A Total Mismatch

by Madelaine Grant

  “I told you I’d call,” he reminded her. “I simply wanted to hear your sweet voice after a long day. What have you been up to?”

  There was much to report. “Max has another belly dancing project for me. This time I’ll be representing the brewery at a craft beer convention in a few weeks.”

  “Really? Where is this happening?”

  “At one of the big Manhattan hotels.” It suddenly occurred to her that the brewery convention might be the same weekend as the visit from Uncle Jim and his family. “Omigod!”

  “What’s wrong?” Jordan asked.

  “I might have a conflict,” she groaned. “My favorite uncle and his family are coming to the city that same weekend and want to spend time with me. If I’m busy at the convention, I won’t be able to see much of them.” Then she added, “Actually, I wanted to introduce them to you. My uncle suggested you join us for dinner one evening. I know you’ll enjoy meeting these relatives. They’re wonderful people.”

  “That sounds fine with me. One of these days you’ll have to meet my sisters and their partners. My parents live in Maine, so that trip will be at a future time.”

  Sam felt pleased he wanted her to meet his family. “I look forward to getting to know them.”

  “By the way, do you know where the convention’s taking place?” he inquired.

  “Let me check.” Finding the black leather date book, she leafed through the pages. “It’s the Marriott Marquis Hotel, and the dates are May 16 and 17th. I’m off on Sunday, thank goodness. Maybe that would be a good day for dinner with Uncle Jim and Aunt Faith. I hope you can join us. Their sons, Andrew and Geoff, are flying in from California, too.”

  “I’ll put it on my calendar. Are they coming into town for a family reunion or something?”

  She should mention Andrea’s wedding, but she didn’t want to bring up that painful subject with all its unhappy twists and turns. “In a way,” she hedged. Then, to change the subject, she said, “That check I sent my friends, Beth and Sean, came back with a very brief note saying they didn’t need my money. I decided fate wanted me to have it, so I went on a shopping spree and bought a new summer wardrobe.”

  “Sounds just like a woman. Actually, I’m not surprised they didn’t accept your gift, although I hoped they’d take it and declare a truce. I know how upset you are at losing their friendship.”

  “I’m trying to make peace with the whole situation. It’s one of those things I have little control over. Has Sean Fuller tried to reach you at your office?”

  “No, I haven’t heard a word. He must know he doesn’t have a case, but if he does call, I’ll be diplomatic. You didn’t answer my question before, as to why your relatives are coming into town. Do you have some kind of family reunion happening?”

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t remember the question.”

  Jordan started laughing. “You forget I’m a lawyer and know when someone isn’t being up front with me.”

  “Would you mind if we didn’t discuss it right now? I’ll fill you in on things eventually.” Sam hoped he wouldn’t pursue the matter.

  There was a short silence. “Okay, I’ll go along with your request. I’m sure whatever situation you’re in with your family is understandable. I have my problems with relatives too.”

  “I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one!” she exclaimed.

  “Hardly. I don’t think I’ve ever met a perfect family.”

  Feeling relieved, Sam settled a pillow under her head. “I haven’t asked you about your day.”

  “Not as interesting as yours, I’m sure. I had one client today who wants to sue his business partner and another who’s ready to divorce his third wife. By the time I get home at night, I’m eager to erase the day’s events. That’s why I wish you were right here beside me.” His voice turned husky. “I’d know exactly how to forget everything.”

  Sam felt warm all over. “Do you now?” she teased. “I’ll bet you’ve made yourself an enormous hot fudge sundae with all the fixings.”

  “I can only think of one better way to relax than that. You’ll have to stay at my place one of these evenings. Maybe we’ll try doing that Saturday night, and then spend Sunday on the boat. Although, I’m afraid we’ll never get out of my bed. It’s probably best to head for the boat right away and sleep on it that night. Let’s see how the weather is on Saturday. Can you be flexible?”

  “Sure. It’ll be fun, whatever we do.”

  “That’s what I love to hear,” he said softly.

  After the conversation ended, Sam closed her eyes for a few moments, enjoying the memory of Jordan’s sexy voice saying he missed her. What would it be like, spending every night in his bed? Pretty wonderful, she thought, picturing the two of them curled together under the covers. Waking with him next to her in the mornings would be marvelous, too. A yearning to be with him took hold for several long minutes as she imagined the feel of his strong body, his arms holding her close. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she sat up and threw a pillow across the floor. It hit one of the sleeping cats sprawled there. A startled meow rang out, distracting her, which was just as well.

  “It’s okay, Mushi,” she soothed the calico-colored cat. Taking her pet into her arms, she sank back onto the couch. “You and Pepper are all I need. I can always count on your love.” She’d be safer not depending on anyone, especially someone like Jordan, to be there when she needed him. These weeks would all be a pleasant memory to recall in old age.

  Chapter 22

  Jordan phoned Sam Wednesday night. “Are you available for dinner tomorrow evening? I have a business meeting near your gallery around five. We could eat at that Greek restaurant and then I’ll drive you home. Would you consider staying at my place? You could pack a few things and I’ll drive you back the next morning around seven.”

