by MK Harkins
As I entered the bathroom, I almost ran smack dab into Emory Hart, a friend from high school who’d turned out to be no friend at all.
She tossed her long, brown hair over her shoulder while she puckered her lips in the mirror. She glanced at me. “Oh, it’s you.” With a roll of her eyes, she turned back to the mirror.
She hadn’t changed. Emory was rude in high school, and it looked like things weren’t any different. I didn’t want to talk to her either, so I thought I’d go for polite and make my exit.
“Hi, Emory. I hope you have a nice evening.” I turned to leave. There had to be another bathroom in this hotel.
“Wait.”
Oh, hell. I was almost clear.
She looked around the bathroom to make sure no one else could listen in. “I bet you’ve heard the news already.”
There was no point in lying to her. Emory and I had been at odds since she’d stolen my boyfriend, her now current husband, in high school.
“Yes, I heard. I’m sorry to hear about your spilt with Fletcher.” I felt more pity than satisfaction.
“Sorry my ass,” she said. “I bet you can’t wait to get your hands on him.”
“Really? You want to do this here?” I placed my hands on my hips and felt my temperature rise in response. No. I wouldn’t let her get to me. “That was ten years ago. Why would you think I’d be interested anyway? I’m sorry for your situation, but it doesn’t have anything to do with me and hasn’t for years.”
“You’re still single.” Her eyes narrowed, accusing.
“I haven’t seen or talked to Fletcher in years, and I don’t think about him. Ever. You could serve him to me on a platter and I still wouldn’t be interested.” I hadn’t lied. But, back in high school was a different story. Fletcher was full of boyish charm and a dangerous edge—an intriguing combination for a young girl. He captured me from the first sly smile he sent my way. That all ended abruptly one spring evening of our senior year. What a fool I’d been. I didn’t have any romantic feelings for him, but the sense of betrayal lingered.
“You probably think I got what I deserved then.” Her head remained high, almost proud, but I sensed the pain behind her façade.
“No. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, Emory. Even though it hurt at the time, I was saved years of…” I stopped short of telling her she’d saved me from wasting years with a cheater.
“Did you know Fletcher brought you up every time we’d fight? He’d always say he should have stayed with you. He told me you wanted him back.” Her jaw clenched, and her eyes stayed laser focused on mine.
“Well, it’s not true. I’m sure he was only trying to make you jealous.” I needed to make my exit before this conversation became even more uncomfortable. “So, uh, I have someone waiting for me; I’d better get back.” The last thing I needed tonight was to get involved in her marriage drama. Fletcher obviously hadn’t quit lying. What a snake.
“Stay away from him.” It came out as a whisper, but I heard a threat—pure and simple.
***
I FOUND AN unoccupied bathroom, fixed my makeup and hair, then returned to the table where Colin sat looking bored. “Miss me?”
“Tell me again why we came early?” He leaned forward on his elbows.
“Remember? I brought the brownies for Braydon to bid on, and you’re keeping me company.”
He smiled, and his bored expression vanished. “Jain will love the brownies. Braydon’s a genius.”
Braydon planned to outbid anyone vying for the brownies during the auction. He was mega-wealthy, so cost wasn’t a factor. It wasn’t the money, though. He said there was a story behind it, and come hell or high water, Jain would be eating a brownie tonight.
“Yeah.” I let myself drift into a delightful fantasy. “I’d give anything to find someone to love me like that.” Wait. Did I say that out loud? Colin’s face softened as he took my hand. Damn. I did.
“You will. You just haven’t met the right guy yet.” He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“Speaking of wrong guys, do you remember my cheating high school boyfriend, Fletcher?”
“Yes, I think you called him Faker Fletcher. And another word that starts with an F, I believe.” Colin knew I didn’t usually swear. Well, maybe just a few times in my head.
“Yes, I remember. Anyway, I ran into his wife in the bathroom. And guess what? They’ve separated, and she had the nerve to tell me to stay away from him. Like I’d get anywhere near that…well, you know.”
