Authors: Sandra Sookoo
“I don't even have a dog, Mark.”
“Why not?” His soft question sounded directly behind her, low and as sensual as a caress in the dark.
Alice spun to face him. “Because my dad doesn't like dogs.”
“Well, you live in the house too, and besides, you're a grown woman. You have an opinion.”
“I do.” Her pulse accelerated. Having him so close almost made her forget how cold she was in the wet clothes. “Anyway, I apologize. I hope you'll forgive me for losing it back there.”
Please, please, please don't think I'm not worth a second chance!
“There's nothing to forgive. We all get hot under the collar at times. Don't believe me? Try living with my grandma.” He winked as he lifted her chin with a finger. “And, for the record, I don't think you're out of control. In fact,” he closed the small distance between them until their bodies barely touched, “you're the most perfect person I've had the pleasure of knowing.” His eyes sparkled with humor while his grin warned her of mischief.
Butterflies did acrobatic maneuvers in her belly.
Oh wow, he's going to kiss me.
Then her mind put up an
Out to Lunch
sign as Mark pressed his lips to hers. She laid a palm against his chest and let her eyes flutter closed. Kissing him felt like the times as a child when she'd swing in the park for hours going higher and higher. That same flippy sensation hit her now except this time, it was the adult version.
The warmth of him seeped into her, and every time he nibbled the corners of her mouth, tingles raced down her spine. He didn't move the hand that held her beneath the chin, neither did he pull her into a full embrace. Instead, he gently played along her bottom lip then did the same to the top one, leaving tickles in his wake. Alice's heart stuttered. She adored that he didn't push her for more, merely gave her the sweetest kiss she'd ever experienced and one that left her wishing for another one.
When he broke the embrace and stepped backward, a silly grin had taken possession of his mouth. “I'd say this has been a very successful fishing trip.”
What did that mean? Was his world as rocked as hers had been? She quirked an eyebrow, but chose not to comment on his statement.
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Alice couldn't contain her smile. Dinner with her father and Mark had been a success. The two men had bonded over their mutual love of roast chicken, and mashed potatoes and gravy â the perfect Sunday meal. Since she'd served dinner late and they'd lingered over fat slices of chocolate cake â her dad's favorite â the sun had already gone down. She filled the sink with hot, soapy water in preparation for washing the dishes. Her dad didn't believe in spending money on things he really didn't need. That meant they didn't have a dishwasher or a garbage disposal, which also meant, she ended up doing the dishes by hand and composting. As she scrubbed a fork, she listened as the two men in her life wrapped up their conversation with sports stats and gossip about radio personalities.
After a round of vibrant laughter, Mark said, “So, Mr. Attler, am I the kind of guy you'd be happy with dating your daughter?”
She held her breath, barely moving her hands beneath the suds. What would her dad say? The scrape of a chair against the linoleum floor grated across Alice's nerves. Ever since she could remember, she'd hated that sound. She peeked over her shoulder. Her dad had stood, and Mark scrambled to his feet as well.
“I'd be glad to let you give Alice a chance â only if you call me Paul.” He extended a hand.
Alice sighed with relief as Mark shook it. She and Mark were dating then? Flutters tickled her belly. That kinda had a nice ring to it. Mentally, she let out a small “woohoo.”
“It's a deal. Are you going to watch the NBA playoff game tonight?”
“Nah. I'll probably listen to qualification run highlights from the speedway before hitting the hay, but you two have a good time. I'll be in my room so don't get into any funny business.” Her dad winked at her before both men disappeared into the living room.
Oh, that's rich. Funny business. Knowing my luck, I'd barely get Mark's shirt off and you'd barrel down the hall.
She turned away to focus on washing the plates. After the whole fishing thing, she wondered if she and Mark might be too different, tooâ
“Penny for your thoughts?” Mark's voice in her ear shattered her musings, but he wrapped his arms around her waist, and holding her close for a few seconds had the power to melt her fillings.
“Uh⦔ Alice continued to wash the plate. She refused to think about kissing him again, and absolutely would not allow herself to dwell on how good he felt behind her or how delicious it was having his arms around her. “Not a whole lot. I'm so glad you and Dad are getting along.”
