Betty Jo Schuler

Finding Mr. Romantic

Chapter One, continued

He didn't move, or elaborate. Tired of carrying on a one-sided conversation, she began rearranging her spices. Thyme. Rosemary. Oregano.

"You're doing it again."

"What?" She'd been careful not to name them aloud.

"Arranging them in alphabetical order."

"Backwards." Cee laughed. "Habits are hard to break."

"I can change you." He winked and widened his grin. "Give me half a chance and I can turn your life around."

He could spin it out of control; she had no doubt. She sat down opposite him again. He was a piece of work. "I'm just curious, but how?"

"For starters, I barbecue ribs that melt in your mouth."

So, he was planning to cook outside. That fit. "How will that turn my life around?"

"You don't eat red meat."

She raised a brow. "You're good."

"And you're in an overly-conscientious rut."

They'd just met and he'd figured her out completely. But everyone knew healthy eating was important. Narrowing her eyes she studied him. Rippling muscles. Lean in all the right places, he looked healthy. "Don't you watch what you eat?"

"Halfway to my mouth."

He was full of mischief and fun. She used to be that way before her father decided to make a lady of her, and Harry tried to make her into a doormat. "How did you become such a free spirit, Nick?"

"Years of practice." He stood slowly, keeping his eye on his cup of wine. "As soon as I marinate the meat, I could pull the RV forward and take care of your hookups."

"You're a jack of all trades." She leaned against the end of the kitchen cabinet as he opened the screen door.

"Handy to have around, in other words."

Cee was all too aware of the way his eyes slid slowly from her gold-streaked hair to her Ripe Cherry-painted toenails. "I don't need anyone--"

"You can agree without feeling beholden." He ducked his head humbly.

Beholden? What sort of books did he read? More importantly, what sort of payback would he expect?

"A tossed salad would be fine."

He was amazing. "Do you always read minds?"

"Nope. You're the exception." He brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and she shivered.

"I'm not sure I want to be."

"Afraid for me to know what you're thinking?"

His lake blue eyes sparkled. Reminded of her earlier daydream, she recalled the sensation of drowning. All that was missing was the entanglement of their bodies. She stepped back.

"Do you believe in karma?" he asked, taking her hand.

"Karma?" She pulled away to blot perspiration from her upper lip. "Is that like ESP?"

He rubbed his thumb across her lip and she read his mind...made you sweat. "It's more like souls touching."

Minds were as close as Cee wanted. If she didn't get away from his tantalizing presence soon, she might be tempted to throw her body against his. "I'll pull the RV forward myself."

"I'll tend to the hookups as a neighborly gesture." He opened the screen door and turned around. "Six o'clock dinner at our picnic table?"

"Fine." Her voice broke, whether from fear or excitement she hoped he didn't notice. Smiling brightly, she lifted her chin. I'll bring the salad, and wine to drink unless you prefer beer."

"You drank beer this afternoon. I'll drink wine tonight and..." He brushed her lips with his thumb again. "Who knows? We might both turn our lives around."

Finding Mr. Romantic, continued >>> | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |