Boyfriend for Hire Page 18

  Looking around the table, Cherry and Jason sat with nary an inch between them. Cherry angled toward Jason with her arm intertwined with his and her head resting against his shoulder. The Ryans were holding hands. Her parents, more reserved about showing displays of affection in front of others, exchanged their own private looks that Tawny had grown up with. George and Alex were playing with the kids on the grass, yet still there was no doubt they were a unit.

  “So tell me, you two. Was it love at first sight?” Tawny asked not only because she wanted to know—this was her big brother, after all, and it was a sister’s job to pester—but also because she wanted them to know they had her full support.

  Both men looked at each other and grinned like fools.

  “Goodness no. We quite loathed each other for the first week.” Alastair gave the first sign of affection, squeezing her brother’s hand quickly. “I made the mistake of giving Mateo a suggestion—”

  “He told me how to do my job.” Her brother broke in and emphasized his point with an eye roll in her direction, knowing she’d understand, as neither of the younger Torres kids liked to be told how to do things.

  His comment had their group laughing.

  “What’s so funny over there at the grown-up table,” George asked right before he tackled Alex to the ground from his kneeling position.

  They filled him in on the earlier comments, but it was Alex who piped up. “Wow, you’re lucky he’s still not mad. I once suggested to the big guy here how to change the baby’s diaper easier. You know, so he didn’t get peed on. He still grumbles about it, five years later.”

  Prickles ran across the back of Tawny’s neck and she turned to find Ivan studying her. A wave of guilt washed over her as she realized she’d pretty much ignored the man through all of dinner. She might not be interested in him, but it didn’t change the fact he was a guest.

  “I understand I owe you a thank-you for your recommendation in regard to your company holiday party.”

  “You’re welcome. Should you have any questions about the company or past events, preferences, please do not hesitate to call me. Perhaps we can discuss it over lunch next week? As I’m a client, I imagine it is normal protocol to meet and work out the details. Sí?”

  She knew the assignment had been too good to come without pitfalls. “Of course. I’ll check my schedule Monday and let you know.” She’d have to make sure Kerri came along to keep him from turning the meeting into more than business.

  Grams stood and started gathering dirty dishes to carry inside. Tawny excused herself to help, telling her mom to sit and relax. She wanted, no, needed a few minutes alone with Kitty. Over the years she’d been Tawny’s sounding board more than once, and right now, her heart told her she needed Grams’s wisdom.

  Inside the kitchen Grams rinsed the dishes and handed them to Tawny to put in the dishwasher. “What’s troubling you, lass?”

  “What’s your thoughts on David?”

  The woman took her time, rinsing and handing Tawny dish after dish, not responding. Tawny wondered if she hadn’t heard her, even though she couldn’t see how that was possible.

  When all of the dishes rested in the washer, Grams turned to her. “Well now, you know the only one whose opinion of him matters is you, don’t you? Since you asked me, I’ll tell you. I think he’s a fine young man. Quite the charmer, especially with the ladies, yet men seem to like him just fine. He’s smart, hardworking, and cares deeply about those he loves. Generous and giving to a fault. He also hides a lot of himself from everyone, including himself.”

  The last comment caught Tawny’s attention and had her closing the refrigerator door. Leaning against it, she thought about the comment. “What do you think he’s hiding?”

  “I don’t know his people and I don’t like to talk ill of others, you know that. I also know he loves his parents very much, and from what Cherry tells me, it’s mutual. Still, I get the feeling he’s afraid of repeating their mistakes, and he’s afraid if he laid himself open for others to see his true self, to know all his secrets, they might reject him. Which is balderdash. I also know if I were a good thirty years younger and hadn’t met my Danny, I’d be looking to catch that man’s attention. As you girls say, he’s hot.”

  Tawny laughed and hugged Grams. She’d seen so many of those qualities over the past six months since she’d met David, but let’s be honest, hormones can be a great deceiver in the game of love and lust. One should always seek second opinions in matters of life, death, and love.

  “Thanks, Grams. I better get these desserts outside or Mama will be in here scolding me.”

  “One more bit of advice from an old meddling fool . . .”

  “Grams, you’re not old, meddling, or anyone’s fool.”

  “I’ve known you for a long time, lass. So do me a favor and this one time, don’t listen to your head, put that life plan of yours aside and follow your instincts. I think you’ll like where they take you.”

  Nodding, she headed outside with the cupcakes for the kids and the cheesecake. The guys, George, Jason, David, Mateo, and Alastair, were in a hot game of croquet. Alex watched over the kids on the playset her parents had put in for the grandkids, and Ivan sat talking with her parents. He didn’t seem to be the kind of man other men warmed to, and why did that bother her?

  She didn’t get to think about it for long as the fence banged shut and Brody strolled in. He’d stripped down to his button-down shirt and rolled up the sleeves. So close in dress to Ivan that they should have looked like buddies, yet Brody had an air about him that set him apart. The easy greeting from the other guys clearly said he was one of them.

  He stopped to kiss the ladies on the cheek, giving both his mom and David’s mom a big hug, then he took his time to say hello to her father and the other men before heading to his circle of friends. “Hey, sorry I’m late. What did I miss?”

