The Christmas Date
Michele Dunaway

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Chapter One

Tyler Nichols was a man used to being stared at.

At six foot three, with dark brown hair and a cheeky smile that some women claimed was almost as sexy as Brad Pitt’s, Tyler attracted the ladies the way nectar drew honeybees.

But the leggy brunette giving him the once-over didn’t have a chance of holding his interest this morning. Nor did a redhead as he strode on by, his expensive, though well-worn, leather camera case slung over his shoulder.

Tyler grimaced as a burly man brushed by him and bullied his way to the front of the line, as if being first meant he would get to the baggage-claim area faster. Perhaps the guy hadn’t learned everyone waited for the people movers at Orlando International Airport.

Welcome back to America, land of the Hurry, Hurry, Hurry, It’s All About Me mentality. Tyler glanced at his watch and grinned. Maybe the man had an early meeting and his flight had landed late. Tyler was actually ahead of schedule; no one expected him until December 3.

“That guy was pushy, wasn’t he?”

Tyler turned around, letting his brown-eyed gaze rove over the striking redhead who had followed him into the train. She smiled, shooting him all the right signals, but then again, she didn’t know she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Any unmarried man would be interested, but unfortunately for her, romantic dalliances weren’t anywhere near the top of Tyler’s list today. He’d spent the past three months in Iraq, and today he had places to go and work to attend to—like the stacks of mail that had piled up during his overseas assignment. So he gave the redhead a nonchalant shrug and gripped the steel pole as she moved away, quickly masking her disappointment in his lack of interest.

Moments after announcements in both English and Spanish told passengers to stay clear of the closing doors, the train whisked passengers toward their luggage. Tyler took a moment to reflect on the work he had done in Iraq. Maybe a Pulitzer Prize awaited him for his photographs from Iraq. Perhaps this upcoming year he would receive the accolades that had so far eluded him.

In the more than eleven years he’d been a news photographer, Tyler had been through wars, natural disasters and presidential elections. He’d covered coups, uprisings and Oscar celebrations. He’d crawled on his belly through underbrush, gone without bathing for days and even once trekked into the heart of the South American rain forest, as mysterious as ever but unfortunately, rapidly disappearing.

Women were drawn by his exotic job, until they realized that he wasn’t the type to settle down. He kept no pets or plants, and rented a one-bedroom apartment.

Well, he used to rent an apartment. Now, thanks to his twin sister, Tyler was a home owner. He’d bought the place sight unseen two months ago, giving his sister power of attorney to make the purchase. She’d sent him a text message once the deed was done.

He hadn’t really wanted the responsibility of a house. To him, owning one reeked of permanence. But his accountant and his lawyer sister had insisted that Tyler needed the mortgage-interest deduction for his taxes. They’d convinced him that buying a home was a better long-term investment than buying a condominium.

His twin must have done a good job, because Tyler’s mother had e-mailed him that she’d found his new place charming. Of course she added that she hoped it was a “step in the right direction”—in other words, that he was settling down.

The train came to a smooth stop and Tyler allowed the others to exit first, including the redhead, who gave him one last glance. He readjusted his camera bag and once again ignored her, too busy contemplating the tasks ahead.

KATE MERRILL was running late. Since her boss would be in court all morning, Kate had set her alarm for an extra half hour of sleep. What she hadn’t intended was for the alarm clock to malfunction and not ring at all. She’d woken up more than an hour late, showered and thrown herself together in less than twenty minutes. The moment she’d turned the key in her car, she’d remembered her fuel gauge was on empty.

She pulled into a gas station and her compact car sputtered to a stop. She glanced at the clock on the dash before hopping out. Nine-fifteen. She was supposed to pick up those depositions at the opposing counsel’s law firm at nine-thirty. If the traffic gods were kind, she just might make it.

She swiped her credit card, cursed that even bottom-grade unleaded gas was up ten cents for the third time in two weeks, and wondered how the guy in the Hummer on the other side of the pump could afford the behemoth he was driving.

And didn’t he know how bad those vehicles were for the environment? Sighing, Kate positioned the hose in the gas tank and went to clean her windshield. Her wiper blades needed replacing and last night’s winter rain had been mostly drizzle, meaning her windshield was dusty. The temperature had been wacky lately, as well, likely due to global warming caused by whoever was driving the beast on the other side of her. He or she probably got only fifteen miles to the gallon, whereas Kate averaged at least twenty-five on a good day—which this was turning out not to be. At least she didn’t have too far to go to reach the other lawyer’s office. Of course, after that she’d have another half-hour drive back to the law firm of Murray, Evans and Jasper, where she’d been working as Marshall Evans’s paralegal since graduating from college five years ago. She hoped no one had noticed she hadn’t made it in this morning as she had been scheduled to.

Kate resisted the urge to curse as she found an empty container where the squeegee should have been. She glanced over to the next bucket. Nothing in that one, either. Great. She stepped between the pole and the pump, checking to see if the Hummer’s driver had the windshield-cleaning wand. He did, and as he turned from lowering his driver’s-side wiper blade, Kate froze.

The man in front of her was tall—at least six feet to her five foot five. His closed lips were full and perfect. His hair was dark and silky and curled at his nape. He needed a haircut, but like a rock star, he could get by without one—the shagginess added character. His chest, under a short-sleeved maroon polo shirt, was broad and toned. Light hair dusted his forearms. He was, as the girls in the office would say, to die for.

