by Lori Borrill
Love at first sight? Highly doubtful. But whatever it was, he intended to pursue it.
2
“ARE YOU ENJOYING THE PARTY?”
John’s heart pounded as he struck up a conversation with the pretty brunette. He hadn’t been this nervous around a woman since he was a teen, and as she looked up at him with those big brown eyes, he had to remind himself that he was a grown-up with experience and she was just another woman. Though it didn’t feel that way. Instead, he felt giddy and awkward, and she felt special.
“I am. Thank you.”
“I’m John.” He extended a hand, anxious to touch her.
“I’m Anna,” she said, putting a name to that beautiful face.
He liked it. The simplicity fit her. From this closer look, he could see that she wasn’t made up or overly adorned. Aside from some frosty pink on her eyelids and a little gloss on her lips, she didn’t wear much makeup, which was good. She didn’t need to. With skin fresh as cream and a natural blush to her cheeks, anything more would just cover up her natural beauty. She wore simple posts on her ears, and around her neck was a heart-shaped locket he hoped didn’t come from someone special. With a love life that had grown bland these past few years, he really didn’t want to be shot down by the first woman in ages who actually stirred his blood.
“I don’t recall seeing you around the office,” he said. “Are you new?”
“I’m just a temp.”
“Oh, for the busy year-end, no doubt. Who are you working with?”
Her high-beamed smile dimmed. “Oh, uh…” She fluttered her eyelids and stumbled. “I keep mixing up the woman’s name. It’s…”
He grinned and went for broke. “How about we forget that and I ask you the question that’s really on my mind.” He gently tugged at her bare wedding finger. “Are you spoken for, or am I free to ask you to dance?”
SOMEBODY PINCH ME.
Anna took in the gorgeous hunk and wondered if she was dreaming. She’d wanted a thrill tonight, and in her girl-from-a-small-town definition of thrills, that consisted of sneaking into a party to steal a yummy meal then climbing a hundred stories to catch a view of the Chicago skyline. Nowhere in that equation had been meeting a handsome businessman and sharing a Christmas dance.
And maybe more?
Judging by the smoldering look in his eyes, a dance might only be the first thing on his mind, and if that was the case, her night was getting more and more adventurous by the minute.
She held her grin back to a casual smile as she accepted his hand and said, “I’d love to dance.” Then she followed him the few short steps to the dance floor right as the upbeat “Jingle Bell Rock” ended and the tempo slowed.
He made a face that said how convenient and moved close, slipping his hand around her waist. And when he nudged her toward him and settled his palm at the base of her spine a wash of tingles spilled over her skin.
Good gracious. When exactly was the last time she’d been touched by a man? It definitely hadn’t been since she’d shown up in Chicago, and her on-again-off-again boyfriend back home had been on the off side for most of the year before that. It was safe to say that her sex life had been running cold for a long time, and if John was hitting on her tonight in the hope of getting lucky, he might very well have picked the right girl. She couldn’t remember a time when such a simple touch packed this big a punch.
She quickly met his gaze, her head going a little dizzy over the sight of that strong jaw and his deep gray eyes. Those eyes had been the first thing she’d noticed when she’d spotted him across the room. They were dark and fiery, bold and compelling. And she’d caught them aimed straight at her. Immediately, she’d felt the heat in them smooth through her like a shot of stiff whiskey. And now the man himself was here in her arms, his chest brushing hers and their bodies held close as they swayed to the music.
This had to be what Cinderella felt like at the ball.
He bent in, giving her a whiff of aftershave that smelled subtle and expensive. “Tell me something about yourself, Anna,” he said in a low, smoky voice.
She thought for a moment, wondering how she should respond. Being that this was her fantasy night, she almost wanted to make up something more exotic than her simple life. After all, she wasn’t sure what John did for this company, but judging by the tailored suit and expensive-looking watch, he probably wasn’t pushing the mail cart. He might be more enthralled by a more worldlier type of woman.
Unfortunately, she knew she’d never pull it off, so she opted for the truth. “I’m at UIC studying nursing.”
Okay, so that was only true up to a week ago, but it was easier than explaining that at the moment, she wasn’t really anything. She had no job and no money, and only a red Kia that would get her back home to Twin Falls. Other than that, her life was a blank slate. Not an avenue she really cared to go down tonight.
He smiled and her stomach did a flip. He was seriously handsome when he smiled. It brought out a set of faint dimples and made those dark eyes sizzle.
“Have you always wanted to be a nurse?”
Clutching her hand, he spun her in a circle and she giggled.
“Not exactly. I floundered a bit out of high school and only found my calling a couple years ago.”
He eyed her quizzically. “How did that come about?”
She shrugged noncommittally. “Oh, just life.”
In truth, it had been tragedy that both called her to nursing and taught her that life was short and precious, but she didn’t want to go there, not tonight when the mood was so festive and her spirits so high.
“What about you? What do you do for—” Crap, what was the name of this company?
“I push paper,” he offered. “Nothing nearly as interesting as medicine, and I must admit, I’m floundering a little myself these days.”
