The Marrying Kind

by Judy Christenberry

  INSTEAD OF WORKING at home, Diane went shopping Saturday morning. For the first time in a long time, she had something to shop for other than business suits and somber-colored clothes. She found a number of dresses that looked good on her, showed off the figure that had hidden under her jackets.

  Surprisingly, Diane enjoyed seeing her feminine side come out.

  She finally bought three outfits, with shoes and a slim purse. After that, she got her hair trimmed and bought a new lipstick for good measure. It was a fun day, one that met a need that had been hidden deep inside of her.

  When she climbed the stairs with all her packages, one of the flight attendants, Carolyn, opened the door across from Diane’s apartment.

  “Oh, I thought maybe you were Marty. She went out an hour ago, and I’m anxious for her to come back.”

  “No, sorry, I haven’t seen her,” Diane said, juggling her packages to get to her keys.

  “Here, let me help. You’ve been doing a lot of shopping, haven’t you?”

  “Not that much.” It suddenly occurred to her to invite Carolyn in. “Would you like to see what I bought? I’m a little unsure about what to wear tonight. Do you have time?”

  “I’d love to. Shopping is my favorite thing!”

  “I’ll leave my door open a little so you’ll hear Marty when she gets back.”

  “Thanks, Diane, that’s really thoughtful of you.”

  After they had put the packages down, Carolyn picked up one of the hangers. “This dress is gorgeous.”

  “I fell in love with it at once.” Not that it would fit Carolyn. The tall blond flight attendant had the body of a model. Diane took the other two hangers and laid them over the back of the sofa so she could see them, too. Diane hoped she’d selected fashionable things.

  Carolyn nodded to her in approval. “I like both of those, two.”

  Diane then opened the shoeboxes and brought out the purse she’d bought. “Of course, I can’t carry a lot in here, but all I’ll need is a lipstick, a comb, my keys and a credit card.”

  “You should carry a couple of cards in case one of them doesn’t work,” Carolyn advised.

  “Why wouldn’t it work?”

  “You know, it might be over the limit.”

  Diane took a moment to consider her answer. Her card was never over the limit. In fact, she never carried a balance and paid the high interest rates. But rather than explaining that, she simply nodded. Her neighbor was a nice woman, but after a few minutes the discussion of clothes grew tiresome. Diane was glad when Marty arrived and Carolyn went back to the apartment they shared with the other flight attendants.

  Diane put away her purchases and then, resisting the laptop that called to her, she took a bubble bath, something she hadn’t done in years. She even gave herself a manicure afterward.

  Two hours later, she fixed herself a sandwich for dinner and ate while she scanned the New York Stock Exchange reports in the newspaper. It’d been a good week for her clients’ investments.

  And a good week for her, too. Thanks to John.

  She sank back into the sofa. This was terrible. She couldn’t keep the man out of her thoughts! But that would change as soon as she wasn’t seeing him anymore. And that would occur after this evening, wouldn’t it?

  She was only going tonight because he’d already gotten the tickets. It would’ve been rude to turn down such a gracious offer. Besides, she was dying to see that play.

  Or was she lying to herself?

  The bottom line was she was going to have to be stronger. She’d agree to no more dates after tonight. That had to be her stance. Before she got too used to John’s invasion into her life.

  Chapter Five

  “Don’t ever offer me crème brûlée again,” Diane sighed as they pulled away from the Mansion in John’s car. “It’s much too decadent and I have no resistance.”

  John laughed. “I can see that, judging by the second one you ate.”

  She clutched her stomach. “Don’t remind me. But it was worth every penny.”

  That it was. He’d loved every minute of watching her enjoy the dessert, and of her reaction to the performance at the theater. Enthusiasm had lit up her face, making her look ten years younger than she usually did in her “banker mode.” She was a delight to be with, willingly sharing her insights and enjoyment of the play and the after-theater treat.

  All his planning and manipulating had been worth it; he declared the evening wildly successful.

  When they reached the fourplex, John again got out of his car and came around to open her door. This time she waited for his assistance. That brought a smile to John’s face, and he leaned over to kiss her lips.

  “John, why did you do that?”

  “To reward you for letting me open your door,” he replied matter-of-factly. He put his arm around her waist and she walked silently beside him.

  John was mentally preparing his next approach. He knew he’d have to phrase it right, given her resistance. As they started up the stairs, he said casually, “Oh, I almost forgot. Mark and Elizabeth want us to join them for dinner Wednesday night.”

  Diane came to an abrupt halt at her door. “What? You didn’t agree, did you?”

  “Well, yeah, I did. Is Wednesday a problem?”

  She stared at him, her eyes wide. “I—I can’t.”

  “Why not? I thought you liked Elizabeth.”

  “Of course I like Elizabeth, but it’s a work night.”

  “So? I promise not to keep you out past ten,” he said with his most charming smile.

  “No, I work late and do a lot of reading at home. I can’t go out during the week.”

  “What am I going to tell Mark? It’s going to look as if you don’t like him or his wife.”

  “Tell him you accepted without checking with me, and I already had plans,” she said as she unlocked her door and turned back to face him.

