SecondSightDating

by Marianne Stephens

  Steve quickly held up his hand in a “stop” motion and grinned. “Just kidding. We did get some more background stuff on her. Serena Xavier lives in Overland Park. Nothing fancy. Decent apartment complex. Pays her taxes on time. Drives a four-year-old Honda Accord. Pays her bills, no negatives in credit rating. In short, a model citizen who doesn’t appear to be making tons of money.”

  “So she doesn’t make tons of money from this. Maybe the mob’s making her take a measly cut.”

  Steve rocked back in his chair. “Or she’s good at hiding the dough.”

  “Fine.” Dan rose from his seat, stretching the aches from his muscles. “Anything else I should know before I call her and make a fool of myself?”

  “Yeah, there is. You’ll love this. Her brother’s a cop in Wichita. We’ll have to be extra cautious about any inquiries about you from outside PDs or cops, especially anyone named Michael Xavier.”

  Chapter Five

  Serena played her office answering machine as soon as she arrived for work the next day. She froze at the sound of Dan’s voice on her very first message.

  He’d asked her to contact him about their dinner that night. Was he getting cold feet…a nerd unsure of his capabilities in attracting someone?

  Then again, maybe he didn’t want to meet the women she’d envisioned for him. Perhaps Dan, the womanizer, figured they wouldn’t live up to the monetary caliber he sought so he wanted to try greener pastures.

  She forced herself to listen to her next two messages, neither of significant value, then got out Dan’s file. Her fingers slid over the form, hoping to feel some type of vibration, good or bad, from something he’d touched.

  Nothing.

  With a sigh, she dropped into her chair. It was time to read, really read, each and every word he’d written. And, speculate on all the meanings between the lines. Surely she could let her instincts lead the way and come up with something. There had to be more to Dan Reese that led to such uneasiness in her gift.

  First, however, she’d call him and discover the basis for his urgent message. She dialed his number and waited.

  “Dan Reese.”

  “This is Serena Sight. You called?”

  “I, well, I hate to bother you but I’m a little nervous about tonight’s meeting.”

  Him? Why? Handsome, shy guy, totally lacking dating skills with women? Could be. Charming con artist seeking sympathy while trying to take advantage of her business? A possibility.

  “There’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be there with my date, too.”

  “Would you have some time today to maybe go over a few things I might say to my date? I mean, she’s so beautiful and I, well, I don’t know what to say.”

  Picturing a tongue-tied Dan around women never crossed her mind. Sure couldn’t tell by the way he openly talked to her. Maybe he just panicked around blondes, busty ones at that?

  “You want to practice things to say to her?”

  “That would be great, if you don’t mind helping me.”

  “No. I mean, of course not. Why don’t you come by at five-thirty? We can go over a few things before going to the restaurant.”

  “That makes me feel so much better. You’re an angel. See you later.”

  Serena held the phone away from her ear, wondering which Mr. “Four-eighteen” she’d just promised to give flirting lessons to. Mr. “Too good to believe” or Mr. “Wiseguy playing a game”.

  She glanced at the clock. Only eight hours until one of them showed up.

  “Satisfied? She thinks I’m some loser she has to tutor on how to speak to a woman.” Dan was none too pleased with his boss.

  “Sorry, friend. Had to be this way. Get in there and act the part. Maybe she’ll give you some time alone in the office and you can check through her files. At least learn more about how the business is run.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ll have to leave from there for dinner. Maybe she and I will drive to the restaurant together. Wouldn’t make much sense for us both to take our cars and then have to drive back past her office to get home.”

  “Whatever it takes, Dan. Whatever it takes.”

  * * * * *

  “Am I too early?”

  Dan stood in her doorway, almost whispering his question to Serena.

  She glanced at him, then her clock and then back to him again. “Oh, sorry. You’re right on time. I was busy, uh, sorting through some files. Come in.”

  He walked in and sat on her couch. “I appreciate your helping me out. I get shy around beautiful women.”

