“Your date is waiting in the lounge,” John said stepping back to allow the ladies to precede him into the dim and crowded room.
A young man seated at the bar turned as they entered the room, waved a greeting to John and walked toward them. He was tall, though not as tall as John, had sandy blond hair and a friendly smile. Brianna liked him instantly. The men shook hands and John introduced Kaitlyn. He turned to Brianna. “Brianna, this is Brian Anderson.”
Brian clasped her hand and held it.
“Brian and Brianna. How cute is that!” Kaitlyn said. “You make such a perfectly adorable couple.”
They both blushed slightly, glanced at each other self consciously and laughed.
“Thank you,” Brianna said, lacing her arm through Brian’s. “I think so, too.” She tilted her head up meeting Brian’s eyes with a twinkle and squeezed his arm.
“I believe our table is ready.” John scowled.
Kaitlyn attempted to grasp John’s hand but he took hold of her elbow and followed the Maitre d’.
They were seated at a table overlooking Lake Michigan and handed menus. The Maitre d’ gave John the wine list.
“Is white wine good for everyone?” he asked, when the waiter stopped at their table. Brian and Brianna nodded.
“I’d prefer a merlot,” Kaitlyn said.
“A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and the lady will have a glass of merlot.”
“I’ve changed my mind,” Kaitlyn said. “I’ll have a Gray Goose martini, with two olives not onions.”
Brianna and Brian stole quick glances and hid smiles behind napkins. Brianna felt a foot nudge hers under the table and looked at John. He narrowed his eyes, Brianna widened hers. They missed Kaitlyn’s puzzled look.
“That certainly is a colorful dress, Brianna. Wherever did you get it?” Kaitlyn asked.
“I– it–” she glanced at John. “It was a gift.”
“Well, it’s simply darling.”
“I think the color matches her eyes,” John said.
Kaitlyn looked at John then turned back to Brianna.
“I could show you how to apply make-up to enhance them,” Kaitlyn said.
Brianna looked up but before she could voice the retort itching to leap off the tip of her tongue, John responded, “Her eyes are gorgeous the way they are.”
Brian looked at her intently, “Yes, they are beautiful.”
Kaitlyn and Brianna both reddened but for much different reasons.
Brianna studied the menu until the waiter returned with their drinks.
“Are you ready to order?” he asked.
“Brianna?” John indicated for her to order.
“I’ll have the shrimp scampi, please and a salad with ranch dressing.”
The waiter looked at Brian.
“That sounds good. I’ll have the same.”
“Kaitlyn?” John said.
“I want the grilled salmon, lightly grilled but not undercooked and with lemon on the side. No butter. Sautéed vegetables but only if they are fresh and not frozen. I want a Cesar Salad with the dressing on the side. And bring another one of these.” Kaitlyn tilted her glass toward the waiter before taking a sip.
Brianna hid behind her napkin covering a giggle while casting a sideways glance at Brian who didn’t bother to hide his grin. Brianna felt her foot nudged again and, again, it was accompanied by John’s narrowed gaze. Brianna frowned and, this time, returned a warning look. Next time you get a kick in the shin.
Kaitlyn drained her glass and set it on the table with a thump.
John placed his order, then looked a Brianna and Brian who appeared to be having an intimate conversation.
“So, Brian, your father tells me medical school is going well for you.”
Brian looked up. “Yes, sir. It’s going very well. I start my residency next fall at Johns Hopkins.”
“That is impressive. Congratulations.” Even Kaitlyn looked impressed.
“Thank you, sir. I’m lucky to have been accepted.”
“I’m sure luck had little to do with it,” Brianna said, laying a hand on his arm and giving him a warm smile. John frowned.
Kaitlyn laid her hand on John’s arm. “John, you are the envy of men twice your age. You’ve built an impressive business.”
“Excuse me,” John said, reaching for his glass of wine, effectively removing Kaitlyn’s hand. “I didn’t build it singlehandedly. I have an amazing art department for one thing.” He smiled at Brianna.