  “I can’t do that, Diane.” He took her hand and gave her a pleading look. “Please, can’t you make one exception for me?”

  “John, I’m sure Mark will understand.”

  “I don’t think so. He said Elizabeth was looking forward to visiting with you again.”

  “I don’t believe you!”

  “Ask Mark. He’ll tell you.” Fearing rejection, John tried another approach. “What’s the big deal? It’s just dinner. You have to eat anyway.”

  “It’s just that I—I have a routine that I follow.”

  “Routine?”

  She lowered her head and said in a small voice, “When I get home I usually spend a couple of hours catching up on what I didn’t get done in the office, and then I got to bed with some reading.”

  “Sounds exciting,” he deadpanned. “But do you think you can give up all that excitement just for one night?” He kissed her hard and kept his eyes on her.

  She looked up at him and he knew he’d won.

  “All right, I’ll go.” Before he got too excited, she added, “But just this once. I can’t get involved with you, John. I don’t have the time. My work is too demanding and—”

  He cut her off with a finger to her lips, silencing her protests. He preferred to revel in his victory. “Thanks for changing your mind,” he told her with a smile just before he pulled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.

  In no time he felt lost in her warmth, her womanhood. And he could feel Diane moving with him every step of the way.

  When he finally released her, she was breathless. “I…have to go in,” she managed to say.

  “Me, too,” he said with a half smile. “We need some privacy.”

  She pressed a hand to his chest. “I mean alone, John. I have to go in alone.” There was desperation in her voice, almost as if she was trying to convince herself of that.

  He moved her hand and nuzzled her neck. “Are you sure?” he whispered.

  “Yes, I’m—Stop that!”

  “Stop what?”

  “Nibbling on my neck.”


  “You don’t like it?” he asked, right before his tongue darted out to taste her skin. She moaned in spite of herself. “Seems as if you do like it.”

  When she didn’t reply, he moved forward, pressing her against her door. “I want you, Diane. Don’t you feel it, too?”

  She moved back until her spine was plastered against the wood. “No. No, I don’t feel that.”

  “I think you’re lying. Your eyes say you want me as much as I want you.”

  “You’re mistaken!” She closed her eyes to prevent him from reading the emotions that she knew were hiding there.

  “I think you’re lying, sweetheart,” he whispered.

  “I don’t lie. I need to go in now, John. I’ll see you Wednesday evening. Where are we meeting them?”

  John grinned. “Nice try, honey, but I’ll pick you up at six forty-five.”

  She stiffened and said, “Very well.” Then she opened her door and slid inside before he could say anything else.

  John shook his head, but as he walked down the stairs he had a smile on his lips.

  WHY COULDN’T SHE concentrate?

  She reread the numbers on Mrs. Winthrop’s portfolio review for the tenth time that morning and still they made no sense. This had never happened to Diane before. Normally she could concentrate through any distractions.

  But Jonathan Davis was no ordinary distraction.

  Surrendering, she threw down her pencil and walked to the window looking out on downtown Dallas. This was so unlike her, getting all starry-eyed over some man. A man with whom she knew she had no chance, no future. A man who clearly got under her skin and made her unable to do her job.

  Why couldn’t she shake loose of him?

  The ringing phone brought her back to her desk. “Diane Black, Investments.”

  “Good morning, honey. How are you this morning?”

  “Who’s calling, please?” she asked, though she knew at once who it was. But she didn’t want John to know that.

  “It’s the guy who kissed you good-night last night. Do you remember now?”

  “John, I hope you’re in your office with the door closed!”

  “Nope. I’m walking through the project we’re finishing up. The inspector wanted to see it again.”

  “Did he hear you?” Diane asked, horrified.

  “Sure. That’s why I didn’t use your name. I know you’re shy.”

  “I am not shy,” she practically shouted.

  “I hope not, because I’d bet everyone in your department heard that response,” he said, and she could hear his grin.

  She ignored it. “Where are we going on Wednesday night?” Not even Mark would tell her when she’d asked him first thing that morning.

  “It’s on a need-to-know basis,” John said, “and you don’t need to know.”

  “Yes, I do. I won’t come if I don’t know the restaurant.” She sounded sure of herself, she thought.

  “Nope. It’s a surprise for you and Elizabeth.” Before she could speak again, he added, “I’ve got to go. The inspector has some questions. I’ll see you Wednesday night.” He clicked off and just like that was gone.

  Diane sat there with the phone to her ear. How was she ever going to work now?

  “SHE CALLED, just like you said,” Mark said softly into the phone to John. “I told her I was keeping the restaurant a secret from Elizabeth.”

  “And you told Elizabeth?”

  “Yeah. She didn’t want to trick Diane, but I told her it was the only way she’d let you drive her.”

  “Good. I appreciate it, Mark. And I’m looking forward to Wednesday night.”

  “Yeah, but not because of me and Elizabeth. I know you’re using us to bait the trap.”

  “You know I enjoy visiting with you two. But I’ll admit you’re the bait this time.”

  “So what will you use next time?”

