Spouse Hunting

by Scott, Lisa

  Henry rolled his eyes. “Some day, Mother. Some day. I’ve got—.”

  “__your career, yes I know. Don’t you know by now that’s not everything? Haven’t you learned anything from your father’s mistakes?”

  He looked at his mother and her sincere, pleading eyes. “You’re right. Maybe I have.” He squeezed his her hand. Excuse me.” He kissed her on the cheek, got up from the table and continued his search for the luscious brunette in bronze. He had to give it one last shot.

  He found her in the lobby, bent over paperwork on the table. “Another check list?”

  She looked up and he was very pleased with her smile. “It’s best to look busy when the boss is around looking for another turn on the dance floor.” Her smile fell. “How are sales? You going to beat the record?”

  He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Not so great. Might not be breaking that sales record, after all.” He shrugged. “Looks like my hot streak is over.”

  Reaching forward, she gripped his arm. “Don’t get discouraged because of me. I’m an incredibly picky woman who doesn’t know what she wants. I should give the house hunting a break for now. It’s not you…you’ve been wonderful.” She looked back at her papers.

  It’s not you, it’s me? That’s the first time he’d heard that as a realtor instead of someone’s soon-to-be ex.

  She toyed with a strand of hair grazing her cheek. “I’m sorry. This is just too hard.”

  He sat on the table. He wasn’t going to give up. Not yet. “I think we need to take another look at that log cabin. You really liked it.”

  “You don’t have time to waste on me. You need to concentrate on selling houses. To normal people. Who know what they want.” Her voice was a whisper.

  He walked around the table and leaned against the wall next to her. “I have time tonight.”

  Her eyes widened like two dark pools. “Tonight?”

  “Might help to see what the place looks like under the moonlight.” And what you look like under moonlight…

  She nibbled on her lip.

  His shoulder brushed hers and he whispered in her ear. “And, I do believe they have a hot tub we haven’t tried out yet.”

  She caught her breath and he realized how close he was to her lips. “The owners live out of town and I still have the key.”

  “I have to be here until the event wraps up. That’ll be late.” Her breath was hot on his cheek.

  He shrugged. “I have to take my mother home. I’ll come back to get you.”

  She thought about it for a moment and her tongue flicked across her lips. “Sure.”

  He squeezed her hand and went back to his table to take his mother home and count down the minutes until this very private showing.

  Chapter 11

  It was nearing eleven o’clock and she gathered her things to leave. He must have changed his mind, she thought. Was she more disappointed or relieved? Like she said, house hunting with Henry had become too much for her. “Good night, Debbie. Thanks for the help with the dress.”

  “It was a hit, that’s for sure. It certainly caught Dave’s eye.”

  She pressed her eyes shut, trying to forget the dance debacle. Dave had to be furious with her.

  “And it got your realtor’s attention, too. I think he’s hot for more than just a deal, my dear.”

  Elizabeth opened and closed her mouth, uncertain what to say. She honestly had no idea what Henry’s intentions were. One moment she’d believe he was interested, the next moment she realized he was just after a sale. “I’ll see you Monday.”

  “God willing we don’t get a pink slip in the mail tomorrow.” Debbie crossed herself.

  Elizabeth hugged her, and stepped out into the cool night. She noticed the headlights of a car pulling into the parking lot.

  Henry drove up next to her and lowered the passenger side window. “Can I give you ride?”

  Her heart jumped to attention and she leaned in the window. “A ride from a strange man at night? I think I should follow you there.” So I have a getaway car in case things get too hot.

  He hit her with that killer grin. “I’ll lead the way.”

  It took twenty minutes to reach the house, but it seemed like they got there in two. Her heart thudded knowing she’d left her willpower and sensibility at home for the evening, along with her modest clothing that didn’t showcase her breasts front and center. If she had a nickel for every man peaking at her cleavage earlier….

  Henry was opening her car door before she could get out. “Even more beautiful at night.” He helped her out of the car and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “And the house looks good, too.”

  She exhaled and a tiny puff of breath lingered in the chilly air between them.

  He smoothed his hand across her back. “Talk about staging. A man doesn’t stand a chance with you in this dress.”

  “Thanks,” she said, her eyelashes fluttering.

  He let his hand linger on her back and his lips hovered in front of hers. She tried to exude calm but her heaving chest betrayed her. She shivered.

  He took off his jacket and slid it on her. “Let’s get inside.” He opened his trunk and grabbed a duffle bag. “I picked up a few things after I dropped off my mother so we could properly inspect the place.” He held out his hand and after rubbing her fingers together for a moment, she folded her hand in his and they walked up to the house.

  He unlocked the door and flicked on the lights in the big room looking over the pond at the bottom. A bottle of wine appeared out of the duffle bag and he poured them each a glass.

  “More help unwinding?”

  “Exactly. If I can’t help you find a house you like, at least I can die knowing I tried every trick in the book.” He spread out a blanket on the floor.

  Her smile faltered when he said the word trick, but she knew what she was getting into. And maybe it was the allure of the dress, or the way she’d felt with so many eyes on her earlier that evening, but she was okay with what was going to happen. She was going to let herself be seduced by this man.

