“Twenty.”
“That’s all?” He felt the panic rise. He’d spent nearly an entire day meeting with women, and he’d hardly made a dent in the crowd.
“I take it you’re finished for the day?” Sandra asked.
Chase nodded. He needed space to breathe and time to reflect. What he really needed was Lesley. He hadn’t stopped thinking about her all day, or the kisses they’d shared. Nor could he forget how she’d felt in his arms. He wanted to hold her again, and soon.
He was halfway out the door when Sandra said, “You’re not leaving, are you?”
“You mean I can’t?”
“Well, it’s just that there are a number of phone messages that need to be returned.”
“Who from?”
“The radio stations, for one. Another TV station.”
“Forget them. That last thing I need now is more publicity.”
Sandra grinned. “I’ve had several interesting jobs working for Temp Help over the years, but I’ve got to tell you, this is the most unusual. I wish you luck, young man.”
“Thanks,” Chase answered. He had the distinct feeling he was going to need it.
Lesley had been filled with nervous energy from the moment she’d seen Becky Bright stand beneath that ridiculous billboard and say Chase’s name. None of her usual methods for relieving tension had worked.
She’d gone shopping and fifteen minutes later left the store. She was too mad to appreciate a fifty-percent-off sale. That was an anger so out of the ordinary it surprised even her.
A long soak in the tub hadn’t helped, either. By the time she’d finished, she’d sloshed water all over the floor and had spilled her favorite liquid bubble bath.
Even a fitness DVD didn’t help, but then she’d stopped five minutes into the exercises and turned it off. If she was going to do anything aerobic, Lesley decided, she’d prefer to work in her yard.
She weeded the front flower beds and was watering the bright red geraniums with her hose when Daisy walked out of her town house in a pair of shorts and a Mariners T-shirt.
“You upset about something, honey?” she called, crossing the driveway that divided their properties.
“What makes you ask that?” Lesley returned in a completely reasonable voice. The fact that Daisy could easily see how upset she was fueled her already short temper.
“Could be ’cause you’re nearly drowning those poor flowers. They need to be watered like a gentle rainfall—” she made sprinkling motions with her hands “—and not with hurricane force.”
“Oh,” Lesley murmured, realizing her neighbor was right.
“The boys thank you for the cookies.”
“Tell them I’ve got a jarful they’re welcome to, as well.”
“I thought you baked those cookies for Chase.”
“I never said that.” Lesley was sure she hadn’t.
“Of course you did, maybe not in words, but it was obvious. You like this guy and you aren’t going to fool me about that. All I can say is great. It’s about time you got over that no-good jerk.”
“Chase isn’t any better,” Lesley said, continuing with her watering efforts, now concentrating on her lawn.
“What makes you say that?”
“You know that billboard off Denny Way that’s causing all the commotion?” Lesley asked.
“The one where the guy’s advertising for a bride?” It must have clicked in Daisy’s mind all at once because she snapped her fingers and pointed at Lesley. “That’s Chase?”
“The very one.”
“And that’s bad?”
“The man’s insane,” Lesley muttered.
“You didn’t think so earlier in the day. Fact is, you were as happy as I’ve seen you in ages.”
“That was before I knew. He goes on TV and says the reason he decided on the billboard was so he could be—and I quote—direct and straightforward. He wasn’t either one with me.”
“You’ve got to trust your instincts,” Daisy advised, “and you had a wonderful time with him last night.”
Now Lesley had heard everything. “Trust my instincts? I was engaged to a man who wasn’t even in love with me and I didn’t figure it out until half the school knew, including the student body.” It still mortified her to remember the strange, sympathetic looks she’d gotten from her peers weeks prior to her broken engagement.
“Quit blaming yourself for that,” Daisy said, placing her hands on her hips. “You didn’t suspect Tony because you shouldn’t have suspected him. Believe me, honey, you got the better end of that deal. Mark my words. Two or three years down the road, he’s going to start looking around again. It’s a pattern with certain men. I’ve seen it before.”
“Tony’s not like that,” Lesley insisted. Even after all this time she couldn’t keep from defending him. She still wasn’t over him, still wasn’t over the loss of her dreams and the future she’d envisioned. She wanted to forget him, but it was hard. The first ray of hope had been Chase, and now that hope was dashed by his deception.
“It seems to me there’s more to Chase than meets the eye,” Daisy said thoughtfully. “You have to admit he’s innovative.”
“The man rented a billboard and advertised for a wife,” Lesley cried. “That’s not innovation, it’s stupidity.”
Daisy went on, undaunted. “He shows initiative, too.”
“How can you defend him when you haven’t even met him?”
“You’re right, of course,” Daisy agreed, “but there’s something about him I like. He can’t be so bad, otherwise you’d never have gone out with him.”
“That was before I knew what he really was like.”
“The guy’s obviously got money. Did you ever stop to think about that? Billboards don’t come cheap.”
“Money’s never interested me.”
“It doesn’t unless you need it,” Daisy answered with a hint of sarcasm. “Another thing…”
“You mean there’s more?”
