A Single Date (Dating Just Got Serious) Read online

  With all the right answers, he drank the contents of glass in one gulp. “Well, which one will it be? Plan A is a little less expensive than Plan B, but with Plan B you get that huge walk-in closet that wasn’t on your list of must-haves.”

  “I can’t believe I’m saying this but I want Plan B. That closet is fabulous. I should have thought of it. When will you get started?”

  He stood up. “As soon as you put on some shoes.”

  Chapter Three

  On her hands and knees of the floor of her closet, Yani paused to slow her breathing while looking for her shoes. Last night her dad would have been proud with the way she’d stood up to Drew. Today, he’d be disappointed if he could hear her heart thumping against her chest.

  The man standing in her kitchen couldn’t be the same person she met yesterday. Drew still sported his signature ponytail, but in his starched white shirt and jeans he didn’t look like anybody’s handyman. He could have been the Harvard graduate or professional man her parents would adore.

  Drew’s strong jaw and business ethic could even fool her highbrow father into thinking he was pure blue-blood through and through. But her father wasn’t easily fooled, and once he found out about Drew, he’d start his traditional rant about her wasting time with men beneath her station in life. He found something lacking in every man she liked. Her mom and dad wouldn’t be happy until she was marching down the aisle with one of those boring country club, shallow-minded elitist duds.

  As long as her parents stayed in Florida, they’d never have to know she was interested in a man who made his living with his hands. She shook away the deceitful thought as she opened another shoebox.

  The Silverman contract had her so busy she didn’t have time to date anyone, much less cruise the clubs looking for the perfect man. If the handsome hunk in her kitchen giving her a hard time wasn’t attached, he’d do just fine for a hot fling. He checked all her must-have boxes, even down to the big hands and muscular build. Just thinking about holding on to him made her feel carefree and careless. From now until Memorial Day, she’d figure something out.

  She found the wedge sandals and slipped them on. Even if he wasn’t the contractor for her, hanging out with him could be fun. Every stuff-shirt executive she’d dated in the last few months had as much personality as a dead fly. She could see her mother shaking her red lacquered acrylic nail at her for thinking about dating a man who swung a hammer. Yani’s Ivy League education was supposed to put her in contact with doctors and lawyers. But if she had to spend another date listening to the right man talk about himself and his car and his stereo or investments all evening she’d expire. They might have the pedigree her parents thought was so important, but they had no passion.

  “I’m ready,” she said as she entered the kitchen.

  Drew had a retractable tape measure stretched across the kitchen counter. With expert precision, he captured the dimensions of the counter and cabinets with a swiftness that was hard to ignore. He punched a number into his cell phone before snapping the tape shut and shoving it into the pocket of his jeans.

  “Let’s ride.” He opened the front door and waited while she locked up. They made their way down the curved walk.

  “I can drive.” She dangled her keys on her index finger. She stopped at her car.

  Without slowing his easy gait, his thick golden brow arched. “We’ll take my truck.” He pointed to the rusty blue bomb parked next to her car.

  “You don’t expect me to ride in that thing, do you?”

  “I most certainly do. What’s wrong with it? You know, if you were anymore uptight, you’d be wooden.” He glanced at his truck, then back to her.

  She saw laughter in his eyes as he opened the passenger side door, so there was no sting in his comment. The inside looked better than the outside, but not by much. At least the seats were clean, but a collection of empty water bottles and wrappers cluttered the floor.

  “Put on your seatbelt.” He started up the truck and backed into the street.

  She held her feet close together in the only small clean space on the floor. Maybe her mother had a point. ‘Right men’ didn’t drive pick-ups or work vehicles. “Does your truck always look like this?”

  “Pretty much. I’ve had a busy schedule lately. The truck takes last place. You might as well breathe. You can’t hold your breath until we get there.”

  “I don’t mean to be…uppity…it’s just—”

  “I can tell you’re not used to driving around in something like this, but it’s efficient. If we need to pick up something today, it will fit in the back.” He nodded at the truck bed.

  “You have a habit of insulting me in the nicest way.”

  “I don’t mean to. It’s just obvious you only want the best. Look at you, even on a Saturday, while shopping for flooring and counters, you’re dressed in four hundred dollar sandals and designer shorts.”

  “How do you know what my shoes cost?” She wiggled her toes, examining her new pedicure.

  “I have sisters. All they do is talk about clothes and shoes.”

  “I work very hard for everything I have.”

  “Noted. Tell you what. Don’t judge me by my truck and I won’t judge you by your clothes. Does that sound like a deal?”

  “Only if you promise note to judge me because I missed a few appointment, too. Then maybe we can work a deal. Now tell me how long you’ve worked for Bryant Construction.”

  He glanced at her with a smirk. “For about two years now.”

  “I actually thought I’d be working with Mr. Bryant on my reno.”

  “I hope I’ll do. I’m more than qualified for this project.” His clipped tone indicated she’d probably offended him. But when her father suggested she use Bryant Contracting he’d gone on and on about how wonderful the man had been when they added the addition to their house years ago. Mr. Bryant had to be near sixty now, so spending the day with Drew was the bonus for a day of looking at wood and kitchen stuff. At least he didn’t keep looking at his watch or regaling her with tales of his 401-K.

