Before We Kiss

by Susan Mallery

  Now, shocked and more than a little disoriented, he stood in the foyer of the Score building and waited for the world to right itself. Then he would figure out a plan. Because there was no way he could get through a visit from his mother without a plan.

  Kenny strolled into view, took one look at him and hurried to his side.

  “What happened? Were you in a car accident? Man, you look terrible.”

  Sam swallowed and forced himself to speak. “My parents are coming to town.”

  Kenny started laughing that huge laugh of his, which echoed up both stories of the foyer. Seconds later Jack had joined them.

  “What?” Jack demanded. “What’d I miss?”

  “Lark and Reggie are coming to town,” Kenny told him, then slapped Sam on the back. “What brings them here?”

  Jack shoved Sam into one of the visitor chairs. “Give the man some room,” he told his friend. “Sam’s relationship with his parents is complicated. Respect that.”

  The sharp, steady sound of high heels on tile warned him that Taryn had joined the party.

  “What’s going on?” she asked. “Why are you three congregating out here?”

  “Lark and Reggie are coming to town,” Kenny told her.

  Taryn sat next to Sam and took his hand in hers. “Talk to me,” she told him. “What’s going on? Obviously you just found out. Breathe and we’ll get through this.”

  Sam did as she instructed. He stared into her violet-blue eyes and felt more in control. “She has a new book out.”

  Taryn nodded. “I know. She sent me a copy. It’s interesting.”

  He winced. That was one way to describe what she did. “She set up a signing here in town and she’s staying for the Score weekend. Dellina arranged for her to do the lecture.”

  Taryn’s mouth twitched. Sam wasn’t sure if she was holding in a smile or trying not to recoil.

  “That will be fun,” was all she said.

  Kenny chuckled. “Think she and Reggie will have sex onstage?”

  “No,” Jack said firmly. “She wouldn’t do that to us.”

  Sam hoped he was right but thought maybe his friend was being optimistic.

  “She might show a video,” Kenny said. “She gave me the whole set one Christmas. I tried to watch them, but it was too scary. I mean, I like sex as much as the next guy, but watching people I know do it was just too...”

  “Tell me about it.” Jack looked at Sam. “You okay?”

  “No.” Sam dropped his head to his hands. This could not be happening.

  Taryn patted his back. “Look at it this way. She was coming to town for a signing. There was no way she was going to leave without seeing you. At least you can be prepared.”

  He nodded. “I was going to come up with a plan.”

  “There you go. Forewarned and all that. You’ll get through it. I know your folks are difficult for you. But they’re sweet people. I still remember when your mom explained to me how to do deep-throated fella—”

  He rose and faced them all.

  “Stop. Just stop. Don’t talk about my parents, don’t reminisce and, for God’s sake, don’t encourage them. Do I make myself clear?”

  Before any of them could answer, he stalked away.

  * * *

  FAYRENE PUT THE first dish in the oven and checked the timer. Ryan was setting out the appetizers and their guests were due any second. Everything was going according to plan.

  After racking her brain for a solution to the “Ryan” problem, she’d finally come up with the perfect answer. She was going to show Ryan how amazing married life could be. So she’d invited Pia and Raoul over for dinner. They’d been married a few years now, had four kids, including three-year-old twins and a six-month-old little boy. More important, they were wildly in love with each other. Her plan was for Ryan to see that and realize what he was missing.

  Ryan didn’t know the other couple very well, but Fayrene had worked for both of them. They were lovely people. Maybe ten years older, but so together in their relationship.

  Tiny nails made a clicking sound on the kitchen floor. Fayrene smiled as Caramel rounded the corner and hurried toward her.

  “Hey, fluffball,” Fayrene murmured, reaching for the small dog. Caramel, ever the polite little girl, gave a tiny push off the floor as she was picked up. “You know, I think I can handle the four pounds plus fur.”

  Caramel stared adoringly into her face, then leaned in and kissed her chin.

