A Dream to be Loved Kandi Jaynes (13 page)

There was a resounding "Yes" from all around her. Smitty looked at her with obvious disapproval. "Smitty, I...

"I'm not the one you need to explain to." Shocking everyone, he turned and swept her off the ground. Drake opened the passenger door as Smitty reached the curb. She was unceremoniously dropped into the seat and the door shut beside her. Drake stuck out his hand, "Thanks, Smitty."

Smitty shook his hand. "No problem. Good luck."

Drake grinned, "Thanks."

Murder is illegal, murder is illegal, murder is illegal.
Although she tried, Kate couldn't think of a reason not to do him bodily harm. He climbed into the driver's seat and they pulled out of the parking lot.

"Well, I'm about to learn two new things about you," Drake said.

"What things?" she ground out.

"Just how much of a temper you have, and how long you can hold a grudge."

"Not to mention my penchant for revenge," she mumbled.

He chuckled. "At least you're not giving me the silent treatment."

She sat there steaming. "Oh, I wouldn't be too glad just yet. I have a feeling it won't be long and you'll be sorry I'm still speaking to you."

Drake reached over and took her hand. "Is this going to be our first official fight?"

"You..." She jerked her hand away and let out an exasperated sound, like a scream, but not as loud. "You are the most infuriating man I have ever met. And that is no small feat considering how many I've met. You are arrogant and pushy, you assume way too much, and you don't listen to a thing anybody else has to say. You don't seem to care how difficult you have just made my life. I've tried to be nice because you're a friend of Bill's and Vice President of the company I work for, but as of this moment, I don't care who you are or what you do..."

"Finally!"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I mean I've been trying to find a way to get you to see past my title. That's what Vice President is, the title of my job. It's what I do, not who I am." He raked his fingers through his hair. "Most of the women I dated before only wanted to go out with me for what I did, not who I was. So it's ironic when I finally find a woman I want to be with more than any other, she won't go out with me because of what I do. Have you ever taken the time to see who I am? I know when you get your mind off work, you find my company enjoyable, and me attractive."

Kate felt some of the wind leave her sails. "Look, it doesn't matter. I'm not interested in a relationship. I like living by myself. Trust me when I say I wouldn't make a good girlfriend. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised you haven't come to that conclusion already. You don't seem to grasp the obvious very easily."

"On the contrary, I think it's you who is missing the obvious. If you would stop fighting your feelings, you'd see we have something very special. It's a very natural thing. I don't understand why you are working so hard to complicate it."

"I like my life just the way it is. Or was, before you threw it into chaos."

"Everybody needs to be shaken up a little now and then. I know you threw me for a loop the day I met you." He took her hand again and brought it to his lips. It took great effort not to react when his lips caressed her skin.

"Now that you have humiliated me in front of my coworkers, can I go home?"

"No. We can go to my place so I can change, then I'll take you out to dinner. Any place special you want to go?"

"Other than home? No."

They pulled into a small parking lot behind an apartment building downtown. Drake came around the truck as she got out.

"Remember, I didn't pick this out. It's just until... I find someplace more suitable." With a hand at the small of her back, he let her into the apartment. "I'll just be a few minutes, make yourself comfortable."

As Drake made his way to the small bedroom at the back he said a little prayer he hadn't blown it today. He knew he had taken a big chance. He had gained some respect in the shop and most of the guys liked him, but he didn't have the relationship with them Kate did. He hoped by making such a public display earlier it would show them how serious he was about her and she could get past worrying about rumors. It was obvious people knew her well enough to know she wasn't a floozy, or someone who would try to gain favors by dating a VP. He didn't think she would believe it until she saw it for herself though. Then that would be one less hurdle in their way. He was determined to start removing her excuses one by one until she had none left and had to acknowledge that they belonged together.

