He decided to head for the mall after lunch. He wanted just the right look for tonight, and he hadn't shopped for clothes in ages. His life had been almost completely taken up with work and then the sale of the company for many months. Years, really, when it came down to the work. He wasn't a big shopper, but then he'd never had the chance to be, not having much money before now. It was still a novel experience to walk into a store and know he could buy whatever he wanted without worry. The 1963 Lincoln Continental had been his one big purchase--well, that and the cruise for his parents. He'd always liked older cars. The work he'd had done on the car to insure better gas mileage and less fuel emissions, had cost almost as much as the car itself.
Two hours later, he decided that being rich did not make him enjoy shopping any more than before. The mall was filled with too many people as the holiday season loomed. Thanksgiving was only a week away. He'd tried several stores before finding a men's store that was calmer inside. The prices were much higher than in the other stores, which accounted for fewer customers. Within a surprisingly short time, and with the help of a very happy salesman, he had purchased enough to fill out his wardrobe. Bags and boxes filled the trunk of the Lincoln. He was ready now, and excitement at the coming evening surprised him. How long had it been since he was really excited about a person, a woman? Maybe...never.
* * * *
Maggie dithered in front of her closet. What to wear tonight, what to wear? It couldn't be too fancy. But she also didn't want to look like a slob. She had tried on three different outfits so far and wasn't happy with any of them. She shook her head at her indecision. This wasn't like her. Her personal sense of style was something that came easily. Throw a hunk of a man into the mix, however, and she couldn't make up her mind.
Finally she decided--soft pullover sweater in pale lavender, perfectly fitted gray pants, with short black suede boots that had two inch heels. Silver hoops in her ears, silver necklace and bracelet, and she was ready to go. Which was a good thing, she realized, when she heard knocking at the door. She grabbed her thigh-length black suede jacket and opened the door. And stared.
Eric stood there in black, straight-leg chinos paired with a forest green, merino wool polo sweater. He wore a black leather jacket over it. She reached a hand out to his chest, without thinking, to touch the sweater. It was cozily soft. Then, realizing what she'd done, Maggie yanked her hand back. He looked sexy, and almost dangerous. His hair was pulled back again, and suddenly, all she wanted, was to let his hair down and run her fingers through all that silken weight.
"Maggie?"
"Hmm?" She glanced up at his face rather dreamily, and then snapped back to where she was, instead of the little fantasy playing in her head. "Sorry. I was...thinking of something else."
She felt herself flushing, and knew he suspected something when he gave her a smile.
"Is this casual dress?" he asked, pointing to her.
"Uh, sure. Okay, maybe I dressed it up a little bit since we'll be out in public together for the first time."
"Well, all I can say is that you look wonderful. We'd better get going if we're going to make it there on time."
She nodded, and followed him after locking the door. He had his hair pulled back and through a beaten silver ring, almost barbarian-looking, which sent her imagination off again. She stumbled on the last stair, and would have fallen, but Eric had turned to look at her and caught her. For a moment she was pulled close to him, and then he set her on her feet with a smile.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Thanks for catching me."
"No problem."
Once in the car, Maggie caught her breath. She had to stop reacting so intensely to this man! Yes, he was handsome...and sexy...but that didn't mean she had to act like a teenager.
"Maggie, how old are you?"
"What?"
"I think we should know each other's ages. I'm twenty-seven."
"I'm twenty-two."
"The other thing I thought of today was that we need to have a story about how we met--you know, where we were, who introduced us, something like that."
"Well, let's see. We could have met at the Lobster Shack. I might have gone up to you after hearing you sing, and introduced myself."
"I suppose that would work. But it doesn't have much flair or interest."
She turned in her seat to glare at him. "Okay then, what's your idea for how we met?"
"I could have rescued you. You could have been in the parking lot and had a flat tire and were being threatened by a group of guys and I showed up in the nick of time and--"
"No, no, no! What are you thinking? Why do I have to be rescued? I'm not helpless you know. I could have fought off any unwanted attention. I am very proficient at Taekwondo."
"Yes, but I said a group. How about this--you are fighting them off and I jump in and help. Then we introduce ourselves as we stand victorious among the fallen prey."
She stared at him for a moment and then burst out laughing. He began to laugh as well. "I may have gotten carried away with that scenario."
"Yeah, we both did."
Eric said, "Let's go back to meeting at the Lobster Shack. You start crying because of one of the songs I'm singing, so I come to your table afterwards because I'm intrigued. You end up telling me how that song was a love song on the radio when you first fell in love in high school."
"Great. Now you have me crying." She sighed. "I suppose that could work. I did have a first love, or rather a humongous crush, on a guy in high school who didn't even know my name. Sam, my brother, would remember that time. Then I guess you and I started talking, and one thing led to another and we are now dating."
"It could be kind of romantic, that we meet over a love song."
"Are you romantic, Eric?"
He turned his head to smile at her before facing back to the street. Pulling into a parking space, he said thoughtfully, "I've never really thought of myself as romantic, but with the right woman, I think it just might be possible."