“There’s always more. This guy is serious. He isn’t going to string you along the way you-know-who did. Good grief, you were with the-guy-you-don’t-want-me-to-mention how many years?”
“Five.”
“That’s what I thought. Well, let me tell you, there’s an advantage in knowing what a guy wants from you. Chase doesn’t have a hidden agenda.”
“Everything you say is true, but it doesn’t discount the fact that he deceived me.”
“Just a minute.” Daisy frowned at her. “Didn’t you tell me Chase ran after the guy who stole your purse? It isn’t every man who’d get involved in something like that, you know. Did you ever stop to think that mugger might’ve had a gun?”
Lesley had raced after him herself and that possibility had completely escaped her. Apparently it had escaped Chase, too.
“It isn’t every man who’s willing to put his life on the line in order to help another human being,” Daisy continued.
“If the mugger had owned a gun, he would have used it to get my purse,” Lesley said. That had just occurred to her. Now she was free once again to be furious with Chase. She didn’t want to think of him as a hero, even if he’d gotten her purse back for her. The action had been instinctive, she told herself, and nothing more.
“I’m offering you some advice,” Daisy said.
“Are you going to give it to me whether I want it or not?”
“Probably.”
“Then fire away.”
“Don’t be so quick to judge Chase. He sounds like the decent sort to me, and more of a man than—”
“I thought we weren’t going to discuss Tony again.”
Daisy shook her head as if saddened by Lesley’s lack of insight into men. Her eyes brightened as she looked toward the road. “What type of car did you say Chase drives?”
“I didn’t. Why?”
“Because a great-looking guy just pulled up in a red car.”
Lesley whirled around to see Chase climbing out of it. His s
mile was tentative as his eyes fell on her watering the lawn.
“I haven’t come at a bad time, have I?” he called from the driveway.
CHAPTER FOUR
“Hey,” Daisy whispered as Chase approached, “this guy is gorgeous. You don’t happen to remember the phone number on that billboard, do you? I think I’ll apply.”
Lesley cast her neighbor a scalding look.
Daisy laughed, obviously considering herself amusing.
“I take it you saw the noon news,” Chase said cautiously.
“You mean the story about your crazy billboard? Yes, I saw it.”
Chase took a couple of steps toward her. “Are you going to squirt me with that hose?”
“I should.” She figured it was a credit to her upbringing that she didn’t.
Angry shouts burst from Daisy’s house and Eric chased Kevin out the front door. Lesley’s neighbor hollered for the two boys to stop fighting. It soon became obvious that she was needed to untangle her sons.
“Darn,” Daisy said, “and I was hoping to hear this.” She stepped forward and shook hands with Chase. “I’m Lesley’s neighbor, Daisy Sullivan. Be patient with her. She’ll come around.”
“Daisy!” It irritated Lesley to no end that her friend was siding with Chase and worse, offering him advice on how to handle her.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Daisy said as she hurried over to her own house.
“I would’ve said something yesterday,” Chase told her, keeping a safe distance between them. “But you mentioned having seen the billboard yourself, remember?”
Lesley lowered her eyes. She’d more than mentioned the billboard, she’d offered a detailed opinion of the mental state of the man who’d paid for it, never guessing it was Chase.
“You could have told me later, after dinner,” she reminded him. “That would have been the fair thing to do.”
Chase advanced one step. “You’re right, I should have, but it completely slipped my mind. I got so caught up in being with you that I forgot. I realize that’s a poor excuse, but it’s the truth.”
Lesley felt herself weakening. She’d enjoyed their evening together, too. That was what hurt so much now. For the first time in months she’d been able to put aside the pain of Tony’s betrayal and have fun. Playing the role of tour guide and showing Chase the city she loved had been more than a pleasant distraction, it had freed her. But after she’d seen the noon news, all those reawakened emotions felt like a sham. Instead of anticipation, she’d suffered regret.
“I was hoping you’d agree to see me again,” Chase said enticingly. “I’ve been meeting with women all day and I haven’t met a single one I like as much as you.”
“Of course you like me the best,” Lesley said indignantly. “Only a crazy-woman would answer that ad.”
Chase buried his hands in his pants pockets. “That’s what you said when you mentioned the ad, remember? You had me wondering, but, Lesley, you’re wrong. I’ve spent hours meeting with them, and that isn’t the case. Most have been pleasant and sincere.”
“Then you should be dating them.” Her minuscule lawn was well past the point of being watered, but she persisted, drenching it. If she continued, it’d soon be swampland.
“You’re probably right. I should be getting to know them better. But I’d rather spend my free time with you. Will you have dinner with me tonight?”
The temptation was strong, but Lesley refused to give in to it. “I…don’t think so.”
“Why not?”
“Something’s come up unexpectedly.”
“What?”
“I forgot I was meeting a friend.”
“That’s not very original, Lesley. Try again.”
“Don’t do this,” she pleaded.
“Where would you like to eat?”
“I said I couldn’t.”
“Any restaurant in town—you name it.”
