The Dating List Page 5

  "I love you." Her fingers dug into his shoulders.

  "You're mine…forever, honey."

  His whispered affection coupled with his rapid plunging into her destroyed her last shred of control. Carrie's whimper turned into a groan.

  "Come for me, baby," he whispered in her ear.

  His words sent her over the top, the heat inside her burst into flame. She cried out his name as every muscle in her body clenched. Carrie's hips thrust upward then down. He increased his pace keeping her climax going, her hips moving with his.

  "Oh, God," Grey muttered.

  He thrust into her hard, his arms surrounding her, crushing her breasts to his chest as he buried his face in her neck. A loud groan signaled to Carrie he had reached his climax, too. But he didn't stop. He drove into her a few more times before collapsing. Carrie ran her hands over his back, through a thin sheen of sweat then dug her thumbs into his muscles on either side of his spine.

  "That feels great."

  "Good." She closed her mouth over the soft, fleshy area where his neck met his shoulder. The salty taste of his warm flesh reminded her of his lust, his energetic loving. Grey bent back, resting on his haunches as he slid his hands down her chest, followed by his lips.

  "You are stunning with lust in your eyes."

  She laughed.

  He moved his fingers across her forehead, tucking stray stands of her blonde hair back off her face.

  "Lust only for you," she said. Her palm cupped his cheek.

  "Makes you extra beautiful." He kissed her hand, her nose then brushed his lips against hers.

  "Hold me a minute, will you?" Carrie said in a quiet voice.

  "What's up?" Grey's brows knitted as he rolled on his back before drawing her into his arms.

  Carrie nestled her head into his shoulder, stroked his chest then cleared her throat. "My mother is coming."

  "When?" He picked his head up an inch or two off the pillow.

  "In a couple of weeks."

  "Great! I'll get to meet her. Your dad, too?"

  "Yeah. They've rented an apartment in the City for a couple of months."

  "So they'll be here for the wedding?"

  She nodded. A tremor shot through her body. Grey tightened his arms around her slightly, planting a kiss on her hair.

  "This isn't good?"

  "She wants to take over the wedding planning from Delia."

  "Oh. Not good." Grey shook his head slightly.

  "Delia's going to be furious."

  "Why hasn't your mom stepped forward before?"

  "We've never gotten along well. She's very controlling. She and my dad had a catering business. She's convinced Delia and I can't possible plan the food for the wedding."

  "But you can." He rubbed her shoulder with his palm.

  "I know that…you know that…and Delia knows that."

  "Why does she want to interfere?"

  "I think she feels guilty for not spending enough time with me when I was growing up. They were always working. Especially on holidays."

  "And she wants to make up for it now?"

  "…and I'm going to get caught in the middle."

  "What can I do to help?" He stroked her back.

  "You're helping right now." Carrie closed her eyes and cuddled into him. Grey pulled the blanket and quilt up over them both, then she switched out the light.

  "It's your wedding, Carrie. Have it the way you want it, honey."

  "Right now hopping a plane to Las Vegas with you, leaving the rest behind is looking pretty good."

  ****

  Colin climbed the stairs to the second floor, entered the guest bedroom and closed the door. He toed off his shoes then stretched out his tall frame on the comfortable bed. The guest room was painted teal blue with white trim. The down quilt served as a bedspread and comforter with a teal, pink and white small flower country pattern. The furniture was antique, stained white. The art on the walls ranged from modern to country settings. It was a pretty and comfortable room.

  The townhouse was old enough to have thick walls so Colin couldn't hear his brother and Carrie making love in the next room. He didn't have to. He knew what they were doing. A touch of envy mixed with his happiness for his brother. Grey had been searching for a long time for the right woman. Colin liked Carrie; she was the perfect match for Grey. He didn't fool her with his bullshit. She shot it right back at him but with playful affection. He liked to watch the two lovers banter back and forth, always ending with a kiss. The memory made him smile. Their affection for each other gave him hope for his own life.