Maggie thought his emerald eyes were glowing as he looked into her eyes. The right woman. She sighed. He reached out a hand and smoothed one of her curls away from her face.
"Why such a big sigh?"
"Believe me, you're romantic. Me? Not so much."
"We might just have to work on that."
She grinned at him. "You should probably know that I was a tomboy growing up. I never played with dolls, never swooned over the idea of any boy--until that stupid crush in high school--and I never planned out my future wedding when I was thirteen."
"So you're saying, I'll have my work cut out for me? I've always loved a challenge."
She got out of the car, as he was coming around to open her door. Raising an eyebrow at her, he shook his head, and then proceeded to take her hand in his.
"Hand holding is a good way to let everyone know we're dating," he whispered into her ear.
She nearly fell over the curb as the effect of that whisper made her shiver.
Eric paid for their tickets and they made their way into the theater. He stood still in the elaborate foyer, staring around. "This place is great. Somebody really took the time to restore it to mint condition."
"Wait till you go further--it is pretty amazing."
They decided not to get anything to eat or drink. Eric marveled at the art deco style as they took their seats. Maggie had not been so caught up in the decor, and had noticed three separate people watching her with her date. Word was definitely going to spread quickly around town.
"You're going to enjoy this movie, I think. Hitchcock did a great job."
Maggie turned to face him quickly. "Alfred Hitchcock? We need to leave!"
Eric looked completely surprised. "Why on earth--"
"When I was a little girl I saw a movie of his, The Birds, and I was terrified by it. I had nightmares for days."
Eric smiled at her. "Maggie, Rear Window is nothing like The Birds. Seriously, you don't have to worry. I'll hold your h
and the entire time, if that will make you feel better. But this isn't a horror movie."
She sat back in her seat, reading his face for truthfulness the whole time. Finally, she nodded, just as the screen lit up.
* * * *
The audience applauded the end of the movie, which Eric thought showed class. It had always been one of his favorites. Maggie was bubbling with energy as they got up from their seats.
"It was great! You were completely right about it."
Her eyes were sparkling, her rose-colored lips curved into a pretty smile. Eric was surprised by how much he wanted to kiss her.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." He helped her put on her jacket and they walked out to the car. "I guess we're ready to face Frank. Who is the father of Anna, Holly, and Cody. His wife is Betsy. They only just got married a few months ago. Have I got that straight?"
"Yes," she said, surprised. This time she waited and let him open the car door for her.
As they drove to the Grainger house, Maggie began feeling anxious. "I don't know why I'm feeling so nervous. I guess I'm not sure I can pull off the act."
"Maggie. It's not that much of an act. Did we not go see a movie? Isn't that a date activity? Therefore, we are dating. Sure, we may have an ulterior motive, but you can't say we aren't dating. I like you, and I think you like me. See? Not that big a stretch, really."
"I guess you're right. I didn't think of it like that. Here we are. Pull into that driveway there."
They got out of the car and walked up the front steps. Frank opened the door as they arrived at it. "Come in, come in."
Eric leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "Showtime."
* * * *
Maggie sat at the dining room table with Eric next to her. Frank and Betsy were on the other side, handing out plates of pecan pie and cups of decaf coffee.
"So where did you two meet?" Frank asked.
"The Lobster Shack--"
"I was playing at the Lobster--"
Maggie and Eric looked at each other as they spoke at the same time. Frank laughed.
"I guess we can be pretty sure of where you met. But Eric, you say you were playing there? Are you a musician?"
Eric smiled. "For right now, yes. I've always loved playing guitar, and it's a kick to perform and see people moved by the songs I sing."
Betsy said, "You say 'for right now.' Does that mean you have other skills besides singing?"
Eric chuckled. "Yes, ma'am. I'm twenty-seven years old, so I've had a while to do other things. I've mostly worked with computers."
Maggie looked at him in surprise. "I didn't know that," she blurted out.
Eric shrugged. "You and I've had other things to discuss. Like the merits of Alfred Hitchcock films." He took a bite of pie.
"Will you both be at Thanksgiving dinner?" Betsy asked.
"It will be here, right? With everyone?"
"Of course, Maggie."
She smiled at Betsy. "I thought maybe you'd convince one of the others to host it. You guys always end up having the big dinners here."
Frank shook his head. "It's no trouble at all. I always like to have the house full on the holidays."
"This pie is delicious," Eric said. "It makes me look forward to the big meal on Thanksgiving. And yes, I'll be there with Maggie if that's fine with you. My parents are away this holiday season, so I'm at loose ends."
"The more the merrier," Frank said heartily.
Maggie looked at Frank suspiciously. "I kind of expected to see some of the others showing up here tonight, you know, like a random coincidence."
Frank turned a bit red and Betsy laughed. "You've caught us out. We did happen to mention to the rest of the family that you and your date would be stopping by tonight. However, we made it clear that we didn't want them all barging in."
"Thanks, Betsy."
"Come into the kitchen with me, Maggie. I want to put this pie away."
Maggie stared at her, thinking that was about the lamest excuse she'd heard to get someone alone. But she followed Betsy into the kitchen.
