License to Date (Better Date than Never)

by Hatler, Susan

  Instead of getting annoyed or angry, he laughed. “Handsome and nice? That has got to be the best rejection speech ever.”

  Feeling like a louse, I raised my brow. “You’re not upset?”

  “Actually, I am.” He flashed a smile, showing off his straight white teeth. “If you’re interested in this other guy, what are you doing here with me? Go get him, Kaitlin.”

  Who was I to argue with a Greek god?

  Chapter Eight

  I stared at my reflection in the silver-framed mirror of the Geoffries hotel’s women’s lounge and touched up my lip-gloss. Remembering Paul’s kiss last night, I shivered. Why wouldn’t he go out with me? No guy could kiss like that if he wasn’t into someone. No way. At least I didn’t think so. . . .

  My wind chimes ring tone sounded so I pulled my cell out and glanced at the number. Mom. Since it was her second call today, I had to answer or she’d worry.

  “Hi, Mom. How are you?”

  “I’ve been frantic all day, thank you very much.” There was a long pause. “Did you not receive my voicemail this morning?”

  The one she’d left about my date with Brian Burnside? “Yes, I got it.”

  Another pause. Mom loved to make people wait so she’d be sure to have our full attention. “Then why in the world haven’t you phoned me back?”

  “I’ve been busy.” That and I was afraid she’d seen the Internet photo and determined that kiss had not been with Brian. Gulp. “Everything all right?”

  “Yes, now that I know my daughter is still alive.” She waited a few beats. “I’m calling because I spoke with Alisha Burnside this morning. She told me Brian raved about his date with you last night and he very much wants to take you out again. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Not unless there was a new definition of the word. “I don’t think Brian’s my type, Mom.”

  “He’s handsome, kind, and comes from a good family. That’s exactly your type, dear.”

  Thinking of Kristen and how she’d stood up to her mom, I took a deep breath. “I’m actually interested in someone else.” Someone who’d rejected me and could very well be seeing a horde of other women, but still. “He’s sweet, charming, and has a great sense of humor.”

  Pause. “What’s he do for a living?”

  Ah, the bottom line. “He’s a bartender at the Geoffries hotel.”

  She gasped. “I think I’ve just had my first coronary attack.”

  I cringed. “Anyway, I have to go because he’s taking me to the ballet tonight. We’re seeing Cinderella.”

  “Darling, think of your future.” Mom took a deep breath. “Brian is stable, steady, and the better choice.”

  Not if I wanted someone to rappel down a building with me. Or make me smile. . . “Brian is nice and I’m sure he’ll make some woman very happy.”

  Someone woman who was not me.

  Short pause. “I told Alisha you would have dinner with Brian at the country club tomorrow night.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Why would you do that?”

  She huffed. “I thought you’d thank me.”

  “I’m twenty-eight years old, Mom!” I shrugged apologetically at a woman coming into the powder room to wash her hands, then I lowered my voice. “I do not need you making dates for me.”

  The silence at the other end of the line was deafening. “Maybe you didn’t hit it off right away with Brian, but what harm is there in giving him one more chance? For me?”

  I glanced up as the woman glided past me with a sympathetic smile. I sighed, then remembered my remodel. I did still need a date number four and Paul had turned me down. “All right. But no more fixing me up.”

  “Wonderful, dear. You won’t regret it.”

  Unfortunately, I already did.

  ****

  When I arrived to the lobby, I found Paul chatting with his beautiful co-worker. He had a pen poised over a piece of paper, then he underlined something. As I approached, she glanced up at me with an odd look. Oh, great. Maybe she’d heard me ask him out earlier and also heard him reject me. If she was jonesing for him—as any sane woman would—she must be doing inner cartwheels right now.

  Although she wasn’t going to the ballet with him. Ha!

  Feeling like I was interrupting something, I smiled awkwardly. “Hi.”

  Paul’s head shot up. “Kaitlin? You’re early.”

  “If you need more time I can—”

  “No, it’s fine.” He folded the piece of paper. “Have you met Alice?”

