"And he got you to say yes to dinner."
"I know. Freaky weird. There's just something about him I like." She turned to her step-daughter and smiled. "That doesn't mean I want you to go easy on him."
"Hah! Don't worry. I'll have his life story by the time dinner's over."
"You'll be doing better than me. I gave him a tour of the grounds and in forty-five minutes all I learned was that he played baseball in college."
"Does he play tennis?"
Lisa smiled at the wistful expression on her daughter's face. "I didn't ask. I was a little preoccupied by the tennis ball that almost hit me in the face...which he caught. I never even saw his arm move. But you can ask him tonight."
"Fine. But if he doesn't, he's outta here."
"Got it."
Lisa twisted, trying to yank up the zipper on the back of her dress. She maneuvered it past the black lace overlay of the skirt but it stuck at the bodice. If she tore the lace, it would really show up on that white satin liner.
"Here, let me."
Julianne zipped her up, and they both turned to stare into the mirror.
"You look nice," they said in unison then laughed.
"I like that dress," commented Julianne as she reached for Lisa's black clutch purse. "It's new, isn't it?"
"Sort of. It's been in the closet for two months. I haven't had a reason to wear it."
"He must be really nice," said Julianne with a grin.
"I...I don't really know. He just seemed...right."
"Mr. Right. I like the sound of that."
"Julianne," said Lisa in a warning voice. "It's nothing like that."
"That's why you're wearing a new dress."
Lisa made a face, and Julianne sighed. "Ok, let's go so I can drill Mr. Right."
"It's Mr. White."
"Whatever."
* *
Bryce waited at the door of the restaurant, drumming the fingers of his right hand against his calf. It was the only outward sign of impatience he allowed himself and sometimes, not even that. The slightest movement could attract attention to his presence, and he usually needed to blend in to his surroundings.
Strange. He hadn't been invisible to Lisa Engles. She had stared at him the moment they met as if...as if she liked what she saw. That didn't usually happen. He wasn't unattractive, but average looks helped him remain anonymous. It also helped keep him alive.
What had happened when he and Lisa looked at one another? She had experienced the same attraction he felt. He knew it from the widening of her eyes and increased pulse rate at her neck. There'd also been a slight, sharp intake of breath as if she'd been surprised. It had intrigued him...so much so, that he'd blurted out that request for a tour just to see if he could ignite her interest further. A successful experiment which had elicited a desire for additional proof of her attraction. He had asked her to his room to see if she would come.
Who was he kidding? He wanted to kiss her, felt desperate to kiss her. And her response had been everything he'd imagined whilst she drove him around the facilities.
Now he wanted more.
An affair was out of the question. He didn't have the time, couldn't stay in the area. But, one night?
A mental picture of Roger's face blotted out his desire for Lisa. How could he take advantage of her like that? He'd already taken her husband; he wouldn't take advantage of her emotions and leave her alone again. Women like Lisa Engles didn't want a passing fling, they wanted permanence, something he couldn't give her.
She appeared from around the corner, and his heart sank. How did he resist a woman that made him feel like this?
Her wide green eyes sought him out in fragile uncertainty. The tentative smile made him want to protect her. Her arm reached back and she pulled forward a young girl who barely reached her shoulder.
Bryce smiled. Lisa Engles was one smart lady. She'd brought the daughter. He was glad. Now he could vet both of them. If they were happy, he could go on with his life. If they weren't...he would still have to move on.
"Good evening, Mr. White. This is my daughter, Julianne."
He bent slightly and held out his hand. Though she was only twelve and didn't wear make-up, she looked older in the blue peasant blouse and jeans. Fifteen, maybe?
"How do you do, Julianne? It's a pleasure to meet you. I've asked your mother to call me Bob, but it seems she has a faulty memory. Hopefully, you don't suffer the same malady."
In one glance, Julianne sized him up, staring at him as if she could read every thought he'd ever had. When she finally smiled, Bryce felt he could breathe again. She gave him a firm handshake.
"Hi, Mr. White. That's my mom's way of telling me I'm not supposed to call you Bob...no matter what you say."
"Well then...should I call you Miss Engles?"
"I won't answer if you do."
"Julianne!" Lisa's nervous glance shifted from her daughter to Bryce.
Julianne shrugged. "Please call me Julianne."
"I will."
He liked her. The kid liked to push her mother's buttons but not too far. That had probably helped keep Lisa going after losing Roger.
"I think our table's ready," he said, holding out first one arm to Lisa then the other to Julianne.
After they'd been seated, a waiter appeared to take their drink orders. Without even asking, he removed Lisa's wine glass and poured water for all three of them. Apparently, Lisa didn't drink or not in front of her daughter, but Bryce felt certain she never drank. Roger didn't.
He ordered tea and smiled at Julianne. "Would you like a soda?"
"A soda? You mean pop? Where are you from Mr. White? I'll have Dr. Pepper, Mike." She smiled up at the waiter then turned back to Bryce.
He glanced from Lisa's to Julianne's expectant faces. They were waiting for an answer to that question. What would it hurt to answer? He didn't live where he'd grown up. He didn't live anywhere.
"Virginia. I grew up in Virginia."
"Where do you live now?"
He hid a smile. Julianne was quick on the uptake. He'd have to watch what he said around this little miss.
"I have an apartment in Washington, DC, which I never visit."
"Why?"
Mike returned with a glass of tea and a Dr. Pepper which saved Bryce from answering. Just how much was he prepared to tell them? He'd have to decide quickly.
Mike reached in his pocket and pulled out an order pad. "I would recommend the grilled salmon tonight. It's fresh. The alfredo is always excellent. Or the prime rib. It's our specialty."
Bryce held out a hand to Lisa. She folded her menu and looked up at Mike. "I'll have the salmon...with the usual."
"I want a cheeseburger, medium well and fries," said Julianne.
After Mike scribbled, he looked expectantly at Bryce.
"I'll have the salmon as well...with the usual."
Mike smiled as he reached for the menus. "I'll be right back with bread and butter. It just came out of the oven."
Once he'd disappeared, Bryce turned to Lisa. "What did I just order...the usual, I mean."
"Baked potato with butter only and a salad with ranch dressing on the side."
"I'm glad I didn't get snails or something equally vile."
Julianne laughed, and Lisa offered him a genuine smile. "It would serve you right."
"Nah, nobody deserves that torture," said Julianne. "Now, Mr. White, you were just about to tell us why you don't ever spend time in your apartment in DC."
"My work requires continuous travel."
"How did you end up here...on vacation?" asked Lisa.
"A friend mentioned it. He said I wouldn't have to go anywhere once I got here because you have everything."
"We do," said Julianne. "By the way...do you play tennis?"
"Not very well."
"Really? Would you like to get better?"
Bryce laughed. "I'm taking that you're pretty good."
"I might go pro."
"Well, Miss Priss,
whatcha say you and I have a little competition tomorrow? I played in college. I bet I can give you a run."
Lisa shook her head, smiling. "I think you'll be the one running. She's pretty good."
"You think I'm out of shape?" He leaned toward Lisa, just a little, to stare in her eyes.
Instantly, her face flamed and the smile faded as she stared back at him.
Was she remembering how it felt to be pressed against him? He would certainly like to remind her.
Julianne cleared her throat, and Bryce shifted his attention to her. "How about eight o'clock?"
"You're on."
Mike set bread on the table and smiled. "I'll be back with your salads."
Julianne pushed the bread toward Bryce. "Go ahead. It's really good, especially with the honey butter."
"Are you trying to fatten me up before morning? Load me down with carbs?"
"I'll beat you anyway, but the bread really is good. I'll even have some myself."
She buttered a slice of dark brown bread and took a bite, grinning at him with a teasing manner that brought a smile to his face. He really liked this kid.
