Convince Me (Holton Series #1)

by B. L. Blair

  Smiling, he handed her the flowers. He hadn’t purchased the traditional roses but instead presented her with gorgeous, long stemmed pink and white striped lilies. Where he had found them, Anna could not imagine but they were beautiful.

  “Good evening,” Steven said. “You look wonderful.”

  “Thank you,” Anna said shyly. She suddenly knew he was trying to impress her. The fancy restaurant in downtown Dallas and the beautiful flowers that must have cost a fortune were signs of a man wanting to show a woman he was interested. Anna was being courted in the truest sense of the word.

  She moved back to allow him to enter the room before walking toward the kitchen. “I will put these in water. They’re beautiful, Steve. I love lilies and these are exquisite.”

  He had followed her into the kitchen. “I’m glad you like them.”

  Steven glanced at the living room. “You’ve rearranged.”

  “Yes,” Anna nodded. “I wasn’t happy with the way it was before. What do you think?”

  “It’s great. It gives the room more open space. It makes it look larger.”

  Anna pulled a large case from one of the cabinets and began filling it with water. She glanced at Steven and saw that he was fiddling with his tie. She hid a smile as she realized that he was nervous too. It made her feel better.

  “I like your tie,” she said breaking the silence.

  Steven looked up then and grinned sheepishly. Anna could tell he was embarrassed. “Thanks.”

  “You know, Steve, I have never even met Victoria. She wouldn’t know you didn’t wear one of her ties.”

  “I would know,” he said softly.

  Anna stopped filling the vase and looked at him. He steadily returned her gaze. His eyes were gentle and serious. Anna wondered if his family knew how much he loved them. For the first time since they met, Anna allowed herself to hope for a future. Any man who loved as much as Steven did was worth fighting for. Even if the person she was fighting was herself.

  Anna quickly finished putting the flowers in the vase and they left the apartment. Steven took her arm as they descended the stairs and led her to the car. He opened her door and helped her get in. Anna knew she was being treated to a gallantry that was rare in this day and age. Leaning back in her seat, she decided to enjoy every minute.

  The drive to Dallas took almost an hour. There wasn’t much traffic until they reached the downtown area. Anna and Steven talked lightly most of the drive. They had discussed Steven’s trip to Seattle and Julie’s dinner party. They talked about the Carson’s anniversary party, which was to be held at Steven’s house on Valentine’s Day.

  “That’s not a problem for you?” Anna asked. Most men she knew wouldn’t have wanted a partly like that at their home.

  “No,” Steven replied. “All I have to do is supply the house. Tori will do the rest.”

  “Valentine’s Day,” Anna said. “That is a very romantic day to marry.”

  Steven laughed. “Actually, my dad said he proposed at Christmas but Valentine’s was the earliest they could make the arrangements. My parents didn’t want to wait for the traditional June wedding.”

  Anna smiled thinking that it must be wonderful to love someone that much. By the time they had reached their destination, Anna was relaxed and enjoying their evening.

  After parking in a nearby parking area, Anna reached for her door only to be stopped by Steven. She turned to look at him but he simply said, “Please wait.”

  Surprised, Anna sat back in the seat and waited. Steven walked around the car and opened her door. He then offered her his hand. Momentarily stunned at such an old fashioned gesture, Anna just stared at him. Steven waited patiently with a slight smile on his face until Anna placed her hand in his. He then helped her from the car before shutting the door. Tucking her hand in his arm, they walked slowly to the building.

  Reunion Tower was a 561-foot building with an observation deck, revolving restaurant, and lounge all located in a huge sphere at the top of the building. They were seated quickly and efficiently near a window. As they studied their menus, Anna looked around the restaurant. It was not yet crowed.

  “Do you know what you want?” Steven asked a few minutes later.

  “Yes.”

  As if by magic, their waiter appeared and they placed their orders. Sitting back, Anna looked out the window and was able to see downtown Dallas. She turned back to Steven with a grin.

