by Robyn M Ryan
He watched as she met his eyes. “I’m the interim communications director until the Suns hire Payton’s replacement.” Her eyes sparkled as she bit her lower lip. “I’ll try not to embarrass you or get in your way.”
Dave laughed as he pulled her to his side. “No chance of that happening. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy this more than the last project.”
“Mr. Martin, I set my standards much higher than that.”
“So, what’s the favor you wanted to ask?”
Lauren stepped aside so she could see his face. “I need to buy a new car. I can’t continue to borrow Caryn’s. Would you go with me—and stop me if I fall in love with an impractical and unaffordable car?”
“I can try, Ms. Gentry—if you tell me going in what you’re prepared to spend. Do you have any ideas about the cars you want to consider?”
“Nothing fancy, just fun…like a red Mustang convertible?”
“That’s not fancy?” Dave scoffed. “A muscle car—though, I absolutely can picture you picking up speeding tickets on your way to work every day.” Lauren shot a dark look his way. “What about your car in St. Louis?”
“I’m donating it. I’m taking the easiest option whenever possible.”
“So…does this mean you’re considering a move to Tampa?” Dave watched as she shrugged, her green eyes unusually playful.
“We’ll see how this new assignment plays out.” She stopped walking and pulled on his hand. “You said you needed me for a few minutes?”
“I put a contract on a house.” He pointed to the property on their left. “Just around the corner.”
Lauren’s green eyes widened. “Wow! You don’t waste any time, Mr. Martin.”
Dave shrugged. “I’d like to at least close on the property before we head out on that five-game road trip out west. Then I can make arrangements to move my stuff here.” He squeezed her hand. “Offer stands if you want your apartment packed and moved, too.” He led her toward a circular driveway that fronted the brick ranch. “I don’t have the key, but we can walk around the property if you want.”
“Of course. You’re right on the lake. Planning to do some gator-watching?”
Until he heard the teasing laugh, he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed the sound. “Just watch your step when we get near the lake.”
#
Lauren stayed well away from the lake and marveled at the huge screened porch and then the private pool and spa tub off the master bedroom. “Did this sell you on the house?”
Dave bit back a smile. “May have played a minor role in my decision. I like the privacy most of all. No houses across the lake. The hedges on either side might as well be a privacy fence. Plus the layout…” He waved his hand toward the pool wing. “This is the master suite…three more bedrooms at the other end of the home. Each with a private bath.”
“No one gets surprised in your guest baths.” Lauren tried to suppress the laughter. “You think you can keep your nephews away from your private pool?”
“Working on that. Deadbolt locks to start.” She saw the humor in the dark chocolate eyes. “I hope I can show you the interior tomorrow.” She felt his hand against her back as he guided her toward the front of the home. “I like the detached garage. A lot of storage space up in its attic.”
Lauren paused to look at the front of the house. “It’s different—and I love that. I don’t even know what to call the style…classic, but modern. Looks like it can withstand a hurricane.”
“So, they tell me. Flooding would be a bigger issue…the house is above code. I hope never to see a storm that tests that limit.” He stood behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “Lauren-approved?”
“So far. If it’s painted lavender or orange inside, I’m rescinding the approval.” She looked at him over her shoulder and saw the amused expression. “You have enough furniture?”
“Of course not. You know the size of that condo. I’m not even sure what I’d like to bring here. Definitely my car, and maybe just clothes and personal things. I liked your idea of donating—easy and maybe help somebody.” He turned her, so she faced him. “So…subject to the interior not being hideously decorated, would you consider grabbing your choice of bedrooms? That’s too much house for one person.”
Lauren tried to read his expression. “Even if I choose the master bedroom?”
Dave fought back a grin. “Ms. Gentry, that would be a fantastic choice.”
“And you’ll be happy in one of the guest rooms?” She couldn’t hold her laugh as Dave shook his head.
“Nope, I come with the master suite—and pool.” He tucked her hair behind her shoulder. “Package deal.”
Lauren closed her eyes as his hand lightly traveled across her neck. Move in with Marty? Move in, move in with him? Not as a roommate? As friends with extra benefits?
“Maybe I should wait until I see the guest rooms. You know I like my space.” She saw an emotion she couldn’t decipher cross his expression. “And we may not be compatible.”
“I’ll take my chances, Lauren.”
“How much rent will you charge?” She watched as he shook his head. Frustration?
“Whatever you want, Lauren. We can figure that out later.” He grasped her hand as they walked toward the street.
“I can go up to St. Louis and supervise the packing.” Lauren thought of the beautiful furniture Caryn and Andrew had left for her when they moved—a masculine look that would suit him. “We should check with Caryn about the furniture she didn’t take to Tampa. You remember it? If it works, you could build around that. I seriously doubt she wants it.”
“Maybe I should hire you as my decorator?”
The butterflies fluttered as she watched that seductive smile cross his face. “Be careful what you ask, Mr. Martin. Caryn used a wonderful designer. Maybe check with her and Andrew before unleashing me on your home.”
His low chuckle ignited goosebumps. “I’m game if you are?”
“Like I said. Be careful what you ask for.”