He spun her around again and this time when he pulled her back in his arms, he moved closer. Now those firm thighs brushed against her hips and her nose nearly touched his jaw. Her stomach tingled—along with a couple other body parts—as she noted how close her lips would be to his if he only tilted his head just so.
“It’s funny to hear you talk about finding a calling,” he went on. “I’ve had one needling at me for a long time, but so far I’ve tried to ignore it. It sounds like we might have something in common.”
As the smooth music continued to play they set conversation aside and focused on dancing. She liked the way their bodies meshed together, the long glide of his tall frame against hers. She noted how nicely her head might rest on his shoulders, how easily their lips would come together if their bodies were joined. The lustful thoughts got her body stirring, fueled by the sultry dance, and by the time the song finally ended, she was fully aroused.
“How about a drink?” he offered, either guessing or seeing on her face that she could use a cooler.
“That would be great.”
They found a table near the windows and started chatting, and it wasn’t long before Anna acknowledged her attraction to John was more than physical. She found him funny and easygoing, humble and charming. She told him about growing up in Twin Falls and the trials of having two older brothers. He shared the same woes about having two younger sisters. They talked about movies and music, hobbies and food. When the conversation wandered to his company, she diverted it away, fearful that any talk about work might blow her little white lie. Though the longer they talked, the more those little lies started piling into bigger ones.
He was so interested in her nursing studies that she kept talking as though her life wasn’t on hold, and just like her mother had always warned, the lies bred like rabbits. Soon, her permanent trip back home became just a short visit for the holidays, and he was talking about introducing her to some people he knew in medicine when she came back after Christmas break. He wanted to make plans to see her in the New Year, and she couldn’t dream up a good reason to say no. By the time their drinks were empty and he got up to fetch another ro
und, she’d spun herself into so many tales that she was in dire need of a few minutes alone to think.
When this night started, she’d assumed this encounter with John was about one superficial fantasy evening. She wasn’t supposed to adore him and he wasn’t supposed to be interested in much more than getting in her pants. She’d flippantly tossed out tales assuming none of it would matter, but now he was talking about tomorrow and next week and she had no idea how to worm her way out.
Oh, Dean would be laughing right now telling her it was exactly what she deserved for sneaking into a party and making up stories. And in one of those rare moments, she’d have to agree with her brother. She’d talked herself into a web and now she had to get out. But how?
“I think I’m going to make a quick trip to the restroom,” she said, rising from the table before John left for the bar.
“Go ahead. I’ll grab a couple drinks and meet you back here.”
She left the banquet room in search of the bathroom, all the while trying to come up with a way to come clean, but every scenario she conjured played out poorly. He didn’t know that sneaking into parties and lying about her life weren’t her regular pastimes. That normally, she was honest to a fault—literally. She could recant plenty of situations where a little white lie would have kept her out of trouble, but it had never been her nature. It was only tonight, with him, never before and never again.
Yeah, right. Surely he’d believe that.
Pushing her way through the bathroom door, she ran into LaRhonda, the woman she’d spoken to earlier at the buffet table. When LaRhonda caught her eye, the woman smiled and winked. “Well, look who it is. Are you having a good time?”
“Yes, it’s a wonderful party,” Anna replied.
“And lucky you, catching the eye of the company SOB. A dozen women are jealous of you tonight.”
“The SOB?”
“John Stryker.” LaRhonda moved to the sink and washed her hands while Anna stood and stared, not understanding the statement.
LaRhonda blinked. “Don’t you know who he is? The SOB—Son of Boss. His father owns the company—and he will, too, someday.”
Anna’s stomach turned. “John owns the company?”
LaRhonda laughed. “Girl, you are a newbie, aren’t you?” She shut off the water and grabbed a paper towel to dry her hands. “You know, half the single women in this company have hit on him and struck out. You’re a lucky gal. He’s a hot item around here.” Moving to the door, she said over her shoulder, “You have fun tonight!”
And suddenly Anna was alone, confused, sick to her stomach and wishing on stars that she could start this night over again.
The owner’s son?
Why hadn’t she put that together? Though now that she knew, a couple of comments he’d made earlier now made total sense.
Oh, this was worse than she thought. Her lies had felt bad enough back when she thought he just worked for the company. The owner?
Her yummy meal began working its way north.
Her first instinct was to flee. She needed to leave this place, and fast, before she thoroughly humiliated herself. She had no business being here, and she definitely had no business toying around with someone as wealthy and powerful as John. What was a girl like her doing with a man like him anyway? Not that there was any future in it, because after all, she was leaving for good next week—not that he knew that, because according to him she’d be back in two weeks, but…
Oh, she was going to be sick.
For no real reason she turned on the faucet and washed her hands before leaving the bathroom, and when she got back to the table, John was waiting with a wide and innocent smile on his face.
Her throat tightened. “I’m sorry,” she said when she stepped to his side. “When I was in the bathroom, I remembered I was supposed to be somewhere right now. I’ve got to go.”