  Colin knew he was ready to have a relationship like Grey and Carrie's. Though much younger than Grey, he had matured early by being around older people all his life. He wanted to be with a woman, a real woman. He wanted fun, love, and devotion. That and the right job would give him the perfect life. Though his inexperience teaching college might stand in his way for the Kensington State job, his coaching experience was a plus. If he got that job, the only piece missing from the life he wanted was the love of an amazing woman. A woman like Leah.

  His mind wandered to images of her, making him restless. He checked his watch. Only ten o'clock. Not too late to call. He picked up his cell phone.

  "I hope you weren't asleep," Colin said.

  "At ten? Hardly. Canceling our plans for tomorrow?"

  "Of course not. Just wanted to talk to you." To hear your sexy voice.

  "Oh? It couldn't wait until tomorrow?" She teased.

  "Wanted to hear your voice," Colin said, feeling heat rising to his face.

  "That's sweet."

  "Leah…tomorrow is a date, right?" Colin closed the door to his room.

  She laughed. "Do you want it to be?"

  "Absolutely." He lay down on the bed.

  "Okay. If you want to go out with an old lady…"

  "You're not an old lady. I'm 29 and you're…" Shit, the dating list — don't talk about age! He smacked his forehead.

  "I know how old I am, Colin…"

  "You're beautiful, smart, and sexy. I don't care about age. I like being with you."

  There was silence on the other end of the phone. You blew it, boy. Damn! Read the list!

  "I like being with you, too, but…well, I'm going to Paris and all."

  "You're amazing…a special woman."

  "No one has said that to me in a long time," she said, her voice almost a whisper.

  "Why not?" He rolled over on his side.

  "Because…"

  "Because why? You've been dating, right? You must have a string of guys as long as a city block wanting to take you out…or whose hearts you've broken."

  She laughed again. "You're good for my ego. I don't have a waiting list of men and I'm not a heartbreaker."

  "I didn't mean to imply you're mean or anything. Guys must fall in love with you all the time."

  "They don't. Besides, I'm not interested in falling in love."

  Now it was Colin's turn to be silent. What?

  "Colin? Colin? You still there? Damn phone!"

  "I'm still here. Why do you say that?" He propped himself up on his elbow.

  "Too much to go into tonight. I'm going to see you tomorrow, so…"

  "You'll explain then?"

  "Maybe. Let's just have fun, can't we?"

  "Sure."

  "Good. Until tomorrow then."

  "Until tomorrow. Goodnight, sleep well, pretty lady."

  "You too, sweetie."

  Colin undressed down to his boxers and slipped into bed. After turning out the light, he lay sleepless for some time, trying to figure out what Leah meant when she said she wasn't interested in falling in love. He stared at the ceiling.

  I've never shrunk from a challenge…and I'm not going to start now. I don't care how much she says she doesn't want love. Those may be her words but her actions say something else. She flirted with me like mad today. The way she touched me at the store. Looking into my eyes over ice cream…I could see it. She's in
terested. Maybe she only wants a one-night stand. Could never resist. But I'd have to find a way to turn it into more. Carrie said Leah doesn't do one-night-stands, we'll see. I'm not giving up. Grey didn't and he won Carrie. Full court press, lady. I'm taking you down.

  Chapter Five

  Leah stood on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum, wrapping her arms around her torso to keep out the cold. Though the sun was shining, the air was chilly. Sunglasses hid her eyes, enabling her to watch the people around her, undetected. A tall figure of a man approached the museum steps. Colin. A trickle of warmth entered her blood as he ascended the steps with the grace of an athlete. His brief wave signaled he'd spotted her. She flashed him a warm smile then enjoyed watching the way his body moved up the steep stairs. Such long legs.

  Colin reached the top quickly. Taking her in his arms, he surprised her with a sweet kiss, transferring more heat to her body than she expected.

  "Ever been here before?" She asked as he engulfed her small hand in his.