  She took a long swallow of wine and traced her finger along the rim. “The pond looks like a mirror in the moonlight.” She’d love to paint it.

  “Shall we take the boat out again?”

  She wrapped her arms around herself, remembering their first kiss in that boat. “It’s too cold out.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “How about we warm you up in the hot tub?”

  “I didn’t happen to bring a bathing suit.” Thankfully.

  “I didn’t think so.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny red thing. “So, I stopped and picked one up for you. Gotta love those twenty-four hour Wal-Marts.” He held up his hand. “And don’t worry, I’ve got my trunks.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  “Only around you.”

  She glared at him for a moment and then snatched the bathing suit from him. “A bikini.”

  He grinned. “I’ll go turn on the hot tub. I seem to remember a Jacuzzi being on your list. It would be wrong not to check it out.”

  She found the bathroom and went inside to change. The bikini fit her perfectly, even if it did expose far too much of her pale flesh. She sighed. I’m in too deep to get out of this, she thought.

  She walked back into the living room and saw Henry’s Adam’s apple bob as his eyes swept over her. “Like a brick colonial.”

  She laughed. “Your turn.”

  He pointed at her. “Be right back.” He grabbed his trunks and dashed to the bathroom.

  She wrapped her arms around her chest and looked around the room. She liked being here. She could imagine coming home, sharing a glass of wine, looking out over the pond. She frowned. Sharing would imply having someone to enjoy the wine with. And that she did not have.

  But tonight you do.

  Henry stepped out of the bathroom and Elizabeth knew her eyes were lingering on his chest, then his abs which were firmer than she’d imagined. Where did the man find the
time to keep a body in that kind of shape?

  She unfastened the clip holding her hair up and let it fall on her shoulders.

  He smiled and walked over to her. “What do you think now that you’ve seen it a second time?”

  She playfully sauntered around him. “Good structure. Well built. I like it even more than I first thought.”

  “Me, too.” He smirked and caught her hand and led her out to the patio in front of the house. The steaming water from the hot tub formed a cloud and she climbed in. He settled next to her, draping his arm around her shoulders.

  She leaned against him. “I think this is what I’m looking for right here.” Her eyes drifted shut and she sighed.

  He nibbled her ear and covered her eyes. “Shall we try this technique again?”

  A laugh rumbled low in her throat and she turned to him. He took her face in his hands and brought her lips to his. “You’re finally listening to your heart.”

  She was listening to something that was for sure. And not to all those old regrets and hurts, but to her desire. Her lips tingled as she answered his kiss, exploring his mouth in more ways than she could have imagined. Somewhere inside of her, a contented stray kitty purred.

  And later, when she led him inside to the blanket he’d spread on the floor, she finally could admit to herself what she’d wanted all along. She was ready to accept it. Ready to offer it. Ready to take it.

  She’d deal with the consequences later.

  Her eyes fluttered open as the sun peeked from behind a cloud.

  She rolled over and Henry was smiling at her. “I can’t decide if you look more beautiful at sunset or sunrise.” He brushed a strand of hair off her face.

  Then he stood up and started dressing. “I’m taking a few clients to some open houses this morning, so I’ve got to run. You don’t have to leave yet. Just lock up when you do.” He bent down and kissed the top of her head. “And enjoy the chocolate croissants in the kitchen. I’d love to feed them to you but…” He tapped his watch. “Who knows where that would lead?”

  Her eyes widened. How could she be feeling this way about something that wasn’t real?

  He gathered his things and pulled her up from the floor. She clutched the blanket around her and he wrapped one arm around the bare skin of her waist, pulling her against him. “Did that help sort things out for you?” His lips brushed across hers.

  She kissed him back. “Consider it sorted.” Too bad it wasn’t something she could have. He let himself out and climbed in his car. She watched him drive down the long driveway and sat staring for a long time.

  Finally, she got dressed. Back into her gown from the night before. It was way too Cinderella for her. The ball was definitely over. She grabbed her purse and her shoes and even the bathing suit he’d given her, and made sure things in the house were tidied up.

  This could be your house.

  The thought surprised her. She could have this house. It was in her price range, she loved everything darn thing about it and all she had to do was call Henry and tell him to draw up a contract.

  So why wasn’t she doing just that? What was holding her back?

  She locked the door and stared out at the pond for a few minutes. Then she wandered back to the art studio. The studio was reason alone to buy this place. But she turned her back on it and walked to her car without entirely understanding why.

  ***

  God, what a night. Henry hadn’t slept more than what, four hours? But he was energized in a way he couldn’t remember. And waking up with Liz in his arms? Incredible. It felt right. It was one of those days when the sky looked bluer than usual, when the slow driver in front of him didn’t bother him one bit, when all the right songs came on the radio. The open houses later that morning were a tremendous success and he had an offer by the end of the day.

  He was back in the game for all time sales record. He returned to the office and picked up his phone to call Elizabeth and share the good news, but he set it down. He wasn’t sure what was happening between them.

