Smooth-Talking the Hometown Girl

by Charlene Sands

  The slender, gray-haired store manager was a godsend. Kyle wouldn’t have known which end was up without her guidance. She’d worked at Warren’s alongside his father for the better part of twenty years.

  He shrugged. “Having a bit of trouble concentrating at the moment.”

  “Here,” she said, taking hold of the large account ledger, “let me. You go on, it’s almost time for you to change hats and turn into a coach. Got your Bronco jersey with you?”

  “In the car.”

  “Well, get going. I’ll close up shop here. You need to get those boys into shape. We’d like to see another state championship this year.”

  Flo nearly shooed him out the door. But Kyle was quick—he turned and planted a big kiss across her rouge-rosy cheek. “Pop always said you were the best.”

  “Oh, you go on now, Kyle Warren. And save those charms for someone who’ll appreciate them, like that darling Christy Evans you’ve got living next door.”

  Kyle’s mouth dropped open. How did Flo know what he’d been thinking all afternoon? Then he remembered where he was. This wasn’t the big city he’d grown accustomed to. This was Bentley, a small town on the outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. News traveled with lightning speed.

  “So you like, Christy?” he inquired, attempting nonchalance.

  “What’s not to like? She’s pretty and available and, since you asked me, I’ll tell you. That girl’s downright lonely. She took your father’s death real hard. He was her best friend. Now, who’s she got? She keeps her nose in that kitchen of hers all day long, when she’s not catering meals for her clients. She’s too young and vital not to have a man.”

  “Now you sound like Pop.”

  “Your father always said he wished you would meet up with a girl like Christy.”

  Kyle rubbed the back of his neck and eyed her with suspicion. “You playing cupid, Flo?”

  “Wouldn’t have to if you’d see what’s right in front of you.”

  Kyle’s mind muddled. He had to wade through conflicting emotions. “When I was younger, Pop made me promise not to get involved with her. Why do you suppose that is?”

  Flo gave him a knowing smile. She nodded slowly. “I remember you back then. You were a devil. Too cocky and full of yourself. You had it all, looks, talent, and brains. You can’t deny most girls fell at your feet. Your Pop knew that. He didn’t want you to break Christy’s heart. Even back then, he cared for her.”

  “You’re exaggerating about me,” Kyle said, not putting up much of a protest, because most of what she’d said had been true.

  “Just telling it like I see it. Now, think on what I said, and go on now. The school bell just rang.”

  * * * * *

  Christy drove down Main Street then hung a left, taking her friend and part-time employee, Marlee Canfield home. Together, they’d catered the Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon in the church basement, as they did every month. It was a large group, more than Christy could handle by herself. Marlee was a big help to her when she catered larger affairs, and they worked well together.

  “Thanks again. I think it went well today. Mrs. Shelbourne seemed pleased with the entrée.”

  “They all loved your Chicken Vienna. I didn’t hear a single complaint. Not even from boorish, Mrs. Quimbly. I swear that old biddy is never happy.”

  Christy laughed. “She’s not that bad, is she?”

  “Well, you should see her face whenever I take Angela and Erica into her store. She homes in on them like a hawk, as if they could actually do damage to her precious soaps and lotions. She keeps everything up on high shelves. The girls can’t get their hands on anything.”

  “How are the little ones?”

  “Typical two-year-olds. Cute and contrary. I love them to pieces, but it’s good to get away from them once in a while.”

  Christy nodded. “Even if it’s to prepare and serve the fine female citizens of Bentley?”

  “Yes, even so. I like helping out. It’s fun, and it gets me out of the house and talking with adults.”

  Christy nodded. The one thing she missed in her life was having children. She adored them, but first she had to have a husband. And Christy hadn’t met anyone who quite filled the bill. She wondered if she ever would in this small town.

  “Hey, isn’t that Kyle Warren over there, talking to Veronica Kendall?” Marlee stared out the side window of the car as they approached Bentley High School.

  Christy glanced over quickly, and her traitorous heart tightened in her chest. She held back a groan. “Yes, that’s him.”

