“Why are you flirting with me?”

John lowered his head. “I’ll admit, at first it was because you rejected me.”

She rolled her eyes. “I suppose it was the shock of that happening.”

He looked up and laughed. “But then it was because you didn’t expect compliments or gifts from me.”

“And that was odd?”

“The women I know would sell their souls to snag a rich man. They’re the kind my father usually marries. But they’re not going to get me!”

So he was not the marrying kind. Still… “But I’m not exactly the type of woman to turn heads.”

“You are to me. Since I’ve met you, you occupy my mind most of the time.”

Diane tugged on her suit lapels. “You’re flirting again, Mr. Davis. It’s not appropriate at a business lunch. Don’t you respect me?”

“Absolutely.” He leaned in close and whispered on a husky breath, “But I also want to sleep with you.”

Dear Reader,

Long ago, when I was young (ha!) I began my career by writing Regencies. I enjoyed writing heroines who looked for love in life, rather than position, fortune and fame. The Marrying Kind is like a Regency in that my characters are not looking for marriage. Or at least they think they aren’t! This attractive, successful and cynical man is about to meet his match in an independent and wary woman.

I really enjoyed writing these two characters. They are a little different from what I usually write, but a little change is good, isn’t it? However, you may notice that I can’t seem to stop bringing people together in a type of family.

I think we all try to create a family around us, whether by blood or circumstances. This is the second book of my DALLAS DUETS series, which takes place in a fourplex on Yellow Rose Lane. We’ve got one more story to tell, Mommy for a Minute, which will be out in August. I hope you’ll look for that story, too! Dallas is a very nice place to visit.

If you have comments or questions, you can visit me at my Web site, www.judychristenberry.com.

Happy reading!

The Marrying Kind
Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun with her stories as she does. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy lives in Texas.

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

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter One

“Dad, I don’t need another woman pawing over me. I’ve got enough women already trying to figure out how to get me to marry them.”

“Son, this one is different. Her mother promised me—”

“Come on, Dad, you know women. They’ll promise you their souls if it’ll get them your charge cards.”

“John, I’m only asking for one evening. She’s a good-looking blonde. Surely you can spare one night. For me.”

John stared at his father. He loved him, even if he didn’t agree with his choices, especially about women.

But what the hell. He could endure one evening with another money-hungry female. He’d done it often enough. He’d sit through one gourmet dinner while she ordered the most expensive meal and prattled inanely for two hours. Then he’d take her home and he’d be finished.

“Okay, Dad, I’ll take her out once. If I don’t like her, that’s it, okay?”

“Thank you, John.” His father handed him a piece of paper. “Here’s the address. She lives in a fourplex on Yellow Rose Lane.”

DIANE BLACK MOVED ABOUT the downstairs apartment in the fourplex on Yellow Rose Lane, watering the various plants.

“Oh, you poor dear. You’ve suffered a lot, haven’t you? I’m so sorry I didn’t get to you yesterday.”

There’d been too much work to do. She’d left the bank about nine, even later than usual, working up a proposal for a potential client she’d been pursuing for weeks. A few hours on her laptop catching up on investments were followed by some light reading in bed—a trade magazine of financial projections. She’d fallen asleep with the magazine on her chest, never thinking of the plants she’d been asked to tend.

She poured water into the dry soil of one dieffenbachia. “Here’s a little extra for you,” she crooned. She pinched off a dead leaf or two before moving on to the next plant, talking to it as much as she had the last one.

She was usually quiet, but she blossomed when she talked to the plants. She had a large collection in her own apartment and had promised her friend and neighbor, Jennifer, to take care of her plants, too, while she was on her honeymoon.

When a knock sounded on the front door, Diane wondered who could be calling on the absent newlyweds and their children.

Should she answer it?

Another knock, this one more forceful, decided her.

She hurried to the door. Swinging it open, she stared at the six-foot-two, dark-haired hunk in front of her. “Hello?”

“I’m glad you finally answered. I was beginning to think you weren’t home.”

“I—”

“No, don’t say it. Look, I promised my dad, as you promised your mother. So let’s just get this evening over with so we can face them and tell them we’ve done as they asked. That’s what we need to do.”

“We do?” Diane blinked several times. She knew she was tired, but what he was saying didn’t make sense.

The man reached forward and took her arm. “Come on. I’ve got a reservation at a nearby restaurant. It won’t take that long. If we don’t like each other, we can cut it short and still have done what we promised.”

She pulled away from his hold. What was wrong with this guy, acting like an arrogant oaf? “You can’t just—”

“Sure I can. I’m paying. Get your purse and let’s go.”

Of all the pompous, demanding egos! Just who did this guy think he was?

Then it hit her.

Could it be…?

Before she married Nick, Jennifer had told Diane that her mother was trying to set her up with a man of her so-called class. Meaning a rich guy. Could this be the man? In his designer suit, which fit him like a glove, he shouted money. He seemed just like someone Jennifer’s mom would approve of.

“Excuse me,” Diane said, “but there’s obviously been a—”

“No time for that now,” he said, reaching behind her to the hall stand and grabbing her purse. “We’ve got a table waiting.”

“But—”

He put up a hand to halt her objection, and Diane saw red. No man was going to get away with treating her like this. She’d teach him a lesson.

She’d go along with him—and then zap him with the truth.

Smiling sweetly, she said, “I’ll drive my own car and follow you.”

“I don’t see the need—” Then, as if the light dawned, he continued, “Oh, you’re being cautious. In that case, fine. I’ll go slow so you can follow.”

He strode out the door, cradling her elbow the whole way. Did he think she couldn’t walk on her own, or was he afraid she’d balk again?

As she drove behind him to the restaurant, Diane couldn’t help but laugh when she envisioned one-upping the pompous rich guy. She knew it was rather evil, and totally out of character for her, but she couldn’t resist the temptation to take this man down a peg. All her life she’d despised how a certain class of men treated women. And she should know; she was in the male-dominated banking industry.

As soon as she parked beside his Mercedes, he was at her door to open it, leaning down with his hand extended.

