by Roxy Wilson
“Nice?” Janay wrinkled her nose. “That’s not the way you’re supposed to describe a dynamite date.”
“It wasn’t dynamite.”
“Oh, oh! What went wrong?” Even though she pulled a long face, Janay became aware of how little pings of relief were zooming inside her. It seemed like such a strange reaction that she couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Why would she be relieved if his date didn’t work out? “Sharon is a great girl.”
“Yes, She is. But you know…that spark was missing.”
“You’re a tough cookie,” she mused.
The waiter brought her coffee and cookies.
Picking up the pale brown, round delicacy, she bit into it. “You present a hard challenge, my friend. But don’t you worry; I’m up for it. I’ll find the perfect girl for you soon enough.”
His gaze bored into hers. “I’m sure you will. Anyway, so let me tell you what happened.”
While he launched into a long description of his date, her thoughts wandered to other matters. Why was this matchmaking effort different than the others? Before, she always felt excited to get great results, but here, in Fitz’s case, she actually felt happy Sharon wasn’t the one for him. Probably because she didn’t take her time to select the right person. On an instinctive level, she must’ve known he wouldn’t hit it off with Sharon.
It would be all right. She just needed to keep looking.
Sooner or later, she would find the one girl who made him happy. Of course, she would have to be pretty amazing. The woman in his life needed to have a lot of good qualities because he was more than a special guy. He deserved the best. She took the last few sips of her coffee. “I should go.” She stood. “Don’t fret. I’m going to find someone else for you.”
“Let me walk you home.”
“No need,” she said breezily as she took out her wallet to pay for her share. “My apartment is right around the corner.”
He waved down her efforts to pay for her part of the bill. “Come on. Let’s go.”
When he insisted on going with her, she didn’t protest too much. Truth be told—she enjoyed Fitz’s company. Most days, they didn’t get a chance to spend much time together, but now with this new matchmaking project she’d taken on, it would be a good opportunity for them to hang out some more. Janay bounced along, her step light and happy. “How’s work coming along?”
“Good. In fact, my boss is so happy that he has pretty much promised me a generous bonus this year. I’ve been thinking of a holiday destination. You know, like somewhere I can relax and enjoy on a beach for two weeks.”
“Hawaii!” she offered.
“Nah! I was thinking somewhere more exotic. Thailand?”
“I’ve never been there.”
“Well, why don’t you…” He paused. “…Yeah! That sounds like a good place. I’ll check it out on the internet. Imagine; me, beach, sun, sand and a cool drink. It’ll be a slice of heaven.”
She could very well visualize what he described. More than that, she could imagine being with him in such a beautiful place. When the image popped into her head, she ran a hand through her hair, unsure about what was happening. Why would she be with Fitz on a vacation? Of course, they could go as friends. It would be silly, wouldn’t it? Especially, when she was busy setting him up with another girl!
Maybe she needed a break and that’s why she was having such silly fantasies. What with all the tension regarding the hellcat who kept trying to destroy their reputation and planning Brielle’s wedding, she was too tense.
That has to be it!
“It sounds delightful,” she managed to say without giving him an indication of the storm brewing inside of her. “When do you plan to go?”
“Not for another four or five months. There’s an interesting project I’m working on and if it finishes as I hope, I’ll be able to enjoy the vacation even more.” He smiled. “How are the preparations coming along for Brielle’s wedding?”
“She’s going nuts, like all brides do. But of course, Lexi and I are there to calm her down. Lexi’s pregnant.”
“Hey! That’s great news.” He put an arm around her shoulder and gave her a tight hug.
A strange, jolting feeling skidded along her nerves at the brief touch. She liked the way her body bumped against his.
“You’re going to be an aunt soon. I’m sure everyone’s excited.”
His hand on her shoulder practically burned. She wanted to pull away to stop the electric current zinging up and down her arm at the brief touch. And yet, she didn’t. What the hell is wrong with her? This is Fitz. There must have been a million times when he touched her like this before. What is so different about this brief contact today? “Yes, we all are.”
