A Total Mismatch

by Madelaine Grant

  “I’ve missed you. Seems like ages since you were in my bed.” Leaning close, he kissed her lightly.

  Looking into his eyes and hearing his husky tone, Sam knew he spoke sincerely. Didn’t their differences bother him? Perhaps he could put those aside to concentrate on the areas where they came together–namely in bed. But was that enough for a relationship to flourish?

  ~ ~ ~

  “We’re headed to Port Chester, where my boat’s docked. Then we’ll cruise to the Riverside Yacht Club, where I’ve reserved a mooring. I’ve also made reservations for dinner tonight. No cooking chores for you. It might be a late meal, so I’ve got snacks on the boat in case we’re hungry.” Jordan drove north while he clued Sam in on the coming weekend’s plans.

  “You’ve taken care of everything,” she murmured. She settled back, determined to enjoy every moment of their time together.

  He placed his hand on her thigh. “I try to anticipate what can happen. If the weather cooperates, we’ll be in luck. I can’t arrange anything in that area, as much as I’d like to. Want to listen to music, or are you planning to nap? I know Saturdays are busy at the gallery.”

  “Music would be fine. It won’t stop me from sleeping.” To her pleased surprise, he selected a classical music station. The strains of a Chopin piano sonata came over the air waves. “I didn’t know you enjoyed this kind of music,” she said, turning to him.

  “You don’t know much about me yet. But in time you will. I’ve attended concerts most of my life. When we were growing up in the city, my parents took us to the opera and the ballet. How about you? Did your parents encourage those things?”

  Sam thought back to her childhood years and, with effort, kept her tone neutral. No point in allowing her resentment to show. “My parents spent most of their free time playing golf. They tried to get me interested in the game, but I couldn’t get into it. We did go to the theater often. When I could travel on my own, I went to concerts and dance recitals with my friends. The music we listened to at home was usually country or pop tunes.”

  “I don’t mind that kind of music,” Jordan said. “I do prefer jazz and classical pieces. Maybe one of these weekends we’ll get tickets to a concert at Lincoln Center. Would you enjoy that?”

  “I’d love it!” she exclaimed. With a tight budget, it wasn’t easy to find extra money for concerts and plays. Jordan didn’t seem to think twice about spending money. Even though he had a boat, he was looking for a weekend retreat. Law was definitely a more lucrative profession than art.

  The marina’s parking lot was almost empty when Jordan pulled into a spot. “You should see this place in the middle of summer,” he told Sam. “It’s wall–to-wall people. This is early in the season.” He climbed out of the car and retrieved her overnight and a small cooler from the trunk.

  They walked to the dock leading to his boat. “I came here yesterday to check things out and stock the galley,” he explained. “I also made the bed, so we’re in good shape.”

  “You didn’t leave anything for me to do,” Sam protested.

  He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “I’m saving your energy for more important things,” he replied with a seductive glance.

  Sam’s pulse skittered and heat flushed her face at his implied meaning.

  When she didn’t say anything, he halted a moment, put down the cooler, and brought her close. “Sam, you don’t have to do a thing except enjoy the journey. Let me handle the details.”

  She digested his words, sensing there was a wealth of information behind them. Or was she reading more into it? It was hard to focus when his arms were around her. “Whatever you say,” she whispered, leaning into his warmth.

  “That’s my girl.” He tightened his hold while his mouth found hers for a long kiss.

  ~ ~ ~

  With the wind whipping through her hair, Sam sat beside Jordan as he steered his thirty-foot sloop, Sea Witch, over the open waters. She’d brought along a hooded sweatshirt in case it was chilly and put it on almost immediately. Before taking off, they munched on chunks of sharp cheddar, crackers, and grapes. He gave her a quick tour of the boat, which held a small galley and a dining area, one stateroom with a full-size bed, and a head.

  “I bought the boat from a friend who was moving out of state,” Jordan confided. “Although he assured me it could sleep six people, I usually bring only one person along.”

  “Did you name the boat?”

  “Nah. Maybe I’ll think of something more original one of these days.” He gave a sigh of contentment. “I can really relax out here, especially with you next to me.” He put an arm around her waist while his other kept the wheel steady. “We’ll have to take a longer sail during the next few months. Two days isn’t enough. How do vacations work at the gallery? Is summer a busy time for you?”

  “I usually take my vacations one day at a time. Sometimes I take Tuesdays off, which gives me a longer weekend. And yes, summer is very busy for us. So many people from other countries, as well as out-of-towners, come into New York to soak up the culture. Peter rarely takes a day off unless it’s an emergency,” Sam explained.

  He thought about that for a moment. “Maybe we could stretch it to four days around a holiday weekend like the Fourth of July. How would that work for you?”

  She didn’t like thinking that far ahead. “Why don’t we take it one weekend at a time? You could get tired of my company by July and want a new companion. I hate to make plans in advance and then be disappointed.”

  He frowned at her response. “Why do you say things like that? Don’t you enjoy being with me?” He couldn’t understand her reasoning, and it bothered him.