  “If I can get a good night’s sleep,” Sam replied.

  “Are you saying I won’t let you sleep? I promise not to keep you up later then eleven.”

  “In that case you’re on.”

  “I have to get a gift for that wedding I invited you to. I wonder if your gallery would have something.”

  “We do have a fine crafts gallery where you might find something suitable.”

  “That sounds promising. You know I’m obliged to attend although I’d rather be out on my boat with you,” he explained.

  “By the way you never mentioned who was getting married. Are these good friends of yours?”

  “Nah, they’re friends of my sister’s. Would you believe she’s gotten me involved in three other weddings since New Year’s Day? I work long hours and don’t have much time with family so she knows just how to make me feel guilty.” He let out a frustrated sigh. “Anyway, I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow night.”

  When Jordan entered the gallery Thursday evening, Sam greeted him with a broad smile. “Glad you came early. We’ll have time for you to look at the fine crafts gallery for that wedding gift.”

  He’d almost forgotten. Walking into the gallery with its fine crafts he noted a long, oval-shaped platter. “This is a superb piece of workmanship.”

  “Do you think the platter would make a good wedding gift?” she asked.

  “Forget the gift. I’d like this for myself. I’ll write the couple a check.”

  Sam laughed and hurried to wrap it for him.

  ~ ~ ~

  The restaurant was almost full but Melina had a table for them. She gave Sam a big hug and beamed at Jordan. “You bring him anytime. Much nicer than those people last week.”

  Jordan’s ears perked up. Who was Melina referring to? He’d have to ask Sam.

  After seating the couple, Melina brought water and a basket of warm pita. “Would you like wine or something else to drink?”

  “Not for me,” Sam
shook her head. “I’ll fall asleep before I finish eating. I want a cup of that wonderful chicken lemon soup. Would you like some?” she asked Jordan.

  “Sounds good to me. How about we get that same sampler plate? It was marvelous last time. And I’d like a glass of red wine. Don’t worry, I won’t get sleepy.”

  Jordan waited until Melina brought the soup before asking Sam the question on his mind. “Who was Melina referring to when she mentioned the people you brought here last week? She didn’t seem happy about them. What was wrong?”

  Sam didn’t want to go into that subject. But she’d avoided so many other issues he’d brought up she ought to answer this one. “Remember I mentioned I was meeting my mother and aunts for lunch? Well it turned out to include my two older sisters as well, which I was not prepared for. My oldest sister and I do not get along. She kept pushing my buttons all during lunch and I finally lost my temper. It wasn’t a pretty scene.” The memory of that awful encounter made her inwardly cringe.

  He nodded thoughtfully and took a piece of pita from the basket. “What did she say that caused you to react? You’re usually pretty calm and upbeat.”

  “Glad you think so. She said something to the effect that my family was holding their breath until I snared a man who could rescue me from the nasty hovel I live in. She’d only been in my house one time and believe me, she’ll never step foot in there again. I may not have a fancy place, but it’s my home and I like it. She had no right to disparage it, especially in front of my mother and aunts.” Sam took a calming breath and tried to relax.

  “Do you rent the brownstone or own it?”

  “I bought it several years ago. It does need some renovations, which I’m planning to do soon,” she said defensively.

  “I don’t know your sister, but perhaps her remark could be taken another way. Maybe she’s looking out for you and wants to see you in a better situation,” he suggested. Her place was in a rather disreputable state, as he recalled.

  Sam felt a sudden spurt of anger at his comment. “Believe me, I know my sister. She was not looking out for me. All she wanted to do was embarrass me in front of the others. If you’d been there, you’d understand.”

  Melina was putting the sampler platter on the table. “I was here when that woman talked to you,” she exclaimed. “She was a nasty person. I don’t blame you one bit for what you said. I wouldn’t want to serve her in my restaurant again,” she added vehemently.

  Sam sent her a grateful smile. “Thanks Melina. You’re a good friend.”

  Jordan waited until Melina left. “Are you implying that I’m not because I was trying to be objective about your sister’s remark?”

  “No, I didn’t mean that,” she protested. “But it did hurt when you took my sister’s side instead of supporting me.”

  “Would you rather I agree with you instead of voicing my opinion?” He sat back and regarded her with a serious expression. This was a side of Sam he’d not seen before.

  “How could you have an opinion when you weren’t there?” She could feel the tension in the air and didn’t like it. The evening she’d been looking forward to was fast evaporating.

  Jordan knew the atmosphere had changed dramatically in the last few minutes. He could feel Sam’s irritation and sensed her pain. Did he really care about her sister’s motives? He thought about it for several long moments and decided the matter wasn’t worth delving into. Placing his hand over hers he said gently, “Let’s not argue. It’s the lawyer in me that can’t help looking at all possible points of view. I tend to avoid emotion and use logic in solving problems. But, as you said, I wasn’t there and I can see the subject disturbs you.”

  Somewhat mollified by his words and the tenderness of his touch, Sam began to breathe a little easier. “You may have to put away the lawyer role when we’re together,” she said quietly. “On the subject of logic versus emotion, family concerns arouse more emotion in me.”

