Spouse Hunting

by Scott, Lisa

  A sly smile cracked Ted’s face. “Maybe I better take her off your hands.”

  Henry snorted. “I wouldn’t do that to her.”

  Ted rolled his eyes. “No knucklehead, for your sake. You’re on the way to beating the all time sales record this month. That’s your old man’s record, isn’t it?”

  Henry tossed back his drink, but the whiskey didn’t chase her away. “Yes, it is. And I’m going to break it, don’t worry.” Wait until he saw the look on his father’s face when he gave him the news. Maybe then his father would finally concede Henry knew what he was doing.

  Ted gave him a skeptical look. “Don’t know, bro. A hot chick can certainly derail your ride. Let me take her. If it doesn’t turn into a sale?” He shrugged. “You know this is just a side gig for me until I’m done with law school.”

  Classic rock music thumped in the background and he raised his voice to talk over it. “No way. She deserves better than a side gig. She’s really searching for something. I want to help her find it.”

  Ted smirked. “I bet you do.”

  Henry jabbed him with his elbow. “She’s not interested in a relationship. She made that clear enough. I don’t know. She’s just…different.”

  Which was saying a lot, because Henry hadn’t taken notice of a woman in a long time. Sure, he agreed to the occasional setup, and sometimes that lasted a few weeks. “Confirmed bachelor” was a phrase he’d overheard behind his back more than once. But he really hadn’t given love a second thought in a long time. Henry pushed his empty glass toward the bartender, who nodded and refilled it.

  It sounded cliché, but Henry’s passion truly was his work, especially after dropping out of the MBA program. He was determined to show the world, and yes, his Father, that he could be a success without it and make it in the real estate game, just like he had. He took a sip of the whiskey, savoring it this time. He intended to have the most successful real estate business in the city one day; something his father had never done. His father had been a dynamite realtor, but he’d never owned his own office. That would quiet the old man and his criticisms.

  He turned his glass round and round, the ice cubes clinking. So why was this beautiful brunette suddenly tripping him up? He’d dated plenty of attractive women, and one or two always seemed to find him when he went out. He drummed his fingers on the bar, thinking. Maybe it’s her intensity. He’d never met someone so determined to find the perfect house. She was very passionate about it. I wonder what else she’s passionate about…

  Henry tried to watch a few minutes of the baseball game playing on the TV overhead, but he couldn’t stop thinking about that list of Elizabeth’s, or her lips…her legs. He wanted to make her smile. He wanted to find her a house. He stood up. “I gotta go. Got a lot of work to do.”

  “Or do you mean, you’ve got a client to do?” Ted asked.

  Henry resisted the urge to flip him the finger.

  “Right, I forgot. You’re all business,” Ted shouted after him. “You know what they say about all work and no play…”

  “Yeah. It makes Henry a rich boy.” And when he got down to it, that’s what it was all about.

  He hopped in his car and drove home. Before getting out, he grabbed the lilac blossom he’d picked after she left the house. He brought it to his nose, inhaled, and there she was again. He tossed it on his desk inside, popped open an energy drink and logged onto the multiple listing system, searching for properties that met her most important requirements. But he couldn’t wrap his mind around what she really was looking for. Something was missing from her list, something she hadn’t thought to include. But what?

  He found half a dozen properties to show her that hopefully had that certain something. Before he knew it, it was midnight and he hadn’t worked on anything else but Elizabeth’s sale. He hoped Ted wasn’t right. He couldn’t let a beautiful woman—who wasn’t even interested in him—derail his sales ride. He pushed away from the computer and collapsed in bed but couldn’t sleep, thinking about her desires….and his.

  Then at three a.m. he sat up in bed and grinned in the dark. “I think I know what she wants.”

  ***

  After three calls from her sister about shoes, showers and favors, Elizabeth almost twirled her chair when she saw Henry Watson on her caller ID Wednesday afternoon. “Hello?”

  “Hi, it’s Henry. I forgot to ask you if you’ve been pre-qualified for a loan. That’s usually the first thing I ask, but I was a little…distracted the other day.”

