Читать книгу The Marrying Kind - Judy Christenberry - Страница 9

How could she be alone with him?

The dilemma had kept Diane awake all night, and still plagued her this morning. She couldn’t walk away from a million-dollar investor, yet she couldn’t honestly accept John’s invitation to lunch.

Last night, after his incendiary comment at dinner, he’d kept the conversation light and general—till he leaned in close to invite her to discuss his “portfolio” at lunch tomorrow. From the rumbling sound of his voice, she wondered what he really had in mind.

Maybe she’d invite Mark to join them. He’d be the perfect buffer to keep them on a strictly professional basis.

After she worked up some preliminary projections for John’s investment, she called her coworker and made the offer. “I think John would be more at ease with another man there,” she added, hoping that would seal the deal.

But Mark didn’t fall for it. “I don’t think so, Diane. I got the idea he was determined to take you to lunch alone. He certainly didn’t mention inviting me when we were together last night.”

“He probably thought I would object, but I wouldn’t, Mark. I promise.” She fought to keep the desperation out of her voice.

“What’s up with you two, anyway?”

Diane froze. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean…well, why is he so determined to be with you, while you’re so reluctant?”

“It’s business, Mark, that’s all.”

“Well, I’m free for lunch, but you need to ask John if he wants me to come. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll know I was right.”

“Fine,” she conceded. “But I’m sure he’ll change his mind.” Then she hung up the phone.

“About what?” John asked, leaning against the open door to her office.

Diane gasped. Then she took a deep breath and said calmly, “Hi, John. You’re a little early. I didn’t expect you until noon.” Since it was only eleven-thirty, he was actually a lot early.

“Were you talking about me?”

“Yes, I called Mark to see if he wanted to come with us.”

John raised one eyebrow as she watched in fascination. “What did he say?”

“He said he didn’t think you wanted him along.”

“Smart man. Are you ready to go? I thought we should beat the lunch crowd.”

“John, I don’t mind if he comes, in case you don’t like eating alone with me,” Diane insisted.

“But I want to eat alone with you. I don’t want Mark with us.”

Just as she’d feared.

“By the way, you look great in that color, whatever it is.”

“Th-thank you.” The color was a rosy beige that no doubt paled in comparison to the blush on her cheeks now, thanks to his compliment. She’d deliberated over her choice of clothing for a long time that morning, finally settling on a black pinstripe suit and the pastel blouse she hardly ever wore.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, but—All right, we’ll go. I made a reservation for twelve o’clock.”

“I know. I changed it to eleven-thirty.”

Diane bent to get her purse, then stood. When she came around the desk, John took her hand.

“What are you doing?” she asked, snatching her arm away.

“I was holding your hand.”

“I know, but I’m your banker, not…a woman.” As soon as she said it, she knew it had come out all wrong. “I mean, I bet you don’t hold Mark’s hand.”

He grinned, that white-toothed, wolfish smile. “No, I’ve never swung that way, honey. I’m strictly a ladies’ man.” He ushered her out of her office, whispering to her back, “And just for the record, Diane, you’re all-woman.”

HER CHEEKS STILL BURNED when they finally exited the building. She’d never been so grateful for fresh air.

“My car’s right over there,” she said, pointing to the left.

“Nope, we’ll take mine,” John said. “I know I’m being arbitrary, but I prefer to drive.”

After pausing a moment, she gave in. That was easy to do, and it would please him. She might have to be stronger on things that mattered, so she should store up some good credit in the meantime.

When they reached the restaurant, the maître d’ greeted them both by name. “I have your table ready. Right this way.”

He led them to the most secluded table in the restaurant. Diane supposed it would be good for private business talk, but she didn’t like feeling so isolated with John.

When they’d placed their orders, she launched right into business. “Now, I’ve laid out a plan—”

“Good. But I want to ask you something.”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed, thinking he wanted to ask about her philosophy in investing.

“Why did you say your parents considered you to be a mistake? Surely they don’t think so now.”

Diane just stared at him, aghast. She couldn’t believe he’d asked such a personal question. No way would she answer it. Instead she began outlining her investment plans.

“Wait. You didn’t answer my question.”

“John, we’re here to discuss investing.”

“Look, I know about investing. I just don’t have time to do it myself. Invest half of it in quality stocks that will grow slowly. Invest a quarter in strong stocks that might go up or down, and monitor them closely. And with the rest of it, try a few flyers. Now can we talk about you?”

She blinked in surprise. “If you already knew what you wanted, why did we need to meet to discuss it?”

“Because I wanted to get to know you.”

“But—”

“Isn’t a million enough? I don’t think I can pull out more right now, because I’m starting a new project, but—”

“John, you don’t pay to get to know someone! That’s outrageous!”

