by Tina Martin
“Getting you out of that office for a day for starters. How about you clear your calendar for Tuesday?”
“I can’t just clear my calendar. This ain’t no St. Claire Architects operation I’m running. If I’m not in the office, it’s pretty much closed.”
Ignoring her response, he said, “Tuesday morning, I’m picking you up at 8:00 a.m.”
“No, you’re not. I’m fine. Just go about your life as normal and pretend I don’t exist.”
“After kissing those soft lips of yours, that’s impossible. Besides, you need to get out of there and let your hair down for a while.”
“My hair is fine.”
“Why are you being so difficult?” he asked.
“I could ask you the same thing.”
“Okay…I’ll work out a deal with you,” Regal said.
Felicity chuckled. “A deal?”
“Yeah. When I show up at your apartment at eight and you’re not there, I’m going to roll up to Wedded Bliss, pull you up out of there right in front of Zimbabwe, and smash off with you in the back of the Audi—that’s after I tie you up first.”
Felicity was laughing when she asked, “How is that a deal? Sounds more like a premeditated abduction to me.”
“You call it an abduction—I call it getting what I want.”
“Ugh…okay. Fine. Pick me up at eight.”
“Say what?” he asked. “Am I delusional or did you just agree with me?”
“I did agree with you, but you’re still delusional.”
He laughed. “I’ll take that. So, Tuesday morning it is. Wear some comfortable clothes.”
“All of my clothes are comfortable.”
“Sure they are…”
“They are.”
“Yeah, but it wouldn’t kill you to wear a pair of jeans for once in your life and I’m not talking about the ones with all the rips and tears that looks like you were mauled by a rabid fox.”
“Whatever, Regal,” she giggled. “Ripped jeans are in. You obviously don’t know anything about fashion.”
“Maybe not, but the I’ve-just-survived-a-wild-animal-attack look doesn’t classify as fashion to me.”
“Okay, so I should wear a pair of normal jeans and what else?”
“A T-shirt. Not a blouse. An actual shirt and some comfy shoes—not those toe crunchers you love.”
Felicity laughed. “Okay. Is there anything else?”
“Yes. Bring that big butt and smile wit’cha, too.”
“You’re full of it,” she said laughing. “Bye, Regal.”
“Have a good night, Ms. James.”
Chapter 23
The woman had one heck of a walk on her…
Regal parked outside of Felicity’s apartment and watched as she walked toward his car. He got out and stood there staring behind a pair of Aviators. She had on some dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved, pink, fitted shirt. She wore a pair of pink and white checkered Vans to complete her outfit. Her hair was half up in a bun while the back half hung loose.
“What’s wrong? Am I not dressed appropriately?” she asked.
“You’re dressed fine,” he said. He looked at the silver hoops in her ear, identical to the gold pair he’d seen her wear – made her look younger than her years.
“Then why are you staring at me like I’m not?”
“Uh—no reason,” he said. He opened the door for her.
“Thanks,” she said, getting inside.
“You’re welcome.”
He got in, started the car then looked at her again. Not only was he captivated by her exquisite beauty but equally elated she agreed to go with him.
Turning to look at him, she asked, “So where are we off to?”
“You’ll see when we get there,” he said staring at her gloss-covered lips. He revved the engine before he shifted the Audi into gear.
“Wait a minute…why are you revving the engine like a maniac? Do I need to drive?”
Regal hit the locks. “I got this. You just sit back and enjoy, matchmaker.”
* * *
About an hour later, they pulled up at Lake Norman’s most exclusive Country Club. It’s where he and Ramsey usually played golf. Today, he’d see what kind of swing she had.
“Golf?” she said, slightly aggravated. “We’re playing golf?”
“Yes, Felicity. We’re playing golf. Why is your face all scrunched up like something stank?”
“I’ve never played golf before.”
“Good. Then I’ll teach you. I rented the course until two.”
Her brows raised. “You did what?”
“I rented the course until two o’clock.”
“So, it’s just us out here?”
“Yes. Dub and Regal against the world, baby.” He flashed a grin.
She shook her head. “Wow. Look at all of this land. Pretty green grass for acres upon acres and we’re the only ones out here? Unbelievable.”
Regal took a golf club and handed it to her. “Yep. I wanted to make sure I had your undivided attention.”
“Okay, so what do I do first?” she asked, swinging the golf club over her shoulder.
“Whoa. Simmer down, girl. This ain’t baseball.”
“Both sports have the same concept—hitting a ball.”
“Yes, but this ball is smaller and on the ground. Nobody’s pitching you a golf ball, Ma.”
He was still laughing when he walked over to her. “Okay, put down your weapon, or I’m going to have to take you to the station.”
“After this golf nonsense, you ain’t taking me nowhere else.”
“Keep an open mind and shake yourself loose, girl. Stop boxing yourself in.”
“Okay.” She breathed meditative breaths. “Open mind. I got this. So I just need to whack it hard, right?”
“Yes, but first, you need to know where you’re whacking it to.”
“I know where it goes. I see the flag.”
“Good, then go for it.”