“Here we are.” He halted as he glanced up at the three-storied building that housed her place. All three sisters shared it. Each one of them had her own apartment, a gift from their parents. This ensured that they not only stayed together, but were able to support each other in times of need. “I guess I’ll see you.” Bending his head, he deposited a light kiss on her lips.
It felt like the barest touch of his lips to hers and yet, her insides turned to jelly. “Bye.”
When he strolled away, she stood rooted to the spot. Her lips were fairly ablaze. Just a light kiss, even a chaste one. An almost brotherly kiss. A sudden desire curled in her veins and swept through her and it wasn’t platonic at all. In fact, she had sizzled with the need to pull him back and kiss him good and proper. She wanted to run her fingers through his thick, black hair that reminded her so much of blackberries, slip her arms around his neck and press her body into his.
Damn it! There is definitely something wrong with her mind. Surely, she imagined the attraction she felt towards him.
It couldn’t be real!
It simply couldn’t be!
This was Fitz! Her best friend! Her pillar of support! She couldn’t be harboring such feelings for him. Janay sighed as she walked into the building. Maybe it was time to take a hot bath and rid her mind of these useless thoughts and feelings. Something was seriously wrong with her. Perhaps it’s just the stress of work and the excitement of a wedding in the family and the arrival of a new life. Surely, she would be able to return to her normal state of mind soon.
Yes! That’s it, or is it something else?
CHAPTER FOUR
After yet another unsuccessful date, Fitz was rethinking his not-so-brilliant idea. Instead of falling in with his plans, Janay acted even more gung-ho about the whole process. Every day, she appeared eager to suggest the names of women he would be deliriously happy with. Why couldn’t she see that he dreamt up this whole project only because he wanted her to realize she was perfect for him?
Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Or perhaps, it needed a little…amendment. He intended to work on it until it yielded results. In the evening, he stopped at her apartment.
Focus, Fitz, focus!
She opened the door. “Hey! What’s up?”
“The last date was a disaster.”
“Oh, no! Come in! Why?”
“She hates animals. Hates them with a passion! As in, she can’t be in the same room with them. You know, I’ve always had pets. How am I supposed to be with a woman who’s like that?”
She slapped a hand on her forehead. “I forgot to ask her about pets. Shit! I’m sorry, Fitz.”
“It’s all right.” He took a seat on the kitchen table. “I’ve got a plan now.”
“What plan?”
Fitz pressed his fingers hard against his thighs. He sure hoped this worked. “It’s obvious you don’t know me as well as we thought you did.”
“I know you pretty well, Fitz,” she argued.
When his name rolled off her tongue, he felt the desire to drag her into his arm. He cleared his throat. “Maybe we should spend some more time together, so you can get a feel of what makes me tick. Then, just maybe, you might be able to think of someone who’s a good fit for me
.” He’d been the safe, dependable Fitz in her life for too long. It was time to become the man she had the hots for Fitz. He wanted her to crave him the same way he craved her. “You missed an important detail, Janay. I mean…pets? How could you forget that?”
She gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Geez, it was a small mistake. I didn’t forget Tiger. It just slipped my mind to check with her to see if she was okay with dogs, cats, that kinda thing.”
“And that’s why it’s important for us to spend more time with each other, so you’re on top of things.” He frowned for good measure. “I thought you were serious about this?” He threw the challenge out lightly, deliberately.
As expected, she drew herself to her full 5 feet 6 inches. “Of course, I am.”
“If you aren’t…” He stood, firmly keeping a check on his lips that itched to smile. It wasn’t difficult to rile her…Push a few buttons and she would agree to whatever he said.
“I said I am, didn’t I?” she huffed. “I’m free right now. Let’s sit and talk.”
“That would be too contrived, don’t you think?” He raised his brows.
