Up to Date (Better Date than Never Book 8) (3 page)

No such luck.

“Are you in town for the weekend?” I asked, as every ounce of my being felt the heat from his skin where he still held my arms.

With a faint squeeze, he released me as a woman slipped between him and the table to scribble on a bid sheet. Greg checked the paper she’d written on, then he turned back to me. “I’m in town permanently, actually. I was offered a position at the hospital where I interviewed last month—the day we met. I just bought my own place.”

In. Town. Permanently. Yikes!

I swallowed. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” He glanced over my shoulder. “You’re here with your boyfriend?”

“Me?” I followed his gaze to where Trenton sat next to Paul. They seemed deep in conversation—likely about stocks or some other equally tranquilizing financial discussion. Snooze. “Trenton’s not my boyfriend. He’s a blind date.”

“How’s that going?”

I twisted my long hair around my finger. “The same as most first dates. Awkward.”

Except nothing had been awkward with Greg the first night we’d met. He’d come to the dance club with Ryan and, after dancing together all night, Greg and I had gone to a diner to spend more time together . . . which was when I’d discovered he was an emergency room doctor, just like my dad. As if on cue, painful memories from my childhood flooded my mind. Dad’s drinking. My parents arguing. Me having to run at night just to escape the chaos. . . .

“Ginger? Everything okay?”

My gaze flicked up to Greg’s, and his worried expression made my chest tighten. “Fine. I should probably get back to my table, though.”

His eyes searched mine as if trying to peer deep into my soul. “If that’s what you need.”

What I needed was to get far away from him. The ache I’d felt after our last good-bye had increased exponentially now that I’d seen him again. We had incredible chemistry. I could see us dating. Maybe even more than dating. But I didn’t want a future with an over-stressed, over-worked E.R. doctor whose dream was a houseful of kids he’d rarely see. And I wasn’t a girl who indulged in flings just for the fun of it. Although part of me begged to reconsider my stance in this case. . . .

“Well, it was nice seeing you again.” I forced a smile, then compulsively touched his arm lightly. An unwise idea as the feel of his muscles had my stomach bouncing again.

“You, too.” His jaw tightened and a small crease formed between his brows as I turned and walked away.

I hid out at my table with my date the rest of the night. Trenton even managed conversation that had nothing to do with his fabulous ex. Unfortunately, it had everything to do with the stock market, which magically turned my eyelids to lead. When I slipped out of the event early, I’d thankfully avoided running into Greg again. The only downside was I didn’t stay long enough to see who had won my auction.

****

“I need ten diapers.” Rachel sped down the shopping aisle, leaving Kaitlin and me hurrying after her. We were already a quarter of the way into our lunch hour and still had quite a bit of shopping to do for Ellen’s baby shower.

“Let me get this straight.” I pushed the shopping cart forward, then jumped onto the bar above the wheels and quickly caught up to Rach. “You’re going to heat up ten different candy bars onto ten diapers then make us eat them and guess which candy bar we munched on? Aren’t diapers flammable?”

Rach stopped short, her eyes widening. “You think? I’d hate to blow up Ellen’s microwave during her baby shower. Talk about a party stopper.”

Kaitlin lifted a box of diapers from the shelf and placed them in the cart. “Just heat the candy bars on a plate first, then scoop them onto the diapers. Problem solved.”

The image of melted brown chocolate in the center of a diaper left a disturbing visual in my mind. “That’s just gross.”

“It’s supposed to be cute.” Rach’s expression turned panicky for a moment before she gestured to the paper in her hand. “Whatever. Ellen requested the game and you know how she’ll get if we veer off her list. We’re doing it.”

Our friend Ellen Holbrook gave new meaning to the term “Type A.” She was super organized, meticulous, and freaked if plans went awry. If we wanted to keep the mom-to-be a happy camper, straying from her list would be most unwise.

I giggled. “Looks like we’re all eating pretend poo.”

“Can’t we just sniff it?” Kaitlin wrinkled her nose. “Think of what we have to look forward to in our future, ladies. Real poopy diapers. Ick.”

Rach gazed down at her list. “Not excited about that.”

“I’m not having kids.” An unexpected wave of sadness washed through me as I stated it aloud. “Not that I have anyone to reproduce with at the moment, anyway.”