  “I’ve got it all set up. I have to go to my father’s house Saturday night. I’m going to enlist her to go with me to keep me strong. I think she’ll fall for that.”

  “You’re going to fall on your face one of these days, John. Diane’s not as dumb as you think she is.”

  “I’ve never considered her dumb. But she has a soft heart. I think she’ll take pity on me.”

  “And the time after that?”

  “I don’t plan that far in advance,” John declared.

  “I’m not sure I believe that. Just remember, Elizabeth won’t forgive you if you upset Diane, and neither will I.”

  “I haven’t lied to her, Mark. And I won’t. If she wants to have an affair with me, it will be her choice. I won’t force her.”

  “I know, I know. Okay, I’ll see you Wednesday evening.”

  John hung up the phone, his mood contemplative. He was not lying to Diane. Well, except for the small fib that the invitation had come from Mark. But in the grand scheme of things, that didn’t really matter.

  All that mattered was how it ended. Him with Diane.

  WEDNESDAY. Diane woke up with excitement zinging through her veins, knowing that tonight she would see John again.

  She chastised herself for her eagerness. Nevertheless, she counted the hours to dinner.

  She knew she wouldn’t see or hear from John today. He didn’t want her questioning him about the restaurant, or backing out.

  Perhaps she was becoming more aware of his behavior. He was being creative, she’d have to admit, but she really couldn’t continue to ignore her objections. She was too strong for that. At least she hoped she was.

  But he was so sweet to her. Before she got to know him, she would never have used that adjective. But though he put her in difficult positions, he always treated her as if she were a princess. That was addictive, especially for someone with Diane’s track record.

  An hour later she was well into her day, successfully having pushed John to the back of her mind. When she answered the phone, she almost dropped it when she heard the caller.

  “John? Do we need to cancel tonight?”

  “Of course not. Why would you think that?”

  “I thought you wouldn’t call me today.”

  His low chuckle sent shivers along her skin. “I didn’t intend to. But I’d used so much energy not phoning you that I ran out. Have you missed me?”

  “Of course not!”

  “Not even just a little bit?”

  “John, why did you call?” she demanded, hoping to get down to business. It was her only hope.

  “I phoned because I miss you. And to tell you I’ll pick you up at six forty-five.”

  “Fine. I’ll be ready.”

  “Would you be ready at six-thirty?”

  “Do I need to be?”

  “No, but I’d like to show you my latest project. If I pick you up then we’ll have time to drive by it.”

  “I guess we could do that.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you then,” he said mildly, as if he’d just been testing her. Then, before he hung up, he said, “I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.”

  Probably not as much as she looked forward to seeing him. But instead of voicing that dangerous thought she hung up the phone.

  At five o’clock she put all her papers away and locked up her desk. It felt like the middle of the day to someone who normally worked till every other office was vacant and dark. But not today. She picked up her purse and briefcase and headed for the door. Wendy, the receptionist, couldn’t hide her surprise.

  Diane said good-night and took the first elevator down, hoping she was a little ahead of the general exodus. No doubt her coworkers would wonder about her early departure.

  When she got home, she was eager to get ready. After a shower, she sat down to dry her hair. She was wearing it down tonight and wanted it to look good. Half an hour later, she’d done her makeup and her hair, and donned her new heeled strappy sandals and new dress. The flouncy folds of the skirt danced around her legs, making her feel sexy.

  How ridiculous to feel so silly about
her clothes. But she always wore straight or A-line skirts at the bank. Tonight it felt liberating not to.

  She pronounced herself ready, and a minute later the doorbell rang.

  Taking a deep breath, she answered it.

  John stepped through and, without a single word, took her face between his hands and kissed her like she’d never been kissed before.

  Chapter Six

  John wasn’t surprised when she pulled out of his grasp, but he wasn’t happy, either. He’d told himself not to come on so strong, but even the best intentions went up in flames around Diane.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked her when she backed away from him.

  “N-nothing. I—I don’t want to mess up my lipstick,” she hurriedly said, stepping farther away.

  “Then I guess you’d better go add some more, ’cause I’ve messed it up good.” He raised his brows in an exaggerated leer. “Elizabeth is sure to notice.”

  With a gasp, Diane practically ran from the room.

  John wanted to follow her into the bedroom, but he knew such pursuit would be the worst thing he could do. For now.

  He simply had to take one step at a time and stick to his plan.

  When Diane came back, her lipstick reapplied, she ushered him to the door. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

  He stepped close and she immediately backed away again. “I’m not going to bite you, Diane.”

  “Of course not,” she said, though her demeanor was still stiff and forbidding. “But I’d like my lipstick to stay in place at least until after I eat.”

  He grinned. “I can promise that much at least.”

  Once they were in the car, she said, “I’m looking forward to seeing your new project. Where’s it located?”

  He gave her the cross streets and began to describe the three-thousand-square-foot luxury condos he intended to build.

  After a while, she interrupted him. “Will all of them be deluxe condos? What about more reasonable housing?”

  John stared at her. “You think I should build lower priced housing?” he asked in surprise. “You don’t make as much profit on lower-priced units.”

  “That doesn’t mean you should ignore that sector of society.”