  I shook my head. “Hi, Alice.”

  She smiled. “Nice to meet you, Kaitlin.”

  Paul handed Alice the paper. “You’ll take care of this for me?”

  “Right away.” She nodded. “Enjoy the ballet.”

  “We will.” He came around the desk, slipped his hand into mine, and winked at me. “How was your date?”

  My stomach flipped at the feel of his skin against mine. “Kyle’s handsome and nice. The perfect date.”

  For someone else.

  Paul’s forehead wrinkled as the lobby doors slid open and we turned right down the sidewalk. “Are you going out with him for date number four?”

  “No.” I watched the crinkle on his forehead disappear. “I’ve already filled date number four with someone else.”

  His hand tightened around mine and a line formed between his brows. “With who?”

  I bit my bottom lip, thoroughly confused. He was acting quite jealous for a guy who’d rejected me. “Brian Burnside.”

  He chuckled, his eyes lighting up. “Make sure you don’t take him above the first floor.”

  It was my turn for furrowed brows. “At least he’s willing to date me.”

  “And get you one step closer to free labor this weekend.” He stopped at the crosswalk. “Your friends still going to help you?”

  A car horn blared at a taxi as our pedestrian light illuminated. “Ginger’s in for sure. I’m worried about Kristen, though. Remember how I told you she’s getting married at the Geoffries in eighteen months?”

  He nodded. “Her mom insisted on the location, right? Wise choice, I might add.”

  “They do have an amazing staff.” Even if a certain bartender refused to officially date me. “But she’s decided to get married at Wok N’ Roll instead.”

  He strode into the Sacramento Community Theatre then let go of my hand and reached into his pocket for our tickets. “The Chinese restaurant? Why?”

  “They have availability in six weeks and that’s when she wants to marry Ethan.” I watched him hand two tickets to the usher, who gave him a program in exchange. “It makes me sad because I think she’ll regret it. She’s like me and wants the fairytale ending with the elegant white gown, music, to be surrounded by friends, and plumeria flowers,” I added, wistfully.

  He put his hand on the small of my back as we walked down the theatre aisle and the usher showed us to our seats. “Plumeria flowers?”

  My face heated. Had I said that aloud? “Well, maybe not for Kristen.”

  “But for you?” He nodded to the usher who had stopped in front of our row.

  I smiled at the usher, slipped into my seat, then promptly opened the program.

  Ethan took his seat, turned toward me, then flipped the program closed. “Why plumeria flowers?”

  Looking into his deep, blue eyes compelled me to open up and tell him what I’d never told anyone before. “When I was twelve, my parents took me on vacation to Kauai. Have you ever been?”

  He shook his head.

  “It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. We had a condo on the ocean and I’d fall asleep listening to the waves crash against the shore. We snorkeled on the north shore of the island, boated along the Na Pali coast, strolled along the beaches, and inhaled the fragrant scent of plumeria flowers. It was the best week of my life . . . and the last time I felt safe and secure.” I closed my eyes and could almost feel transported there with the fragrant scent wafting up my nose. When I opened my e
yes the lights in the theatre flashed on and off. “When we got home, my parents announced they were getting a divorce, and it felt like they’d yanked the rug out from under me. My dad moved out that weekend.”

  His eyes stayed on mine as he brushed his knuckles along my cheekbone. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. That must’ve been hard.”

  My vision blurred as his arm slipped around me, and I lay my head against his shoulder. A warm wave of comfort washed over me, making it feel like I’d been transported back to the beach where everything was easy and life made sense. I felt . . . happy.

  The lights went down and the red curtain slid open. Cinderella was starting.

  ****

  “Kaitlin?” Paul’s voice whispered against my ear and his fingers traced my cheekbone.

  My skin hummed along the pathway he’d touched and I burrowed my nose into his neck. “Mmm.”

  He shook my shoulder gently. “Sweetheart, it’s intermission.”

  My eyes burst open. “What?”

  We were at the theatre, the lights were blaring, and a couple stood to my right looking irritated as they eyed my legs which were blocking them from getting out of our row. I popped up immediately and smoothed down my hair.

