to him, despite being two years his junior. She chided him for his adolescent ways and fear of commitment.
“It’s nothing like that. I’m just asking you to hang out with her for a day. Be a friend to her. Help her feel beautiful.”
“I’ve got news for you, buster. She is beautiful,” Rachael said with some admonishment.
Kyle looked straight into his sister’s eyes, the same color as his, and said quietly, almost painfully, “I know that, Rachael, but she doesn’t.”
Rachael studied Kyle’s face intently and then leaped around the counter to embrace him. She whispered in his ear, “I was wondering when you were going to start growing up.”
* * * *
Lanie blinked at the gorgeous French manicure adorning her nails. She felt really good. The spa was completely relaxing and restful, as Kyle had promised. She had been pampered with a manicure, pedicure, and facial. Rachael’s cozy chatter had been a welcome relief to any insecurity she had. Rachael was genuinely sweet, with a witty, sarcastic side that was funny without condescension. However, as rejuvenated as Lanie felt from the spa, the prospect of shopping terrified her. Again, Rachael made it easy for her, helping her pick out items and giving sage advice about pairing outfits and mixing styles. She had an eye for fashion, as evidenced by her own outfit of a bohemian, floral-printed top and tight jeans with stilettos. A long gold chain and black beret completed the ensemble and made the woman look like she belonged in Vogue, not carting two five-year-olds on her hips.
“What about this one?” Rachael asked, holding up a green dress with spaghetti straps.
“Oh, Rachael, it’s really pretty, but I can’t pull that off.”
Rachael tsked, shaking her head. “Lanie, you have a great figure, the kind of body that other women envy.”
Lanie laughed, feeling the blush creeping up and trying to imagine anyone envying her. “Thanks, but that’s not it. I can’t wear things that are revealing on top.” Rachael must have sensed Lanie’s embarrassment because she didn’t prod further.
Instead, she only asked, “What about revealing the legs then? Are you game for that?” Rachael put the dress back and held up a black leather miniskirt, just long enough that it could be worn at the office.
“Um, yeah, I guess that would be fine.”
“Okay, then try these,” Rachael ordered, gathering up several more conservative tops in varying colors with various skirts.
Lanie looked at her dubiously but took all the items to the dressing room. She tried on the first pairing, not even sure if she should look in the mirror.
“Come out. I want to see,” Rachael said.
Lanie stepped out, and Rachael actually whistled, drawing looks from nearby patrons. Lanie turned to look in the full-length mirror outside the dressing room and had to do a double take. The outfit was a simple white blouse, tight enough to show off her breasts, and a gray pencil skirt that accentuated her slim waist. She was actually curvy in this outfit, and for the first time Lanie felt some gratification in her looks. She didn’t feel beautiful exactly, but maybe sexy or passable. Passably pretty, perhaps?
“I like it. I can wear a blazer with this,” Lanie said.
Rachael gave her a horrified look, shaking her head. “Absolutely not. Show off your assets, girl. You’ve got them, so flaunt them.”
Lanie shrugged and went back to try on another outfit. She actually twirled in this one. It was a sleeveless dress with an empire waist. It showed off her legs but still covered her neck and cleavage.
“What do you think?” Rachael asked.
Lanie turned to her, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “I think I’m going to earn tons of airline miles on my American Express card today!”
They spent several hours roaming various shops. Lanie bought a whole new wardrobe, including shoes, purses, and jewelry. To thank him, she bought Kyle a key chain at one of the trendier stores that specialized in jeans. Looking at the fake, diamond-studded letters spelling out “player,” she knew it was gaudy, but he would like it just the same. She added it to his key ring, hoping she’d make her point with the other item she was placing on it. That somehow the two would counteract each other, and he wouldn’t get the wrong impression. Lanie knew Kyle would freak and assume the worst if she didn’t make her intentions crystal clear.
Their final stop was a makeup store where Rachael gave Lanie a
lesson on how to do her face.
“Now, you don’t need a lot. You have a flawless complexion. I think some lipstick and eye shadow with liner.” Rachael took out several testers and rubbed the colors on Lanie’s hand. Lanie had once asked Cassie for her help when they were in high school, and Cassie had managed to cake so much makeup on her that she looked like an extra from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Rachael’s advice was solid, and Lanie had no doubt she looked good. As good as she possibly could anyway.
She had managed to replace almost every item in her wardrobe in one day, and nothing was safe. Nothing was beige or boring or loose. Nothing was layered to the point that she resembled an artichoke.
“So, Lanie, how did you and Kyle meet?” Rachael asked, bringing Lanie out of her thoughts.
“Through Brad actually. He’s dating my sister. Do you know him?” Lanie asked, realizing that it had been a long time since she’d given Brad any thought.
“I’ve known him for a long time,” Rachael replied, but she didn’t smile. Rachael had shared many funny stories about Kyle and growing up together during the day. Lanie would have liked to ask for details about Brad but didn’t feel it was appropriate. “I’m glad he introduced you to my brother. Kyle never brings anyone home to meet me. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. You’re so different from his high school girlfriends.”
“That’s really sweet, but Kyle and I are just friends.”
Rachael eyed Lanie suspiciously and shook her head disapprovingly. “I figured, and it’s a damn shame.” Lanie wasn’t sure how to respond, but Rachael didn’t appear to want one. “Lanie, call me if you need help with anything, regardless of your relationship with my brother. I really had fun with you today, and I love doing this kind of girly stuff. Living in a house full of testosterone gets tiring, so anytime you want to go, just call.”
“Thanks, but I need a lot of help, and I don’t want you to be annoyed with your brother for introducing us.”
Rachael patted Lanie on the shoulder. “That’s not why I’ll be annoyed with him.”