Colin leaned back in his chair, his hands linked behind his head. A grin spread across his handsome face. “Let the games begin.” He chuckled.
“What do you mean?”
“These events. They’re better than one of those reality shows. You know, the housewives of wherever.” His eyes darted around the room.
“So you think this is funny, do you?” I was tempted to further muss up his already tousled hair. He was a handsome devil, but, right now, he tested my patience.
“You know I wouldn’t tease you if I thought he meant anything to you. He’s old news. Now, let’s talk about your love life. How are we going to spice it up?”
“Ugh! I have no idea! I haven’t had a real date in months. Is there something wrong with me?”
A laugh rumbled from his chest. “No, though I’d venture a guess there’s something wrong with the heterosexual males in this town. They must be intimidated by your beauty.” His eyes did one of those up and down scans. “You have legs that go on forever, you’re thin, but shapely.” He pulled a piece of hair loose from my up-do. “Golden, shiny hair that smells like lilacs.” Dropping it, he continued, “But, it’s your eyes that will lead some lucky man to fall hopelessly in love with you.”
“Is that so?” I chuckled.
“Okay, it’s a little cliché. But, really, I’ve never seen your particular shade of blue in my life. They aren’t a sea or sky blue, more like a glacier blue. You shine those eyes on the man of your choice, and he’ll be your captive—to do with as you will.” He put his palms up, like he was saying, Ta-da!
I wished it were that easy. Every time someone introduced me to a man, his interest would dim with the mention of my last name. “Thanks for the compliments. So you’re saying I should try hypnosis on them?” That earned me an epic eye-roll. Always an eternal optimist, he probably believed what he said.
“Do you think they might believe I’m some pampered princess or something?” I was grasping at straws. My ego had taken a beating this past year. I often wondered if my name, combined with my family’s reputation, might be off-putting for some men. My dad, Gerald Thompson, was a great man, but he didn’t suffer fools, and everyone knew that was a big mountain to climb.
“If a man judges you by a name, or your family for that matter, he isn’t in your league anyway. Don’t sweat this. With your looks and personality, you’ll find…what do they call it? ‘The One’ or ‘Soul mate’?” He air quoted both. “No, wait. You want spectacular,” he added.
Colin always found a way to make me laugh, but I got serious for a moment. “But what happens if I don’t want someone in my league or social circles? I don’t care for arrogant men. I’d like to date a normal guy, with a normal job, who wants to do normal things.”
“Like pizza and Netflix on a Friday night?”
“Yes! Exactly. That’s what I want.” My eyes scoped out the room.
“Tiffany?” Colin touched my arm.
“Yes?” I said, distracted with my new mission.
“I just figured out why you haven’t been on a date for a long time.”
My head whipped back to meet his clear, blue eyes. “Why?” I hoped it was good. I needed some helpful advice.
“You’re in the wrong social circles. The guys you meet through these functions aren’t what you want. Sure, they’re rich and successful. But they can be superficial and battling big egos. Most of the time, they’ll look for a woman who’ll be more like an accessory. And, Tiffany? You are not a
n appetizer; you’re the main course.”
“Thanks, I think?”
“You’re welcome. And yes, it was a compliment. Now, quit looking around here, because you’re never going to find normal at one of these events.”
Just as he said the words, in walked Todd. He was in charge of creative development, working with Braydon in his venture capitalist operations. They were always brewing something up and were rarely seen apart. They funded young start-ups, but their passion for medical research was what drove them, running every major society event from Seattle to Los Angeles.
I was excited to see Todd, but I didn’t want to be. My physical reaction to him was almost instantaneous. I’d either break out into a cold sweat, my pulse would quicken, or my stomach would flutter when he came near me.
That would mean I had feelings for someone who didn’t know I was alive. Who did that? On the positive side, it meant Braydon and Jain wouldn’t be far behind. I needed to see Jain; she was always a calming influence for me. We would talk and laugh, and I’d soak up some of the happiness that always rolled off her in waves.
