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 stop
ped 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 a smile. “Milton sounds perfect for date number five. Thanks.”
And after date number five, I was done with men.
License to Date: 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.
Only when I got home after my (very last) date with Brian, I dropped onto the sofa and tried to relax, but everything reminded me of Paul. The pink heels I’d kicked off as soon as I walked in the door brought back the thrill of rappelling down the Geoffries hotel with him. The half-empty wine bottle on the counter reminded me of our conversation by the river where he’d opened up to me about his dad. The ballet poster in the living room transported me back to the theatre where I’d cuddled up to him so relaxed and secure, I’d fallen asleep.
Tears burned my eyes. He’d totally intruded on my plans to remodel my house. I tried to think about paint swatches and fabric patterns and cool furniture, but all I could think about were his sapphire-blue eyes, charming smile, and teasing voice. He’d even ruined my happy place. No way I’d take a glass of wine down to the river when all I’d feel is empty that he wasn’t with me.
I had my fifth date scheduled and my free labor lined up for the weekend so I should be ecstatic right now. Instead, I felt freaking miserable. If only I hadn’t craved that Geoffries Martini… .
Wind chimes tingled and I glanced at my cell phone. Kristen.
I pressed ANSWER. “What now? Please don’t tell me a certain fast food joint had wedding availability in their children’s playland sooner than Wok N’ Roll. I don’t think I could stand you getting married in a place where shoes are optional but socks are a must.”
“That’s funny.” Kristen laughed. “But fear not, my friend, Wok N’ Roll is off.”
I sat up slowly. “What do you mean by off?”
“You’re not going to believe this.” Kristen voice was calm and it was hard to know if I should be alarmed or not. “I just received a phone call from a woman at the Geoffries hotel. They had to relocate a charity event that had been scheduled in their ballroom for six weeks from now. Therefore, she said that date is available if Ethan and I want it. Six weeks from now, which is exactly when we want to get married. How incredible is that?”
My jaw dropped. “How can that be? It was booked out eighteen months from now. There has to be a long list of couples before you guys.”
“Whose side are you on?” She huffed. “Do you want me to get married with chopsticks in my hair?”
“No.” I laughed. “I’m just floored. That’s amazing news, Kristen. I’m so happy for you. Your mom must be thrilled.”
Just like my mom would be thrilled when she found out I was dating Milton. Blech.
“I’m going to let her stew for tonight and I’ll call her tomorrow.” She chuckled. “How are things with you? Your receptionist told me you went home for lunch, but I stopped by your house and there was no answer.”
“I’d planned to go home for a catnap, but Mel called with good news so I met her downtown at Cherie’s Café to celebrate her new job. She’ll be teaching first grade at a private school starting next week.”
“Good for Mel.” She paused and I heard beeping in the background. “I have to go. Ethan just texted me about some family rug his mom wants us to get married on. Oh, by the way, are you getting work done on your house? There was a silver truck parked in your driveway when I came by.”
“No…” My brows furrowed then something clicked in my mind. “Paul did say he had the name of a contractor for me. Maybe he gave him my address for a bid?”
“Paul with the dark hair and heavenly blue eyes? What ever happened with him?”
A slice of pain speared my heart. “Nothing.”
“Really?” She sounded surprised. “I sensed serious chemistry between you two. And, of course, Mel showed me the photo.”
I rolled my eyes toward the ceiling. “It wasn’t real, okay? I’d looked five floors down and freaked, so he was just distracting me.”
“Nice distraction.” She made a humming noise. “Talk to you soon. Bye.”
“Bye.” I pressed the END button on my phone, which immediately lit up with an incoming call from my dad. Knowing I shouldn’t avoid him any longer, I sighed and tapped the ANSWER button. “Hello?”
“Kaitlin, I’m glad you picked up.”
I crossed my arm over my chest, feeling guilty. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you back, Dad. It’s been a long week. Is everything okay?”
“Yes, but there’s been a slight change for tomorrow. Meetings are scheduled in the afternoon now because, well, I won’t bore you with the details. Then my flight leaves at six so I’ll only have time to meet you for lunch.” His tone sounded apologetic. “I’ll have to see the house on my next visit. Is that all right?”
Disappointment crept through me, but I was used to this when it came to my parents. “No worries, Dad. Lunch would be wonderful.”
“One more thing, honey.” He paused and the silence stretched out. “I’ll be bringing someone with me.”
Did he mean … ?
“Her name is Jennifer and, well,” another long pause, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
A bomb dropped in my stomach and it felt like I was twelve-years-old and he’d just announced he was moving out. I knew I should say congratulations, but… “I didn’t even know you were dating someone.”
“I didn’t want to mention her until I knew for sure it would last. I’m excited for you to meet her.” He waited and the silence stretched out. “I’ll see you tomorrow, honey.”
“Bye.” I stared at my phone: Call Ended.
First Kristen, then Mel, and now my dad. Everyone had good news except me.
What was I doing wrong?
*
Standing outside the Geoffries hotel, I took a deep breath before I entered through the double front doors to meet my dad and his soon-to-be fiancée (ick) for lunch. I knew it would be slamming s
alt in my wound to eat there but was I going to deny myself my favorite drink because of a man?
No way.
Sure, Paul had pawned me off on some guy whose name sounded like a board game production company. But what was so horrible, really, about Milton sending a box to my work this morning with a note saying he looked forward to Paul introducing us at the Black & White Ball tonight? It wasn’t exactly awful that the box had contained a gorgeous white strapless dress with a black satin sash in exactly my size. Yeah, I’d tried to hate the dress and all it represented of my mother’s wicked influence but—I kid you not—when I’d tried it on, I felt like a freaking fairytale princess in that thing. Milton may be extravagant, but he had good taste!
So … I’d hold my head high, smile through date number five, and have lunch wherever I wanted—no matter who worked there.
As I crossed the marble lobby a magnetic force pulled my eyes toward the concierge desk. No Paul. Instead, an elderly man stood there talking animatedly on the phone. Telling myself I didn’t care that he wasn’t there, I continued down the hallway. When I started to pass the lounge, my gaze darted to the bar. A blonde woman was pouring wine into several glasses. Again, no sign of Paul. My shoulders heaved in disappointment and I recognized that part of me had come here hoping to see him.
Maybe he wasn’t working today because he was working tonight?
Wait, why did I care when he’d rejected me? Get a grip, Kaitlin. It was good that Paul wasn’t here. Bad enough that I’d have to see him tonight when he introduced me to Milton. I started up the stairs to the restaurant.
“Kaitlin?” a female voice said.
I glanced up and recognized Paul’s co-worker coming down the steps. “Hi, um … ?”
“Alice.” She stared at me as if in shock. “What are you doing here?”
“Meeting my dad for lunch,” I said, wondering why she’d be surprised to see me. “Is Paul working today?”
My heart pounded and I wanted to kick myself for asking.
Her forehead wrinkled. “No, he’s … out.”
“Oh.” I kept my face blank since I had the distinct feeling she knew where he was and wasn’t telling me. Maybe beautiful Alice was the reason he’d passed me off to his friend. But that didn’t make sense either because he’d kissed me and I’d believed him when he’d said he preferred committed relationships. Although, I’d believed a lot of things in my life that hadn’t come true. “Well, nice to see you again, Alice.”
Lucky 7 Brazen Bachelors Contemporary Romance Boxed Set Page 36