  She sat back. “Well, I imagine Mr. Bryant would have been easier to work with, but you might do,” she said with satisfaction.

  #

  Drew suppressed the chuckle bubbling in his throat. Her comment was about as transparent and easy to read as a children’s primer. But he’d allow her the little jab about his truck and what she imagined was his profession. History had taught him that flying below the radar had its advantages. A man on a mission had to keep his priorities straight even if a raven-haired beauty pushed him to distraction.

  Part of her charm was the scrappy way she came at him. But he didn’t feel up for a fight today.

  Let her think Uncle Harrison still ran the business. As long as she let him re-do the kitchen and bath, he could prove his father wrong, and that was a good day. She probably thought he was some poor slug who worked for Bryant construction. The idea made him snicker.

  “How long will it take you to do the work?” she asked without looking his way.

  “So you decided I’m your man, huh? I knew you’d come around.”

  “I just don’t have time to break someone else in. So I’ll make do with you. How long have you been doing this kind of work?” She continued to stare straight ahead.

  “Don’t worry. He wouldn’t have turned me loose on the public unless he thought I could do the job.” He found a parking space in the lot of Kitchens and Cabinets and turned off the engine. She jumped out before he could open the door for her.

  “Wow, look at all that granite,” she squealed as soon as they stepped onto the showroom floor.

  “Please don’t get starry-eyed. Almost everything in here will look good. This is going to be a long day, so I need you to hang with me and try to visualize my recommendations.”

  The luminous smile she produced had him imagining her tangled between his Egyptian cotton sheets. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the cabinet display. Her sex appeal was off the
scale, luring him in subtle ways. She smelled good, she looked even better, and her walk could stop a high-speed train. Even though she was the complete package, she seemed unaware of the way she turned heads.

  “How can I help you and your wife?” the salesman asked as he approached, wringing his hands.

  “We’re not married,” Drew replied as he stepped in front of Yani.

  “No.” She gave the salesman a stern look. “We just want to see your kitchen displays.”

  The salesman pointed them in the proper direction and scurried away to help another customer.

  “You didn’t have to bite off his head,” Drew said.

  “Why would he make the assumption we were married?”

  “He was just being very friendly, hoping to make a sale. Besides, I was holding your hand.”

  “Why are you taking his side?” she asked.

  “What’s really got you so riled up about his comment? You couldn’t see yourself married to a man who makes a living working with his hands, or one who drives a truck, or is it both?”

  The cheerful expression vanished from her face, replaced by uncertainty. She blinked. “You’re a nice man, Drew. We’re just different. But I’d marry anyone as long as they thought I was more important than how the Dow closed or the final football score. Do you think I’m asking for too much?” She cut her gaze away and focused on a contemporary kitchen setup, like she’d said too much.

  He had to tilt his head down to see her. “No, that’s not too much at all.”

  “Besides, he shouldn’t make those kinds of inferences to people he doesn’t know.”

  “Look at me and say that.” He spun her around to see her if her eyes were in agreement with her words. He wanted to know the truth about her concern. Did she think he wasn’t good enough for her?

  “I think he was unprofessional. Nothing more. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll prove it.” She leaned over and planted her lips against his. The quick gesture surprised him. She pulled away before he could get a good taste. But his body perked up.

  “Oh, you want to tease, do you?” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pushed his tongue into her mouth. He expected her to pull away. Instead, she welcomed him by sliding her tongue over his in a kiss so sweet, trouble had to be close behind. Together they performed an intimate performance in the middle of the store that only the two of them could enjoy.

  She eased away from him. “Okay, I think we both made our points.” Her eyes twinkled like ornament lights. “And you’re a good kisser.” Her voice was husky.

  “That’s because I had so much to work with.” He held her gaze.

  Several seconds ticked by. Her eyes zipped over his face and he wanted to say more, but the time wasn’t right. “Look, we better start shopping or your reno won’t be complete until Labor Day.”

  Chapter Four

  Getting back in the messy truck at the end of the day was easy. Yani was too exhausted to care about the collection of refuse. She kicked aside as she placed her head against the headrest. After looking at an endless selection of stone, tile, granite, and cabinets, she should have been able to forget about her desire for him. But her attraction wouldn’t tap out.

  “That was more exhausting than I imagined. I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired after shopping.” She closed her eyes.

  “We’ll have to make a few more trips, but we’ve done enough to get started.”

  “I thought we’d have more than a hot dog for lunch. I’m starved,” she said without opening her eyes.

  He snorted. “I’m just trying to please the customer by not wasting time with fancy meals. You claimed time was of the essence. The sooner I can get started, the sooner I’ll finish.”

  “You can tell Mr. Bryant that you were perfect. I didn’t even mind having to go to three different quarries to find the right back-splash for the kitchen.”

  “I deserve hazard pay for trying to keep you on budget. I thought you were going to bite me when I tried to talk you out of that marble.”

