Designed for Love

by Roseanne Dowell

I groaned. Dinner, I'd forgotten about dinner. Crap, knowing Nick he would ask about it.

  "So what? We'll lie."

  "Nuh uh. Not this time. Besides, a walk on the beach will do you good."

  "But I'm not dressed for it." I looked down at my skirt.

  "You look fine to me. You're not wearing hose are you?" He looked at my bare legs. "Nope. You can take off your heels and we'll walk along the surf. Nothing I enjoy more."

  I shrugged. "I'd rather not." I pulled my car keys from my purse. "Besides I need to calm down."

  "Exactly why I suggested it. Nothing calms a person like a walk on the beach."

  I thought about it for a minute. I really didn't want to spend another minute with Bill.

  "Besides, there's something I want to talk to you about."

  "What?"

  "I'll tell you while we walk. Would you like to go to the hotel and change? Then we could leave your car there." He opened my car door after I hit the remote to unlock the door.

  "Yeah, I think I would. Okay, I'll meet you back at the hotel. Give me about ten minutes to change."

  "Deal."

  * * *

  Bill stood outside, waiting for Wendy. Finally, she opened her door. "Sorry, I didn't mean to take so long."

  He found it difficult to take his gaze off her long legs. He forced his eyes to her face and noticed the blush. What a sexy lady. He liked the way she tied her hair back in a loose pony tail. A few strands escaped and curled around her face.

  "Ready?" He took her elbow and guided her to his car. She stiffened under his touch, yet he didn't let go. He liked touching her. Hell, if he had his way, they'd be in his room not going to the beach. He held the door, and she slid in the car with the grace of a ballerina.

  First one long, slender leg, then the other. Her shorts crawled up her thigh and he felt a twinge in his pants. Sexy, very, very sexy. Down boy. He hurried around to the driver's side of the car before she noticed the bulge. He wanted to lean over and kiss her, but knew better.

  "We are going to get a hotdog or something to eat aren't we? I'm starved."

  "You're not the only one. Although I did manage to eat a bit more than you at the restaurant." Bill chuckled. "We wasted a perfectly good meal, you know. Not to mention we stuck Nick with the check."

  Wendy leaned back and buckled her seat belt. "He deserved it."

  Bill pulled the car onto the highway.

  * * *

  "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I shot him a sideways glance, not trusting myself to look directly at him. He looked terrific in his white shorts and light blue shirt. I remembered my hand on his muscular legs and liked the way my body smoldered. Liked the quivering in my stomach. Even the moisture between my legs. I was dead in the water and I knew it.

  "We'll talk about it over lunch."

  I wanted him with all of my being, and I wasn't going to be satisfied until I had him. My body betrayed me. No matter how much my brain tried to shut off the feelings, they resurfaced. Hell, even my heart wanted to give in. Wanted to throw caution to the wind and for once in my life, let my hair down and just do what felt good.

  Something inside said, go for it. Grab at the brass ring and enjoy life. Who knew where it might lead? Maybe it was just a whirlwind romance and by time we got back to Ohio, it might be over. In fact, I hoped it would. I wasn't ready for a long term relationship.

  Yet, I promised myself I wouldn't give in to casual sex either. But I was fighting a losing battle if I spent much more time alone with Bill. Best to stay among the crowds. Definitely not going to his room, and I certainly wasn't about to invite him into mine.

  Nope, as much as I liked him, I wasn't about to give in to the cravings of my body.

  Bill handled the traffic with ease. He looked relaxed behind the wheel, like he didn't have a care in the world. I studied his profile. Nice nose, straight and not too long. He glanced at me and smiled. A mischievous smile that reached his eyes. I amused him. About what I had no idea. I liked the dimple in his chin. God only knew why. His rustic good looks made my heart flip. This wasn't the type of guy I was usually attracted to.

  But then I really wasn't attracted to anyone. Most of the guys I dated were clean cut, intellectual types. And I didn't much like them. Boring, that's what they were. Boring and safe. I picked them because I knew they wouldn't attract me. A couple dates and that was the end of it. No relationship, no sex.

