Lori Foster - Charade

“Carlie? That woman gives new meaning to bad taste. Her clothes alone are enough to keep my stomach churning. And there were several times I would have dearly loved to yank those damned glasses off her nose and stomp on them.”

“I’ve had the same thought myself, Tyler. But Carlie won’t ever change. She won’t dress to suit other people. And she’s comfortable with herself and the style she’s chosen.”

“What style? There is no style to her.” He grinned suddenly and admitted, “I’ve wondered what she would look like buck-naked, without her hair being tortured behind her head in that braid.”

Brenda’s mouth dropped open, then she sputtered. “Tyler Ramsey! Don’t you dare seduce my friend out of idle curiosity. I’d never forgive you!”

Tyler stood, glancing at his watch. He sighed philosophically. “You don’t want me to have any fun, Bren.”

“Have fun with some other woman. But you leave Carlie alone.”

“Carlie is safe enough.” Then he added, “You sure you won’t tell me who the harem girl is?”

“I can’t. I promised her I wouldn’t.”

“But why? What is she hiding?”

“She...she knows your reputation. And...and I guess she just doesn’t want to get involved.” Brenda shrugged. “I’m sorry.”

Tyler worked his jaw in frustration. “She doesn’t trust me?”

“Well...no.”

He exploded. “What is it with you women? I am not some overcharged male bimbo! Doesn’t anyone allot me the benefit of having scruples?”

“You women?” Brenda grinned at him. “This sounds like a Carlie lecture. Has she been rough on you?”

“One minute, yes. I get the feeling she doesn’t think very highly of me. But then she’ll laugh and be outrageously funny.” He paced a few feet away. “She keeps me guessing.”

Brenda walked him to the door. “I know you have scruples, Tyler. And I think you’re a very nice man, despite everything.” She skipped away when he turned, grabbing playfully for her. Laughing, she continued, “But Carlie’s different. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Hurt? Carlie’s about as vulnerable as a porcupine. But if you’re worrying I’ll make her promises I can’t keep, don’t. I’ve told her I like her friendship, that’s all. I admire her, despite her atrocious clothing, but I doubt I’d be even tempted to go beyond platonic with her. She’s safe enough.”

Even as he said the words, Tyler thought what an adept liar he was. He was tempted, more than tempted. It was just that the temptation had come in a different package. As often as not, he wanted to simply touch her, on the hand, on her smooth cheek. Holding her would be nice.

“Thank you, Tyler. I’m glad you’ve befriended Carlie. She needs some fun and excitement with men other than those stuffed shirts on the school board.”

Tyler had been in the process of walking out, but he halted abruptly. “I didn’t get the impression she was dating anyone in particular.”

“Carlie doesn’t consider going anywhere with them a date, because she works with them. She thinks that their interest is purely work-related. But I don’t think so. I think they’re as curious as you are, but probably don’t have the conscience you have.” She looked up at him, frowning. “So far, Carlie hasn’t allowed them the chance to appease their curiosity.”

“What about Carlie? Doesn’t she get curious?”

“Carlie?” Brenda fidgeted with her hair, looking away from Tyler. “Naw. She just isn’t interested anymore. Like her clothes, she thinks spending a lot of time on a social life is a waste of perfectly good brain waves.”

Tyler grinned. “I can hear her saying that.” He glanced at his watch again, then asked quickly, “So you knew her in school?”

“Carlie and I have known each other for years. Without her help, I’d never have made it through college.”

Tyler was silent a moment, acknowledging Brenda’s words. “Carlie’s like a mother hen, isn’t she? She likes helping people.”

“Yeah. That’s Carlie, all right.”

Nodding in satisfaction, Tyler left, late for his appointment. His trip to his sister-in-law’s had been spontaneous. Carlie had refused to see him again except at practice, claiming she had too many papers to grade and a big test to prepare. He’d missed her.

Carlie seemed to have an innate rapport with children. When he was younger, he’d thought it was only his mother who didn’t like and understand kids. Women, in general, were supposed to be maternal, he’d thought. But as he’d matured, he’d learned exactly how wrong he could be.

His mother hadn’t wanted him or Jason because they hampered her life-style, which basically meant they curtailed her sexual freedom. At least she claimed they did. Tyler could never recall his presence slowing her down.

From a very young age, he’d known what women did with men. He’d seen what women did with men. His mother hadn’t been circumspect. His mother hadn’t been much of a mother.

And since then, he’d met too many women who seemed to share her sentiments. Life was for enjoying; as long as you had money and looks and prestige. It was a life-style most women sought, with no place for kids. Children interfered with careers or ruined otherwise perfect figures.

He would probably never have any children of his own. His life wasn’t conducive to raising kids. And he would never cheat a child of the warmth and love they deserved. Children should enrich life; they should be cherished and protected, not considered a burden to be tolerated.

An image of Carlie, married and cradling a baby of her own, flitted through his mind. It left behind conflicting emotions; tenderness, because he knew she would be an excellent mother. But also possessiveness, which made no sense at all. He refused to dwell on that sentiment, and put the image firmly from his mind.

It disturbed him, how much she occupied his thoughts. Especially when he had other things to think about. He wouldn’t give up on the mystery woman—he wasn’t a man to leave a puzzle unsolved. But time and again, he found his thoughts veering to Carlie and her unusual wit, the gentleness and patience she gave her students.

Anyone who took the time to really know Carlie, would realize there was nothing plain about her, despite the horrendous clothing she wore. She was about as complex and complicated as any female could be. He hadn’t exaggerated when he said she intrigued him.

Though he knew she’d had a good time with him, she had refused any future dates. She didn’t return his calls, either. He would almost swear she was avoiding him, but why?

He would take his time, and sooner or later he would figure her out.

He intended to enjoy every minute.

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