The Christmas Date

“No,” Kate said. To her, a service would be a luxury, not a necessity.

“I’ll ask around tonight.” Tyler placed the gloves on the counter before shaking the aerosol can. He pressed the nozzle and foam sprayed all over the laminate countertop, the bubbles flowing over the edge onto the floor. “Darn. That didn’t work.”

“Haven’t you ever cleaned?” Kate asked, watching as he stopped the steady stream with a rag.

He appeared sheepish. “No. I’m never around. Ever since I graduated college, I’ve used a service. It’s a priority in my budget. If not, my place would never get clean. I like to arrive home and find everything pristine.”

Just another difference between them. Kate mopped her own floors and scrubbed her own toilet every Saturday morning.

“Here, let me do that.” Kate handed him a dust cloth and furniture polish. Their fingertips touched again and she pulled her hand to safety and pointed. “Why don’t you go dust off the furniture? That’s a no-brainer.”

His eyebrow arched. “Are you saying I have no brains?”

“In this area, yes,” Kate said. “You’re pretty pathetic.”

“You’re probably right,” Tyler said, laughing at her accurate assessment. “So from here on out, I’ll take my orders from you.”

The cheeky expression accompanying his words could thaw an iceberg, and his flirtatiousness did more than melt Kate. Longing, tingling, the sudden need for raw passion hit her. Men like Tyler Nichols were dangerous. They stole your heart and gave you nothing but lingering memories. That is, if you even got to that point at all. She had to get away from him. Kate gestured toward the living room. “Dust!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tyler said and disappeared through the archway, leaving Kate alone to deal with her yearnings and wipe up the mess.

Chapter Three

A little less than two hours later, Tyler Nichols decided he had it made. His new neighbors were on a mission, and, after telling Tyler to sit and enjoy some of Nora’s homemade stew, they had flown into a cleaning frenzy while clucking nonstop about Myra’s dreadful children.

Even if Tyler had wanted to help, sitting at the kitchen table was probably safer. The Dogwood matrons were household pros who put Heloise and her hints to shame.

They were also matchmakers extraordinaire who had to be reckoned with. Subtlety was not in the vocabulary of these ladies. Tyler had already gracefully turned down three invitations to meet six eligible granddaughters.

Not only that, but the few men who had braved coming into the fray were busy one-upping one another to carry any remaining boxes. No, Tyler decided that sitting was safer, and better because it allowed him to look at Kate as she moved around, spritzing and polishing.

Even doing something as mundane as household chores revealed the feminine grace basic to her. That type of poise was rare and would make her fun to photograph.

Her face had all the planes and angles the camera lens loved. He only wished she’d pull her hair out of that annoying bun. With her hair around her shoulders, she would laugh, bat her long eyelashes and gesture him toward the bedroom…. Tyler shook off the vision before it threw him completely off balance. Once his shower was suitably sanitized, he was heading in there for a needed dose of cold water.

To think of Kate simply as his next-door neighbor would be wise, he reminded himself. Whereas he loved the female sex, and he most definitely enjoyed their company as long as it came without strings, he was not one of those men who knew the meaning of the C-word. The only commitment he’d made was to his career. He’d never remained with one woman long enough even to think about giving her a key to his apartment or allowing her to store a toothbrush there.

But after a grandma named Frieda had cornered him and suggested that he ask Kate out, well, now the idea wouldn’t dislodge itself. Her body between his sheets—just the very idea was a muse beckoning.

Tyler twisted his hands. Maybe Kate was right about declaring him brainless. Here he was, considering following Frieda’s suggestion. While he didn’t know Kate well, he sensed she could prove to be a disastrous complication in his life. And when the relationship ended, he’d still be living next door to her. How awkward would that be?

He knew only one other woman like Kate. His mother. Efficient. Sweet. Innocent. Always lending a helping hand. Definitely untarnished by the ugliness of the world. Maybe that was why his mom didn’t understand his job and wanted him settled down, not traveling the world as he preferred.

Not even his job’s importance could convince his mother to like his decision to be free to document the world’s events on film. Not that she had given up on seeing him married. She remained hopeful that if Tyler found the right woman, he’d want to stay home.

Somehow, Tyler didn’t figure Kate would really understand the value of his job, either. The way she fit into the Dogwood Lane community proved she was home and hearth, something he definitely was not and never would be.

“Earth to Tyler!”

