Wanted: Wife

by Lacey Wolfe

  Darcy grinned. She knew Allison would make her feel better, she always did. “It’s hard though. It won’t be long until I have to see my parents.”

  “It’s only your parents. How bad can it be? I’m sure they miss you. Why not make things right with them?”

  “I’m nothing like them. I have no intentions of being like my mom or in a relationship with the type of man like my father.” Her father was a good man, but he believed men should wear the pants and dictate what the woman should do.

  Allison’s phone beeped. She groaned, but as she glanced at the screen, a smile crept across her lips.

  “Who is it?” Darcy asked, her curiosity piquing.

  “No one. But I need to get going.”

  Darcy stood and placed her hands on her hips. “You’re keeping something from me. Tell me what it is.”

  “Not yet. Soon, I promise.”

  Darcy nodded. She knew Allison would tell her, but it was weird she hadn’t yet. “Call me soon, okay?”

  Allison hugged her and said, “It’s not bad. Enjoy it.”

  “I’m trying.” Darcy picked up her purse and waved bye to her friend.

  In the parking lot she looked for her hunker of a car and then remembered she was now driving that smooth white car. With the keys in her hand, she crossed the parking lot. The vehicle drove nicely. She’d tested the limits on her way over and was very pleased that when the car hit sixty, it didn’t vibrate.

  After she was inside and buckled, she started the car and dialed into the satellite radio. She searched for a station and when she found one she liked, she put the car in reverse and started to back up. Her phone dinged in her purse. Reaching in, she pulled the phone out. As she unlocked the screen and began to press the brake down, the car jerked and a bang sound echoed. What was that? She set her phone down, and in the rearview mirror she saw a van behind her. Where the hell had that vehicle come from? And had they hit?

  Darcy climbed out and saw that in fact they had collided. The back of her car had rammed into the side of the van. Oh, crap! Then the door to the car opened, and a big man stepped out. He didn’t look happy. No, he looked rather pissed. And as he marched her way, she worried about what was going to happen.

  Chapter 9

  Steven stepped away from the big, burly man. Darcy felt awful. She hadn’t even had the car for twelve hours and she’d wrecked it, being careless.

  Steven walked over to her. “It’s all taken care of.”

  “Thanks. I’m really sorry.”

  “It was an accident. And after all, it was my text that caused it.”

  Yes, his text that she had read while she waited for him to arrive. They were going to her parents tomorrow. Could this day get any worse?

  “It’s not your fault. I should’ve ignored my phone.”

  He put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s over now. The tow truck is taking the car to the repair shop and we’ll have it back soon.” He leaned close to her ear and said, “If you really wanted your other car back, you could’ve asked, you know. You didn’t have to wreck this one.”

  She looked at him, resisting the urge to laugh. “Very funny.”

  Steven dropped his arm and began to walk toward his truck. “Come on. Let’s go home. We’ll pick up take-out on the way.”

  Well, at least she didn’t have to cook tonight. After she was in the truck, Steven’s cellphone rang. He cursed under his breath and then answered it. She did her best not to listen and concentrate on the view out the window as he drove, but his tone made it hard not to. He didn’t sound happy, and from what she could gather, someone had done something they shouldn’t have. Steven ended the call and set the phone down. Studying his face, she could tell his mind was racing.

  “Everything okay?” she finally asked.

  “I wish. I have to go back into the office for a little while,” he said. “I’m really sorry.”

  “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. I’m fine eating a sandwich tonight.”

  “No, I have to eat. We’ll hit a drive-thru and I can eat as we drive home.” He put his blinker on and pulled into one of the big fast food chains.

  “I’ll take the number four with a soda,” Darcy told him.

  Steven ordered and at the window he paid for both their meals. He handed her the food and then started the drive home. She handed him his fries first, not sure if he was like her and ate that first. Silence sat between them for a few moments before they finally spoke again.

  “I assume you got my text about tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I did. Maybe I should go alone.”

  “Why?”

  “I haven’t seen them in a year. It’s going to be weird. And honestly, I don’t know if I’ll be in trouble.”

  “At least I’ll be there for you to lean on.”

  Darcy took a bite of her fry. Maybe if Steven was there, it would go a little more smoothly.

  “Besides, your dad wants us both there.”

  Steven was going to love her father—not. Her dad was a businessman all the way with a view of women that wasn’t twenty-first century.

  When they reached the house, Steven didn’t turn the truck off. He was dropping her off and leaving. Darcy gathered her things and turned to him. “Thanks for coming to help today. And once again, I’m sorry for wrecking the car.”

  Steven pushed her hair behind her ear. “It’s fine. Gives us something to look back on and laugh about.”

  She smiled. She liked the idea of building memories with him. “Will you be late?”

  “Hopefully not.”

  Her gaze met his for a few quiet moments. She wondered if his heart rate had picked up like hers. But then she remembered he only wanted to be friends. Looking away, she opened the door and climbed out. She pulled the house keys from her purse and then walked up the front porch. Turning back, she watched as he backed his truck up. She waved and unlocked the door, going into the empty house.

