A Single Date (Dating Just Got Serious) Read online

“Are you staring at me?” she asked him when she caught him looking at her legs.

  “As a matter of fact, I am.”

  “I think you are supposed to lie when someone catches you.”

  “Normally, but for you I wanted to tell the truth. I don’t make a habit of lying.”

  “Uh-huh.” Yani felt like a schoolgirl, fumbling for the right words. She turned her back on him and broke eye contact. If she didn’t get out of the kitchen soon she just might rip his t-shirt off his tight abs and jump on him.

  “Am I making you uncomfortable?”

  “Only a little. But it’s okay.”

  “What’s okay, the fact that I’m staring at you, or your level of comfort?”

  “Both.” She laughed as she realized they were flirting. She wanted to stop flirting and listen to her heart. With her parents living in Florida it should have been easier to ignore their sobering advice. But Phoebe had listened to her father, and now she was getting married to a wonderful guy. Maybe following her parents’ wishes would lead her to the right man, too. But no one could do to her heart what Drew had managed.

  “You have a beautiful smile.”

  An uncomfortable silence hung between them. Could he sense her desire and her reluctance? She averted her eyes and tried to hush the demands of her body.

  Finally, he said, “I think the new design will fit your lifestyle.”

  “Oh you do, do you?” She leveled her glaze at him wondering why she felt so uncomfortable. Her brain refused to function. Instead of his usual barbed responses, he was being gentler with her. Maybe he detected her angst tonight.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you. Judging from your full pantry and the new commercial range you wanted installed, you must like to cook. The new kitchen will make it easy for you to do that even more, because of the flow.”

  “I love to cook and I enjoy entertaining. Once you’re all done, I can do both.” She flashed a quick smile at him.

  “You shut me down yesterday for dinner, so you still owe me a meal.”

  “What do you mean? We had a nice dinner. An even nicer night. And my memory does serve me correctly.” She dropped her voice to sound sexy.

  “Let me take you out tonight. A real date. Where I put on dress clothes and you put on a nice dress. We don’t argue over the bill and I get to pick the place. You know, like real people do?”

  Before she could reply he continued. “Why don’t you change and I’ll come back for you in an hour?” The alluring set of his mouth was like a serenade. Desire lurked behind his eyes. Every familiar emotion surfaced and held her body captive. She exhaled a little at a time, afraid to say yes, because doors would open that she could never close again and walking through to the other side was both scary and exciting.

  With his stance wide and his muscular arms folded across his chest. He appeared comfortable and relaxed. Yet she was a bundle of nerves.

  She pressed her weight against the counter for support. For a moment, she thought she misunderstood him, but he continued to stare at her. She nodded her head before she could get the words out. “Okay,” she managed. Maybe tonight she could live out the fantasy that had chased her all day. The one where he gathered her up in his arms cleaned away all the old relationship cobwebs. The one where they were a real couple on a real date. Even if it was a single date.

  “For a moment I thought you were going to turn me down and break my heart.”

  “Break your heart?”

  “You heard me right.” He pressed her body against his. She could see a tiny imperfection under this chin, a small half moon scar that resembled his smile. “I’ll be back in an hour.”

  Her eyes never left his masculine physique while he collected his tools and walked out. The invitation stunned her. As soon as his truck pulled away, she dialed Cat’s number.

  “He asked me out, again,” she yelled as her friend answered the phone.

  “What did you say?”

  “I said okay. I can’t believe I agreed. He gave me this look, this intense stare that almost dared me to say no.”

  “Maybe you’re coming to your senses.”

  “This is crazy. But he seemed so confident and sure of himself. The way he looked at me was enough to get me excited. This feels so right. I’m so excited my stomach is doing somersaults. You would think this is my first date,” Yani groaned.

  “When are you going out?”

  “Tonight. He’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m supposed to change into a dress.”

  “Then you better get off the phone and put on something sexy. Forget the uptight suits you wear to work.”

  “Cat, all day long all I thought about was Drew. I have never had my thoughts so preoccupied by a man before. Now I know what you and Phoebe must feel for your men. I know you’re going to think I’m crazy, but I think I’ll pursue this. If Drew is halfway serious about me I’m going to do it. I can’t believe how close I came to letting him slip out of my life. I don’t care what my parents think. As a matter of fact, today I actually told my father he couldn’t come early for the wedding. So somehow, I’ll deal with my mom and dad. Once they get to know Drew, they can’t help but know he’s different. They can’t stay mad at me forever. Besides, maybe my brother will do something really stupid and then they can turn their attention on him. What was I thinking?”

  “I knew you would come to your senses. Now go and have fun. And do everything I’d do, if you know what I mean.” Cat laughed as she ended the connection.

  Yani raced upstairs to change clothes and tried to control her excitement. Not since her daring college days had she done something so far from her normal convention. Her heart raced as she pulled off her navy blue blazer and pencil skirt, and tossed them on the bed. Instead of putting on her favorite black mini dress, she rummaged through her closet until she found the silk butterfly halter sheath. The way it caressed her butt, he’d have a hard time turning her down. Maybe Cat was right, she thought as she dug in her closet for a pair of shoes to make her legs longer and sexier. She could keep her nose in the air and be alone or accept the crooked smile offered by Drew.