“Oh! You’re impossible. Give me a minute. We’ll change and go grab a cup of coffee or something.” She walked out without waiting for a response. “Men!” she muttered.
Fitz resisted the urge to do a victory dance. He waited with a calm exterior until she came back and picked up her purse from the couch. “Actually, I’ve got a better idea.”
“What is it?” Suspicion coated her words.
“Don’t look at me as if I’m going to ask you to battle a pride of lions with me.” He stood. “Come on.”
“Tell me where we’re going, Fitz,” she griped as they went out of the apartment. She locked her door. “Is it a restaurant?”
He knew she didn’t like surprises. However, he enjoyed keeping her a little off balance. She was so sharp and bright, he seldom got the chance to do it. “Patience, my lovely!”
When they moved down the stairs, they saw Lexi and Cole.
Cole kept struggling to take two bags of groceries from Lexi’s hands while he carried four already. “Let go,” he ordered.
Lexi sniffed. “I’m perfectly capable of carrying them up the stairs. I’m not taking the elevator.” She gazed down at her belly that hadn’t started to show signs of her condition as yet. “Pregnancy doesn’t make me an invalid, Cole.”
“The doctor said—”
“He didn’t say anything about not being able to carry stuff,” she snarled.
Fitz took the packets away from Lexi before she realized what he was up to. “How are you doing?” He kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations! I heard the good news.”
She raised an eyebrow, glanced down at the grocery bags that were now in his hands and rolled her eyes. “Not you, too! Fine. I’m okay. Doing well. And I’m due in July.”
“An Independence baby!” He beamed.
“She’s fine, but I’m having a tough time with the mood swings,” Cole whispered and sighed.
“I heard that, Cole,” Lexi retorted. She jammed her now empty hands against her hips.
Cole continued as if he hadn’t heard her, “The doctor assured me that she should be through this phase in a couple of months.” He sighed again. “I can’t wait to get my Lexi back.”
“Cole!” Lexi thundered.
Cole, Janay and Fitz exchanged amused glances.
Fitz gestured to the packages he’d confiscated from Lexi. “Let me just drop these upstairs and I’ll be right back.” He took the stairs, two at a time.
The group waited until he came back down, then Cole used the respite to press the control of the elevator. By the time Lexi figured what he’d done, the doors of the elevator swished opened. Cole took the elbow of the bemused Lexi and escorted her inside.
They both watched in amusement as the couple disappeared from view when the doors closed with a firm snap.
Janay laughed and turned to Fitz. “Nicely done!” She applauded as they stepped away. “She’s just struggling with nausea these days but she tries to hide it.”
“The original tough lady, she is.”
She tucked her hand under his arm. “So, where are we going?”
“Wait and see!” They strolled out and along on the sidewalk. This was perfect. He could spend an entire lifetime walking around with her. “So, any new guy in your life?”
“Nope! Not even looking right now. I liked Sandra’s theory and am taking a similar break from men.”
Fitz breathed a sigh of relief. Good! Great news. He didn’t want to fight off another man while he made a play for her. They walked along for another ten minutes until finally he saw the sign. “There! We’re going to that fun fair.”
“Fun fair! Have you lost your mind?” She tried to yank her hand out of his grip. “It’s for kids.”
“We’ve been to plenty of fun fairs before.”
“Yeah, when we were twelve and way too long ago.”
He tugged her forward. “And that’s why this is the perfect time to go.”
“I’m too old for this kind of thing.”
“No, you’re not. And neither am I.” He bought the tickets. “Come on. If you don’t have fun, we’ll get out whenever you say the word.”
She glowered at him.
He wriggled his eyebrows at her.
“Fine,” she huffed as they went inside.
Fitz surveyed the brightly lit stalls and the noisy crowds milling about. Children chased each other through the throngs of people.
“This is crazy. What are we going to do here?” she asked
He pointed to a stall with large, stuffed animals. “Let’s do that. I’ll win you a prize.”