  Bill pulled into the parking lot, and I looked out at the gulf. I loved it here, the water and the sand. I especially liked to walk on the sand every morning with a cup of coffee like I did on my vacations on Sanibel Island. Nothing was more relaxing in my opinion. Bill was right a walk on the beach was peaceful. Just looking at the water calmed me.

  He came around the car and took my hand. "Ready?"

  "Yeah, but I'm still starved."

  "Good, follow me. I know a place that serves the best shrimp." Bill pulled me to a stop. "Unless you really want a hotdog."

  I laughed. "Actually, I wasn't really looking forward to a hotdog. But at this point even that sounds good."

  After we ate, Bill suggested a walk. I looked out at the water and agreed. It looked heavenly. Already I felt more relaxed than I had in days. He put his arm around me as we walked toward the water. I liked the feel of it.

  It made me feel safe and secure. A feeling I hadn't felt since I'd been out on my own. My parents used to make me feel this way. Anytime something went wrong, my father put his arms around me and assured me it would work out.

  Yet, I felt something more with Bill. A yearning deep inside. Not just a physical yearning, something different. Something emotional. Lord, I didn't need this right now. I didn't want to fall in love. Why couldn't I be like other girls and give into my physical needs and ignore the emotional?

  Part of it had to do with Bill. I enjoyed his company. He made me laugh, yet he had a serious side. I liked the pride in his voice when he talked about his family or his dog.

  "So, tell me more about your dog, Leo, is it? I mean how does one go about rescuing a greyhound?"

  "You really want to know?"

  "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't." I stopped, slipped off my sandals, and picked them up. "So, tell me."

  Bill took my hand. "It's actually quite involved. I mean you don't just go to a place, pick one out and take it home. First you have to fill out an application. Then they call you and set up an interview with you, after you read a book, Greyhounds for Dummies."

  "What? Greyhounds for Dummies, what kind of book is that?" I couldn't help but laugh. What a strange name. "I mean I've heard of other books for dummies, but Greyhounds?"

  "Yep, and you can't believe the information that book has. Most of those poor dogs have never seen the inside of a house. They're not pets. Their skin is sensitive, and you have to protect them from cold as well as heat and sun."

  "Wow. That's interesting. So tell me more about the rescue process."

  "After you read the book they come to your home for an interview, and they bring a greyhound along. Gives you an idea how the dog fits in your home. They're slender but they're big dogs. Leo weighs about 75 pounds, and he can lay his head on my kitchen counter, standing on all fours."

  "I've never seen a greyhound close up. I had no idea how big they were. So then what happens?" I liked the way he swung my hand while we walked along the water's edge.

  "Then I went to the shelter and walked a few of them. I actually spent about an hour there. Finally I decided on Leo. I could have taken him home right away, but he hadn't been neutered yet so I had to wait a week."

  "So, what's Leo like?"

  Bill laughed. "What's Leo like? Hmmm." He rubbed his chin. "He's a sweetheart. But what a time I had training him. You have to remember no one ever paid attention to these dogs. He's three years old and no one, until the shelter that is, ever petted him or paid attention to him. I had to housebreak him just like you do a puppy. But they learn fast, and it didn't take long. Teaching
him the simple commands, like sit, was something else. Luckily, he's a quick learner, and he figured it out fairly fast. They love attention. Love to be petted. They just want to please."

  "So you said you're getting another one, why?"

  "Actually they recommend you take more than one. These dogs are used to being in crates with other dogs next to them. I figure he could use a companion."

  "Sounds like a lot to handle."

  "Not too bad. Now that Leo's trained the other one won't be as difficult. Oh, here's something interesting. The females are kept in the top crates and jump in and out of them. They can jump up on the kitchen counter in one swoop."

  "No way. Sounds more like a cat." I stopped and picked up a shell. "So are you going to get a female or another male?"

  "Another male. I already have him picked out. His name is Pharaoh. Beautiful dog, buff colored. Leo is what they call brindle, tiger striped, but more subtle."