He had nearly just blown it a few minutes ago with that comment about the apartment. When he first came to town his plan was to find a house. Now, however, he decided to wait until they could decide together where they wanted to live. He knew he was being very optimistic, but he couldn't stop thinking about what it would be like to live in the same house with Kate. He was getting impatient.

*****

While she waited, Kate wandered around the room. It was a very nice apartment, although sparsely decorated. She was looking out the window, when Drake appeared wearing a pair of faded jeans and a dark green cotton shirt.
Don't look, don't look, don't look.
She didn't want to notice how good he looked in casual clothes. He didn't look like a starchy executive dressed like this. He looked like an incredibly attractive, well-built man with gentle hands and lips that could unravel every fiber of her being.

"Would you like to go now or would you like to stay here and relax awhile first?"

"Let's go." She didn't want to relax. She just wanted to get this over with so he would take her home.

While they ate, he asked her about her plans for the weekend.

"I'll be busy Saturday."

"Doing what?"

Kate didn't want to tell him it was her birthday. "I'm going out with Kelsie, Sue, and Missy." She was glad when he didn't press her any farther. He told her about his past weekend of car shopping, smiling as he confessed his last vehicle had been a jeep and he had already planned to get another one before she suggested it. He asked her how she came to have her car and she explained about the uncle she had bought it from years before. It had been the only indulgence she had besides her house. She loved that car.

Later when he drove her back to work so she could pick it up, he grinned, "I wasn't kidding you know. I'll let you drive mine if you'll let me drive your car."

Kate eyed him suspiciously, trying to keep the humor off her face. "You're really just after my car, aren't you? I should warn you, many men have tried, but nobody has succeeded in getting behind the wheel."

Drake's eyes narrowed and lost a bit of their humor. She forced herself not to fidget while he studied her intently, as if he were trying to see deep into the thoughts behind her eyes. Finally he leaned toward her. "Ah, but I don't just want behind the wheel, I want the title too."

Kate shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Thanks for dinner, I should be getting home now." She opened the door and Drake caught her with a hand on her wrist.

"It's only right since we had our first fight we kiss and make up."

Kate looked around horrified. The last thing she needed was for Drake to kiss her here in the parking lot. "I don't think that's necessary. Especially since I'm not done being mad."

Drake chuckled. "Okay, when are you going to be done being mad?"

"When I'm done you'll be the first to know."

"And how's that?"

Kate looked him right in the eye. "When I'm done being mad at you, I'll take you out to dinner."

"And kiss me goodnight?"

"Yeah, sure why not," she said, feeling free to agree because she knew it would never happen. She swallowed hard, pushing the sadness she felt at that thought deep inside for now, fearing one day soon all the emotions she'd been forcing down were going to refuse to be buried any longer. Once the dam broke she didn't know if she would survive the flood.

"It's a deal," Drake said. "Would you like me to follow you home to make sure you get there safely?"

He let go of her wrist and she slipped out. "As I've been getting myself to work and back for years, I think I can manage tonight. Thanks anyway."

As she shut the car door, she heard his soft words, "Sweet dreams, Kate."

It was difficult to get to sleep with her mind repeating,
don't dream, don't dream, don't dream.
Between that and contemplating the rumors she would face tomorrow, Kate didn't think she would sleep at all.

Pulling into the parking lot the next morning, she took a deep breath. There was no way to prepare for what she was about to face. She planned to just stay as busy as possible and away from as many people as possible.

Her nerves were shot before she even made it to the cage. She headed right for the back and started checking inventory, hoping to stay out of sight. About the time she started to calm down the bell rang and she nearly jumped out of her skin. She pinched the bridge of her nose and whispered. "Here we go. Just hold your head up and try not to let 'em see you sweat."

By the end of the day, she was in a daze. She went home and flopped on the couch in complete disbelief. Instead of making her life miserable, almost everybody congratulated her and wished her well. She was told endless times how great Drake was and what a nice couple they made. She felt like she had been in the twilight zone all day.