  He thought about his recent exchanges with his sister, Lori, and how she’d pushed his buttons on many occasions. “I’d have to agree with you there,” he said ruefully. He picked up her hand and placed a kiss on her palm. “Are we okay now?”

  She nodded and smiled for the first time since they’d started the discussion. “My appetite has returned.” Then she helped herself to some of Melina’s delicious stuffed grape leaves.

  After Sam packed a small overnight bag and fed her cats, Jordan drove to his condo on the Upper East Side. He parked his car in the garage and they took the elevator to the tenth floor. Jordan had the wood platter he’d admired with him. “Wait ’til you see why I fell in love with it,” he said to Sam as they headed to his apartment.

  Entering the large foyer, Sam sucked in a long breath. It was even more spectacular than she’d imagined with its polished, dark-wood floor and Persian carpet at the entrance. A nubby cream paper covered the walls and several black and white prints of landscapes were arranged artistically. Recessed lighting in the ceiling cast a warm glow. And it was immaculate too, she thought with an inward groan. This wasn’t the kind of home where one kicked off shoes and relaxed. Feeling suddenly tense and out of place, she stood there and wondered how she’d get through the next few hours.

  Jordan tugged at her hand. “C’mon and make yourself at home. I’ll put your bag in the bedroom and then we’ll have one of my super-duper sundaes.”

  He headed to the bedroom while Sam took a few steps down the hall to the living room. Standing at the entrance she noted the exquisite décor and the way everything matched perfectly. Comparing it to her disheveled living room with its piles of magazines and other items strewn about, she couldn’t help feeling deflated and a bit envious. Why had she let her place get so messy? How could Jordan put up with staying there? And the inevitable question–were they too different to have a future together? Not that she was counting on one, she assured herself. But now, viewing the way he lived, having any kind of relationship seemed tenuous. She was completely out of her element here.

  ~ ~ ~

  When Jordan returned to the living room, holding the platter in his hand, he found Sam still standing at the entranceway. She looked uncertain.

  “Hey,” he said softly. He put an arm around her waist. “I’m glad you’re here. You make everything in the room light up.” Then he proceeded to carefully place the oval wooden platter at one end of the coffee table. “What do you think?”

  Feeling slightly more at ease at his caring words, Sam appraised the placement.

  “Looks good to me. I can see why you liked the piece. It fits in well.”

  He walked back to her. “You fit in well here too.”

  “Do I? To be honest, your apartment is so beautifully decorated and spotless, I’m almost afraid to move around. As far as relaxing in it, I’m not sure how that will work. You know, it’s a complete contrast to my place.” She had to be honest about how she felt, or she’d end up feeling numb or saying something negative, which she didn’t want to do.

  To her surprise, he started laughing.

  “What are you laughing at?” she demanded.

  “You.” Then he proceeded to wrap his arms around her and kiss her soundly. “By the time you’ve had one of my ice cream extravaganzas, and I get you into my bed, you’ll be thoroughly relaxed. Want to bet on it?”

  With his strong arms around her, Sam’s insecurities began to fade. “Guess I’ll probably lose that one if you keep kissing me.”

  He brought her close and kissed the top of her head. “I have the strangest feeling we won’t get to those sundaes. Once your body is pressed to mine, I lose all interest in anything but getting you naked.” His hand stroked down her back and over her soft curves while his hardened body moved seductively. “I think we need a bed, and I know just where to find one,” he said in a low, rough whisper.

  Sam felt
his arousal, and it raised her temperature several degrees. When his mouth descended again, hers opened to welcome him. All thoughts of the differences between them vanished as she was caught in the passion they shared.

  Forcing himself to step away, he took her hand and led her out of the living room and down the hall to his bedroom. He’d already pulled back the covers and set one of the lights on low when he stowed the overnight bag earlier. “I was planning on a slow seduction scene, but I’m too impatient for that,” he admitted. He slipped her knitted top over her head and tossed it on a nearby chair. Her bra followed the same path. Caressing her breasts, he let out a sigh of contentment. “I wouldn’t mind having these in my hands every night of the week.” He bent his head and kissed the taut tips. “I could get used to this big time.”

  And so could she.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Okay sleepyhead, wake up,” Jordan said, sitting next to her on the bed. He trailed a finger down the side of Sam’s face. It was ten minutes after six in the morning, and he’d already showered and shaved. “Sorry to get you up this early, but we have to leave soon.” His hand slipped under the covers to lightly caress her bare body. With a low groan, he pulled it away. In another minute he’d be tempted to join her in bed and forget about his exercise and swimming routine. Standing, he fought for control.

  Sam opened her eyes and rolled onto her back. “What time is it?” It felt like the middle of the night.

  “After six. Do you want to shower here or at your place?”

  She didn’t want to do anything but crawl back under the covers. Sighing, she managed to sit up. “Back home, I guess.”

  Throwing off the towel wrapped around his waist, Jordan hunted through a bureau drawer for his underwear.

  She admired his firm, muscular form as he stood there and pulled out a pair of dark silky boxers. She should get out of bed, but she didn’t have anything on, and the thought of walking around naked didn’t feel right. “Could you bring me my overnight bag?”