Warm, brown eyes flashed in my mind. The corners of his eyes crinkling as his mouth lifted into a smile as if he were happy to see me. . . .

Rachel’s head snapped up. “You don’t want kids? Ever?”

I shook my head, clearing thoughts of Greg away. “The suggestion terrifies me.” I grabbed the list from Rach. “Next up are fifty rolls of toilet paper.”

“Ah, the diapering game.” Kaitlin took over pushing the cart as we speed-walked toward the proper section. “This one doesn’t involve a microwave, so we’re safe.”

I laughed, but stopped short at the look Rach was giving me. “What?”

She shook her head. “Sorry, I just totally pictured you having kids. It’s none of my business.”

“What do you mean it’s none of your business?” Kaitlin made a right turn, then started yanking packages of toilet paper from the shelf. “We’re all friends. If we can’t speak our minds, then what’s the point?”

I suppressed a smile. Not long ago, we’d had trouble getting Kaitlin to express what she thought. She’d been raised to portray her life as neat and perfect even during the times when it spun out of control. Like mine seemed to be doing now with Greg-on-the-brain and the boring career I’d chosen. Oh, joy.

“It’s totally normal to freak about bringing a child into this world.” Kaitlin dropped the final package into the cart then placed a hand over her chest. “The mere thought that I could turn into my mother is enough to scare me into celibacy. But I definitely want to have a family with Paul. Eventually.”

My throat tightened.

Kaitlin nudged me with her elbow. “I heard you’re going on a second date with Trenton. Wouldn’t you like to procreate, some day, with one of Sacramento’s most eligible bachelors?”

“Not even a little bit,” I said, honestly. Truthfully, I was still debating whether or not Trenton had struck out and I’d been too much of a wuss to make the call. “He seems too business oriented for my taste.”

Kaitlin seemed thoughtful for a moment. “Well, what
are
you looking for in a guy?”

“Someone who has time for me,” I said, immediately. My dad had never made time for me. He’d been too busy working and drinking. “The right guy would definitely have to make healthy life choices. He would be financially responsible, but also know how to balance in fun.”

Both of my friends stopped walking, giving me their full attention.

I raised a shoulder. “My ideal guy would be there for me, just like I’d be there for him too. If such a man even exists . . .”

Rach’s eyes turned misty. “That’s what I used to wonder before I found Noah. Don’t worry. He’s out there and you’ll find him. Maybe it’s just a matter of timing.”

“Or maybe your guy is Trenton and he just hasn’t shown you his fun side yet.” Kaitlin’s tone felt overly optimistic. “It took me awhile to realize Paul was the one for me.”

“Yeah, I remember.” I laughed, thinking back to when I’d offered to paint the interior of Kaitlin’s house if she’d start dating again. Maybe I just needed to keep putting myself out there even when it felt awkward. I was glad, then, that I’d agreed to go on date number two with Trenton. “What’s next on the list, Rach?”

“Safety pins and blue ribbon, then we’re home free.” She threw us a woeful look. “Until Ellen makes additions to the list, that is.”

Kaitlin and I both giggled.

Rach and Ellen had been best friends for years and their relationship reminded me of an old married couple. Ups and downs and all arounds, but they still seemed like a family. See? It’s not like I needed to have kids of my own. I could dote on my friends’ munchkins and they would feel like family. I could be Auntie Ginger and spoil them rotten.

Really, it was pointless to waste time thinking about having children of my own. Sometimes I felt like I already had a child, taking care of my sister all the time. I’d even had to cover her half of the rent again this month because she’d blown her cash on a girls’ trip up the coast. No, having a baby would be too much responsibility for me. It was hard enough trying to get my own life together.

Suddenly, almond-brown eyes appeared in my head, making me feel warm and serene like when I ran by the river. Actually, the tingles that rippled through me felt even better, like my future was deep and filled with endless possibilities.

Ugh. Why did I have to be attracted to the one guy who was totally wrong for me? My masochistic mind needed to move on.

Staying away from Greg would be tricky now that he lived in Sacramento. He’d obviously be spending time with Jill’s boyfriend, Ryan, but I’d just avoid attending any events that Greg might be invited to. Totally doable.

****

Monday evening, I set out for my nightly run at sunset. Usually I followed the same path but, after the day I’d had, I needed a couple extra miles to clear my head. Today, at work, Rich Woodward had decreed that any time employees came to my office to stock up on office supplies, they had to fill out paperwork in my presence. In triplicate. Seriously?