“Please! You’re a lousy shot.” Raising a hand, she mimed shooting. “And I was the one who won you a prize last time.”
He grimaced. “Oh, yeah…When we were twelve. I’ve been taking shooting lessons for the past two years.”
Her mouth gaped open. “You have? I didn’t know that.”
“See! There’s already one more thing you now know that you didn’t before. Admit it, my plan is working already.”
She rolled her eyes. “All right, fine. Do you want me to say it? Yes, Fitz, this was a great idea. Now, tell me why you’ve been taking shooting lessons?”
“A friend of mine got me into it. It’s a great way to release my frustration.”
“You’re never frustrated.”
Little did she know! Her presence already tied him in knots. It felt like torture to be with her and not be able to kiss or touch her. But he couldn’t tell her that. Of course, not. But soon, yeah! He would get her to where he wanted her. He paid the money and picked up the gun. “That’s not true. I get frustrated by some things, such as women who think I can’t even win a damned prize.”
She slapped him on the arm. “Show me your skills, big man!”
Oh, how he longed to show her. But for now, this would have to suffice. He took careful aim and shot straight on the dot. A few minutes later, he held a periwinkle-blue teddy bear in his hands. He presented it to her with a flourish. “For you, my lady.”
She accepted with a giggle. “Thank you.”
“I’ll carry it for you,” he offered. “You want to go on the Ferris wheel?”
“I hate it.” She pulled a face. “Let’s do the pirate ship first. It’s my favorite.”
He hated the pirate ship but didn’t say anything as she bounced towards the ride. If it made her happy, he would walk on hot coals. This was nothing. As expected, the ride was horrible. He fought the urge to throw up.
“Are you all right?” she asked when they got down from it.
Bile rose in his throat. With an effort, he swallowed and nodded. “Never better.”
“Note to self; Fitz doesn’t like pirate ships.” She laughed. “This was a brilliant idea. I’m getting to know so much about you.”
This wasn’t what he had in mind. He expect
ed to make an impression, but instead, he came across as a wimp. The roller coaster came next. Now—he actually thought he would throw up. But much to his relief, he didn’t. Later, he treated her to a hot dog.
“Having fun?”
She held his hand as they walked towards another stand. “Thank you. I had a lovely time.”
Her brief touch sent a shiver of delight up along his spine. He controlled the emotions swirling inside him. Seeing her laughing, happy face right next to him, he wanted to pull her into his arms and crush his mouth over hers. Yeah, that would totally throw her off. He couldn’t afford to give up the game so quickly. She still didn’t realize what he was doing. Maybe it would be a good idea to keep it like that for a little while. “So, what about tomorrow?”
She stopped to buy cookies and ice cream. “What do you mean?”
“You agreed that this was a good idea. I think we should do this again.”
She offered him a cone.
He shook his head.
“Fun fair again?”
“Nope!” He considered the options. Together, they did a lot of interesting things: theatre, cinema, restaurants and even hiking. This time though, he wanted to take her out of the comfort zone and do something different. It was important to let her see he wasn’t the same old friend with whom she felt comfortable. Instead, he needed her to see him in a new light. “How about ice skating?”
She cringed. “What? I’ll break a bone or something.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Did you take skating lessons, too?”
“Yeah! Three years ago. A bunch of us used to go for ice skating regularly, and then they moved out of town and I just never found a partner who enjoyed it as much I did. So, I don’t usually go now. But it would be great to teach you. How can you live in New York and never go ice skating?”
She thought for a minute, a contemplative look in her eyes.
Fitz could almost see the wheels whirring in her mind.
“Sounds like a plan.”
While he walked her back to the apartment, happiness bubbled deep inside him. His plan appeared to be working. He surely hoped so. Because without it, he didn’t have anything else to fall back on. And he couldn’t stomach the idea of losing her to another man.