Other than a few guys at lunch joking about her helping them get a pay raise, everybody had treated her like a new bride. Now she was just as uncomfortable, but for a completely different reason. How was she going to get rid of Drake without looking like the bad guy?

She picked up a pillow, placed it over her face, and screamed into it. She had read somewhere that was supposed to be a good way to relieve stress. She just never thought she'd be stressed enough to try it. "What has happened to me?" she yelled.

"We give up. What has happened to you?" Sue asked from the doorway. She strolled in with Missy and Kelsie trailing behind her.

"I need a long vacation." Kate dropped her head back on the cushion. "Somewhere exotic and warm, and where the men don't speak English."

"Sounds great to me," Sue said, "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow. Think we can get a flight?"

"If you're willing to pay, and be flexible about your final destination, you can always get a flight."

"I'm willing to pay, and as long as it's away from here, I'm not picky about where we go."

"Away from here, or away form him?" Missy asked.

"At this point, it's too often the same thing."

Kelsie stepped in. "So how are things going with Drake?"

"How would I know? You'd have to ask him."

"What does that mean?" Missy looked intrigued.

Kate told them about most of the recent events. Leaving out a few personal details. "I'm looking forward to Saturday. It might even be worth it to put on that getup I bought just to get away with friends for the evening and not have to deal with men." She stretched. "I need some tea, anyone else want some?" They all declined and she went to the kitchen.

*****

The other three looked nervously at each other.

"Maybe we should rethink our plans," said Missy said.

"No" Kelsie surprised the other two. "The plans are made and we'll stick with them. It will work out okay."

"I think so too, but we've never purposely deceived her before, at least not other than just joking around. Do you think she'll be angry?"

"Yes," Sue said, "But eventually when everything works out she'll be glad and get over it. When it comes right down to it though we don't know just how she'll react. So be prepared for anything."

*****

When Saturday came Kate was up early. She had a light breakfast, then went for a walk. It was a cool peaceful morning. The frost that had descended during the night was starting to melt already. She watched squirrels scurrying around and stood quietly as two rabbits in the distance played, running in circles, and kicked their feet in the air. She breathed in the cool crisp air, and for the first time in weeks, felt relaxed and at peace.

Kate walked for about an hour, then slowly returned to the house. Normally her friends came on Saturday mornings, but didn't today since they were all going out that evening. She had told Drake she was busy today so she knew he wouldn't be here either.

After enjoying a leisurely day by herself and a hot bath, she opened the closet and stared at the dress. "Maybe this won't be so bad. Just go with the flow and enjoy yourself."

Draping the dress across the bed, she opened a drawer and removed the required underclothes. Once the teddy was on and she was sliding the silk stockings up her smooth shaven legs, she was impressed at how nice the silk felt against her skin. It took a little time to get the stockings fastened correctly, but once everything was in place she found she wasn't as uncomfortable as she thought she would be. She almost didn't recognize herself when she looked in the mirror. She didn't look nearly as silly as she thought she would. She rarely paid attention to her looks. When she did look in the mirror it was usually just to make sure her clothes were adjusted properly, or she didn't have stains or wrinkles anywhere. Taking a good hard look now, however, she was surprised to find somewhere along the way her body had matured and toned. All the lifting, stretching, and ladder climbing required for her job had tightened and shaped areas she hadn't noticed before.

She slipped into the dress and checked the mirror again. It was a simple design with a fitted bodice, two-inch wide straps that went over her shoulders and a skirt flaring slightly from the hips. It was shorter than she would have liked, but not as short as many she saw women wearing now days. She applied a small amount of mascara and some lip gloss, then added a pair of earrings and a short string of pearls that had been her grandmothers. She brushed her hair thoroughly deciding to leave it down.

She heard the others come in and went to the kitchen to join them. When she walked in, the other three gaped at her. "Wow!" Sue was the first to speak. "Who are you, and what did you do with Kate?"