  “Of course I do,” she exclaimed. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

  He wondered if her first marriage had soured her on planning for a future. Or perhaps something in her family background was the cause. Whatever the reason, he’d get to the bottom of it. But now wasn’t the time or the place.

  During dinner at the Riverside Yacht Club, Jordan raised the subject on his mind. “Sam, what can I do or say to convince you I’m serious about us? I get the feeling you’re waiting for me to take off at the first hint of trouble. I’m not that kind of person. In the past, I’ve had several long-term relationships. True, they didn’t end in marriage, but that doesn’t mean I’m not reliable.” He placed his hand over hers.

  “I guess it’s a matter of trust. It takes a while for me to rely on someone. We’ve known each other only a month.” She turned to gaze out the window at the gathering darkness for a moment and then faced him. “And we’re so different. To be honest, I couldn’t see myself living in your place. It’s too clean and organized. I’d feel uptight and afraid of messing things up. It’s not the way I want to live.” She had to be upfront with him.

  He nodded. “I could tell you weren’t at ease. Except in my bed,” he said with a grin.

  “But we can’t be in bed all the time,” she argued.

  “True. Although that thought is a great fantasy. I’ll have to think of a compromise or solution because you are definitely in my future, whether you know it or not.”

  Chapter 24

  “You’re spoiling me,” Sam declared, lounging back against the pillows on Jordan’s bed. It was after ten on Sunday morning on the Sea Witch.

  “I like to spoil you.” Jordan placed a breakfast tray between them and slipped back under the covers. “There’s only room for one person in the galley, and, as you can see, I didn’t do much cooking.”

  The tray held two glasses of orange juice, assorted warm muffins, a carton of whipped cream cheese, and a small jar of strawberry jam. “I did boil water for your peppermint tea,” he admitted. “That’s the extent of my cooking skills.”

  “It was sweet of you to remember.” She was touched by his att
ention. No one ever offered her breakfast in bed unless she was ill. Leaning over, she gave him a light kiss. “Don’t underestimate your culinary prowess. You can put together a great sundae.”

  “Unfortunately, the freezer on this boat is too small for cartons of ice cream. We’ll have to indulge later on the shore.” He took a long swallow of orange juice and settled back. “I’m half-tempted to spend the next few hours relaxing here, but I did want to sail up the coast. I thought Mystic would be a good destination. If we don’t get that far, there are other small towns we could explore.”

  Sam didn’t care one way or the other. She was content to be with him, doing whatever he wanted. There were no outside interruptions to worry about, which was a huge plus. “Whatever you decide is fine with me.” She sipped her orange juice and selected a blueberry muffin. Slicing it in half, she spread cream cheese and jam onto it.

  “This is delicious.”

  “You’re delicious. I only wish we had a week away instead of two nights. How early do you have to be back on Monday?”

  She remembered her hair salon appointment. “I should be home by noon. I’m getting my hair done at three.”

  “Women and their hair. Growing up with three sisters gave me quite an education on that subject. I can’t tell you how many times they changed hair styles and colors. One day they’d try a strawberry-blonde shade, and the next week they’d be a brunette.” He munched on a corn muffin liberally covered with cheese and jam.

  “Maybe having sisters was a plus,” Sam ventured. “It gave you an inside view of women and helped you become more sensitive to their needs.” Jordan definitely knew the way to a woman’s heart.

  “Do you really think so? I’ve never thought of it that way. My sisters were older–six, eight, and ten when I was born. I felt like I had three little mothers besides my actual one.” He smiled ruefully.

  “At least they paid attention to you.” She wouldn’t have minded being mothered by her sisters.

  “Well, I was a novelty. After three girls, my parents had a son. So I did get lots of attention and was probably spoiled too.” When she didn’t respond, he said, “Do you think I’m spoiled?”

  It was a leading question–one she didn’t care to answer. “I don’t know you well enough to comment.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re afraid of being honest. Admit it.”

  Stung by his laugh, she said, “Well, if you really want to know, you can be quite arrogant at times.”

  “That’s better,” he murmured with a tender smile. “I can take criticism, so don’t hesitate to speak up.”

  This was unusual–a man who actually wanted feedback. But was he just saying so? Sam couldn’t be sure. She concentrated on eating her muffin and sipping tea.

  They ate breakfast in companionable silence. “I can tell you’re mulling over my last words,” he said. “You’re wondering if I really am tough enough to take constructive criticism. Actually, it would depend on the person making them. If I valued that person’s opinion, I’d be apt to listen carefully. I think we all want to improve ourselves and gain objectivity. What do you think?”

  She cast a wary glance in his direction. Was this a prologue to a frank discussion of what Jordan found wrong with her lack of housekeeping skills? Sam couldn’t be sure. “I guess so,” she finally said. “But vacations are not the time to bring up controversial subjects. Let’s stick to agreeable things.”

  He could tell the issue was making her nervous. And he’d promised her a relaxing trip. “Fine with me. We’ll table it for another time.” He removed the tray and placed it on a nearby chest of drawers. Coming back to bed he said, “Let’s cuddle a few more minutes. Then we’ll dress and head out.”

