Chapter Seventeen

That afternoon, Greg helped Ginger lock up the office. He held her car door open and once she was settled, informed her he would pick her up in a couple of hours. With a smile on his face, he watched as she pulled out of the parking lot.

He knew she was nervous about tonight, and that was good. He wanted her off-balance. Now more than ever, he was determined to carry their relationship up to a higher level. Ginger had a rare quality that was appealing. The more he was around her, the more he wanted to be around her.

She made him feel alive. Hell, he thought to himself, shaking his head as he climbed into his truck and headed home, she made him feel a lot of things.

He felt protective of her, even though she was more than capable of taking care of herself. But stepping in to help when she had a dead battery on her car, or lifting heavy cartons of ceramic tile, or even more recently when she had spilled gasoline in her living room, brought out a desire to be her champion against anything that could prove to be difficult or dangerous.

Most important, when he was with Ginger, he felt…whole. They seemed to be two different pieces of a single mold, and when put together, everything meshed. They enjoyed the same activities, their sense of humor coalesced, and even their opinions on current events—although not identical—were at least compatible. Still, they were different enough to challenge each other.

Ginger was everything he could want in a female best friend, and to add icing to the cake, she was beautiful, passionate, and thoughtful. He grinned. And she could build a house if she had to.

Greg pulled into his driveway and jumped out of the truck. He was going to show Ginger a really good time tonight partly to show his appreciation for the wonderful person she was and partly to show her they could engage in a more serious relationship, that nothing in her life would have to change because of the special friendship they shared.

His feelings for Ginger should be sending out all kinds of warning bells, but if they were ringing, he didn’t hear them. There was just something so right about being with her. It was unbelievably…easy.

He paused on the sidewalk leading to the front porch. It suddenly hit him. The affection developing for Ginger—the relationship that was fun and exciting—these were experiences he couldn’t recall feeling even for his old fiancée, much less any of the women that had come into his life.

He had settled, accepted what wasn’t there. From the time his mother so casually walked out of his life, he had created a barrier around himself that successfully shielded him from pain and suffering. He hated to admit it, but he realized now he’d gotten engaged because he was tired of dating just for the sake of dating. Choosing someone to become his partner had been a cop out, a way of saying, Hey! I’m normal. I’m not bitter and angry about the women in my past who have taken advantage of me. I don’t have any screws loose in the emotional department.

If someone had tried to explain this to him a few years ago, he would have laughed in their face.

It was easy to be content when the ride was smooth and steady with no surprises. But for two people to be truly happy, the ride should be a roller-coaster of twists and turns, and unexpected climbs and heart-stopping dips. That was life. And when the roller-coaster slowed to a stop and the couple who began the ride together were still sitting beside each other and laughing at the conquered obstacles of life, then genuine happiness was discovered.

Was Ginger that person? Was she the one who could fill the empty spaces in him he hadn’t even known existed until now? He honestly didn’t know. What he did know for sure, though, was she was the only one he could imagine climbing into the car of a roller-coaster with.

Wow. He shook his head and continued up the front walkway. Such serious thoughts. He and Ginger were going on their first date, not buying tickets to a carnival ride that would determine their future.

Whistling, he unlocked the front door and wondered if he should get a dog. He was getting used to being greeted like Santa Claus every time he went to Ginger’s house, making the entry into his own home feel subdued, quiet, and…boring.

****

Ginger was distracted when she got out of her car late that afternoon, and so she didn’t immediately notice her neighbor walking toward her. The tone of Jack’s bark, the one it seemed he reserved exclusively for Rick, should have alerted her, but the noise barely registered as her thoughts focused on the few dresses she had hanging in her closet. Greg had told her to wear something fancy tonight, but the truth was, she didn’t have many outfits to choose from. There were several business suits, thanks to her previous job, but she didn’t think that’s what he meant by “fancy.” Of course, there was always that little—

“Hello, neighbor,” Rick Thornton said.

Ginger jumped. Rick had stopped on the sidewalk, just a couple of feet away. She looked up into his smiling blue eyes. “You startled me.” She forced a smile. She wasn’t in the mood to spend time talking to him.

“I can see that. You seemed to be lost in another world. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that. I couldn’t help but notice you’ve been gone most evenings lately, and I was hoping nothing serious was wrong with your friend.”

A cold chill crept up her back. Her smile hardened slightly, but she didn’t respond to his comment. He was fishing for information, but why, she couldn’t imagine. He couldn’t help but notice? What a crock. The only way he would notice my coming and going in the first place is if he were intentionally keeping tabs on me.

Surreptitiously, she glanced over his shoulder at the neighboring houses. Two houses over and across the street, a neighbor was out watering his yard. Farther down the street, an older gentleman was just getting out of his car. Nobody was paying attention to her, but at least she didn’t feel alone.

Hefting her purse on her shoulder, she took a step away from him. “I appreciate your concern, Rick, but I have to run now.”

“Wait,” he said quickly and then gave a frustrated glance toward her house where Jack was making enough noise to wake the dead. She needed to remember to give her dog two biscuits when she went inside.