Felicity swung and missed the ball. She swung again, hit it this time but the ball only traveled a few feet.
“You gotta hit it harder than that.”
“I know. That was the warm-up stroke.”
“Sure it was,” he said. “Here, let me help you out.”
“I don’t need any help. I told you that was the warm-up.”
“If that’s the warm-up, your real swing gotta be a lukewarm, sloppy mess.”
Felicity chuckled. “Stop making me laugh. I can’t swing and laugh at the same time.”
“Yeah, blame it on me,” Regal said, standing behind her. He put his arms around her and helped her hold the golf club steady.
Felicity felt the warmness of his embrace and for a moment, she drifted off into the rapture of being contained by muscles and the strength of a strong man. And she thought about the way he’d kissed her. Dang. She could still feel his tongue filling her mouth.
“Hey, are you listening to me?” he asked.
“Oh, um, yes. I mean, no. It’s hard to concentrate with your nuts on my back.”
He chuckled. “Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Nuts on backs go together like weed sacks and Cadillacs.”
Felicity laughed again. “You’re silly.”
“It’s true.”
“Whatever. Back up off of me,” she said, moving her butt in a backward motion.
“Ooh, keep doing that.”
“Regal, move,” she said, tickled.
“How am I supposed to help you swing if I move back, woman?”
“You can’t help me swing by mounting me either.”
“Mounting you? You’re so dramatic. You know that?”
“Yeah, well, maybe some women like balls on their backs. Me, I’m a different kind of chick. I don’t need any help now back it up. I’ma go-getta.”
“Okay, go-getta,” Regal said, tickled. “I wanna see you go get that ball when you hit it in that pond over there.”
“It’s not going to land in the pond.�
��
“I’m almost sure it is,” he said too amused to say the words clearly.
“Oh, ye with little faith…” she sang. Felicity laid the golf club on the ground and proceeded to do some jumping jacks.
Regal was still laughing. “What are you doing?”
“Getting ready. You’re a trash talker, I see. I’m going to show you a thing or two and when I make this hole in one, you can go tell your golf buddies about it.”
“Um, nobody makes a hole in one on the first shot, Dub. This ain’t putt-putt golf.” Regal laughed.
“Go ahead,” she said running in place now, sounding like she was almost out of breath. “Laugh it up. You’ll see.” She picked up the golf club again, swung it all the way back and whacked the ball this time but when she heard the kerplunk, she knew it landed in the water.
She looked at Regal. He was laughing so hard, he had to hold on to the golf cart for support.
“Stop laughing,” she said humored by his amusement. “That was just my first attempt, and you were supposed to be helping me.”
“I tried to help you. You told me to back up. Have you had a change of heart, Tiger Woods—I mean Tiger Wouldn’t?” Regal laughed again.
“Okay, okay…you know I can’t play. Teach me.”
“Oh, now you want to be taught something…”
“Yes, now come on before I change my mind.”
“Me and my nuts will be glad to teach you a thing or two.” He took slow steps towards her. He cradled his body to hers, circled his arms around her and covered her hands with his large ones. He felt the moment she took a sharp intake of breath.
“You okay?”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t feel my balls on your back, do you?”
“If you keep on, they’re going to be in the pond with the first ball I hit.”
“Ouch. Okay, then let’s get down to business. Here’s what you do. Keep your arms straight, swing the club back, then come forward with as much force as you think you’ll need to get the ball to that white flag.”
“Are you going to swing it with me?”
“Do you want me to swing it with you?”
“Um…” she practiced moving her arms with his. “Um…jeez, what kind of cologne are you wearing?”
“Givenchy Blue Label. Why?”
“It smells really good. Wear it on your date with Danella.”
“Stop talking about the date and hit the ball woman.”
“Okay. Help me swing it.”
“I got you, baby,” he said in a seductive tone. Guiding her, he helped her move the club all the way back. “We’ll swing on three. Ready?”
“Yeah. I’m ready.”
“Okay. One, two…three.” They swung forward together and hit the ball.
Regal took a step back and examined how far the ball had traveled. “Not bad, girl.”
“Yeah, only because you helped me.”
“I’ll let you do the next one by yourself. But first, watch my stroke and take notes.”
Felicity smiled, yet rolled her eyes.
“Stand back. I got a big stick,” he said, then bit down on his lip.
“Just hit the ball, Regal.” She observed him as he got his stance just right, then he twisted his tall frame into the stroke and sent the ball sailing like a pro.
He whistled. “Now that’s how you hit a ball.” He walked to the golf cart and said, “Hop on. We have to drive down.”
“We have to drive?”
“Yeah, unless you planned on hiking today.”
Felicity sat next to him and as he began down a slight hill, she asked, “Where are the seatbelts on this thing?”
“Seatbelts?” He chuckled. “You’re funny.”
“No, I’m serious. I know how you like to hit the gas with that big foot of yours and I saw on the news that these things can easily topple over.”
“Stop worrying. I got you. You’re supposed to be having fun, remember?”
“Fun. Yes. I haven’t had fun in so long, I forgot how.”
Regal looked at her as an uncomfortable chuckle escaped her lips.