“Yeah, he's pretty cool, and he loves sports. That's a plus.” Mark moved to her side, took the plate from her, and rinsed it. Then he propped it in the dish rack. “I'm going to the Indy Speedway next week and taking him. I hope that's okay.”
“Sounds good.” Her smile widened. Maybe she'd let her assistant run the flower shop that day just for the novelty of being home alone for hours on end. She handed Mark another plate. “Just remember, if you make me cry, he'll be your worst enemy. You might have to move because of him.”
“I don't think I need to worry about that.” He rinsed the last plate, stuck it in the rack, and then leaned his hips against the counter while she drained the sink. “Or about moving. For the moment, I'm sticking around the farmhouse. My brother and Lucy will just have to deal with a roomie for a while until I figure a few things out.”
Though she silently rejoiced, a frown tugged at her mouth. “So, it has nothing to do with you figuring out you really can't afford a place on your own?”
“It might.” He yanked a dish towel from the counter, twisted it, and whipped it in her direction. The end snapped at her hip. “But it's more like weird things are happening with my grandma, and I want to see how they play out.”
She giggled and stepped back, avoiding another bite of the towel. She liked Mark's teasing nature. He was much different than Frank in that way too. “Weird things? Is she sick?”
“Not even close.” He tossed her the towel. “She's getting real chummy with one of the older gentleman from town. If things progress and they decide to move in together, maybe she'll give me her house.”
“Well, that would be ideal. You'd still be close to your brother and the bait shop, plus you wouldn't need to move to Indianapolis or find a new job.” After drying her hands, she folded the towel and rested it back on the counter. “Good thing you're not a worrier.” If she'd been in the same situation, she'd develop an ulcer while trying to figure out how to make ends meet or even how the future would line up.
“And you shouldn't be either. It'll all work out. I'm like a cat â I always land on my feet.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her from the kitchen into the living room. “Let's watch the news.”
She lightly bit her bottom lip.
I don't know if I'm in the market for a cat. I want a guy who's stable with his act together.
“But it's only nine. The news won't come on for an hour.”
“I meant the Francesville broadcast. It's usually good for a few laughs since the folks over there are always in training.”
“Right. I always forget about
News Eight at Nine on Ten-Sundays
.” She rolled her eyes as she plopped down into the soft microfiber sofa cushions. “It even sounds a little dorky when you say it out loud.”
“Yup, but it's something to do.” Mark settled beside her and slid an arm around her shoulders. “Besides, your dad told me I couldn't stay past ten. He informed me you had a curfew. Plus he told me kisses had to be without tongue and my hands shouldn't wander.”
“Oh, brother.” Heat flamed in her cheeks. Sometimes her dad's old-fashioned views irritated her. “I'm not a teenager anymore. I think I can manage to figure out what's good or bad for me.” She leaned against his shoulder, shoving her dad's quirks from her mind. Being with Mark â for the short time she could this evening â was the best payoff. She'd never felt as at ease with a guy so quickly before. Did he feel the same way or was it just her and her same old wishful thinking?
“Maybe so, but I'll do what he says anyway.” Mark grabbed the remote control. Seconds after he flipped on the TV, the screen flickered to life. No flat screens for her dad.
“Why?”
“Because staying here with you, knowing your old man's probably asleep in front of
his
TV, is way too much of a temptation for me. I could probably get away with a whole bunch more than he warned me about.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I don't want to rush things and run the risk of messing them up.”
Her stomach did a weird, flippy thing the same time her heart trembled. “Wow.”
Mark waggled his eyebrows. “Just wait until you see what else I can offer.”
As silence cropped up between them and they both stared at the news cast, Alice smiled. It was too early to tell but maybe growing this relationship would actually lead to a bloom; things were looking very good indeed.
I guess he does think the same way.
After a few minutes of listening to the monotone drone of Scott's voice while he reported the news of Francesville and the surrounding towns, she lost interest, especially since the only thing occupying her mind was Mark's citrusy scent and the tantalizing heat from his body.
“Do you think Scott is a good man?” She took in his brown hair that looked as if it would remain in place in a stiff breeze, and his conservative suit with navy tie that screamed a bit too professional. The guy seemed boring and a little constipated.
“I don't know him all that well. He just moved to the area six weeks ago. There's been talk he's trying to get on with a television station in Indianapolis but hasn't had luck. Maybe he's just not Hoosier material.”
