Love Contract (The Match Broker) (6 page)

Chapter 7

M
ilán stared at Adrian with avid curiosity. “What? You admitting that you made a fool of yourself? Or that you were dead wrong?”

A devilish glint appeared in his eyes. “Take your pick. Neither one is a regular occurrence.”

“You’re very cocky, you know.”

“So you’ve told me. I admit I’ve got a healthy appreciation for my abilities. What’s the harm in that?”

“In small doses nothing, but you seem to think all women share your opinion.”

Adrian couldn’t contain his lazy smile. “Let’s just say that’s more rule than exception.”

“Careful, your narcissistic side is showing again.”

His laughter ricocheted around the small space. “You know I hate when that happens.”

This time Milán couldn’t keep the laughter at bay. She chuckled right along with him. When their gazes locked, she cleared her throat. “During the discussion at dinner I realized that your behavior the day we met may have been...warranted.”

Adrian rested his elbows squarely on his knees. “Still, regardless of what my mother did, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. How about we start over? We didn’t get off on the best foot. I’d like to correct that.”

“Since your mother and I are friends, I think it would be better if you and I weren’t at odds with each other all the time, so, yes.” She smiled. “Let’s start over.”

Adrian visibly relaxed. “Great. So, how goes the job search?”

Milán shrugged. “It’s fine. There’ve been a few prospects. I have another interview Friday.”

“I’m sure it’ll go well. Though I wish you’d reconsider and come to work at Anderson Realty.”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“Yes. My mother wasn’t wrong. I am looking to expand my client services and I think you’re just the caliber of designer I’ve been looking for. You would be a valuable asset to my company.”

“I don’t know—”

“Just say you’ll think about it. That’s all I’m asking—for now.”

Milán was silent for a few seconds before she said, “Okay. I’ll think about it.”

Heathcliffe and Norma Jean came out to find Milán and Adrian debating the advantages of landscaping on resale value.

“Would anyone care for coffee?”

“No, thank you, Jeanie.” Milán stood up. “I have to go.”

“I’m glad you joined us this evening.” Norma Jean grasped Milán’s hands. “We loved having you.”

“Thanks for inviting me. It was fun.”

“Anytime, little lady.” Heathcliffe gave her a hug. “We’re huggers in this family. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” She laughed. “We’re huggers in my family, too.”

Norma Jean led her friend down the deck steps. They walked along the brick pathway that led around front. “You’re welcome anytime.”

Milán’s eyes misted over. “I didn’t realize how much I missed my family until I was here with yours.”

She squeezed Milán’s hand. “I bet you’re as close-knit as we are.”

“We are.”

Norma Jean hugged her again. “Goodbye, dear.”

Milán opened her eyes to find Adrian standing next to his mother. She released the older woman. “Goodbye, Jeanie.”

“I’m leaving too, Mom. Thanks for dinner. It was...enlightening,” he teased before kissing her on the cheek.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. We’ll talk later,” she warned her son.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Waving to both of them, she turned and headed into the house.

Adrian held up Milán’s sweater. “Dad said you left this.”

“Oh. I completely forgot it.” She reached out to take it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you stayed.”

“There was no way I’d be rude to your parents,” Milán said seriously. “Besides, I can tolerate anyone for a short amount of time.”

Adrian’s hand came up to his chest. “That’s good to know. Say, would you like to remove the knife you just slid into me?”

She laughed at his joke. “You know what I meant.”

“Yeah. I’m also glad we were able to get past our differences.”

“Who said we’re past them?” she countered. “I still think you’re way too full of yourself.”

“And I still think you’re a hothead, so I guess we’re even.”

Suddenly, Adrian’s arms encircled Milán. She instantly stiffened.

“Relax,” Adrian whispered in her ear. “I’m not going to kiss you.” He gave her a big hug, and then released her.

“I didn’t think you would,” she retorted. “I just wasn’t expecting it. What was that for, anyway?”

