Wait for Me

by Diana Persaud

  “She…is.”

  I don’t believe this. I can’t compete with a stripper.

  She turned around.

  “I’m not interested in one night stands, Anjali. I’m not going to call her. I’ll delete the message right now. Just…wait.”

  He fiddled with the machine and it played the first part of the message. He punched the buttons, deleting it.

  “My best friend, Andy, met Janice at a strip club. They’re engaged. Cherry Pie is one of her friends. I’m the Best Man. Cherry’s the Maid of Honor.”

  “I see,” she said quietly.

  “I told Andy the other day that I didn’t have a date for the wedding.”

  “Why would his fiancee give Cherry Pie your number?”

  “Because she hates me.”

  She gave him a doubtful look.

  “No really. She hates me. She can’t manipulate me like other men, so I’m on her shit list.”

  He looked sheepish.

  “Sorry.”

  He sat on his couch, his shoulders sagging with defeat.

  “She hates you so she’s hooking you up with a stripper? With enemies like that, who needs friends?”

  “She’s trying to fu-ah-mess up my life. And judging from the steam coming out of your ears, it’s working quite well.”

  “You’re mistaken,” she said.

  She forced herself to uncross her arms and keep them relaxed by her side.

  “I don’t care what you do or whom you do it with.”

  He relaxed against his couch, a slow smile spreading across his face.

  “You could have fooled me.”

  His smug expression pushed her over the edge.

  “That’s exactly why I don’t date men like you.”

  “What did I do?” he asked, as if he were innocent.

  She knew better.

  “Not a damn thing. You don’t have to do anything but sit there and look pretty. Women just throw themselves at you. I’m surprised you don’t carry around a club to beat them back.”

  “You think I’m pretty?”

  Her cheeks felt hot and she floundered.

  Had she really admitted she found him attractive? As if his gigantic ego needed any more stroking.

  “You’re right about women. I find that dirty gym socks is especially effective in warding them off.”

  Her lips twitched and she fought the urge to smile.

  “I’m not sure that will work at the wedding though.” He rubbed his chin. “All those drunk, desperate bridesmaids throwing themselves at me.”

  “Perhaps you should hire a body guard,” she said dryly.

  “That’s not a bad idea.” He stood and held her gaze. “How much will you charge to keep an eye on my body?”

  Her eyes traveled down his chest, slowly drifting down. She had fallen for his trick and her cheeks heated.

  His eyes glittered with amusement.

  “The wedding is in two weeks. Will you be my date for Andy’s wedding?”

  It was a direct challenge. If she didn’t accept, he would assume it was because she was jealous of Cherry. Naturally, his ego would then assume she had feelings for him. With his inflated ego, living next door to him would become a nightmare. Unless she showed him she didn’t care. Going to a wedding wasn’t going to derail her plans. In fact, it might help her with a plot for her current novel.

  “Sure, I’ll protect your virtue.”

  Chapter Five

  Shortly before noon on Wednesday, Tom walked across his lawn, heading to Anjali’s home.

  I haven’t seen her since Saturday night. Is she busy writing or is she avoiding me?

  He pressed the doorbell one too many times.

  Play it cool. Don’t act like a love struck teenager.

  He ran his fingers through his hair.

  Ladies love the tousled look.

  She opened the door.

  “Where’s the fire?” she asked.

  “Do you have plans for lunch?”

  She shrugged.

  “Just leftovers.”

  “How about a picnic?”

  “That will set my schedule back a few hours,” she muttered. Then with a bright smile she said, “Sounds more appetizing than leftovers. Give me a minute to change.”

  His gaze lingered a fraction too long on her chest. She shifted as if she could sense him caressing her hips with his eyes. His sleeping cock started to wake and he dared not go lower.

  “You look fine.”

  “I need a minute. Come in.”

  She dug through her purse and found a brush. His eyes were glued to her as she brushed her hair with long, slow strokes. With nimble fingers, she separated her hair and wove it into a French braid. She returned the brush to her purse then slung it over her shoulder.

  “My brother Mikey packed us a picnic lunch.”

  She locked the front door.

  “That’s so thoughtful,” she said.

  “Or sneaky,” he said.

  She followed him down the steps. “What do you mean?”

  “This is all part of an elaborate plan.”

  “Does he work for the NSA?”

  “No. He’s a chef.”

  She gave him a blank look.

  “He’s dying to meet you. He can be—”

  “I’m sure your brother is a very nice man. I’d love to meet him,” she assured him.

  “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  He led her to his front porch, giving Mikey a warning glare.

  “Oh, my, you are so lovely,” Mikey exclaimed as he sashayed across the porch. “Tommy wasn’t exaggerating about your beauty. Not one bit.”

  “Um…thanks,” Anjali replied, blushing at the compliment.

  Damn it. Didn’t I tell her she was beautiful?

  Mikey placed his hand over his heart. “I’m Mikey. Tommy’s older brother.”

  She stuck out her hand and replied, “Nice to meet—”

  Mikey pushed her hand to the side and pulled her into a bear hug.

  “Mikey!” he shouted.

  Anjali chuckled.

  “It’s all right, Tom. I’m just not used to such open displays of affection.”

  Mikey released her and held her by the arms, studying her face.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tommy this way before. His eyes light up when he talks about you.”

  “They do?”

  His cheeks heated under her observant gaze.

  “I’ve never met anyone like Tom before. He’s a lot more complicated than he seems.”

  “I can see why Tommy is so smitten with you.”

  Before Mikey could embarrass him further, like propose on his behalf, he interrupted.

  “We’d better get going before all that delicious food spoils.”

  “It was a pleasure meeting you, Anjali. I’m sure Tommy will bring you over for Sunday dinner.”

  “I hope so. Thanks for making the picnic for us.”

  “Oh, pshaw,” Mikey replied with a dismissive wave.

  He hurried her to his car and drove to the state park. It was the perfect day for a picnic. Sunny and warm with a gentle breeze made for a comfortable day in the park.

  I’ll have to remember to thank Mikey later. After I strangle him.

  He carried the basket, searching for a romantic, secluded spot.

  “How about under that oak?” he suggested.

  She nodded.

  “That’s a great spot. Plenty of shade.”

  She spread the red checkered blanket. He set the basket down on the edge of their picnic blanket.

  He flipped open the top and pulled out two flutes. He reached for the chilled bottle.

  “Champagne?”

  She nodded and he twisted the cork. With a loud POP, the cork was free. He filled their glasses and raised his glass for a toast. She took a dainty sip then reached for the artichoke. Following his lead, she stripped off a leaf. His breath caught in this throat as she scraped its flesh with he
r teeth. His mouth went dry.

  “Wow. I’ve never had it like this before.”

  “There’s a first time for everything,” he promised.

  She lowered her eyes and reached for another leaf. By the time she finished the artichoke, his pulse was racing. He emptied his glass. A familiar warmth flooded his system as he stretched out on the blanket.

  His appetite whetted, hunger coiled in his belly.

  She gave him a bowl of pasta salad. Even after a second helping, he was still hungry. He found a small container on the bottom of the picnic basket containing chocolate covered strawberries.

  Holding one by the stem, he held it out to her, intent on feeding her. Face flushed, she opened her mouth, ready to receive his gift.

  “Mmn.”

  Blood rushed to his groin. He fed her the rest of that strawberry then offered her another. He shifted, trying to ease his discomfort.

  He picked up the last chocolate covered strawberry.

  “Don’t you want any?”

  “You have no idea—” His eyes dropped to her chest. Her bra and shirt couldn’t hide her body’s response to him. “—how much I enjoy feeding this to you.”

  The breeze did nothing to cool his ardor. He held the last strawberry close to her mouth. With eyes as dark as sin, she held his gaze as she devoured her treat.

  To torture him further, she suggested they go for a walk and explore the park.

  They ambled along the path in silence. Blue Jays called to their mates. The path veered right, around a tall oak. Another couple was on the path in front of them, reading the sign that said ‘Lover’s Lane’. Not wanting to rush the other couple, they lingered by the tree.

  He took a moment to study Anjali as she gazed at the couple. He barely caught the look of yearning before she lowered her eyes and turned away to feign interest in a nearby flower.

  The couple stood close to each other, holding hands, hers securely clasped in his.

  Is that what Anjali wants? For me to hold her hand?

  He reached for Anjali’s hand as she stepped out of his reach.

  “Let’s go this way,” she said.

  “Which way?”

  “There’s a path here,” she said, pointing. “Want to see where it goes?”

  “All right, but if there’s a bear in there, you’re on your own.”

  She feigned shock.

  “You mean you won’t fight a bear for me?”

  “Hell no. But I promise I won’t trip you. Unless he’s catching up.”

  She laughed. Pushing a branch out of the way, she stepped on the path. Chuckling, he followed her along the hidden path.

  “I can’t believe you would do this to me,” he said.

  Confused by his statement, she asked, “Do what to you?”

  “Lure me in here so you could have your wicked way with me.”

  She smiled, lowering her eyes.

  He maneuvered her so her back was pressed against a tree trunk.

  “Or perhaps that was my plan—,” he said, caging her in.

  She licked her lips in anticipation.

  “—to have my wicked way with you.”

  His voice was thick with desire. He lowered his head slowly, giving her a chance to pull away. She tipped her head up and closed her eyes, welcoming his kiss.

  Her lips were soft and she tasted like strawberries. Timid hands landed on his chest, slowly gliding up to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer. She pressed her soft body against him. Blood rushed to his groin. He gripped her bottom, forcing her hips against his.

  “Eeewww. Old people making out.”

  “Gross!”

  Disturbed by taunts and laughter, he released her and turned around.

  Two teenagers stood a yard away from them, making gagging sounds.

  Altering his voice, he said, “Get out of here, young whippersnappers,” and shook his fist. The teens snickered as they ran past them.

  He shook his head.

  “Do I look that old?” he asked, reaching for her. His hands settled on her waist, keeping her close.

  She pushed a lock of hair away from his forehead.

  She studied his face and hair.