  “Dinner and my parents arriving together.” David whacked the ball through the wicket before turning to his lifelong friend. “Sorry we didn’t leave any food for you, Bro, but that would have been an insult to these fine ladies who slaved all afternoon for us.”

  Tawny set the goodies on the table and joined the men. “Don’t listen to him, Brody, there’s plenty, even though David did try his best to leave you only crumbs, and you’re just in time for dessert.”

  “Aw, my kind of woman. Tell you what, ditch Fubar and run away with me. I’ll show you how a real man treats his lady.”

  David stepped in closer, arms crossed over his chest. “Bro, I know it’s been a while for you, but take it from me or Cupid. You win a woman over by respecting her and paying attention to her, which means you can’t stay at the office until midnight every night.”

  Brody flinched at the words, as if they cut deep. She’d have to ask David about it sometime.

  “Ignore him. There are lots of women out there who’d kill for a man like you. Until you find her, go, sit, eat. Make my mother happy.” She turned to David once Brody had followed her instructions and pulled him aside where no one could overhear their conversation. “The other night . . . I was wondering if—”

  “Tawny.” Her mother’s voice cut her off. She knew that tone. What did she do now? Following her mother inside, she waited.

  “You need to stop ignoring your guest. And,” she cut Tawny off, “why did you turn down his invitation to dinner? He’s a good match for you. He comes from a family with similar values, is looking to settle down, and has a good job. He can provide for you and your children.”

  “Mama. Stop. He’s not a good match for me. He’s a good match for the person you would like me to be. I’m not that person and never will be. I like working. I want a career. I don’t want to be a stay-at-home mom, not that there’s anything wrong with doing that, but I’d go crazy. I have too much going on up here.” She pointed to her head. “I’d be a basket case without work.”

  “Nonsense. When you have your own kids you’ll see, things will change. First, tho
ugh, you need to stop wasting your time with David. He’s a nice boy, but he’s not ready for responsibility.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong, Mama. David is one of the most responsible men I know.”

  “He works for his friend. Ivan is the vice president of his company.”

  “Actually, David owns Valentine Rehab along with Jason and Brody.”

  “Ivan sends money home to take care of his parents.”

  “David pays for everything his mother needs, including her medical.”

  “Ivan is mature.”

  “David is fun, and stop.” She took her mother’s hands in hers, noticing for the first time how frail they looked with their papery skin and veins so close to the surface. “Mama, you accept Mateo and Alastair are right for each other. Don’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “You don’t question for one minute that Matty is making a mistake?”

  “Of course not. He’s always known what he wanted, what he needed to do, it just took him time to find it.”

  “Then why can’t you accept I know the same about myself? I love you. I love Dad, but I’m going to decide what is best for my life, and right now that’s David. I don’t know where it will lead or how long it will last. For once, I’m willing to let life happen. Be happy for me, Mama.”

  “How can I be happy when all I can see is my baby girl getting her heart broken?”

  Her mom’s words weighed heavy on her mind as she made her way outside. Part of her brain said she should listen to her mom. The other part asked why start now.

  David greeted her outside with a cold drink and a slice of raspberry-swirled cheesecake. Now he was playing dirty.

  “You were wondering something?” He took back the water, allowing her to dig into the creamy slice of heaven.

  “Um, yeah. The other night . . . I don’t know how to ask this, so I’m going to just come out and say it. One-night stand or more?”

  “Are you addicted, darling?” He had a dangerous glint in his eyes that she’d seen before, when he was poised over the top of her. “It’s never been about the sex with you.”

  “In that case, would you care to go out with me tomorrow night?”

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “Drinks, dinner, dancing . . .”

  “Vertical or horizontal?”

  “Maybe both. You in?”

  Chuckling at his mute nod, she turned to take care of Ivan the Sexy Sexist and not lose her job at the same time.

  Dave stepped aside as Tawny walked over to talk to her mom’s special guest. Through the earlier conversation he’d deduced that Ivan had been the blind date her mom had set up. Dave didn’t let the fact that the man had her parents’ approval, or that he appeared to fit in with her family, bother him. Tawny didn’t need a guy like that. She needed him, and he’d remind her of that need again tomorrow. Right now, it was another woman who had him tied up in confusion—his mother.

  He walked over to where she sat in deep conversation with Brody’s mom. His dad sat with Mr. Torres and Mr. Ryan, far enough away he didn’t have to worry about him hearing the questions he needed to ask. “Mrs. N, can I steal Mom away for a couple of minutes?”

  Mrs. Nichols stood and gave Dave a quick hug. “Go easy on her,” she whispered in his ear before heading over and joining the men.

  He sat in the vacated chair, not even really knowing what to ask. “Mom, what’s going on?”

  “Well, your best friend is getting married, and we’re all here to celebrate.”

  “Funny. Not what I meant and you know it.”

  She let out a deep breath. “I know, and I should have said something earlier, weeks ago. It’s just I wanted to wait and see how things worked out first. Your father and I are dating.”

