Someone Like You

Quinn smiled. “So that’s what this is about. She got you a date and you’re having feelings for her.”

“Not totally. I mean, Teddy is a nice person. I’d have dated her on my own if Mom hadn’t interfered. But I’m not in love with her.”

“What about Veronica and Chloe? Weren’t you in love with them?”

“I thought I was. Veronica was all flash.”

“And Chloe?”

“I’ll never know.”

* * *

The parking lot was nearly empty when Teddy returned from her last appointment. She usually loved it when there was a lot of activity going on, but she was in no mood to deal with overzealous mothers or brides who wanted a wedding the size of a Hollywood star on a budget that wouldn’t support a B-level film. For the past three days, Teddy felt as if she’d been on a merry-go-round. She had rushed from one meeting to another, juggling details, approving orders and trying her best to put Adam out of her mind. The work was nothing compared to thoughts of Adam. The effort resulted in a headache as both sides of her brain warred with each other.

The offices of Wedding by Diana had recently moved from a scenic but cramped building in downtown Princeton to more spacious surroundings on the fringe of the township. They had a large parking lot and easy access to the major thoroughfares. The offices were brighter and much better organized, although Teddy knew that happened because they had moved and put everything in a new and neat place. Maintaining it would be a chore, but Diana was good at that.

Opening the glass double doors, Teddy balanced the bundles in her arms and headed for her office. A peal of laughter had her stopping just inside. The receptionist looked up and smiled. Teddy was used to hearing happy female voices when she returned from afternoon appointments. She wasn’t used to hearing male laughter unless Diana’s husband, Scott, had dropped by. This was a decidedly female domain. More laughter rang out. Her heartbeat quickened as she recognized the low masculine sound. Adam! What was he doing here? Again here he was, unannounced and throwing her emotions out of kilter.

Dropping her portfolio and packages in her office, she took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and entered Diana’s office.

“Hello,” Teddy said.

All conversation stopped. Adam stood up. His smile brightened when he saw her and for a moment Teddy almost forgot she was angry with him. This was her workplace and she didn’t need him dropping by and confusing her. She had too many details to remember and he was somehow invading her thoughts and making it difficult for her to concentrate.

“You didn’t tell me Adam was a stand-up comic,” Diana said, a smile brightening her face.

Teddy looked from Diana to Adam. His humor with her hadn’t been comedic.

“He’s been regaling me with stories about some of his clients’ questions while he waited for you.”

“Sorry I’m late.” Teddy acted as if she had expected him all along, which she hadn’t.

Adam said goodbye to Diana and followed Teddy to her office. “Did we have an appointment that I don’t know about?” she asked the moment she closed the door. “Because I don’t have you on my calendar and I’m very good at keeping track of the people I’m supposed to meet.”

“I couldn’t wait any longer,” he said.

“For what?” Teddy frowned. Confusion had to show on her face.

He took a moment to look around. Wedding portraits hung on the walls. Fabric books sat in a corner. Samples of netted veils hung from a rack near a conference table.

“To get your answer. I thought this setting might generate a positive response.”

“And that’s what you want?”

“I think it could benefit us both.”

For some reason, Teddy thought he was referring to their kiss.

“And…my mother called,” he finished. “Are you done for the day?”

The question was an abrupt change in subject and just as abruptly her heart lurched. There were a few hundred details that needed her attention, but they could wait until morning. She nodded.

“Why don’t we go somewhere and talk?”

Teddy looked at the pile of bundles she’d brought in with her. Usually she would spend time organizing them. She’d check the notes she’d made during her meetings and put them in the proper files or set up her to-do list for the next day. Yet, when Adam asked about her time, her heartbeat increased. She wanted to go with him.