This had gone far enough, she thought. “We need to talk before we go in.”

He led her out of the car. “Not here. It’s too hot. We’ll talk at our table.” And he swept her into the four-star Dallas restaurant.

The maître d’ obviously recognized him on sight. He was one up on her, Diane joked to herself. He led them to a private candlelit table and held out her chair.

With a sigh, she sat down. This little game had gone far enough, she decided. Her “date”—whoever he was—was going to be irate when she told him who she was.

“Now can we talk?” she asked, when the maître d’ turned away.

But then the sommelier stepped up to the table, rattling off their specialty wines, aged to perfection.

“I don’t drink,” she told him when he’d finished his prepared speech.

Her dinner companion seemed surprised, then regrouped. “In that case, we’ll both have iced tea.” The sommelier went away, dejected.

“I need to tell you something,” she blurted, before anyone else interrupted them.

Her companion waved her off. “Nonsense. What we need to do is decide what we’ll eat for dinner. There’s plenty of time to talk after we order.”

But her selection wasn’t met with approval. When the waiter came, her companion smoothly overrode her decision and instead doubled his own three-course dinner.

“Very well, sir.” The waiter nodded and quietly slipped away.

Her “date” clasped his well-manicured hands in front of him and speared her with a direct gaze. “Now, what was it that you couldn’t wait to tell me, Jennifer?”

“I’m not Jennifer.”

His eyes—blue like the deepest ocean—widened. Then he cleared his throat. “Then who are you?”

She lowered her own eyes, suddenly feeling a bit guilty. “I’m Diane Black, Jennifer’s neighbor.”

He unclasped his hands and lay them flat on the table. She looked up and saw the muscles bunch along his jaw as he clenched his teeth. “Don’t you think you should have told me that before?”

Was he not there before, when she’d tried five or six times? “If you’ll recall, you weren’t exactly interested in letting me speak.”

He didn’t reply.

“Next time, maybe you’ll let a woman get a word in every now and then.” She grabbed her purse and stood up, ready to make a discreet exit.

But his voice halted her in place. “I don’t like to eat alone.”

She turned back to him. “You want me to stay?”

He nodded, but his eyes didn’t soften.

She compared the thought of a mouthwatering steak to the can of soup that awaited her at home, and resumed her seat.

“Where is Jennifer?”

Diane couldn’t repress a slight, lopsided grin as she revealed the irony. “She and her husband and their three daughters are on their honeymoon.”

The man shrugged. “Not exactly the scenario I’d choose for my honeymoon.”

“It’s what Jennifer chose. She’d just adopted three little girls when she met her husband. They went to Walt Disney World for a week, then they’re going on a cruise.”

“I guess I was a little late following through with my dad’s suggestion.”

“I don’t think it would’ve mattered. Jennifer wasn’t interested in what her mother wanted for her. Even if you were Prince Charming, she wouldn’t have gone out with you.”

“But you didn’t mind? Was it the money that convinced you?”

Diane bent over, picked up her purse and stood. She didn’t have anything to say to this man. She got two feet from the table when he grabbed her arm.

“All right, I apologize. I’m sorry. I just don’t like to be tricked.”

“You also don’t like to let people talk. I tried to explain many times.”

“And I wouldn’t let you.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” She looked around for their waiter. “Why don’t we ask to be put at two different tables? I needed to eat out this evening, anyway.”

“Why did you need to eat out?”

“A rough day at the office,” she said mildly.

“Want to tell me about it?”

“No, thank you. I remember Jen telling me about you, but I can’t remember your name.”

“I’m Jonathon Davis. You can call me John. Nice to meet you, Diane.”

She offered a small smile. “Shall I wave to the waiter so he can find me another table?”

“No, definitely not. I told you I don’t like to eat alone. Why shouldn’t we get to know each other and enjoy our meal?”

She hesitated, then said, “Okay, but I’ll pay for my dinner.”

“I thought you knew I was wealthy?”

“What difference does that make? I’m not exactly on welfare!”

He leaned toward her. “I invited you, so I pay.”

“But I accepted under false pretenses.”

“I think that was my fault. Please?”

She lowered her gaze. His eyes were magnetic. “I—I suppose. Okay.”

“I haven’t had to work this hard to share dinner with a lady in a long time.”

She just shook her head. She didn’t know what to say to that comment.

“So tell me what kind of job you have.”

“I’m a banker.”

“You work in a bank? Are you a secretary or a teller?”

“I’m vice president in charge of investments.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know they gave those kind of jobs to women.”

“They don’t. I earned it!” Diane had faced enough discrimination in the workplace, she didn’t need it from a dinner companion. This time when she stood, she didn’t give him a chance to stop her. She scooped up her purse and stormed from the restaurant.

HE’D BLOWN IT.

It hadn’t been his intention to send her running. He’d simply said what had come to mind.

Diane Black was unlike his other dinner dates, who dabbled in careers or made one out of fund-raising for charities and planning socialite balls. She was a working woman, and he didn’t know how to act around that ilk.

Besides, she had only given him what he deserved. He had been a bear, dragging her along to dinner, too intent on getting it over with to really listen to what she’d been trying to say.

He sighed, staring at her empty seat. He truly hated eating alone.

An idea formed. He asked the waiter to wrap up their meals, and left him a sizable tip.

Fifteen minutes later, he arrived back at the fourplex. As he pulled into the parking lot, he was pleased to see Diane’s car. Now all he had to figure out was which apartment was hers.

He reached the door with his stack of take-out boxes just as the door was shoved opened and four very attractive young women came out. One of them stopped to stare at John.

“Hello. Are you lost?”

“No. I’m here to see Diane.”

“Oh. Well, she’s home. She came in a few minutes ago.”

“Which one is she in?”

“Upstairs on the right.”

“Thanks.” He hurried up the steps.

Knocking on the appropriate door, he waited until it opened, then grinned, holding up the redolent boxes. “Hi. I brought dinner.”

Diane didn’t return the smile. “No, thank you. I’m fixing dinner already.”

