She smiled at him. “Thanks. For everything."
His heart tightened and desire for her hit him full force. He really liked her and wanted to get to know her. How could he be attracted to someone he just met?
Marisa watched Ben leave the room. He wore a t-shirt over tight, black jeans which molded nicely across his ass as he strode off to get their coffee. She couldn't believe this dark-haired hunk with the brilliant blue eyes had been living right next door!
When their eyes met for the first time, she couldn't have looked away for anything. Her body still tingled from his touch and being in his arms left her feeling safe and secure. A sense of rightness and the need to kiss him had slammed into her from out of nowhere.
She sighed. Wipe the drool off your chin she chided herself. She glanced at the slumbering Molly. Marisa suspected that if given the chance her cat would be sneaking over here every chance she got.
Of course, Marisa didn't blame her. She could get used to Ben herself. When his hands ran over her body...
She shook off her naughty thoughts and reached for the phone. Ben probably thought she was a crazy fool for following a cat out onto a ledge dressed in a barely there outfit. Not that her body was that great, but the way he looked at her made her feel sexy and desirable, and set her pulse racing.
She made a quick call to her employer and explained the situation. Although it hadn't been necessary, she would've lied through her teeth if it meant staying around to get to know her new neighbor.
Marisa glanced around the room. A huge entertainment center dominated one wall. A large, flat screen television and various other electronic devices filled the shelves. In the corner, a computer sat piled high with papers. It made her wonder what he did for a living.
Ben's apartment was similar to hers, except with nicer furniture. Molly lay ensconced on the sofa with several matching plump pillows that looked comfortable. No wonder the cat wanted to stay. Marisa suddenly had the urge to snuggle amongst the pillows herself.
Besides a half empty box with towels in it, indicating he was still unpacking, there were two chairs, along with a cherry wood coffee table and end tables that completed the room's décor.
Wow, he managed to make the living room look fabulous. Marisa could only afford to decorate with odds and ends she'd picked up through the years. After five years, her place had a mish-mash décor.
"Here you go."
She turned at the sound of his voice and took the steaming cup of coffee from him. “Mmm ... thanks. Just what I needed."
"It's hot, so why don't we sit down and chat a bit while it cools,” he suggested.
Marisa nodded and carefully set her cup down. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Molly open one eye before closing it once more.
Ben settled into one of the chairs opposite her. Marisa eyed him warily, unsure of what to say to this stranger who'd gallantly rescued her. She tightened the towel more snugly around her body and cleared her throat.
"I ... uh ... want to thank you again for plucking me off the ledge. I'm not sure what would have happened if you hadn't been home."
He shook his head. “That was a stupid, crazy stunt. I'm just glad I was around. Next time Molly decides to do the high wire act, give me a call or the next time you might not be so lucky."
Marisa glanced at the topic of their conversation. “Trust me, I'm keeping the windows bolted shut from now on.” She shuddered. “I'm afraid of heights anyway, so you can imagine how scared I was out there."
He sat up straight in his chair. “You're afraid of heights? And you were out there?"
"Molly is all that I have,” she replied in defense. “Besides, I thought it'd be a piece of cake getting her back in."
"She's done it before?"
Her face got warm. “A couple of times.” He opened his mouth, but she quickly continued, “But she came right back in each time. I thought I could do it.” Sighing, she reached over and stroked the sleeping cat. “Like I said earlier, she's my child. My baby.” Molly just rumbled under her breath, as though unconcerned she caused trouble.
Ben didn't respond for a moment, and just stared at Marisa, then the cat. She knew he probably couldn't understand. But how could she explain her love for a cat that alternately loved her and tormented her on a daily basis? Molly provided a source of comfort after her parents died within six months of each other. Her cat never complained over Marisa's grumpy moods or said too much when her mistress wanted to crawl under a rock for the weekend. Well, unless Molly wasn't fed. Then she complained mightily.
"Yes, I understand. I think,” he finally said. “Like I said, next time, just holler and I'll get her for you. I'm not afraid of heights at least."
Marisa nodded. “Thanks.” Ben was only trying to be a good neighbor and she certainly was grateful for his being there.
