The Christmas Date

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“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…”

Then he noticed the small upturn of her full lips, next her straight white teeth. She was smiling, laughing even, so hard that tears were beginning to run down her cheeks.

“I can’t believe it. Did you notice her expression? Wendy probably assumes I’m sleeping with you. You! She thinks I…We…As if…” Kate’s words dissolved into more laughter and she doubled over, holding her stomach.

Confused, Tyler tossed his arms out in a gesture of Excuse me?” What was going on with her? He knew women liked him. He’d even been told he was a good lover. But Kate, with her cute giggle, had deflated the ego his sister had always claimed was oversize to start with. Maybe coming outside with her hadn’t been a good idea. Maybe he should have let her handle her problem herself. She obviously didn’t need him. And he had been pretty overboard.

“This’ll be all over the office by Monday morning,” Kate explained as Tyler struggled to assess the depth of his mistake. “All over the grapevine. I should be killing you because this is so embarrassing. Still, I’m laughing because it’s the opposite of the truth. As if me…you. I love it.”

Tyler felt wounded. So much for saving damsels in distress. In return, they trashed your pride. He coughed. “Look, Kate, do you want to go to the party? You can still meet Wendy there. I’ve got everything under control here and—”

Kate interrupted him with another giggle. “Oh, no. Now that I think about it, this is much better. Thank you.”

“You’re thanking me? I thought I’d just embarrassed you.” Tyler frowned. Confusion was not a state he found himself in very often. He wasn’t sure that he liked that he could negotiate tiny rebel countries and mercenaries with AK–47s better than he could figure out Kate Merrill.