“Come on, Diane. There’s no point in letting this go to waste.”

She glanced down and drew in a deep breath, the delicious aroma breaking her resolve. “Fine. Which ones belong to me?”

“Oh, no, you don’t. Either I come in with the boxes or they don’t come in.”

“Fine,” she said again. But instead of opening the door wider, she closed it and he heard the lock click into place.

“Diane! Diane, you’re not being fair. Come on, open the door.”

He was answered with silence.

“Diane, I want to have dinner with you. I’ve already paid for it. The least you can do is share it with me.”

After a few minutes of banging on her door and calling out to her, to no avail, he returned to his car. He sat there in the car eating his meal…and hers, too. But he saw no sign of her.

Finally, he drove home, questioning why he had hung around waiting for her to acknowledge him. He had a lot of women after him, didn’t he? So why had he waited for her to forgive him?

He hadn’t found an answer by the time he reached home. The housekeeper greeted him, wanting to know if he needed a snack before he went to bed.

“No, Mrs. Walker, thank you. I hope you didn’t wait up for me.”

“No, of course not, Mr. Davis. I hadn’t gone to bed yet.”

He smiled at her and continued up the stairs. Of course she hadn’t gone to bed. It was only eight o’clock. What was wrong with him?

Tomorrow would be a different day. He could face his father without feeling guilty. And he wouldn’t have to explain that his date had been the one to call a halt to the evening.

Maybe that was what bothered him more than anything. She hadn’t wanted him! Most of the women after him wanted him because of his wealth, of course, but even that didn’t tempt Diane.

Had he gotten lazy? John didn’t think he’d ever angered a woman enough that she gave him up. But maybe he needed to be more careful about how he treated women. He certainly hadn’t learned that from his father, who was currently on wife number five, a woman younger than John.

With a sigh, he entered the master suite and began undressing. He’d get in bed and watch some television. That would take his mind off the infuriating Diane Black.

Sure it would.

DIANE STUDIED HER wardrobe the next morning. It was full of black and gray suits—what she’d learned early on constituted professional dress for a banker, male or female. The only color was an occasional muted pastel blouse. Today she actually yearned for a red jacket.

Maybe she’d go shopping tonight. After all, her position was safe, wasn’t it? She could occasionally break the rules if she still looked professional.

She didn’t want to question the sudden need to stand out. That would force her to think about the aggravating man she’d met last night. John Davis had irritated her more than anyone she’d ever met. Especially when she remembered that her bank, quite a large institution, had backed several of his recent projects.

Of course, he hadn’t recognized her, because she wasn’t involved in loans. So he wouldn’t know how to get in touch with her. And that was for the best.

She dressed in a pearl-gray suit with a silk blouse in silvery tones. It was one of her favorite outfits, and she needed her spirits lifted.

When she reached the bank, she was her normal quiet self, calm and pleasant. Her blond hair was pinned back neatly, the only nod to femininity her discreet silver earrings.

Once she was seated behind her desk, Diane relaxed and began her normal routine. She loved her job and understood how important it was for her customers.

In fact, today she was taking one of her clients to lunch. Mrs. Winthrop was a dear. Her husband had made a fortune, but since his death ten years ago Mrs. Winthrop had been relying on Diane to keep the fortune intact so as to provide for her grandchildren.

Diane was making sure that she didn’t invest the woman’s money in any risky stocks. She wanted the same thing as Mrs. Winthrop.

In fact, she had some projections to run before lunch. It was time to focus on the people who mattered.

And get her mind off John Davis.

OKAY, SO THE ARRIVAL of morning hadn’t removed Diane Black from his mind. John dressed for work, thinking about the woman who’d rejected him last evening. But it wasn’t because she’d dumped him. About midnight he’d finally admitted that he’d brought that rejection on himself. He’d been arrogant.

He’d complimented women all his life. It was how he got around them, got them to do what he wanted. But he’d been angry last night. He’d tried to force her to his will. And been irritated when she hadn’t done as he’d wanted.

Guilt had washed through him when he realized it. He felt like an insensitive clod stomping on a delicate flower. He wanted to apologize.

So, after he reached his office, he took out a phone book and began calling all the small banks, asking for a VP named Diane Black. By lunchtime, he’d had no luck. Had she lied to him?

If she had, it was his fault. He’d made it impossible for her to admit to having a lowly position.

Maybe his personal banker would know where Diane was. He was having lunch with Mark Golan today to discuss a new project for which he needed funding.

While he’d always handled his projects successfully, John wanted to be sure he had all his ducks in a row. So he put Diane from his mind and gathered up the various drawings and charts for his presentation. That was one thing he had learned from his father—to be the consummate professional. His personal life might be a wreck, but not his business life.

Which meant his father had the money to pay for all his mistakes, in the form of alimony for each of his three former wives. John’s mother, his dad’s first wife, had died when John was a little boy.

He had no intention of repeating his father’s mistakes. He wouldn’t be turned by a pretty face, which were a dime a dozen for a wealthy man. Too many women looked for a meal ticket they could marry.

He shook his head. Time to clear his mind from thoughts of Diane or his father. He needed to concentrate on business.

He met Mark at a nearby restaurant. Over lunch they talked about sports and mutual acquaintances. John knew the drill. He wouldn’t talk about his project until they arrived back at Guaranty National Bank, the largest and most respected financial institution in the Dallas area.

As he stepped into Mark Golan’s office, impeccably appointed to befit a VP, he began organizing his thoughts in his head. He didn’t want to make any mistakes in his presentation.

An hour later, after his pitch, it was with relief that he heard the bank’s decision—approval of the loan he wanted to finance the work. He was surprised to find Diane returning to his thoughts almost immediately. How had she gotten such control over his mind?

“John, you did a great presentation,” Mark said after the senior members had left his office. “You made us both look good.”

“Glad to hear it. You’ve always been good to me, Mark. I wouldn’t want to let you down.”

“It’s mutual. If I can ever do anything for you, just let me know.”