  She set her stuff down on the table by the door, kicked her shoes off, and went straight to her room. This place was too big for just one person. It was the perfect house though to fill with a family. She could imagine a little boy running up and down the long hallway.

  Darcy plopped down on her bed and reached toward her nightstand for the book she was reading. It was time to escape to fantasy world and forget about real life.

  * * * *

  Steven locked up his office, glad that the day was finally over. Now he could go home, and if he was lucky, Darcy would still be up and he could spend some time with her. He liked to just sit and watch TV with her. It was strange, but he felt at peace when he was in the same room with her.

  As he made his way through the parking lot, he recognized the familiar silver BMW parked next to his truck. He hoped Jarred didn’t have anything to do with why Terry was waiting for him.

  He walked over to her driver’s side door. Terry looked up at him, smiled, and then opened her door.

  “Steven, it’s so good to see you. I hope you don’t mind me waiting on you. I was driving by and saw your car parked here.”

  Oh yeah, like he believed that. “How are you?” He didn’t really care, but the sooner he learned why she was there, the sooner he could get home.

  “I’ve been okay. I ran into your brother the other day and it made me realize the mistake I made when I walked away from you.” Terry stepped closer and his senses got smacked by her strong perfume. She reached out and rubbed his arm.

  “He said he saw you.”

  “I thought you’d call.” She inched forward more, and as far as he was concerned, she was getting too close for comfort.

  “I’m seeing someone.”

  Terry’s eyes went wide. “Who?”

  “It’s very serious too. We’re living together.”

  “What? You’re kidding? Right?” She stepped back, relieving his nostrils of her scent.

  Steven shook his head.

  “I always thought we’d end up together.”r />
  “We played too many games with one another. It never would’ve worked.”

  She smiled at him and before he knew what was happening, she was close again and had him pressed against the car. Terry leaned in, getting close to his mouth. Steven turned his head and her lips landed on his cheek.

  “Terry, I’m not cheating on Darcy.”

  She whispered, “Just one last kiss. That’s all I’m asking for. I’m sure Darcy would understand.”

  Steven pushed her off of him. “I don’t want to find out if she does or not. It’s over, Terry.” He walked away from her to his truck. After he climbed in, he peered back. Terry had her arms crossed and looked mad. He wasn’t going to stick around though for her to give him a piece of her mind. He was going home.

  * * * *

  Darcy took the last bite of her toast and washed it down with coffee. She wasn’t sure she actually needed coffee today. Just knowing she was going to see her parents had her wide awake and her blood pumping.

  She quietly placed her dishes in the sink since Steven wasn’t up yet. She had hoped to see him last night but had fallen asleep while reading and missed him coming in. The guy worked a lot. It was a shame his grandfather couldn’t see how committed he was.

  She wasn’t sure what to do now, but a shower was probably on the list of things she needed to get done. It was going to take her forever to pick out the right clothes to wear today, as well as how to style her hair. Perhaps she should wear sweatpants and a baggy t-shirt. Darcy grinned, imagining her parents’ faces as she walked through the door looking like a bag lady.

  With a smile on her face, she headed to her room to begin getting ready. As she was shutting the door, she heard Steven’s open. She turned to sneak a peek at him. Steven dragged himself into the hallway, giving the rolled-out-of-bed look a new meaning. Hot. His hair was a mess, his shirt wrinkled, and he wore a pair of plaid pajama pants.

  He looked her way and graced her with the gorgeous smile he’d been blessed with. “Morning.”

  “Good morning. I was going to get started on dressing for the day.”

  “What time is it?”

  “Maybe nine or a little after.”

  “And you’re getting ready now? We aren’t going over there until this afternoon.”

  “I know.” He’d never understand why she had to start now.

  He ran his hands through his hair, and Darcy’s fingers ached to know how soft it felt.

  “There’s coffee made if you want some,” she said.

  “Well, I’ll let you get ready.” He stood there, watching her though. Her cheeks warmed, and she knew they were red.

  She was the first to break their eye lock that seemed to be happening more and more lately. Couldn’t they just have a little fun during their time together?

  Darcy finished closing the door. She planned to take a very long and warm shower. She needed to clear her head.

  * * * *

  A few hours later, they were pulling up to her parents’ house. Darcy was thankful she had begun getting ready so early. Her mother had called and requested they get there in time for lunch. They had called a caterer and wanted to meet Steven properly. Hopefully after they ate and visited for a short time, they could get out of there without ruining the whole day.

  Steven parked the truck and they sat quietly. Darcy’s heart beat fast and her belly felt as though it was doing summersaults. Somehow she had to drag herself out of this vehicle and up the front steps.

  “You’re going to be fine,” Steven said as he reached out and squeezed her leg.

  “I know, but it’s hard after all this time.”

  “Before we go in, is there any backstory I need to know? I kinda have an idea about why you left.”

  “I’m hoping my parents will be civil today and not bring up my restaurant failure. The past is the past, and I don’t want to dwell on it. And I’m sure they don’t either. My mom is ecstatic that I’m in this relationship and that now I can hopefully follow in her footsteps.”

  “You don’t want to though, right?”

