Searching for Perfect

eleven

KENNEDY SAT IN her office and brooded.

Her screen saver flashed in front of her with the cheerful purple and silver logo of Kinnections. A large stack of folders lay to her right, with endless names and possibilities to match. Usually she dove in with gusto, the journey to polish and perfect each client to his or her full potential an endless joy. Instead, she examined her nails and wondered where Nate was taking Sue tonight.

This was their fourth date in only two weeks.

The first was an intimate dinner. Sue raved about Nate. How polite he was. How charming. How funny. How smart.

The second time was golf. Kennedy had called him up and raged when she’d heard the news, but he swore Sue requested to go and it was a Sunday afternoon, so therefore it didn’t count as a real date. Just one of those half-assed outings men threw together to test the waters. She let it go because Sue was excited and had initiated the meet-up.

The third was lunch. He’d taken her by the water, where they’d fed the ducks and feasted on seafood. She’d complimented him on his originality and ability to step up the intimacy without pushing too fast. But date four was a big one. Usually, it turned the tide toward a real relationship or a breakup.

Where would he go tonight? Were they moving toward a physical connection? She was happy for them, really, but she refused to have Nate get his heart broken by moving too fast. The last time he’d shown up for Zumba, she noticed his goatee was perfectly trimmed and shaped. He admitted he went to see Benny on his own, which should have made her ecstatic, but only pissed her off. She felt out of the loop. Tossed aside. Discarded like a used tissue, crumpled up and stuffed in the garbage without so much as a good-bye. He no longer bothered her about joining him Wednesdays for golf or asked her for advice. She guessed Sue was the one who knew everything about him now. And that was a good thing. A great thing.

Really.

She reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a mini liquor bottle stolen from a past hotel. Rum. Nice choice. She uncapped, tilted it back, and took a long swig.

Kate walked in.

Her friend took in the scene before her, kicked the door shut, and dropped in the chair. Then stuck out her hand. “I want the Bailey’s.”

“I don’t know if I have any of them left.”

“Look harder.”

Her fingers closed around it and she tossed it over. Kate sipped it more delicately. “What’s the matter with you?” Ken asked, noticing the harangued look on her friend’s face.

“Dumb-ass client. Wedding stress. Worried about Gen. Robert’s got another bladder infection, but he’s okay, Slade’s staying home with him today. His purple bunny squeaker shredded, and Slade had to run to a ton of pet stores to find the same exact one. The poor thing can’t sleep without it.”

Slade had fallen in love with Kate’s paraplegic rescue dog, Robert, and they had become a true family. “Robert or Slade?”

“Both. No one sleeps if the other is unhappy.”

“Got it.” Kennedy sighed. “You know I’ll help with the wedding. I’ll plan the whole damn thing for you, babe, so no worries.”

“I know, it’s just little annoying stuff, and Gen’s been acting weird.”

“Yeah, I wanted to talk to her but haven’t gotten a chance. Something’s up.”

“She’s blaming it on work and the engagement party, but maybe she took on too much? Moving in with David and changing her whole life so fast? She used to stop by for coffee, but now I never see her. I feel disconnected.”

“We need to pin her down for some alone time. A quiet place. Maybe she’ll open up.”

“Maybe.” Kate took another swig and leaned back in her chair. Her blue eyes gleamed with a strange intensity. “How are you?”

“In a bad mood.”

“Have you eaten?”

“Yogurt and fruit. But I plan to have a wrap at lunch with sweet potato fries. That will make me happy.”

“How’s Nate?”

Kennedy hesitated. “Good. He’s dating Sue.”

“I see. You must be thrilled. Over the moon. Is he happy?”

Annoyance simmered at Kate’s question. “He just met her, so we don’t know what will happen. I’m just not sure she’s right for him.”

“Huh.”

Kennedy leaned over the desk. “What does that tone mean?”

“Nothing. Why don’t you think she’s right for him?”

“I think she’s too rigid and he won’t feel comfortable being himself. We may have worked on his physical appearance and social skills, but he has a unique personality that shouldn’t change just because she doesn’t like it.”

Kate pursed her lips. “Huh.”