“Both our families are huggers, remember? And since we agreed to try being civil to each other, I suppose it’s a way of sealing the deal.”

“Thanks for explaining that. I’d hate to have to hit you again,” she mocked.

Adrian followed her to the curb. His gaze traveled over her red Volkswagen Eos.

“A convertible. Somehow that’s not surprising. And candy-apple red, no less.”

“Actually it’s called salsa red.”

He opened her door. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”

Her eyes shot upward. “Are you ever wrong?”

“Uh, no. I don’t think so—and it suits you, by the way.”

She eased onto her seat as he shut the door. “Really? Something about me just screams sporty and fun, huh?”

He bent down until he was eye level with her. “Something like that.”

She slid her key in the ignition and started the engine. “Considering you’re never wrong, I’ll take that as a compliment and say ‘Good night, Adrian.’”

He stood up and moved back. “Good night, Milán. Don’t forget to think about my job offer.”

“When did I give you permission to use my given name?” she asked mischievously.

“Here I am taking liberties again. The nerve of me.” Adrian sauntered over to his car.

“A Lexus GS 350. Hmm. I’m not surprised,” she called after him.

He stopped and glanced back over his shoulder. “I take it something about me just screams luxury and impeccable style?”

She shook her head. “Actually, I was thinking vain and pretentious, but hey.” Milán secured her seat belt and pulled off.

Adrian waited until she’d left before getting into his car. He couldn’t explain the undeniable urge to get to know her better. To find out what was so special about Milán Dixon that made him ready to hand her a job without a moment’s hesitation. He’d never done that before. His mother liking her would’ve been an instant strike against her—if she’d been matchmaking again. If he’d picked up on even the slightest hint of Norma Jean trying to fix them up, gorgeous or not, Adrian would’ve headed in the opposite direction on principle alone. His mother may be a consummate artist at finding his friends true romance, but where he was concerned it had been nothing but bedlam.

He had to admit that his mother referring Milán was obviously not business as usual. He mulled over how adamant the Love Broker had been that her motives were pure. The question rolling around in his gut was...did he believe her? “I guess there’s only one way to find out.”

Chapter 8

A
week later, Adrian was coming through the door of his home when he heard his telephone ringing. He strode over to retrieve the cordless phone.

“Hello?”

“Oh, sweetheart, am I ever glad I caught you.”

Instantly alert, Adrian dropped his gym bag to the floor. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, honey, I just need a ride to church.”

He sighed with relief.

“Your father’s not back yet, and I promised to take some dishes over for the carnival, and wouldn’t you know it? My car won’t start. I asked your father to—”

“Mom,” Adrian raised his voice to be heard over her tangent. “It’s no problem. I’ll come get you. Just give me a few to change clothes.”

“Can’t you come over now? I’d hate to keep the sisters waiting for my contributions.”

“I just got back from the gym, and I’m not going anywhere sweaty.”

“Fine, but hurry.”

Norma Jean had hung up before Adrian could respond. Setting the phone down, he hurried to his bedroom.

Less than an hour later, Adrian pulled up to the front of Holy Redeemer Baptist Church. “Here we are,” he announced. “Door-to-door service.”

His mother gave him a stare that would’ve made a lesser man dive for cover. “Don’t even try dropping me off at the curb like some taxi. Boy, you’d better drive around to the parking lot, get your buns out of this car and help me take this food in like the child with manners that I raised.”

Adrian opened his mouth, and then closed it. This was hardly the time to get into a sparring match with his mother. When it came to her, he picked his battles wisely. “Of course, Mom,” he responded. He drove cautiously along the side of the church through the throng of pedestrians toward the rear parking lot.

After being ushered to a space by an attendant, Adrian parked, and was around the car before his mother had even undone her seat belt.

She nodded with approval. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She kissed his cheek. “You’ve restored my faith in your common sense.”

“My pleasure. Now where would you like me to put this?” he said, grasping the tote of coleslaw.