Tyler jerked his head up to find Kate hovering over him. Her breasts were just about eye level, and Tyler shoved his hands under his legs.

“Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to unpack? Didn’t you hear me? They’ve finished your bedroom and Harold wants to know if you’re happy with where the movers put the furniture. If you are, you’d better hurry in there before they decide to rearrange it and move it around themselves.”

Tyler gave a short laugh before standing up and stretching. “I’d better go survey the scene.”

“You’d better. I’ve never seen so many men trying to play Hercules.”

As Kate smiled, Tyler’s gut clenched. He attempted to put the evening into proper perspective. “By the way, in case I forget to tell you later, thanks for organizing this.”

“No problem,” she said.

“No, really,” Tyler insisted. He gestured around. “I’ll have to tell my sister I lucked out. She’s the one who picked out this house. I’m glad I listened to her. You guys are great.”

Kate stepped away and vigorously wiped the counter, the same one she had scoured earlier. “Well,” she said, refusing to look at him, “consider it your housewarming present from all of us. Dogwood Lane is a pretty special place. We’re more than a street. We’re a neighborhood.”

“I’d definitely say so.” Tyler couldn’t resist. He rose and approached her. His fingers snaked forward and tugged on the infernal bun that was driving him crazy. Blondish strands cascaded to her shoulders and her head shot up. She stood as if hypnotized, watching him, waiting for his next move. His nose wrinkled. Even with a hint of antiseptic woodsy pine, she still smelled divine.

Tyler inwardly cursed himself. Yep, way too long without a woman. That had to be the reason he was having this overwhelming reaction to Kate. He’d better move away before he did something stupid and impulsive, like kiss those lips, which were slightly parted with anticipation. “Those guys are waiting.”

“Yes.” Her voice faltered as she moved a pace back. “Good idea.”

As soon as he left the room, Kate sat in the chair he had vacated. The wood still felt warm from his presence.

Wow. Whenever he’d touched her, even briefly, she’d felt shivers run down to her toes. Jack had never made her quiver. Certainly not like this. Tyler had boldly pulled her hair from her bun. Forgetting she had gloves on, she reached up to touch the strands.

“He’s quite a doll, don’t you think?” Frieda strode into the room, a small white trash bag dangling from her hand. “I tell you, if I were forty years younger, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“He’s very nice,” Kate hedged. There was no way to describe what Tyler was, but doll didn’t come close. He put Barbie’s ex, Ken, to shame.

“He’s definitely an improvement over Myra, God bless her. We could use some younger blood on the street.”

“Are you matchmaking again?” Nora entered and glared at Frieda.

Frieda didn’t hide her guilt. “Of course I am. I think Tyler would be a good match for anyone.”

“He’s busy with work, as am I,” Kate replied, deciding to nip this situation in the bud. All night Frieda and Nora had swept her along, and she couldn’t escape the feeling she’d forgotten something important.

Besides, she’d had enough of Frieda’s and Nora’s matchmaking attempts two years ago after Sandra’s death. To prove to the matrons she wasn’t hurting anymore, Kate had gone on three disastrous blind dates, and then she’d rebounded straight into Jack. There were worse things than being alone, she reminded herself.

Nora patted Kate on the shoulder. “There, there, dear. Ignore Frieda. Niles will be in town over Christmas. That’s only a few weeks away.”

Great. Kate sighed inwardly. She had no intention of dating Niles, either. She just didn’t have the heart to tell Nora outright, which she’d have to do if Nora kept insisting on fixing them up. Nora had been such a support after Sandra’s death that Kate hated to flat-out reject her grandson. Thus, getting out of a date would take some creative thought. “I’m busy with school and work,” she said somewhat lamely.

Nora didn’t seem too perturbed. “We’ll just have to arrange something that fits into your schedule. You’ll love Niles. He was a magna cum laude at Georgia Tech.”

“He’s a geek,” Frieda announced. “You can say no, Kate. Have you seen Niles’s photos?”

“Frieda Webster!” Nora placed her aged hands on her hips and gazed over her glasses. Despite her petite size, Nora packed a powerful punch. “You take that back. Niles is perfect for Kate.”

Frieda tossed her head, her hair-sprayed gray hair not budging an inch. “No, he’s not. Tyler’s much better.”

“Much better at what?” Tyler strode back into the room and grinned. “Thelma—I think that’s her name—is organizing my underwear drawer. I figured a hasty retreat was best.”