  "Not in a long time. My mom used to drag me here. She had to promise to take me to the Natural History museum afterward to get me here. I wasn't into art as a kid."

  "We'll go there tomorrow."

  "I know that place like the back of my hand."

  "You can show me around then, but this is my museum. I've been coming here every week for six months, studying the clothing in the costume exhibit as well as the art. You can learn so much about the way people used to dress from the old Masters' paintings."

  "Good thing you know your way around. This looks like the perfect place to get lost."

  "Not with me, babe," she said.

  He shot her a dazzling grin as they pushed through the revolving doors into an enormous entryway. Being two days before New Year's, the museum was crowded.

  Colin whipped out his wallet but Leah stopped him.

  "I'm a member and you're my guest."

  She picked up a map and handed it to him.

  "Where do you want to go first? Egyptian exhibit? Armor? French Impressionist Paintings? Sculpture?"

  "I'm at your disposal."

  "Egyptian is right here. Let's go there first."

  Leah flashed her membership card and they received two metal buttons required for admission. They walked through the archway and were immediately transported back to ancient times. Colin pointed to a passage to a recreated tomb and steered Leah there. Once inside he commented about the hieroglyphics while he snaked his other arm around her and pulled her close. His lips closed over hers, his tongue pressing lightly, requesting entry. She opened her mouth and Colin's tongue took possession, gently stroking her tongue, coaxing it out to play. He angled his head, deepening the kiss. Heat coursed through her veins, her arms coiled around his neck instinctively. All thought left her mind as their tongues danced.

  The sound of a throat clearing brought the couple back to reality. Leah pushed against his strong chest and stepped back. Blood rushed to her face as she lowered her eyes.

  "Sorry…don't mean to interrupt," an older woman said.

  "Please, I'm sorry…got carried away," Colin mumbled, making a sweeping gesture, moving back to make room for the other couple.

  "Easy to see why," muttered the man under his breath with a sly grin.

  Colin laughed while Leah's face grew hotter. She took his hand and yanked him out of the passage, dragging him behind her. After winding around through exhibit after exhibit on the first floor, they turned the corner, landing in the Arms and Armor exhibit. Leah saw the amused expression on Colin's face dissolve as his eyes focused on the metal figures before him. He still kept her hand firmly clasped in his as he stopped in front of each display of armor. They were the only ones in the room. He turned to her.

  "Why not?"

  "Why not what?" She raised her eyebrows.

  "Last night you said you don't want to fall in love. Why not?" Colin moved closer to her, forcing her to face him.

  "I thought we were here to see the exhibits…"

  "We are. Can't I ask a question?"

  She eased her hand from his.

  "That's not just a question."

  "I want to know."

  "I don't owe you an explanation…" she turned her back to him.

  Colin grabbed her elbow as she attempted to evade him.

  "Right, you don't owe me anything. Answer the question. What do you have against love?"

  "I'm not interested in falling in love, that's all," she cast her gaze down to the floor.

  "I don't believe you."

  Leah snapped her head up. "You don't believe me?"

  He shifted his weight. The bravado slipped from his face replace by a look of uncertainty.

  "It's just that…well, yesterday…when we were shopping…and at the ice cream place…"

  He swung his gaze from her face to the exhibit in front of them.

  "Look at me. What about yesterday?" Leah grabbed his arm and planted her feet wide apart.

  "Yesterday you flirted with me…"

  "So? I flirt with a lot of men. Hell, I flirt with Lance, the doorman. Doesn't mean I want to have his baby." She tried to look defiant, flash her eyes at him but he became amused instead of angry.

  "Really? Do you kiss a lot of men in an Egyptian Tomb?"

  His eyes twinkled as a smile played with his lips.

  "You kissed me." Leah corrected before she folded her arms across her chest.