He seemed to sense she was staring, because he frowned and said, “Uh, can I help you?”

Kate cringed. She knew what he saw: pale skin lacking any natural Southern suntan, dark blond hair confined in the tight knot she always wore to work. She was nothing special at all.

Unlike him.

She gathered her composure, determined to show him how unaffected she was. After all, he probably had the ego to match his looks. Guys like him always did.

“Are you done with that?” She arched an eyebrow and pointed to the black plastic object in his hand.

“Yeah. Sure.” He gave her a bemused look and held out the handle. Kate’s fingers accidentally brushed his as she took the squeegee from him.

“Thanks.” She turned to dip the sponge in the washer fluid then began to clean her front windows.

In the meantime, the pump clicked off, signaling her tank was full. She hadn’t heard the Hummer’s pump shut off, but she assumed it had, since the man had disappeared into the gas station, presumably to pay.

She finished the front windshield and did the back, as well, figuring that late was late, as her boss would say, and he’d much rather have her safe than injured in an accident because she’d been unable to see.

Kate tossed the squeegee back in the bucket. While she loved her job as a paralegal, her goal was to be a lawyer and she’d devoted herself these past five years to earning a law degree in night school. Marshall had already offered her a position as an associate lawyer upon her graduation next spring, and while Kate was grateful he’d made her job search easier, she hadn’t yet said yes. Murray, Evans and Jasper was one of Orlando’s largest firms, and that meant dozens of people worked there, many of whom Kate had never met. She couldn’t discount her concern that she might be more comfortable starting out in a smaller firm. Although the anonymity of a large firm might help her when she showed up late—as she would today.

Her receipt printed, and she tore it off, but as she did so, the wind tugged it from her grasp and sent it flying across the station lot.

She started after it as fast as her sensible one-inch blue pumps would allow. She had almost retrieved it when a hand reached down to the pavement and scooped up the wayward slip. “Here you go.”

Him.

“Uh, thanks.” He placed the paper in her waiting hand, his touch almost ticklish against her palm. She closed her hand around the slip, crumpling the paper, and straightened. “I appreciate your help.”

“You’re probably someone who reconciles receipts with your credit-card statement,” he said.

“Is there something wrong with that?” Kate snapped, irritated at the day and this man, who’d somehow pegged her when he didn’t even know her. Worse, he was smiling!

“Of course not,” the guy said with a grin. “Have a great day and watch those receipts. They like to escape.” Then he climbed into the black Hummer.

Kate stood there a moment, fuming as she watched him drive out of the gas station. Then she shook herself. Yes, those hot guys were all the same. Arrogant. Cocky. Self-assured. Jack had been that way—No, she wouldn’t think of Jack the Jerk. And she wouldn’t think about this guy. Orlando, Florida, was a huge place. It wasn’t as though she’d see him again.

Thank goodness.

“YOU KNOW, finding Mr. Right is like riding a horse. If you fall off, you have to climb right back into the saddle.”

Kate stared at her best friend and coworker, who’d stopped by. Up until this moment, her day had gotten better. Marshall’s court appearance had been successful, and no one had said anything about her not getting to the office until ten.

“That’s not it. I have to study tonight,” Kate said, trying to explain why she didn’t want to attend Gail’s party. “I’ve got finals in a few weeks.”

Wendy exhaled, causing a strand of her wavy brown hair to dance. “Study tomorrow. That’s what Saturday afternoons are for. Tonight you need to get out and find a new man.”

Kate sighed. Three years of close friendship meant that Wendy wouldn’t give up. The two women were the classic example of opposites attract. Wendy was a vivacious brunette; Kate a blonde who’d rather study than socialize. Wendy dated three to five times weekly; Kate dated that number yearly.

“Wendy,” Kate began. “I’m tired of people thinking there’s something wrong with me just because I don’t have a man in my—”

Wendy cut Kate off with an emphatic shake of her head. “Well, I’m tired of your excuses. Just because you live on a street populated with retirees doesn’t mean you have to be old before your time. Heck, most of the seniors on your block probably have a better sex life than you do. When’s the last time you got any action? And don’t tell me it was Jack.”

“Wendy!” Kate remonstrated and glanced around her cubicle. Hopefully no one had overheard her. Kate had been embarrassed enough already.

“Seriously, Kate. The guy was a jerk. We all told you not to date him, and ever since he, well…”

Wendy paused and Kate grimaced as she thought of Jack’s public dumping of her, where, in front of no fewer than ten people, he declared her to be a cold fish.

“Don’t say it,” Kate warned. Despite the incident having taken place over half a year ago, the humiliation was still fresh.

“Fine. But you’re closeting yourself away. Men are good for something, you know.”

Yeah, catching receipts, Kate thought as she frowned. She’d learned the hard way that men, especially attractive men, simply weren’t interested in her. She was too plain, too uptight, too smart, too career-focused, too something.

Men were like roadwork zones. You had to use extreme caution. Besides, she’d never been good at dating. Maybe her inadequacy stemmed from her mother’s abandonment. Perhaps Kate was simply the ice maiden Jack had declared her to be. He’d called her the most frigid woman he’d ever been to bed with. She could still picture everyone’s shocked faces.

