Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas Page 4

They stared at each other a moment and then Claudia spoke. “I enjoyed meeting your neighbor the other day. She seems real nice."

  "She's the best."

  Claudia offered a tight smile. “I couldn't help but notice, you two seem pretty close."

  He shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. We've been friends for almost eleven years."

  She wiped the condensation from her cup, her eyes focused on his. “Why didn't you ever date her?"

  He laughed. “She's just my buddy. I guess it never occurred to me."

  "You act like a married couple.” Claudia focused on a salt shaker, her voice slightly upset. “It just seems like you might have at some point."

  "We act like a married couple?” He reached out and took her hand. “Where is this coming from?"

  Her eyes slowly lifted and met his. “It's nothing. Just an observation."

  "You sure?"

  She rolled her shoulders back and smiled. “Yeah. So, tell me about what is going on at work?"

  The waitress chose that moment to bring them bread and take their order.

  "We'll have two prime rib specials,” Daniel said.

  "How would you like your potato?"

  He looked at Claudia.

  "Baked with the works,” Claudia said.

  The waitress looked at Daniel.

  "The same, without the chives."

  "And salad dressing? We have our award winning house dressing, blue cheese, honey mustard, ranch..."

  Daniel cut her off. “The house is fine."

  Claudia nodded.

  "All right, I'll be back with your drinks."

  "So, you were going to tell me about work. How is that going?"

  Daniel smiled. “Of course."

  He had a hard time focusing on their conversation, because the idea of dessert lingered in the back of his mind. When she started sounding jealous, he began to worry. But why should he? Soon he'd make his true feelings for her known. He couldn't wait for the end of the evening, and hopefully the start of his future.

  Finally, the time came and the waitress brought the cheesecake.

  Daniel's heart felt like it would explode in his chest.

  Claudia reached for her fork, not seeing the glimmering decoration at first. Her eyes shifted down and her face turned to shock. She peered up and met his gaze.

  He smiled. “Will you marry me?"

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  Chapter Five

  This time, Heather only had to wait a few hours after her ad made it on the newsstands to get a phone call. Her date, Mark Salts, would meet her at a coffee house in town that evening. She decided a casual date would be better than a full dinner. That way, if he was not the guy for her, she could bail easier.

  She checked her make-up in the rearview mirror, hoping she looked all right. Her hair hung in soft waves around her shoulders. She wore gray slacks along with a white poplin blouse and a black vest—an outfit she felt very comfortable in.

  She entered the coffee shop and glanced around the room. The walls were mustard yellow, decorated with rust and olive paintings. Big, plush couches and chairs decorated the room, mostly occupied by college-aged students. She inhaled, oh how she loved the smell of fresh brewed coffee.

  A handsome man with a thick head of brown hair, a trimmed mustache and a blue pinstriped suit waved from a chair in the back corner. She smiled and crossed to him.

  "Heather?” He stuck out his hand. “I'm so glad you made it."

  "Hi, Mark."

  He motioned for her to sit. “What would you like to drink? My treat, of course."

  She looked at the counter. “Um, a decaf, non-fat, double chocolate mocha."

  "All that chocolate and no fun.” He chuckled.

  "Yeah, I guess,” she said with a nervous giggle.

  "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere.” He smiled and sauntered to the front counter.

  She watched as he ordered her drink. A man of confidence and determination. His shoulders were back, his head held high. He glanced at her and winked. Yeah, he knows who he is. By his suit and shoes, she guessed he had money, too. She wondered why a man like him would need to resort to an ad in the paper. Surely, women lined up for his attention.

  He returned with her coffee and handed it out. “Here you are, madam."

  "Thank you.” Heather wrapped her hands around the paper cup and slowly sipped from the hole in the lid. It warmed her insides and she wished she'd worn a short sleeve shirt, or ordered a cold drink.

  He took a seat across from her and reached for his own coffee. “So, is this the first time you've done one of these dates?"