“Todd is normal.” Well, he was a normal type of guy, but not at all ordinary in the looks department. Tall, with wavy, dark brown hair, a chiseled jaw and cheekbones, and a toned body to match, set him apart. But it was his eyes that were extraordinary. They were kind eyes, deep brown with the longest lashes I’d seen on any male. They were beautiful, but full of pain and vulnerability. He’d been hurt; I was sure of it. So far, I’d resisted flinging myself at him. That would be bad. And embarrassing. But every time those soft eyes focused on mine, I could feel myself melting into them. Too bad he had zero interest in me.
“If you quit trying to set him up with your friends, he might make his feelings known. That guy has it bad for you,” Colin assured me. “Hey, maybe he’s your ‘spectacular’.”
“You are so wrong,” I said. “Do you remember when I met him last year? When he heard my name, his eyes did that glaze-over thing.” I pulled a long sigh. “The way I see it, I have two choices. One, I change my name. Two, I enter a nunnery.”
Colin laughed and said, “Neither. You need to try something different.” He paused for a moment. “I know, how about one of those dating websites? You can find normal there.”
“Along with every creep this side of the mountains. If my parents caught wind of it, they’d freak out. You’ve heard about children being locked in their rooms? That would be me.”
“And you’re still living at home because…”
“Good point. I’ll move out, but it won’t be so I can date online.” I asked, “Were you serious about that?”
“Yes! Some of my best friends have had great luck with lovematch.com. A few have even married. I think you’re right about some of the other dating sites; they can be a little sketchy. You can have your dad’s security company check out any potential suitors.”
His satisfied smile showed me he thought he had it all figured out.
“You’re forgetting one thing.” I tilted my head and waited. He looked at me blankly. “My dad’s security company reports to him. And, like I said, he would have a meltdown like the last eruption from Mount St. Helens. It wouldn’t be pretty.”
Chapter Three
Todd
TIFFANY WAS HERE. Great. Another night of torture.
I took my assigned seat across from Tiffany and Colin. Just the three of us now, so I couldn’t avoid looking at her. Our eyes met, and I smiled. She made me uneasy whenever she was near…what she did to me, how she made me feel. I avoided her for good reason. I glanced around the room, looking for Braydon and Jain, hoping they’d appear so I could stop looking in Tiffany’s direction. If I ever approached her for a date, she’d probably tell me to take a hike. But if she didn’t, I feared I’d go places where I couldn’t find my way back. No. There was no sane reason to ever get myself trapped into a similar situation. Savannah had been my first love, and that ended in heartbreak. This time, it’d be worse, I was sure of it.
“Hey, Todd.” Colin nodded in my direction.
Colin and I had an unspoken agreement. Somehow he’d figured out how I felt about Tiffany. A knowing look and a mischievous smile were directed at me every time we were all together. He hadn’t said anything yet, but still, he made me nervous. He was like a drunkard with a loaded pistol. One of these days, I expected him to blurt it out to everyone within hearing distance. I made a mental note to have a conversation with him soon. I needed to stop him before he did irreversible damage.
I lifted my chin and offered a quick, “Hey.”
“Doesn’t Tiffany look beautiful tonight?” The same knowing grin lined his face, right before he yelped, “Ooof!” Colin gasped as Tiffany’s elbow planted in his ribs. He held his side and bent over laughing.
She turned her attention to me. I let my eyes drift toward her, into dangerous territory. I was aware of her on every possible level, in every inch of my body. She had no idea how I felt, and I planned to keep it that way.
“Colin and I were discussing etiquette. You just witnessed lesson one.” She smiled and her entire face lit up.
Good God, her beauty overwhelmed me. How would I survive another night in the same room?
“Yes. She is exquisite.” Damn, I’d told the truth.
Our eyes met and locked. My frame grew rigid as my muscles tightened; my wall of self-preservation slammed down in place. Background noises became muffled, and every one of my senses focused on Tiffany. She was beautiful, and, right then, I wanted to know how she’d feel, her scent, her taste, and the sounds she’d make when I held and kissed her.