She watched as he took a sip of his coffee, remembering how his lips looked up close a few minutes ago. Despite their unorthodox introduction, a feeling of desire swept over her. She ached for the feel of his lips on hers, wondering what it'd be like. But her face still burned at what he must be thinking of her in the sexy outfit and pink bunny slippers. A good first impression ... Not!
"You have a big party planned at work today?” he suddenly asked her.
She set her mug onto the table. “Not really. We dress up and my employer caters lunch."
"Sounds like fun. Are you going to a party tonight?"
She frowned at his words, wondering why he cared what she did. Well, her plans included doing what she'd done for the past three Halloweens—stay home and hand out candy to kids. Perhaps he'd like to join her?
"I ... uh...” she started to say as she glanced at the clock on the entertainment center. Old insecurities rose in her as memories of her ex and their whirlwind, year-long marriage hit her. She needed to take things slow.
Not that Ben had asked her out...
She stood, suddenly feeling the need to escape. “I should be going. The manager might be in the office early.” She flicked a glance to check on Molly, who continued to sleep on peacefully. “I'm sure you want us out of your way."
Ben also stood. “You haven't finished your coffee. Please stay."
She shook her head. “I really can't. It'll take me an hour to get to the other side of town in this traffic with the bus system and, even though I called to let them know I'd be a little late, I should be going."
"You can't get on a bus dressed in that outfit."
She blushed. Yeah, the thought had already crossed her mind, but she couldn't afford the taxi fare with payday still five days away. Even if it was Halloween, she could imagine the stares she'd generate going out dressed like a hooker.
"I really don't have a choice—” she said.
"Yes you do,” he interrupted. “I'll drive you. You'll be there in no time."
His suggestion tugged at her heart strings. Oh, he has a car too. She missed having a car since moving to Chicago.
"Well, I suppose..."
"Excellent. It'll be a chance for us to get to know each other better."
She stared at him. To get to know each other better?
He cleared his throat. “Since we're neighbors, we should be um ... neighborly."
Marisa didn't quite know what to say. She hadn't dated much after her divorce, but the desire to see more of him certainly presented an opportunity. A thought suddenly hit her. Why was she fighting her feelings? He was nice and appeared to be available. Or so she hoped.
He relaxed and rocked back on his heels with a satisfied look as he sensed her acquiescence. “Good. Now, sit down and finish your coffee. We'll go downstairs in a bit to get the manager and then take you to work."
She sat back down. “What about you? Don't you have to go to work?"
"Not a problem, since I'm a sportswriter for the Illinois Courier and most of my work takes place at night.” He tipped his head toward the computer in the corner. “I only go in when I need to and file most of my stories from hom
e."
He worked irregular hours. That explained her not seeing him. She looked around. His apartment looked so well-kept. She wondered if he had a wife or girlfriend.
She cleared her throat. “And your wife?” The second she asked, she wanted to kick herself for being so blatant.
"My what?” His eyes widened. “I'm not married ... or seeing anyone."
Marisa wanted to pump her fist in the air. Luck stood on her side. Unmarried and available, and apparently likes cats. What more could she ask for?
She leaned closer. “You're a sportswriter? That sounds like fun. Were you a sports star in school?” She eyed the big screen TV. It made her wonder if he was one of those men who spent every weekend and evening glued to the television. She'd occasionally sat down to watch a game with her dad, but for the most part she steered cleared of jocks.
He stretched his long legs in front of him and smiled. “Nah, I was the sports reporter in high school and college. I left the playing to my brother, Brock.” He gave her an intent look. “You have heard of Brock Singer?"
Marisa gasped. Who hadn't heard of the greatest quarterback in the world? The one and only Brock Singer of the Chicago Bears. “He's your brother?” The man was a Chicago sports legend. Good looks and talent proved to be a popular combination in his family.
That Ben and Brock were brothers excited her. She leaned forward, eager to ask him what it was like to have a huge star for a brother, but she got too close to her coffee mug and it started to tip.
"Oh!” They both reached for it and she watched in horror as the contents sloshed and splattered across the beige carpet.
"Omigod!” She jumped to her feet. “I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can't believe the day I'm having,” she wailed as the dark stain spread on the rug. She could just sink all the way to the apartment below. How could she be so clumsy?
He stilled her hand, his touch only a little comfort in her miserable state.