  Serena leveled a disbelieving look at him. “You don’t seem to have a problem talking to me. Do I assume that means you’re not shy with me because I’m not what you consider beautiful?”

  Surprise registered on his face as his mouth opened and no words came out. She’d put him on the spot…on purpose. Now maybe the real Dan Reese would appear.

  “Well?” She crossed her arms and walked over to the sofa where he sat. “I’m waiting for what should be a fascinating answer.”

  His mouth closed and he ran his finger along the inside of his collar. Was the man speechless, desperate to create an excuse he figured she’d fall for?

  “You are beautiful. But you’re helping me find a date. I can talk to you because I don’t get panicky thinking I have to impress you.” His eyes pleaded his case along with his explanation.

  “Hmm. You only panic if you try too hard, is that what you’re saying?”

  “Yes. Yes, that’s it. You don’t scare me.”

  With a shrug of resignation, Serena planted herself on the sofa and resolved to play out the scenario his way…for the time being. “Glad to hear I pose no threat to you. Fine. Let’s practice for tonight.”

  They sat a few inches apart. She couldn’t ignore the prickling sensation warming her body along her side closest to Dan. The man made her system dance, even without touching her.

  “So, should I start out with some kind of pickup line? Do women want that?”

  Serena couldn’t stop the arching of her eyebrows as disbelief paraded through her head. Could Dan really be so dense and inexperienced? Left to his judgment and obvious made-for-failure guidelines, he’d actually resort to a stupid, overused line, something all women hated. Warning bells would immediately sound the alarm inside the head of his intended target, accompanied by a flashing message titled “Time to lose this creep”. Miss “S” would seek a speedy escape.

  “Hmm. I don’t think you want to use any line. You should just relax and be yourself.” Whoever that is. “Start with something honest like your name, or, compliment her on how she looks.”

  Dan fidgeted in his seat. “How about something like this.” He gently took her hand in his. The letters started rolling in her head, but in a slow, flowing pattern. “Hi. I’m Dan. You look wonderful.”

  Her eyes focused on his. In reality, his eyes commanded her full attention in a mesmerizing way. Serena had to admit that his comment sounded sincere. Maybe he understood how important it was to ease into conversation with a date and make her feel special. She sure did, even if his practicing on her wasn’t real.

  “Thank you. I’m Serena. You look just like your picture.”

  Dan inhaled then spoke. “You too. And, you smell great. Reminds me of something my grandmother always wears. White Roses, right?”

  Again, she couldn’t halt her eyebrows rising or mouth opening, minus any words. Shaking her head, Serena wondered if he’d ever tried the grandmother comment before. He knew what White Roses smelled like?

  “The, uh, remark about the perfume is fine, but lose the comparison to your grandmother. Women don’t like to be compared to anyone. We like to feel unique, different, special.”

  A contrite look came over his face. “Oh, sorry. I love my grandmother and thought this would be a compliment. See how bad I am? Now you know why I need your help.”

  Serena stood up abruptly and began to pace, trying to break the spell he cast over her. She needed distance t
o clear her head and stay focused on her job.

  “Look. Talk about the things you have in common. You read her file. You know what she likes. Tell her what you like but don’t leave her out of the conversation. Ask her opinions on things.”

  He ran a hand over his face. “Wow. So much to remember. Promise me you’ll stick close tonight. I don’t want to come off like an idiot. If I say something stupid, give me a signal.”

  Serena abruptly ended her back and forth movement across the carpet to face him. With her hands on her hips, she replied, “Like what? Blink twice? Wrinkle my nose?”

  “No. Make sure you sit next to me so you can tap my knee or something.”

  Oh, no. Touching him anywhere on his body is a definite no-no.

  Still not sure if he was on the level with her or if this was some type of game, she offered, “How about if I step on your toes?”

  Dan patted a spot on the sofa next to him. “Please sit down again and let’s practice.”

  Hesitant to sit near him again but finding no logical reason to deny his request, she dropped into the cushioned seat next to him. “All right. I’m sitting. Say something stupid.”

