by Marie Harte
“Can’t do that.”
“No. Plus, I’m learning to like it out here. It’s more expensive, but it’s all so alive. And I like being on my own.” She paused. “Though I won’t lie. I’d like to make some friends and start getting out more. Except I work for Tilly and from home, so making friends isn’t as easy.”
“Now don’t you worry about that. I know just the person you need to talk to.” He smiled. “In fact, I know everyone around here.” He laughed. “You want to make friends, I’m just the person you need. So, we talking gal pals or finding you a man? Because if you’re looking for a man, my girl Willie is the one you want to talk to. She’s got connections.”
Erin blinked. “Connections?”
“Oh, not with strippers or escorts or anything. She’s done with all that.”
“Not what I’d meant.” Done with all that?
“But she’s a woman who knows all about matchmaking and making it stick. She can read people.” He studied Erin. “Come on. You need to meet her.”
* * *
Which was how Erin found herself in a very strange situation with no one to blame but herself. She should have said no the moment Rupert had mentioned strippers in conjunction with Willie. But he’d been so nice, and he was Tilly’s nephew. Besides, she’d had nothing better to do all day. It had been good for her to get out and see new things.
At least the current nuttiness kept her mind from Smith. Every time she thought about him and what he’d done to her on Sunday, she grew lightheaded. God. How did the man do that to her? They barely knew each other, yet he brought her to orgasm so easily. She’d been with Cody for months and it took forever for her to climax, and usually she had to make that happen herself.
“So, what do you think?” Willie asked.
Erin brought herself back to the present, aware she needed to find some kind of excuse to leave. Soon. Before she broke down in hysterical laughter and offended her hosts. Willie fit Rupert. She seemed small and delicate, but then she opened her mouth and swore like a sailor, truck driver, and New York taxi driver combined. She had tanned skin, wrinkled with age, and striking hazel eyes. Yet she wasn’t exactly pretty. Memorable for sure. She wore a shawl over a housedress that looked as if it had been in style in the 70s.
She matched her house for sure. The décor could only be called eclectic. Besides the motley group of cats and dogs lying around, most with battle wounds—torn ears, a missing eye, a stump of a tail—she had a bunch of collectibles. Erin noticed a few Hummels and a Lladro along with some strange looking figurines all set on doilies in a hutch. Upon closer inspection, she blanched. Some of those figurines looked to be…er…engaging in sex.
“Like my Sixty-Niner? That’s a favorite of mine,” Willie said, seeing Erin’s attention.
Erin blushed and heard Rupert chuckle. “It’s very…interesting.”
“Sure is.” Willie winked at Rupert. “My honey tells me you want a man.”
“What? No, I’m just looking to make new friends. I’m new to the city and—”
“And you have no man. No problem, girl. I can help.”
Lord. “No, really. I’m kind of seeing this guy in my apartment complex.” Sorry, Smith. “But I just thought it would be nice to get out and see the city and meet new people. Tilly’s been a big help.”
“Rupert’s aunt is nice enough, I suppose.” Only someone like Willie would call Tilly nice. “But she’s out of touch.”
Someone banged on the front door, which sent the animals into a frenzy. “Sic ‘em, Mathmos,” Willie ordered, and a long-haired Chihuahua joined an elderly shepherd as they raced to the door, barking as if the devil himself had come calling. The white Persian cat that had earlier been eyeing Erin jumped up onto a plush, puke-green La-Z-Boy covered in a pattern of yellow flowers. The cat stared at her with hostility bordering on boredom.
“We’re always busy around here, aren’t we, Barbarella?” Willie asked as she stroked the cat’s fur.
The cat continued to watch Erin, and she suddenly knew how a helpless mouse must feel.
“I’ll see who it is,” Rupert said.
He and the animals returned with a large hunk of a man, one who looked surprisingly familiar. Tall, though not as tall as Smith, he had a muscular torso under a Pets Fur Life Tee-shirt.