“Well, there is something….” John tried to affect a casual attitude. “You pretty much know most of the banking community, don’t you?”

“Sure. I’ve worked at a couple of different banks, plus we’re all members of a professional group. Are you looking for someone? I hope you’re not thinking of leaving me,” he joked.

“No, of course not. But I met someone who said she was a VP in charge of investments. I figured she meant in a small bank. After all, I don’t think you have too many female bankers.”

Mark’s eyebrows rose. “Careful, buddy. You sound way out of touch with today’s world if you think that way.”

“Really? How many female bankers do you have?”

“I believe we’re up to fourteen now, including a VP in charge of investments.”

John froze. Then he cleared his throat. “Don’t tell me her name is Diane Black?”

Chapter Two

“How’d you know?” Mark sounded skeptical.

“I, uh, recently met her and wanted to—to see her again.” Damn it, when was the last time he’d stuttered, talking about a woman? It must’ve been twenty years ago, when he was twelve and had a crush on Darlene Carey in the seventh grade.

Mark looked upset. “Oh, no! You’re going to cost me my job. You keep away from Diane.”

“What are you talking about?” John demanded.

Though only thirty-four, Mark sounded every bit the wise old sage when he said, “John, you’re a great businessman, but you cut a wide swath through the women in Dallas. Even us staid bankers know how often you change girlfriends. And you never offer them marriage.”

“No, I don’t. I’m not my father!”

“I didn’t mean to imply you were, John. But don’t mess with Diane. She’s not your type and I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“I’m not going to hurt her. I just want to visit with her for a few minutes. Surely you can’t object to that.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you want to visit with her?”

“If you must know, I was rude to her last night over a misunderstanding, and I owe her an apology.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah, that’s all. Now, do I need a note from my mother to get to see her?” He figured Mark heard his sarcasm. John wasn’t trying to hide his displeasure.

“Yeah, okay, but remember, you promised not to hurt her.”

“I remember.”

“Her office is on the third floor. Just follow the signs to the investment department.”

“Thanks, I will.” John strode out of Mark’s office and headed directly for the elevator. When he got off on the third floor, he realized he was almost running. He stopped and drew a deep breath. No need to advertise his eagerness to see her. Instead he adopted a casual stroll down the hall.

When he entered the investments area, he was greeted by a receptionist.

“I’d like to see Diane Black,” he told her.

“Ms. Black has someone with her right now, but you’re free to wait, Mr.…”

“Davis. John Davis. And yes, I’ll wait.”

He sat down on the sofa across from the receptionist’s desk and picked up a magazine from the coffee table. He flipped through it, paying little attention to the contents.

His attention zeroed in, however, when he saw an elderly woman exit one of the bank offices and heard the receptionist on the intercom. “A Mr. Davis to see you.”

Diane’s voice came back through the intercom, curt and clipped. “Please tell Mr. Davis he has the wrong department. Loans are on the first floor.”

John started walking toward Diane’s office, despite the receptionist’s protests. “Sir, you can’t just walk in on Ms. Black. Sir—”

By that time, he had opened the door to her office. “Will you tell that young woman to stop yelling at me?”

Diane sent him an angry look, but pushed down the intercom button. “Wendy, it’s all right. I forgot that Mr. Davis needed to talk to me about something.”

“What do I need to talk to you about?” he asked.

“I have no idea, but I don’t want Wendy to feel she failed me.”

“That’s very kind of you, Diane. And I’m trying to be kind, too.”

“How are you doing that?”

“I was rude and arrogant last night and I wanted to apologize to you.”

“I see. Yes, that’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

He continued to stand there, staring at her.

“Is there anything else?”

“You could ask me to sit down.”

“Why?”

Why did people keep asking him that question? He wondered. First Mark, now her.

Before he could reply, Diane moved to the door. “I see no need for additional conversation, John, so perhaps it would be best if you leave.”

He deliberately sat down. “Perhaps I should remind you that I do a lot of business with this bank.”

“That’s not necessary, Mr. Davis. I’m well aware of your past history with my bank. I’ll be glad to refer you to whoever you need to talk to to be sure your needs are met.”

“And what if you’re the one I need to see?”

“For what reason?”

“I told you. I needed to apologize to you.”

“I appreciate that, but you’ve already done so.”

“So you’re throwing me out?”

“Mr. Davis, I’m pointing out—rightly, I think—that I’m at work. It is not a social situation. If you have something about my job that you need to discuss, so be it. But if not, then yes, I’m throwing you out.”

“All right, I’ll go, on one condition.”

“And what is that?”

“Have dinner with me tonight so I can show you I’m a changed man.”

“So you think forcing me to have dinner with you will show me you’re no longer arrogant? Isn’t that being arrogant again?”

He nodded, conceding the point. “Well, you’ve definitely proved one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re much brighter than most women I’ve met.”

She glared at him, saying nothing.

“You don’t consider that a compliment?” he asked.

“No, I don’t. Your scorn for my gender is disgusting.”

“My scorn? I was simply being honest.”

She opened the door further. “I have nothing more to say to you, Mr. Davis.”

“So you are throwing me out?”

“Yes, I am.” She spoke clearly and precisely, leaving no doubt.

“So it’s arrogant to give you credit for your brains?”

“No, it’s arrogant for you to think you can determine a woman’s brilliance. How do you rate men?”

He frowned. “Most of the men I work with are fairly intelligent.”

“But the women are not?”

“I don’t usually deal with women in my business. I mean, I’m a developer and builder. It almost always involves men.”

“Well, Mr. Davis, in case you don’t know it, there are a lot of intelligent women out there.”

“I’ve met some of them, but they aren’t using their brains to get to me. They use their bodies, and I don’t think they’re smart.”

“I agree. Now, if you’ll excuse me?”

“No dinner?”

“No dinner.”

He sighed. “Okay. Maybe another day.”

She kept her expression impassive and merely stood there, waiting for him to leave.

Without another word John returned to Mark’s office.

“Did you see her?” his banker asked, worry creasing his brow.

“Yeah, I saw her. How about you set up a dinner so I can talk to her?”

