The Dating List Read online

  "And if he should do this…" he kissed her, "then this," he cupper her breast, "and this," he yanked up her top with his free hand, "she might very well slap the daylights out of him."

  "Or she might do this," Carrie said before winding her arms around Grey's neck, pulling him into her arms for a deep, passionate kiss.

  He stretched out next to her, easing his leg over hers. After she wriggled out of her top, Grey reached around behind her and snapped open her bra. She shrugged it off while he jerked his t-shirt over his head, tossing it onto a nearby chair.

  "Much better," he murmured, staring at her breasts as he raised his hands to cover them.

  "Is that what Colin said?" She teased him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  "What I'm saying." He closed his fingers around her soft flesh as his lips kissed their way down her neck.

  Carrie arched into him, pressing her hips into his, her fingers combing through his hair. When his lips found her peak, the slamming of the front door, indicated Colin was home. Grey swore under his breath.

  "Little brothers…crap. Can't believe he's still showing up at the wrong time." He sat up.

  Carrie arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what inconvenient times did he show up before?"

  Grey sensed color in his cheeks. "You know…"

  "Not really. Tell me."

  "Stop kidding, Carrie." A smile played with his lips.

  "Like when you were making out with a girl, trying to get her panties off, you mad seducer," Carrie's fingers tickled his sides, causing Grey to bend and twitch. A roar of laughter escaped his mouth as they wrestled with each other. Grey grabbed her hands and clasped them together in one of his one big ones. He rolled her over subduing her kicking legs by trapping them between his as his mouth blew raspberries on her neck. She screamed, convulsing in laughter as she struggled to free herself from his vise-like grip. He lifted his mouth from her neck and lowered it possessively on her lips. The demanding kiss grew deeper, more passionate. She stopped squirming, relaxing against his hard body, molding hers to his.

  The door burst open and Colin rushed in, stopping so abruptly he almost fell over when he saw his brother on top of Carrie, both stripped to the waist. Grey's head popped up. Carrie screamed, crossing her arms over her chest.

  "I heard a scream and thought Carrie was in trouble…I'm so…so… sorry," he said, quickly turning away, blushing and shutting his eyes.

  "Colin…you still haven't learned to knock?" Grey raised himself up on his elbows to pull the bedspread up over Carrie.

  With his hand over his eyes, Colin backed out of the room, feeling for the door. Carrie looked at Grey, laughter erupted from her throat.

  "You're not pissed?" Grey asked her.

  She shook her head, laughing too hard to speak. After the bedroom door closed, Grey turned back to face her.

  "Now, where were we?" Grey's voice was soft and low.

  "Later, lover. Time to get ready for dinner."

  Carrie pushed up with her hands, slung her legs over the side and stood up.

  Grey sighed and shrugged. "Where are we going tonight?"

  "How about Casa Mia? A little guacamole, mariachi music…it'll be fun."

  "And Colin doesn't need fancy clothes. Sounds good. Can I get a rain check?"

  He put his hands on her naked waist and slid them up and down her sides. Carrie cuddled up to him, pushing her chest against his. She planted a kiss on his lips.

  "I certainly hope so. Leave a girl high and dry…wanting," she snickered.

  He laughed and squeezed her close to him. "That's why I love you."

  She leaned back and raised her eyebrows.

  "That and a million other reasons, honey," Grey said, stopping to nuzzle her neck.

  ****

  Colin ran down the stairs, all the way to the refrigerator. He grabbed a beer and popped the top. Sitting on a stool at the counter, he took a long swig hoping his cheeks had returned to their normal color. In a few minutes the door opened upstairs. He cleared his throat three times then took a deep breath but it didn't seem to calm his nerves. Grey and Carrie, wearing bathrobes, joined him in the kitchen.

  "We're going to Casa Mia, little brother. Eight o'clock," Grey said as if nothing had happened.

  "Carrie…I'm so…"

  "Forget it, Colin. I have." She patted his arm then sat down on a stool.

  "Vodka and tonic, babe?" Grey asked.

  "Sounds good. Where's Leah?"

  "Oh my God! Leah! She said to call with the location of the restaurant," Colin blurted out.