“Hey, Willie. Hi,” he said to Erin and smiled. “You look familiar.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
He stared a moment more then snapped his fingers. “You live in Emerald Estates, don’t you?”
She nodded. “Oh, yes. I’ve seen you around.”
He held out a hand. “Brad Battle.”
She took his hand, rough with calluses, noting how it dwarfed hers. “Erin Briggs. I just moved in two weeks ago.”
He held on a moment longer than she would have before letting go. His eyes warmed. “Welcome to the neighborhood, Erin. How’d you hook up with these two?”
Willie hooted—there was no other word for it. Rupert laughed.
“Tilly introduced me to Rupert to show me around.”
“I’m her nephew,” Rupert said.
Brad’s brows rose. “Small world.” He had sandy colored hair and green eyes lighter than Smith’s. Handsome, almost pretty.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“I help out at Pets Fur Life, a local animal shelter. Willie and Rupert help us out a lot.”
“He’s a fireman too.” Willie nudged her in the ribs. “And single.”
Brad grinned. “Yep. And so in demand.” He rolled his eyes. “From Willie, Rupert, my boss, my team.”
“Not to mention all the ladies.” Rupert gave a low laugh. “I know what that’s like.”
Willie frowned.
Erin had about reached her limit on new experiences. She liked everyone, but the cat had yet to stop watching her. She didn’t think it had blinked the entire time she’d been standing there. And now the hairy Chihuahua had joined the cat on the chair, also watching her with suspicion.
Brad stared past her at the hutch of figurines, his brows drawn in thought. Then astonishment.
“You know, it was great hanging with you today, Rupert. But I’d better be getting back.” Erin gave him a peck him on the cheek. “Thanks so much for showing me Queen Anne.” She turned to offer Willie a hug and saw a scowl on the woman’s face. “Uh, er, great to meet you, Willie.”
“Yeah. You too. But mind, he’s taken.” She nodded to Rupert.
Did the old woman really think Erin had made a move on Rupert? How embarrassing. She refused to look at Brad.
The shepherd glanced from Willie to Erin and growled.
“Right. Taken. Got it.” She stepped toward the door.
“Hold on. I’ll drive you back,” Rupert offered.
“You know what? I can take her back,” Brad said. He handed Willie a stack of papers Erin only now noticed. “We both live in Tilly’s apartments. Only makes sense.” He turned to Erin. “If you’re okay with that.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
Rupert glanced from Brad to Erin and smiled wide. “Sure, sure. Okay. Anytime you want to see the sights, you call me, Erin.” He waved goodbye and put an arm around Willie’s shoulders, which seemed to satisfy the older woman.
Erin turned and left before Willie could command her strange assortment of animals to attack.
Brad joined her and opened the door of his Mustang.
“Thank you,” she told him. “I mean that.”
He grinned. Oh wow. He had a dimple. And a manly chin and kind eyes. And that body… Okay, she needed a moment to process. Except instead of feeling enamored, she just liked looking at him. Her mind returned to Smith, comparing the two, and she had no idea why thoughts of her mean neighbor turned her on when this perfectly lovely man did nothing for her.
She got in the car and buckled in.
Brad joined her and did the same. “Anytime. I’ve known Willie and Rupert for a few months. They’re great people, and the
y really care about the animals. But they’re a little…different.” He paused. “You know, this is the first time I’ve been in their living room. Um, was it my imagination, or were some of her figurines X-rated?”
She laughed in relief. “No. I saw that too. Oh my God.” She laughed some more.
“So, you and Rupert aren’t a thing, are you?” he teased. “I did my best not to lose it when Willie warned you off. Although, hey, maybe you’re into older guys.”
“Stop. Please.” She shook her head. “Rupert was so sweet today. Tilly asked him to show me around.”
Brad drove with competence, making her feel safe. She glanced subtly over at him. Were his arms larger than Smith’s? She didn’t think so.
“You know,” Brad said after a moment. “I’d be happy to show you around town. I grew up here, but I was away for a while when I served in the military. When I came home, things had changed. It took a while to meet new people. I know that’s not easy.”