Betsy turned to her once she had put away the pie. "My dear, he's quite good looking."
Maggie blushed. "Yes, I know."
"But...a musician?"
"He's between jobs right now, Betsy. You heard him--he works with computers. He has a nice car and dresses well, so I don't think you need to see him as some musician-bum."
"Oh no, I'd never think that. Are you happy with him?"
"Yes," Maggie said, before even thinking about it. Then she realized that being around him did leave her feeling rather happy.
"I'm sure your brother will be glad to hear that."
"What does Sam have to do with who I'm dating or whether I'm happy?"
"Now don't get all riled up. You know Sam worries about you because he's your big brother. He's hated seeing you all alone. We all have."
Maggie threw her arms up in the air. "Honestly! I'm only twenty-two years old. It's not like I'm an old maid or something. You guys need to all get a grip. Anyway, you can stop worrying. I have Eric now. Nobody needs to do any more matchmaking, okay?"
"Of course. Let's get back to the menfolk. I'm sure Frank has finished grilling Eric by now."
Upon hearing that, Maggie walked quickly back into the dining room. She entered to hear the two men engrossed in a conversation about football, and let herself relax. Eric seemed to be having a good time, and Frank was fully into a description of a play from Sunday's game.
Betsy sighed. "I should have known. Put two men in a room alone at this time of year and the conversation will inevitably turn to football."
Maggie laughed. Before they sat back down at the table, she asked, "So, what you said earlier means you guys told everyone about Eric?"
The older woman nodded. "Afraid so."
"So I can expect dinner invitations all week?"
"I'd think so. Maybe not from Jason and Holly. I know they're staying in the city right up until the day before Thanksgiving, but then they're taking a week off."
Maggie nodded and they sat down with the men. She and Eric left shortly after, with Eric thanking Frank profusely for the piece of pie he'd been given to take home. At last they made it to the car, and Maggie sank with relief into her seat as Eric turned the key in the ignition.
"That went well," he said. "I think it helped that I had my football credentials."
When she looked at him blankly, he said, "I read up on sports in the paper this morning, so I could converse intelligently about them. I had a feeling that would come in handy. Once I dropped a few football tidbits, Frank stopped asking me other types of questions and we only talked football."
"Did you tell him anything I don't know about you?"
"Hmm, I don't think so. How about you and Betsy in the kitchen? How was that?"
"She was fishing for what you really do for work, other than being a musician. I told her you were between jobs with your computer work. She also said we should expect a couple of dinner invitations this coming week."
"Well, I am between jobs. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to stick with computers or go into something completely different."
Maggie glanced at him. "Basically, you and I are in the same boat. Both trying to figure out what to do with our lives. Interesting."
"At least we know what we'll be doing for the holiday season. We can worry about the rest of it afterwards."
She agreed. "Hey, do you want me to show you around town tomorrow?"
"Sure, that sounds good."
He parked the car in the lot behind her apartment. "I'll come up with you. I don't like the idea of just dropping you off at an empty place."
Maggie shrugged, but felt protected by what he'd said. Not that she needed protection, she thought quickly. But it was nice to have someone caring about her safety like that. Well, not someone, but him specifically. Once they were upstairs she asked if he wanted a drink.
"Do you have any brandy?"
"I might. Sam s
tocked the bar when I moved in here. Let's see...ah, here we go." She handed the bottle to him while she went into the kitchen to get brandy snifters from the cabinet. When she returned she saw him staring at the bottle.
He looked up at her. "Maggie...do you have any idea what this is?"
"What is it? Isn't it brandy?"
"Yes, the world's finest brandy, a French cognac, Cuvee 3.128. Where did your brother get this--and just how rich is he? There were only 3,500 bottles of this for the year."
She laughed. "Leave it to Sam. He always buys the best. And he's very rich. He's a best-selling author of the psychic detective series--"
"He's that Sam Carter? I saw the most recent movie only a month or so ago."
Maggie took the bottle from him and began to open it. Eric stopped her by putting his hand over hers.
"Are you sure you want to break the seal on that?
"If there's anything I've learned from Sam, it's that money is there to be used. He gave me this bottle, which means he expects that I'll drink it or serve it to others."
She poured the cognac, and then motioned for them to sit down. He sat one end of the sofa, and she sat at the other. She'd only turned on one lamp, so the light was a bit low in the room, giving it an intimate feel.
"Is it strange for you, your brother having money?" Eric asked.
"At first it kind of was, but then he met Anna and got involved with Sully Point. I came here, and ended up meeting more people with money. I'm like the poor relation," she said with a smile. "Julia inherited a bundle of money, and her father is Rob Tremaine, the financial whiz. Holly and Jason are doing quite well. Even Frank has a great car, and Betsy is the bank president."
"Your car is a bit--"
"Hey, I know my clunker can't compete when everyone comes to an event. But I still like it and refuse to give it up. Maybe one of these days, but for now I'm comfortable with it."
"When you say event, do you mean things related to the Sully Point Project you mentioned before?"
Love Promises (Sully Point, Book 4) Page 3