“Stop thinking about it,” Wendy said, reading Kate’s mind. “Your mom and Jack both did a number on you. But only you can break the victim cycle.”

“I understand that, which is why I refuse to be like her or deal with guys like Jack again. Dating can wait. My priority is graduation from law school then a career. Then maybe a husband. Unlike my mother, who had too many boyfriends to count and three marriages lasting mere months, I’m planning on doing it only once. Heck, maybe I’ll be like Oprah and not get married. Besides, I’m one step ahead. I’ve already got the house.”

“Yeah, on a street where the average age is a hundred. You’re twenty-seven.” Wendy pursed her lips. “You’re still young. Give men another chance to prove they aren’t all like Jack. At least get out there and mingle. No one’s saying you have to marry the next man you meet. Just indulge your needs a little. A woman has them. Believe me, I know.”

“You indulge yours all the time,” Kate said, cracking a smile. She’d heard all the stories, usually over morning coffee, when Wendy would regale Kate with her previous night’s adventures.

Kate’s reply threw Wendy off balance, but only for a second. Wendy grinned. “You bet I do. Who says a man should be the only one to play the field? There’s a huge double standard. I’m worried that if you don’t, you’ll forget how. Then you’ll end up an old maid with just your devil cat for company until the end of your days.”

“My cat is not a devil,” Kate rebuked. Her cat was merely temperamental, that was all. “And remember my mantra. There are worse things than being alone. Jack was perfect proof.”

“I’m sure you’re not what he said, but you won’t prove to yourself that you weren’t the cause of his erectile dysfunction until you get back out there. The cure for your tension is a night of unbridled lust.” Wendy saw the dubious expression on Kate’s face. “Okay, some harmless flirtation. Platonic. Jeez. And speaking of that house, perhaps you should move someplace more happening. My condo complex, for example, would be perfect. Not a retiree in sight.”

Wendy’s condo complex had the nickname Sin City—it was full of young singles and full of sin. Kate rolled her eyes. “My grandmother willed me the house. It’s paid for. Already the property value has gone up ten percent. It’s a good investment.”

Wendy was not to be daunted. “Exactly! She’d want you to sell and invest the money. Buy yourself some slinky clothes, get a hip condo and find a nice man to warm your bed. I’m sure your grandmother didn’t want you to live alone and celibate on a street full of geriatrics who have retired to central Florida for fun in the sun. Stop suppressing your sexuality. I mean, when was the last time you kissed someone?”

Forever. The image of the guy at the gas station jumped into Kate’s head again and she slumped. As if such a guy would ever consider her.

“Look, I’m not like you,” she said softly. Men of all types flocked to Wendy and she went through them like candy, claiming she quickly got bored. “I grew up on that street,” Kate continued, “I’m comfortable there. I’m busy with school, and most law-school grads are younger than I am. They didn’t opt for the night-school-takes-forever plan. I have to be competitive, so my grades are important.”

“You know I only want what’s best for you. As a friend of long standing, I have to tell you you’re becoming isolated. You’re losing touch.”

“Well, Nora does always drop hints for me to date her grandson, Niles,” Kate conceded.

Wendy scoffed. “Yeah, right. Any grandson of Nosy Nora is bound to be a geek.”

Perhaps, and Kate didn’t want to date Niles any more than she wanted to date someone else. Seeing Kate’s silence as indecision, Wendy overrode Kate’s last defense.

“Kate, today is November thirtieth. You can put off studying for one night, especially since it’s the weekend. Get out and live a little. Hang out with all your friends. We’ve missed you, me in particular.”

“Wendy…” Kate said.

Her friend stood firm. “Kate, you cannot base every guy on Jack the Jerk. I know he hurt you, but put it behind you. We’ll have fun.”

Kate picked up the troll doll she kept on her desk and gave him a vicious twirl. His orange hair spiked. Although the idea didn’t sit well, maybe she did need to pick up a man she didn’t care about and do the deed, just see if the lack of passion had been more Jack’s fault than hers. And she had missed hanging out with her friends. “Fine. I’ll go.”

“Super.” Wendy smiled now that the matter was settled. “I’ll pick you up at eight. Be ready. Wear something sexy.” With that, Wendy headed for the elevator. Kate stood up, peered over the cubicle walls and watched her walk away.

“Eight o’clock,” Wendy called as the elevator doors opened. “Don’t forget.”

“I won’t.” Kate slumped back in her chair, ready to put her lack of a love life behind her and get back to work.

“GIN.”

As Nora spread her winning hand on the card table, revealing the jack of clubs Frieda needed, Frieda tossed hers down in disgust. She’d been playing cards with Nora for over thirty years, but she’d never been beaten this bad by her best friend and neighbor, the self-titled Queen of Dogwood Lane. “That’s the sixth time in a row,” Frieda said, miffed about her current winless streak. This was supposed to be a fun way to relax after helping Nora put up her Christmas decorations. No one was as serious about Christmas as Nora; she had everything up by the end of November.

“I can’t help that I’m a winner. When you’re hot, you’re hot.” Nora grinned, the smile lines at her mouth deepening.

Frieda snorted and reached for her cup of spiced tea. While good, it wasn’t as cinnamon-y as hers. “You haven’t been hot in over forty-five years. Now, if you want hot, I’ve heard that a single man is moving into our neighborhood.”