“Why didn’t you ask her to dinner, if that’s what you want?”

“I did. But she refused. She’ll only consider going out if it’s for business reasons.”

“In other words, you’re asking me to trick her? No way, John. Diane wouldn’t like that.”

“No, not lie to her. I’m prepared to invest a million dollars through her.”

“You are? Why?”

“I’m getting very tired of that question. I want to be sure I won’t ever go broke. So I’m going to make a sizable investment.”

“That’s a good idea, John. I’m sure Diane will be happy about it, too.”

“Can you just tell her a client wants to invest a million without giving her my name? And have her meet you at a restaurant?”

“I suppose so.” Mark stopped short and his eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to back out on the investment, are you?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Okay. What night is good for you?”

“What’s wrong with tonight?”

“I don’t know if my wife can find a sitter that soon.”

“Call her and see,” John suggested.

After a brief phone conversation, during which Mark’s wife promised to try to line up a sitter and let him know if she was successful, John agreed to call Mark in an hour.

Then he left the bank, wondering what had come over him. The idea of investing had been in his mind before, but it hadn’t occurred to him lately, until he’d met Diane Black.

DIANE LOOKED UP when her computer indicated a new e-mail had arrived. She reached for the curser and clicked it open. It was from one of the vice presidents in the loan department, indicating he had a client who wanted to invest a million dollars. She raised an eyebrow.

Then she typed in, Sure, I’d love to meet with your client. When do you want to set it up? Lunch?

The answer appeared almost at once. He wanted to meet this evening. I think it would be good before he changes his mind. Is that okay with you?

Yes. Give me a time and a place, she typed in, and hit Send. After she received the information she needed, she turned off her computer. It was already past closing.

It was only after she was in her car, heading home, that she realized she hadn’t asked the client’s name. It occurred to her that John Davis could be the client, but she dismissed the thought. Mark wouldn’t introduce her to someone who didn’t intend to invest.

They were going to a nice restaurant, so Diane hurriedly changed into a simple black dress that she felt good in. She put on diamond ear studs, a reward she’d purchased for herself after her last promotion.

When she glanced in the mirror, she nodded to her image. She appeared festive, but conservative. Pleased with how she looked, she hurried back down to her car. She had fifteen minutes to get to the restaurant.

Mark and his wife were sitting at a table when she entered. Diane smiled. She’d met Elizabeth several times and liked her.

The maître d’ led her to the table and held her chair for her. She greeted the Golans and immediately said, “I forgot to ask your client’s name. Have I met him?”

Mark opened his mouth to answer and then stopped, his gaze going to a point over Diane’s shoulder.

She turned to find what had grabbed his attention. And discovered John Davis reaching for the chair beside her. She said nothing to John, but turned and stared at her colleague, waiting for an explanation.

“I swear, Diane, John promised he wants to invest a million dollars. I wouldn’t mislead you.”

After a considering look, she nodded, but still didn’t glance at John.

“Good evening, Diane. You look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you,” she replied coolly.

“You, too, Elizabeth. You look much better than you did the last time I saw you,” John said with a grin.

Diane turned to stare at him. “That’s rude.”

“No, it’s not,” Elizabeth said. “We were on a picnic and the baby threw up all over me. I tried to clean up, but there wasn’t much I could do. Everyone did their best to avoid me.”

“Oh, you poor dear. Was she very sick?” Since Diane had had no children or siblings, she knew little about babies.

Elizabeth laughed again. “No. She must’ve eaten something she didn’t like. Little ones tend to throw up frequently.”

Diane looked horrified.

“Haven’t you ever been around babies?” John asked.

“No.” After a moment she looked at him cautiously. “Have you?”

“Each of my stepmothers had an ‘heir’ to cement her marriage with my father. I never did any babysitting, but I was home more than my stepmothers, so I saw the nanny deal with a lot.”

“A nanny? Your stepmothers didn’t—No, I guess not.” After composing herself, Diane said, “So, you have four brothers and sisters?”

“No, just three brothers. But I expect to be informed of another one on the way at any time.” John looked at her. “You don’t have any siblings?”

“No. I was a mistake they didn’t want to repeat,” she said, and then regretted her words. “Forget I said that. Now, you want to put a million dollars in my hands to invest?”

“Yes. I think you’ll do a great job for me.”

“I need to know what you expect. I can’t promise gains by leaps and bounds, but I can guarantee growth. Is that what you’re looking for?”

“Of course. I simply want to put that much money aside so I’ll never go broke. It’s a safeguard.”

“Where is the money now?”

“It’s in an account.”

Diane stared at him, a slight frown on her face. Something didn’t seem right. “Have you made investments before?”

“Yes, several times, but I’ve lost money, too. I think it’s better for a professional to handle my investments instead of me trying to do that as well as handle my business projects.”

While Diane couldn’t argue with that logic, she proceeded with caution. “We’ll need to discuss the kind of investments you have an interest in,” she said slowly.

John nodded and flashed her a wide smile. “But first, why don’t we order some drinks?”

After the waiter took their requests, Diane hesitated returning to the subject of John’s investments. She’d been in the business long enough to develop a sixth sense about a potential client.

This time that sense was telling her to run as far and as fast as she could.

JOHN WAS AMAZED at how much trouble he’d gone to to convince Diane they should… Should what? Become business partners? Friends? Lovers?

Yeah, that was what he wanted. Even though she wasn’t a beauty at first glance, not playing up her natural assets, the longer he knew her, the more beautiful she became.

He wanted to take out the pins holding back her long blond hair, and run his hands through it. He wanted to hold her against him, to feel her breathe, to kiss her just below her ear. To inhale her subtle scent. He wasn’t sure why she appealed to him so much. Maybe it was because she wasn’t chasing him. In fact, she seemed downright elusive.

That remark she’d made about her parents made him eager to question her about her childhood. The two of them might have a lot in common.

Throughout the evening he watched her carefully. Her every move was so graceful, nearly poetic. He wondered why she was alone.