13
LAUREN OPENED HER computer and did quick research on cars she might consider. Should probably get a nice sensible Prius or Honda. She googled “convertibles” and pulled up a listing of the top cars for the current year. Her heart sank as she saw the luxury car prices. Many topped the $60,000 mark, some listed at well over $100,000. She only found a few convertibles near her price range. Camaro, Mustang, Miata, Mini. She printed the specs for each and made notes of current dealer specials. At least Marty can help me sort through all this. Maybe keep me from buying more than I can afford…though that yellow Camaro and the flashy red Mustang are calling my name.
She closed her laptop, gathered her research and followed the sound of Dave’s voice when she opened her bedroom door. He sat at the kitchen counter chatting with Andrew. No doubt something hockey related. “Hey, where’s Caryn?”
“She and the peanuts are taking a nap.” Andrew’s smile confirmed his relief. “Convinced her I could handle Jenna and Daniel if they wake up.”
“You have back up.” Lauren nodded toward Dave, who shrugged and patted the stool beside him. “Do you have time to look at this?” She slipped the papers on the counter beside him, then leaned against the chair.
“Research for your muscle car, squirt?”
Lauren lightly touched his shoulder. “Found a lot of cars I can dream about, but never afford.” She pointed to the Camaro and Mustang. “Either of these I can afford unless they load them up with add-ons.”
“Good luck.” Dave’s smile was more of a smirk.
Lauren’s eyes narrowed. “Look at this, Smarty-Marty. Dealer discounts and sales incentives. Get a price quote, then ask for the discounts.”
Andrew coughed to cover his laugh. “I think we have a new nickname for you, Martin.”
“Don’t. Even. Go. There.” Dave reached for the list of discounts and scanned it. “Thorough—what do you need me for?”
“I told you—make sure I do
n’t fall in love with one of the expensive models.”
Andrew stood and tapped his friend’s shoulder. “Good luck with that.”
#
Several hours later Lauren sighed as Dave followed her directions to yet another new car dealership. “This is torture. Does your head ache as much as mine?”
He chuckled as he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. “Last stop today—then dinner and a drink?”
“Deal.” Shopping for a car’s supposed to be fun. Or so I thought. I don’t get why the dealers won’t put their best price on the sticker. Period. How much time have we wasted waiting for someone to actually unlock a car so we could sit inside? And then trying to get a true price. Glad my guy enjoys that part—or he’s faking it. She looked at him as he parked in the new car lot. “You don’t know how much I appreciate this, Marty. I would have bought that first car at list price.”
He looked at her, an amused expression crossing his face. “No, you wouldn’t. You didn’t even like that car.” He looked around the lot. “Well, there are plenty of Mustangs here. Let’s see how much you really like a muscle car.”
He opened her door and offered his hand as she stepped from the car. Lauren scanned the lot, her eyes locking in on a bright red convertible. She grabbed his arm. “Right over there.”
“You’ve got your heart on the bright red, don’t you?” He pointed toward other colors as they headed toward the shiny fire engine red car. “This dark red’s not bad. How about the navy?”
“You don’t like red?” Lauren looked up at him and watched as he shook his head.
“Nah, it suits you. Just so you realize that red sports cars attract radar devices. Proven fact—red cars get the most speeding tickets.” They stepped beside the car, and he scanned the window sticker. “Unlike the first car you saw, this one is the $40,000 version.”
Lauren slipped under his arm to check the price. “Still kind of expensive, don’t you think?”
“That’s just the starting price, Lauren. Remember the discounts and incentives you researched.” He nudged her. “Check out the color on the second car down.”
Lauren wandered toward the metallic green car. “Now, this is different. Never seen this shade of green—or is it teal?”
Dave leaned to peer inside the car. “And the seats are light-colored. You don’t want black seats in Florida heat.” He glanced at the sticker price as a salesperson approached. “Here you go, Lauren. Work your magic on this guy.”
#
Dave enjoyed watching Lauren’s interaction with the salesperson. After sitting in the driver’s seat and checking the interior features, she refused the offer to drive the car.
“Let’s talk price first. If we agree on that, then I’ll test drive.”
Good move, Ms. Gentry. Don’t fall in love with it…which I know you will if you drive this car. Dave ran his hand against the cloth roof, then walked beside Lauren as they followed the salesperson into the showroom. Lauren began the discussion as soon as they sat beside the sales desk.
“I’m asking for your best price, your drive-out price including everything.” Dave smiled as she used the terminology he’d explained earlier. “I don’t like price haggling. Just your best price to sell the car today.”
“Let’s get your information first.”
She sighed but supplied her name, Caryn’s address, and her cell number. The salesperson glanced at Dave.
“And you, sir?”
Dave held up his hand. “I’m not buying. Just here as an advisor.” He rested his hand on her arm. “I’ll warn you—she’s not a patient woman. Best drive-out price. Period. Yours is the fourth dealership we’ve visited, and she walked on the first three when the negotiation games began.” He let his hand slip to grasp hers and squeezed it. They watched the salesperson slip into an office. He leaned to speak quietly into her ear. “You’ve thrown this guy off his game, Ms. Gentry. Keep in mind this car’s safety features bumped the price a little higher than you’d planned.”