  Oh, embarrassment. Nothing against the ballet but with all that graceful dancing and serene music, how did they expect me to stay awake?

  Paul reached for my hand as we strode out to the lobby. “Dare I ask if you enjoyed the first act?”

  “Sorry, I’m just tired.” His fault, really, since I’d stayed awake too late thinking about him. “Maybe a cup of coffee would help.”

  He squeezed my hand then turned toward the long line at the refreshment bar. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Hmm. I like that.” He’d taken me to the ballet, he was holding my hand, and now he was getting me an espresso drink. This sure felt like a date. “Are you sure this isn’t a date?”

  The corner of his mouth turned up. “Why are you trying to label our time together? Can’t we just have fun?”

  I always had fun when I was with him, and he seemed to enjoy being with me if the kissing and hand holding was any indication. So why wouldn’t he date me? “Are you one of those guys who fears commitment?”

  His smile grew. “Not at all. I prefer it.”

  Hmm. . . “Are you seeing someone right now?”

  “No.”

  We stepped forward in line. “Are you still hung up on that Virna girl?”

  He chuckled now. “No. She and I are over each other.”

  I let out an exasperated breath. “Then why—”

  “Kaitlin,” a woman’s voice came from behind us. A refined voice that sounded eerily like my mother.

  Eyes wide, I spun on my heel, and faced an older version of me. “Mom? What are you doing here?”

  She clasped her jeweled fingers together in front of her. “I read a fabulous review on this ballet in the paper and tickets were still available online so daddy and I thought it would be fun.” She smiled innocently as she turned her attention to Paul. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

  Innocently coming to the same ballet as us? Yeah, right.

  My eyes narrowed. “I can’t believe you—”

  “I’m Paul.” He let go of my hand, stepped out of line, then gathered my mom’s hand in his own. “It’s a pleasure to meet you . . . ?”

  “Janet.” Mom’s smile was in place but her eyes turned icy. “Kaitlin’s mother.”

  “I’m Gary Porter.” My stepdad shook Paul’s hand, seeming oblivious of the ambush his wife had clearly planned.

  Mom kept her attention on Paul. “Kaitlin tells me you’re a bartender.”

  My jaw tightened at the way she’d said bartender. Like she didn’t approve of his career choice. “Mother—”

  “Yes, I’m a bartender. Among other things.” Paul’s eyes twinkled and he seemed unfazed by my mother’s probing.

  She raised her chin a notch. “You look familiar . . . what do your parents do? If you don’t mind my asking?”

  I saw Paul’s gaze flicker and my chest ached knowing he was thinking of his dad. “Mom, I don’t—”

  “My parents have always been in the service industry.” His voice was steady but the color of his eyes deepened. “But my father passed away several months ago.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it.” Mom’s icy tone softened.

  I was relieved she actually seemed to mean that, so I cleared my throat. “Well, enjoy the show and we’ll talk later.”

  And I meant that. How dare she interrogate Paul?

  “And you enjoy your date tomorrow night at the country club with Brian.” Mom’s smile remained plastered on her face as she turned from me to Paul. “I’ve always wanted a fine life for my daughter, Paul. Don’t you agree she deserves that?”

  My face heated and I was so ready to tell my mom off—

  “I completely agree with you, Janet.” He held her gaze as he said the words. “Kaitlin deserves the very best life has to offer. The finest of everything.”

  My brows came together, partly from how they were talking about me like I wasn’t here, but mostly because I didn’t need things. I needed to be happy, content, and secure. To be able to be myself and not pretend everything’s perfect all the time—the way I was with Paul.

  “We’re in agreement then.” Mom gave Paul an icy smile as the overhead lights flickered. She laced her arm through my stepdad’s. “We’d better get to our seats, dear.”

  “Enjoy the show.” Dad nodded at Paul and me, appearing unaware of his wife’s attack on Paul as they walked away.

  Paul brushed his fingers over my arm. “Looks like we missed your coffee.”

