Checking Every Box

“That’s what I told him,” she said quickly. “But he also said that you’re older, and that I shouldn’t be going out with men like you.” That sad little pause again. “I know he’s just trying to be a good brother, but sometimes he’s seriously overprotective.”

“All right. I could understand that. But he certainly doesn’t control you, does he?”

“No. But I’ve been working so hard this past year to prove myself that it would all seem like a waste if he suddenly fired me, or gave me less responsibility. I was hoping for much more.”

“What about this,” I suggested. “What if you dropped by simply because you already promised to help me pick a dining room table? You would simply be fulfilling a promise, which would be an honorable thing to do. Right?”

It was quiet, but I think she giggled. “Right.”

“And if I was a pushy man who insisted on feeding you while you were here, that certainly wouldn’t be your fault now, would it?”

“Absolutely.”

“I don’t want to cause trouble, Heather, but I really want to see you.”

Her soft little voice was so sweet as she whispered, “Is it weird that I almost feel like I miss you already?”

“I feel the same way, sweetheart. Please, come over as soon as you can.”

“Okay. I’ll be there in an hour.”

Although I was positively thrilled that she was on her way, I was disturbed by Joel’s attitude. I could certainly understand wanting to keep business and personal lives separate. If I were a client who worked with them regularly, that would be different. Or if I had a bad reputation, and he was trying to keep his younger sister away from a disreputable man, I would completely understand.

My professional standing was impeccable. Since I dated so infrequently, my personal reputation was practically zero, certainly in this city.

I suddenly realized with some discomfort that I might have to win over both Heather and her brother in order to have her in my life. No matter, I would do anything to make that happen.

The second Heather arrived, I pulled her into my arms for a deep, gentle kiss before the door had even swung shut. She seemed surprised for a split second, then dissolved into my arms, her lips parting to allow my tongue to graze he

rs as I grasped her body firmly.

“You’re positively delicious, baby,” I murmured, kissing along her cheekbone to nuzzle her ear. “And so beautiful. I’m going to have to take photos of you in case we’re ever apart for that long again.”

Laughing, she placed her hand on my chest and pushed me away. “You’re ridiculous,” she giggled.

She looked positively stunning in a casual but striking silvery gray dress that made her bright eyes pop. Her skirt was a polite length, but it showed off the curves of her shapely calves, and the beautiful round line of her hips.

Taking her hand, I led her to the largest sofa, where dinner was already laid out. “I haven’t ordered dishes yet,” I confessed, “So I’m sorry for the paper plates.”

“At least the cutlery and glasses are real,” she said as she sat down. “That’s the most important part.”

The wine tasted better with her beside me. Classic Chinese food was more delicious while she was telling stories.

Afterward, as she helped me select a new dining room table, a new backless sofa, dishes, cutlery, and everything else I needed for my new home, I realized things just went more smoothly when she was with me.

Taking her hand from my notepad where she had been jotting down details, I brought it to my lips, kissing her soft skin.

“Heather, every time you’re near me it feels like the air is alive with electricity. I’m afraid to tell you everything I’m feeling for you. I couldn’t bear the thought of scaring you away. But I need you to know that I’m yours. Anything you need, anything you want, I want to be the man to give it to you.”

Her mouth fell open and she made the tiniest choked noise. “Um, That’s unbelievably sweet. But isn’t it just a little too soon?”

“You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman,” I said gently. “We can take all the time you like, sweetheart. We can date, get to know each other, eventually move in together and get married. But I want you to know that in my mind, this is already a done deal.”

I leaned in to give her one tiny kiss as I looked into her eyes. “On my wish list of life, beside the line that reads, ‘find a wonderful woman,’ you are a great big checkmark, sweetheart.”

She lifted both hands to hold my face between her palms, looking into my eyes very carefully. Then she kissed me gently. I think she was trying to tell me that she was feeling the same way but we were both so overwhelmed by the moment, everything was a blur.

CHAPTER ELEVEN