  He returned her grin. “Quite a sight, isn’t it? The restaurant makes one completed rotation every hour.”

  “Really?”

  Steven nodded. “The first time I remember coming here I was about twelve years old. It was my mother’s birthday and Dad thought it would be a nice place to bring her. Only he decided to bring us kids too, which was a mistake. Mitch wanted to know how the revolving mechanism worked and questioned everyone he could find to tell him. I don’t think he ever got a satisfactory answer. Victoria found a back way to the observation deck and disappeared for over an hour. We had the entire restaurant looking for her before Mitch finally found her asleep on one of the benches.”

  Anna laughed softly, hearing the love in his voice. “You get along well with your brother and sister, don’t you?”

  “I guess so,” he said with a puzzled look. “I mean we don’t fight anymore and I certainly miss them but I sometimes wonder if I really know them.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. We are all so different. Victoria and Mitch make their living on the go. They seem so busy and, I guess, important.”

  Victoria worked in advertising and often travelled for her job and Mitch was a free-lance investigative reporter who travelled all over the world gathering stories. Anna had read his work and had to admit she was quite impressed.

  “I never wanted to leave Holton,” Steven continued. “Mitch never wanted to stay. He couldn’t wait to leave. Victoria had wanted to live here at one time but overnight she changed her mind and headed off to California. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

  Anna smiled. “Luckily you don’t have to.”

  Their food arrived and the conversation became general. The meal was delicious and the atmosphere pleasant. Anna found it very easy to talk to Steven. She still avoided the subject of her father and most of her childhood but she told him things she had never told anyone else.

  The evening took on a magical air and Anna let her guard down. For one night, she would let go of her past and just enjoy. Relaxed and more content then she had ever been Anna knew this would be an evening she would never forget.

  #

  It was a beautiful evening. The sun was setting in the western sky casting a golden glow over the city. Steven hardly noticed the splendid sunset. He was watching Anna. She looked wonderful. The blue dress fit her like a glove, showcasing her curves and doing marvelous things for her complexion. She was more relaxed and happy in his company than she had ever been and it gave him a deep feeling of contentment.

  He had phoned Victoria in California the night before and after teasing him for several minutes, his sister launched into an elaborate plan. She was full of ideas about how to make it the most romantic evening Anna had ever experienced. Steven listened and then weeded out the ideas he was actually willing to use. Victoria had a vivid imagination. He rejected the hot air balloon ride. It was too cold this time of year. He also decided against the overnight train ride to Chicago. They both had to be at work the next morning and Steven wasn’t really sure Anna would have gone along with that one.

  However, the Reunion Tower restaurant was a good idea and Steven was glad to see Anna enjoying herself. He was also having a great time. So far everything had been perfect.

  The flowers had been a hit. He knew Anna had really liked them. When Steven had mentioned flowers to Victoria, she had dismissed the traditional red roses suggesting something a little more exotic. Steven had been willing but not knowledgeable. Fortunately for him, that was not a problem for his sister.<
br />
  “You know Tim Moreno, don’t you?” Victoria had asked him.

  “I think so. He has that farm out near Tanglewood Road, right?”

  “Yes,” Tori replied. “For a living, he grows grain that he sells for cattle feed but he loves plants and flowers. He has this wonderful greenhouse where he grows lilies. All kinds of lilies. It is the greatest place, Steve. I’ll call him tomorrow and you can go pick up some. He sales them to friends. They will be perfect for your date.”

  The next day, Steven was on his way to the Moreno farm. Mr. Moreno was a grizzled old man of few words but Victoria had worked her magic and the man opened his greenhouse for Steven. His sister was correct. Steven had never seen so many lilies in one place. Lilies of all kinds, sizes and colors. With help from Moreno, Steven picked the most beautiful flowers he could find.