“You’re so far behind. You heard right and I knew that months ago,” Nora said. She considered herself not only the mistress of Dogwood Lane’s grapevine, but the Neighborhood Watch leader, as well. She shuffled the cards. “Myra’s granddaughter told me who bought it.”

Frieda arched a gray eyebrow and waited as Nora dealt another game. “You have to admit that this is exciting news. We haven’t had a single man on this street in years. I mean, not counting Elmer. He’s eighty. I heard the new guy is thirty-three. Maybe our block will become hip again.”

“Doubtful. The only new hip around here is Sue Ellen’s artificial one.”

“So what do you think he looks like?” Frieda asked. Sue Ellen’s surgery was old news.

Nora shrugged. “Not as good as my Niles, I’m sure.”

Frieda refrained from rolling her eyes. Everyone on the block knew that Nora worshipped the ground her middle grandson walked on. Although her own children declared her more of a meddler, Nora had managed to get two of her six grandchildren hitched.

All of Nora’s children were scattered around the country, and Niles lived closest. Nora usually traveled over the Christmas holidays to visit everyone, but this year everyone, including Niles, was coming to Orlando. So he’d be in town in a little less than four weeks.

Frieda peered at her cards. “Wouldn’t it be great if the new neighbor and Kate hit it off? She’s been so lonely since Sandra died two years ago, and well, you remember how disastrous her last relationship was. Who knows? Perhaps it’ll be love at first sight with the boy next door.”

It was Nora’s turn to scoff. “Absolutely not. The last thing Kate needs is some guy who will break her heart again. She should date Niles. He’s perfect for her.”

“He lives in Jacksonville,” Frieda pointed out.

“So? They have lawyers in Jacksonville, too, I’m sure.”

Frieda managed not to shudder as she drew a card from the pile. While Nora was an avid matchmaker and Frieda often assisted in her schemes, Frieda’s gut said no way to Niles and Kate as a couple.

Nora removed the queen of spades from the discard pile and added it to her hand. “Sandra would approve of Niles. He’s a nice, hardworking boy with a very good job.”

Sandra had raised Kate ever since her mother had dropped her off when she’d been six, and Frieda was positive Sandra would turn over in her grave first before agreeing. Still, Frieda could hope that maybe the new guy would be perfect for Kate. After all, Frieda and Nora had promised Sandra when she’d first gotten ill that they’d look after Kate. Of course, Nora was starting to think that meant Kate should be married off.

Frieda glanced out the window and across the street. Both houses, Kate’s and the new neighbor’s, remained dark. “When’s he arriving, anyway?” Frieda asked.

Nora frowned. “That I don’t know. I heard he’s a photojournalist who’s always jaunting off somewhere. The moving van arrived weeks ago and unloaded, so his stuff’s there. If he doesn’t show up soon, his house will be the only one on the block without holiday decorations. That would be an eyesore.”

Frieda studied her cards. If she drew the two of clubs she’d win. “Maybe he’ll be as sexy as that Arthur Kent. Remember him from the first Gulf conflict?”

“Of course I remember that far back. I had cable long before it was fashionable. You really should move into this century. Anderson Cooper’s the star now. Gin. So, where do you think Niles should take Kate? The theater? Ballroom dancing? The Nutcracker will be in town for a limited run starting next week.”

Or none of the above, if she’s lucky—unlike me, Frieda thought as she tossed her cards down, defeated again. Nora peered over her cat-eye rims. “Well?”

“Uh…” Frieda stalled. Everyone knew how tenacious Nora was. Somehow Frieda would have to help Kate get out of this one. Behind the scenes, that is. “Why don’t you let Kate decide what she wants?”

After all, December 1 would initiate twenty-five days of pure holiday magic. With a little mistletoe and a lot of Christmas joy, who knew what could happen?

TYLER DOUBLE-CHECKED the directions his sister had text-messaged him a month ago. The quaint neighborhood he now drove through wasn’t quite what he’d expected.

Not that it was bad or that he disliked it. He’d just expected something newer and more modern, not the starter bungalows he was passing on street after street with fifty-year-old trees. This neighborhood was located in an older part of town, built long before theme parks had transformed everything in Orlando and moved the hub of the city to the southwest. Tyler crept along, searching for 233 Dogwood Lane.

There it was. Home sweet home.

He parked his Hummer under the carport. Admittedly, the SUV was a monstrous gas guzzler, but Tyler wasn’t around enough to drive the beast much. In the two years he’d owned the vehicle, he’d put less than three thousand miles on his odometer.

Except for the unkempt yard, the house itself was presentable—and just like every other rectangular abode on the street. The two-to three-bedroom homes were early 1950s and painted shades of cream or white. All the houses had Christmas decorations on the lawn, some more abundantly than others.

Tyler exited his vehicle, stood in the driveway and glanced around the neighborhood, which he’d been pleased to discover wasn’t a traffic-jammed drive from the downtown bureau office. He reminded himself it didn’t matter what his house looked like. He’d live in it, on average, maybe a total of three months a year.

He dug out the key his sister had mailed to his P.O. box and blinked. Had the blinds across the street flickered? He shook his head. Perhaps it had been a trick of the waning sun or the Christmas lights competing with the twilight. He steadied himself and reminded himself he was back in America, one of the safest countries in the world.