I needed to stop. Tiffany shouldn’t be an option for me. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
“Take the money, Todd.” The memory of Savannah’s voice interrupted my thoughts. My first love, the woman I planned to marry. It always came floating in whenever I was tempted by Tiffany. And, man, did Tiffany tempt me this evening. My control started to slip. Savannah, and the recollection of her words, were a painful reminder that I could never have Tiffany, or anyone like her. I’d survived Savannah, but barely. Tiffany and her family were eerily similar. Don’t even think about it.
I tried to loosen the tie that interfered with my ability to breathe.
A slap on my back shoved away my errant thoughts. “Todd. How’s it going? Are you ready for the big night?” Braydon asked.
“No. I mean yes. Yes, I’m ready,” I said, still struggling with the damn tie and getting hotter by the second. Braydon eyed me for a moment, nodded, and went to greet Colin and Tiffany. I was off the hook for now, but Braydon knew me better than anyone. He’d question me later, and I’d need some convincing answers.
A few minutes later, Braydon’s voice, the one I’d hoped to avoid, whispered, “What the hell is wrong with you?”
That was quick. I thought I’d have at least ten minutes before the interrogation. I shrugged. “I’m okay.” That was all he’d get from me tonight.
“We’ll talk later. Hey, you going to be at soccer practice tomorrow?”
“Haven’t missed one yet, have I?” The practice sessions were brutal, but it was a great workout, and we usually won our games.
Another back slap from Braydon, then he took his seat next to Jain. Making eye contact with Tiffany, he mouthed, “Brownies?”
Tiffany’s eyes shifted toward Jain, who was in an animated conversation with Colin, and gave him the thumbs up sign. I relaxed. He’d moved on from worrying about me.
The conversations around the table were in full swing, so I turned my chair and let myself be distracted by the event, but it didn’t last. Tiffany was back in my head. This was the place we’d met, at last year’s breast cancer research event.
She’d been sitting over to the side, arranging large cards for Braydon. She stood in the shadows, but one of the spotlights cast a beam of light that shone directly on her. All around her, there was darkness, but she glowed.
Determined to get an introduct
ion, I approached her table. My heart raced as I recited my name over and over in my head. It was that bad.
Braydon appeared from somewhere. “Todd. You haven’t met my friend, Tiffany. You might know her dad, Gerald Thompson? She’s going to help with my surprise tonight.”
Oh, no. Tiffany Thompson? My hand froze in hers. I tried to contain my disappointment. Her family. I knew of them. Her dad reminded me of— No!
Tiffany read my expression, and her bright eyes dimmed. She shrugged slightly and became polite. Formal.
“Todd!” someone yelled from across the table and brought me back to the here and now.
“Yoo hoo—Earth to Todd.” Jain and Tiffany were giggling, waving their napkins at me.
I knew what they planned. The obligatory meet-and-greet of Jain and Tiffany’s friends and colleagues was about to begin.
“So, Todd, I really think you’ll like this one,” Jain assured me. Jain and Tiffany made it their life’s mission to find me a girlfriend. Every time we went out together, they would have three or four women lined up for introductions. None of them held my interest.
Braydon circled back around the table and sat down next to me. “They’re doing it again. Are you okay?”
“Great. I’m just great.” I combed my fingers through my hair. “Please, Braydon. Can’t you do something? Don’t you have any influence with Jain at all?” Hoping if I goaded him a little, it might motivate him to help.
“Not one bit.” He grinned. Of course he’d be grinning. He had everything.
“I’m doomed to another night of useless chatter. I’ve told both women; I’m not interested. Why do they keep trying to set me up?” A headache started behind my eyes.
Braydon leaned closer. “Why aren’t you dating? I think they’d quit if you’d bring a date every so often.” Pausing for a moment, making sure no one else could hear, he continued, “You haven’t been with a woman since last year. What’s up?”