  The two stood at the corner of the school’s parking lot, Veronica giving Kyle her full attention. And Kyle didn’t appear disinterested in the least. The girls’ physical education teacher, dressed in Bentley school shorts wore her T-shirt two sizes too small for her buxom figure, or so it seemed. She’d always had a thing for Kyle Warren. As Christy recalled, they had even dated steadily for a short time their junior year.

  “Wow, he hasn’t changed, except to get better looking. If that’s possible. I’d heard he was back in town.”

  Christy cringed, and old feelings she’d always managed to hide began to resurface. She’d told herself countless times in the past, Kyle Warren didn’t interest her. She prided herself on keeping her distance, staying aloof. She knew if she ever showed an interest, he’d break her heart eventually. She’d never given him the chance. She’d never wanted to be one of many.

  When in truth, Christy had always liked him more than she should have, had often daydreamed about being more than friends with him.

  She didn’t want these old feelings to come back to haunt her. She didn’t like feeling as if she was back in high school again, the girl on the outside, looking in. It had been torture living next to Kyle and pretending not to be interested. His flirtations had made her giddy, but she’d covered up, never letting on that he did have the power to break her heart.

  So instead, she had made the biggest mistake of her life.

  “He’s here temporarily, getting Pop’s things in order.”

  “You’ve seen him, of course. How’s he doing?”

  “He misses his father, but he’s managing. They were close even though he moved so far away.”

  “How long will he be in town?”

  “I don’t honestly know. He’s got some decisions to make, and I guess he’s not in any rush.”

  “Hmm. I hear he’s eligible and quite a catch. I’d make your move soon, before Veronica gets her claws in him. She’s been itching for a man ever since her divorce, six months ago.”

  Christy glanced in her rearview mirror to witness the pair chatting amiably. The tall brunette had just laughed at something Kyle had said. “Not me, Marlee. Kyle Warren is the last thing I need in my life. Besides, from the look of things, I’d say Veronica’s claws are already well imbedded.”

  Twenty minutes later, Christy flung her sweater harshly, watching it miss her chintz parlor sofa to land on the floor. She stood there, contemplating, and then shook her head with disgust as the image of Kyle and Veronica kept wafting in. “Stop thinking about it, Christy.”

  She’d gone over to Kyle’s every night this week to work on her book. The Way to a Man’s Heart was finally taking shape. She felt a sense of pride seeing her efforts come to life on that computer screen.

  But other than sharing coffee and the dessert she would bring each night, Kyle had left her pretty much alone. She thought it a good sign. Their tentative friendship was growing.

  So why did it irk her to no end to see him in Veronica’s clutches today?

  The jolting ring of the phone gave her a start. She picked up the receiver hastily. “Hello,” she snapped, failing to keep irritation out of her voice.

  “Hey, I apologize in advance. What’d I do?” Kyle’s voice as usual held that teasing tone.

  “Oh, Kyle.” She hadn’t expected him to call. He never had before. “Uh, nothing. I mean...I’m sorry if I seemed distracted. I had something on my mind wh
en you called.”

  “No problem,” he offered, in his easy manner. Nothing was ever a problem to him, she thought with annoyance.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked, perhaps a bit too stiffly.

  There was silence on the other end. Finally, he inquired, “Are you okay, Christy?”

  Confused at these feelings she didn’t expect to have, she wanted to shout No, I’m not okay, but she drew in a breath, steadied her nerves and answered in a cheery voice. “I’m fine. Just a little tired. I had a big catering job today.”

  “Oh, maybe I should call back later. Let you rest.”

  “No. I’m fine now. You must have called for a reason?”

  “I have a question for you. Do you ever do small dinner parties? You know, intimate affairs with all the trimmings?”

  “Sure I do. I have a special package. Tablecloths, candles, china, and fine cutlery. I do it all.”

  “Good, then you’re hired. When are you available?”

  “Let’s see,” she said, stretching the phone cord as she walked over to her desk. She pulled out her appointment book. “I suppose this is to be an evening affair?”

  “Yes, preferably.”

  “Okay, I have next Saturday night available. How’s that?”