  She shook her head. “Second."

  "How'd the first one go?"

  "Not so good."

  "Hopefully this one will end better."

  A shy smile crept over her face. “Yeah, I'm kind of hoping so, too."

  "I've never done this myself, but...” He rested the coffee on his knee and scooted forward in his seat. “I have to say, I really liked your ad. It definitely drew my attention. I couldn't resist."

  "Apparently.” She grinned. “You're here."

  "Not many girls would have the guts to just come out and say it."

  Say it? What did I say? She wracked her brain. “Say what exactly?"

  His lip curled on one side. “Easier to write than speak, huh? I understand."

  I don't. “I guess I'm lost."

  "You want to get out of here."

  She tilted her head to the side. “You want to leave? We just got here."

  "Yes, but this isn't what you came for, am I right? Not according to your ad."

  Am I stupid? She couldn't read him. “I'm sorry, I really don't understand what you're getting at. What did you get from my ad that I'm not getting?"

  He reached in his suit pocket and pulled out a ripped newspaper clipping. “Seeking companion who is easy going, wants to get to know me, and doesn't mind turning off the football game.” His eyes met hers, hungry. “Well, I'd like to get to know you. And the TV off is the way I like it, too."

  Oh dear. For a second, she thought she might throw up. Tell me he isn't insinuating what I think he's insinuating. “You didn't interpret that to mean, um...” She bit her lip. Could she say this out loud? “I didn't mean what it sounds like. I promise it was innocent."

  He reached out and touched her hand. “Don't play hard to get now. You got me here which is half the battle. Now let me help you the rest of the way."

  Heat flooded her face. She grappled for her purse and got to her feet quickly. “I think there's been an enormous mistake."

  He joined her. “No mistake. I know we could have an amazing time together."

  "Um..."

  He winked.

  "Yeah, this is where I go.” She started for the door, but he caught her arm.

  "Don't run off so quickly. We were just starting to get along."

  She pinched her lips together and faced him. “Mark, this may come as a surprise, but I have no intention of sleeping with you tonight. Not now. Not later. Never. So go to the counter, purchase another newspaper and find yourself a different date. Okay?"

  He didn't let go.

  She glared at his hand. “Let go of me now or I swear I'll scream."

  "Look, Heather..."

  "Now!"

  A few people stared their way.

  He stepped back, hands up. His shocked expression priceless. “Fine. Go. Just next time be careful what you write. It's not nice to tease."

  "Yeah, you could say that again.” Heather rushed out the door and back to her car, harboring the all-familiar experience of retreating from a horrible date. “Another for the record books."

  She got in, slammed the door, and peeled out of the driveway. As soon as she reached the freeway, she started laughing, to the point of crying. Maybe she should have Daniel read her ad next time so she could avoid being embarrassed again. Having Mark's interpretation of it made her realize just how stupid, almost comical, her ad was. She had
to be really careful. Why hadn't she put “Wanted: Christian man?” Wasn't that the key to a good relationship for her? So dumb. She laughed again at the stupidity of Mark.

  She pulled into her parking space, shut off the engine and got out, surprised.

  Two spaces away, Daniel leaned against his car holding a bucket of chicken.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Waiting."

  Heather glanced around the parking lot. “For what? A pack of dogs?"

  He laughed. “No, you."

  She raised an eyebrow. “Be serious."

  "Claudia was supposed to pick me up a half-an-hour ago for a picnic, but she never showed up.” His voice wavered. “I've been standing here by my car debating if I should go try and find her or just go back inside and eat the chicken all by myself."

  "She didn't call?"

  He shook his head. “I think I freaked her out the other night."

  Heather leaned against his car and crossed her arms. “How so?"

  "I asked her."

  Heather blinked. “Asked her to marry you?"

  He nodded.

  "Get out!” Heather's heart plummeted. He did it. She didn't know what to think. “And?"

  He sighed and pushed away from the car. “How about we go inside my apartment and I'll tell you all about it over a chicken dinner?"