Still sitting in the chair, Kate dropped her head into her hands. How could he be so nonchalant and naive? Didn’t he have a clue? Dogwood Lane would be gossiping about his boxers or briefs for weeks to come. The residents thrived on things like that to spice up their bunco nights.

“Well,” Nora said, relaxing her posture somewhat, “why don’t you just take a break and keep us company. I was telling Kate all about my grandson Niles. He’s visiting over the holidays. Normally, I travel to Jacksonville, but this year, as the family is going every which way, he’s agreed to come down here for a change.”

“Really?” Tyler feigned interest as he poured himself a glass of water from the tap. He’d given up on beer after finishing the first one.

“Yes. Did Rita tell you about her granddaughter Jane? Such a pretty little thing. She’s an elementary teacher in Lakeland.”

Tyler shrugged. “She forgot to mention that part.”

“Well, you’ll have to meet her. Just like Kate is going to meet my Niles,” Nora declared.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s looking forward to it,” Tyler said, giving Kate a wink. After listening to all the single-women stories, he knew exactly what Kate dealt with. Her neighbors were the matchmakers from hell.

“Of course Kate wants to meet Niles,” Nora insisted.

Frieda coughed, the noise sounding like the word bull.

“Frieda!” Nora’s expression was aghast.

“Something stuck in my throat,” Frieda said, waving her hand in front of her face.

“I’m going to check on Thelma.” As if unable to endure the conversation any longer, Kate left the room.

“So. About Jane,” Nora began, ignoring Kate’s departure.

“About Jane,” Tyler interrupted. He had no plans to date anyone’s granddaughter. Although Kate…She was someone he wouldn’t mind knowing better—intimately better—in spite of his rule not to get involved with his neighbors.

“It’s probably just as well that I don’t meet Jane,” Tyler said, ready to stop the matchmaking madness. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time for relationships. I’ll be on another assignment in just a few days. While I’m thinking of it, my sister is a tall thin blonde who drives a BMW convertible. Tara will pop by occasionally when I’m out of town to check on the place. She’s got a key.”

Nora nodded. “I’m glad you told me. We’re very careful on this street.”

“She keeps binoculars and a notebook by every window,” Frieda said.

Good grief. He’d thought Kate had been exaggerating. “Kate said you were very vigilant.”

“Someone has to be. There’s nowhere safe anymore,” Nora said. “Have you ever seen those It Takes a Thief shows?”

“The last bit of action we had on this block was when raccoons knocked over Elmer’s trash cans last year,” Frieda interjected.

“One still can’t be too careful,” Nora persisted, shooting Frieda a dirty look. “Kate is prone to just opening her door without peering outside first. And you can’t leave windows ajar anymore without having window guards. My Niles is good with tools. He said he’d install some for Kate while he’s here.”

Niles in Kate’s house? Even though he’d known Kate mere hours, Tyler didn’t like the sound of that. “You know, Nora, the fact that this neighborhood is pretty safe is a credit to you, and I can agree with your point. I’ll secure Kate’s windows. I’m quite handy, although probably not as handy as your Niles.”

That sounded good. Compliment and go for what you want at the same time. His mama hadn’t raised a fool.

“You’d do that?” Nora paused, her expression skeptical behind her glasses.

“Of course I would. I could also get it done sooner, since security is of such essence and Niles won’t be here for a few weeks. The TV news just reported on how thieves increase their activity around the holidays.”

He wasn’t sure if that was true, and he drew himself up a little straighter under Nora’s scrutiny. “After all,” he told her, “it’s the very least I can do after Kate’s been so neighborly to help me out by cleaning.”

“Hmm.” Nora pondered the idea for a moment, refusing to cave easily.

“I think you should take her to dinner, instead,” Frieda stated. Her smile widened. “In fact, that would be a perfect way to repay Kate for her generosity tonight. In addition to fixing her windows, of course.”

“Really, that’s not necessary,” Nora declared, shooting Frieda a signal Tyler couldn’t quite decipher.

“Dinner,” Frieda insisted, cutting Nora off. “How about that idea, Tyler?”

In for a penny…

“I think dinner might just be doable.”

FROM HER VANTAGE POINT outside the doorway, Kate saw Tyler’s nod of agreement. Instantly, her heart dropped like a stone.

