Authors: Dara Girard
Hunter stopped under a large maple tree. In the distance, a pond glimmered with the light of the sun. Brenna jumped down stumbling a bit but quickly regaining her balance.
She watched him spread out the blanket a blue cotton/linen mix. “May I help?”
“No.”
She glanced towards the pond, watching people feeding the swans. Not since she was a girl had she sat in a park to relax. She usually walked through it to get somewhere. Not to enjoy it as she did now, sitting with someone else. Not talking, just being. Strange that he’d be someone she felt comfortable with. He was too patient and very cunning. She should feel cautious, instead she felt at ease.
He handed her a plate piled with potato salad, grilled fish and green beans. “So what should I know about you so I can impress your Mom?”
“First of all, you and I met in a greeting card shop. You were shopping for your mother.” Brenna took a bite of the fish.
“Impossible.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know where she is.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugged. “Don’t be. My stepmother did a wonderful job.”
“Okay, so you were picking up a card for your stepmother and asked me for my opinion. We started talking then you asked me out. Our first date was at the Thai restaurant on the corner of Mistleton Road. Our next few dates were scattered because of your hectic schedule. That’s why you’re only meeting her now. Do you think you can remember that?” She asked as Hunter finished his first helping of potato salad and went for a second.
Hunter leaned against the tree. A piece of bark fell on his shoulder. He picked it up and stared at it. “I’m sure you have it all written down for me.”
“For the sake of consistency we will use the same story for your banquet.”
He threw the bark aside. “All right.”
“Now about me. I have a BA in Sociology, I’ve never married, I don’t smoke, I am thirty and—”
Hunter held up a hand. “That won’t work. You’re not filling out one of your questionnaires. I need to know something personal.”
“I floss my teeth every evening.”
He scowled.
“We’ve only dated a few times. I wouldn’t have told you any dark secrets.”
“No, but I would know more than what you’d put on a survey. For example, you could tell me about your childhood. The name of your best friend or your first kiss. What do you plan to do in five years? Do you want to get married?”
“I’m not sure.”
He looked surprised. “You’re not sure?”
“I’m not sure I’m suited for it.”
“If the right man comes along you’ll—”
“He won’t,” Brenna said with a certainty that made her heart ache. She brushed the feelings aside. “My childhood was painful and my first kiss was unremarkable. Now that you know something about me—”
Hunter set his plate aside. He drew up a leg and rested his arm on it. “Your answer’s too vague. What’s the real reason?”
“Tell me something about yourself.”
Hunter lowered his voice. “Was it a college sweetheart that made you unsure?”
“That topic is closed.”
“But it’s so interesting.”
Brenna looked at a passing runner.
“Someone will change your mind,” he said certain.
She rolled her eyes. “How like a man. I bet you think all women dream of having a husband and lots of children.”
“No, I don’t. My mother left me to pursue her career. I don’t blame her for her choice. She was miserable as a wife and mother.” He glanced up at the sky then her face. “I know first hand that not all women are made for a domestic life, but you are. You’re giving, compassionate and you believe in marriage or you would not have opened Love by Design.”
Brenna shifted feeling awkward. She hated how right he was. “I saw a money making opportunity.”
“You can’t convince me of that. You’re not greedy enough.” Hunter lifted his plate. “Now let’s talk about me. I’m thirty-four.”
She waited. “And...?”
“You fill in the rest.”
“I’m not as presumptuous as you are.”
“Of course you are. After meeting me for one hour, you already thought you had found my perfect match. Why is that? I hadn’t filled out anything. You didn’t know what I did, if I’d been married before or not. I revealed little about my tastes, yet you thought you knew who would make a good match.”
“You gave me plenty of clues. Janice was my first. She gave me an idea of your taste in women. Second, because you carefully selected her, I guessed it would be your first marriage.”
“I’m divorced.”
She paused. “Oh.”
“I was twenty at the time and thought I was in love so I married her. Unfortunately, we were too young. However, we were clever enough to discover that before we had kids. After my divorce, I enacted The Plan.”
Brenna furrowed her brows. “The plan?”
