Daniel chuckled. “Principal, heh? I imagine that was rather intimidating for any boy who was interested.”
“I could do group outings, that sort of thing, but no dates. He always had to know where I was and who I was with.” I chortled at the memory. “The first boy I went on a date with, Tommy Forsyth, was so scared of my father and the interrogation that happened, he didn’t even try to hold my hand. He walked me to the door at exactly ten o’clock and literally waved goodnight and took off.”
“No second date?”
“No. I didn’t date a lot until after high school. I come from a small town up North, and everyone knew my dad. He was a bit much for the boys to handle, I guess.” I shrugged. “I had some good friends and we all hung out together.”
“And dating in university?”
“There wasn’t a lot of that either, never really has been.”
“I find that difficult to believe.”
“I’ve never really connected with anyone easily.” I picked at a small thread hanging from my skirt. “I–I’m a little shy and I tend to hang back. It’s off-putting to some guys, I think.”
“How so?”
“I get tongue-tied and nervous. Some people see it as me being snobby, but sometimes, I simply don’t know what to say.”
“I noticed the shy part.” He lowered his voice. “I find it appealing, to be honest.”
“Oh.”
“All anyone has to do is look at the depth in your eyes, and they would know you aren’t snobby.”
I stared at him. “Maybe no one has looked hard enough.”
“Your soul is in your eyes, Avery. When I look in them, all I see is warmth.”
I shook my head in wonder. Who was this man?
He chuckled. “You don’t seem shy with me.”
He was right. I didn’t feel the same overwhelming shyness with Daniel. “You make me feel . . . different. I feel very comfortable with you.”
He lifted my hand, kissing the knuckles. “Good.”
“Tell me about your family.”
He scowled a little at the change of subject, but let it go. “Well, you met my sister Caitlin. She’s two years younger than I am.” A thought must have crossed his mind. “How old are you, Avery?”
“You don’t know?”
“No, we weren’t given any personal information about the person we were matched to.”
“Twenty-seven.”
“I’m thirty-two.”
“Beth told me your age when she was asking me to step in,” I confessed. Then I waggled my eyebrows. “An older man. I love older men.”
He laughed at my teasing. Leaning forward, he kissed the end of my nose. “You are adorable.”
I rolled my eyes.
Sitting back, he crossed his legs, watching me with an amused expression. “My parents live about twenty minutes from here. My dad, Sean, is a patent lawyer and my mom, Julie, runs her own daycare.”
“You’re close to them?”
“I am. My family plays a big part in my life.”
“That’s lovely.”
He lifted my hand and kissed the knuckles, his gaze intense. “They are gonna love you.”
Then he continued as if what he said wasn’t as deep and meaningful as it seemed.
“I had a fairly normal childhood and teen years. I wasn’t perfect, by any means, and we had our share of fights, but they were, and are, great parents.” He paused. “I wasn’t always as close with my dad as I am now. He wasn’t around a lot when I was younger, and I acted out some.”
“Oh?”
“He was a football player with the CFL. So he was away a lot with games, and when he was home, he was at practice or meetings, and often participating in some sort of media event. Even in the off-season, he was busy. He did player stuff plus went to school and worked.”
“Wow. That seems impressive. Although I don’t know a lot about sports. Should I have recognized the name Spencer?”
He laughed. “No, it’s fine. It was years ago. Your dad might recognize the name if he liked football.”
“I’ll have to ask him. Why did he work if he played professionally?”
“Players in the CFL aren’t paid the way NFL players are. You have to work and play to make a living—especially back then. Plus, he was going to school, so he was a busy man. My mom was the glue that held us together.” He shifted a little in his seat. “I missed him a lot and I acted out.”
“I think that’s probably normal.”
“I suppose. Still I feel bad when I think about how I behaved at times.”
“I’m sure your parents understood.”
“They, particularly my mom, were really patient. She was always there for me. When I was eight, late in the season, my dad took a hard hit. He blew out his knee and had to retire—it was a career ending injury.”
“How awful!”
“Yes and no. He was sad for a while, but he liked being home more. He found a great job with a respected firm and has been there ever since. I loved having him around; well, we all did, but I really loved it. I settled down and not long after, found my own place in life.”
“Your dad never wanted you to become an athlete like him?”
He shook his head. “No. I liked sports and I enjoyed playing at school, but I never had the drive he did. He told me later he was glad I never had.”
“Why?”
Daniel paused, looking sad. “His body is old beyond its years. He walks with a limp because of his knee, his hips cause him pain, and the baby finger on his left hand was broken so often, it sticks out at a right angle. Professional sports are tough on the body.”
“Oh dear.”
“We work out together, and he sees therapists. He tries to stay ahead of it and look after himself. Some of the newer technology helps him a lot. Seeing how it’s affected him, I’m glad I stuck to animals.” He winked at me. “Lifting cats, dogs, and the occasional woodland Sprite is far easier on the body than a three-hundred-pound man driving you into the hard ground constantly.”
I laughed at his analogy. “How did your parents meet?”