  Dan flashed her a huge smile, showing off that one fascinating dimple she’d admired when she’d first met him. “Tell me your secret fantasy and I’ll tell you mine.”

  His comment, made in such a sexy, suggestive tone, had Serena’s body blazing with heat. Let’s run this line of conversation a little further. At least, that’s what her heart said even if her head shouted for her to smash his toes.

  Serena gave him a questionable look. “Is that a promise?”

  “What?”

  “If I tell you mine, you’ll tell me yours?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Fine. I’ve always wanted to make love in a bubbly tub for two, complete with champagne and glowing candles.”

  Dan’s arm snaked around her back and pulled her closer to him. “Funny. That’s my fantasy, too.”

  The spell broke the minute he uttered his agreement. He’d been playing and not serious about being honest. She stomped down on his toes.

  “Ow!”

  Warmth crept up her face. “Sorry. Was that too hard?”

  He stood, hobbling around the room, only stopping to shake his foot. “What the hell did I say wrong?”

  “For starters, it’s probably a bit too soon to ask about fantasies, although I don’t know how fast you usually come on to your dates.”

  He halted and stared at her. “I never rush a woman into anything, if that’s what you mean.”

  “Okay. You want to take things slowly. And, you weren’t being honest with me.”

  “In what way?”

  “Please. Don’t tell me your fantasy just happens to be the same as mine.”

  His gaze became more intense as he answered. “But it is. I wouldn’t lie about that. Not to you.”

  “Dan, it sounds phony. I’d suggest not trying that tonight.”

  “Fine. I won’t. But do you believe me when I say it’s not a line? What do your vibrations tell you? Do they say I’m being honest?”

  Damn. Every sensation emanating from him screamed with honesty. Could he really have the same fantasy she did?

  “Maybe you are being honest.” She cleared her throat. “Let’s move on. Talk about something else.”

  Dan eyed her with caution. “When I sit down again, do you promise not to break my toes if I screw up?”

  Irritated, Serena answered, “Of course.”

  For the next twenty minutes, they talked and very few of his answers initiated a negative response from her. Trying to appear more accommodating, Serena raked a fingernail on his leg if his comment seemed out of place. The movement caught his attention and he’d quickly change the topic. The gesture sent shivers throughout her body, causing her heart to beat faster at their contact.

  A quick peek at her watch indicated their practice session needed to end and their date to begin.

  Not our date, our dates.

  “I think we should leave.” Without thinking, she rested her hand on his knee.

  Covering her hand with his, Dan gave a tiny squeeze. “Anything you say.”

  The door to her office opened and a man strolled in. His gaze went to Serena, then to Dan, finally focusing on their intertwined hands resting on his knee.

  “Sorry. Am I interrupting something?”

  Chapter Six

  Serena eyed her brother with a mixture of gratitude, comfort and anxiety. It was a blessing to have Mike by her side, there for his sibling in her time of need. Now, however, things had become more complicated than when she first issued her distress call to him. Dan had become a major player in the mixed-up saga of her life.

  Should she introduce the two?

  No. Bad idea.

  She shouldn’t let Dan know Mike was her brother and a cop.

  Yes. Good idea.

  Force Dan to show his true colors. Put him on the spot. If he were nervous around Mike, her suspicions would be confirmed.

  Hmm.

  Giant knots twisted in the pit of her stomach as the two men shifted their glances from her and began eyeballing each other. Great. Mike had that “I’m protecting my little sister” look on his face and Dan aimed a possessive stare right back at him.

  Serena’s heart skipped a beat as she scrutinized the expression on Dan’s face. Could he be jealous? Or, was he worried some other male planned to cut into his future group of “clients”?

  Her mind spun with confused scenarios of their uncomfortable threesome. With shattered nerves and her heart beating a rapid tattoo against her chest, she decided deception would be best. For now. Only good vibes came from Dan, regardless of the irritating “I was here first” glare he aimed at her brother.