He got some bread and offered it to Lisa then buttered a slice for himself. "Mmm, this is good. We should eat here every night."
Lisa and Julianne exchanged a glance, and Julianne shrugged. "Fine by me. Do you like Italian? Wait til you try the manicotti."
"I'll have that tomorrow if you'll have some, too."
"Ok."
"Unless Mr. White finds something else to do," said Lisa, avoiding eye contact with Bryce. "He is on vacation. We don't want to take up all his time."
Mike stepped forward to set the salads on the table. Without asking, he refilled their drinks then moved away from the table.
"The staff here is very conscientious," said Bryce. "Or is it just because you're with me?"
"We have a reputation for extremely meticulous service. If you experience anything else throughout your stay, please let me know."
"From the moment I stepped into my room, I enjoyed the attentions of the staff."
Her face flamed, and her glance raced around the table before coming back to him. He almost laughed at her discomfort, but that would send her into full retreat. He smiled softly.
Before he could think of anything to say, the waiter returned with their food and set it before each of them. "Can I get you anything else? No? Ok, I'll check back in a few minutes and refill those drinks."
For several minutes, they ate in silence, enjoying the food. Bryce watched Lisa and Julianne. They definitely were accustomed to one another. Without a word, Lisa stabbed the tomato from Julianne's plate, adding it to her salad. Julianne passed Lisa the salt and pepper. After adding a sufficient amount, Lisa glanced up at Bryce with a question in her eyes.
He took the canisters from her, liking the silence of their communication, the camaraderie of a shared meal where people were comfortable with one another.
Julianne reached for a green bean from Lisa's plate, and Lisa shoved several more onto her daughter's plate.
"You should try these," said Julianne with a glance at Bryce.
He immediately speared one of the grilled beans and put it in his mouth. He nodded, chewing. "Good flavor, nice crunchy texture."
"I could eat about a hundred of 'em." Julianne smiled as she confessed her weakness.
"You know, you're a very funny young lady."
She winked. "Hysterical. You should see me after I eat sugar."
"Maybe we could see a movie one night and go for ice cream afterward."
"Mr. White, are you asking me on a date?"
He grinned. "Miss Engles, I think I'm in love."
"I feel completely left out." Lisa laughed as she eyed them both.
"Shall we let her accompany us, Julianne?"
"I think we should...to the movie. She doesn't play tennis."
"Doesn't play tennis? That will never do. Your lessons will have to begin first thing tomorrow."
"You don't have to do that, Mr. White. We have plenty of tennis pros here...if I wanted to learn..."
"I had another lesson in mind."
Julianne fanned herself. "Whew, it's getting hot in here."
At that moment, Lisa's phone chirped. She slid it out of her clutch and peered at the number before looking up at Bryce. "Excuse me. I'll have to take this."
Bryce stood as she left the table then sat to face Julianne.
"Happens all the time," she said. "She'll be right back...probably."
"Should we order dessert?"
"Absolutely. The old folks around here really go for the key lime pie."
"Are you inferring that I'm old?"
"Are you inferring that you're not?"
"Touché." He smiled. "What if I didn't quite see myself as the doddering type?"
"The cheesecake. To die for."
"Really?"
"Totally."
"Cheesecake, it is."
They both ordered the cheesecake then sat back and stared at one another. Bryce felt completely at ease with Julianne. He was fairly certain she felt the same because she hadn't blinked once since the waiter left the table and the grin hadn't left her face. Obviously, they were involved in a game of wits.
When Lisa returned moments later, they ignored her completely.
"Sorry," she said. "Little mix-up in housekeeping. Oh...you ordered dessert. Did you get me some?"
"Busy, Mom."
From the corner of his eye, he caught Lisa's quick glance between them. "Staring, huh. You've got your work cut out for you, Mr. White. Julianne is a champion starer."
But she probably hadn't been on too many stake-outs where you kept your eyes on your target or lost your life.