When he slowed to a stop, she asked, “How do I know which ball is mine?”
“Easy. You see the ball closest to the hole…yeah, that’s mine, but I’m a generous guy. You can have it if you want it.”
“Nope. I’m no cheater,” she said eyeing up her ball in relation to the hole.
“Don’t hit it too hard,” he coached.
“I know. I know. I got this.” She focused and like he did previously, she got her stance right then swung and jumped for joy when the ball appeared to be heading straight for the hole. “Go, go, go!” she chanted, and the ball fell in.
Regal clapped. “I’m impressed. Good job. I didn’t think those baby hands had what it took.”
“Let’s see what you got.”
Regal took a moment to study the hole and when he hit the ball, it dropped in. “Bam! You can’t get with this swing, baby.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Oh, a challenge. I like that in you, matchmaker.”
Felicity laughed as she got inside of the cart. “Why is it so difficult for you to call me by my real name?”
“What’s the fun in that?”
“What if I started calling you Buick? Get it? Buick as in Buick Regal, like the car. I bet you wouldn’t like that.”
“Funny you should mention that…I played football in high school and my nickname was Buick.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep. That’s what my boys used to call me because I ran fools over.”
She chuckled.
He glanced over at her while he drove down a hill. “Around noon, we’ll go back to my place for lunch.”
“Your place? Why can’t we just go to a restaurant or something? Where there are people? And witnesses?”
“I hired a chef to make us lunch.”
“Why am I not surprised? If you rented an entire golf course, I’m sure hiring a chef was a breeze.”
“A queen deserves the royal treatment.”
Her cheeks turned red. She looked over at him. Caught his enigmatic smile. What did he have up his sleeve?
Chapter 24
When she entered his home, the aroma instantly had her stomach growling.
“Hello, Regal,” Primrose said. “How was golf?”
“It was good. I hated to beat a girl so bad, but this woman had it coming.”
Felicity shook her head. “Hi, Primrose. I’m Felicity James.”
“Hi, Felicity. Nice to meet you.”
“You as well.”
“Regal, the chef just left about five minutes ago,” Primrose said. “He said everything was ready.”
“Good,” Regal said. “You’re welcome to join us, Rose.”
“Oh, no, Sir. I’m almost done tidying up the living room, then I have to go run some errands of my own.”
“Okay. Well, can I at least fix you a plate to take with you?”
“Sure. Thank you. I’ll be right back.” She hurried off to finish her chores.
“What do we have here?” Regal said stepping into the kitchen.
Felicity looked at the spread on the island and said, “Looks like fancy sandwiches.”
“And salsa and chips.”
“And Buffalo wings,” Felicity said. “And mimosas! Good thing I didn’t drive.”
“If you get tipsy off of mimosas, something’s wrong.”
“It depends on who’s making it and I bet your chef made it nice and strong.”
“Only one way to find out,” he said pulling out a chair for her at the island.
“Wait, let me wash my hands first,” she told him then headed for the sink. He joined her and was right back to pull out the chair for her again.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said right up against her ear. After making sure she was comfortable, he proceeded to remove some clear, crystal plates from the cabinet.
He handed her a mimosa-filled champagne flute.
“Thanks.”
“Welcome.”
Felicity took a sip. “This is good.”
Regal tasted his own. “Yeah, not bad.” He proceeded to find a Styrofoam plate and filled it with food before covering it with aluminum foil. Then he placed it in a bag and carried it to Primrose.
When he came back to the kitchen, Felicity said, “That was nice of you.”
“Rose is a good woman. She’s practically family. She’s been working for me for years.” He prepared a plate for Felicity then set it on the table in front of her. He sat next to her with his own food.
“Good?” he asked after seeing that she’d tried the chips and salsa.
“Yes, it is.” She ate some more.
“Has Tucker been able to help you any?” Regal asked her but it was a question he already knew the answer to.
“Yeah, more so than that idiot Donald.”
“That guy...” Regal shook his head. He had to restrain himself from hitting the man when he went to his office. “He hasn’t been bothering you, has he?”
“Nope. I haven’t heard from him. It’s like he vanished.”
“Good.”
“But yeah, Tucker’s cool. I met with him on Sunday. He set up a meeting with me and Social Services on Wednesday.”
“Wednesday as in tomorrow?”
“Oh. Yeah. Tomorrow.”
“Hmm...” Regal popped a boneless wing into his mouth. “Are you ready?”
“I don’t know. I thought I was, but Tucker says I need to work on a few things. He said they’re going to have me take a drug test, do a background check...”
“Are you worried the drug test is going to come back positive for weed or something?”
Felicity nudged him. “I’ve never smoked weed in my life. You’re the one talking about weed sacks and Cadillacs.”
“I bet you were one of those fast tail girls who had them weed brownies in college.”
Felicity laughed. “Nope. I was never adventurous enough to try that. You, on the other hand...”
Regal had just bitten into a wing, then he said, “Ain’t going to lie. I lit up some bud before. That was a long time ago though.”
“Sure about that? It would explain a lot.”
“I’m positive. I can’t be high as a kite while designing buildings and whatnot.”