That thought stopped him. Was she alone? There could be a man in her life. What would John do if there was?

At a pause in the conversation, he asked her, “Should we have invited your, uh, significant other?”

She lowered her eyes. “No, that’s not necessary.”

“Because there isn’t anyone?” he pressed.

Her eyes speared him with a sharp look. “Because it has nothing to do with our conversation!”

Mark immediately intervened. “No, of course not. This is a business dinner. It’s a chance to discuss your investment strategy with the professional you’re giving the opportunity to handle your money.”

“Of course,” John agreed. He knew Diane wasn’t going to make it a social situation. He was beginning to wonder if she even had a social life.

Abruptly, he said, “Do you snow ski, Diane?”

She stared at him. “In Texas? I don’t think that ever happens.”

“But Colorado’s not that far away. Maybe you go there on vacation?”

“No, I haven’t tried skiing.”

“I go several times a year.”

“We went last year and took the kids,” Mark interjected. “We hired a high school student to come help with them.”

“That was my idea,” Elizabeth pointed out. “I didn’t want to stay in the room and take care of the kids while Mark went skiing every day.”

“Yeah. Sometimes I forget children require so much work, but Elizabeth reminds me by going off shopping on a Saturday. By the time she gets home, I’m desperate to get out of there,” Mark assured them.

“Elizabeth is a great mother. Not every woman is. My father seems to have a talent of picking wives without that quality.”

“You think it’s something a woman is born with?” Diane asked.

“Oh, yeah. And pity the poor kids who have the wrong mother.” John grinned at her.

“I don’t agree,” Elizabeth said. “I had to learn to be a good mother. I had friends who helped me, and my mom. She taught me a lot.”

“I agree,” Diane said. “They even offer parenting classes for those who doubt their abilities.”

John seemed unconvinced. “Yeah, but you have to be interested in learning. My stepmothers only wanted a child to ensure that they got more money when the divorce came along.”

“You’re assuming they went into the marriage knowing it would end in divorce,” Diane commented.

“Honey, my dad’s famous for his marital problems. He chooses a woman by her beauty. He keeps her until she turns into a wife and bugs him about things he doesn’t want to do. That’s when he discovers she’s not the woman for him. By that time, a baby has come along, and the alimony and child support payments soon follow.”

“That’s a very cynical outlook, John,” Diane protested.

“I’ll have to introduce you to my father. Then you’ll understand.”

Annoyed, she turned to Elizabeth, looking for some safer conversation. “How old are your kids now?”

“One and a half, four and six.”

“They must require a lot of energy,” Diane guessed. “My friend Jennifer Carpenter—now Jennifer Barry—adopted three little girls close to those ages.”

“Three at once?” Elizabeth asked, her voice rising. “How brave of her!”

“Yes, but they’re so sweet. The three are sisters who were split up when their parents died. They’re so glad to be back together now.”

“Oh, yes, that’s wonderful,” Elizabeth said, tearing up just a little. “I can’t imagine my children being separated.”

Mark reached for his wife’s hand. “That won’t happen, honey. Remember, your sister and her husband said they’d take care of our kids if anything happens to us.”

Diane watched the tender way Mark looked at his wife, and it made her heart ache. What would it be like to have someone who understood, who cared, who prepared for the future?

Elizabeth straightened her spine. “I’m sorry, Diane. Sometimes I worry.”

“No need to apologize!” she exclaimed. “I found myself tearing up over my neighbor’s little girls. I’m just glad they found such a great home.”

John joined the conversation. “So Jennifer is a good mother?”

“Yes. She wasn’t sure she would be, so she took a parenting class. But she’s doing fine.”

Mark looked at John. “You sound like you know her?”

“I know about her. My father wanted to set me up with her.”

“She sounds like a catch,” Mark said. “Why’d you refuse?”

“Actually, I didn’t. I was too late. That’s how I met Diane.”

“Yes,” Diane hurried to add. “And it was a mistake.”

John turned to her, a smile dancing on his lips. “But not one I regret.”

Chapter Three

How could she be alone with him?

The dilemma had kept Diane awake all night, and still plagued her this morning. She couldn’t walk away from a million-dollar investor, yet she couldn’t honestly accept John’s invitation to lunch.

Last night, after his incendiary comment at dinner, he’d kept the conversation light and general—till he leaned in close to invite her to discuss his “portfolio” at lunch tomorrow. From the rumbling sound of his voice, she wondered what he really had in mind.

Maybe she’d invite Mark to join them. He’d be the perfect buffer to keep them on a strictly professional basis.

After she worked up some preliminary projections for John’s investment, she called her coworker and made the offer. “I think John would be more at ease with another man there,” she added, hoping that would seal the deal.

But Mark didn’t fall for it. “I don’t think so, Diane. I got the idea he was determined to take you to lunch alone. He certainly didn’t mention inviting me when we were together last night.”

“He probably thought I would object, but I wouldn’t, Mark. I promise.” She fought to keep the desperation out of her voice.

“What’s up with you two, anyway?”

Diane froze. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean…well, why is he so determined to be with you, while you’re so reluctant?”

“It’s business, Mark, that’s all.”

“Well, I’m free for lunch, but you need to ask John if he wants me to come. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll know I was right.”

“Fine,” she conceded. “But I’m sure he’ll change his mind.” Then she hung up the phone.

“About what?” John asked, leaning against the open door to her office.

Diane gasped. Then she took a deep breath and said calmly, “Hi, John. You’re a little early. I didn’t expect you until noon.” Since it was only eleven-thirty, he was actually a lot early.

“Were you talking about me?”

“Yes, I called Mark to see if he wanted to come with us.”

John raised one eyebrow as she watched in fascination. “What did he say?”

“He said he didn’t think you wanted him along.”

“Smart man. Are you ready to go? I thought we should beat the lunch crowd.”

“John, I don’t mind if he comes, in case you don’t like eating alone with me,” Diane insisted.

“But I want to eat alone with you. I don’t want Mark with us.”

Just as she’d feared.

“By the way, you look great in that color, whatever it is.”