  “Weeks? This has been going on for weeks and you didn’t say anything?” His head kept spinning around her words, unable to grasp and take hold of their meaning. Then a lightbulb went off. “All those weekend trips to the Cape with your friend?”

  She winced and looked over to his dad. “I was going on runs with your dad. Although we did spend the week at the Cape, so I didn’t really lie. Just omitted my friend’s name. Don’t be mad, baby.”

  Mad? He wasn’t mad. Confused. Dumbfounded. In complete and utter shock, but not mad. “I don’t get it. You two can’t say three civil words to each other after five minutes.”

  “The truth is, I’ve been mad at your father for years. Really, pissed off is a better description because we let everything fall apart. So many words back and forth, but we never talked about our problems.” She paused to wipe the corners of her eyes.

  “Mom, don’t worry about it. It’s not my business.”

  She reached out and grabbed his arm, holding him in place. “No and yes. You’re an adult now, and what I do with my life is not your business. However, you are our son, so it does affect you. I’m not sure what changed, but we ran into each other one night at the store and we got into it. Except this time, we stopped long enough to say we didn’t want to fight anymore. So I invited your dad over and we talked. Really talked. Got a lot out, sort of cleared the air.”

  “That’s great,” he said through clenched teeth. He should be thrilled. Every kid from a broken home dreamed of their parents getting back together. So why wasn’t he? Probably because this little reunion was about twenty years too late.

  “We took it slow at first. Then we started spending a couple of days together. I’d go with your dad on his shorter trips. You know, see if we’d kill each other in a confined space. When that went well, we took a week together. Dave?” She’d reached for his hand, not letting go.

  Finally he met her watery gaze. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m happy for you. For both of you. ”

  “I’m glad, because I never stopped loving him.”

  His dad walked up behind his mom at that moment. “And I’ve never stopped loving her either. We’re sorry we screwed everything up so bad. Sorry we failed you as parents and put you through all the crap you had to deal with between us. Maybe we just had to grow up, but things are different now. Less stress, less to worry about, smarter. I don’t know for sure.”

  Yeah, Dave had a good idea of what that stress had been . . . him. They might not remember the fights, the ugly words slung back and forth, but they had been burned into his twelve-year-old brain. Whatever, not his problem what they did with their lives. He just hoped he wasn’t the one to find the bodies when the shiny wore off their newfound love and they killed each other.

  “Look, I’m happy for you both,” he lied. “I need to talk to the guys about work.”

  “David.” His father’s tone stopped him in his tracks as fast it had when he’d been a surly teen. “We’re planning on moving in together.”

  What the—? He shouldn’t be shocked, not after their earlier confession. The thing was, he was happy for them. Since they’d split, he couldn’t really recall either dating anyone seriously or long term. Sure, there had been people in their lives. None had lasted more than a couple of weeks. Was it any surprise his own relationships were over before they started? Look at his role models. And yeah, they deserved to be happy and find love. He just had doubts it would last. Instead of voicing his true opinion, he said the only thing he could think of that sounded positive.

  “Well, if you two crazy kids decide to make it permanent, I know the perfect person to plan your wedding.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Katia Torres didn’t like the idea of her baby girl going out with him. Not that she’d said so to his face. In fact, she’d never been anything except nice to him. No, he could tell by the look on her face last night when she looked at Ivan with admiration in her eyes. Not once had she looked at Dave that way. Thankfully, her daughter didn’t share the opinion. Not that it mattered what her parents thought either. While he didn’t have a timer on the relationship, he knew it wouldn’t lead to a walk down the aisle.

  He wasn’t ready. Might not ever be, and who cou
ld blame him? His parents were the perfect example of how marriage screwed up relationships and turned love into hate.

  Or had been.

  Every time he thought about their little bombshell last night or tried to wrap his brain around his parents dating again after twenty years of waging war, all he came up with was WT—

  Their excuses didn’t help. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see what was missing. They had the same jobs, the same bills, but what they no longer had to deal with was a son with learning problems that landed him in the principal’s office on a regular basis. They’d never came out and said outright that he was the core of their fights, but the walls in their house could have been made of paper for all the good they did to block out the words.

  Not his problem, he reminded himself for the millionth time. He had his own relationship to think about, and at least this time the woman knew the score right out of the gate. Thanks to Tawny’s relationship with Cherry, and hers with Jase, his family’s history was no secret. They’d even talked a little, here and there, about their parents and the dysfunctionality of both. Hers were overbearing, old-fashioned, and controlling, where as his were great with him, letting him live his own life and make his own choices, but put them in the same room and look out world. A nuclear explosion would cause less damage than Scott and Cheryl Farber.

  This way he and Tawny could enjoy each other’s company, bodies, whatever without any unrealistic expectations of where it was all leading to, which made working on a Saturday bearable. The reward at the end of the day. Between the date tonight and the work he was doing upgrading the B&B’s circuit panel, he’d felt more like himself than he had in weeks. Give him an electrical project and he could complete it in his sleep, unlike the freaking plumbing in this monstrosity of a house. Sure he knew how to insert A into B to get everything to flow out of C, didn’t mean he had to like the task. How the heck full-time plumbers dealt with the smell of clogged, rusted-out pipes he didn’t know.