  ~ ~ ~

  They never did reach Mystic. Instead, they moored the boat in the tiny town of Stony Creek and had a late lunch at a seafood restaurant overlooking the water. Afterward, they walked about, browsing in small stores and enjoying the salty sea air.

  “If it wasn’t so far from the city, I’d be looking around for a weekend place here,” Jordan said. “I love this kind of ambiance.”

  “I like it too,” Sam agreed. “If I painted boats and water scenes, this would be ideal.” She breathed in the scent of fresh fish and seaweed. “You’re right though. It’s much too long a commute. I’m sure you’ll find something closer.”

  “When we retire, we’ll have to remember this place,” he commented casually, taking her hand in his.

  Startled by his assumption that they’d still be together years from now, she stopped and stared at him.

  “Shocked you, didn’t I?” Amusement lurked in his eyes.

  Then she relaxed. He was just kidding. “Not at all,” she demurred. “Who knows what the future holds?” If he could be light-hearted, so could she.

  Oblivious to passersby, he swept her into his arms for a long embrace. “I’m serious, Sam,” he whispered. “Don’t know exactly why, but you fit my needs more than anyone I’ve ever met.”

  She knew he meant sexual compatibility, and there she had to agree. But what about all the other elements of a lifelong partnership? And what could happen when passion disappears and reality sets in? Not wanting to spoil their time together, she didn’t voice those thoughts.

  Before returning to the boat, Jordan insisted on buying them matching navy-blue hoodies with the name of the town printed on the back. “Now we look like we belong.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “You’re a sweet and generous man. I’ll have to paint your portrait one of these days.”

  “Only a portrait?” He sent her a glance with arched eyebrows.

  “I don’t think you’d stand still long enough for a full-length figure painting. At least you could sit while I do your face.” She tilted her head to one side with a thoughtful look. “On the other hand, you do have a fabulous body–all lean and muscled. Maybe I could take some photos and work from those.” Her artist’s mind was busy speculating on just what kind of poses she’d attempt with him.

  “Exactly what type of photos and poses were you thinking of?” Jordan queried with a mischievous gleam in his dark eyes.

  “You’ve got a horny mind!” she exclaimed. But she couldn’t help laughing when he sent her a lascivious grin. “I think we need to cool down with some ice cream.”

  “Now that’s a brilliant idea,” he rejoined.

  ~ ~ ~

  Monday morning came much too quickly. Jordan woke Sam at eight, so they could have a leisurely breakfast before cruising back to Port Chester. “I said I’d get you home by noon,” he reminded her when she tried to sneak back under the covers.

  “I know, I know,” she murmured. “This has been so delightful. I hate going back to the real world.” Then she sat up and reached for the glass of orange juice he’d brought her. “I could get used to this. Imagine sailing around the world for a year. Wouldn’t that be spectacular?” Her eyes took on a dreamy expression.

  “Never mind a year. I’d settle for a whole week,” he exclaimed.

  She was silent a moment. “I might just consider that. Sometimes Heidi Norris fills in for me. I can ask her if I know the dates you’re free.”

  This is a positive change, Jordan thought. “See if she’s available the week of the July Fourth holiday. That’s a good time to be away from the office. If not that week, I’ll take any week you’re able to arrange.” His mind started working on all the possible places they could travel to, such as Block Island, or even Cape Cod.

  She was literally playing with fire, making plans so far in advance. But what the hell, if it didn’t work out, she could always plan a trip somewhere on her own. There were several appealing places not far from the city with art centers and museums to investigate. Working at the gallery almost nonstop these last six years called for a change of pace
. “I’ll contact Heidi when I get into the gallery tomorrow,” she promised him.

  “Good girl. After all, it’s only seven weeks away. I’m looking forward to next weekend, even though you’ll be working part of the time for the brewery boys. Our evenings will be for us, right? Since they’ve booked a room for you at the hotel, I thought I’d join you when you’re free. Do you have any idea of the hours they need you?”

  She shook her head. “I’m meeting the Berdoga guys and Max at the Blue Monkey at five-thirty on Tuesday. They’ll give me all the details. Peter said he’d sit in on the talks just for support. I could use that since it might be a little awkward with Beth and Sean still cool toward me.”

  Jordan frowned. “You could have asked me if you needed help. I’m available if I have prior notice.”

  This was a ticklish situation. Putting a hand on his shoulder, she said, “Your appearance there could raise a red flag for the Fullers and make things even more uncomfortable. Peter is neutral and can smooth the rough edges of this first encounter. If everything goes well, and Beth and Sean have gotten over their anger, I’ll suggest bringing you there for dinner in the near future.”

  He was silent a moment as he thought the matter over. “Maybe you’re right. Although with the way they’ve treated you these past few weeks, I can’t ever see myself being close to those people. I know she’s been a friend for years, but friends are supposed to support you when there’s trouble. Do you really think you could forgive her?”

  Sam sucked in a long breath. He’d raised a point that hurt to consider. “I don’t know,” she replied slowly. “Beth was like a sister to me. We phoned each other almost every day. It hasn’t been easy to give that closeness up. I’ll have to take it slow and see if we can connect again.”