  "And you kissed me back." He stepped so close to her, she could feel the heat from his chest. It warmed her, stirring feelings long dormant. He tipped her chin up and gazed into her eyes. Her arms dropped to her sides. His concerned, loving look blended with a spark of desire, held her gaze. Her guard slipped a notch as she lost herself in his gorgeous hazel eyes.

  "What happened to you?"

  She tried to move away but his lips closed on hers before she could. His kiss was so soft and easy, her body relaxed, falling against him. His arm held her to him, steadying her. A sense of lightheaded giddiness, as if she had had too much to drink, shot through her body. A tingle rocketed along her nerve endings all the way to her fingertips before she eased away from him.

  "I…I…still don't want to fall in love." She stammered. I don't, do I?

  "And I still don't believe you. We have a stalemate."

  A group of five people strolled into the room removing the couple's privacy.

  "I could use a cup of coffee," Leah said, heading toward the exit.

  "How about I buy you some lunch?" Colin took her hand in his. "Which way to the café?"

  ****

  Colin couldn't believe how beautiful Leah looked, shivering on the steps of the museum in her cream-colored sheepskin coat which matched her boots. Her unsophisticated fuzzy pink hat looked cute in a little girl way, striking a chord in his heart.

  He bolted up the cement steps easily, a lightness in his step and in his heart. While the art museum wasn't his favorite place, he preferred science museums, he was looking forward to learning from her and about her. What Leah thought of this painting or that sculpture suddenly seemed to be the most important opinion on Earth. He knew he'd become more cultured under her tutelage. Another step closer to her world. He wanted that. For the first time, Colin was embarrassed about his lack of knowledge about art. Grey will be impressed. He chuckled to himself as he bounded up the steps to join his muse.

  He meant to listen intently, take mental notes of everything. But watching her talk, his eyes focused on her lips, the tantalizing pinkness, shape and softness called to him. So kissable. When she guided him into the tomb, he seized the chance to kiss her. The heat from having her pressed against him, the power of that kiss almost knocked him on his butt.

  Now he wanted more, needed more. Colin had to find out why she didn't want to fall in love. He followed her into the café at the museum. Leah led him to the Petite Court and Wine Bar on the first floor.

  After they ordered, she opened the conversation.

  "I don't want to
talk about falling in love."

  The waitress brought their coffees. Colin sat back. She's tough.

  "Then let's talk about dreams. Did you always want to go to Paris and design lingerie?"

  Leah laughed. Her lips curved up in the most charming way, her eyes sparkled. "I grew up in a small town in Connecticut. Mattan Ridge. I was a change-of-life baby. Mom was forty-seven when she had me. Because I was the last child left at home, I was always close to my parents. They had a wonderful life, but being a lot older, they died before I graduated college. My dream was to have a big farmhouse like they did and a couple of kids.

  "What happened to that dream?" Colin took a sip of his coffee.

  Leah added sugar and milk before answering.

  "My last year in college I met Hank Golden. Before we got married, I agreed to stay in the City while Hank pursued his dream of success on Wall Street."

  She stopped to take a breath and taste her coffee.

  "Go on." Colin sat back in his chair.

  "Chasing success was harder than we thought. It kept being one more year, one more year. Two years turned into ten. While he was building our fortune, I became a buyer at Franklyn's, a women's clothing store, where I met Delia, Carrie's Aunt."

  She took a sip of her coffee when the waitress arrived with their food.

  "What happened…to your dream, I mean," Colin said after the waitress left.

  Leah stopped her fork in midair, a small sigh escaped her throat.

  "Hank died, taking my dream with him." She paused to chew, lowering her gaze.

  Colin placed his hand over hers. She forced a smile.

  "Now I have a new dream. Go to Paris and become a famous designer."

  Silence fell on the table. Leah focused on eating her salad while Colin's appetite went out the window. Pain stabbed through his stomach in a flash and was gone. Leah…so much loss.

  "What about your dreams?" Her gaze connected with his.

  Colin took a halfhearted bite of his sandwich before answering.