  "Do you have biscuits in there, too?” she asked, pointing to the red and white striped bucket.

  "No, just chicken."

  "Then let's go to my place. I have some in the fridge I can heat up."

  "You have honey?"

  She grinned. “Of course."

  He looped his arm in hers and walked with her to the complex. She turned on the lights, tossed her keys on the kitchen counter and unwrapped from her coat.

  "So, you had one of your dates tonight, right? How'd did it go?” Daniel crossed to the kitchen and placed the bucket on the table.

  "You first.” Heather pulled out the tube of biscuits, popped it open, placed them on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven. “My story can wait."

  "It's going to be a night of sob stories, I can tell. Better break out the ice cream, too."

  "Funny. Go on."

  He scratched his goatee as he took a seat at the table. He let out a big sigh before beginning. “So, I planned the perfect date last night. I made reservations at the Blue Lagoon Steak House on Harbor Island."

  "Nice."

  "Even attempted the whole engagement ring in the dessert thing."

  "Cheesy, but okay."

  He rolled his eyes. “Anyway, when they brought it out to the table, I asked her to marry me.

  "And?"

  "And ... she didn't answer."

  Heather took a seat across from him. “Didn't answer? What do you mean?"

  "She just said she'd talk to me at the picnic. That she needed time to think."

  "Well, that isn't no, right?"

  He frowned. “Except ... she never showed up for the picnic, remember?"

  "Oh, right.” Heather stared into his dark eyes. She didn't know why any girl wouldn't want to marry him. He was the most wonderful guy she knew. Though she hated to see him sad, a selfish side of her was almost relieved. “Well, if she says no, she's stupid."

  "Yeah, I guess.” He pulled the top off of the chicken and tossed it on the counter. “Got something to eat this on?"

  She turned to her cupboards and produced two plastic plates. “Want anything to drink?"

  "The usual."

  She grabbed him a lemon lime soda and root beer for herself. A part of her hated to ask, but she had to know. “So, what are you going to do to fix this?"

  He shrugged. “I think we just need to talk it out. It's possible I rushed things; I tend to do that, you know?"

  "No,” Heather said sarcastically.

  He obviously ignored her tone and said, “But I still love her and I'm pretty sure she loves me. I'm sure we'll be okay in time."

  "That's good.” She glanced down at a water stain on the table, afraid to reveal how she felt. It was obvious he wasn't giving up. The possibility of him getting married still lingered in the background.

  "You okay?"

  She looked up and smiled. “Couldn't be better."

  "So, tell me about your date.” He popped the key on his can. “Obviously, you didn't find the man of your dreams tonight."

  "Ha! Hardly.” Her skin crawled at the very memory. What a nasty, disgusting jerk! “Um, well, for starters, he interpreted my personal ad as an invite to have sex."

  Daniel coughed. “What?"

  "Yeah, he got there expecting me to leave with him. Total loser."

  "What did your ad say?"

  Heather rolled her eyes.

  He folded his arms. “Come on. You've got to tell me now."

  When she didn't say anything, he jumped up, opened the third drawer it in the kitchen, and pulled out the latest issue. It stunk that he knew her so well. He read the ad and laughed. “Yeah, that about sums it up, doesn't it? I especially love the part about turning off the TV. Good touch."

  She reached over his shoulder and ripped it out of his hand. “You can stop, now."

  "You ruin all my fun."

  "At my expense.” She slapped him with the paper, and then stuffed it back in the drawer.

  "What can I say, you're fun to pick on.” He tickled her side and she squirmed away.

  "Well, pick on someone your own size."

  He sat back down and lifted a drumstick to his plate. “I have a question for you."

  "Shoot."

  "If you're afraid of your mom setting you up on a blind date, why are you going on all these blind dates? Isn't it the same thing?"

  She shook her head. “My mother has horrible taste. She always goes for these guys who are creepy. The worst part is I usually know them. At least this way, I have the choice to walk away and never face them again."