  “Thank you,” Fayrene said, holding her close. She’d only had the Pomeranian a few days, but somehow Caramel had melded with her life effortlessly. “I’m going to miss you when Mayor Marsha takes you back. You know that, don’t you?”

  Fayrene always connected with the pets she took care of, but something about this one was different. A problem she would deal with later, she told herself as she set the dog on the floor and together they walked out into the living room.

  “Impressive, huh?” Ryan said with a grin.

  She nodded in agreement. He’d not only straightened up the room, he’d set up a drinks station on a bookshelf and put the appetizers on the coffee table. For a second she let her gaze settle on his handsome face. Sometimes, when she looked at him, she thought her heart would crack from being so full of love for him.

  She crossed the room and put her hands on his shoulders, then rose on tiptoe and kissed him. He kissed her back. About three seconds later, she felt Caramel’s little feet on her leg as the Pomeranian stood on her back legs as if asking, “What about me?”

  “You’re important, too,” Ryan said, sweeping the little dog up in his arms. Caramel immediately rolled onto her back and gazed lovingly into his eyes.

  “She’s got you twisted around her little finger,” Fayrene told him with a grin.

  “Yeah? I’m not the only one.”

  The doorbell rang. Ryan walked to open it, Caramel tucked under one arm.

  The next few minutes were a flurry of greetings. Raoul, a former Cowboys quarterback, stayed close to Pia, his attractive wife. They were warm and friendly, saying nice things about the small apartment. When they were seated on the sofa, Caramel hopped onto the cushions, then stepped onto Raoul’s muscled thighs and studied him.

  Pia smiled. “Pretty girls are always attracted to him.”

  Raoul petted the dog. “Yeah, but this time I want to like her back.”

  “What can I get you to drink?” Fayrene asked.

  “Do you have wine?” Pia asked. “I haven’t had wine since I found out I was pregnant and tonight’s the night.” She covered her mouth briefly, as if holding in a yawn. “Just one, though. Ryder’s started teething and that means I’ve been up a lot at night.”

  Ryan went to get the bottle of wine from the bookcase. “What about you, Raoul?”

  “A beer if you have it.”

  Ryan grinned. “I do. It’s from a local microbrewery.”

  “Good man.”

  Pia accepted the glass of wine and kicked off her shoes, then tucked her legs up under her. She took a sip and sighed.

  “This is so nice,” she said to Fayrene. “Thank you for inviting us. These days we rarely get out. We could, of course. There are plenty of people willing to babysit. It’s just with the twins turning three and Ryder, it’s difficult.”

  Raoul put his arm around her. “Plus you’re shepherding Peter to a lot of things these days.” He glanced at them. “He’s thirteen now. Seriously into baseball and cycling.”

  Ryan returned from the kitchen with a beer in each hand. He gave one to Raoul. Fayrene took her glass of wine and sat down opposite the sofa. Ryan settled on the floor at her feet. Caramel abandoned their company to crawl on Ryan’s lap and curl up as she frequently did.

  “Four kids is a lot,” Ryan said. />
  “But wonderful,” Fayrene added, thinking they needed to be talking about how great it was to be married and have a family. “They must bring you a lot of happiness.”

  “They do,” Pia said with another yawn. “The age difference is challenging. Mostly because it’s in Peter’s nature to help and I don’t want his childhood to be about taking care of the twins or his baby brother.” She looked at Raoul. “He’s a great kid. We got so lucky with him.”

  “With all our kids,” her husband said, then kissed her forehead.

  Fayrene knew that Peter was adopted and that the twins weren’t theirs biologically, either. Ryder was the first child they had together.

  Raoul turned to Ryan. “You work for Ethan,” he said. “I’ve been hearing about the modifications you’re making on the wind turbine designs. Innovative thinking.”

  “Thanks. I like my work.”

  The two couples talked about what was going on in Fool’s Gold these days.