His smile turned to concern and he rose. “Do you need a ride somewhere? I’ve got a car in the garage.”
“No, thank you, though. I’ll be fine, but I’m sorry that I’ve got to cut our night short.”
That big smile came back, but instead of leaving her giddy, this time it only pushed her near tears. “That’s okay,” he said. “We can continue this another time, right? I’d love to call you.”
Short of words, she simply nodded and smiled.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out an expensive-looking pen and a business card. “Here. Write down your number for me.”
She stared at it and stumbled. “Oh, dear, um…how about you let me call you?” She accepted the card and read it. There it was. John Stryker Jr., Executive Vice President, Stryker & Associates.
How could she be so stupid?
“Are you okay? You look a little…”
He trailed off before adding the word green, but it was exactly how she felt. She needed to get a grip before she really did humiliate herself.
“Yes, I’m fine. I’m just upset that I’ve got to leave. I was really having a wonderful time.” At least that was the truth.
She held up the card. “I will get back in touch after Christmas.”
He seemed disappointed, but accepted her excuse. “Please do.”
Then with a terse goodbye, she grabbed her coat and purse and jetted out of the room, no longer in the mood for a thrill or adventure. Instead, she was nauseous, hurt and angry with herself that she’d created such a mess. And as she hit the elevator button to take her out of this place, she swore to herself that she’d learned her lesson. No more making up stories or going places she didn’t belong. And never again would she ever say anything that wasn’t the God’s honest truth.
3
JOHN WATCHED AS ANNA weaved through the crowd on her way out of the room, disappointed their evening ended before it had even gotten started. He’d wanted to spend more time with her, and not just because she was sexy and fun. There was something about her he found endearing and she’d sparked an energy in him he’d wanted to explore. On a night when he’d been searching for cosmic guidance, he’d almost felt as if he’d found it, only now she was gone, and he was back to the same nagging discontent that had consumed him an hour ago.
“You look like someone who could use some Christmas cheer.”
John looked up to find a hefty man in a red silk suit standing at his side. The man was barrel-chested with rosy cheeks and a snow-white beard. He was balding, but the white hair he did have coiled almost to his shoulders, and when John looked him over, the first thought that came to mind was Santa Claus.
“You look like someone who can provide it,” John said.
The man laughed with a very clichéd ho-ho-ho, then he gestured toward Anna, who was just pushing her way through the banquet doors. “That’s the woman who can provide it.”
“Yeah, well, unfortunately she had to go.”
“And despite your strong feelings for her, you aren’t going after her.”
John furrowed his brow. “I offered to go with her. She turned me down,” he explained, though why he was answering to this odd stranger, he didn’t know. “Besides, we made plans to get together after the holidays.”
“Ah, yes. You put your faith in the notion that she’ll follow through.”
“Are you suggesting she won’t?”
“I’m thinking it’s become your nature to step by and let opportunity pass. Going along is always easier, and you certainly can’t say it’s done you poorly.”
John frowned and looked the man over. “I’m sorry, but do I know you? You seem to think you’ve figured me out, but I don’t recall that we’ve ever met.”
“I excel at my powers of observation, particularly the ones that tell me you’re not satisfied with your life and where it’s going.”
John’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve been talking to Nick Castle, haven’t you?”
It made sense now, this weird man and his bizarre comments. John should have known better than to spill his guts to Nick, though it had never been Nick’s M.O. to
share confidences like that—especially to some oddball dressed up like a Vegas lounge version of Santa Claus. But it was the only explanation John could come up with.
“I listen with my eyes. I hear with my heart,” the man said, apparently answering a question John hadn’t asked. He took a small candy cane and placed it in John’s hand. “You’ve been searching for answers and the woman who can provide them just walked out the door. In fact, all your life, answers have presented themselves to you yet you keep letting them flutter by. It’s time you reached out and grabbed one before they stop coming along.” The old man grinned and pointed a finger to John’s chest. “But you know that, don’t you? It’s the reason for your discourse tonight. You’re letting your life be decided by Fate, and while I’m a big believer in Fate, it only works magic when it’s guided by free will.”
“You lost me.”
The man curled John’s fingers around the small candy cane and held his fist tightly. “The answers won’t come to you, young man. You have to go get them.”
Then with a wink, he released his grasp and wandered off through the crowd.
For a long while, John stood and stared. That was pretty much the strangest thing that had ever happened to him. But despite it all, he couldn’t shake the truth in the old man’s words. The guy was right. Up to now, he’d been satisfied going with the flow, not making waves and doing what was expected of him. And it was making him miserable.
But he had no idea how Anna could change that. She could offer him answers? How was that possible when he barely knew the woman? Everything logical said it wasn’t, but tonight wasn’t exactly turning out to be a logical evening. He hadn’t been able to explain his peculiar draw to her, either, or the sharp feeling of loss he’d felt as he’d watched her walk out the door.
The answers won’t come to you, young man. You have to go get them.
It was a fortune-cookie anecdote that John should probably disregard. But as he tucked the candy cane in his pocket and set off toward the door, he figured what did he have to lose?