  Then Steven had planned the last part of their evening. He decided on a carriage ride through downtown Dallas. He knew there were several horse drawn carriages in the area and with a little research and planning, he found out where they could be found at what time. Steven had enjoyed every minute of the day. The only blemish had been his phone call to Anna.

  Victoria had warned him to tell her where he was taking her so that Anna could dress appropriately or she wouldn’t enjoy the evening. Steven had seen the logic in her advice and had called Anna right after he returned from the Moreno farm. The conversation had not gone well. Steven didn’t know why the money issue had upset her but now that their meal was ending, he wasn’t sure how to handle the situation.

  The waiter place the bill on the table next to him and Steven studied her for a moment. He picked up the tab and looked her straight in the eye.

  “I know that our conversation this afternoon discussed money but you are my invited guest and I would like to pay for this meal. Is that alright with you?”

  He heard Anna sigh and she looked away. Steven waited a moment and then started to speak but she stopped him.

  “I owe you an apology, Steve. What I said and, more importantly, how I said it, was inexcusable. I am sorry. I have had to worry about money for some time now and I tend to be a little sensitive about the subject but that’s my problem – not yours.”

  Steven nodded briefly taking that to mean he could pay for the meal, which he gratefully did. He wanted to give Anna everything she wanted. He knew she didn’t need his help financially but he hoped she needed him in other ways.

  The Brockman firm had a large clientele. He and Andrew used it and so did most of the businesses in town as well as individuals for income tax purposes. He assumed that Anna had purchased the business from Mr. Brockman for a reasonable amount. Steven remembered Anna’s comment about her father spending money. It was certainly possible she had every reason to be sensitive about the subject.

  When they left the restaurant, they decided to take a quick walk around the observation deck before heading back to the car. The sun had just set and most of the buildings downtown had turned on their lights. Steven and Anna walked to the railing and looked out over the bright lights that spread for miles.

  “So many people,” Anna said softly.

  “I know,” Steven said wrapping an arm around her waist. She leaned back against him. “One time I went to Los Angeles to visit Tori. I was claustrophobic. Too many people in one place.”

  “When my mom first died, I thought about moving to Dallas or Houston or even San Antonio. I wanted to be just another person in the crowd,” Anna said.

  Steven tightened his arm. “I’m glad you didn’t. Their loss is Holton’s and my gain.”

  She laughed and then asked seriously, “Does it ever bother you? That everyone in town knows you, knows almost everything about you?”

  Steven thought back to the first day they had met and the irritation he had felt when Julie knew about his accident before he had a chance to tell her himself. “Sure, it bothers me sometimes. Once in a while, I just want to tell people to mind their own business but I also know that if I ever need something those same people will be there for me every time.”

  They were silent for a minute. Anna had some bad feelings about her hometown. Steven knew she wasn’t yet sure that Holton was any better.

  “I remember,” he said trying to explain the appeal Holton had for him, “when Andrew’s wife died. I was at the hospital with Andrew and I know that at least half the town came by sometime during that long night. And for weeks, months even, after she was gone, people helped Andrew with the children and even with our office. It is times like those that make me realize that no matter how bad it gets, I have someone I can count on.”

  Anna nodded and gave him a shy smile. Steven leaned forward and kissed her lightly. He wanted to pull her into his arms and press his lips to hers. He wanted to feel her body pressed against his and watch desire flood her face. But he resisted. He could push for a physical response. They both knew the attraction was there but he want more. But Anna was still wary and Steven wasn’t about to rush her. He had made that mistake once and he wasn’t willing to risk it again. The price was too high.

  They returned to the ground level and walked down the street to the waiting carriages. Anna was delighted with his choice and they rode through the streets wrapped in a blanket. Their driver was willing to talk so Steven asked the guide for some local history. The man knew his business and kept them entertained with interesting and amusing stories throughout the entire ride.