“Why do you keep saying that?”

“You seem protective of him. Do you have feelings for Nate?”

Kennedy spluttered on the next sip and fell into a coughing fit. She swiped at her tearing eyes. “Are you crazy? Of course, I don’t have feelings for Nate. He’s my client. I just did a lot of work with him and I don’t want him to backslide.”

“How many times have we discussed this? Our clients will get hurt because love is a painful journey. We can only prepare and lead them in the right direction. He may need to get his heart broken before he finds his soul-mate.”

“Not on my watch,” she muttered.

“I stopped by his new place. He seemed happy and settled in.”

Greed for information stole through her. “Was he surprised to see you?”

“I told him I lived right down the street and let him know I was there if he needed anything.”

“Did he change up the apartment?”

Kate pondered the question. “No, he left the decor the same, but he’s got a lot of books. Golf stuff. Computers. And of course he upgraded the television and sound system because he’s male.”

“Typical. You didn’t see anything feminine, did you? Any hint that he brought Sue home with him? Because that’s against the rules I gave him.”

Kate looked at her oddly. “When was the last time you had a date, Ken?”

She shrugged. “A week. Maybe a few. I think a month now.”

“Do you know why?”

Kennedy glared. “Are you taking Arilyn’s place today? Geez, why are you on my case? I’ve been busy.”

Kate stretched out her legs and crossed her ankles. “Bullshit. I can’t remember the last time you didn’t have a date on the weekend. You get nuts if you don’t have a man chomping at your ass, but it seems you’ve been putting all your energy into Rocket Scientist Man.”

“Aerospace engineer.”

Kate lifted a brow. “Do you want him for yourself?”

“No! No, absolutely not. I’ve just been going through a funk, but I’m over it now. I think you’re right, it’s been too long without a man. I need to focus on my love life now, and get things revved up.”

A small, secret smile tugged at her friend’s lips. As if she knew something delicious but was keeping it to herself. “I’m sure you will.”

Kennedy crossed her arms in front of her chest. “What’s up? You know something and you better tell me.”

Kate finished her Bailey’s and stood. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’ll invite Gen over for coffee this week. You should come, too.” Her hand paused on the knob and she looked back. “Do what makes you happy. You deserve it.”

Kennedy stared at the closed door. What the hell was that about? She was happy. She did anything and everything that made her happy. She knew she deserved happiness; that was the first rule of therapy. Believe that you deserve good things and they will happen.

She believed.

Ken grabbed her iPhone and scrolled through her contacts. Time to reconnect with the land of the sexual living again and get even happier. She paused on the name and thought about it. Possible. Derek was hot, and she’d met him at the big expo when representing Kinnections. He was a power suit, loved the good life, and seemed interested. They’d conversed, flirted, and exchanged numbers, but she had never followed through. Got too busy.

Not anymore.

She hit the Compose message button and texted him. God, she loved the technical era. No more awkward phone calls and trying to figure out voice inflections. Just a simple “Wanna get together?” and a quick exchange of information.

His answer didn’t take long. In a matter of fifteen minutes, she set herself up with a date that night.

It was official.

She was back.

NATE ESCORTED SUE INTO the bungalow and wondered why his brain screamed the move was a mistake. Dinner was nice. Sure, he spilled some Pinot Noir on his brand-new J.Crew shirt, but she’d wanted to get a bottle and he hated to tell her he preferred microbrews or a cracked-up martini. She eased through the menu like an expert, ordering wine pairings with each course, which was really classy. Conversation flowed organically. Her father’s scientific background set her up nicely to understand Nate’s job, and though she didn’t seem very interested, at least she understood the nuances. She also loved golf. She was good at the sport, though a little stiff and too stuck on the rules without appreciating the touches of grace and beauty that made it a truly great game. Her swing was technically perfect but didn’t have the natural ability and exuberance that Kennedy’s had exhibited.

Not that he was thinking of Kennedy.