“Do you see that frazzled-looking woman with the clipboard? That’s Sister Pearlie. You can set it down on one of the tables next to her.” Norma Jean eased herself out of the car. “You go ahead. I’ve got to get the pies.”

Adrian followed her instructions while trying not to check his watch. He wasn’t staying any longer than he had to. Not that he had anything against socializing with the members of Holy Redeemer. Far from it, but invariably the conversation would head toward relationships. That meant, sooner or later, someone would inquire how he was doing in that department. When it came to his mother, that question was similar to waving a checkered flag at a drag race. She and her friends would start comparing notes on their offspring. That would cause heated discussions and that would lead all eyes to him. That was a hot seat he had no intention of being on this afternoon. He shuddered at the visual. Playing it safe, Adrian set his cell phone alarm for ninety minutes. That would give him enough time to appease his mother, and leave before he became relationship fodder.

At ease now that he had a game plan, Adrian maneuvered around the lines of kids scampering between bright blue-and-white coolers that held ice pops, ice cream and other warm weather goodies. There was a giant Moonbounce, a dunking booth, various game stations and a merry-go-round. Adrian steered clear of them all. “Excuse me, I have a contribution,” he said when he reached the picnic table.

“Thank you,” a chipper woman replied.

When she turned around to take the container, the words, “You’re welcome,” died on his lips. He stepped back almost colliding with the person behind him. “Milán.” Her name burst forth before he could stop it. A second later, he schooled his features and his expression returned to normal. “It’s...good to see you again.”

“Surprised is more like it,” she retorted, her face identical to his expression seconds earlier. She glanced down at the food in his hand. “I’ll take it.”

He relinquished the bag.

“Thank you.” She sat the parcel on the table. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

Adrian stepped aside to let another person by. “Trust me, I didn’t either. I was roped into it. My mother knows I don’t like these things. Have you seen those kids playing?” He eyed his khaki shorts with concern. “I’m just waiting for someone to spill melted artificial liquid all over me.”

“Relax,” Milán soothed. “I think your clothes are safe. Besides, they’re kids.”

His expression turned dubious. “Uh-huh. Spoken like a woman that doesn’t have any. My friend has a six-month-old. It’s like his daughter waits until I come over just so she can throw up or smear her latest meal on me.” He halted suddenly. “Unless you...I mean, you don’t...”

“No, I don’t have any children,” Milán finished for him. “I’m perfectly happy being single and unattached.”

“Sssh,” he spoke, lowering his voice. “Don’t let the Love Broker hear you say that. Those two words are enough to get her started.”

“What?
Perfectly happy?
”

Adrian leaned in as if sharing state secrets. His eyes alight with mischief. “Heck, no,
single
and
unattached
.”

Milán burst out laughing. “Your mother lives for those words, huh?”

“Like a ten dollar Starbucks gift card to a coffee junkie. Like a forty-percent-off coupon to a shopaholic. Like a—”

Milán’s hands went up. “Okay, I get it.”

He shrugged. “I’m just saying. The Love Broker enjoys a challenge.”

Sitting down on a wooden bench, Milán glanced up shading her eyes from the sun. “Isn’t she busy enough dealing with you?”

“Oh, so I’m a full-time job?”

Unfazed by his acerbic tone, Milán shrugged. “Well, she had plenty of stories at your roast the other night. Are you trying to say none of it was true?”

He took a seat next to her. His gaze held annoyance. “Trust me, if I’d known it was an ambush, I wouldn’t have shown up, and to answer your question...no, I’m not going to deny it.”

Milán started laughing. Finally, Adrian lightened up and joined in. “I’m glad my discomfort amuses you. I’m just surprised you didn’t know.”

She frowned. “Know what?”

Adrian let out a low whistle. “Wow, I thought it was pretty obvious.”

“What was?” When he remained silent, she nudged him. “Tell me.”

He moved closer, just inches from her face to whisper into her ear. “That my mother loves to multitask. Despite all your efforts, I seriously doubt you’re under her radar.”