  "I'll call her. Be right back." Carrie disappeared into the den and shut the door.

  As Grey gathered the fixings for her drink, he shot a sly glance at Colin.

  "So, what were you and Leah up to that made you so late? I thought you were only going shopping?"

  "Fitting took a while. Seems a great body like mine isn't so easy to fit." He cleared his throat again.

  Grey chuckled. "Go on."

  "Then I had to thank her, so we went out for ice cream…then we went back to her place and had lunch. And she helped me with a job application…before you know it, it was six o'clock."

  "That's all, little bro?" Grey trained a questioning stare at his brother while dumping ice cubes into two high ball glasses.

  Colin blushed. "What else would there be?"

  "Come on. You can't fool me. I saw the way you were looking at her…like a fox in a hen house…licking your chops." Grey poured vodka over the ice.

  "If you mean did I notice she's…attractive. Yeah. I did. So?"

  "Just attractive?" Grey cocked an eyebrow while he poured in tonic water.

  "Okay…yeah, she's hot. I noticed. So what?"

  "Getting a bit defensive, aren't you? Did ya kiss her?" Grey stirred the drinks.

  Colin could feel the heat travel up his neck. There was nowhere to turn because he knew it would rise all the way to his ears. He'd never been able to fool his brother. Anytime Grey put pressure on Colin, he always 'fessed up.

  "So what if I did?"

  Grey laughed out loud.

  "Chip off the old block. Didn't waste any time, did you?"

  "That's all…all I did. I kissed her…once."

  "Ah, but when an Andrews man kisses a woman, even once, she's spoiled forever for the kiss of another," Grey said, dramatically, as he squeezed a little chunk of lime into each drink.

  The two men punched each other in the shoulder then burst into laughter until they could hardly breathe. Carrie returned, tapping her foot until Grey composed himself. He handed her a drink. She kissed him before taking a seat next to Colin at the counter.

  "What did I miss?"

  "An Andrews brothers inside joke." Grey took a sip of his drink.

  "Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, "You're asking for trouble."

  "Okay, okay," Grey said then he relayed the joke to her.

  "I guess I have to agree," she chuckled, shooting a flirtatious look at her fiancé.

  "So, you kissed her. Hmm. This is moving pretty quickly. Are you sure you want to take this…trip with Leah?" Grey sat down on the other side of Colin.

  "What do you mean, 'take this trip'?"

  Grey coughed. "You know…go the distance…get involved. Or are you simply seeking a one-night-stand?"

  Carrie sat up straight, a stern look washed over her face. "Colin, you wouldn't, would you?"

  "Of course not…not with Leah. Hell, I'm no saint. I'm not going to tell you I've never had a one-night-stand, but Leah is…something special."

  "She is. You don't know her history." Carrie took a sip of her drink.

  "So tell me." Colin raised the beer bottle to his lips.

  "Well…Leah's husband, Hank…"

  "Grey!" Carrie put her glass down hard. "Don't you think Leah should tell him herself?"

  "Maybe, but she hasn't."

  "She will."

  "Tell me what? Who is Hank? Leah's married?" Colin's eyes grew wide.

  "She'
s a widow," Carrie said.

  "Her husband died?" Colin put his bottle on the table.

  Carrie nodded.

  "How long ago?"

  "Three years but you should really get this from her."

  "She didn't tell me and I have a right to know." Colin finished the last of his beer.

  "Do you? Why?" Carrie trained her gaze on him.

  "Because I care about her."

  "You've known her five minutes, Colin." Carrie took a big gulp of her vodka and tonic.

  "We spent the entire day together. I've never known another woman like her. She's amazing…talented, beautiful, sweet, smart, sexy…she's got it all."

  "She doesn't want to get serious about anyone…not since Hank died." Carrie lowered her voice.

  "She hasn't dated anyone seriously in three years?"

  "Oh, she's dated," Grey put in.

  "But no one for long." Carrie confirmed.

  "Hell, if Delia's men are flavors of the month, Leah's are flavors of the week!" Grey chuckled.

  Carrie punched his arm lightly.

  "Are you saying she sleeps around?"

  "Not exactly. But she's been just about fun and games, lighthearted, no strings…and hanging with men who agreed with her philosophy." Carried finished her drink.

  "I don't want that with her. I want…more."

  "I'm not sure she can give you more…or wants to right now." Carrie put her hand on Colin's arm.

  "Then I'll have to change her mind." A frown creased Colin's brow.

  "Colin, why don't you listen? I'm sure there'll be some really hot chicks at her New Year's party. Find someone there, someone who's looking for a guy like you," Grey put in.

  "And you think Leah isn't?"

  "I think Leah has some issues and you'd be better off with someone who doesn't. Besides, she's off to Paris. Geographically undesirable…" Grey stood up.

  "Time for us to dress," Carrie said, taking Grey's hand.

  "We'll be down in a few." Grey and Carrie climbed the stairs.

  Colin plopped down on the sofa. Maybe Leah isn't looking for me right now. But she found me. And what's more…I found her. I want her and I'm not going to let go.

  Chapter Four

  Colin walked Leah home after their dinner. He joined Grey and Carrie at the house about ten thirty.

  "Nightcap?" Grey asked his brother. "Carrie and I are about to share some very old sherry."

  "I'll try it."

  After pouring three small glasses and distributing them, Grey went to a drawer where he pulled out a piece of lined paper and a pen. He handed these to Carrie and sat down on the sofa next to her.

  "What's this for?" She asked him.

  "Colin's list."

  "His list?"

  "A dating list. For dating Leah. I assume you asked her out?" Grey raised his eyebrows in questions when he looked at Colin.

  "Yup. We're going to the Metropolitan Museum tomorrow and the Natural History on Wednesday. What's a dating list?"

  Grey chuckled. "Jenna made a list for me...a marriage list."

  "It's a list that got him engaged to me in the first place."

  "Then Carrie made me a love list. Kept me from losing her." Grey slipped his arm around her shoulders.

  "We're big believers in lists." Carrie smiled.

  "Okay, shoot. What do I need to know to date Leah?" Colin sat back and crossed his legs.

  "One, she's sophisticated, knowledgeable…"

  "And she hates bathroom humor," Carrie put in.

  "I meant…before I was interrupted…she doesn't want to talk about stupid little stuff."

  "That narrows it down perfectly." Colin's sarcasm was not lost on Grey, who feinted a punch at his brother.

  "What Grey means is she doesn't care about basketball scores," Carrie said.

  "Or car racing results…" Grey added.

  "Or how big the breasts were on your last girlfriend." Carrie laughed.

  "Be a good listener," Grey said, pointing his finger at the piece of paper.

  Carrie jotted it down.

  "That's very important. Women love a guy who listens. It's so rare!" Carrie chuckled. Grey and Colin frowned, but she only shrugged in response.

  "Treat her with respect. Open doors, pull out her chair, hold her coat, take her arm on stairs," Grey said.

  Carrie was scribbling as fast as she could.

  "I'm not a moron, you know. I already do those things. I've had a few relationships," Colin said.

  "Never discuss age. Don't make jokes about age, don't point out she's older or that you're younger…" Carrie started.

  "Isn't that the same thing?" Colin asked, unable to contain his irritation.

  "Don't give phony compliments. Tell the truth, most of the time. Don't call her at the last minute for a date, assuming she's always available," she added, writing as she spoke.

  "Most of these are common sense, you know," Colin remarked.

  "Do you want to win her or not?" Grey asked.

  Colin nodded.

  "Then listen, Punk!"

  "Don't press her for sex if she doesn't want it," Carrie added.

  "If she doesn't want it often enough, move on. If you're an Andrews man…" Grey began.

  "Enough! I'm an Andrews but I'm not going any further on that topic." Colin stood up.

  "Don't forget the list," Grey said, snatching the paper out of Carrie's hand and stuffing it in Colin's breast pocket.

  "The list." Carrie nodded at him.

  "The dating list," Grey said.

  "Okay, okay. Got it. Geez. Don't you two ever let up?"

  "You said you wanted a relationship with a real woman. This should help."

  Grey gave his brother a pat on the shoulder.