  “Perfect. What time?”

  “How does eight o’clock sound?”

  “I like it.”

  “And for the menu—”

  “I’ll leave that up to you. You’re the expert.”

  “Okay. I have something in mind. Wine or champagne?”

  “Hmm, champagne.”

  “Okay, now all I need to know is how many you are planning to entertain.”

  “There’ll be just two of us.”

  Christy went rigid all over, and the image of Kyle flirting with Veronica on the school premises had her head pounding. Her mind went from business mode to complete shock. She paused, letting it all sink in. So, Kyle was planning a seduction scene with Veronica Kendall, and Christy was supposed to make it happen!

  She wanted to tell him to go to hell. She wanted to back out. She wanted to scream her outrage. Instead, she garnered her wits and pulled herself together, though it took some doing. She’d not let Kyle see how appalled she was. And disappointed.

  Silly her.

  Men like Kyle never changed. But a small part of her had hoped he had. He’d only proven her point. She’d made a mistake twice in her life. She told herself she was glad this came to the surface now, before she fell for the guy. This was the jolt of reality she’d needed.

  In a professional tone, she said, “Don’t worry. You’ll get exactly what you want.”

  Before she had a chance to hang up, he answered in a sexy drawl. “God, Christy. I hope so.”

  Chapter Four

  Christy tightened her bathrobe and ventured outside to pick up the morning issue of the Bentley Bugle. The sun had just peeked over the horizon, and its rise was marvelous today. She took a moment to gaze up and enjoy the new dawn. It calmed her, settling a sense of peace throughout her body.

  Then the person causing all this unwanted turmoil in her life recently, called her name. “Morning, Christy. How have you been?”

  Kyle stood on his driveway in a pair of cut off jeans, once again shirtless. Didn’t the man believe in wearing clothes? He seemed to enjoy parading around in next to nothing. Christy wondered what had happened to his sense of propriety. That is if he’d ever had that particular trait to begin with.

  He looked as though he’d just woken up. His hair was pushed straight back off his face and slightly tousled. A morning shadow of a beard made him look roguish. Well, perhaps Veronica liked the plundering pirate type. Christy surely did not.

  “Morning,” she muttered, glancing at the headlines in the Bugle, ignoring him.

  “You coming over tonight?” He stayed on his own property, holding a newspaper in his hand. Christy thanked heaven for small favors.

  “No, can’t.” She smiled sweetly. “I have plans tonight.”

  Kyle scratched the stubble on his chin. “Another catering job?” he asked. She’d given him an excuse for not coming over for the last two nights. But today she did have a legitimate reason. She’d agreed to an early dinner with Jim Patterson to discuss her plans for the book. He’d been instrumental in helping her with the health statistics and needed his input on an idea she had.

  “No. This time it’s personal business.”

  Kyle’s gaze homed in on her. There was a question in his eyes and on his lips, but she didn’t give him a chance to voice it. “Well, I’ve got a busy day. I’d better get to it. See you Saturday.”

  Christy slammed the front door shut and then admonished herself for her behavior. What did she care if Kyle Warren seduced Veronica Kendall? She reasoned what galled her was that, come Saturday night, she’d have to stand by and watch the whole scene play out.

  She couldn’t believe Kyle would put her in such an indelicate position.

  The man confused the life out of her. He’d been friendly and congenial when she’d first encountered him, and Christy felt they might have a chance at a lasting friendship. Then at times, she got the feeling he was interested in her, by a look or a smile, or by the way she’d sometimes catch him watching her.

  Like yesterday. She’d been working in her kitchen, diligently developing a recipe for a new low-fat pizza. Her head had been down, deep in thought. When she lifted up and glanced out the window, Kyle had been at his own kitchen window, staring.

  The man hadn’t even the good grace to appear embarrassed at being caught. He simply continued to stare with those incredible dark eyes. He arched a brow and then smiled his you’re-the-only-woman-for-me kind of smile. Christy’s heart melted for one brief moment, before she remembered about Saturday night and her fury returned. She turned away from him, cursing herself for almost falling for him.