  "If you say so.” He popped a piece of chicken in his mouth, chewed and swallowed. “But I think I was wrong. I don't think you should do that ad thing anymore. You're going to end up with some pervert."

  "Too late, I already did."

  "Point made. No more ads."

  She shook her head. “No, it's not that. I just need to have you write it for me.” The bell on the oven dinged. She grabbed a potholder and removed the tray from the oven. The biscuits were golden brown and smelled great. “So, would you mind doing that for me? Writing my ad. I'd be your friend forever and ever and ever."

  "Why would you want me to write your ad?” He laughed. “Like I know what you want in a guy."

  "You know me better than anybody."

  "I'm not a writer."

  "Here, I'll start it for you.” She plopped a biscuit on his plate and one on her own, then sat next to him. “Single, white female..."

  "Beautiful, single, white female.” He winked. “You've got to be honest."

  She laughed. “Yeah, because that will keep all the dogs away."

  Daniel locked eyes with hers. “Seeks attractive Christian man, who enjoys watching chick movies while eating pizza and doesn't take themselves too seriously."

  "That sounds like you."

  His smiled faded. He stared at her, his expression intense. She wondered what he was thinking.

  She couldn't speak. Her heart thumped madly in her chest. A force seemed to draw her to him. What was happening? Unexpectedly, he leaned forward and his lips touched hers. Electricity shot through all her nerve endings. Her pulse raced. His kiss, soft, warm and ... Wait! She jumped back, touching her hand to her lips. “Oh my goodness, Daniel, I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened."

  He appeared confused, startled. “Wow ... Um, yeah. Maybe I should get going. You know, in case Claudia called me and left a message."

  "Of course. Good idea.” Heather stood, her legs wobbling beneath her.

  Daniel didn't collect his chicken, just moved quickly to the door. “I'll see you later."

  "Bye."

&nb
sp; Heather closed the door behind him and crumpled to the carpet, tears flowing down her face. How stupid can I be? Now I've ruined everything with my only real friend. He has a girl, a woman he just proposed to. Jesus, why am I so completely screwed up? I just want to find someone who can love me. She wiped at her face with the crook of her elbow and crawled to the couch.

  For about twenty minutes, she lay there sobbing into a square pillow.

  Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

  She got up, not sure she should open it given the way she must look, and peeked out the peephole. It was Daniel. She wiped her eyes and unlocked the door.

  "I couldn't leave things like that. We've been friends too long.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and shifted forward nervously. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. It was really dumb."

  She shook her head, not trusting her voice.

  "I think with everything I'm feeling with Claudia, I took advantage of you."

  She sniffed. “And like I'm not a desperate, emotional mess. Please."

  "So, are we okay? Tell me we're okay. Because I'd shoot myself if I thought..."

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “You're still my best friend,” she whispered in his ear. “I dare you to try and end that."

  He stepped back and shoved his hands in his pockets again. “I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

  "Night.” She waved and shut the door.

  An emotion she couldn't peg weighed heavy on her heart. Though she was relieved he'd come back and they made amends, something else lay between them. Something that wouldn't go away with a simple sorry and a good night hug. No, that kiss was real. What she felt was real. Now what?

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  Chapter Six

  Daniel stared at shadows on the ceiling in his bedroom, frustrated with himself. Why'd he kiss Heather? So dumb. Okay, so Claudia avoided his marriage proposal last night and then ignored him all day today, he still loved her. Maybe they wouldn't get married now, but someday he hoped they would. Now he felt like he betrayed her. Made the very thing she hinted at became a reality.

  Then there was the potential to destroy his friendship with Heather. Though they said they forgave each other, would it be the invisible elephant? He groaned. “Stupid, vato! Stupid, stupid!” he yelled to the ceiling. God forgive me for being such an idiot. I don't even know why I did that. Maybe you do. Would you mind telling me?