He took a deep breath. Aside from being tired and jetlagged, he was still jumpy from having been in a place where gunfire was routine. The key turned easily and the side door creaked open. Once inside, Tyler nudged the door shut and flipped on the overhead light. As he set down his camera case, disturbed dust particles rose into the stagnant air. Tyler’s expression soured. He knew his stuff had been delivered weeks ago, but he hadn’t expected the dust to be this bad. A thin layer covered everything, including the moving boxes. Which meant that not only did he have to unpack, he first had to clean.

That figured, especially since he hated housekeeping and had entrusted his apartment to a cleaning service. Since Tyler hadn’t been in the country for the various homeowner inspections, he’d simply assumed the previous owners had scoured the place. Used to living in apartments, where a renter had to clean to get his deposit back and then the apartment complex cleaned to prepare for the new tenant, Tyler hadn’t even thought his house might not be habitable.

He stretched his neck and rolled his shoulders in an attempt to ease the tension he felt. From the appearance of the place, the movers had simply brought all his stuff in, set it down and then left. He’d slept in more deplorable conditions on the job, but this was his house. His home, even though he was never home much, was a haven, one he always wanted clean and presentable.

He pulled his cell phone out of the camera bag and punched speed dial. Within moments he’d connected to his twin’s voice mail. “Hey, Tara. Thanks for remembering the cleaning service. I couldn’t believe how spotless the house was when I got home. Gosh, everything in its place and not a speck of dust anywhere. Hey, on a serious note, I’m back in town and I do like the house. You did good. Love ya. Call me.”

He smiled, imagining her reaction to the first part of his message. She’d known him since the womb and would laugh at his sarcasm, aware it was only in jest. Yeah, he was annoyed by the mess in front of him, but it wasn’t her fault. She’d already gone above and beyond the call of sisterly duty.

The house was too dirty not to clean, but because he’d always had a maid service, wiping up spills with paper towels and spraying foaming shower cleaner were his limits. He didn’t even own a vacuum, since the service had brought its own.

For a moment, he thought about calling his mother, then reconsidered. While she could clean at light-speed, her help would come with a lecture on staying in the United States, finding a woman to marry and raising children, like two of his older brothers, Leo and Craig. Tonight, after traveling a long distance and then working all day at the office, Tyler wanted peace and quiet.

The sound of tires crunching on pavement caught his attention. He moved to the front window and watched as a sensible little four-door sedan pulled into the driveway next door. He strode to a side window and parted the old-fashioned Venetian blinds. Once under the carport, the vehicle sputtered to a stop. Clogged fuel injector. Easy enough to fix.

The car door opened and the driver climbed out. No. It couldn’t be. What were the odds?

He frowned. But there she was, the woman who, for some reason, he’d been unable to get out of his mind.

Maybe it had been the severe way she’d secured her blond hair in a bun, or the way she’d haughtily held her neck and shoulders, as if he carried the plague. He’d made a career of never forgetting a face, but clearly she wasn’t very observant. She’d failed to notice the Hummer parked parallel to her driveway, and seemed preoccupied with getting into the house as quickly as possible.

Curiosity piqued, Tyler decided it was time to formally meet his new neighbor.

Chapter Two

As she entered her kitchen, Kate tossed her keys on the table and set the pint-size carton of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in the freezer. She’d eat the chocolate, caramel and fish-shaped-candy ice cream later. Because of a last-minute request from the boss, she’d left work a little later than normal, which was okay, she’d rationalized, since she’d arrived late.

Still, she hadn’t factored the horrible traffic an accident had produced, which had left her with the task of getting dinner, freshening up and finding something to wear in a little less than the two hours she had before Wendy arrived.

Kate had the start of a headache, as well, and something seemed out of place, though she couldn’t pinpoint what. Maybe she was just tense from the day, and the fact she’d agreed to go to a party she really didn’t want to attend.

She took two acetaminophen tablets out of her purse, poured a glass of water and shrugged off the melancholy as her cat, Jeckyll, hopped onto the kitchen table with a meow. Tonight Kate didn’t scold him, for Wendy’s prophetic words popped into Kate’s head: you’ll end up an old maid with just your cat. Kate swallowed the tablets, set the water glass down and absently scratched Jeckyll behind the ears.

The huge yellow tomcat arched his back and purred. Then he rose on his hind legs and planted his two huge front feet on Kate’s blouse. Dirty paw prints instantly marred the white fabric above her breasts. Figured. Her headache grew worse as she grabbed a paper towel and attempted to wipe the dirt off the material. Because she’d watered the plants late last night, brushing the dirt off was hopeless. She needed to toss the garment into the washing machine immediately.

“Bad cat! I told you to stay out of the corn plant,” she chastised. She began unbuttoning the blouse as Jeckyll jumped off the table and nonchalantly strode into the living room, tail held high. Kate glared after him, fingers freezing on undoing the fourth button as she heard a knock on the side door.

Probably Nora. Kate closed her eyes for a moment. She loved Nora—the woman was practically her second mother. But at this moment Kate was simply too uptight to deal with anyone.