  "So there's more to it than meets the eye. Sounds exciting. I'd like to see Leo." I bit my tongue. What made me say that? I didn't want to continue this relationship in Ohio. Or did I? Was that my subconscious mind taking over?

  "I'm glad you said that. Actually, what I wanted to talk to you about was hiring you."

  "Hiring me? For what?"

  "I told you I'm renovating an old Queen Anne Victorian, right?"

  I nodded.

  "I don't know the first thing about decorating. You come highly recommended."

  "You want to hire me to decorate your house?" I couldn't keep the surprise from my voice.

  "Why does that surprise you? You're an interior designer, who better to hire?"

  Did I want to work for him? More importantly, did I want to spend time alone with him? In his house to top it all off. Close to him. I shook my head. "I don't know, I'm pretty busy and Gladys's house takes priority right now."

  "It'll be strictly business."

  I sunk my feet into the sand. What was it about wet sand oozing up between your toes that felt so good? Memories of childhood romps on the beach with my family? Whatever it was, it calmed me. What the heck, why shouldn't I work on Bill's house? It wouldn't be the first side job I ever did and who knew, maybe it'd lead to more jobs. No doubt he had a lot of friends. Possibly friends with money.

  I stooped down and picked up a handful of sand and let it ooze through my fingers. Great for making sand castles. "What the heck, why not? Strictly professional though. No funny business." I brushed the sand from my hands and held the right one out to him. "Deal?"

  "Deal." Bill took my hand, shook it but didn't let it go. "Guess we better be getting back. What time are we meeting Nick?"

  I looked at my watch. Four o'clock already. "Six. Let's go." I pulled my hand away, turned, and ran back the way we had come, leaving Bill on the beach.

  * * *

  Bill stood and watched her. He couldn't believe she had agreed to work for him so quickly. The plan had only come to him in the restaurant. He'd promise her anything to spend more time with her. The way he saw it, if they spent enough time together, she'd agree to see him on a social level. Okay, so his house didn't need an interior designer, but they both liked the same things. A little help wouldn't hurt and she'd be perfect. He walked back slowly, watching her frolic at the water's edge.

  Finally, he quickened his pace. They had to get back to the hotel and get ready for dinner. He wished they could skip it, especially if it was anything like lunch.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror, putting on my make-up. Thoughts of Bill intruded on my mind. Thoughts I didn't want to think. The very image of him appeared in my mind as if he was standing in front of me.

  The way his snug, white shorts hugged his butt, and the way his muscles rippled beneath his shirt. His silly, crooked grin when he promised to keep our relationship on a strictly professional basis.

  Now why didn't I believe that? Maybe because he wouldn't let go of my hand after we shook, and when he leaned down and brushed a strand of hair from my cheek the desire that showed in his eyes. Yet, I wasn't sorry I agreed to the fool hardy plan. In fact, I looked forward to it.

  I wanted to see his dog, his house. Hell, what I really wanted to see was his bedroom, mostly his bed. Silly, I know, but I couldn't help myself.

  I grinned at my reflection and the bright blush that appeared on my cheeks. Shoot, even my thoughts made me blush. I may as well admit it. I wanted him. Wanted him like I'd never wanted a man before. Actually, I never had wanted a man before.

  I moved closer to the mirror with the mascara brush. The sparkle in my eyes stopped me midway. I'd never noticed it before, maybe because it hadn't been there.

  "Stop acting crazy, girl. You're losing ground fast." If I was smart I'd back out of the deal. This was going to ruin everything. All my plans for the future were at risk.

  I finished my make-up, grabbed my purse, and keys. With one last look in the mirror, I smoothed my skirt. It's now or never. Hopefully Nick and Gladys would have everything out of their system, and we could get down to business.

  I pulled open the door only to be greeted by Bill. My heart skipped a beat. The transformation from shorts to casual pants and gray blazer didn't make him any less sexy.

  In fact, I couldn't remember anyone who looked so casual, yet so appealing. Desire stirred deep inside me. My legs trembled. Already the heat spread throughout my body. I was definitely losing control.