  My eyes burned, and I didn’t want to chance running into my mom a second time. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

  “We’ll leave then.” He put a hand on my back and made a motion toward the door.

  “No.” I shook my head. “You stay and enjoy the rest of the show. I don’t want to ruin your entire night when you were excited to see the ballet.”

  The corners of his mouth turned upward. “Sweetheart, the ballet bores me out of my mind.”

  My jaw dropped open. “You said you loved it.”

  “No, I asked ‘who doesn’t love the ballet’?” He slipped his hand in mine and tugged me toward the exit. “And well, I would be one of those people.”

  “Then why would you . . . ?”

  “To spend time with you.” He rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand. “I saw the Swan Lake poster framed in your living room and figured you loved the ballet. I had no idea you’d fall asleep on me.”

  My insides glowed as I realized he hadn’t had an extra ticket to the ballet. He’d planned to take me, which must mean he was into me. Warm fuzzies fluttered in my belly.

  “Thank you.” I smiled up at him as we strode down the sidewalk to the hotel and where I’d parked. “I hung the poster up because my dad means a lot to me, not the ballet. He took me to Swan Lake right after my parents separated. It had been a week since he’d moved out and I’d missed him terribly. I spent the entire ballet dreading him leaving me again. Soon after, he took a job in Seattle and was gone.”

  He squeezed my waist as we walked. “I’m sure you were in his heart.”

  I sniffed. “I never thought of that before, but you’re probably right. He was in mine.”

  We arrived to the front of the hotel and I gestured down the street. “I parked two blocks that way.”

  “I’ll walk you.”

  We ambled in silence, side by side, and I thought about the night’s events. I didn’t know why Paul turned me down for a date if he wasn’t seeing anyone else, but he had to have feelings for me. Just like I had feelings for him. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so thoughtful and caring and sweet and have put up with my mother. . . .

  Ugh. My mother.

  I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for how my mom acted earlier. I’d like to say she was having an off night, but
that’s actually just the way she is. She thinks she knows what’s best for me, but she doesn’t.”

  He smiled down at me. “No need to apologize. I agree with your mom.”

  My heart stopped as I realized she’d gotten to him. “But she’s wrong. She thinks I need to be with an executive who has a country club membership and flies first class.”

  “A private jet is actually more convenient.” He sounded completely serious as he said this. “You deserve that.”

  I stared up at him wondering what in the world he was talking about. Who cared about those kinds of things?

  I gestured to my sporty coupe parked at the curb. “I’d rather have a Geoffries Martini brought to me every night. That means more than what money can buy.”

  “You deserve both.” He walked me around to the driver’s side even as I gaped at him. “I know the perfect guy to set you up with. You still need a date for Friday night, right?”

  My throat tightened. “You want to set me up with someone?”

  “He’s perfect for you.” He opened my door. “Your mom would love Milton. He meets all of her requirements.”

  Milton?

  I stared into those gorgeous blue eyes and my heart cracked. Paul didn’t have feelings for me if he could set me up with someone else, and the fact that he’d listened to my mom meant he didn’t know me at all. I’d been fooling myself.

  My chest ached, burned . . . as if he’d shoved a knife into it.

  But I refused to let it show.

  I forced as smile. “Milton sounds perfect for date number five. Thanks.”

  And after date number five, I was done with men.

  Chapter Nine

  On Thursday, my workday passed by in a blur. Ellen was shocked I didn’t hit it off with Kyle, but I reminded her that I’d only entered the dating deal in exchange for Kristen and Ginger’s help. Melanie had emailed the Internet photo to Ginger who’d stormed into my office and demanded details on “the building smooch.” I assured Ginger the kiss meant nothing—which it hadn’t to Paul, obviously.

  I got another voicemail from my dad asking me to call him, but I didn’t have the energy to call him back. To be honest, I barely had the energy to meet Brian for dinner at the club. It’s not that he wasn’t nice—although he made my head spin when he mentioned a completely new firm he supposedly worked for—it’s just that I didn’t have it in me to fake a smile any longer. I wanted to stick with my remodel, mellow out in my sanctuary, and keep my heart safe.