Lesley hadn’t expected him to persevere. But she could be equally stubborn. A rejection had already formed in her mind, when Chase removed the hose from her hand, putting it down. He took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. She might’ve been able to send him away if he hadn’t touched her, but the moment he did, Lesley realized it was too late.
She knew the exact second she surrendered; it was the same second she knew he was going to kiss her and how badly she wanted him to.
His palms framed her face and he took her mouth greedily. Not only did Lesley allow the kiss, but she assisted him. Her hands splayed across his chest and she leaned closer. His kiss was hungry and demanding, and she clenched her fists in the fabric of his shirt as she battled against the sensations and feelings that came to life inside her. By the time it ended, Lesley knew she’d lost.
“Do you believe in fate?” he whispered.
“I…I don’t think so.”
“I didn’t until I met you.”
“Stop, Chase. Please…” She was fighting him for all she was worth and losing more ground every second he held her.
“Dinner. That’s all I ask. One last time together and if you decide afterward that you don’t want to see me again, I’ll accept that.”
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
Despite her indecision, Lesley had to laugh. That sounded like something the kids next door would say.
“Now, where would you like to eat? Anyplace in town, just name it.”
“Ah…”
“The Space Needle? Canlis? Il Bistro?”
Lesley could suggest a better way of testing a man’s character than sitting across from him in some fancy restaurant with a bevy of attentive waiters seeing to their every need.
“I’d like to eat at Bobby’s Burgers and then play a game of golf.”
Chase’s eyes widened. “Golf?”
“You heard me.”
“Lesley, I don’t know if you realize this, but there isn’t a golf course within eight hundred miles of Twin Creeks. I’ve never played the game.”
“You’ll pick it up fast, I’m sure. Anyway, those are my conditions. Take them or leave them.”
Chase groaned. “All right, if you want to see me make a fool of myself.”
Miniature golf. That was what Lesley had in mind.
She’d left him worrying all the way through their hamburgers before they drove to the golf course and he learned the truth. It was a just punishment, he decided, for what he’d put her through.
He’d suspected Lesley would be good at it and she was, soundly defeating him on the first nine holes. But as she’d said, he was a fast learner, rallying on the last nine. When they added up their scores, Lesley won by three strokes.
“I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much,” she said over a glass of iced tea. They were relaxing on the patio under a pink-and-orange-striped umbrella, surrounded by children and a handful of adults. “You’re a good sport, Chase.”
“Does that surprise you?”
She hesitated. “A little. Men don’t like to lose, especially to a woman.”
“That’s not true in all situations, just some.”
“Name one.” Her challenge was there, bold and unmistakable.
“When it comes to a woman deciding between two men,” he said thoughtfully. “Naturally, I can’t speak for all men, but there’s one thing that bothers me more than anything.”
“And that’s?”
“When I’m forced to compete with another man for a woman’s affection.”
Lesley grew quiet after that, and Chase hoped he hadn’t offended her with his honesty. He couldn’t apologize for speaking the truth.
“Tell me about the women you saw today,” she said unexpectedly, sounding almost cheerful. He caught the gleam in her eye and realized she was prepared to hear horror stories.
“I was really surprised by some,” he began.
“Oh? Were they that awful?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Not at all—there were some c
lassy women in the group, with good educations. One of the first few I interviewed had her master’s degree.”
“What prompted her to respond to your ad?” The self-satisfied look disappeared, replaced by one of genuine curiosity.
Chase had wondered about that himself. “I asked about her motives right off. Don’t get me wrong—Twin Creeks is a nice, civilized town, but it’s a long way from shopping centers, large libraries and cultural events. Granted, we have TV and the internet, but you aren’t ever going to see any Broadway shows performed there. I explained all that to Christine.”
“And she still wanted to marry you?”
Chase nodded. “At least she said she did. She explained that she’s in her late thirties and has a successful career. But now she realizes how badly she wants a husband and family. She claimed every guy she’s dated in the last few years is emotionally scarred from a breakup or a divorce.”
“Having reentered the dating scene myself, I’m beginning to see how true that is.”
“Christine is mainly interested in starting a family,” Chase concluded.
“How do you feel about children?” She propped her elbows on the table and rested her chin in her palms as she studied him.
“I want a family, but I’d prefer to wait a year or two, to give my wife the opportunity to know me better and for me to know her. In my view, it’s important to be sure the marriage is going to last before we bring a child into the equation.”
“That’s an intelligent way of looking at it.”
Lesley went silent again and he saw pain in her eyes and wondered at the cause. He was about to question her when she spoke again.
“Other than Christine, is there another woman who made an impression on you?”
“Several. A female plumber who let me know she doesn’t, uh, mind kinky sex.”
The look that came over Lesley was very prim and proper. “I see.”
“And Bunny, who has four children under the age of six.”
“Oh, my goodness.”
“She was looking for someone to help her raise her kids and was honest about it. Her ex-husband abandoned them nine months ago.”
“The creep.”
Chase agreed with her. “I don’t understand how a man can walk away from his responsibilities like that. What he did to Bunny is bad enough, but to leave those beautiful children…”
First Comes Love Page 5