  Him? She’d been too distracted to notice. “Oh.” She curled a strand of hair around her finger. “Yes. I am. I’ve got the paperwork with me. I can drop it off at your office after work, say, five-thirty? Will you be there?” Cool and collected, she was not.

  “That would be perfect.”

  Dave was rising from his desk as she headed for the door, so she picked up the pace before he could stop her. Questions from Dave at five-fifteen never had to do with business.

  The receptionist looked her up and down when she asked to see Henry. Women must be showing up for him all the time. “I’m a client.”

  “One moment, please.” She picked up the phone and Elizabeth wandered over to a wall filled with pictures and awards. Henry’s face smiled at her from dozens of “Sales Person of The Month” plaques. Impressed, she nodded.

  “Can I help you?” A beefy, red-headed guy walked over and gave her the once over.

  She was glad she was wearing her dark blue suit with the white silk turtleneck: the one that screamed chaste. Most of her outfits did. “Thank you, but I’m waiting for Henry. He’s helping me find a house.”

  The man’s eyebrows shot up, then he smiled and nodded. He held out his hand. “I’m Ted Travis.” He fished a business card out of his pocket. “If you ever want to grab a drink, give me a call.” He shrugged. “I know Henry’s good looking and all that—most of his clients fall hard for him—but he’s definitely not into the dating scene.” He cocked his finger at her like a gun. “But I’ve got you covered there.”

  She crossed her arms and tried not to roll her eyes. “No dating? Then that’s one thing he and I have in common.”

  “Give me a call if you change your mind.” He walked away and looked back over his shoulder with a smile.

  Henry came out of a long narrow hallway filled with offices, and Ted punched him in the arm and then whispered something to him. A frown crossed Henry’s face, and he pushed past Ted.

  The annoyed look disappeared when he saw her. “Thanks for dropping by and please ignore anything he said.”

  “I already have.” Her stomach did a silly flip-flop, and she gestured to the awards. “Impressive.”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. “Thanks. Come back to my office.”

  Stylish leather chairs sat in front of his desk, and more awards and pictures covered the walls. “How long have you been a realtor?”

  He gestured for her to sit down. “Ten years. Right out of college. Went to business school for a semester, but figured it was better business to start earning some money instead of shelling out thousands more for an MBA.”

  “Looks like you made the right decision. Oh, here.” She handed him the paperwork.

  “Thanks.” He set it on his desk. “I’ve been thinking about your checklist.” He smirked. “I thought we could look over some listing print outs together before making any appointments.”

  Her phone rang and she held up one finger. “I have to grab that or she’ll climb the nearest bridge.” She fished her cell out of her purse and tried to find her patience, too. “Yes, Julie.”

  “Guess what?”

  “You’re getting a horse drawn carriage?”

  Julie gasped. “No, but that’s a good idea.”

  “Then what?”

  “I’ve narrowed down the reception sites to three places and I need you to hit their restaurants and check out the food.”

  Elizabeth pulled out a pen and searched for a pie
ce of paper. Henry handed her a sheet.

  “Thanks,” she mouthed to him. “Okay, give them to me.”

  “The Grove, Alex’s On Main Street, and The Garden Inn.”

  Elizabeth jotted them down. “The Grove? I didn’t know they did receptions.”

  “They just put on an addition. Will you check them out for me? Tell me if the food’s good, if the place is nice?”

  “Of course. When I get a chance.”

  “You’re the best. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  That caught Henry’s attention. “The Grove? Great restaurant. You going there?”

  She sighed. “My sister lives out of town and she’s hunting for wedding reception sites. Guess who’s checking out the places?”

  “Wow. You’re sister of the year.” He looked at his watch. “You know it’s still early, and it’s a Wednesday. Probably not a big crowd. We could grab a table and review the print outs there. Sound good?”

  She hesitated, but killing two birds with one stone was her favorite sport. “I’ll meet you there.”