The rapping continued and Kate went to the door. She flipped on the porch light and slowly pushed the curtain aside so that Nora, head of the Neighborhood Watch patrol, wouldn’t scold her—again—for not being careful enough. “Yes?”

The rest of her sentence died on her tongue. Outside on her doorstep was the guy from the gas station. She dropped the curtain. What was he doing here? Every one of Nora’s safety lectures flitted through Kate’s head. Had he followed her all day? Should she call 911?

The knocking restarted, this time accompanied by his voice, which called, “Hello.” She pushed the curtain aside again, and he gave her a disarming grin and held up his driver’s license. “Hi. I’m your new neighbor. I bought the house next door. From the Dorhacks?”

Kate’s hand trembled as she let the curtain drop into place. She chided herself for letting Nora’s paranoia rub off. She opened the door and immediately noticed the massive black Hummer directly on the other side of her carport. Okay, maybe she was as clueless as Nora maintained if she’d missed that. Somehow, she regained her voice and poise. “Hello.”

“Hi. I’m Tyler Nichols.”

She blushed. “Kate Merrill.”

He smiled and something inside her jumped to attention. “I’ve been in Iraq for the past few months,” he said. “Just got home today. Pity we didn’t know each other this morning.”

“Oh.” She gripped the door handle. Even though he stood lower than her, his height put him eye-to-eye, providing her a clear view of brown orbs that were flecked with gold. She swallowed. “Well, welcome to Dogwood Lane.”

The smile didn’t fade as he studied her. “Thanks. What a coincidence.”

Kate sidestepped the comment. “Uh, so you were working overseas?” she managed to say.

He nodded, and the dimple in his cheek creased more. “I’m a photojournalist with a wire service.”

Gorgeous man, glamorous job. And not only had she made an idiot of herself this morning, but now she was leaving him standing on her doorstep. “Uh, please come in. Besides, if you remain out here, Nora’ll be here any second.”

He frowned. “Nora?”

“Nora,” Kate confirmed as another strand of her hair escaped its bun when she stepped back into the kitchen. She resisted the urge to replace the wayward lock. “You’ll meet her soon enough. She lives across the street and keeps a pair of binoculars by each window. Everyone in the neighborhood calls her Nosy Nora. Not to her face, of course,” Kate added hastily, blushing again. “Some twenty years ago she foiled a crime on this street, so everyone’s very grateful she’s observant.”

He was observant, too, she noticed as his gaze flicked around her kitchen, which sorely needed updating. The green metal cabinets had gone out of style decades ago. He returned his attention to her face.

“I’m sure you’re busy, especially since it’s a Friday night. I just came over to say hello. I’ve got to get back over there and clean.”

“You’re not going out?” Kate stared at him. Didn’t men like him always have somewhere exciting to be? Jack had always had somewhere to go, someone to impress.

But Tyler was shaking his head. “No. I’ve got hours of work to do, starting with finding the closest place to buy cleaning supplies.”

“We’re pretty residential here. You’ll have to drive at least two miles before you get to the nearest superstore,” Kate told him.

He grinned wryly. “That’s what I figured. Well, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around. I better get to it. I recognized you and like I said, I just wanted to say hello.”

He could charm without even trying. His proximity rattled her brain, scattering her priorities and overriding her to-do list. Maybe she should have taken Wendy’s advice and gotten on the dating circuit sooner. That might have helped with her reaction to this man.

“I saw the inside of the house right after Myra’s kids put her in a nursing home. They were so happy to unload the place that I’m not surprised they didn’t clean it before they sold it.”

“Well, my stuff sitting there collecting dust didn’t help. I’ve been traveling with a marine unit for the past two months. Although, as dirty as it is, it’s better than the front line.”

Raised by Sandra always to be charitable and volunteer, Kate made an instinctive decision. “Do you need some help?”

His eyebrows shot up. “You’d do that?”

“Of course,” she said. “It’s what neighbors do, especially on this street. I’ve got tons of cleaning stuff I can lend you. Give me a few minutes to get changed and I’ll come over. I’d suggest you find some grubbier clothes.”

He still seemed a little surprised. “Okay, if you’re sure. I’ll see you in a few then. Be sure to knock loud. I’ve discovered that the doorbell’s broken. I guess I’ll have to fix that at some point.”

And then he walked away, affording Kate a great view of his backside.

SO THAT WAS his next-door neighbor.

Tyler whistled to himself as he crossed the short distance to his house. The spontaneous way she’d offered to help, without hitting on him, had impressed him. Perhaps he’d misjudged her this morning. Then, he’d found her a bit amusing.

Oh, she still had that naiveté to her, as real as it was refreshing. But her eyes reflected intelligence. He’d read determination on her face. She’d never play poker, but she’d covered her shock well.

He’d also found it intriguing that he’d wanted to pull her hair out of that infernal bun she wore. Yeah, maybe he’d been without a woman for too long, because his male interest had roared to life the moment she’d opened the door. He chuckled. Those sexy paw prints on her chest had been pretty impressive. Lucky cat. He wondered if she realized the top part of her blouse had been unbuttoned, giving him a nice peek at the white satin bra she wore beneath. Since his mother had raised him a gentleman, Tyler had kept his gaze on her face, but it hadn’t been easy.

Fate had to have a sense of humor. The first flare of life his libido had felt in a long time was for his next-door neighbor, a slip of a girl who, from her wary expression, wasn’t too impressed with him in the slightest, especially if this morning was an indication.

