One to Hold (One to Hold 1)

“Nothing.” Her lips pressed together. “And that’s just it. I don’t feel anything toward him. It’s been five years. Five years! And I still can’t imagine marrying him.” She released an exhale. “Sadly, it seems he is not my one true love.”

Reaching across the space, I clasped her hand. “I’m so sorry, Lainey. I had no idea. I’ve been so self-absorbed.”

Her hand covered mine with a squeeze. “Please. You’ve had damn good reasons to be preoccupied. And honestly, I can’t even work up the energy to cry over it. I just want to be done. I think he feels the same.”

I shook my head, but she winked. “So let’s find something new, yes? A desert memento?”

The clinician was finished with my feet and slipping the thin foam flip-flops against my now-smooth soles. “At least let me get changed first.”

The mid-day Arizona heat swirled around us as we walked from the spa lobby across the short, circular drive to the huge, main complex. The resort consisted of three large towers and was all bronze glass, blending nicely with the terrain. Palm trees lined the drive and rocky fountains stood in front of each entrance. I’d slipped on a black skirt and beige tank top and pulled my hair into a low, side ponytail that sent dark curls spilling down my chest. Elaine was wearing a little green dress that made her green eyes glow, and her straight blonde hair hung loose down her back. We both wore flip-flops to preserve our bright salmon pedicures.

The restaurant was crowded as I’d expected, and I tried not to appear to be scanning every face for signs of him. So far, he didn’t seem to be here. As we waited for the hostess to return and seat us, a fellow about our age walked up and requested a table.

He was handsome, with honey blond hair and hazel eyes. He wore khaki shorts and topsiders without socks, and I noticed his biceps were well-toned. He also seemed to have a defined chest under his short-sleeved polo. I had to wonder when the banking industry had gotten so sexy. Elaine noticed him, too, and smiled.

The second hostess marked the plastic board in front of her and handed him a square pager. He stepped back and joined us staring into the enormous tropical fish tank that separated the waiting area from part of the dining room.

My friend glanced at him. “Here for the convention?” she said, switching into full flirt-mode.

His eyes lit when he saw how pretty she was, and he turned to face us. “Yeah,” he said. “You?”

Elaine shook her head. “We’re here for the spa.”

He glanced over her shoulder at me and nodded with a smile. I smiled back, and he returned his attention to her.

“I’m Elaine,” she said, twisting a lock of her hair around a finger as she leaned into him. “And this is my best friend Melissa.”

“Patrick Knight,” he said, shaking her hand and taking a step closer as well. “Nice to meet you both.”

“Are you waiting for someone, Patrick?” The defining difference between Elaine and me was her complete lack of hesitancy around men. Of course, she’d never been given a reason to hesitate.

“Just my boss,” he said. “We were at the gym earlier, and he’s still in his room.”

“Is he a banker, too?”

“Nah.” Patrick had a charming smile with straight, white teeth. “Neither of us are, really. More freelance consultants. Knight and Alexander.”

He handed her a business card, and she took it. But Elaine’s eyes moved from the cream rectangle to Patrick’s torso. “That sounds fascinating,” she said, allowing her eyes to travel slowly up his chest. “I’d love to hear more about your work.”

He cleared his throat, obviously appreciating her admiration of his body. “Why don’t you ladies join us?”

“Oh, we can’t,” I quickly jumped in. I wasn’t ready to meet yet another banking convention attendee. “We’ve got a treatment this afternoon, so we’re kind of on a schedule.”

“Dinner, then,” he insisted.

“Perfect,” Elaine cut me off before I could block her action again. “What time?”

“Eight o’clock? Here?” Patrick once again had Elaine’s hand in his.

“See you then,” she said.

The hostess appeared, perfectly timed to escort us to our table, and as we followed her, I carefully scanned the large dining area for his face.

“Yum!” Elaine caught my arm and leaned into my ear, speaking in a low voice. “Wouldn’t it be lovely to add him to our treatment schedule?”

“Hmm… I think my schedule’s full,” I said, taking a seat at our table.

I cautiously glanced behind me after giving my drink order, but I still didn’t see any sign of him. As far as I could tell, he wasn’t having lunch here.