"I think I can take her," he said.
Julianne's grin grew wider. "Psychological warfare won't help you."
"How about sugar?"
Mike set the cheesecake on the table. Julianne's eyes widened.
"Truce?" asked Bryce.
"Truce." She reached for her fork and took a big bite. "Ahh, heaven."
Bryce cut his in half and offered it to Lisa. She smiled back at him with wide eyes, shaking her head as if she didn't quite know what to make of him.
He dipped his fork in the dessert and took a bite. "Ok, you were right. We should eat cheesecake at every meal."
"Not every meal," laughed Julianne. "I wouldn't be able to run across the court."
"Fine. How about once a day?"
"Maybe. Depends on how many calories I burn at practice with you."
"I'm just practice? Thanks a lot. Maybe I'll surprise you."
"I like surprises."
"Me, too," added Lisa with a smile.
"Me, too," said Bryce, covering Lisa's hand with his own."
A short while later, Bryce walked Lisa and Julianne to their suite.
Julianne rambled on about which courts were her favorite, depending on the time of day.
Lisa exchanged a glance with him, smiling.
Just that one moment of intimacy gave Bryce the courage to take her hand. For all of five minutes, he felt like a teenager on his first date...until they reached the door. He released Lisa's hand so she could reach for her key card. After she opened the door, she turned to look at him.
Julianne brushed past. "I'll make the court reservations right now. Can you wait a minute?"
"Sure."
After she left, Lisa pursed her lips then smiled. "She's rather enthusiastic about tennis. It gave her something to focus on...afterward."
"Your husband?" asked Bryce."
"And my son...he was four."
"I'm sorry. What happened...if you don't mind..." He asked even though photos of the car crash were indelibly imposed on his brain.
"Car wreck...on the way home from daycare."
"That must have been hard."
She nodded, and her eyes got a little misty. "We're fine now...really."
She looked so vulnerable; he wanted to wrap his arms aro
und her. Instead, he reached for her hair and brushed it back over her shoulder. Just so he could touch her.
She stared at him and smiled. That was all it took.
"Would you mind if I kissed you?" he asked, moving into her without waiting for an answer.
The kiss was even better this time. They knew each other a little more, felt more at ease, less frenzied, more caring. But he couldn't allow himself to care for this woman. She wouldn't want him if she knew.
The sound of Julianne's footsteps brought them apart.
The door opened wide, and her glowing face peered up at him. "I got it. Eight o'clock. Don't be late or they'll give our court away."
"I won't." He backed away and smiled at them both. "I'll see you tomorrow then. Good night."
"Good night. Thanks again for dinner. We enjoyed it."
"Me, too. I look forward to tomorrow."
Chapter 3
Would You, Could You...on a Tennis Court
"Game and match!" yelled Julianne, doing a little dance before running to the net to meet him. "Care to try again?"
Bryce shook his head. "Let me catch my breath."
She really was good. He'd held back a little, but she could probably beat him on her own.
She picked up several balls, rolling them in the hem of her shorts for storage before walking back to him.
"Ok, lazy bones. That was a warm-up. Let's see what you can really do."
"I think we just saw it. You're amazing! Definitely go pro. I'd pay to watch."
She laughed. "I could help you, you know. You've got a couple of bad habits."
"Only a couple?"
She laughed again and threw him a ball. "Your serve."
He played harder this time, but she still beat him every game. He really would have to go all-out if he wanted to win.
She did that cute dance again, waving her racket in the air.
Bryce ambled over to the bench to retrieve a bottle of water. He tossed one to Julianne then sat and patted the bench.
Julianne joined him, taking a long drag of the water. She set it down. "Ok, we've got ten minutes. Want to work on your swing?"
"Sure. Why not?"
"Exactly."
She popped up, and Bryce heaved a sigh. What had he gotten himself into? And he thought he was in shape.
Would You, Could You Page 2