"It's all right, Marisa. Here, let me grab a towel and I'll wipe it up.” Ben gently pushed her aside and reached for a nearby rag. In a matter of minutes, he had the wet stain blotted until only a small mark remained.
Her face still burned with embarrassment. She couldn't believe this happened. She meets a nice guy and promptly does a stupid thing like dump coffee on his carpet. “Again, I'm really sorry. You must think I'm a hopeless klutz and can't do anything right.” She covered her face with her hands as the first prick of tears threatened. “I'll just grab Molly and go before I wreck your home."
"Marisa, stop.” He touched her lightly on the shoulder. “You're a breath of fresh air. It's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself."
"You're too nice.” She sniffled and cast him a smile, suddenly feeling better.
His thumb brushed a tear away. “So I've been told once or twice."
Marisa's skin sparked with electricity at his touch. Need tumbled across her heart as a tingle of awareness rippled through her body. Could she be falling in love with him? No, she couldn't be. She closed her eyes and savored the touch of his fingers caressing her cheek. She wanted to snuggle into his arms and never leave.
"Oh, fabulous...” she murmured. Her skin felt warm where he touched her. Suddenly, she didn't want to go to work.
His fingers stilled. “Of course I'll introduce you to Brock."
Her eyes flew open. “What?” His words were like throwing cold water on the sensual mood. How did his brother come into this conversation?
Ben dropped his hand and eyed her warily. “I know you want to meet him. Once I mention who I'm related to, they all want to meet him."
Marisa frowned. Well, it was true that Brock was Chicago's most eligible bachelor, but he had it all wrong. “I'm not interested in your brother."
His eyebrows rose in surprise. “You're not?"
"No.” She gave a vehement shake of her head. “It's you I want to see.” Her face flamed again. “I mean, I'm not into dating football quarterbacks."
He smiled slowly as comprehension dawned. “How about sportswriters? Think you could date at least one?” He moved a little closer and she caught a whiff of his aftershave.
She glanced up and her smile wavered. “You still want to see me? After everything?"
"Of course.” He enfolded her into his arms. “I'm glad that Fate has brought us together."
She didn't know what to say. What was he talking about? “Fate?"
His lips brushed her cheek. “You know what I mean. Hey, it's Halloween. Maybe the spirits are hanging around. Anything can happen today."
Did he think it was the spirits of Halloween that made her leap out onto the ledge dressed in a skimpy outfit to chase after Molly? That she was meant to spill coffee on his carpet?
Hmm...
His lips came closer to her mouth. She closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of his aftershave. Just a little kiss...
Thank you, Fate. Oh, wait...
Marisa's eyes popped open. “I certainly hope the spirits aren't planning to put me out on the ledge again."
He chuckled, his mouth close to hers. His eyes gazed into hers. “Yes, well, as long as I'm around, you won't be.” He tipped her head back. “There's a reason for everything, Marisa. Today Fate told you to open the window so that Molly could climb out and jump into my apartment."
They both looked at the cat in question. Molly lifted her head and stared back at them balefully, as if to say, you doubted my abilities to bring the two of you together?
"I hope you like cats,” Marisa remarked.
"I do now. I think we should keep her fed in caviar."
She swung her gaze back to Ben. “No, I think not! That stuff is gross, besides being expensive.” She scrunched her nose. Just the thought of smelly fish eggs made her stomach roll.
He laughed. “Well, we'll make sure Molly gets the best. Just like her mistress.” He leaned closer. “I'll give Molly anything, since she brought us together. Happy Halloween, Sweetheart.” Then he kissed Marisa.
Oh, yeah, she'll make sure Molly gets whatever she wants to eat—except for caviar—and she'll never complain anymore about her wicked cat. Marisa wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and pulled him deeper into the kiss. This turned out to be the best Halloween ever.
* * * *
I looked at the humans and yawned. Stupid people. You wouldn't see me going mouth to mouth with a tomcat. But I must admit my plan worked. My mistress deserved a guy like Ben. Feeling a need to stretch, I circled round and round before finally settling down into a ball.
Long moments passed, and the only sounds in the room were that of Marisa and Ben's kisses and my purring.
Everything was purrfect.
* * *
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A Purrfect Love Page 2