“My mom went to a football game with some friends. She didn’t know much about sports, and after the game was over, they bumped into some players at a bar. She had no idea who he was and paid no attention to him. But my dad noticed her, and by the end of the evening, they were a couple.”
“It would seem spontaneity runs in the family.”
He smiled. “My dad always says ‘you know when you know.’” His smile became wider. “I’ll have to admit to him now he was right.”
Unable to resist, I shared his amusement. “Tell me about your practice?”
“My brother-in-law and I own the clinic. He specializes in farm animals while I handle the domestic ones.”
“That makes for a diverse practice.”
He nodded, draining the last of the brandy he’d been sipping. “I met Steven while at school. We became fast friends, and I brought him home one break.” He grinned at the memory. “My parents liked him right away, but he and Caitlin didn’t hit it off.”
“Really?”
“The two of them seemed to disagree about everything—all weekend. After dinner on Saturday night, they got into a heated debate on some environmental issue. Watching each of them argue their side was like a ping-pong match. It was worse than two cats fighting, and at one point I thought I was going to have to separate them. I was sure it was the only visit home he’d ever be making with me.”
“Obviously, they worked it out.”
“I apologized on the way back to school, and he looked at me as if I was crazy and told me he hadn’t had such a good time in years. He loved disagreeing with Caitlin. When we got back to campus, he hit the library and dug up even more information. They emailed back and forth for weeks, arguing. Finally, Caitlin admitted he was correct, and he informed her she owed him a date. They’ve been together ever since.”
“Wow. That’s some story.”
> “They complement each other. She’s very outgoing and he’s very laid-back. The argument they had was the first time I’d ever seen Steven riled up.” Daniel chuckled. “She is the only person to this day who can do that.”
“So they had their own sort of connection right away.”
“I suppose.” He stroked my cheek with one, long finger, his light touch bringing with it so much warmth. “Not like ours.”
We had shared our stories earlier over dinner of how we ended up in that studio today. I did it as a favor to Beth, while he had to do it because he lost a bet. I laughed as Daniel talked about the wagers he and Caitlin made all the time. He made a face when he described having to eat blood pudding, and how funny it had been watching Caitlin drink hot sauce, and the way she ran around fanning her face and gasping for air as she tried to cool off her mouth. I snorted when he told me about having to wear a dress one day at the clinic, including heels. He laughed just as hard talking about the wagers he had lost as the ones she had. They were obviously close.
“I think I’ll forever be grateful I lost that bet,” he said. “I actually won big time. I got to meet you.”
I wasn’t sure how to describe our connection, but it was there, like a living, breathing thing between us—pulsating and surrounding us.
Daniel kissed me, his lips soft against mine. Our eyes held, and I could feel my cheeks redden under his gaze. With a grin, he grabbed the last cupcake off the plate and sat back.
He continued, telling me how Caitlin now managed the clinic, billings, and together, they ran the stable. The three of them made a good team, each bringing a different strength into the business.
Watching him talk about his parents, sister, and his patients was inspiring. When he spoke of his beloved niece, Chloe, Caitlin and Steven’s daughter, his eyes and voice were filled with tenderness. Love literally rolled off him when he discussed those he held most dear.
His voice was quiet when he asked, “Do you want children?”
“Yes.”
He wrapped his hand around mine and squeezed it. “Good. That’s good.”
Another one of those strange, silent conversations flowed between us.
I want them with you.
I drew in a deep breath. “I can’t believe—” I hesitated.
He pulled me back onto his lap, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear in an affectionate gesture. “Ask me,” he implored.
“How are you not taken? Already married with a house full of kids and some adoring wife? You’re too wonderful for that not to be the case.”
Not to mention how incredibly drop-dead sexy you are.
I huffed and sighed. “And the way you kiss? I mean really, how are you still single?” Then, realizing what I had blurted out, I slammed my mouth shut.
Daniel cupped my face, bringing me close and kissing me. Tiny, light brushes of his lips. “I could ask you the same,” he murmured. “How the hell did I get so lucky to meet you today? I know you said you haven’t dated much, but I still can’t believe it.”
“I’ve never had a serious relationship, or even particularly long ones.” I shrugged. “Aside from the obvious, I think I might be too boring. I was always the shy, studious girl, easily passed by.”
“The obvious? What does that mean?”
I played with my hair, holding up a strand for his inspection. “My odd looks. My eyes and my hair are so light that I almost look albino. The only color on my face is the infernal freckles I can’t get rid of. I’ve always known I’m no great beauty, or even normal looking, so I’ve been told, but—”
His hands dropped and tightened on my hips. “Wait. Odd looks? Who said that to you?”
I shrugged. “I’ve heard it my whole life.”
“From? Not your parents, surely.”
“No. They always told me I was perfect. I sort of stuck out at school, with the white hair and light eyes. Kids, you know. They liked to tease. My hair, if you can believe it, was even lighter when I was young. The kids called me Ghost. I heard a teacher once say I looked like an old woman with a kid’s face. It all stuck with me.”
“She shouldn’t have said that, and you can’t dwell on what kids say. Little buggers are full of it. They spout off to make themselves feel better.”
