Negotiating for Love

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Neither did I,” she snorted. “Our family just found out a few months ago that she not only is world famous, but she paints under an alias.”

  “I imagine your family was surprised by that revelation.”

  “Oh yeah. Very surprised.” Martina walked around the counter. “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the house before we leave.”

  Paul followed behind her from room to room of the three-bedroom, two bathroom home. He tried to focus on what she was saying regarding the changes she had made, but he kept getting distracted. She looked great in the V-neck shirt that was tucked into fitted jeans. Jeans that hugged her tight butt like a second skin.

  He followed her down the stairs to the basement where she created a rec room that would be the perfect man cave. “So what happens next now that you’re almost finished renovating?” Paul asked at the end of the tour.

  “It’ll go on the market in a couple of weeks, and I’ll start looking for another place to buy.”

  “What if this place sells before you find the next place?”

  She shrugged. “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.”

  Martina pulled a lightweight jacket from a closet near the front door, and Paul reached for it. He held it open as she slid her arms into the sleeves. The fresh, familiar scent of her perfume caught his attention and he inhaled. Instead of releasing her once she slipped into the jacket, he pulled her back against him.

  “God, I’ve missed you.”

  “Same here, Senator.” Martina turned in his arms and before he could utter another word, her lips covered his. During their recent make-out sessions, he’d been the initiator, but this … this brought back memories of heated nights and sultry lovemaking. Martina wasn’t shy and always took what she wanted. Paul had no doubt that if they ever ended up back between the sheets, the connection would be explosive.

  He wasn’t sure what changed in the last few days since she’d given him her lists of conditions, but he welcomed the change.

  She felt good rubbed up against him. The kiss was unexpected but very much desired. He wanted more. Much more.

  When the kiss ended, he linked their hands and pulled her to the door.

  “We’d better get going before I forget that I’m a gentleman.”

  “I for one think being a gentleman is highly overrated sometimes,” Martina said when they stepped onto the small porch, and she locked the door.

  Instead of responding, Paul adjusted himself and appreciated the cool air, hoping it would tap down the yearning flowing through him.

  “Thanks for coming out to dinner with me,” Paul said once they were settled inside the car and were heading toward Mt. Adams. He planned to take her to a small cafe that he’d run across. Martina wasn’t a woman who enjoyed five-star restaurants. No, she was a burger and beer type woman.

  “I thought you were going to make me work a little harder before going out with me.”

  “Some things haven’t changed that much. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for food.”

  Paul raised an eyebrow, but before he could speak, she continued.

  “Don’t go getting any ideas. I would do almost anything for food.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “So what’s with the suit?” Martina asked.

  Paul glanced down at his attire. He had tossed his tie into the backseat, hoping to look a little more casual.

  “I came straight from the airport. My plane arrived a little later than expected.”

  “You know, we could have postponed dinner. I didn’t realize you were just getting back in town.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all week.”

  Forty minutes later, he pulled up to the café. Considering how good the food was and how phenomenal the views were in the back of the building, the nondescript entrance was very deceiving. The yellow siding and green awning, which could stand a good power wash, didn’t seem to fit on the block.

  “So this is it, huh?”

  “Yes, this place has the best burgers.” Paul turned in his seat and caressed the back of Martina’s neck, his fingers tangled in her shoulder length curls. “Ready to go in?”

  “Ready when you are.”

  Paul smiled as he walked around the front of the car to the passenger side. He remembered the first few times he had taken her out. She wouldn’t wait for him to open the car door. Times had changed.

  He extended his hand to help her out, glad for any physical contact. It surprised him when she didn’t pull away as they walked toward the building.

  Once inside, they strolled up to a long bar with a huge chalkboard against the wall listing its menu items. Paul ordered the chicken bacon burger meal and of course, Martina had to try something unusual. She ordered the peanut butter bacon burger.

  “Maybe we should have ordered you a backup burger just in case you don’t like the one you ordered,” Paul said. Despite the chilly weather, he directed Martina to the outdoor eating area.

  “I couldn’t resist trying that combination.” They found a round table on the deck overlooking the city. Since Paul wasn’t sure how heated their conversation would get, he was glad the table sat away from the others and near an overhead heater.

  “Man, you weren’t kidding when you said the views were amazing. The scenery is almost as good as the ones you have at your place.”

  “I agree. The front of the building is deceiving. And wait until you try the burgers. Outstanding.”

  “We’ll see. I’m a hamburger-ologist and right now, Teddy’s Bar and Grill have the best.”

  “Okay. We’ll see.”

  Once their order number was called, Paul went to the counter and brought their meal to the table.

  “I can’t wait for you to tell me about that burger. I’ve tried other menu items, but haven’t been adventurous enough to try that one.”

  He watched and waited as Martina bit into the burger. The erotic moans she made after the first two bites had him contemplating whether or not he should carry her off to the nearest closet and have his way with her.

