Love Lessons

“Bossing him around? According to Mike, they spoiled him rotten. Indulged his every whim.”

“Oh, they did,” Bob agreed. “And in return, he let them fuss over him and fret about him, and tell him exactly how they thought he ought to live. Now, he didn’t always take their advice, you understand. He just smiled and let them think he was paying attention to everything they said. But he’s set his heels this time. He isn’t going to let them try to push you around.”

“He doesn’t have to worry about that.”

Grin flashing, Bob patted her back in a conspiratorial manner. “I don’t doubt you can stand up for yourself. Bet you didn’t let your sisters push you around.”

“Actually, I was an only child. Maybe that’s why I’m so perplexed by Mike’s sisters.”

Bob sighed heavily. “I’m real sorry to hear that.”

“That I’m an only child? Why?”

“I was kind of hoping you have a hot single sister. I mean, I would make a play for you, but then Mike would feel the need to bust my head, so I guess that’s out. You wouldn’t have a girlfriend who likes her men a little on the crazy side, would you?”

Catherine smiled. “I only have two close friends. One is married, and the other…”

“What about the other one?” he prodded with eager curiosity. “Is she a lesbian or something?”

“No,” Catherine said, unable to resist a laugh. “She’s an attorney.”

“A lawyer, huh?” He gave it a moment’s thought, then shrugged. “Oh, hey, no one’s perfect. Set it up.”

“Set what up?” she asked in bewilderment.

“Double date. You and Mike, me and the lawyer. We’d make it a triple with Brandon, but I doubt your other friend’s husband would approve. He can just keep trying his luck with the wannabe cheerleader over there.”

The thought of Julia on a date with Bob made Catherine’s head spin. Talk about a match not made in heaven—or anywhere short of Bizarro universe… “I don’t think so.”

“I promise I’ll wear pants,” Bob vowed with an earnestness that amused her again. “You can ask her if she’s interested, right? It might be fun.”

“I’m sure any evening with you would be fun,” Catherine answered honestly. “But I don’t know if Julia would be interested in a blind double date. And to be honest, I don’t even know if I’ll be seeing Mike again after tonight.”

“If it’s up to him, you will be. So that means you must be the one having doubts. You’re not letting the girls scare you off, are you?”’

She cleared her throat. “Um, Bob?”

He led her into a sweeping dance turn. “Yeah, sugar?”

“Butt out, okay?”

He accepted the order as good-humoredly as she had expected. “Yes, ma’am. But if you do see Mike again—and if your friend Julia is interested—give me a call, okay?”

She laughed softly, admiring his persistence. “Okay.”

“And, Doc?” he added as the music ended.

“Yes?”

“If you and Mike do call it quits—you can still give me a call. I’d be willing to risk a busted head.”

“You’re a very nice man, Bob Sharp.” And very good for her ego, which had taken a few blows that evening, she added silently.

He beamed. “I like you, too, Doc.”

They were still smiling at each other when Mike joined them. Frowning from Bob to Catherine, he commented, “You two seem to be getting along.”

“I’ve been wowing her with my deadly charm and animal magnetism.” Bob patted Catherine’s arm.