“The schedule I live by. It’s served me well until recently. Unfortunately, it doesn’t incorporate irrational human behavior.”
“What was she like?” Brenna asked, wondering what kind of woman would convince Hunter he was in love.
“Who?”
“Your first wife.”
He grabbed a blade of grass and twirled it. “I don’t remember.”
“You’re lying.”
He tossed the blade away. “No, I’m sitting.”
“Hunter.”
“Yes, I’m lying.”
“Was she like Sara?”
He glanced towards the pond. “Who?”
“The woman you said was too sweet.”
He shrugged. “Wouldn’t know.” He sent Brenna a mischievous glance. “I’ve never met her or the others. I lied because I didn’t want anyone else but you.”
She scowled. “I should be furious.”
Hunter lifted her chin, his fingers warm and smooth as they grazed her jaw. “Try being flattered instead.”
She swallowed. “Okay so you were married before and wish to remarry to promote yourself.”
“Plus I’d like to have some kids.”
Brenna’s heart sank. Of course he’d want kids. “That’s nice.” She looked at him. For the first time she could read his eyes clearly. She saw his attraction burning, mirroring her own. “I can’t do this,” she said.
“Don’t worry I can.”
Like a bird of prey, his lips swooped down to capture hers. Leaving no time to retreat or think. After a few moments she didn’t want to—she couldn’t. The feel of his gentle lips on hers persuaded her to push away all apprehension. She wrapped her arms around him as though he were an anchor against the very storm of emotions he created inside her.
Hunter’s feelings were even more tempestuous. He’d wanted to kiss her briefly, sweetly, but there was nothing sweet about her mouth right now. It was intoxicating and he loved it. His hands trailed a sensuous path up her arm.
She abruptly pulled away and began packing the basket.
“You’re angry with me,” he said surprised.
“No, I’m angry with myself.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m giving you the wrong impression of me. You’ll think I’m attracted to you.”
He grabbed her chin forcing her to look at him. “And you’re not?”
Brenna slapped his hand away. “I’m presently experiencing a strong emotional response.”
“Is that a yes or a no?”
“I have no desire to marry. This isn’t real, remember? We have a bargain that’s all. You will not convince me to marry you even if I do fit all of your qualifications.”
His eyes brightened with humor. “A challenge. I love a challenge.”
“No, it’s a warning.”
Hunter opened his mouth to reply, but stopped when a familiar voice called out his name. He turned and gritted his teeth as he watched Daron climb up the hill towards them.
“I thought it was you,” Daron said, stopping in front of them. His eyes darted between them, his smile grew. “My, my having a lover’s quarrel all ready?”
Hunter kept his voice level. “Brenna, this is my cousin Daron.”
She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Daron gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Likewise. I just hope you two can last until the banquet. Sometimes little arguments turn into big ones.”
“We like the big arguments,” Brenna said.
“Why?”
She slipped an arm around Hunter’s waist. He did the same to her, his grip both possessive and reassuring. “Because making up is so much fun.”
Hunter drew Brenna closer. “So if you’ll excuse us...” He let his sentence trail off as a polite dismissal.
Daron hesitated, unsure if he should believe what he saw. Eventually, he nodded and left.
Brenna let out a breath. “I’m glad that’s over. You can let go now.”
When he didn’t, she looked at him.
Hunter stared back. The intensity of his gaze weakening her resolve, tearing at the wall that kept her heart safe. Yet a delicate thread tied her to him, preventing any urge to look away. She didn’t even realize he’d picked up a buttercup until she felt its tender petals against her cheek, against the curve of her neck. He brushed it against her forehead; her nose then pressed it against his lips before setting it against hers. The gentle act made her entire body tingle.
When he tucked the flower in her hair, she knew what he was up to. That didn’t stop goose bumps from forming on her arms. He kissed her mouth then moved to nibble on her ear.
“Your seduction technique needs some work,” she said.
He stared at her stunned. “Work?”
“You are trying to seduce me, aren’t you?”
“Do you think I would admit to it after what you just said?”
“So the answer is yes?”
Hunter scowled.
“All women aren’t the same.”
“I know that.”
