by Piper Stone
“Very funny. Now don’t read into this any more than there is. We got along well, and I’d like to keep her as a friend. Not that I have much time for friends but when I do… you know.”
Susan nodded. “I spoke to her when she was signing her contract, and we had a nice chat. I like her. Don’t mess this up. And you know, I’m the one that got her to sign that paper.”
“Really, why did she need convincing? We had already discussed that we would stay friends.”
“The wording said you couldn’t. So now, you have to call Hope to break the communication ban first, but then it is a waiver clause.”
“Thanks, sis.”
“Welcome. I wouldn’t have done it for any of the other bimbos, but I like Hope, and I think she’s real. I approve your choice.”
“I tell you, Christie, it was like pulling teeth to get his assistant to change the document after I said I wouldn’t sign it with that clause in it. I was clear with Tucker last night, and he promised we could stay friends. If I had signed that document as it was, I couldn’t have kept him as a friend.”
“Why is that so important anyway?” Christie asked.
“Because I like him. He was easy to talk to. I’m not looking for more than that, but it was important to me.”
“Wow, he must be a nice guy.”
Hope nodded. “He is, but I don’t think he gets to be himself very often.”
“Probably not given who he is. So each pre-date he pays you $500?
“Yes, but I don’t want his money.”
“Hope, the only reason you are doing this was so you could really enjoy your vacation.”
“That is why I applied, yes. And if I were honest, I think he was surprised that I was there to interview.” Hope shrugged. “I must be wrong about that, because he had to know, right? Anyway, now I don’t care if I get paid. It will just be nice for the store’s exposure and to spend more time with him. Oh, and I enjoy his sister Susan too. I said if she came in we would give her special service.”
“We give everyone special service.”
“I know, but it doesn’t hurt to tell them that’s what they’re getting.”
“True.”
Tucker was about to go out to eat and relax. December didn’t seem to slow anyone down in the corporate world, and he was tired. Maybe take out. Maybe with Hope.
“Hello?”
“Hope? This is Tucker James.”
“Hey Tucker, I just thought I needed some particulars from you before we go to this Winter Ball.”
“Well, we can do that if you’ll eat dinner with me. I was thinking take out, but if you’d rather go somewhere, we can do that.”
“Take out is fine, or you could park behind my shop, and we could go a few blocks down to one of my favorites unwind spots. It’s called—”
“Mangiare Italiano.”
Hope laughed. “Yes, so you know it.”
“Love it. Perfect place. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Great, I’ll finish closing down and get us a table.”
Tucker walked in with his jacket slung over his shoulder and his tie missing. He looked good enough to be dinner himself. Hope tried not to drool. The waiter took his jacket and immediately returned for his drink order.
“Thank you for suggesting this place. It’s been a while, but I always love it here. I always order the special because I’ve never been disappointed.”
Hope smiled. “I agree, and I love Italian food because they have not tried to serve me oysters yet.” She gave a mock shudder.
Tucker laughed. “Better not tell my sister. She loves oysters. They are in her stuffing every year.”
“Really? I might need to reassess my opinion of her.” They laughed.
“Next year you might bring your own stuffing,” Tucker said before he realized what the implication of that statement was, but Hope didn’t pick up on it, or she decided to leave it alone.
The rest of the evening was comfortable, and soon it was time to go home. Tucker realized that for the first time in a long while he not only enjoyed a woman’s company, but he also didn’t feel pressured to punctuate that with a sexual encounter. He was physically aroused, but really much more engaged than passionately excited. He wondered if that’s what Susan had felt when she said she and Mark had been friends first and lovers second. Maybe that’s the secret to a long and fulfilling marriage – to start slow. The thought shocked him, and he refused to follow it any further down the mental pathway. Hope was a friend and would be a fun December date. That was it.
He walked Hope to her car behind the shop, leaned down and kissed her cheek before thinking. Sweet and innocent, and the first time he had done that with a woman since adulthood.
Hope seemed a little shocked, and her cheeks reddened before she said good night and drove off.
The next day he texted her for a repeat date, only this time at his favorite hamburger joint. He was pleased when she accepted and said that she had no idea this place existed.
“You know, I have to work late the next three nights so don’t call for dinner, I can’t go. Besides, if we are going by the contract, you have surpassed your dates before the Winter Ball.”
Tucker stopped eating. She was right. What was he doing? Friends, they were being friends and so long as there were no additional benefits, this was no big deal. Tucker hoped Hope thought the same way.
“You know, I researched you, and none of this came up.”
“Oh, really, what did come up when researched me?”
“You know, your company things, your Wikipedia page, last year’s dates, speculation in the Fort Worth magazine if you will ever find a girlfriend. You know, things like that.”
“Did it say I went to expensive places and looked bored? Because I was. I don’t mind if you want to go to those places but I thought you would enjoy these out of the way places with me.”
“No, I enjoy these so much more. I’m not one for putting on airs. Oh, and according to the magazine, you need to wait a few years and quit dating models.”