Did the man not have a clue? Of course not. Tyler was a man—meaning, he was dense. He’d just moved in, but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize what everyone else knew—that Frieda and Nora wanted Kate married, and Frieda would be happier if it wasn’t to Nora’s nerdy grandson, Niles.

Best friends for over thirty years, Nora and Frieda were also each other’s worst enemies, especially when matchmaking and gin games were involved. Each of them hated when the other one won. Ever since Sandra had died, the two women had taken on Kate’s love life as a top priority, second only to those gin games and the Neighborhood Watch.

Ready to put an end to the dinner idea, Kate stepped into the kitchen. However, the daring look Tyler shot her curled her toes, and Kate struggled for composure. Did she wipe that smug expression off his face by rejecting his offer, or take his challenge and accept?

Tyler Nichols had the body of a god. From what she’d seen of his interaction with the Dogwood Lane matrons, he also had a sense of humor. His job told Kate that he had bravery, drive and ambition. He could afford a decent house. He was the type of man she could fall for. But his career meant he wouldn’t stick around. Kate needed permanence.

Best to remain simply neighbors. Look, but don’t touch. Dream, but don’t dare. Be safe. The fantasy was always better than the reality. The heck with not appearing weak. Bowing out gracefully was the better option. Pandora’s box would remain closed.

“Take her somewhere good,” Frieda told Tyler. “Kate doesn’t get out enough, and her idea of eating out is fast food.”

“That’s for sure,” Nora added, stealing the conversation. “I can’t even convince her to slow down long enough to go to Ponderosa with me.”

Tyler arched his eyebrows and peered down his nose at Kate. Defiance sparkled in his warm chocolate eyes as he prepared for her rejection.

“How about I take her to a wonderful little microbrewery I know of, Nora?” Tyler proposed. “The food is the best, and they brew their beer on the spot. It’s also off the beaten tourist path…on the other side of town, over by where I used to live.”

“Kate doesn’t like beer.” Nora gave a sniff.

Kate bristled. How did Nora know what Kate did and didn’t like? Time to regain control of this situation, especially since it was her life they were planning. She shouldn’t have let the silliness go on this long, as it was. “Would you three stop talking about me like I’m not here?”

She drew herself up and moved to stand near them. “For your information, Nora, I’ve been known to have an occasional beer. I just don’t prefer it, that’s all. A microbrewery sounds like fun. Although I’m really not available. I work full-time and I have school, remember? Finals start next week and I have a major research paper due.”

“Fine.” Frieda gave a huff that was all for show. “I was only trying to be helpful. You need to socialize more. You’re always cooped up in that house.”

Kate rubbed her hands on her sweatpants. Wendy had pretty well said the same thing. “I’m sure Tyler and I can find a time convenient to both of us to have dinner—if we decide to go to dinner.” She stressed the if, hoping Tyler would catch on. “No help from either of you is necessary.”

“Tomorrow night,” Tyler said. “How about it, Kate?”

Had he not heard her say if? Frustration found her, and Kate began formulating her excuse. But in the midst of delivering her refusal, she paused. Neither Frieda nor Nora was paying any attention to her. Instead, Nora was peering through Tyler’s blinds. “Someone just pulled into your driveway, Kate. Driving a dark blue sports car.”

Kate glanced at the clock on the stove. She’d set the time herself. Eight-fifteen. That meant…Oh no! Once Nora had arrived, she’d only meant to stay a few minutes. Had that much time really elapsed? How could she have forgotten? Then again, how could she have missed the Hummer? Today was simply not her day….

Chapter Four

As Kate threw her hands up in exasperation, for the second time that day Tyler caught himself staring at her chest. Droplets of water from the yellow gloves had adhered to her shirt and formed an interesting pattern that his fingers suddenly itched to touch.

Kate began peeling off the gloves. “I forgot all about Wendy. She’s going to kill me. I’m not ready for the party!”

“You’re going to a party?” Those gray eyebrows of Nora’s lifted in query. “You never go to parties.”

“I go to parties,” Kate protested. “Not often, but I go. And I was attending this one. I was supposed to be ready at eight. I only planned on being over here a little while.”

“It’s a quarter after,” Nora replied with a shrug, as if it were somehow Wendy’s fault. “She’s late.”

Kate dropped the gloves in Tyler’s sink. “She’ll never forgive me for forgetting that we had plans. We talked before she left the office.”