  On impulse, she walked to her kitchen window and lowered the blinds. She’d put Kyle Warren out of her mind until tomorrow night. Then she’d deal with him on her own terms.

  * * * * *

  Kyle dribbled the ball to Jim and then watched him pivot and take a shot, illustrating good technique to the team. The science nerd still has what it takes to make the play, Kyle realized. He stood by his side while the coach instructed the boys who were seated on the floor of the gymnasium. Every so often he and Jim would demonstrate a tactic, a smooth move that could make the defining difference in the game.

  For all his declarations otherwise, Jim Patterson was an excellent basketball coach. It was evident the boys respected him. And Kyle, too, admired the man for taking a job that had been thrust upon him and dedicating as much time to the team as he did to his real love, science.

  He caught Jim checking his watch often and then calling off the practice earlier than usual. Kyle met him at the water fountain in the foyer just outside the gymnasium. “Hey, we were just getting started. What gives coach?”

  Jim laughed, wiping away water droplets from his mouth onto his forearm. “It’s Friday night. The kids deserve a break. They’ve worked hard all week.”

  “Yeah, yeah, but we never got off so easily when we were in contention. Either you’re getting soft in your old age or...”

  Jim averted his gaze, taking great interest in the stat sheet a student assistant just handed him.

  It dawned on Kyle then. “You’ve got a hot date tonight. Let me guess. You’re going out with Christy Evans.”

  Jim smiled and didn’t deny Kyle’s claim. He wasn’t sure why it annoyed him so much. After all, he’d just come into town again after being away all these years. Jim Patterson had lived here all his life. He’d maintained friendships with many people with whom Kyle had lost touch. But his irritation wasn’t about friendship—it was about Christy.

  Kyle wanted her. And she was resisting. He’d never had so much trouble getting a woman interested before. This was new to him. But it wasn’t so much the challenge, since Kyle had outgrown his competitive pr
owess many years ago. No, this was a gut feeling he had about Christy. She was someone special. Someone who could make a difference in his life.

  Hell, he’d set his sights high. Christy had never given him an inch. But the lovely blonde didn’t know what he had in store for her. Once Kyle made up his mind, he became single-minded in purpose.

  Jim butted into his thoughts, “Listen, thanks for the help this week. The team is finally coming together. Can I count on you for next week?”

  Kyle folded his arms across his middle. “I’m not leaving for Boston just yet, so yeah, I’ll be here.”

  “Great,” Jim said, slapping him on the back. “I really do appreciate what you’re doing. Have a good weekend.”

  Kyle nodded smugly. “I plan to.”

  * * * * *

  Christy stood in Kyle’s kitchen on Saturday night, preparing a hearty seafood gumbo. She’d already delicately arranged oysters on the half shell as an appetizer, and the champagne was chilling in an ice bucket on the counter. Kyle’s planned seduction wouldn’t be complete without the classic aphrodisiacs. At least the woman would know what she was in for. She couldn’t possibly miss the signs.

  The scene was set. Snowy white stargazer lilies adorned the center of the table. Gold-rimmed china dishes and fluted champagne glasses matched the gilded cutlery service that completed the decorations. Candlelight from two thin, tapered pillars cast the room in a golden-hued glow.

  Perfect.

  Christy wasn’t to be outdone. Instead of her usual catering attire of pleated trousers and white-ribbed tailored blouse with matching bow tie, she’d decked herself out in a black satin cocktail dress. The only hint that she was the server this evening was the teeny-tiny white lace apron she’d tied around her waist to complete her ensemble.

  Kyle came out of his bedroom, looking extremely dashing dressed in differing shades of black. Christy bit her lip to keep from complimenting him. He hadn’t dressed up for her, but for some other woman entirely.

  And that woman was late.

  Christy glanced once again at the clock. Eight fifteen. Kyle lingered in the dining area, perusing the table with all its finery. Never once had he glanced at his watch. And he didn’t appear nervous that his date had not arrived. Of course, he probably had never been stood up before. The thought would never cross his arrogant, self-assured mind. But Christy didn’t have all night to wait.