Kaitlyn reached for her empty glass. “Where is that waiter with my drink?”
John refilled the wine glasses as the waiter returned with Kaitlyn’s martini.
“It’s about time,” she said, grabbing the glass before the waiter could set it down.
Brian and Brianna exchanged glances.
Again, Brianna felt a nudge on her foot.
“Ouch,” John jumped and glared at Brianna.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Was that your leg?” Brianna said, sweetly.
Kaitlyn looked at John, then Brianna, and back at John. John picked up his wine as Kaitlyn slid her hand onto his thigh. He jerked and the wine sloshed onto Kaitlyn’s dress. She jumped up with a shriek as wine ran quickly into her cleavage. John’s wide-eyed stare had Brianna nearly hysterical with laughter.
“Well, at least it’s white,” Brianna said when she composed herself.
“Brianna, come with me to the ladies’ room.” Kaitlyn said.
“No, that’s okay. I don’t need to go.”
“I insist,” Kaitlyn said through clenched teeth.
Brianna glared at John. “Well, since you put it that way, how can I refuse.” John and Brian stood.
John held Brianna back and whispered in her ear, “Watch yourself.”
Brianna freed her arm and followed Kaitlyn.
“This dress is pure silk and it’s ruined,” Kaitlyn said, as she stood in front of the sink.
“It’s hardly noticeable. I’m sure a good cleaners can take care of it.”
“What’s going on between you and John?” Kaitlyn demanded.
Brianna stopped applying lip-gloss and stared at Kaitlyn’s reflection. “There’s nothing going on. What do you mean?”
“I think you know exactly what I mean.” Kaitlyn turned to face Brianna.
“Not a clue,” Brianna dropped the lip-gloss into her purse and turned to leave.
Kaitlyn brushed past and stood in her path. “You know, I can make your life miserable.”
“I’m sure you can.” Brianna tossed her hair and swished through the door.
The men stood as they returned to the table. Brianna avoided looking at John and gave Brian a grimace. In their absence the food had been served.
“That was good timing,” Brian said, holding Brianna’s chair.
“This looks great,” Brianna said.
John took a bite of his steak. “Hmmm, this is delicious. Would you like a bite?” He asked Brianna.
At her nod, he cut another bite, reached across the table and fed it to her. Kaitlyn looked from one to the other.
“I’d like a bite,” Kaitlyn simpered.
‘I didn’t think you ate red meat.” John cut another piece and moved his plate toward her.
She glared. “You’re right. I don’t.” She picked up her fork and viciously stabbed her salmon.
“I believe it’s already dead, Kaitlyn,” Brianna quipped.
Brian burst out laughing. Unfortunately, John had just taken another bite of his filet and started choking. Brian jumped up and preformed the Heimlich maneuver on him. The morsel lodged in John’s throat flew out and landed right in the middle of Kaitlyn’s salmon.
Brianna reached over and removed the steak from Kaitlyn’s plate.
“John, Kaitlyn doesn’t eat red meat.”
Kaitlyn threw down her fork and pushed her chair back, nearly knocking it over.
“I’ve had enough,” she said. “John, take me home.” She picked up her purse. “Now!”
&
nbsp; “For Pete’s sake, Kaitlyn. Give him a minute to catch his breath,” Brian said.
John took a couple of swallows of water and pushed back his chair. “I’m fine. Not everyone is finished eating, Kaitlyn.”
“Well, I’m quite finished. If you won’t take me, get me a cab.”
“But, Brianna…” John started to say.
“For heaven’s sake, John. She’s a big girl. Let Brian take her home.”
“I’d be happy to drive her home, sir,” Brian said.
John frowned at Brian and turned to Brianna.
“That’s fine. Brian can take me home.” She smiled at Brian.
“Fine,” John said. “Do you have your key?”
Brianna shook her head.
“I’ll leave mine with the security guard.”
Kaitlyn stopped, raised her brows and dropped her jaw. “What?” she shrieked.