“Th-thank you.” The color was a rosy beige that no doubt paled in comparison to the blush on her cheeks now, thanks to his compliment. She’d deliberated over her choice of clothing for a long time that morning, finally settling on a black pinstripe suit and the pastel blouse she hardly ever wore.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, but—All right, we’ll go. I made a reservation for twelve o’clock.”

“I know. I changed it to eleven-thirty.”

Diane bent to get her purse, then stood. When she came around the desk, John took her hand.

“What are you doing?” she asked, snatching her arm away.

“I was holding your hand.”

“I know, but I’m your banker, not…a woman.” As soon as she said it, she knew it had come out all wrong. “I mean, I bet you don’t hold Mark’s hand.”

He grinned, that white-toothed, wolfish smile. “No, I’ve never swung that way, honey. I’m strictly a ladies’ man.” He ushered her out of her office, whispering to her back, “And just for the record, Diane, you’re all-woman.”

HER CHEEKS STILL BURNED when they finally exited the building. She’d never been so grateful for fresh air.

“My car’s right over there,” she said, pointing to the left.

“Nope, we’ll take mine,” John said. “I know I’m being arbitrary, but I prefer to drive.”

After pausing a moment, she gave in. That was easy to do, and it would please him. She might have to be stronger on things that mattered, so she should store up some good credit in the meantime.

When they reached the restaurant, the maître d’ greeted them both by name. “I have your table ready. Right this way.”

He led them to the most secluded table in the restaurant. Diane supposed it would be good for private business talk, but she didn’t like feeling so isolated with John.

When they’d placed their orders, she launched right into business. “Now, I’ve laid out a plan—”

“Good. But I want to ask you something.”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed, thinking he wanted to ask about her philosophy in investing.

“Why did you say your parents considered you to be a mistake? Surely they don’t think so now.”

Diane just stared at him, aghast. She couldn’t believe he’d asked such a personal question. No way would she answer it. Instead she began outlining her investment plans.

“Wait. You didn’t answer my question.”

“John, we’re here to discuss investing.”

“Look, I know about investing. I just don’t have time to do it myself. Invest half of it in quality stocks that will grow slowly. Invest a quarter in strong stocks that might go up or down, and monitor them closely. And with the rest of it, try a few flyers. Now can we talk about you?”

She blinked in surprise. “If you already knew what you wanted, why did we need to meet to discuss it?”

“Because I wanted to get to know you.”

“But—”

“Isn’t a million enough? I don’t think I can pull out more right now, because I’m starting a new project, but—”

“John, you don’t pay to get to know someone! That’s outrageous!”

“But you seem resistant to the idea.”

“But I’m not the kind of woman you like to date.”

“I know, but I’ve gotten tired of those kind of women. Look, I asked about your parents because I think we may have something in common, that’s all. Is that so bad?”

“No, of course not, but—” The conciliatory look on his face stopped her protest, softened her just enough. “Okay, you win. My parents are Alexander and Karen Black, quite famous archaeologists who teach at Southern Methodist University. They didn’t intend to have children. I was an accident. They’re very self-absorbed people. They hired someone to take care of me and, basically, abandoned me. I sometimes think I might’ve had a better life if they’d let someone adopt me when I was a baby.”

“But aren’t they proud of what you’ve achieved?”

She avoided John’s intense blue gaze. “I doubt they even know. They teach all year and travel all summer. I sometimes have Christmas dinner with them, unless they’re having too big a party. Then they don’t invite me.”

John continued to stare at her. “That’s it? Once a year? They don’t call you?”

“No.”

“Doesn’t that hurt?”

“It used to, but I’ve come to accept it.”

“But that’s inhumane.”

“No, they fed me and paid for someone to keep me safe. The nanny who stayed the longest…I keep in touch with her.”

“How did you get through college?”

“I got to go to SMU free because they were such widely respected professors there. They gave me a small allowance above that. So I did just fine.”

“I think I’d like to punch them in the nose,” John snapped.

She didn’t want to admit that his words meant anything to her, so she asked about his situation. “What about you? Where’s your mother?”

“She died when I was four. Dad always says she was the love of his life, but I figure they would’ve divorced if she’d lived.”

“You don’t believe in love?”

“I can’t say no. I see people like Mark and Elizabeth and they appear to be in love, but my dad doesn’t seem to understand that. I certainly don’t intend to marry and bring children into the world.”

“That’s too bad.”

“You intend to marry? After what you’ve been through?”

“I don’t know. It depends. But I would like to have a child, to give my love to a child.”

“Just think before you do that. It’s a total commitment.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Tell me what you like to do for fun.”

“I…I—” Truthfully, she didn’t do much for fun. Lately there was only work. “Sometimes I read, watch television. I go to an occasional play if it sounds interesting, or the SMU guest series.”

“How about the movies?”

“No, I haven’t seen a movie in years. Most of them seem silly.”

“A little silly now and then doesn’t hurt anything.”

“I suppose you’re right. So you go to movies a lot?”

“Yeah. I get to hold hands in the movies.” He sent her a mock leer.

“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?”

“Well, you did get a little bent out of shape about that.”

“How would it look if you were taking a woman out on a business luncheon and she insisted on holding your hand?”

“Hmm, you’re right, that wouldn’t be appropriate. But if it was you, I wouldn’t say no.”

The waiter delivered their meals, interrupting their conversation, which Diane felt was a good thing. She began eating, keeping her gaze on her plate.

“Is your food good?” he asked.

“Yes, of course, and yours?”

“Perfect, just like my dining companion.”

Her eyes shot up, to find him staring at her. “Are you flirting with me?” she demanded.

“Of course I am. Did you just now realize it? I must’ve lost my touch!”

“I don’t find that appropriate behavior at a business lunch.”

“I think it depends on whom I’m having lunch with. I never flirt with Mark.”

“Good.”

“But I’ll always flirt with you.”

“Why? Don’t you respect me?”

“Absolutely, but I also want to sleep with you.”

“You’re being ridiculous!”