  When the doorbell rang, she grabbed her purse and charged down the stairs. Before she opened the door, she took a deep breath to keep from hyperventilating. She had to calm down or she might just jump into his arms when he walked inside.

  “Ready?” he asked when she opened the door.

  She needed to breathe, but looking at him made it hard. If she thought Drew was handsome in his jeans and T-shirt that was only because she hadn’t seen him in a suit. The black suit with fine grey pinstripes and the starched white shirt with black onyx cufflinks made him look like he was prepared for a boardroom.

  She strolled around him while examining him from head to toe. “You look…you look like a different person. Where’s the ponytail?” She brushed her fingers through his hair.

  “Did you think I only had a closet full of jean and work shoes?”

  She shook her head. “I sound like a snob, don’t I?”

  He cupped her chin to lift her face. “Only to people who don’t know you like I do.”

  “Before we leave I need to say something to you.” She paused long enough to manage the flutter in her heart. “I was attracted to you from the very first day I saw you. But I have been trying to resist the attraction. Some of the reasons aren’t so important, but I will say I was afraid. I’m not afraid anymore, Drew.”

  “I think I know the reasons, princess. But you’re right, they aren’t important. I’m just glad you’re finally ready to admit your feelings. I’ve been waiting on you to own them.”

  Could he understand what she was going through? He grabbed her by the waist, his fingers pressing into her. His lips hovered over hers. She couldn’t wait another moment to taste him. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him. He yielded, accepting her tongue. Spending the rest of her life wrapped in his arms and attention would be wonderful.

  “Anyway, one day I’ll tell you all ab
out it. But tonight’s not the time to discuss my shortcomings. You’ll know them all soon enough,” she said.

  His straw-colored hair hung damp and curled in ringlets around his face. Yani swallowed, almost overwhelmed by the heady emotions.

  He stood several inches taller, so she had to tilt her head to see his eyes. They blazed with such intensity she took a quick breath.

  Without saying a word, he lowered his mouth over hers. She accepted it and relaxed, savoring the moment. A warm commotion started at the base of her neck and flowed across her skin like a wave of heated oil. His hand electrified her skin through the thin fabric of her dress. If he was as hungry for her as she was for him, they’d have instant sparks.

  “I like your style, Drew.”

  “If that’s the case, you’ll love me by the end of the night.”

  She reached for his hand as he led her to the car. She was a lot closer to loving him than he could have imagined. But that bit of information she needed to keep to herself for now. No use in scaring the man away when she just realized she was ready to change her life for him.

  He opened the truck door for her.

  “You cleaned up the truck?” she said

  “Yes, yesterday, before you decided to stomp off to your bedroom. There’s something I want to tell you, too. I’d planned to talk to you last night, but you weren’t in a listening mood.”

  Before pulling her feet into the truck, she asked, “What is it, Drew?”

  “I’ll tell you at dinner. It’s not earth-shattering.”

  “You’re sure?”

  He tapped her leg. She swung them around in the seat while still staring at him.

  “I’m sure.”

  He closed her door and ran around to the driver’s side. He climbed into the driver seat and strapped on his seat belt.

  “Last night, your eyes were saying you were going to accept my invitation until your friends showed up and ruined your mood. They don’t do their little double team thing too often, do they?”

  “You knew what was going on?”

  “Of course. But teasing you is so much fun. The more we piled on, the more your lips stuck out. You have the prettiest pout I’ve ever seen.”

  She faced him. “You’ve been working on my house for almost two weeks and we’ve been pretending or ignoring this thing between us. We really should talk.”

  “Maybe over dinner tonight, I’ll tell you a few things about me. You said you had some questions, so I’ll answer every one of them.”

  “There’s a lot about you I want to know, I hope there aren’t any convictions or zombie in your past. I really think that might be too much to handle in one night.”

  “I think I can manage your questions. I’ll answer some tonight, the rest the next night.”

  “Maybe after dinner we’ll both go running in opposite directions. You’re that sure of yourself, huh?”

  “Princess, I’ve been in your kitchen and bathroom, the two most personal rooms in your house. I’ve seen what you eat, I’ve seen those little things you call panties, and I’ve seen what they are supposed to cover. I have a pretty good sense of who you are, and I know you wouldn’t have let me near your precious body if you didn’t feel something for me. So yes, I’ll be around tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that one.” He nodded with certainty.

  “You think you’re so smart. Let me see what I know about you.” She glanced over the seat and examined the car. “You love your big work boots. You must have ten pairs and none of them appear to get much wear. Even when you’re wearing your ponytail, your hair is cut to precision, so you must have a streak of vanity. You clean up good, because even though I expect to see dirt under your nails, there’s nothing there, ever, and you have a thing for pink teddy bears.”

  “Very observant. I have to hand it to you.” He pulled into the valet lane in front of the restaurant on the pier.

  “Yeah, but I don’t know where you live. I know you have sisters, but I have no idea how many or if you have any brothers. I do know there is one goddaughter in your life that I’d love to meet.”