  Chapter 3

  Henry pulled out her chair and she was incredibly annoyed with her racing heart. If this was just a business meeting, why did she feel like she’d jogged up a few flights of stairs? She really should hit the gym a few more often. “So what’ve you got for me?”

  He smiled at her, and his eyes stayed locked on hers a moment longer than felt comfortable. “I found a bunch of old colonials that each have something…special. I’m going to keep that part a secret until you see them.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “That’s teasing.”

  His eyes twinkled. “That’s the kind of guy I am. First, let’s weed out the ones that don’t hit your major checklist points.”

  “Good idea.” She unfolded her napkin and ordered an iced tea from the waitress. “Lemon on the side, heavy on the ice, and raw organic sugar if you have it, please.”

  He tried to hold back a smirk. “I’ll have the same.”

  She caught his grin. “What? I know what I want.”

  “And tea is one of those things?”

  She tipped her nose in the air. “It’s got all sorts of health benefits. I try to drink four cups a day, hot, cold, green, black. Doesn’t matter.”

  “But do you actually like it?”

  Although she preferred coffee, she certainly wasn’t going to tell him that. She ignored him and unfolded her napkin. “Do you always work late?”

  “Only for certain clients. Weekends too, of course, with open houses.”

  “You must have an understanding girlfriend,” she said, scanning the menu. As subtle as an elephant in church.

  He shifted in his seat. “That’s why I don’t have a girlfriend. Tried that a few times, and discovered women don’t like having plans cancelled at the last minute so you can draw up a contract or rescue a deal that’s falling apart.” He shrugged. “I’ve decided you can’t have it all at once, so the wife and kids are going to have to wait. Dating’s not a priority these days.”

  So Ted hadn’t been lying. Elizabeth pushed her shoulders back and forced a smile. “That’s good to hear. I’d hate to know a woman was at home waiting while you try to help your most difficult client ever.”

  “That’s not the way I’d describe you.” He stared at her and then his gaze snapped down to the pile of paperwork in front of him. “Take a look at these properties, and tell me which ones you’d like to see.” Their fingers touched as she took the papers and the brush of skin sent a jolt through her. She hoped to god he didn’t feel it, too.

  ***

  Shake it off, buddy. When was the last time he felt a spark like that? He took a long drink of his beer. He didn’t have time for romance and apparently neither did she. But he hadn’t met someone like Elizabeth in a long time. If ever, really.

  She leafed through the printouts and tucked her hair behind her ears.

  “So, your sister’s getting married?” he asked. “I guess the whole I-won’t-ever-be-getting-hitched thing isn’t genetic.” Whoa, slow down boy.

  She glanced up, folded her arms on the table and gave him a look. “Let’s just say Julie was born with the gift of attracting any truly wonderful man within a ten mile radius. And me? Just the opposite. I’m a magnet for nicer-stuff-on-the-bottom-of-your-shoe guys.”

  Henry turned up his hands. “You’ve had a few bad experiences. Everyone has.”

  She shook her head. “I’m all for getting back on the horse when you fall off. But once you’ve been knocked off again and again and again? A smart girl quits horseback riding and takes up golf.”

  His laugh surprised him. “Do you actually play golf?”

  After a long pause she said, “No, I just stopped riding…horses.” She snapped her gaze down to the papers in front of her.

  He tried not to think about her straddling a horse or anything else for that matter. Instead, he watched her intensely studying the listing details. She nodded at a few and set them in one pile. Frowned at others and set those aside. Nibbled on her lip as she mulled them over. His leg bounced under the table.

  “Okay, I’ve picked the ones I’d like to see.” She straightened the pile in front of her. “But there are six. Is that too many?” Her eyes were wide and her eyebrows arched. Then her tongue flicked over her bottom lip, which she proceeded to snag with her teeth.

  “Uhh…” His fingers started drumming the table. “Six?” Yeah, that was too much in one day. For anyone but her.

  She counted them again. “Yes. Six.” She nodded and curled a strand of hair around her finger. God, and then again with the lips.