  He grabbed one of the rocks from the glass dish filled with the pocketful of sand he took from the beach house and rubbed his thumb across it. He laughed to himself. All this time you’ve been telling Liz to figure out what she wants and you don’t even know yourself. He kicked his feet up on his desk. What was he going to do about this situation? He could save any deal from folding and sell a house no one else would touch, but he couldn’t figure out to handle a beautiful woman who just wouldn’t leave his thoughts.

  Chapter 12

  Ten minutes before five p.m. on Monday, Dave stepped out of his office. Elizabeth’s stomach dropped when he motioned to her. “Can you come in my office?”

  “Sure.” She felt everyone in the room watching her walk in.

  She closed the door and was grateful there was a chair for her to collapse in. From the look on his face, she knew this wasn’t going to be good. He hadn’t talked to her all day. Probably still mad about their interrupted dance. “What’s going on, Dave?”

  He steepled his fingers. “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about the budget cuts. Unfortunately, they’re true.”

  She held her breath. She’d dug her own grave and made it easy for him to toss her in it.

  “But fortunately, we only have to let one person go.”

  She nodded, hoping she could staunch the tears that were sure to follow. She hadn’t worn waterproof mascara in years. She always made sure never to give herself reason to cry.

  “And I’m hoping I can count on you to take on some of Debbie’s duties when I let her go.”

  “Debbie?”

  He nodded.

  She gripped the chair and shook her head. “You can’t. It would just kill her. She’s been here so long.”

  He stood up and started pacing the office. “That’s right. And how much longer will she be here? Someone like you has what, a few more decades with us? We need to keep you on board.” He sat on the desk in front of her and leaned toward her. “I need you here. I want you here. But I need to be sure you can handle some of her workload. I’m planning to divvy it up, but I’m thinking you’re going to be taking on the bulk of it. I can’t lose you, Elizabeth.” His voice softened.

  She nodded, absentmindedly. Oh, Debbie.

  “Good,” he said. “And keep this confidential. I’m not making the official announcement until this Friday.”

  “Of course,” she whispered. “If it’s alright with you, I’m leaving now. I don’t want to answer anyone’s questions.”

  “Right. Good idea. See you tomorrow, Elizabeth. Maybe for lunch?”

  She left without answering.

  She drove home in a daze. She should have been grateful her job had been spared; even if it would mean loads more work on top of an already towering workload. A month ago she would have been grateful. Maybe it was Dave mentioning she had a few more decades there. It was like she could see her entire life unfolding in front of her. And she didn’t like what she saw—and not just the fifteen cats for company, either.

  The emotions inside of her swirled, making her feel woozy. But then everything was perfectly clear. For the first time, she had no trouble knowing what she wanted—and what she didn’t want.

  She pulled the car over on the side of the road, smacked her steering wheel and cried, “Yes!” Without thinking, she turned her car around and drove to the shopping plaza. She grabbed a basket in the art store and filled it with brushes and paints, a palette and canvasses. When she filled that basket, she filled two more.

  She drove home and changed into jeans and a t-shirt. Set up her new easel and squeezed dollops of paint on her palette. And she started painting. Didn’t even sketch out her drawings first. Just painted and let her fingers and the brush take over. Painted without thinking. Painted with her eyes closed. Painted until she ran out of canvasses and had to go back to the store for more, right before it closed.

  Some of the paintings were detailed memories of happy times.
At the beach as a child with her mother. Others were a dark mish-mash or abstract flourishes of pain. When she had painted out all of her emotions, she found herself carefully working on a picture of a rowboat on a little lake in front of a lovely house. This one she wanted to get right. She sat down on the couch to really take a look at it. And she fell asleep.

  She woke with a start to the phone ringing. “Hello?” she mumbled, running her hand through her hair.

  “Elizabeth? It’s ten a.m. Where are you? What happened? Did you get fired yesterday?” Debbie sounded panicked on the phone.

  Elizabeth felt her own surge of panic. But then she was hit with a wall of resignation. She should be thrilled she still had a job. But sitting on the couch, staring at her paintings scattered about the room, the last place she wanted to be was work.

  “No, I didn’t get fired.”

  “Then what did Dave say? Why aren’t you at work?”

  She couldn’t break the news to Debbie. “I’ll be there in a little while.”

  She jumped in the shower. A few more decades of this, she thought to herself. She actually shuddered, standing there under the warm spray of water. She didn’t think she could tolerate a few more days at work never mind a few decades now that she’d reopened her true desires.

  She dried off and stood in front of her closet, surveying her suits. “No,” she said aloud. “I’m done.” She closed the closet door, changed into jeans and a sweater and knew exactly what she was going to tell Debbie.

  Everyone in the office stopped what they were doing when Elizabeth walked in. Dave walked out of his office and turned up his hands as if to say, what the heck?

  She leaned up against the conference table in the center of the room. “I’m sorry I’m late. I overslept.” She squeezed the bridge of her nose. “This is hard to say. It’s unexpected and totally irrational, but I’m resigning from the university.”