“No. It’s not. And I work from home. I edit for some online magazines. When I’m not doing that, I fix Tilly’s meals and clean for her.”
“Nice.” He smiled, his green eyes flashing with approval. “She’s a tough old lady. I like her.”
“Me too.” Brad had that going for him. He could see beyond the surface, and he was nice. So why did she find him too much like Cody for comfort? She wanted to tell him she’d be happy to go out. And she should. But strangely, she felt as if she were being disloyal to Smith. A man she’d twice had almost-sex with but had yet to talk to her since their last outing. Why was that, anyway? “I’d like to go out, but I don’t want to give you the wrong impression.” She found it difficult to say but forced herself to. “I moved out here to be with my boyfriend. But it didn’t work out. I’m kind of on my own and not really into dating right now.”
“No problem.” Brad didn’t shift his expression, nor did she feel anything but his sincerity when he said, “It’s good to have friends. So, if you want to go out or meet people, as friends, let me know. I’ll give you my number.” She plugged his cell number into her phone and saw a number of texts she’d missed. “And hey, if you change your mind and want to date, let me know that too.” He gave her a flirty smile that made her blush.
She tucked her phone away to look at later, not wanting to be rude. They talked about his job for the Seattle Fire Department and her life in Colby compared to Seattle.
He parked behind the building near her car.
“Thanks again, Brad.” He was sweet and charming. And someone she’d like to call a friend. “You know, once I get myself more settled, I’d love to go out sometime.”
He flashed her a grin. “Great. You have my number. Oh, and I’m in 6B if you ever need anything.” A unit upstairs.
She nodded. “I’m in 1A.”
They walked inside together. He waved and continued up the stairs. She walked to her apartment and heard a beep from her phone. She hadn’t realized she’d had it muted earlier. A glance showed another text. From Smith.
Text me when you get back.
Her heart raced. Instead of texting him, she knocked on his door.
After a moment, he opened it and glared at her. “Well it’s about time.” He dragged her into his apartment. It looked the same as it had last time, neat as a pin.
“Hi. What’s up?” She studied him, wondering what it was about the man that sent her senses reeling. Brad seemed like the calm in a storm. Smith would be the rampaging tornado, knocking everything down.
“Where have you been? It’s four o’clock. I wanted to talk to you.” His frown deepened. He fidgeted as she watched him, and he barked, “What?”
Someone not familiar with Smith would be intimidated. Man or woman, a person would have to be crazy not to be a little taken aback by his powerful frame and dark moods. But Erin felt it comforting. I am so weird.
She swallowed back a sigh. “Smith, are you okay?”
He looked murderous. She was so turned on she blushed.
“Am I okay? I don’t know. My next-door neighbor keeps sexing me up then ignoring me. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.”
“Oh.” Wait. He’d noticed her absence? That meant he wanted her to be around him more, then. Didn’t it? Excitement made her breathy, and she hated that she loved he’d missed her. She wasn’t trying to play games. “I didn’t think you wanted me around.”
“What?” His eyes grew comically wide. “Are you kidding?”
“Well, you never called or texted until now.”
“I…” He opened and closed his mouth, giving her an odd look. “You didn’t either.”
“I didn’t want to be presumptuous. We had fun together, and I like you. But I’m not pushing you for anything, Smith.”
“I know.” He sounded subdued. “So, ah, what… What have you been up to today?”
She didn’t think that’s what he’d started to say, but she didn’t want to fight with him. She’d much rather make love with him.
The thought struck her mute.
“You okay?” He stepped closer.
Her awareness skyrocketed. He smelled amazing, as if he’d recently showered. Like sandalwood over his typical, manly scent. She couldn’t describe it, except to say he smelled good, clean. Sexy.
She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. Just a tickle in my throat. Today I went out with Rupert, Tilly’s nephew. He showed me around Queen Anne.”
“Huh. Did you have fun?”