  “I would answer your questions now, but then you wouldn’t be able to interrogate me during dinner.”

  Holding hands, they strolled toward the entrance. An attendant opened the door as they approached.

  They walked inside hand-in-hand. All the apprehension about saying yes to him evaporated the moment she’d walked down the stairs in her house. Somewhere she’d find the courage to stand up to her parents. Drew was too good to keep hidden.

  “This is quite an exclusive place. I hear it can takes weeks to get a reservation, so how…”

  He pressed his index finger against her lips. “Again, hold on to the questions until after we’ve at least had a glass of wine.”

  “Mr. Sizemore, your table is ready,” the hostess said as soon as they stepped up to the walnut podium.

  “How does she know your name?” Yani asked.

  “Shhh,” he whispered.

  Yani tried to squash the dubious angst stirring in her stomach. They were seated at an elegant circular booth. She slid in and Drew sat beside her. He didn’t need to impress her. She was already committed to something with him, even if it was hot dogs a few times a week.

  The server placed the wine menu on the table and disappeared. Drew looked as comfortable here as he did spackling drywall. After ordering a three hundred dollar bottle of champagne, he turned his attention to her.

  “Are we celebrating something?”

  “Yes. Us.” He winked at her.

  “Okay, Drew, I’ve almost bitten my tongue in half.” She glanced around the elegant dining room. “This is very nice, but you don’t need to go overboard to impress me. I’m hooked already.”

  “Princess.” He placed his hand over hers. “I’ve got this.”

  She sighed and leaned back against the leather booth. “Don’t you think it’s time you tell me about yourself?” She folded her hands on the table and willed the butterflies in her stomach to settle down. It was going to be a long night.

  “I would have answered your questions any time you wanted. All you needed to do was ask.”

  “You could have volunteered some information.”

  “Maybe you’re right. I’m Drew Sizemore. I don’t work for Brian Contracting, I own it. Brian is my uncle, and since he’s retired, I’m trying to save his company.” He shrugged a shoulder. “My father doesn’t think it can be done and my mother is hoping I prove him wrong. I come from a very competitive family. I was only supposed to spec out your job then turn it over to my crew, but when I saw you strutting up your sidewalk, I knew I would find a way to stick around.”

  “So when you’re not deceiving women, what do you really do?” In the dim light of the restaurant she had to shift to see his face.

  “I own a consortium of companies, but I really like working with my hands. I didn’t deceive you. I’m very hands on, and so I’m often at a site supervising the work. In your case, I decided to show up every day. It had extra benefits.”

  “So why are you riding around in the beat-up truck?”

  “You don’t expect me to do construction work in a luxury car, do you? Can you imagine what it would look like with toolboxes and mud-caked shoes in the back seat?”

  “I thought you were a carpenter.” She dropped her head, hoping he wouldn’t see the stupid look in her eyes.

  “I am, but I’m more than just a man with a hammer.”

  The server returned and popped the cork. After pouring the champagne, she disappeared.

  “This whole time you let me believe all the wrong stuff about you.”

  He leaned away from her. With his hands resting in his lap, he studied her. “You weren’t totally incorrect about me, princess. Around you, I was myself. I didn’t have to worry about what I said or how I said it or you cancelling the contract.” He planted a tender kiss on her lips. “I didn’t even have to dress up everyday and you still let me get between t
hose legs.”

  “Were you laughing at me behind my back the whole time?”

  “Not once. Every day I hoped you’d invite me back into your bedroom. And I was thankful for every time that you did.”

  Chapter Eight

  After their meal Drew paid the check without taking his eyes off her. If it was possible she grew prettier every time he looked at her. Somewhere between dinner and dessert she seemed to relax. After their meal, she knew everything about him except the name of his first grade teacher.

  “I’d planned to take you to a private showing of some new movie release. But I can’t remember the name of the film, and I’d much rather take you back to my place. There aren’t any ripped out walls and I have a priceless view of the city. So how about it?” He placed his hand on her knee and inched upward.

  She put her napkin on the table and folded it. With her palm on top of the neat squared linen, she said, “Are we a couple, now?”

  Her boldness would never get old. “We’ve been a couple for some time. I haven’t been seeing anyone and neither have you. So if you’re ready to make it official, then we’re a couple.”

  Her whole face brightened as her lips shifted into a big smile. “I kind of liked the idea of you being my handyman. Thinking of you as a corporate tycoon is going to take some getting use to.”

  “I’ll be whatever you want me to be. If you need something fixed tonight, I’ve got just the tool you need.” He kissed her again.

  “Then we better get started on your new project. Me. Before all my plumbing goes haywire.”

  He escorted her out of the restaurant. In the car, her dress road up her legs, exposing her luscious thighs. At each stop light, he stole a quick glance. By the time he pulled into his garage he wasn’t sure if he’d get her upstairs before his need to devour her took over.

  “I should have known, she said the moment they stepped into the exclusive penthouse elevator. When the doors glided open, revealing his spectacular view of Center City, Philadelphia, she spun around to face him. “Why does a single man need a place this big?”

  “To impress you.”