Jennifer Probst - Searching for Someday

“Funny.” He tugged at a stray lock of her hair. “Can I have that bottle of water now or are you kicking me to the curb?”

Her lip quirked. “One bottle.”

The wheels whirred as Robert followed them inside. Kate removed the cart, freshened his water, and turned. “Bacon or peanut butter?”

Robert barked twice.

“Ah, a change-up tonight. Good choice.” She plucked a peanut butter dog treat out of the bag and gave it to him. With a gentle motion like he took it from a baby, Robert closed his teeth around the treat and dragged his legs behind him to settle on the woven mat.

“Did he really understand you?” Slade asked.

“Sure. I ask him questions all the time. We have a code; one or two barks will be his choice.” She opened the refrigerator and gave Slade a chilled bottle of Poland Spring. “It’s a long drive back.”

He took a long swallow, wiped his mouth, and grinned. “I know. Mind if I sit for a few? I’m tired. Wouldn’t want to endanger my life and fall asleep at the wheel.”

She snorted. “You’re good. Maybe if you use that famous charm on Hannah you’ll end up in a serious relationship. In love. Happy.”

“Maybe. You called me hot in the car. Now you admit I have charm, huh?”

She blew out a breath, grabbed a bottle of water for herself, and headed into the living room. Slade followed and noted the character inside the house matched the outside. It was small, but held a cheery yellow love seat, worn recliner, massive entertainment center, and braided throw rugs over cherry hardwood floors. The curtains were delicate lace, and colorful artwork adorned the walls. One bookcase took up an entire wall from ceiling to floor. Piles of books fought for space with framed photos, strange ceramic vases, and an assortment of tiny full-bellied Buddhas.

Slade tried to be casual as he wandered toward the bookcase, intrigued by her reading habits. Damn, her DVD collection was respectable, with a bunch of comedies slanted more toward males, and some great HBO history series. “I like your place.”

She remained standing at a respectable distance. “Thanks. It suits us. Why are you still here?”

He cocked his head. “Why are you always trying to get rid of me?”

Kate seemed to choose her words carefully, “Because I don’t want you to get any ideas. About us. My job is to find you a satisfying, fulfilling relationship with someone else. I don’t want you to lose sight of the goal.”

He took a step forward. “What if I told you I have my goal clearly in sight?”

The connection between them surged like a live current. The air thickened, and she seemed to struggle for breath. She threw her hands out like she attempted to ward off a stalker. “N-n-no. This is one big test you set me up to fail. You want to expose me as a con artist, remember? You intend to save your sister from my evil clutches. Fine. But you have to prove my intentions, and so far you’ve been quite lousy at living up to your part of the contract. Seducing me is only a way for you to show Kinnections doesn’t work. You’re a master mind gamer and I’m not about to be your next victim.”

He should have been mad by the insults. Instead, he had the craziest urge to laugh and lunge at her. Slade paused in his approach to give her a moment to settle. “Not giving yourself much credit, are you? What if I told you I don’t want to keep ignoring the attraction between us? Why set me up with another woman when we may be good for each other?”

Her eyes widened in pure horror. “W-w-we’re complete opposites. Unsuited for any type of long-term relationship. Trust me, I saw your requirements, and I’ll never fit the bill. Besides, I told you over and over I don’t date clients.”

“Funny, I think we fit rather well. And as much as I respect your business principles, I think this thing between us is getting in the way of me finding the right mate. I’m blocked and I need your help.”

Her mouth opened, then closed on an outraged squeak. “I may be the typical blonde, but I’ve been around the block a few times. And that doesn’t mean sleeping around. More like a ton of men trying to sell me the Brooklyn Bridge by assuming I’m stupid.”

“I’d never insult your intelligence, Kate, and you know it. We have a problem that can be easily solved. We’re attracted to each other, so how can I have an open heart with Hannah or any other woman if I’m stuck on you?”

“I’m n-n-not attracted to you!”

Her rock-solid composure was finally shot. Slade enjoyed a moment of satisfaction before his closing argument. “Lie. I bet if I put my hand on you—in you—I could get you to shatter in minutes.”

“Arrogant lawyer.”

“Confident. Maybe if you didn’t electrocute me when we kissed, I’d believe you.”

She remained stubbornly silent. Slade eased in another step, not taking his gaze from her face. Her breathing had turned to short little pants, as if imagining what he would do once he closed in. He vowed she’d find out. “Did you ever think why you felt the need to deceive me with Robert? I’m a bit embarrassed I fell for the old trick. Very cliché. Almost like believing a woman is a man by her nickname. But you obviously felt the need to protect yourself from me. Why?”

She seemed to simmer with pent-up temper. “I like my privacy, and you were poking around in my life too much. You’re a client. No more, no less.”

“Another lie. You’re scared to be alone with me, but this fear is getting in the way of business. We’re two grown adults with a strong sexual attraction. Let’s spend the night together. You say we’re not suited for long-term. Fine. But don’t we owe it to each other to try?”

Her gasp broke through the room. Robert lifted his head, studied them both, then dropped back to the mat. “Are you propositioning me for a one-night stand? Sorry, counselor, I’m not interested, though the argument was well presented.”

He pitched his voice low and eased in another step. “Aren’t you tired of running? No one gets hurt and all we gain is pleasure. And I promise you great pleasure, Kate. I’m not a selfish lover.”

“So says every man on the planet,” she sneered.

“I’ll enjoy backing up my words with actions.”

She shook her head and let out a strangled laugh. “How about I just take your word for it? My job is to find you a long-term mate, and I intend to do it. I’d like you to leave my house and we’ll agree to wipe this whole conversation from our minds.”

Slade gathered his forces and made a risky decision. Retreat with the idea firmly planted in her mind? Or push the physical connection so she couldn’t deny it? A delicate balance was in play and the wrong move could lose his case.

He made his decision.

He placed the water bottle on the table, drew himself up to full height, and slowly closed the distance between them.

She stood her ground to the last minute when panic seemed to hit. Eyes wide at his obvious intention, she hurriedly stepped back until her back hit the wall and it was too late.

“I don’t want to forget this conversation,” he said softly. He moved slow and deliberate, reaching out to calmly stroke her hair, enjoying the way the silky strands lifted and jumped under his touch. He used his voice to wrap her in a cozy blanket of security.

“Don’t t-t-touch me.”

“You’re not afraid of me, are you, Kate?”

She lifted her chin and spat the words out. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve dealt with bigger snakes than you.”

His lips quirked and he kept stroking her hair with gentle motions. “Good. I don’t want your fear. I can’t seem to get you out of my head. I keep thinking about that kiss. Have you thought about it?”