“I imagine my sister had something to do with that article. She hates the models.”
“No, she told me she hated that they were so cold. She said they were pale and icy. She figured if they stood out in the sun more often, both issues would go away.”
Tucker chuckled. “Yes, that’s her. Well, I investigated you as well.”
“I bet it was more than an internet scan.”
“A little more, but you got way more dirt on me that I could find on you. I don’t even know who your last boyfriend was.”
“Because he wasn’t anything to write about. Kirt lasted a few months, but before him, I dated Randy for two years. I thought we were going to get married, but when he found out that I was saving for my shop and not his motorboat, he said we had different goals. I guess we did.”
Tucker stretched his hand out and laid it on hers for a brief moment. “But it still hurt.”
“It did.” She sat back, retrieving her hand. “But I got over it. Can I have another coke?”
He took his cue. They discussed the Winter Ball. Tucker promised to promote her business so long as she didn’t leave him alone with any women that might be within twenty years on either side of him.
“Deal.”
When it was dessert time, he offered an Italian ice. Before Hope could answer, his phone rang. “Hold on.” He looked at the caller ID. “Sorry, I have to take this.” Within a few moments, he hung up and looked at Hope as he stood. “I apologize, it’s a business thing. We are in negotiations, and we have hit a snag. Forgive me?”
Hope smiled. “Of course.”
He dropped cash on the table and leaned down again, kissing her lightly on the lips this time. In response to her widened eyes and questioning look he said softly, “Relax. It’s practice, Hope, that’s all.”
She nodded sharply.
“I’ll have Manny drive you home.”
“No, I’m fine in a cab.”
“Why not?”
“Because it isn’t safe. I have my car right here and because I said so.”
“Excuse me?”
“Hope, please, I don’t want to worry about you getting back to your vehicle. Can you just let me do this?”
“Okay, on one condition.”
“Name it,” he said as they walked outside.
“We both go in the car, I can be dropped off, and then you can go on your way. By the time a cab comes, we could have been to my shop.”
“She’s right, boss.”
“Okay, but only because it makes more sense and I have no intentions of leaving tonight on a sour note.”
Manny helped Hope into the car.
Once they were underway, Tucker said. “You know, I’m used to getting my way.”
“I got that impression, but as you can see, I’m not one to give in easily.”
“I like a woman who can hold her own, but I’m not used to one not accepting what I say.”
“And I like being taken care of, but only when I need it.”
“Stalemate then.” Tucker looked over at Hope. “For now.”
As they pulled into the parking lot behind her shop, Tucker leaned over to put his hands into her hair, holding her head still. Lowering his lips, he kissed Hope as if he were testing the waters. She sat quietly at first and then leaned in slightly to deepen the kiss, but only a little. He released her and then dropped a quick, loud smack on her nose.
“I’ll call you tomorrow if I can settle this work issue soon enough.”
“Okay.”
Tucker and Manny waited until Hope drove off before going in the opposite direction.
Hope was in trouble. She was just going to be his friend, but it was beginning to feel like more. She was starting to want more, and she had signed a contract. This was absolutely not an amorous liaison. It was a business deal, and it was a friendship. That was it.
“Get some coffee in you fast. We open in twenty minutes, and you look like you haven’t slept in a month.”
“I’m not that bad, Christie.”
Christie held up a mirror.
“Okay, so I’m dragging a little. Don’t make such a big deal over it.”
“You have gone out more than twice to prepare for the Winter Ball that is this weekend. So what gives?”
“Nothing.” Hope put a dark coffee in the single serving coffee maker. “I am all ready to make sure we get new clients, and he gets the type of publicity he needs.”
“And that’s it. Nothing else.”
“Nope. Not a thing more. Well, we are becoming friends, but that only makes sense.”
“Not from what I read when I researched him. What? Don’t look surprised. You didn’t think I would recommend him if I didn’t do some digging, did you? What kind of best friend do you take me for, anyway?”
“The best kind of best friend.”
“You bet I am. Now, help me put the money in the till, we open in a minute.”
Tucker called later that night as Hope was climbing into bed.
“Am I calling too late?”
“No, I’m just getting— just getting my clothes out for tomorrow.” Hope was horrified; she had no filter with this man. She talked to him like her brother, except when she spoke to her brother, she never felt her heart jump, like it was doing right now.
“Great, I need to know your measurements. I didn’t get them off the application.”
“Because I didn’t put them on there. I wasn’t going to share unless I needed to.”
“Why? You can’t be worried about your body, it is perfect.”
The silence was profound.
“I guess I’m private.” She was, but this conversation was getting too close for comfort. And there was no denying it now, there was a spark she had to extinguish as soon as the contract was over. She figured she could play it up until then. She couldn’t believe her lousy luck. She had asked the man she now had beginning feelings for to be her friend.
“I’m sending you your gown and accessories tomorrow.”
“Oh, well, unless you are committed, I have the perfect gown and I’d really rather wear it.”
“We will talk about it tomorrow. Susan is calling me so I should answer it.”