  If just looking at him did this to me, what would happen if we were alone? Not that I really needed to ask. Oh, no, I was well aware what might– no definitely would– happen. All I had to do was make sure we stayed around people until I went back home. Then I could avoid him altogether. For now I needed Bill to keep Nick at bay.

  "I thought we'd go in my car. No point in both of us driving. Besides, Nick's supposed to think we're an item." Bill tossed his car keys in the air. "Okay?"

  What could I say? He was right. I needed to rethink this whole situation. Did I really want to do his house? Regardless of how much business it might generate, I was treading on dangerous ground. Ground I wasn't ready to venture on yet.

  Okay, I just had to get through tonight, I'd review my options later. Handshake or not, I just might back out of our deal. I didn't trust myself to work so closely with him. Fun be damned, I wasn't ready for a casual fling either. It just wasn't my style.

  When we arrived at the restaurant, Nick and Gladys were already seated. No surprise there. I had expected it and a table in the darkest corner as usual.

  I almost fell over when I saw them. Nick couldn't get any closer to Gladys if he tried. And Gladys's outfit. Good grief, if she moved even an inch, I swore the woman's nipples would fall out of her top. Damn near showed now. Definitely not the Gladys I'd met in Ohio.

  What happened to cause the transformation? The last time I saw Gladys, she looked the essence of sophistication. Conservative, but stylish clothes, expensive, but what the hell, she could afford it. Nothing like the sultry outfit she had on now. Not to mention her makeup. Her foundation was so thick you could scrape it with your fingernail and that lipstick. Purple lipstick just didn't cut it for a woman her age. Not that Gladys was old, by any means, but a forty-five year old woman should dress her age. If that skirt got any shorter, she may as well take it off. And what was with the black hose with the seam down the back? She should have saved those for the bedroom.

  I was embarrassed for her. Obviously, Gladys wasn't the least bit self-conscious. And Nick, the idiot, I was ashamed to call him my boss. If only there was a way to get out of having dinner with them. The way he slobbered all over Gladys proved to be another disgusting meal. So much for business. I looked to Bill for help. How were we going to get out of this?

  After we ordered drinks, I could have kissed Bill when he spoke up.

  "So, Nick, Wendy and I have to get back home before New Years. How about we discuss the changes so we can leave in the morning."

  I gave
him an appreciative look. "Thank you," I mouthed. His grin told me I'd pay later. His hand wandered down to my thigh, and he squeezed it gently. The slight contact of his hand sent heat coursing through my body.

  Hot searing heat.

  I almost groaned aloud. He bent his head and brushed his lips across my cheek. Great, he was taking advantage of the situation. No way could I admonish him in front of Nick. Not that Nick paid much attention.

  Nick tore himself away from Gladys and straightened his tie. "Uh, oh, yeah, the changes."

  I figured Gladys wasn't happy about the interruption with the murderous look she shot Bill.

  The woman must be insatiable. I thought for sure she'd have cooled her jets by now. Apparently not.

  "So," Bill said, "what kind of changes are we talking about? I understand you want a wall knocked out."

  I leaned forward when Gladys composed herself and answered Bill in a sickly sweet voice. "Actually, dear, I want a several walls knocked out." She laid her hand over Bill's, and I almost burst out laughing at the look on Bill's face.

  Poor guy recoiled from her touch and tried to maintain a smile that looked more like a grimace. He recovered quickly. So quickly I didn't think Gladys even noticed.

  "Several walls. Hmm, we'll see what we can do." He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and opened it. "This is a rough sketch of your floor plan, which walls?"

  I cringed when Gladys leaned toward Bill so close her breasts almost popped out of her dress. Bill tried to look away but got an eye full anyway. I threw a quick glance at Nick to see his reaction. Was that jealousy on his face? Whatever it was, he made short order of pulling Gladys down next to him.

  Gladys looked at Nick with surprise, then leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was turned Nick's face a bright red. I could hardly contain my laughter. So, Gladys wanted walls knocked down, how did that involve me?

  As if reading my mind, Gladys looked at me. "This will change the color of the rooms and everything. I want a whole new design. Colors, fabric, the works. I want modern, crisp, bold colors."