  Darcy smiled at him. “I respect what she does, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the life for me.”

  “And your dad?”

  “He also thinks women should be at home waiting on everyone hand and foot.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I hope you know I don’t feel that way. I want you to open that bakery, and I’ll fully support you along the way.”

  Darcy’s heart still raced, but now for different reasons. God, the things this man could do to her with only looks and words. If they ever did hit the sack, she was sure there would be fireworks.

  “I guess we should go inside. My mom is probably stalking us from the window.”

  Once out of the truck, they walked up the front steps. Darcy paused a moment, unsure if she should knock or open the door. Before she had to decide, the door opened and her mother stood there with a big smile on her face.

  “Darcy. Oh, it’s so nice to see you.” She wrapped her arms around Darcy and pulled her tight.

  Darcy hugged her mother back and hated that it felt so nice to be in her mom’s arms again. Her eyes dampened and she had to will herself not to let a tear drop. Her mom released her and stepped back, taking in Darcy and Steven.

  “You look wonderful.” She smiled and then turned her attention to Steven. “Hi, Steven. I’m Darcy’s mother, Brenda. Please come in.”

  Steven reached out and took Darcy’s hand and tugged her to his side. She noticed his palms were slightly damp, and she was glad to know she wasn’t the only one who wasn’t looking forward to this lunch.

  As they walked further into the house, Darcy noticed not much had changed. Usually her mom redecorated once a year, but so far, things looked the same, aside from a few small changes here and there. They were led to the formal living room where Darcy and Steven took a seat on the loveseat.

  “Once your dad is off his conference call, he’ll be in. Can I get you anything to drink?”

  “I’m good. What about you?” Steven asked Darcy.

  “I can wait until we eat.”

  Her mom smiled awkwardly. “I’ll be right back.”

  It was just like her father to be busy with work. That man worked twenty-four hours a day. Nothing was ever more important than his clients.

  “Are you okay?” Steven asked in a soft voice.

  “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s weird being back here after so long. But in a way, it’s really nice to be here too.”

  “I’m here if you need me.”

  Darcy was glad he was there. It was crazy how when he was near she felt relaxed and like she could take on anything. She barely knew him. Maybe it was simply because she had known him in the past.

  Her father entered the room with her mother right behind. Darcy stood up to hug her father.

  “It’s good to see you, Darcy.” He then extended his hand to Steven. “Hi. Derek White. You must be Steven.”

  Steven shook her dad’s hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, sir.”

  “I’m starving, so let’s go ahead and eat. I believe my wife said everything was ready.”

  They followed her parents into the dining room, which was immaculate. A long, dark oak table was filled with glass dishes. A place was already set for them. Her father’s, of course, was at the head of the table. On one side was a plate for her mother and on the other side, two plates sat for her and Steven. The question was, who sat next to her father?

  Before she could dwell on it too long, Steven pulled a chair out for her, placing her next to her father. Her dad took his seat and her mom went into the kitchen to get the wine. Darcy didn’t really want any wine this early in the day, but she wasn’t about to argue.

  Once everyone’s glass was full, they passed the dishes around and filled their plates. Her mom was rambling on about some charity she had recently worked with and a party they’d had. Her mother was always proud when they earned money for a good cause, and she would go on for ho
urs about it with anyone who would listen. Right now, Steven was her target.

  The first half of the meal went well. Darcy’s parents didn’t question her too much. In fact, they mainly talked about themselves and asked Steven a few questions. She wondered if her parents were in denial that their only child had left home and not spoken to them in a year. At no time did they ask her how she was, what she had been doing, and such. Then again, they had probably been following her for the past year. Hell, her father most likely already knew this was all a sham.

  Taking a small sip of her wine, she set her glass back down and stole a glance at Steven. He was a natural at this. Maybe she was adopted, because she did not fit in.

  “Darcy,” her mother interrupted her thoughts. “Do you plan on working with Steven at The Apple Orchard?”

  “Uh, I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it.”

  “Maybe you could head their events committee.”

  Oh yeah, that sounded fun. Darcy cleared her throat. “Actually, I’m going to take a few culinary classes I think. I plan to open a bakery.”

  Her father chuckled. “Good luck.”

  Darcy noticed that her mother shot her father a dissatisfied look. She then returned her gaze to Darcy. “Maybe you can do something with The Apple Orchard. Do you bake though?”

  “A little. I’ll do more of the management, of course, but I figured when it first opens I need to do some of the cooking, hence the baking classes I signed up for.”

  Steven reached over and squeezed her thigh. “I like your mom’s idea.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “What do you plan to do with this bakery when you have kids?” her father asked. “I sure hope you don’t intend to put my grandchildren in daycare.”

  “I’ll deal with that when it happens.”

  “You need to figure it out now.”

  Darcy wiped her mouth. “Dad, if I ever have kids, my husband and I will deal with that when it happens.”

  Her mother took her father’s hand. “Drop this subject, please.”

  Darcy bit her bottom lip. Her father never liked to be told what to do. Relief swept through her when he smiled and nodded. “The meal was delicious. Brenda will have to get you the information on the caterer. We like using them.”