It’s like we were in high school and I’d been voted gatekeeper of pens and pencils. Like my career choice hadn’t depressed me enough before this new twist. On top of that, I’d made the mistake of complaining to my mom while we were talking on the phone. She’d emphatically maintained that more responsibility equaled job security. She
so
did not get my point. Or me, for that matter.

I mean, job security was all practical and lovely but, in my case, it was lulling me to snooze at my desk. Sad, but true. I made a mental note to get more sleep tonight so that didn’t happen again.

I pumped my arms faster and my feet followed in rhythm until brilliant colors swept through my mind. Vibrant orange. Almond-brown. Splatters of bright yellow. My thoughts swirled as I envisioned my paintbrush sweeping across a blank canvas, filling the empty space with a world of hope.

Before I knew it, my condo complex came into sight, so I slowed my pace to a walk. Wiping my damp forehead with the back of my hand, colors continued to dance in my mind, and I itched to bring these happy thoughts to reality on my easel.

I pulled out my key, which turned easily in the lock, telling me I’d wasted my breath lecturing my sister on safety. With sweat rolling down my temples, I pushed the door open, and barged in. “Mary Ann? How many times do I—”

My mouth froze when I spotted the back of a (very built) man on a ladder in the middle of our living room. He wore khaki shorts that hugged his (amazing) backside snugly as he spidered down the steps.

Mary Ann held one leg of the ladder, watched him descend, then turned to me with a wicked smile. “Meet our new upstairs neighbor, who was kind enough to change a light bulb for me.”

Sweat dripped down my jawline and under my chin as my eyes narrowed. Our living room light bulbs had been perfectly lit this morning. Obviously one bulb had been sacrificed in my sister’s plot to give our unsuspecting neighbor a hero complex, thus granting her the role of the damsel that needed rescuing. Gag.

Although, she
had
been accurate in her judgment of our neighbor’s sinewy arms when she’d ogled him as he’d moved in the other day. I’d totally give her credit for that assessment. Shiver. Those muscles made me want to slide my hands over them and—

The man turned so he was now facing me.

“Hi, Ginger.” Almond-brown eyes danced with amusement. “Or should I say, ‘Hi, neighbor?’”

“You . . . he . . . how . . .?” Intelligent words escaped me. Clearly my brain was having an adrenaline overload from my run, because it appeared that Greg Shaffer was standing in front of me, in my living room, and had just confirmed he was my new neighbor. “This isn’t happening.”

He winked at me. “Nice to see you, too.”

Mary Ann thrust her hands to her hips and her mouth transformed into her infamous pout. “You guys know each other?”

“Not as well as I’d like.” He tossed his screwdriver in the air, caught it easily, then turned to Mary Ann. “I asked your sister out and she turned me down.”

My heart pounded in my chest. “That was a month ago.”

Mary Ann’s head whipped my way and she pointed an accusatory finger at me. “You acted like you didn’t know who our new neighbor was.”

“I didn’t.” My mind whirled. Greg had just said he wanted to get to know me better. But, still. I reminded myself that it didn’t matter if he was interested in me. Um, big family ring any bells? Stressful career leaving no time for the significant other? “Did you know I lived here when you bought your condo? Are you
stalking
me?”

The thought secretly thrilled me.

“I didn’t find out you lived here until after I put an offer on the place.” He strode across the room, then dropped the screwdriver into a brown tool bag. “Ryan told me about the short sale and I got my condo for a steal. Not that stalking you would be a cumbersome proposition.”

A zing zipped through me, then I mentally chastised my body for the traitorous reaction.

Mary Ann’s brows quirked. “I thought you were dating the capital of New Jersey.”

“I am.” I stole a glance at Greg, whose jaw muscles tightened.

Mary Ann, on the other hand, appeared elated. She rubbed her hands together. “I looked Trenton Davis up online and saw that he was in
Sacramento Living
magazine’s top ten most desirable bachelors.”

I rolled my eyes. Why did everyone care about Trenton’s status in
Sacramento Living?
I’m sure Greg could easily be voted number one in Sacramento’s top ten bachelors. Didn’t mean his demanding career wouldn’t drive him to the bottle. Or that he’d make time for me.