  “Oh. My. God. This is incredible,” she cooed. “You were right. If this is any indication of the other burgers, this place is definitely the best.”

  Paul shook his head. “Yeah but I can’t get with that combination.”

  “Don’t knock it until you try it buddy.” She held her sandwich out to him. Though he wasn’t too thrilled to taste the combination, he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have his mouth where she’d just had hers.

  He took a healthy bite and sat back in his seat, holding her gaze as he chewed. When she smiled at him, he couldn’t help but smile.

  “You’re right. It is good.”

  Small talk flowed easily between them until they got to the subject that always had them in disagreement.

  “Paul, you and your state cronies must know that if you strip the unions of their collective bargaining rights, the livelihoods of thousands of working class citizens will be impacted. Employees won’t get a chance to negotiate compensation. Training opportunities will be limited, and that’s just for starters.” She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “The employers will have all the power. Leaving the unions with their current power is one of the main ways in which those of us who are middle class can keep moving upwardly and prosper. And if that’s not enough, maybe you should remember that collective bargaining is a human right.”

  Though Paul didn’t totally agree with her rationale, he respected her passion and the way she fought for those whose voices might not be heard. Throwing in the human rights aspect was an interesting twist.

  The collective bargaining principle had been instituted to give groups like unions more bargaining power to represent employees. The notion of strength in numbers versus individual employees trying to negotiate on their own behalf had played a major role in keeping unions strong.

  “Baby, we understand all of that, but you’re not looking at the
big picture. This bill is not just about the trades unions. This is mainly about public employees who work for the government and school systems. The governor feels that it’s time we start reining in the unions to prepare them for state aid cuts, which are coming. And I agree with him. Unions were created to keep companies from exploiting workers, but now many employers are dependent on state funding…”

  “Paul, you guys just want to control everything. You don’t care that some human rights will be threatened,” Martina argued again.

  They went back and forth with their individual beliefs and concerns. Martina admitted to understanding where the Republicans were coming from and what they were trying to accomplish, but she still felt as if they were cutting the unions off at the knees. The government was weakening their bargaining power no matter how she viewed it.

  After a while, both she and Paul realized they would never agree on the subject.

  “Can we just agree that there are some aspects of this situation that we will never agree on?” he asked.

  “Fine, but this discussion isn’t over. I’m going to continue to be an advocate for the underdog. I’m one of them.”

  They sat in silence until he said. “Duly noted.”

  *

  As the sun slowly dipped behind the horizon, and the outdoor lights of the café flickered on, Martina stood nestled in Paul’s embrace. They stared out at the city lights. For the most part, the space had cleared out except for them. Paul had been right about the view. It was spectacular. The whole evening had been wonderful. Even their debate regarding the collective bargaining bill hadn’t put a damper on their time together.

  Each passing minute with him, a little part of Martina’s self-control chipped away, leaving her open to his charm. So what if they didn’t always agree politically. He was such a sweetheart. Not only was he pleasing to the eye, but also one of the most thoughtful men she knew and he had the patience of Job. Even she knew that dealing with her on any level wasn’t for the weak at heart.

  There were moments in the past when she regretted walking away from him, but she knew it was for the best. She kept reminding herself that they wanted different things in life. But if that were the case, why was she weakening? Why was she thinking that she wanted him back? She wanted what they once had.

  Paul placed a kiss against her temple. “What’s going on in that gorgeous head of yours?”

  She smiled up at him. Instead of sharing her thoughts, she said, “Everything was delicious, and I am stuffed.”

  He bent down and pecked her lips. “You’re so petite. I have often wondered where you put all of the food you eat.”

  She laughed and then yelped when he squeezed one of her butt cheeks.

  “All right, Senator. You keep touching me like that, and you’re going to get something started,” she said saucily. Sitting across from him all evening had been a challenge. Those sexy brown eyes of his held enough warmth to make her melt in her seat. And each time he reached out and touched her, whether a touch to her hand, or playing in her hair, the sexual tension between them amped up more.

  “Ready to get out of here?” he asked grabbing hold of her hand.

  “Ready when you are.”

  They made their way back inside and through the small, lively establishment. Martina planned to tell her cousins about the place.

  “So when was the last time you were here?” Martina asked when they made it to the door.

  “I brought my two nieces here over the summer. At three and five years old, I thought they would like the place since they love hamburgers and fries.”

  “I take it that wasn’t the case.”

  “Not even close,” he said and helped her into the car before going around to the driver’s side. “I have come to understand with them it’s more about the atmosphere than the food. They wanted to know where the play equipment was. When I told them this place didn’t have one, they agreed that they liked McDonald’s better.”

  Martina laughed. Paul had told her story after story about his nieces and nephews. She could tell how much he enjoyed spending time with them.

  “I wish I had a few nieces and nephews. Sounds like you guys have a good time together.”

