Someone Like You

“I’m still here.”

“I agree with you.”

“About what?” she asked.

“You aren’t just good in bed. You’re great.”

* * *

Plans were made and often they changed. Teddy knew this from her business. Working with brides, she knew that the beginning plan was not the final plan.

So when Adam called and asked if she could meet him at his condo instead of him picking her up, Teddy agreed. She wanted to see where he lived and going to his condo would give her the chance. He’d been to her house more than once, had eaten breakfast in her kitchen and spent the night in her bed. This would be her first visit to his house.

Adam lived in one of the new condo units built on the outskirts of the township. The buildings resembled town houses, but they were sold as condos. His was near the back of the complex, close to the trees that lined the property and gave the area a parklike setting.

The weather yesterday had been mild, but had turned much colder overnight. Today it was windy and bone-chilling. She thought it was ushering in November and reminding them that winter was on its way. Teddy pulled into a parking space near the front door. Shutting down the car’s engine, she got out. Her booted heels clicked on the concrete. She still wore the gray slacks and sweater, but had added the pant boots, earrings and took care with her makeup.

Adam opened the door as soon as she rang the bell. He smiled when he saw her, and took her hand to draw her inside.

“Oops,” she said, facing him. “I forgot to get you a gift.”

“Gift?”

“My mother says the first time you go to visit someone, you should bring them a gift. I don’t have one.” She spread her hands, showing their emptiness.

“I’ll take this instead.”

He leaned forward and kissed her. It was short and only intended to be a friendly kiss. But when he pulled away, the two looked at each other and in the next moment, she was in his arms for a full never-let-me-go lip-lock. It went on for several seconds, before he raised his head.

“That will take the chill off the weather outside,” Teddy said to cover the fact that if they didn’t have to go to her father’s lecture, she’d push him to the floor and make love to him right here. She needed to control herself around him. This was a deception for their parents, but she was having trouble separating fact from fiction.

Adam laughed. “I’m almost ready. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”

“Isn’t that a woman’s line?”

“It’s interchangeable. You can use it next time I come to pick you up.”

He disappeared up the stairs and Teddy turned around. The prickles on her arms were receding. Removing her coat, she laid it on a chair inside the living room. There was a fireplace and a fire burned in the hearth. Teddy spread her hands, taking in the warmth while she looked about. The room had that decorated-by-a-decorator look. Everything coordinated: the walls were a soft blue-gray, blond hardwood floors that glowed warm in almost any light. The furniture was black leather, soft as butter with gray and white pillows. Fresh flowers were set strategically about the room, giving unexpected pops of color and a fragrance that had her thinking of romance. Spying a vase of roses, she went to it, bending down and smelling their fragrance. Now she knew where he got the rose he’d left her. He’d driven all the way home and come back to leave her a rose. Emotion welled up in her throat and she had to blink away the tears that filled her eyes. The simple act of kindness was unexpected.

There were pictures on the walls, not anything personal. These were oil paintings. Teddy didn’t know art, but she knew these weren’t the kind of paintings you find in local department stores. Looking in the corner of one, she checked for a signature. It was hard to read and meant nothing to her. Despite the room’s perfection, it was cold. There was nothing here that said Adam. None of the personality she was coming to know was reflected in the blacks and grays of the room.

He was a warm man, sensitive and loving. Of course, his humor could use some work, but that was one of the things that made him different from all other men.

“Ready?” Adam asked, running down the stairs.