Not that it mattered. He’d always maintained that one should not seduce one’s neighbor. That rule was part of Tyler’s personal set of commandments for his life. Getting involved in a relationship with your neighbor made life awkward afterward, even if one neighbor—him—would never be in town. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.

Which was too bad. Because Kate Merrill had potential.

KATE CLOSED the door, picked up Jeckyll and shook her head. Darn it all. What in the world had gotten into her? She’d just offered to clean the man’s house. Had her celibacy caused her to lose brain cells? She definitely ought to have listened to Wendy more. Wendy! Kate glanced at the clock. Well, she’d just go next door, lend Tyler Nichols her stuff, make some excuse to leave. After all, she’d been expecting an elderly neighbor with a potbelly, the standard on Dogwood Lane. Would she have offered to clean for him? Not by a long shot. So why should she do it because Tyler Nichols was sexy? He probably had a harem to do his bidding.

The reality was that Tyler wouldn’t pay much attention to her after she helped him. He’d probably be out of the country somewhere, or with a woman who was more sophisticated than Kate was.

Which was good, Kate reminded herself. She didn’t need or want to become involved with anyone at this point in her life, especially someone who lived right next door.

Kate focused. While she might have sensed a flicker of interest on his part, she’d misread signals in the past. Still, she could look, right? Looking was harmless. And Tyler Nichols was definitely eye-catching. Maybe she needed to borrow one of Nora’s many pairs of binoculars. Maybe she should partake in a night of unbridled lust the way Wendy had suggested.

Tyler Nichols was probably phenomenal in bed.

Kate closed her eyes for a moment, letting her imagination take her away. He would lave her breasts, kiss her lower and lower, bring her to heights never imagined. He’d never call her a cold fish as Jack had—Jeckyll shifted in her arms and Kate’s eyes flew open.

She couldn’t do it. Just going to bed with someone you only lusted for seemed cold-blooded, if not plain dumb.

Deep down, Kate wanted commitment, not a quick roll in the hay—her mother’s norm. Despite his good looks, which tingled her toes, she determined to steer clear of Tyler after she gave him her cleaning supplies.

As Kate put down Jeckyll, she noticed her gaping blouse and the paw prints. Embarrassment heated her face. She’d already exposed and rattled herself enough, she decided.

Sighing, she went and changed clothes, then grabbed her cleaning supplies. A knock sounded, and Kate placed the container with the supplies on the counter and threw open the door.

“Haven’t I told you never to do that?” a familiar voice chided.

Not waiting for an invitation, the four-foot, ten-inch presence who dominated Dogwood Lane ushered herself in. Her snow-white hair still styled as it had been for the past twenty years, Nora waved some envelopes under Kate’s nose. “You really need to check the window first. I could have been anyone. A mugger. A rapist. A murderer.”

Kate sighed once more. She knew the entire spiel by heart. Hadn’t she just thought it earlier, when she’d first seen Tyler at her door? “Nora, there hasn’t been any crime in this neighborhood in decades, as you like to brag. You foiled the last one.”

“Well, I’d hate for another crime spree to start with you. I noticed you didn’t get your mail, so I grabbed it as I came over. You shouldn’t leave it in your box. Might get stolen. I told you that Forrest hates to put mail in a full box, which yours would have been tomorrow. And don’t forget, as of tomorrow, everyone on the block needs to have his or her Christmas lights up. It’s tradition.”

Kate clenched a hand behind her back and mentally counted to ten. “The new neighbor’s name is Tyler Nichols.”

“Who, dear?” Nora acted as if she hadn’t heard, but Kate knew better.

“Tyler Nichols. The man who moved in next door. The man over here earlier. His name is Tyler Nichols.”

“Oh.” Nora paused so she didn’t appear too curious behind her cat-eye frames. “I wondered who was at your door. Didn’t think it was a service call. Service people don’t drive gas-guzzling Hummers or work this late. Did he tell you what he does for a living, dear? Is he a photojournalist as the rumormongers say?”

Patience was a virtue, Kate reminded herself and she counted to ten again. Having grown up around Nora, Kate had long ago learned to handle her, especially now that Kate was an adult. “As a matter of fact he did and he is.”

Nora’s gaze landed on the bucket of supplies. “I thought you cleaned on Saturdays.”

Busted. Kate’s shoulders slumped. Nora never missed anything. “I volunteered to help him out for a few minutes. The Dorhacks didn’t do any cleaning and the place is a mess.”

“Those Dorhack kids always were good-for-nothings. Poor Myra to have raised a brood like that. Not like you. You are always such a dear, especially volunteering the way you are. Sandra would be so proud.”

“Thank you,” Kate said as she somehow ushered Nora to the side door. But the maven wasn’t to be moved outside yet.

“Since he’s finally here, why I don’t go home and see what I’ve got in the freezer? I bet the poor man hasn’t had a home-cooked meal in ages. I believe I have a beef stew I can thaw out and feed him. Tell him I’ll be over after I get it heated.”

Kate admitted she was impressed. Nora had found a way to satisfy her curiosity and act as chaperone. She grabbed the cleaning supplies. “I’ll tell him. He’ll love a home-cooked meal, I’m sure.” Even if he didn’t, there would be no stopping it from arriving now.