“I’ll explain later, Kaitlyn,” John said, guiding Kaitlyn quickly through the tables to the exit before she caused a scene.
When they disappeared from sight Brian turned to Brianna. “You live with him?”
“Well– sort of – yes. It’s a long story.”
Between bites Brianna told Brian her tale and before they were finished eating both were laughing.
“I’ll bet this is one blind date you won’t soon forget,” Brianna said.
“And, it’s a bet you’d easily win,” Brian said, taking her hand.
* * * *
Brianna eased the door closed and locked it, careful not to disturb John.
“Do you know what time it is?” A voice boomed from a corner of the dark living room.
She jumped and turned. Leaning against the closed door, she willed her galloping heart to slow. When she could breathe again, she retorted, “No, but if you’ll turn on a light, I’ll look at the clock for you.”
“Very funny. It’s three AM.” John rose, switched on a lamp and moved to lean against the back of the sofa, bracing an arm on either side. “Where have you been?”
“I was with Brian.” She straightened. “I wasn’t aware I had a curfew.”
“I know you were with Brian, and you don’t have a curfew, but you should be considerate of someone waiting up for you.”
“I didn’t know you were going to wait up.” Brianna took a step toward him. “Why did you?”
“I didn’t think you would be this late. I was concerned. The club closed at one. Where were you?”
“Do you want details or will the highlights do because I’m really sleepy.” She moved toward her bedroom door.
John looked at her intently for a moment. “Highlights will do.”
Brianna attempted to smooth her windswept hair. “We stayed at the club dancing until it closed. After that, we took a walk along the shore.”
John took a step toward her. “So, you like Brian.”
“Yes. He’s very nice.” She noticed John’s frown and narrowed eyes. “What? You don’t like him?”
“Of course, I like him, otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen him for your date. But I wouldn’t expect you to like him so much on a first date.”
Brianna studied her toes for a few seconds before looking at him. “Oh, I get it. You didn’t have a good time and you’re upset because I did.”
“That’s ridiculous.” John turned and walked toward the patio door.
“Oh, so you did have a good time?”
“No. That’s beside the point. We’re talking about you.” He slid the door open. “Come to think of it, this whole thing is your fault.”
Brianna paused with a hand on her doorknob and turned back to face him. “My fault?” She crossed the room. “How is it my fault?”
“You insisted I ask Kaitlyn out.” He looked down at her.
“Then it’s your fault for listening to me. You know her better than I do.” Brianna stalked back to her room. John followed and caught her by the elbow turning her around before she could open the door.
“Tell me more about your date.” His eyes scanned her tousled hair.
“Can this wait until morning? I’m really tired.”
“Did he kiss you?” he said, focusing on her lips.
Brianna jerked her head up. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
“It’s not but I want to know.”
She ran her tongue across her lower lip. “Why?” she said, conscious of their bodies nearly touching but unaware of which one had moved.
“I don’t know,” John said, lowering his head.
Brianna backed up until the doorknob jabbed her spine.
“Well, if you must know, we made mad, passionate love in the sand.”
John stepped back and glared at her. Brianna glared back.
He grabbed his suit coat from the back of the sofa and swung it over his shoulder. The strong scent of Obsession struck Brianna as he turned toward his room.
Brianna sneezed and waved a hand in front of her face. “Smells like you had a good time.” She walked to the patio door. “I need some fresh air.”
John stopped. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He followed her onto the balcony.
“You have Kaitlyn’s trademark all over you. Did you kiss her?” She moved to the balustrade and leaned back against it striking John’s favorite pose, arms folded across her chest, feet crossed at the ankles, and waited for his answer.
“And, if I did, would you care?” John advanced.
Brianna moved her hand up to her throat.
“I– no.” She shook her head, averting her eyes. “I couldn’t care less what you do or who you do it with.” Turning toward the lake, she grasped the railing for support lest she be struck dead by a truth gnome.
“I think you’re lying,” John said, so close his breath stirred her hair.