“Actually, he is. He used to live here back in the day just out of college. I went to high school with him.”
“I see.” He strummed his fingers on her shoulder. “Just how close were you guys?”
“We went out a few times with a group.” She shrugged and dislodged his arm. “I remember him being popular. You know, one of the guys everyone wanted to know.”
Mark grunted. He leaned forward on the sofa, no longer touching her. “Why are we talking about Scott? Are you interested in him? Does he have the sort of life plan you're looking for?” A heavy dollop of annoyance sat in his question.
She had the grace to blush.
I deserve that barb.
“No way. Just look at him. He's so stressed out, he'll have a breakdown or blow a fuse soon. That's why the big news companies won't hire him.” She gestured at the TV with her chin. “I always thought news people were an even-keeled bunch, but I guess we'll see.”
“Why? What difference does it make whether or not he makes it?”
Was that jealousy in Mark's voice? “No difference. I suspect he and Mel used to be an item, but only time will tell if those sparks have died out.”
“Is that one of your daffy tangents to change the subject?” The flash of mischief in his eyes spoke of future promises.
She snickered. “No, and I thought you said you didn't mind my daffy conversations.” She shoved at his shoulder. There was just something about teasing him that was fun.
“I don't.” At the commercial break he heaved himself off the sofa. “I'd better go. Thanks for a great dinner. You'd give my grandma a run for her money.”
“You're leaving?” She stood but didn't know what to say. An awkward silence sprang between them.
Man, I really don't like the early stages of dating.
“Yeah.”
“Why? I thought we were having a good time.”
He shifted from foot to foot. “Because if I don't⦔ He left the sentence hanging.
What did that mean? She glanced at him but couldn't see anything outwardly wrong. Why were men so difficult to understand?
“Okay.” She followed him to the front door. “Do you want to go out again? Maybe catch a movie in Tyler or hit the diner?”
Crud, does that make me seem too desperate?
The smile that broke over his face as he briefly turned could rival the sun. “Tell you what, come out to the farm tomorrow morning and bring a couple flats of pansies. I'll get them planted for my grandma. It'll be an early Easter gift.”
“Sure.” A shiver of disappointment eased down her spine. It certainly wasn't exciting date-wise but at least it was something. Would it be enough to grow a relationship?
****
“Oh, that's just perfect!” Mark chased Sarge around the pen inside the barn. It had finally stopped raining so he'd decided to transfer the llamas, sheep, and goats outside to let them enjoy the fresh air. While the sheep and goats had gone docilely enough, of course the llamas had other ideas. Pippa hadn't given him a problem, but Sarge was a different story. “You're the last thing I want to think about today, llama.”
He hadn't been able to sleep last night since Alice occupied his mind. She was so sweet and kind, and she truly seemed to care about her dad, even though growing pains of aging parents were inevitable. Her habit of being daffy only made her more attractive, which was why he didn't mind her forays into unrelated subjects. And the kiss at the lake? Holy cow. If he'd been a space shuttle, he'd have launched himself into space. Though he'd kissed his fair share of women before, none of them had made him feel as if he could move a mountain or scoop out an ocean with one soft, heated meeting of mouths.
The snort of a llama behind him brought him back to the moment. Sarge stood three feet away with a decided glint in his dark-lashed eyes. “Oh, you're trouble, aren't you?” Sarge had escaped an earlier attempt with the harness, and from the looks of things, the second try wouldn't be successful either. The animal snorted, spit, and then eyeballed him with a spiteful expression â or at least as spiteful as a llama could summon. Just as Mark approached him again with the harness, Sarge danced away. He wheeled around, burst from the pen, and sprinted toward the open barn door.
“That's it.” Mark threw the harness onto the ground. “When Matt gets back, I'm advising him to sell you stupid animals.”
Sarge shook his tail and pranced with preliminary victory out of the barn.
While black thoughts slid through Mark's mind, he jogged after the llama. The last thing he needed was for the animal to break away and terrorize the countryside. Who knew what sort of trouble Sarge could find? Yet there he was, patiently waiting near the gate of the paddock, touching noses with Pippa over the railing. “Stinking, stubborn llama.” He headed that direction just as Alice pulled up the drive.