“Yes, tell her hello.”
Tucker chuckled. “I will. Goodnight, Hope.”
“Night.”
The next day, Tucker called late morning. “I’m at a lull so tell me where to gather your dress.”
“I can do it, I’m just busy right now.”
“Okay, where is it and I’ll have it sent to you.”
“Oh, no, I already own it. Well, the shop does, but I can wear it.”
Another silence. “What about the accessories?”
“Christie will help me. We will figure it out tomorrow.”
“Maybe I’ll send Manny to run you two around.”
“I’ll just call and get them delivered.”
“On me. I’m paying the costs.”
“Um, sure,” agreed Hope.
“I now recognize that tone, Hope Michaels. You have no intention of doing what I say. I’m coming over.”
“No, what… you can’t... wait.” But he had already hung up. Men.
Tucker strolled through the door of Landan Michaels fifteen minutes later.
“Can I help— Oh, it’s you,” said Christie. Then she grinned and pointed to the opposite side of the boutique.
Tucker leaned down to where Hope was folding delicates and said close to her ear, “Don’t be naughty. You agreed I would pay all the expenses. I am keeping you to it.”
When Hope turned away to ignore him, a sharp slap landed on her pert little ass. Turning quickly in response, Hope ran headlong into a kiss that heated her core and melted her panties. Her legs were weak, but as her arms slid around his waist to cinch him closer, the front door dinged, causing Hope to pull back quickly, wiping her lips. She looked at his own stormy face and reached up to remove her lip color from his mouth.
“Hope, just send me the bills.”
“I’ll see how much it is first.”
“You have no intentions of doing what I say, do you?” His question was met by silence, but when she slid her hand to cover her bottom where his single swat had landed earlier, he smiled. He spoke quietly into that silence. “Hope, it is in the contract, and you have to abide by my rules.”
That damn contract. It was his ace in the hole, and she should have known he would use it. She huffed a sign of capitulation. “Fine. I’ll call you with all the details, and you can call in your card.”
“Or Manny can take you to pick everything up since the stores are open late.”
“Including ours, Tucker.”
“Okay, call me with the details this afternoon. I have a meeting so if I don’t answer, leave the information in a message.”
“Great. Gotta go now.” She indicated the room. “Customers.”
“Right.” He started to lean into her, but stopped himself and left the store.
She needed to hurry and help a shopper before the memory of his voice and kiss lulled her back into that fairytale land she had begun to frequent often. This man was too hot to handle.
Tucker was spending a lot of time thinking of Hope, and he couldn’t wait until Saturday night to see her at the Winter Ball. Susan called to remind him of the kids’ Christmas program, and he thought he would give it a shot.
“Hey, it’s me.” The familiarity of being able to say that in greeting to a woman he was beginning to care about knowing who it was, excited him. It gave him a contented feeling he couldn’t completely comprehend. But he liked it and yet there was an element of freefalling that scared him.
“Hey. I was doing the set up for tomorrow and Saturday since I’m leaving early to get ready.”
“I thought you had a teenager that worked the weekends.”
“Two, actually, but from Thanksgiving until New Year’s
, everyone works.”
“Makes sense. I don’t really like you leaving alone so late. Let me come by so I can be sure you get in your car without mishap.”
“Don’t worry. The Downtown Association hires an extra beat cop during the holidays. I just need to tell him when I’m ready to leave and wait for him to come around. It has brought crime down to almost zero in this area during the busy season.”
“What a good idea, but call me when you get home. Don’t forget because I’ll be concerned.”
He hadn’t ever told another woman that he wanted a confirmation call on her safety. That didn’t say much about the quality of boyfriend he was before Hope. He wasn’t her boyfriend, but a part of him wanted to consider it. Before Hope, most of the women had their own drivers, and if he progressed past friends with Hope, she wouldn’t be driving alone late at night either. But for now, this would have to do.
“Okay, I’ll send you a text. What time are you picking me up Saturday? Oh, my dress is bronze.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven, but what I actually called for was to find out if you could go to my niece and nephew’s Christmas performance tomorrow night. It starts at seven. I’ve been informed that I must be inside the building by six forty-five.”
“You’re sister knows you well, doesn’t she?”
Tucker laughed. “I think I’m being ganged up on.”
“Nope, you just have a reputation for taking all the time you need when doing something.”
“A practice that is vital. If the end result is worth having, it’s worth waiting for it.”
The silence was thick with meaning and interpretation. Hope broke the spell by grappling for solid ground. “So, when would you need to pick me up if I went?”
“Six-thirty and we’ll get dinner or something.”
“Can we play it by ear? I just don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I’ll let you know by five-thirty. Deal?”
“Yes. And why would I need to know your ballgown is bronze?”
“Your tie. It’s nice not to clash.”
“I’ll grab a corsage.”
“No, don’t do that. I don’t want pin holes on this masterpiece. A wrist corsage would be fine, but really, I am wearing jewelry so not necessary.”