  “I see a few grays.”

  A soft finger gently trailed along the side of his face.

  “And you have laugh lines by your eyes.”

  “So I’m old?”

  “All signs of maturity, which is very attractive,” she replied.

  He raised a brow.

  “Me? Mature?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does this mean I have to give up fart jokes?”

  “Ugh, I give up,” she said, pulling away from him.

  She continued along the path and he jogged to catch up with her. He reached for her hand, clasping it as he walked beside her.

  “Afraid of growing old?” she asked.

  “Not at all. By then—”

  By then I’ll be somebody.

  His pace slowed.

  Will she laugh?

  “I’m buying my boss’s auto shop.”

  “Wow. That’s a…major accomplishment. Are you scared?”

  “Petrified,” he admitted.

  Her eyes softened. She squeezed his hand.

  “I’m sure you’ll have several franchises by the time you’re sixty.”

  A warm feeling radiated through his chest.

  “What about you, Anjali? Where will you be when you’re sixty?”

  “Well, I don’t think I’ll retire when I’m sixty. But perhaps I’ll cut back my writing. I would love to travel. I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska and see the whales up close.”

  They continued along their path.

  “Where else would you like to go?”

  “Egypt. See the pyramids. I’ve been to the King Tut exhibit at the Met dozens of times.”

  Her excitement was contagious and he listened attentively as they walked through the forest.

  The brush opened up to a small waterfall. Two deer were on the bank, drinking from the stream. Their heads rose and they stood still, listening to the forest. He blinked and saw a flash of white tail as they darted into the forest.

  “This is a beautiful spot, Tom. So serene. Look at the way the sunlight filters through the trees. I wish I’d brought my camera.”

  The bank on this side of the stream was grassy. On the other side, it was rocks and dirt until the ground gave way to tree trunks and bushes.

  He sat on the grass and patted the spot beside him.

  “Why don’t we sit here for a while?” he suggested.

  She nodded then sat next to him. He lay on the soft grass, looking at the clouds passing by, trying to find images in the odd formations. She lay next to him, quietly observing the clouds.

  “That one looks like an alligator.”

  “I see that. And that one looks like a boot,” she said.

  He turned to his side, his upper body raised, propped up by his forearm.

  “Tell me something you want more than anything else.”

  Her shoulders became tense and she studied the clouds as if she were going to be tested on them.

  “Anjali? I told you my dreams. Tell me yours. Please?”

  She opened her mouth several times then shut it again. She sat up. Knees bent, she leaned her arms over them.

  “You’re going to freak out.”

  “I don’t ‘freak out’.”

  Her eyes changed. Became more guarded.

  “Is it kinky?” he asked, wriggling his brows.

  “No! I don’t—that’s not—No!”

  He grinned at the shocked expression on her face.

  “Tell me. I’m mature, remember?”

  She released a breath and turned to look at the stream.

  “I want a baby.”

  “You mean right now? Right here? I’ve always wanted to have sex outdoors.”

  “Tom! No, not right now. Maybe in six months?”

  He sat up straight.

  �
��Six months?” Even he could hear the panic in his voice.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean you, Tom,” she assured him with a gentle smile.

  A sharp pain raced through his body.

  She’s fucking someone else?

  “Not me?”

  What the fuck is wrong with me?

  “Not that there’s anything wrong with you,” she added. “It’s just that I’ve been planning on having a child for some time now. That’s one of the reasons I moved here.”

  She said she didn’t have a boyfriend. Or a husband. Who the fuck is she going to have a baby with then?

  “I’m not following.”

  “Ever since I was a little girl, I figured one day I’d marry and have kids. Unfortunately, most men nowadays are commitment shy.”

  He snorted.

  “Maybe men just don’t want to end up divorced. Half of all marriages end in divorce, you know.”

  “That also means half of all married couples stay married.” She shrugged. “One morning I woke up and realized I was waiting for ‘Mr. Right’ for my life to start. Then I realized that I didn’t need ‘Mr. Right’ to make my dreams come true. I bought my house and I’m going to have a child. Or maybe two.”

  “But how are you going to have a baby?” He paused. “Do you have a father in mind?” He held his breath.

  “I’ve been thinking about IVF. In Vitro Fertilization. Or adoption.”

  “In Vitro Fertilization?”

  “Yes. They will take my eggs and sperm from a donor and combine them. Then they’ll implant the fertilized eggs into my womb.”

  “So you’re going to ask some guy to…donate his uh stuff?”

  Some random stranger is preferable to me?

  “No. The clinic has a list of donors and their statistics. Stuff like eye color, hair color. Their job description.”

  He swallowed hard, fighting the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm him.

  “So you can pick your ideal guy to be the father?” he said quietly.

  “Yes. Exactly.” She sighed. “But…if the procedure doesn’t work the first time, I’ll have to do it again. And that will add up if I’m not successful the first time.”

  She picked a blade of grass and toyed with it.

  “To increase the chances of having a healthy baby means having one before I’m thirty-four. The sooner I have this baby, the better its chances of being healthy.”

  His shoulders slumped.

  “So…six months?”