  Her sense could be all wrong about him. She’d been wrong before. And that mistake went by the name of Alan.

  The awkward silence screamed for her to come to a decision. Serena decided on a compromise.

  “Mr. ‘Four-eighteen’, this is Mr., uh, ‘Eight’.” Even as she uttered the introduction she winced, hoping both would accept her peace offering and behave like gentlemen. She prayed her brother played along without gawking at her.

  Dan’s head swung from her to Mike, then he offered his hand to the new arrival.

  “Nice to meet you. My name’s Dan.”

  Oh-oh. She hadn’t counted on him being so friendly. Serena figured keeping Mike’s identity from Dan was crucial. Before Mike could speak, she said, “This is Gino. He’s another client of mine.”

  Her brother’s face glazed over as if trying to decipher what the hell she was up to. He shook Dan’s hand, nodding to him as he did. Grateful for her brother’s silence, the butterfly rampage in her stomach ceased. They evolved into minor flutters and eased into a slow, flittering pattern.

  Why Gino, Mr. “Eight”? The guy was a playboy, considered himself God’s gift to women. After a complaint from a female client two weeks before about him, Serena had quickly notified Gino that he was no longer a client. Whatever possessed her to pick that number? And, use his name?

  Clearing her throat, she broke the silence once more. “Uh, Dan? Gino and I need to discuss something so why don’t you go ahead and leave for the restaurant.”

  Dan’s expression changed to one of a wounded puppy. “Oh. I thought we could go together so I could practice some more in the car.” His eyes pleaded his case.

  “Umm, okay. You relax here and Gino and I will go to the back room. When we’re done, I’ll leave with you.”

  “Thanks.” A warm smile beamed at Serena.

  She turned to Mike and gently pushed him into the back room.

  “What the hell’s going on here?” Mike hissed as soon as they were inside her file room.

  “Shh.” Serena closed the door. “I don’t want him to know who you are or that you’re a cop.”

  Mike eyed his sister with curiosity. “What kind of mess are you in? Nothing dangerous, I
hope?” His hands balled into fists. “If this guy’s been giving you trouble…”

  “No, no. It’s not like that. I’m just, well, not sure who he really is or if he’s out to meet women or find clients for himself.”

  “Huh?”

  “I mean, his background checks out, the kind of checking I do and I don’t get any weird vibes from him, although he is different…”

  Mike took hold of his sister’s arms and gave her a gentle shake. “Earth to Serena. Calm down. You’re rushing through this and I can’t make heads or tails of what’s coming out of your mouth.”

  Serena slumped against her brother’s body. His warm bear hug gave her a sense of security she’d always cherished. Although, she didn’t feel like she needed to be protected from Dan. Damn. He also made her feel protected, safe.

  “Sis, start again but go slowly this time.”

  “I think he may be out to find women to fleece as a gigolo.”

  Dan squinted as he peeked through one of the beveled glass panels leading into the back room. He tried to stay out of sight, sneaking up to the door and crouching in an effort to remain hidden from Serena and her so-called Mr. “Eight”.

  Mr. “Eight”, my foot. What was she up to?

  He knew for a fact that the man he’d just shaken hands with wasn’t Gino Conti. The real Gino’s picture lay in a folder on his desk back at the office. So, who was this guy and why had Serena resorted to playing games?

  Anger raced through his system as he glimpsed “Gino” hugging Serena in a warm embrace. Obviously they knew each other pretty well and that didn’t make him happy. Damn. What kind of vibes did she get from “Gino”?

  A more disturbing train of thought to question his sanity and logic would be why it mattered so much to him that they appeared so chummy together. Why should I care?

  Giving himself a mental smack on the back of his head, Dan decided it was time to get back to work, the reason he’d been led into this mess to begin with. Be a detective, do your job. Find out what’s really going on at Second Sight Dating. Getting jealous over a beautiful woman’s choice in lying to him and being real friendly with some shady character needed to be bumped to the back burner of his mind.