  “I’m hearing that the town is annexing more of the surrounding areas,” Pia said, then covered another yawn. “Someone told me that the Nicholson ranch will be within city limits now. At least the acreage with the house on it. I remember Zane Nicholson from high school. He was in my class.” She smiled at her husband. “He was very popular with the ladies, just like you.”

  “As long as I don’t have competition with him now.”

  Pia smiled. “You don’t.” She set her glass on the coffee table and leaned against her husband. “How’s your business, Fayrene?” she asked.

  “I’m busy.”

  “That’s good,” Pia murmured. “The wine was nice. Did I mention I haven’t had wine in over a year?”

  As she spoke her eyes drifted closed. Fayrene waited for her to say something else, only to realize that her guest had fallen asleep. Pia’s breathing deepened and her body relaxed. Raoul glanced down and grinned.

  “It’s the kids,” he murmured. “Keeping her up too many nights.” He paused awkwardly. “I’m sorry but I think we’re going to have to take a rain check on our dinner. I really should get her home and in bed.”

  Fayrene involuntarily glanced at the clock. It was six. Barely evening. She looked at Ryan, who seemed just as startled.

  “Come on, sleepyhead,” Raoul said gently, shifting Pia into a sitting position. “Let’s get you home.”

  “What? Did I fall asleep?” Pia flushed. “I’m so sorry. It’s just everything going on. You know—three kids under four—it’s challenging.” She shook her head. “I’m fine. Really. Can I have a cup of coffee? Then I’m sure I can stay awake through dinner.”

  “You don’t have to,” Fayrene told her. “You should go home and sleep.”

  Pia hesitated, then stood. Raoul did the same and put his arm around her.

  “If you don’t mind, we’d love to take a rain check on dinner.” She yawned again, then leaned against her husband. “Thanks for understanding.”

  Ryan held Caramel as he and Fayrene ushered out their guests. When the door had closed, Fayrene leaned against the wall. So much for showing Ryan how wonderful marriage could be. It was barely six in the evening and the Moreno family was in for the night.

  Ryan handed her Caramel, then put his arm around her. “So,” he said with a grin. “What’s for dinner?”

  * * *

  DELLINA STRETCHED OUT on the chaise and sipped her margarita. The sun was warm and she was with friends. Talk about a great way to spend an afternoon. Besides, she was with the right group to get information.

  They were in Taryn’s beautiful walled garden. Taryn was next to her in another chair while Larissa was on Dellina’s other side. A couple of big umbrellas shaded them and there was a light breeze. Taryn had promised Angel would be by later with snacks. As Dellina hadn’t had an afternoon off, let alone a day, in about three weeks, she was going to soak up every second of this before she had to throw herself back into the Score party.

  The good news was everything was coming together. The bad news was, she didn’t know if she should be worried about having Lark Heuston lecture or not.

  “You two have met Sam’s mother,” Dellina began. “He’s totally freaked about her coming to the event. Should I be concerned?”

  Taryn leaned forward to look past her toward Larissa. “You want to go first or should I?”

  “You go,” Larissa told her. “You know her better than me.”

  Taryn leaned back in her chair. “I love her breathing techniques. I use them all the time.”

  “Me, too,” Larissa said. “They help me relax.”

  “I use them for sex,” Taryn murmured, then sipped her drink.

  Dellina opened her mouth, realized she had nothing to say, then closed it.

  “The thing is,” Taryn continued, “Reggie and Lark are really sweet people. They love their kids and are generous to everyone they meet. They just don’t have regular privacy boundaries. They’re open, affectionate people.”

  “Who share everything,” Larissa added.

  “They do,” Taryn said. “I’ve met Sam’s sisters and they’re just like his folks. Sweet and funny, but they’ll tell you anything. Sometimes it’s okay and sometimes it’s a little weird.”

  Larissa nodded. “Like the time Lark wanted to show me this technique where you press down on your clitoris as you rub to increase intensity during orgasm.”