Mark waved then tugged on the gate latch. Sarge snorted, Pippa rushed the gate, and seconds later both animals pelted across the yard and gravel drive toward Alice's station wagon while she parked.
“Good grief. I wonder how much I can sell two llamas for online?” Or maybe the spirited animals would be abducted by aliens.
Yeah right.
No amount of wishing away the llamas would make them get in the paddock sooner. He followed them and reached the station wagon the same time that Alice exited the vehicle.
She gave both of them a curious glance before moving to the rear of the wagon and swinging open the back door. “Hey, Mark. I brought the flats of pansies. Just tell me where you want them planted, and I'll start work on the flowerbed.”
“Uh, I thought about putting them along Grandma's driveway with some around her mailbox. She doesn't really have a flowerbed.” For one moment he ignored the antics of the farm animals to gaze at Alice. In a cheery blue t-shirt and a pair of white denim overalls, she seemed the perfect picture of innocence. She stole his ability to breathe.
“Will do. If you'll help me turn over the soil, it'll make the job go even faster.” She fingered a purple petal. “Your grandma will be so happy.”
“We can only hope. Let me herd the llamas then I'll carry the flowersâ”
Sarge rushed the station wagon with Pippa not far behind. Mark, in his attempt to pull Alice out of the way, tripped over his feet. She reached for him but then they both went down in a tangle of limbs. He rolled them out of the way of llama hooves, and came to a rest in the gravel with his body partially on top of hers.
“You know, I'm really not a fan of those animals.” His heartbeat accelerated. Her lips were so close to his. All he'd need to do was barely move and they'd be kissing. Was this the right moment?
Alice shifted her gaze over his shoulder and frowned. “Well, I'm not going to be a fan either if they don't stop eating my pansies.” She slid her hands up his arms to his shoulders. Her eyes twinkled, giving him her full attention. “But, I say let's forget about the llamas and just enjoy this cozy little moment.”
“I can do that.” Mark gave into the impulse and brushed his lips against hers. When a tiny sigh escaped her, he fit his mouth over hers in a kiss that held no urgent heat, just affection and tenderness. There was something about Alice he couldn't get enough of but wished he had endless days to figure out why.
“Mark?” His grandma's call speared through his consciousness and shattered his enjoyment of feeling Alice's body beneath his and the pressure of her fingers at his shoulders.
“Mmm?” He brushed his lips over hers once more, tasting a sweetness that hinted of apples. Maybe she'd had juice with breakfast this morning.
“Mark, get off that ground right now, and leave that poor girl alone. And for heaven's sake, get the llamas corralled.”
He lifted off Alice with a wry grin. “It's so much fun mixing business and family.” Once he'd gained his feet, he helped her up. “Next time we do this, I'll make sure Grandma is nowhere around.”
“I've got just the place.” She scooted away from him. Amazingly enough, the llamas both backed away from her and ambled toward the paddock.
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded. “Come with me tomorrow afternoon. I'm going down toward Grady Creek. I want to dig up some tiger lily bulbs. Before that, I intend to unearth some white daffodils I saw near the area.” A smile curved her pink lips and her eyes sparkled with excitement. “They probably lined a house back in the day. Only a few bricks of the house remain, but it'll be fun to check out.”
Digging for flower bulbs didn't sound like fun to him, but he'd do whatever it took to be with Alice. His expression must have showed his skepticism because she continued.
“It'll be a couple of hours alone, without my dad, your grandma, or the llamas.”
“Sold.” Finally, he glanced inside her car. The two flats that had most recently held vibrant yellow and purple pansies had transformed into tiny square-shaped pots of dirt with green stalks protruding from them. Almost all of the flower blooms had been eaten by the spiteful llamas. “Sorry about your flowers. I'll pay for them and another replacement set.”
“Sounds good.” She waved him away in order to close the back door. “Maybe try stroking the llamas' egos. You know, tell them how handsome and pretty they are. Sometimes, in order to make a stubborn thing â people or animals â do what you want, you need to pour on a bit of flattery.” She winked. “It's worth a try.”
“Thanks.” He looked at the llamas then his grandma. “Well, I'd better put the animals away. Plus, I've got the shop.” His shoulders slumped. The morning he'd had planned with Alice wouldn't happen since they could hardly plant the remains of the flowers.
Sometimes, life in a fishbowl really annoyed him.