He stood close, and she had to look up at him to make eye contact. Smith made her feel small, both protected and exposed at the same time. She didn’t think he’d hurt her, not physically at least. But emotionally he affected her in a way she didn’t yet understand. She felt electrified near him, attuned to his expressions, the things he did and didn’t say.
He raised a brow at her silence, and she blurted, “Um, fun. Yes, we had fun. It got a little weird at Rupert’s girlfriend’s house, though. She has strange pets and even stranger collectibles.” Sixty-niner. Geez. She eyed Smith, wondering if their size difference would make that act harder or easier.
She blushed at the thought.
“Rupert’s got a girlfriend?”
“Yes. I gave him a kiss on the cheek to thank him for taking me around, and she warned me away.” Erin could laugh about it now. “I thought she was going to sic her evil pets on me.”
Smith grinned. “That would have been something to see.”
“Lucky for me, Brad Battle knows them too. He arrived in time to bring me home, so I didn’t have to share the car with Rupert again.”
Smith’s smile vanished.
“Brad lives in 6B. Upstairs.” She pointed up. “Do you know him?”
“He’s a decent enough guy.” He sounded as if that pained him to say. “Did he ask you out?” She felt weird about answering but needn’t have bothered. “Of course he did.” Smith watched her like a hawk. “What did you say?”
“Is this really your business?”
He shrugged. “Maybe not. Humor me.”
“I, well, I just… I told him I had just broken off with my boyfriend and wasn’t ready for a relationship.” What would Smith make of that, since she’d done sexy things with him in the short time she’d been away from Cody?
Smith seemed to relax. “Well, that’s true. Probably a good answer. Brad’s a good guy, but he’s a fireman. And they’re like pus—ah, they seem to attract a lot of women.”
“What were you going to say?” To her amused astonishment, he seemed to be blushing.
“Erin.”
“Tell me.”
“I was going to say pussy-magnets. Happy now?” He stroked her cheek and slowly leaned close.
She waited, trembling.
The kiss barely landed, a feather of touch, and it shook her balance. Literally. She teetered in her haste to get closer and fell into him.
“Oh.”
He didn’t move, not at all fazed by her weight. She gripped his arms, in lust a
ll over again. The humor and desire in his gaze made her breathless. “You’re strong.”
“Uh huh.” He kissed her again, teasing with the brush of his mouth. “And you’re a lightweight. Thank God.” He nibbled his way across her cheek to her ear and took her earlobe in his teeth.
She clutched his arms, aroused, confused, and feeling more for him than mere physical attraction.
“How about having dinner with me tonight?” He blew in her ear, and she gasped. He pulled her closer, rubbing that huge, hard body against her. “Yeah. Just you and me and a pizza. Maybe we can watch a movie again…or something.”
She blinked when he moved back, putting distance between them. “A m-movie?” Get it together, Erin! She didn’t like his smug satisfaction. But the sight of his obvious erection helped soothe her ego. “And pizza. I can do that.”
“But only if you bring some of those lemon things you gave Tilly. I think they might be even better than the molasses cookies.”
It took her a moment to understand what he was talking about. “You liked my cookies?”
“I love your…cookies.” The look he shot her breasts and the rest of her body told her what he really meant.
“Smith.”
“Erin.” He smiled, and the unguarded happiness on his face stunned her to silence. He sighed. “What now?”
“I just realized what a huge pain you’re turning out to be. Now I need to make more lemon meltaways.”
He huffed. “I’m a pain? Baby, look in the mirror. You’ve got me hurting from sunup to sundown.” He grabbed her hand and held it against his impressive arousal.
She wanted badly to squeeze, to watch him come this time instead of feeling it in her hands. And then she wondered how she’d become such a sexual creature when for years she’d never had the courage to do the things she’d done with Smith.
“But I won’t hold it against you.” He squeezed her hand on him and groaned, then deliberately tugged her away. “This thing between us, it’s strong. I don’t know what it is, but we’re gonna find out together. And no more ignoring me.”
“You were ignoring me,” she said in a small voice, thrilled and scared that he felt the same connection she did, so soon after her mistake with Cody.