Sue was available. She’d made it clear she was seeking out a long-term relationship and was interested in marriage, children, and settling down. She appreciated his career and agreed one parent should quit his or her job to raise children. Of course, he’d changed his mind on that topic since starting with Kinnections. After all, Kennedy would probably be an incredible mother and would never give up her career. Another ridiculous opinion from Connor that had just stuck in his psyche. He reminded himself to stop thinking about Kennedy and focus on Sue. She was a Republican, believed in charitable works, and was truly an intellectual.

Her gaze swept across the tiny space filled with charm, and a frown settled on her brow. “Charming,” she said brightly, walking from room to room. “This is temporary though, correct? You just moved out of your brother’s house, so this is what you would call your transitional living quarters. Correct?”

Her habit of using the word correct like a question annoyed him a bit. Much better than slang or cursing though. He headed toward the kitchen to brew some coffee. “Yes, I decided to give us some space. I’m happy here for now.”

“When you finally do buy, are you thinking Manhattan? Verily is a sweet place, but the best schools and culture are in the city.”

“Maybe.” He always believed he’d settle in the city, but lately he’d gotten used to the small river town. Better to leave his options open, especially since Sue had powerful leadership qualities and liked to forge ahead with a plan. He noticed that whether it be golf, dinner, or a phone call, she liked scheduling. Which was great, because so did he.

She gave a wry laugh and took a seat on the ocean blue sofa. “I’m sorry, I tend to race ahead of myself. I swear I’m not one of these women who froze their eggs and already have us picking out china.”

He relaxed, pushed the button on the coffeemaker, and grinned. “It’s okay. I’m a little regulated myself. One recognizes the other.” He settled beside her and left a respectable distance between them. He’d kissed her a few times, but they were more like polite, can-I-go-any-further-without-getting-slapped type of inquiries. The embrace was not full of crazed passion, but it was extremely pleasant. With her curly brown hair, petite frame, and serious dark eyes, she was pleasing to the eye, well groomed, and considered a true catch for someone of his stature.

Nate wondered why he kept mentally cataloging her assets like an online dating site.

“Thanks again for dinner,” she said softly. “I had a wonderful time. It’s been a while since I’ve been comfortable with a man. I feel like you really understand and respect me.”

“I do. It was nice.”

“I know it’s a bit soon, but I wanted to ask if you’d accompany me to a charity ball next weekend. My father does a lot of research work, like you, and it’s taking place at the Museum of Natural History. Are you interested?”

The idea of formal clothes, stilted conversation, and an endless evening of dried-up crab cakes drifted past his vision. But this was what he wanted, right? Real stuff. Parties and social events with a date was part of the package. “Sure. Sounds fun.”

She lit up and scooted an inch closer. “It will be now.” She touched his arm. “I’m very glad we met.”

“Me, too.”

She tilted her head up. Her lips were very nice, full and defined, with just a touch of lipstick. Even her scent was subtle, a hint of lavender drifting from her skin. “Do you want some coffee?” he asked.

A smile touched her lips. “Not now, Nate. Kiss me.”

Oh. Duh. He’d missed that one completely. Kennedy would’ve zapped him good. He pushed his thoughts away and complied. His lips fit comfortably over hers. This time, she opened her mouth and invited more. All the books he had studied, erotic novels he’d dutifully read, and Cosmo magazine surveys and articles he’d pored over came down to this. Time to pull out the big guns.

He took the offer and slid his tongue in her mouth. Her hands rested on his shoulders and she kissed him back. She was an excellent kisser, the strokes of her tongue matching his, the pressure of her lips not too hard and not too soft, and her fingers somehow managed to massage his skin lightly without digging in. He kissed her for a while, then slowly eased back.

She smiled up at him. “Let’s go to the bedroom.”

What?

He stared at her. Wasn’t this too soon? Four dates wasn’t enough for sex, right? Wait a minute, who cared? An attractive, intelligent, single woman who liked him wanted to have sex. Damn, it had been way too long since he heard those words. This was awesome.

“Do you think it’s appropriate to sleep together on the fourth date?”

She blinked. Her smile disappeared. “What do you mean?”

“Well, when I signed the contract with Kinnections, they told me no sex until the relationship is completely solidified and we decided to be exclusive.”