  She smacked his arm, with a laugh. “Thank you. I do tend to get a little carried away. I have to work so hard because I live so well.”

  He pulled the truck to a stop in front of her condo and turned it off. She didn’t want to leave him yet. Even though they hadn’t been on a date, her stomach had turned into a nest of nerves. A single date with Drew would be better than all the dates she’d had in the past year combined.

  “Why don’t you come in? After the way I treated you the least I can do is fix you dinner. I can feed you better than you fed me. I might even have some beer.”

  He opened the truck door and walked around to help her out. “Dinner sounds good, the beer not so much. But if you have another bottle of wine, I’ll accept.”

  “I’m sure I’ve got more wine, a bottle of sparkling red I’ve been dying to try, but I wanted to share it with someone.” She waved him up the walk. The last man she’d invited to dinner was her father, and that was several months ago. The forward woman opening the door for Drew was unrecognizable to her. The only personal thing she knew about him was he had a goddaughter who liked teddy bears. But his swagger had secretly serenaded her all day and she didn’t want to ignore it. Wherever her normally cautious alter ego was tonight she hoped she wouldn’t return to spoil the fun. The pretend kiss in the middle of the showroom floor wouldn’t release her thoughts all day. It was supposed to be a joke, but she wanted more.

  “If you want to clean up first, the guest bath is right down that hall on the left.”

  The way he gazed at her face made her both uncomfortable and jubilant at the same time. There was nothing boring about him. He stood less than a foot away. The slight dimples in his cheeks puckered as he reached for her and drew her closer.

  “This is what I want to do.” He kissed her again, slower this time. The move was so smooth her body responded without hesitation. His big hands cupped the back of her neck, sending a spray of tingles cascading over her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and melted into him. The warm sweet taste of his tongue lingered on hers. He pressed her against the wall.

  She released his tongue to breathe. Her heart raced so fast, she had to fist her hands to control the pace. Drew’s intense gaze penetrated her thoughts. He leaned closer, his lips slightly parted. She pressed her palm to his chest, unable to bear anymore without losing the little self control she had left.

  “I’ve been thinking about doing that again, all day,” he said.

  “I thought only hard surfaces got you excited.” She allowed her palm to linger on his chest.

  “That depends on where they’re located.” He trailed a finger across her throat, a blaze of heat left in its wake.

  “Wait a minute. This is happening so fast.” She turned her head to get a breath of air that didn’t have his scent in it. She wanted more, but fear paralyzed her.

  “Not for me. But I understand.” He held up his hands in surrender and stepped back.

  “It’s just that I don’t know you very well. And…and you’re going to be working on my house— I’m not sure this is the right time to get involved. Things could get very messy. I don’t even know if you’re married, engaged, or living with someone.”

  He nodded without breaking eye contact. “Well, let’s see. I’m not married, or engaged, and I live alone. Do you require any more information before I can kiss you again?” He stretched his arms, pinning her between them as he pressed his palms against the wall.

  “I think that’s enough for now.” She used her thumb to swipe her lipstick from his mouth.

  “If you keep touching me like that, I can’t promise I’ll keep my tongue to myself.”

  “That’s fair warning.” She ducked under his arms and straightened her shirt.

  “How about I meet you in the kitchen in five minutes?” Drew strolled down the hall.

  The view of him from behind was just as awesome as the front view. She wiped her brow as he walked away.

 
Hanging with Drew felt comfortable. Worrying if her lip-gloss had stained her teeth, or if the mustard from the hot dog they ate for lunch was smudged on her cheek had never even crept into her head.

  She hummed while pulling the dinner ingredients and the wine out of the refrigerator. The distraction helped her regain her composure. Since he paid for the hotdogs they ate for lunch, she was happy he’d accepted her dinner invitation. Expecting him to treat her to two meals in one day seemed unfair. Besides, based on the condition of his truck, he couldn’t afford to be frivolous. Drew looked like a man who enjoyed his steak and potatoes. The bone-in ribeye steaks were supposed to be for dinner next week when her dad came for a visit. “He’ll understand,” she murmured as she turned on the broiler.

  “Who’ll understand what?” Drew asked from the doorway of the kitchen. The red flush on his neck was gone now.

  “I was talking to myself. I do that a lot.” She seasoned the meat while looking at him.

  “I see.”

  He came to stand beside her. “I live alone and I don’t think I’ve ever talked to myself.”

  “Sure you have. You must hold conversations in your head. Everybody does. Just because you don’t say it out loud, doesn’t mean you don’t.”

  He laughed. A hardy tone filled with happiness. “Shall I open the bottle?”

  “Please.” She shoved the steaks under the broiler, pretending not to watch as he removed the foil and the cork. His movements were swift and sure, like it was an everyday occurrence for him. In her kitchen, he was as natural as a knot on a log.

  “You know, if you cleaned up your truck, you could get a date.”

  “You think so?” The dimple in his cheek deepened. “And what makes you think I need help dating?”

  “You said you weren’t married or shacking with someone.” She shrugged and turned on the microwave for the potatoes. “Maybe that’s the reason.”