Before she could reply, Adrian excused himself. “I’d better go check on my mother.”

Milán watched him saunter off across the grass. Seconds later, he barely missed a young boy barreling by and squirting another playmate with a water gun. When he turned around, their eyes met. The look on his face that spoke volumes. It screamed, “I told you so.”

Milán waved him off. Adrian’s expression was smug before he walked away.

“Quite something, isn’t he?” a woman next to her said, then sighed.

Milán nodded and stood up. “Adrian Anderson is turning out to be full of surprises.”

“Don’t I know it.” The elderly woman grinned. “I’m Ms. Pearlie, we haven’t been introduced yet, Milán, but Sister Jeanie told me all about you.”

“She did?”

“Of course.” She wound her arm around Milán’s and pulled her in close. “I heard all about your first disastrous meeting with Adrian. Poor boy, what a misguided soul he is. He’s had some troubles with women, let me tell you, but now he avoids long-term relationships like the plague. I tell you if ever a man needs to be settled down, that one does, but considering the last go-round, I don’t think he ever will.”

Milán couldn’t help but notice this was the very thing Adrian had complained about. She was all ears now. “You don’t say?”

“Oh, goodness, yes.” Ms. Pearlie leaned in closer. “It’s not my place to mention it, but Adrian was engaged once. Poor boy got taken for a ride. He hasn’t been the same since. If you ask me, I just think he hasn’t met the right woman yet. I know Sister Jeanie tries, but let’s face it. Some of the women she’s set poor Adrian up with were horrible. Walking disasters in skirts. I don’t blame the poor boy if he’s a little skittish now. Would you?”

Milán was still trying to digest the tidbits of information that the elderly woman had imparted. Adrian had been engaged, but it had ended badly. She could definitely relate to a relationship not turning out as expected. Realizing Ms. Pearlie was awaiting an answer she said, “Of course not. Granted our first meeting was a bit disastrous—”

“Like I said,” Ms. Pearlie chimed in.

“True, but I’ve seen quite a different side of Adrian today. He’s sort of—”

“I know, child. They call that...” Ms. Pearlie tapped her finger on lip in concentration. “I got it,” she exclaimed with a broad smile. “Multifaceted.”

“I’ll take your word for it, Ms. Pearlie.”

* * *

Milán found Adrian later holding open the flap to the Moonbounce. The bored look he wore made her hurry over to him.

“What are you doing?” she hissed.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I got roped into helping with this thing.”

“Will you put a smile on your face so the kids feel welcome? If you stand there glaring like you got roped into it, they’ll pick up on that.”

“How’s this?” he asked fixing her with a spectacular smile that showed almost all of his teeth.

“
Bueno
, but can we turn the wattage down a little bit? Your smile is about to blind someone. We don’t want them having to get slathered in sunblock just to ride this thing.”

“Take it or leave it,” he griped, but with a smile.

“That’s it. Come on,” she said taking off her shoes.

Adrian watched Milán ease out of her sandals and place them in a neat row along with the rest of the shoes. “What are you doing?”

Milán’s hand entwined with his. “We’re going in.”

“Oh no, we’re not,” he countered.

“Yes, we are. You need to loosen up and have some fun.”

“I’m plenty loose. I don’t need a big plastic blow-up ride to prove that.”

Tugging him along, Milán got herself positioned in front of the entrance. “Help me up,” she cried with excitement.

“This is crazy,” Adrian complained but did as she asked.

Laughing, she maneuvered herself toward the middle. “Come on,” she yelled.

Shaking his head, Adrian discarded his shoes, tossed them to the side and launched himself into the Moonbounce. Gingerly, he made his way over to her. With so many kids and now Milán jumping with wild abandon, it was hard to keep from falling over himself.

Milán laughed hysterically as she jumped and spun around midair. She always landed gracefully on her feet. “Let’s show these kids how it’s done,” she yelled out when Adrian finally reached her side.

“I think not.”

“Come on, Adrian.
Viva la fiesta!
”