“But you seem resistant to the idea.”

“But I’m not the kind of woman you like to date.”

“I know, but I’ve gotten tired of those kind of women. Look, I asked about your parents because I think we may have something in common, that’s all. Is that so bad?”

“No, of course not, but—” The conciliatory look on his face stopped her protest, softened her just enough. “Okay, you win. My parents are Alexander and Karen Black, quite famous archaeologists who teach at Southern Methodist University. They didn’t intend to have children. I was an accident. They’re very self-absorbed people. They hired someone to take care of me and, basically, abandoned me. I sometimes think I might’ve had a better life if they’d let someone adopt me when I was a baby.”

“But aren’t they proud of what you’ve achieved?”

She avoided John’s intense blue gaze. “I doubt they even know. They teach all year and travel all summer. I sometimes have Christmas dinner with them, unless they’re having too big a party. Then they don’t invite me.”

John continued to stare at her. “That’s it? Once a year? They don’t call you?”

“No.”

“Doesn’t that hurt?”

“It used to, but I’ve come to accept it.”

“But that’s inhumane.”

“No, they fed me and paid for someone to keep me safe. The nanny who stayed the longest…I keep in touch with her.”

“How did you get through college?”

“I got to go to SMU free because they were such widely respected professors there. They gave me a small allowance above that. So I did just fine.”

“I think I’d like to punch them in the nose,” John snapped.

She didn’t want to admit that his words meant anything to her, so she asked about his situation. “What about you? Where’s your mother?”

“She died when I was four. Dad always says she was the love of his life, but I figure they would’ve divorced if she’d lived.”

“You don’t believe in love?”

“I can’t say no. I see people like Mark and Elizabeth and they appear to be in love, but my dad doesn’t seem to understand that. I certainly don’t intend to marry and bring children into the world.”

“That’s too bad.”

“You intend to marry? After what you’ve been through?”

“I don’t know. It depends. But I would like to have a child, to give my love to a child.”

“Just think before you do that. It’s a total commitment.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Tell me what you like to do for fun.”

“I…I—” Truthfully, she didn’t do much for fun. Lately there was only work. “Sometimes I read, watch television. I go to an occasional play if it sounds interesting, or the SMU guest series.”

“How about the movies?”

“No, I haven’t seen a movie in years. Most of them seem silly.”

“A little silly now and then doesn’t hurt anything.”

“I suppose you’re right. So you go to movies a lot?”

“Yeah. I get to hold hands in the movies.” He sent her a mock leer.

“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”

“Well, you did get a little bent out of shape about that.”

“How would it look if you were taking a woman out on a business luncheon and she insisted on holding your hand?”

“Hmm, you’re right, that wouldn’t be appropriate. But if it was you, I wouldn’t say no.”

The waiter delivered their meals, interrupting their conversation, which Diane felt was a good thing. She began eating, keeping her gaze on her plate.

“Is your food good?” he asked.

“Yes, of course, and yours?”

“Perfect, just like my dining companion.”

Her eyes shot up, to find him staring at her. “Are you flirting with me?” she demanded.

“Of course I am. Did you just now realize it? I must’ve lost my touch!”

“I don’t find that appropriate behavior at a business lunch.”

“I think it depends on whom I’m having lunch with. I never flirt with Mark.”

“Good.”

“But I’ll always flirt with you.”

“Why? Don’t you respect me?”

“Absolutely, but I also want to sleep with you.”

“You’re being ridiculous!”

“Did I shock you?”

“Yes. I’m not beautiful. You have all these beautiful women pursuing you. Why would you flirt with me?”

“I’ll admit, at first it was because you rejected me.”

She rolled her eyes. “I suppose it was the shock of that happening.”

He laughed. “Yeah. But then it was because you didn’t expect compliments or anything like that. You expected respect.”

“And that was so odd? Surely—”

“Most women I know would sell their soul for a rich man. In fact, they usually do. Those are the kind my father marries. I knew instinctively you wouldn’t do that.”

“That doesn’t change the way I look.”

“You think that’s a problem?”

“Of course. I’m not beautiful. I don’t stand out in a crowd.”

“You stand out to me. Since I’ve met you, you occupy my mind most of the time.”

She put down her fork and sat back in her chair. “I think you’ll get over it quickly.”

He gave her a crooked grin, one that touched her heart. “Maybe, but I don’t think so.”

She picked up her fork and continued eating. What could she say?

After several minutes of silence, he said, “Haven’t you thought about me? At least once or twice?”

She thought about not answering, but he’d been honest with her. “Yes, a time or two. But only because you’ve acted oddly.”

“Ah.”

She’d hurt his feelings. She knew it, but couldn’t help that. She knew she had no chance of a happy ending with someone like John. It would be useless to moon over him.