“If you’d known that you would have realized that ear nibbling is a risky tactic. Not all women like it. I, for one, find a tongue in my ear revolting.”
“I see. How about elsewhere?”
Brenna blinked. “Elsewhere?”
“Yes, how do you like the feel of a tongue elsewhere?”
“I think that’s fine.”
He adjusted her earring. “That’s good to know.”
“You’re a very good kisser that’s why I’m helping you.”
His voice cracked. “Helping me?”
“Yes. Let’s take your hands for example. You have very nice hands, but I’m sure you know that. If I had hands like yours I’d do this.” She touched the sensitive part of his ear and gently caressed it. “Feels good doesn’t it?”
It did, but he was too offended to agree with her. He merely stared.
“Your lips are nice too. I’d like to feel them here.” She kissed a path down his neck to his shoulders, gently touching him with her tongue each time. She’d never thought of men being edible but this one came close. She undid a button. “And then—”
Hunter pushed Brenna back and held her down, amazed. “You’re trying to seduce me.”
“Is it working?”
He narrowed his eyes. “I won’t say.”
Brenna moved against him, feeling the hard bulge in his trousers. “I’d say it was.”
“You’re right.” His eyes dipped to her chest. He licked his lips.
“Don’t you dare.”
“Getting nervous?”
The look on his face sent a shiver of unease. “There are children playing.”
“So? Unless they’ve all been bottle fed they’ll know what I’m doing.”
“I’ll scream.”
“I hope so.” He surveyed her face. “Admit you want me.”
“No.”
He bent down and used his teeth to gently pull down her blouse.
“All right.”
“You smell good.” He rested his nose between her breasts.
“Hunter?”
“Hmm?”
“I said I want you.”
“I want you too.”
“That means stop.”
He lifted his head and frowned a little dazed. “That doesn’t make sense.”
“Get up and I’ll explain it to you.”
He let her go. Brenna sat up and glared at him. “That wasn’t fair.”
“I suggest you don’t try seducing me in public places.”
“You were trying to seduce me first,” she countered.
He folded the blanket then said with all seriousness. “I’ll be careful next time.”
***
“So how was it with Hurricane Man?” Pauline asked when Brenna entered the office.
“It was fine.”
“I want to know more.”
“There’s not much to say.” She hung up her jacket in the closet then shut the door. “We ate, we talked about ‘The Plan,’ he kissed me then we talked some more and then ended the meeting.”
“Oh,” Pauline said disappointed.
Brenna went into her office.
Pauline rushed in a few moments later. “What do you mean he kissed you?”
Brenna rested her chin in her hand. “You know what kissing is, don’t you?”
Pauline fell into a chair. “But with him?”
“It was nice.”
It was more than nice
, but she wouldn’t go into the details.
“He’s just trying to seduce you.”
Brenna winked. “I don’t mind. I tried to do the same.”
“Why?”
“He might prove useful.”
Pauline blinked. “Useful?” she pulled her chair in closer.
“Yes.”
“I’m not sure I like this.”
“It’s just two nights. What could happen? I need a man to get my mother off my back. You wouldn’t understand. You’re married.”
“I don’t have kids yet. Should I go to a playground and buy a kid for a day to please my mother?”
Brenna smiled. “If it makes you feel better.”
Pauline made a face. “You know the point I’m trying to make.”
“Yes, and I’m doing my best to ignore it.”
“It’s not like you to be irrational.”
Brenna leaned forward. “Let me give you the true definition of irrational. Irrational is a woman who offers a telemarketer a bonus purchase if he agrees to go out with her daughter. Irrational is a woman who gives her daughter’s phone number to men she meets in the produce section of the grocery store. Irrational is a woman who then gives her daughter’s number to a lesbian friend just in case her daughter swings the other way. Irrational is a woman who constantly hounds her daughter about how her cousins are getting married while she’s still single. Irrational is—”
Pauline waved her hands. “Enough, enough. I get the picture.” She let her hands fall. “I just wish you didn’t have to pretend that’s all.”
Brenna thought about the time with Hunter, a sense of wistfulness descending. “Yea, me too.”
***
“Fifteen minutes,” Miles said.
Hunter glanced up from his desk. “What?”