Brianna whirled around and pushed at his chest.
“How dare you–” Her words were cut short when John pulled her to him.
His mouth crushed hers. John’s hand tunneled beneath her hair to grasp her head while his other arm molded her softness to his hard frame. Breathing became impossible. Her arms encircled his neck. Coherent thought abandoned her. Her feet dangled freely above the terrace floor. Sandals fell unheeded. Time ceased to exist. Heat consumed them.
As suddenly as it began, it ended. John set her down and peeled her arms from his neck. He turned his back, thrusting his hands through his hair before bracing them on the rail. Brianna sank onto a chaise, not sure what was real and what was imagined. She drew much needed air and tested her legs for strength before standing.
She opened her mouth. Something between a squeak and a sob escaped.
Without turning, John said, “Go to bed, Brianna.”
“John, I–”
“Go, Brianna. Now.” She fled to her room.
CHAPTER fourteen
Brianna stared at the ceiling. She’d barely slept. Every time her eyes closed her lips recalled the searing heat of his kiss. She tossed between savoring the feeling and rationalizing it. Finally coming to the conclusion that it was born of frustration and anger. Though why John was angry remained a mystery.
Footsteps paused outside her room as light began to peek through the drapes. She closed her eyes and held her breath. A few seconds later the steps resumed. The front door opened and closed.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she reached for her phone and called Carly.
Half an hour later Brianna sat in a small beach front bistro stirring a cup of tea and staring at the lake. Carly sat opposite her and slid a muffin across the table. Brianna pushed it back, shaking her head.
“I’ve been here five minutes and you haven’t said a word,” Carly said, pushing the muffin back to Brianna. “I assume you didn’t ask me to meet you so I could watch you stare out the window.”
“He kissed me.” Brianna continued stirring her now cold tea.
“Who kissed you? Your blind date? And, that’s bad because…?”
“John.”
Carly set
her cup down, sloshing coffee onto the table. A smile played at the corner of her mouth. “And, that’s bad because…?”
Brianna looked up at her. “Because he was angry.” She averted her gaze. “And I don’t know why.”
“Brianna, look at me.” She reached over and turned Brianna’s face toward her. “Nobody kisses someone because they’re angry. Tell me everything. I need details, girl!”
Reliving the scene evoked feelings similar to those she experienced during the kiss but she suppressed them, choosing to focus on the negative. “He pushed me away. I think he regretted it. Anyway, it didn’t mean anything. He was just angry. I don’t know how I’m going to face him.” Brianna hid her face behind her hands, then pushed her hair back. She gave Carly a cheerless smile and released a shaky breath.
Carly studied her for a moment before speaking. “I don’t think he regrets kissing you. And, I don’t think it was anger. I think he’s jealous.”
“Jealous! You’re insane, Carly. Why would you think that?”
“He waited up for you, didn’t he? He asked you if you liked Brian, then got angry when you said you did. He asked you if Brian kissed you. Think about it, Bree. Why would he want to know that?”
“I don’t know.” Brianna slumped down in her chair.
“Oh, I think you do. You just won’t admit it.” Carly leaned back. “You’re in love with him – we both know that. Why is it so hard to imagine that he might feel the same?”
“Because.” – Brianna searched Carly’s face for answers but only got a smug look. “It just is.”
Carly moved to the seat next to Brianna and took both her hands in hers. “Listen to me. You can’t think of a single reason, can you?” Brianna shook her head and Carly continued. “ It’s quite possible, probable even, that he feels the same way. Talk to him.”
“And what, exactly, am I supposed to say to him?” She pulled her hands from Carly’s. “Oh, John, by the way, are you in love with me? Yeah, that’ll work.”
“Now who’s being silly?” Carly quipped.
“Why don’t you come home with me and you can ask him?” Brianna said, half hoping she would.
“I would but,” she looked at her watch and stood. “Gee, would you look at the time. I have to pick Rob up in twenty minutes. Call me later.”
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