More time passed, then John spoke again. “If I asked you out to dinner or a movie or something, would you go with me?”

“John, even if I said yes, I don’t sleep around. It would only take once or twice going out and you’d be fed up with me. So what’s the point?”

“If that happens, then I’ll have only myself to blame. Okay? I’m not going to force myself on you. Either we get together because we both want to, or we don’t. Those are the rules I play by.”

“I suppose I could go out once, but it shouldn’t get back to the people at the bank. Do you agree to that?”

“Sure, I can see why that makes sense. I guess I should apologize about wanting to hold hands while we were in the bank. That was bad of me, but I just wanted to touch you so damn bad.”

Her gaze collided with his in surprise. “I—I’m not sure—”

“I apologize, Diane. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m always in control, I promise.”

HE WAS OUT OF CONTROL.

After he left Diane at the bank, John wanted to grind his teeth. He hadn’t realized getting her to talk about her life would stir him up so much. She was such a special person, and totally unappreciated by her parents. He’d wanted to pull her into his arms right there in the restaurant.

Which had caused him to be too honest with her.

Then he’d had to retreat and regroup. But tomorrow was Friday and she’d agreed to see a movie with him. First they’d have dinner and then go to the late film.

He’d need to work out at the gym after office hours before he could trust himself to be around her. Looking forward to a date hadn’t happened to him since ninth grade. But he’d found a woman who inspired him.

His dad called him that afternoon, but John could hardly keep his mind on the conversation. It kept veering back to Diane.

He’d have to convince her to go out with him again. He’d have to find something she liked to do, to tempt her the second time. He’d see what was playing at the Dallas Theater Center. Maybe she’d like to go there. Or he could take her to Antares for lunch, up in the Reunion Tower. That was fun, especially if she was afraid of heights. He could hold her against him to keep her safe. He smiled, thinking about the possibilities.

“Son, are you listening to me?”

John brought his attention back to his father. “Sorry, Dad. Say it again.”

His dad continued on with his monologue, and John tried to force himself to listen, so he wouldn’t be caught off guard again.

Before hanging up, his father said, “By the way, Angi and I want to invite you over for dinner Saturday of next week. Are you free?”

“Yes, but may I bring someone?”

“Oh, you’ve found someone new?”

“Yes, and I’d like for you to meet her.”

“Of course. Who is she? Angi might know her.”

“I don’t think so. But I’ll have to check out the date with her. We haven’t been seeing each other much yet.”

“Okay, I’ll tell Angi to count on two of you for dinner. If she won’t come, find another date.”

“Right.” As if anyone would be interchangeable with Diane. He didn’t think so. She was unique.

And somehow that scared John to death.

DIANE FOUND HERSELF in front of her closet again. It really was time to go shopping, for something other than black or gray suits. Luckily she found a casual plum-colored dress in the back.

She hurriedly redid her makeup and wished she’d agreed to go out on Saturday instead Friday, after an entire day at work. But she hadn’t thought about that in time. She’d been too swept away when he’d asked her out.

She hadn’t intended to accept, of course, but he’d sounded so desperate. That amazed her. No one had ever been desperate to date her. She’d had a steady relationship in college, with a guy who assumed she’d marry him…until he’d fallen in love with another woman.

Diane had been hurt at first, until she realized she really didn’t miss him. She just missed having someone. So she kept to herself and finished out the semester. Then she’d gotten a summer job in a bank and found her future. She liked the decorum of a bank, the security. Even changing her studies to fit a career in banking, she had finished her degree early and gotten hired by Guaranty National right after graduation.

She was satisfied with her existence. She didn’t have much of a social life, but she’d learned to live without others since she was very young. Diane didn’t intend to marry just to have someone around.

But she intended to enjoy the evening, since she’d given in to John’s invitation. It wasn’t something she’d ever make a habit of, but for tonight, she’d make the best of it.

Diane was just spraying perfume behind her ears when she heard a car out front. She leaned over to look out the window and saw John getting out of his Mercedes, early as usual. She picked up her purse and keys and waited until he knocked on the door.

When he did, joy flooded her, unexpected joy. She didn’t think this silly date would mean that much to her. Obviously she needed to get out more often.

She swung open the door, a smile on her lips. But it wasn’t John at the door. It was one of her neighbors, a flight attendant who shared the apartment with five of her colleagues.

“Oh, hi, Betsy. How are you?”

“I’m fine, but I was wondering if you could keep an eye out for a package for me. I’m going out tonight and I figured you’d be here.” She smiled, as if she hadn’t said anything hurtful.

“I’m sorry, Betsy, but I’m going out, too.”

“You are? You don’t usually—” The woman broke off to stare at the handsome man climbing the stairs. “Damn! Which one of my roommates has a date with him?”