  . Six houses meant three or four more hours with her. He sucked in a breath and braced his hands on his thighs. “No problem. Sex is okay. It’s great.”

  She paled.

  His eyes bulged. Oh no, he didn’t. Idiot! “God, I’m sorry.” He spread his hands on the table and leaned forward. “I meant six. Six houses is good. Fine.” He blew out a deep breath and chuckled to himself. Shit, I’m in trouble.

  She dipped her head and said in a husky voice, “I’m glad it won’t be a problem.” He saw her shake her head and quickly blink a few times.

  Luckily, the waitress arrived with their dinners. But he wasn’t able to focus on the food. It might have been good, he couldn’t tell. He was too busy watching Liz. He liked the way her long fingers wrapped around her glass and unconsciously fingered the beads of condensation. The way her long eyelashes brushed her cheekbones when she blinked. The way he got the slightest glimpse down the v-neck of her shirt. Was that a flash of a pink lace bra?

  He looked away and told himself to knock it the hell off. She wasn’t interested and he shouldn’t be interested. He didn’t even have time for women. Things always ended badly. So even if something did happen between him and Elizabeth, it was sure to go south in a hurry. And oh yeah, she’s a client, you fool.

  By the time their coffee came, he thought about dessert and after dinner drinks and everything that could happen after that, but knew the best thing to do was just ask for the check before things got out of hand.

  “Give your sister a thumbs-up for this place. My steak was great. Let me know if you need my help with the other two contenders. What were they?”

  “Alex’s on Main Street and the Garden Inn. That would be great. Dining alone is a little embarrassing. Let me get that,” Elizabeth said, reaching for the check. “It is wedding research after all.”

  “Put your purse down. I’ll write this off as an expense. Don’t worry. We’re closer to finding your house.”

  Which was the point, he reminded himself hours later when he was lying in bed thinking of her.

  And six.

  ***

  Elizabeth was trying to decide what color blue Henry’s eyes were. Blueberry? Or more like denim? Only because she was entirely bored at the wine and cheese reception before the Friday night lecture series began.

  “Elizabeth, did you hear what I sa
id?” her co-worker, Debbie, asked.

  “Slate?” She looked up from the guest list she was pretending to scan at the reception table. “I’m sorry, I was just…” Thinking about a guy who shouldn’t be creeping into my thoughts. “What was that again?”

  Debbie sighed. “I said my nephew just got here. Thought you might be interested in meeting him. Successful lawyer, very handsome. Quite the catch…”

  “No thanks.” She didn’t even look in the direction of Debbie’s not so subtle gesture.

  “You sure?” She put her hand on Elizabeth’s. “You need to get out there, hon. I was married with three kids when I was your age. You’re twenty-nine, right?”

  Elizabeth scrunched up her nose. “Thanks for the reminder.”

  Debbie waved her hand dismissing the thought. “Twenty-nine is nothing, darlin’. Trust me, before you know it, your life slips away. What are you waiting for?” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Is it because of Dave? You wouldn’t want to get involved with your boss, dear.”

  Her mouth hung open. “What? No. No! What are you talking about?”

  Debbie pursed her lips and shrugged. “Everyone knows he’s sweet on you. Just don’t let that hold you back from meeting other fellas.”

  “I’m not interested in men.”

  Her eyebrows shut up. “Oh, darlin’ I didn’t know. I didn’t realize you were one of those. And that’s totally fine,” she quickly added. “I think my niece is, too. Her hair is so short and I’ve never seen that girl in a skirt. Lordy, you should see her tattoos. Would you like to meet her?”

  Elizabeth looked up at the ceiling and counted to five. “I like men. I just don’t want one. Kind of like a dog. No time, no interest and no patience for their bad behaviors.” She snapped her mouth shut before she really got going.

  Debbie shrugged. “It’s true. They’re both hard to train.”

  Theresa walked up and held out her hand. “Fork it over. She said no, and I’m certain she won’t change her mind.”

  Debbie sighed and reached for her purse under the table, mumbling under her breath.