“Why don’t I go over to your place with you?” Tyler offered. “I’ll explain that I sidetracked you.”

“Thanks, but that won’t help,” Kate said. She paused a moment. “Seriously, I’m not trying to be rude. It’s a sweet thought, but no matter what, Wendy will be furious with me when she discovers I’m not ready. I promised. I’ll have to meet her at the party. I still need a shower, and—Oh!”

Tyler had gripped her elbow, and Kate was looking up at him in surprise. Ah, immediate silence. So the technique did work. Tyler had often seen his father merely put his hand on his mother’s arm, and instantly, she’d stop speaking, even in midsentence. Kate’s expression was not one of passivity but of interest. Again her lips were parted, and her mouth was delectable open like that. Definitely kissable.

Tyler continued to hold Kate’s elbow, and her skin warmed where his fingers curled around her arm. Interesting. He decided he liked touching her and made a mental note to continue exploring the phenomenon of touching Kate.

“I told you I would come with you,” he told her. “Let’s go meet this Wendy friend of yours.”

Tyler threw open the door without looking first, the movement receiving Nora’s reproach. He ignored her disapproval. If bullets flying over his head counted, he had definitely been in many more dangerous situations than this one.

“Wendy?” Kate called.

“Kate! Are you outside?” Wendy stood under Kate’s carport, her hand over her eyes as she squinted into the shadows. Normally, Tyler appreciated tall leggy brunettes, but none had affected his equilibrium quite like the shorter blond woman by his side.

“Ah, you must be Wendy,” Tyler said as he and Kate stepped into the light.

“Kate!” Wendy shrieked as she saw Kate’s attire. “You’re not ready! You forgot!” And then, as if realization dawned, Wendy’s gaze registered that Tyler stood there. Her mouth opened into a silent O.

“Hi, Wendy. I’m Tyler.” He held out his hand, and Wendy returned his firm grasp with a limp handshake. “Kate was just telling me about you. It’s true she only now remembered your party. I’m afraid I’ve been distracting her terribly. I just moved in today and—”

Tyler broke off as Kate’s jaw dropped open as though to say something. Tyler put a forefinger under her chin, leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Shut your mouth, darling. I might have to do something to help you shut it.”

Wendy’s mouth closed at the same time as Kate’s, Tyler noted with a grin. Oh, how he loved American women. They were the greatest in the world, and not just because they were so predictable. He knew exactly what thought had crossed each of their minds at his deliberate words. He gave Wendy a devilish smile.

“Wendy, please don’t blame Kate,” Tyler continued. “She didn’t mean to lose track of time. These things sort of happen. She did tell me she could be ready quickly. She needs to grab a shower first.”

Wendy wobbled on her high heels as she eased toward her car. “You could have called, Kate, and let me know about your change of plans.”

Kate found her voice. “Wendy! It’s not like this. We just met. He and I aren’t—I mean, we’re only neighbors. He lives right there.”

Kate attempted to squirm away from Tyler, but he tugged her wiggling body closer and pressed her to him. She fit nicely against his hip, and a current passed between them, sending warmth even lower. To hide his immediate arousal, Tyler drew Kate tighter.

Damn, she felt good. Despite his obvious physical state, Kate didn’t even attempt to pull away but instead seemed almost to sink into his skin, as if she belonged there.

“It’s okay.” Tyler purposely made his tone soothing. She was going to kill him later, but it was a small price to pay. Kate’s body touching his was sending sensual signals to his brain unlike any he’d ever experienced. Being a red-blooded male, he was enjoying every one. “Wendy’s a grown woman who knows how these things happen. Right, Wendy?”

Wendy nodded as she inched backward and Tyler turned his attention to Kate. “Are you with Wendy or with me? If you’re staying with me, there’s still some work to finish in my bedroom.”

“I—” Kate began.

“We’ll talk Monday,” Wendy called as she passed the bumper of Kate’s car. Then, without waiting for Kate’s answer, Wendy jumped into her vehicle and drove away.

Once the taillights disappeared, Kate jerked herself out of Tyler’s embrace. Her fists rose as if to pummel him. Her body shook. Was she…crying?

Remorse immediately overtook Tyler. Was he destined to be an insensitive cad? While it was the truth, he had greatly stretched the situation out of proportion, letting Wendy think the worst. The last thing he wanted was his new neighbor to think that he was some sort of caveman. “Kate, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”