  Steven drove slowly back to Holton, not ready for the night to end. They were silent but it was a comfortable silence. Steven was pleasantly tired and hoped that Anna felt the same. They arrived at her apartment all too soon. He walked her up the stairs and Anna invited him in for coffee. Steven knew he should leave. They both had to work in the morning and it would be too tempting to stay the entire night if he gave in but one look at her face and all resistance flew out the window.

  They took their coffee into the living room and sat on the couch, which now sat opposite the two large prints. They talked about their evening and about the stories their driver had told them. Steven tried to keep his mind off the bed that was just a few feet away in the next room. He finished his coffee and leaned back on the couch. He drew Anna into his arms. I will just hold her for a minute, he thought to himself. She leaned her head against his shoulder and they sat there silently, just enjoying the intimacy.

  Steven knew this was right. With Anna in his arms, his world was complete. He slowly drew his hand up and down her arm and worked on keeping his hormones in check. He glanced at the front of his pants and hoped that Anna wouldn’t notice his reaction to her closeness. He waited a moment and shifted slightly trying to adjust. He then looked down at Anna’s face and realized she had fallen asleep. Steven chuckled.

  “Well,” he said softly, “I guess that is my clue to leave.”

  He slipped his arms under her and rose from the couch trying not to wake her. He walked slowly into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Her cat was seated in the center of the bed and gave Steven a disgusted look when the movement jostled her from her resting place.

  “Sorry,” Steven said softly and reached out to scratch the cat under her chin. Sophie accepted the caress but soon grew tired of sitting and curled up into a ball next to Anna. Steven felt a surge of envy. He badly wanted to crawl into bed beside Anna and fall asleep with her in his arms.

  The bedroom was a surprise to him. To him, Anna was all woman but her dress was conservative and she always wore solid colors. Her bedroom, however, was all floral. It was a completely feminine room. Her bed covers were pink with mauve roses and ruffles around the edge. She had matching curtains and a matching cloth on the bedside table. Under the window, here was an old fashion chase lounge and in one corner a huge full length mirror on a stand. In the other corner was a small vanity table complete with mirror and stool.

  It was a beautiful room but one out of character for the practical, restrained woman he had come to know. It was another side of her he had
yet to explore.

  Steven looked down at her once last time. She was still fully dressed and he knew he didn’t have the will power to undress her but he did remove her shoes and loosened the top two buttons on her dress. She sighed and turned onto her side. Steven leaned over and softly kissed her goodnight.

  It was not the ending he had planned but it was satisfying nonetheless. He let himself out of her apartment and drove home through the quiet streets.

  His cellphone rang just as he was unlocking the door. He hoped it was Anna. Steven was only a little disappointed when he saw it was Victoria instead.

  “So how did it go?” she asked excitedly.

  Steven grinned. Victoria was the happiest person he knew and she made other people happy by just being in the same room or on the same phone line. It was a unique talent and Steven loved her for it.

  “It went great, Tori.” He settled into his armchair knowing it was going to be a long conversation. His sister would want a blow-by-blow account of the entire evening. He didn’t care. He was still too wound up to sleep anyway.

  “It couldn’t have gone that great,” Victoria said knowingly. “You are already home.”

  Steven looked at his watch and was surprised to see that it was just a little after eleven. He had thought it was much later. He laughed at Victoria’s statement.

  “She fell asleep in my arms,” he told his sister knowing she wouldn’t let that one pass without comment.

  “Yeah, but were you in her bed at the time?”

  “Tori, shame on you,” he said trying not to laugh. “A gentleman never tells.”

  She laughed her very infectious laugh and Steven soon joined in. Then he said, “You are not supposed to talk like that. You are a very proper and well-bred young lady.”

  “Oh Steve, you are so full of it. When are you going to realize I am all grown up?”

  “Never, I’m afraid. To me, you will always be my baby sister,” Steven said a little sadly. He missed his siblings and although they spoke and emailed often, it just wasn’t the same.

  “She’s special, Tori,” he said now wanting to share it with her.