“Don’t forget to lock up, even though you’re just going next door,” Nora advised as she moved out from under Kate’s carport. “Can’t be too safe, you know.”

“Yes, I know.” Kate put her bucket on the ground and turned the key in the lock as Nora bustled across the street.

“I take it that was Nora.”

Kate jumped and took a step backward. The key fell to the ground with a clink. “You scared me.”

“Sorry.” Tyler’s grin was easy and charming, and Kate swallowed. Could his T-shirt be any tighter? The faded black CNN T-shirt molded to his chest and his blue jeans emphasized—Kate jolted. She did not need to be eyeing him there. “Let me just grab the supplies and retrieve my key.”

“I’ll carry them.” Tyler was already beside her, bending over into her space.

“Really, it’s okay.” As Kate leaned to grab the supplies, her fingers collided with Tyler’s. She wobbled as she straightened, clutching the bucket like a shield.

Tyler winked at her. “Let me be a chauvinist for a bit.” He reached forward, and Kate simply let him pry her fingers from the carryall. She grabbed her key as Tyler started toward his place.

Having been in the house before, Kate knew that the layout mirrored hers, with a living room, eat-in kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Tyler’s house also had a small addition off the kitchen—a ten-by-twelve room that could serve as a den.

“I’ve decided that I like it.” Tyler answered Kate’s unspoken question as he gave her a quick tour so she could assess the extent of the cleaning. The house wasn’t in as terrible shape as he’d depicted, but as nothing had been vacuumed or scrubbed down, there was a lot of cleaning required before it met habitable standards.

They returned to the kitchen. She noticed his cabinets had been replaced with a basic oak version. Still, they and the linoleum appeared at least five years old. “So you bought this place without seeing it?” she asked.

“My twin sister picked it out after my accountant told me I needed more tax deductions and a long-term investment. I guess I could have bought something bigger, but there’s no point. I’m always gone. I’ve heard this street has excellent resale value.”

“It does,” Kate said.

He opened the ancient refrigerator and pulled out a beer. “Want one?”

“No.” Kate watched as Tyler removed the metal cap, tipped up the brown bottle and took a long swallow. He licked his lips. “Haven’t had cold beer from my own fridge in a while. That’s good. Sure you don’t want one?”

“Yes.” Beer might muddle her head. Already, like a sense of déjà vu that she couldn’t place, she knew she’d now forgotten something important related to the beverage. Tyler moved closer and set the half-empty bottle on the counter. For some reason the man disturbed her equilibrium, and she rummaged through the cleaning supplies to maintain her composure.

“So you’re always traveling,” she said to keep awkward silence at bay.

“Always. I love it,” he said.

“Really? All of it?”

He shook his head. “No, of course not. It’s rough-and-tumble. For instance, showers are a luxury, and even having cold water is a blessing after you’ve been bathing with wet wipes for a few weeks. My job makes me appreciate long, hot showers, the kind you stand under until the hot water runs out.”

An image of Tyler in the shower popped into Kate’s head and she inhaled to clear her mind.

“But it’s worth it,” he continued as she tried to focus. “Ever since I took a photography class in high school, I’ve been hooked on telling stories through visuals. My parents bought me my first 35-millimeter camera, I went to college, interned with the local paper one summer and, to make a long story short, I got lucky and found my dream job, one that involves traveling just about everywhere. What do you do?”

Kate unloaded the cleaning supplies, deciding to stay only until Nora arrived. After all, it wasn’t as though she’d be needed. As she observed him standing in his kitchen, beer bottle loose between his fingers, tight jeans and all, one fact was crystal clear. Tyler’s life goals had literally fallen in his lap.

None of hers had, and her job paled in comparison. “I work for an attorney. I’m going to be a lawyer. Night school. I’ll graduate in the spring. Let’s get you started cleaning, because if you overheard Nora, then you know she’s bringing dinner over. And, if I know Nora, you’ll have a houseful of other neighbors following hard on her heels to give you the big once-over.”

“Then I hope I pass their inspection.” Tyler’s gaze held hers for a moment, and Kate felt a tiny unrest run through her. She glanced away. There was no doubt about it. He would definitely pass. Everything about this man was sexy, strong and powerful. He even smelled good, and his voice had that deep, husky quality that sent shivers down women’s spines. Like hers.

The matrons of Dogwood Lane were going to love him.

“They’ll be parading their granddaughters in front of your nose in no time,” Kate said as she attempted to shake off the effect he was having on her. “Be forewarned. They’re all hopelessly romantic matchmakers. Nora considers herself an expert. She and Frieda are legendary.”

Tyler’s chuckle washed over Kate. “You sound like they’ve been on your case.”

“All the time. They’re a regular love connection,” Kate admitted before adding hastily, “but I’m too busy with law school to date anyone.”

“Well, I’m too busy with work,” Tyler replied, grabbing the foaming spray cleaner she held out. Kate tossed a pair of yellow gloves at him and he caught them easily. “It’s all-consuming and my number-one priority. Not many women want to camp out in a war zone, and there’s no way I plan to settle down any time soon. Owning a house is almost too domestic for me. Especially cleaning it. You don’t know of a reliable housekeeping service around here, do you?”

“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…”

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.

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