  “They’re great. I don’t get to see my nephew who lives in L.A. as often, but when everyone is together, it’s pretty wild.” He headed toward Cincinnati. “Who knows, maybe you’ll have a chance to be an auntie one day.”

  “Well, that’s not going to happen since I’m an only child.”

  “That’s not the only way to be an aunt, Martina.” When she frowned at him, trying to figure out what he was talking about, he came to a stop at a traffic light and glanced at her, warmth swimming in his eyes. “You could always marry someone who has nieces and nephews.”

  Martina chuckled. “That’s not going to happen. I’m not the marrying type.”

  It was Paul’s turn to frown. He pulled into a gas station and parked near one of the pumps. “What do you mean you’re not the marrying type? There’s a type?”

  “Of course, there’s a type.” She immediately thought of Jada, who had talked about marriage daily since she was five years old. “I’m not one of those women who has dreamed of marriage. Heck, I can’t even imagine myself married. My personality is not conducive to having a husband.”

  Paul burst out laughing. “I have heard you say some crazy things, but this has to take the cake.”

  “I’m serious, Paul. I’m judgmental, stubborn, impulsive, inflexible at times, greedy when it comes to food, and I talk back … a lot. And you know that better than anyone.”

  “Oh yeah, I know. But sweetheart there is so much more to you than you listed. I know for a fact that you’re marriage material.” He turned slightly. “Now let me give you my list.”

  “Paul.”

  “Hear me out. You have a good heart though you would have people believe otherwise. I have witnessed you pull your car over to give a homeless woman money and your jacket, only after she refused to let you take her to a shelter. And what about the puppy that wandered onto your work site?”

  Martina smiled at that. Terry was the cutest little Shih Tzu she had ever seen.

  “Not only did you rescue him, you also took care of him for two weeks until you were able to find him the perfect home. We only dated six months and I can think of many other instances. Martina, you are a loving, compassionate, fun, and exciting woman. You don’t trip when a man has to work late, you love sports, you’re not afraid to eat in front of a man, and you can throw down in the kitchen…and,” his voice dipped an octave, “in the bedroom.”

  She stared into eyes that held so much love and desire. She didn’t know what to say. Hearing him talk about her personality traits in a positive way meant a lot.

  “Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say.”

  “And it’s all true.”

  With his hand on the back of her head, he pulled her to him, and their lips touched. She kissed him back with everything in her. She knew they didn’t want the same things out of a relationship, but there was one thing she was sure they both wanted and if he kept kissing her with so much passion, she would give it to him.

  But there was something she needed to get straight before they could act on the sexual tension that had been jockeying between them.

  Martina pulled back slightly and cupped his cheek. “Paul, I have goals I still haven’t accomplished and marriage would just get in the way. And you know me. I’m okay with just hanging out, dating … having some fun.” She dropped her hand and sat back. “I’m not interested in falling in love and getting married. I already have a full life. I don’t need a man to complete me.”

  She looked up to see him staring at her, sensing he didn’t believe her little speech. Seconds ticked by before he spoke.

  “Do you think you would ever allow yourself to fall in love with anyone?”

  Martina swallowed and picked at some invisible lint on her jeans.

  I already have, she tho
ught, finally able to admit it to herself. But she couldn’t tell him, and she recognized a loaded question when she heard one.

  “I don’t need marriage to prove I love someone,” she finally said.

  He deserved to know the truth. She wanted to tell him the truth about what she felt for him … but she couldn’t. She couldn’t allow herself to be vulnerable to a man. Any man.

  She didn’t know how her mother put her heart out there to men, knowing at some point they were going to crush it and toss it back at her. Martina couldn’t. She had witnessed her mother’s heart breaks too many times to follow in those footsteps.

  “I have no desire to settle down, especially since I would probably do or say something stupid and screw it up anyway,” she added. “And besides all of that, most men would probably want kids. That’s something else I can’t picture.”

  Paul studied her for a minute before saying, “That’s not what I asked you, Martina. I didn’t ask you about marriage. I asked if you think you can ever allow yourself to fall in love.”

  Chapter Ten

  Paul watched emotions flash across Martina’s features, before she turned her head and stared out the passenger window. How could they move beyond this conversation, when she wouldn’t share what the problem was?

  Frustration rattled through him when she didn’t answer.

  “Baby, what are you afraid of?”

  “I’m not afraid of anything,” she snapped. “Why are we having this conversation? I agreed to go out to dinner with you. I didn’t agree to an interrogation!”

  Paul backed off. They were having a great evening. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin it with an argument. He needed to stick with his original plan. Remind and show Martina how good they once were together. Show her how good they could be together again. They were perfect for each other in every way, and he was determined to get her to see that no matter how long it took.

  “I’m sorry. You’re right. I shouldn’t have pushed.”

  “And I shouldn’t have yelled.”

  His eyebrows lifted. “Was that an apology? The almighty, always right, Martina Jenkins is apologizing for something? Well, I’ll be damned.”