Sue gave a half laugh and patted his shoulder. “I think that’s exactly what we’re moving toward. And I won’t tell Kinnections if you won’t.” She winked.

“I’m not sure I’m ready to commit completely on the fourth date. Won’t you be limiting your options?”

Irritation flashed in her brown eyes. “No. But it seems like you’re telling me you’d rather wait to see if someone better comes along.”

Oops. Definitely a double zap. “No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it that way. I’d hate for us to breach our contracts.”

“I don’t care about the contract, Nate. What’s the real problem here? Are you not attracted to me?”

Sweat prickled on his forehead. He fought the urge to wipe it off. “I’m extremely attracted to you. You’re beautiful.”

She sighed. “Good. I don’t think we need to talk about this anymore, do you?”

“No.”

“Let’s go to the bedroom.”

Shit. What was wrong with him? Sure, he’d experienced a bit of a tingle at the kiss, but mostly his dick was flat as a pancake, and this type of pressure definitely wasn’t helping things down there. Maybe the fifth date would be more of the pop he needed. Maybe—

She screamed.

He jumped off the couch, ready to beg her forgiveness, and noticed her pointing to the front window. “There’s someone out there!”

Nate peered out the window. His brother’s face pressed against the glass, displaying a huge grin.

Thank God.

He opened the door and pulled him across the threshold. “Connor! Man, what a surprise! Welcome, welcome, come on in.”

His brother looked awestruck at the enthusiastic greeting. Sue stiffened on the couch and forced a polite smile as she stood. Connor smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, didn’t know you were on a date. Figured I’d pick you up for a beer since Jerry bailed on me. Hope your mojo isn’t messed up.” He turned toward Sue with a friendly leer that most women actually found appealing. “Nice to meet you. I’m Nate’s older brother, Connor.”

She offered her hand, which Connor took and pumped heartily. “Nice to meet you. What a pleasant surprise.”

Her face said it was anything but pleasant, but she was a lady to the core. Nate wondered why he was so frickin’ relieved that his brother had just interrupted his one opportunity to get laid. Maybe he did need to talk to Arilyn. “Hey, nice place. A little girly but doable. So, darlin’, how did you two meet? At that crazy matchmaking place?”

“Er, correct.”

“May have to sign myself up if it means I’ll meet a hottie like you.” Connor strolled through the rooms, grabbed a Sam Adams from the refrigerator, and popped it open. Nate noticed his date studied the construction boots, worn jeans, and T-shirt. His brother’s muscles were evident, and his shaggy blond hair gave him a bit of a rocker look that never had him lacking for dates, but Sue crinkled her nose just a bit like she smelled something bad.

And in that moment, Nate didn’t like her anymore.

“Did Nate tell you he works on rockets? That he came from NASA? This is one together dude.”

“Yes, he is. And what do you do, Connor?”

“I’m in construction. Know that new court building in Westchester County? I headed up the crew.”

“Very nice. It’s lovely to see two brothers so . . . close.”

Connor laughed and squeezed his shoulder. “Taught him everything he knows, darlin’. If you know what I mean.” He gave a good-natured wink.

Sue dropped her mouth in horror.

Nate smothered a groan and said good-bye to the possibility of any close encounter of the sexual kind. “Sue, why don’t I walk you out?”

The direct approach wasn’t a good idea. The room dropped a few degrees under her chilly stare. “Of course. I don’t want to interrupt your family time. I’ll speak with you tomorrow?”

“Yes, I’ll call you.”

“Fine. Nice to meet you, Connor.”

“You too, babe.”

Her shoulders stiffened as she walked out. He closed the door behind him and faced his brother. Connor took another slug at his beer, wiped his mouth, and grinned. “You get any?”

Nate couldn’t help it. He laughed. His brother was a walking, talking chauvinistic cliché and would never change. What the hell. Blood was blood, and anyone who judged that quickly was someone he didn’t want to sleep with. Connor’s heart was pure gold.

“Nah, I got none.”

Connor paused. “Sorry, man. Did I screw it up for you?”

Nate shook his head. “Nope. Let’s go to Mugs. I think you’ll like it.”

They grinned at each other and left.