  Dellina had been swallowing. She started to choke. “Show as in show?” she asked when she could talk again.

  “Oh, yeah,” Taryn said. “I asked her to describe it instead, then went home and practiced.” She grinned. “It works and now Angel is an expert.”

  Dellina felt her cheeks begin to burn. “I don’t think I could do that. Watch or be shown.”

  “Sam would agree with you,” Taryn said. “His family makes him insane.”

  Dellina could relate. She was also worried about the weekend, although everything about this conversation was surreal. “I’m going to have to talk to Lark and explain we need to keep things at a steady PG-13. Do you think she’ll listen?”

  “Sure,” Larissa told her. “After I said I was uncomfortable with a real, live demonstration, she only described things. She respects other people’s boundaries.”

  “Except Sam’s,” Taryn added. “I’m not concerned. She knows this is our business and our clients. I’ll talk to her before anything gets started. Not that I can calm Sam down. Poor guy.”

  They talked about the opening of Isabel’s boutique and how fast the year was racing by.

  “I’m looking forward to the Summer Festival,” Larissa said. “I just love how this town celebrates.”

  “You should see us at Christmas,” Dellina told her. “It’s magical.”

  Larissa sighed happily. “I’ll bet it’s romantic here, that time of year. Not that I have anyone to be romantic with.”

  Taryn wrinkled her nose. “Save me from too much sappiness.”

  “Not one for twinkle lights?” Dellina asked, her voice teasing.

  “Not really. But maybe it will be different. With Angel.”

  Her voice changed as she spoke his name. It softened and deepened and made Dellina feel a little left out. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in love—probably because she never had been. There had been guys, but no one that special.

  Larissa stood. “I’m going to get a refill. Anyone want one?”

  “I’m good,” Dellina told her. She had to work later and too much tequila would make that impossible.

  Taryn sat up. “I’ll stick with what I have.”

  Larissa walked into the house. Taryn swung her legs toward Dellina and pulled off her sunglasses.

  “I want to talk to you,” the other woman said, her blue-violet eyes intense.

  “Sure. Abo
ut the party? I’m open to suggestions.”

  “God, no. You’re doing great with all that. I don’t want to be involved. I’m worried about Sam.”

  “Okay,” Dellina said slowly, not sure what Taryn meant.

  “Don’t break his heart.”

  Dellina felt her mouth drop open. “Excuse me? Break his heart? That’s not possible. We’re working together.” She conveniently ignored the recent kiss. “Sam isn’t going to fall for me.”

  “I’m not so sure about that. Sam tries to withdraw from the world as much as he can. Especially when it comes to relationships. He’s had horrible luck with the women in his life. But the thing is, he’s basically a pretty traditional guy. He wants to be married and have a couple of kids. He wants a happy ending.” Taryn paused. “In the emotional sense, I mean.”

  “I get that. Look, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m not looking for Mr. Right. I’ve raised my sisters. I don’t need to do that again. Sam knows that. Even if he is looking for more, he’s not going to find it with me.”

  “You’re sure he knows that?”

  “We had a very clear discussion before we started working together. But like I said—it’s not an issue. I’m not his type.”

  “Maybe,” Taryn said. “We’ll see.”

  Dellina shook her head. There was no “seeing” involved. They were friends. Sure, she liked Sam and thought he was sexy, but he was some famous football guy. He would never be interested in a regular woman like her. He would want a supermodel or a... Well, she wasn’t sure what, but not her.

  “If you should be worried about anyone’s heart, it’s mine,” she grumbled.

  Taryn grinned. “Duly noted.” Her smile faded. “In the meantime, read this.”

  She pulled a book out of the large tote next to her on the patio. Dellina was half expecting an older release from Sam’s mother. Instead she stared into the blue eyes of a beautiful woman smiling back at her from the front cover.

  The title said it all. Getting the Man You Want: Tales from My Marriage to NFL Star Sam Ridge.

  “Sam’s ex really did write a book,” Dellina breathed.