  "One last thing…let her tell you about her earlier life, Hank and all, when she's ready," Carrie said, squeezing his forearm.

  "That's the hardest one of all." Colin headed toward the stairs. "Goodnight."

  ****

  Carrie pushed to her feet and stretched her arms above her head. Her gaze swept over Grey's toned body and sandy-colored hair falling rakishly across his forehead, the sight stirred desire in her.

  "Time to cash in on that rain check you promised me, Mister," she said, resting her palms on his hard chest.

  Grey shot a wicked grin back at her. She took his hand as they climbed the stairs. Once in their spacious bedroom, Grey pulled her into his arms for a passionate kiss. Carrie combed her fingers through his hair as she pressed her hips against his. He groaned when her soft flesh came up against him, his hands slid down her back to her rump and squeezed.

  Carrie unbuttoned his flannel shirt. After pushing up his t-shirt, her hands moved up, brushing through his chest hair, feeling his hard muscle underneath. He moved his lips down to her neck while his fingers slipped under the back of her shirt. A quick flip on the bra hooks and her breasts swung free, inviting capture by his hands. She moaned as he massaged her before gently pinching her nipples.

  "Oh, God, Grey." Carrie closed her eyes and leaned against him.

  He broke from her to yank the bedcovers down. Shrugging his shirt off then ripping his t-shirt over his head, he turned to face her as he tugged his pants down.

  "Can I help you?" he asked.

  She nodded. His fingers made quick work of the buttons on her shirt and the one at the waist on her pants. Shrugging the shirt and bra off, Carrie stood, stripped to the waist. Her pants hit the floor. Grey shimmied her pink lace panties down her legs. His eyes followed the lingerie then skimmed over her body, as a smile played with his lips.

  She loved being naked in front of Grey as he couldn't take his eyes off her. His gaze jumped from body part to body part, causing his erection to grow. Being admired and lusted after put a flutter low in her belly. Her nipples hardened under his stare. The hungry look on his handsome face made her long for his touch.

  "I love you like this," he whispered, approaching her.

  She raised her chin for him to ta
ke possession of her mouth. His lips came down hard and ravenous on hers as his arms wound around her, crushing her against him. Carrie softened, yielding to his passion and her own.

  "You're beautiful…" he muttered between kisses.

  Grey inched them backward toward the bed. He tumbled down with Carrie on top of him. She straddled him, giggling. With her hands flat on his chest, she leaned down and kissed his neck. His familiar male scent filled her nostrils sending heat through her veins. Then she licked down his neck to his collarbone. He hissed at the touch of her tongue on his skin. His hand directed her peak to his mouth where his tongue and lips played with her, demanding her surrender. She felt boneless, her body crumpling as the heat of her desire spiraled up and up, out of control.

  Finally she capitulated, easing down next to him on the bed as he rolled over on his side. His hand slid down her side, stopping to cup her hip, his fingers splayed, skimming over her smooth skin. Then he moved it down, down until it was at the juncture of her thighs. His fingers glided over her slippery core, stroking and swirling until she began to moan. When he slipped a finger inside, her hips pumped to his rhythm.

  Carrie tightened her grip on his shoulder with one hand before she closed her fingers around his hard erection with the other.

  "Oh, God, Carrie."

  Grey lowered his head, his hot breath teasing and tickling her. He pressed his lips into the soft flesh at the base of her neck and groaned.

  "Stop, stop…" he whispered.

  Her hand slid up and down on him until he pulled it away. She bent her leg, coiling it around his hip as he gripped her bottom, pulling her closer.

  "Come to me, baby," he muttered.

  His hand slid over her backside down the back of her thigh. Easing her legs open wider, he rolled onto his knees, crouching between her legs. Slinging her one leg over his shoulder, he drew her other leg up and thrust into her. She gasped as he filled her completely.

  "Grey!" She pulled his head down until his lips met hers. Her appetite for him consumed her. She took possession of his mouth while he moved inside her. He lowered himself to his elbows, his fingertips rested lightly on her shoulders, caressing her skin. She released his mouth and stared into his hazel eyes, just inches from hers. She recognized his desire mixed with love; it excited her.