“Did I shock you?”

“Yes. I’m not beautiful. You have all these beautiful women pursuing you. Why would you flirt with me?”

“I’ll admit, at first it was because you rejected me.”

She rolled her eyes. “I suppose it was the shock of that happening.”

He laughed. “Yeah. But then it was because you didn’t expect compliments or anything like that. You expected respect.”

“And that was so odd? Surely—”

“Most women I know would sell their soul for a rich man. In fact, they usually do. Those are the kind my father marries. I knew instinctively you wouldn’t do that.”

“That doesn’t change the way I look.”

“You think that’s a problem?”

“Of course. I’m not beautiful. I don’t stand out in a crowd.”

“You stand out to me. Since I’ve met you, you occupy my mind most of the time.”

She put down her fork and sat back in her chair. “I think you’ll get over it quickly.”

He gave her a crooked grin, one that touched her heart. “Maybe, but I don’t think so.”

She picked up her fork and continued eating. What could she say?

After several minutes of silence, he said, “Haven’t you thought about me? At least once or twice?”

She thought about not answering, but he’d been honest with her. “Yes, a time or two. But only because you’ve acted oddly.”

“Ah.”

She’d hurt his feelings. She knew it, but couldn’t help that. She knew she had no chance of a happy ending with someone like John. It would be useless to moon over him.

More time passed, then John spoke again. “If I asked you out to dinner or a movie or something, would you go with me?”

“John, even if I said yes, I don’t sleep around. It would only take once or twice going out and you’d be fed up with me. So what’s the point?”

“If that happens, then I’ll have only myself to blame. Okay? I’m not going to force myself on you. Either we get together because we both want to, or we don’t. Those are the rules I play by.”

“I suppose I could go out once, but it shouldn’t get back to the people at the bank. Do you agree to that?”

“Sure, I can see why that makes sense. I guess I should apologize about wanting to hold hands while we were in the bank. That was bad of me, but I just wanted to touch you so damn bad.”

Her gaze collided with his in surprise. “I—I’m not sure—”

“I apologize, Diane. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m always in control, I promise.”

HE WAS OUT OF CONTROL.

After he left Diane at the bank, John wanted to grind his teeth. He hadn’t realized getting her to talk about her life would stir him up so much. She was such a special person, and totally unappreciated by her parents. He’d wanted to pull her into his arms right there in the restaurant.

Which had caused him to be too honest with her.

Then he’d had to retreat and regroup. But tomorrow was Friday and she’d agreed to see a movie with him. First they’d have dinner and then go to the late film.

He’d need to work out at the gym after office hours before he could trust himself to be around her. Looking forward to a date hadn’t happened to him since ninth grade. But he’d found a woman who inspired him.

His dad called him that afternoon, but John could hardly keep his mind on the conversation. It kept veering back to Diane.

He’d have to convince her to go out with him again. He’d have to find something she liked to do, to tempt her the second time. He’d see what was playing at the Dallas Theater Center. Maybe she’d like to go there. Or he could take her to Antares for lunch, up in the Reunion Tower. That was fun, especially if she was afraid of heights. He could hold her against him to keep her safe. He smiled, thinking about the possibilities.

“Son, are you listening to me?”

John brought his attention back to his father. “Sorry, Dad. Say it again.”

His dad continued on with his monologue, and John tried to force himself to listen, so he wouldn’t be caught off guard again.

Before hanging up, his father said, “By the way, Angi and I want to invite you over for dinner Saturday of next week. Are you free?”

“Yes, but may I bring someone?”

“Oh, you’ve found someone new?”

“Yes, and I’d like for you to meet her.”

“Of course. Who is she? Angi might know her.”

“I don’t think so. But I’ll have to check out the date with her. We haven’t been seeing each other much yet.”

“Okay, I’ll tell Angi to count on two of you for dinner. If she won’t come, find another date.”

“Right.” As if anyone would be interchangeable with Diane. He didn’t think so. She was unique.

And somehow that scared John to death.

DIANE FOUND HERSELF in front of her closet again. It really was time to go shopping, for something other than black or gray suits. Luckily she found a casual plum-colored dress in the back.

She hurriedly redid her makeup and wished she’d agreed to go out on Saturday instead Friday, after an entire day at work. But she hadn’t thought about that in time. She’d been too swept away when he’d asked her out.

She hadn’t intended to accept, of course, but he’d sounded so desperate. That amazed her. No one had ever been desperate to date her. She’d had a steady relationship in college, with a guy who assumed she’d marry him…until he’d fallen in love with another woman.

Diane had been hurt at first, until she realized she really didn’t miss him. She just missed having someone. So she kept to herself and finished out the semester. Then she’d gotten a summer job in a bank and found her future. She liked the decorum of a bank, the security. Even changing her studies to fit a career in banking, she had finished her degree early and gotten hired by Guaranty National right after graduation.

She was satisfied with her existence. She didn’t have much of a social life, but she’d learned to live without others since she was very young. Diane didn’t intend to marry just to have someone around.

But she intended to enjoy the evening, since she’d given in to John’s invitation. It wasn’t something she’d ever make a habit of, but for tonight, she’d make the best of it.

Diane was just spraying perfume behind her ears when she heard a car out front. She leaned over to look out the window and saw John getting out of his Mercedes, early as usual. She picked up her purse and keys and waited until he knocked on the door.

When he did, joy flooded her, unexpected joy. She didn’t think this silly date would mean that much to her. Obviously she needed to get out more often.

She swung open the door, a smile on her lips. But it wasn’t John at the door. It was one of her neighbors, a flight attendant who shared the apartment with five of her colleagues.

“Oh, hi, Betsy. How are you?”

“I’m fine, but I was wondering if you could keep an eye out for a package for me. I’m going out tonight and I figured you’d be here.” She smiled, as if she hadn’t said anything hurtful.

“I’m sorry, Betsy, but I’m going out, too.”

“You are? You don’t usually—” The woman broke off to stare at the handsome man climbing the stairs. “Damn! Which one of my roommates has a date with him?”

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