“I’d want them added anyway.” She flashed a smile at him. “You have no idea how much I want to drive it.” She picked up a brochure and flipped through it. “Can you believe it costs extra for a spare tire—even those awful small ones?”
He leaned toward her to see the brochure. “Well, you do get a kit that seals the leak and then inflates the tire. No need for a jack. Probably a better choice for a squirt like you.”
Lauren swatted him with the brochure. “I’ll call road service anyway…unless you’re in town.” A coy smile crossed her lips.
“And I drop everything and come inflate your tire?” He saw the mischief sparkle in her green eyes .
“You’d leave me sitting on the side of the road?”
“Not likely.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the sales rep approaching. “Ready, tiger? He’s brought reinforcements.”
#
Lauren examined the itemized dealer invoice. “Eight hundred dollars in document fees? That’s what, submitting the vehicle registration, printing out a sales contact?”
“Also financing documents, credit checks, emissions…”
“Let’s talk about a cash buy,” Dave interrupted. “You may want to rework those fees.”
Lauren kept a neutral expression on her face as she glanced at Dave. WTF, Marty? I don’t have that kind of cash.
The sales manager made a note on his copy of the printout. “We can do that.”
“I don’t want the vehicle cover or have the windows tinted. They look just fine the way they are now.”
“Remember, it’s Florida. Unless you’re parking in a garage…”
“I am.” Lauren didn’t look at Dave who knew her bluff. “What about the dealer cash incentive?” She pushed a piece of paper across the desk. “Or am I not seeing that on this printout?”
“You have every discount available, ma’am. Look at that figure—we even gave you a first-time car buyer credit.”
Lauren nodded. “Okay, I get that. Could you please rework the fees and prep charges? I need to confer with my advisor. We’ll be outside…looking at the car more closely.”
Once they were outside and after Lauren checked to see if any salespeople were in hearing distance, she grabbed Dave’s hand. “Are you out of your freaking mind? I don’t have that kind of cash. I haven’t even applied for a loan.”
“You still prepared to make that huge down payment?”
“Yes, I don’t want a five-year loan hanging over my head. There’s more than a small gap between that and whatever price we agree on.” Lauren stopped in front of the car and pointed to the cover on the front end. “What’s that thing?”
“They call it a nose cover, keeps the bugs off the grill.”
“Necessary?”
Dave shrugged. “I’ve never needed one, even in mosquito season in St. Louis. Strike that from your price.” He paused and touched her shoulder. “Why don’t I lend you…”
“No!” Lauren cut him off mid-sentence. “I can get a bank loan.”
“Look, I’ll charge you the same interest as the bank. You’ll get a better deal here if you say you’ll pay cash.”
Lauren stared at him. “That’s not necessary. You don’t have to…”
“I won’t miss the money. Like I said, you can pay me back with the going interest rate if that makes you feel better.”
His tone annoyed Lauren. Like I’m a child? Or maybe condescending? Wants to jump in and rescue me from…the big bad banks? I’m perfectly capable.
“Hey, I know you can handle this yourself. It’s just an offer. No need to get your feathers ruffled.”
Lauren stared at him. “Feathers ruffled? Hardly. I don’t need some guy playing white knight. I’m not a damsel in distress.” Her irritation deepened as he chuckled.
“I would never think of you as a damsel in distress. And I’m not ‘some guy.’ We’re at least friends, right?”
Lauren crossed her arms. “If you say so.” She turned h
er back and pretended to examine the cloth roof. Friends. Sure. Friends with too many benefits. First the house, now helping buy a car. That’s not…
Her thoughts blanked as Dave’s hands gripped her shoulders and spun her toward him. His eyes flashed and she flinched at his expression. “If you think I’m here because we’re…” He shook his head, grabbed the back of her head and pulled her toward him. There was nothing gentle about the kiss. Demanding. Punishing. Seeking an answer. Lauren tried to pull back, but his mouth was insistent. His other hand brushed the hair away from her face, and those butterflies fluttered in her chest.
Lauren’s arms found their way around his neck, and she pressed against him as her knees wobbled. She felt herself melting against his solid chest, and Dave wrapped his arms around her. He ended the kiss and murmured in her ear. “We are more than friends, Lauren. When will you accept that?”
She shut her eyes as the words flowed through her, leaning her face against his chest. She was light-headed, not believing she’d heard correctly. Terrified that she had.
“Here comes your sales manager.” His voice was soft. Lauren nodded and reluctantly pulled back, studying Dave’s eyes as she took a deep breath. Still woozy, she leaned against the car and closed her eyes to collect her thoughts.
She forced a smile as the sales duo approached. “I don’t need this thing on the front of the car.”
“If you like these figures, I’ll deduct that cost and you can keep it.” He handed the new printout to Lauren.
She had difficulty concentrating on the numbers as her mind still swirled with Dave’s statement. His kiss left no room for misinterpretation. Am I ready for this?
Dave slipped an arm around her and pointed to the new doc fee. “This more in line with your thinking?” Lauren forced her eyes to focus on the numbers.
“Much better.”