I sighed ruefully. “I know, but others think that way, too.”
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. He was right. I’m—”
He interrupted me again. “Who?”
“My last boyfriend, Grant. When we broke up, he told me he always found my unusual looks distracting—and not in a good way,” I admitted, embarrassed.
He slid his hands up my arms, and tilted my chin up with his finger, forcing me to look at him.
“Your face,” he stated slowly, his eyes never leaving mine “is beautiful. All of you is perfect. You are not, in any way, odd. Unique, yes. Exquisite, yes. I thought it the instant I saw you. Beautiful,” he repeated in a firm voice. “Understand? Ignore whatever inane comment that loser had to say. He was obviously fucked in the head.”
His last sentence made my lips quirk. I started to chuckle and he joined me, his broad shoulders shaking with mirth. His thumbs ran small circles on my cheeks. “Don’t listen to him, okay?”
“I should listen to you?”
“I am a doctor. That means I’m smart—so, yes. Listen to me.”
“Okay,” I breathed out. “I’ll try.”
A wicked smile spread on his mouth as he drew my face nearer. His intoxicating scent surrounded me as his lips hovered over mine. “Good. And thanks, Sprite. I think you’re pretty drop-dead sexy, too.”
I gasped as he crushed me to his chest.
Damn mutterings.
Avery
Breathless from Daniel’s passionate kisses, I drew back, pushing myself into the corner of the sofa. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
“Did it again, didn’t I? You get close and I want you closer.”
“I don’t mind, it’s just . . .”
“I know,” he assured me. “We only met today. I’m not expecting anything. I do like kissing you, though.”
“I like it, as well. Maybe too much.”
He winked. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“You never really answered my question earlier,” I began, “how are you not taken?”
He sat back, crossing his arms behind his head, stretching out his long legs. “I’ve had girlfriends. I’m not a player, though, and I haven’t had many relationships. I’m more of an all-in guy, I suppose. None of them were long-term or serious. My last girlfriend, Karen—we were together for over a year.”
“What happened?”
He shrugged. “Nothing really. No huge drama or anger. She was a wonderful woman. Pretty, fun, and we got along well. My family liked her, and we had many incredible times together. Everything was good. She’s an amazing person, actually.”
My stomach twisted at his tone, the unfamiliar feeling of jealousy emerging. He spoke so fondly of her.
He continued with a wry smile. “But we had one problem.”
“Oh?”
He tilted his head, studying me. “How do you feel when I kiss you, Avery?”
“Breathless. Achy.” I thought back to our first kiss. “Wanting more. So much more.”
“That’s how I feel. I can’t get enough. I can’t get close enough. Karen and I never had that all-consuming spark. We were great together as friends—it was how we should have stayed. One day, I realized we hadn’t been together for over a month and I had no desire to ask her to be with me. We sat down and talked and she confessed the same thing. So, we broke up—over a year ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
He laughed. “Don’t be. Neither one of us was particularly upset, so we knew we made the right decision. Life is too short to settle. We remained close and we’re still friends. A couple of months after we split up, she met Buck, and a month later, she was married. She told me the first time she shook his ha
nd she couldn’t let go and it was the same for him. She found her soul mate. She’s happy, and I was, and am, thrilled for her.”
“Does, she, ah, live here?”
“No. They moved not long ago. He’s a lawyer and had a great offer in New York. Karen loves it there. She is more of a big city girl. We keep in touch—she is very happy.”
“Oh.” I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn’t sure I wanted to meet his ex-girlfriend he still spoke so highly of even after a year of ending their relationship.
He grinned. “Don’t be jealous. How I felt about Karen is vastly different from how I feel about you. It’s like comparing a lake to the ocean.” Reaching for my hand, he brushed a fast kiss on the knuckles. “And in case you aren’t clear? She’s the lake, and you’re the ocean.”
“Oh.”
“I saw her not long after she got married and watched the two of them together. They were ideal for each other. After seeing that, I knew I could never settle for anything less. She told me she had never been happier, and when it happened for me, I’d know it.” He lowered his voice. “I didn’t really believe her—until today.”
My heartbeat sped up at his words.
“I feel it. I felt it the first time you let me touch your hand. It was as if I’d found the one missing piece to my puzzle. The one thing I’d been waiting for to make me complete.”
He tugged on my hand, pulling me back to his lap. “Do you feel it, Sprite? That draw? Do you feel how strong it is between us?”
“Yes.”
He shifted closer, the heat of his body sinking into my skin.
“Can I keep you, Avery Connor? Will you be mine?”
“Please.”
His smile was brighter than the sun in mid-July. “Good answer.”
Daniel exhaled out a low sigh, his head burying farther into the cushion on my lap. Talking had ceased a while ago after he checked on Lucy. When he returned to the sofa, he lay down with his head on my lap. As my fingers slipped through his hair, loving how silky the strands felt, we continued to talk until I noticed his eyes drifting shut and his body becoming heavier. He was in the middle of a question about my favorite hobbies when his voice stuttered, paused, then stopped, his breathing evening out and his grip lessening. He never let go completely, though.
It Started With a Kiss Page 6