She gave Rick a pointed look, not bothering to hide her impatience. She remained where she was, but she imperceptibly balanced her weight on the balls of her feet. She didn’t know why she felt as if she should be prepared to run, but once the thought entered her mind, she couldn’t ignore it. Better safe than sorry, as the old saying went. Even if she did feel a little ridiculous.

Rick Thornton made her uncomfortable for a number of reasons. Even worse, he made Jack uncomfortable. Rick was a very strange man, and she didn’t want him to mistake her neighborly politeness as encouragement for anything more.

He gave a self-deprecating smile and shook his head. “I’m sorry. That sounded a little desperate, didn’t it? I actually had a reason for stopping you.”

His expression was warm and friendly, but she had the feeling he was working hard to project that impression. She raised her eyebrows slightly, indicating he should hurry with his remarks.

“I’d like to invite you over for dinner Friday night.”

Her eyebrows rose even higher. Dinner? At his house? That was the last thing she had expected. Oh, hell, no!

“Thank you, Rick, but I’m afraid I can’t make it. It was thoughtful of you to ask, but I have so much going on right now I just can’t—”

“It’s just dinner,” he broke in hurriedly. “You don’t even have to stay afterward. I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen, and, if I do say so myself, I think I’ve discovered a hidden talent. I’d really like to show off what I’ve learned.” His expression had turned shy, and his voice took on a slightly pleading tone.

She ignored the tug on her heartstrings. He was obviously lonely, and for some reason, he’d latched onto her. Probably because she’d taken the time to be nice to him, but she couldn’t let her sympathy overrule her common sense. She had a feeling that even if she gave him the standard “rain check” excuse, he wouldn’t take the hint and would pester her for a definite date. His awkwardness in the social realm might be charming if alarm bells didn’t clang every time he came near.

“You’re very sweet to want to cook dinner for me.” She hoped he wouldn’t push the idea any further. “Unfortunately, I really can’t make it, Rick. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really need to go inside. Jack has been known to push right through a window before.” That wasn’t true, of course, but she was pleased to see a wary look cross his face as he glanced toward the front of her house.

Giving him a firm farewell smile, she hurried to her front door. The minute she entered her house, she bent down and gave Jack a huge hug. The hair on his neck was standing straight up, but she was proud her four-legged security system worked so well. “I know, big guy, he gives me the creeps, too. Hopefully, that will be the last time you have to worry about him.” And just as she’d promised, she gave him two biscuits.

****

The doorbell rang precisely at seven thirty. Ginger let out a deep breath and took one last look in the full-length mirror. She had decided on her favorite black dress, which could be dressed up to be considered appropriate for the most elegant affairs. The dress was comfortably tight without pinching, hitting mid-thigh with a sleeveless, off-the-shoulder neckline. She added small diamond earrings and a dainty pearl and diamond necklace. Her hair was swept up in a casual knot, and she’d applied a little more makeup than usual, highlighting her eyes and cheekbones. She slipped into three-inch heels, pleased to note the sun had already tanned her legs a rich, golden-brown shade. A subtle spray of her favorite fragrance completed the ensemble.

“It’ll have to do,” she murmured. She was more than a little nervous. It had been quite a while since she dressed up for a date, even a pretend date such as this was, and she prayed that during the evening she didn’t stumble and trip, or knock over a glass, or something else equally embarrassing.

She had a feeling Greg was fully aware she was a little jittery about their date tonight. And that he was happy about it. Which made her determined, despite her nervousness, to present a nonchalant attitude about the whole affair. This was just a casual evening between friends who had nothing better to do tonight. That’s all it was. Right?

She picked up the matching black purse and her keys and walked to the door with Jack prancing beside her in excitement. “You know you can’t go with us, don’t you?” She grinned, rubbing him on the head. For an answer, he darted ahead of her. Ginger shook her head and laughed. “Greg’s not going to let you go, either.”

Still laughing, she opened the door, and her breath caught in her throat. Nonchalant flew out the window. Wow didn’t even begin to describe the sight in front of her. Her first thought was that Greg Tucker really cleaned up nice. Her second thought was…double wow!

He wore a black western-style suit with a white silk shirt and red tie. The jacket emphasized his broad shoulders tapering down to a flat stomach and lean hips. His legs looked even longer than normal, the sharp crease of the slacks folding perfectly on top of black, polished boots. The lock of hair that always fell across his forehead was tamed down to the side, and he smelled like a mixture of woods and musk.

Her eyes met his, and she realized while she had been drooling over the perfect image he presented, he had evidently been doing the same to her. His eyes had darkened to an even deeper shade, glittering like onyx jewels in the glow of the porch light. He appeared almost awestruck, and she found herself trembling under his scrutiny.

“You have always impressed me, whether you’re wearing cutoff shorts, jeans, or T-shirts,” he said, his voice deep and husky, “but I have to admit, the way you look in that dress just blows me away.”

Heat rose in her face, but she fought the urge to duck her head. She looked him straight in the eye, pleasure over his words engulfing her like a gentle breeze. “Thank you, kind sir,” she said softly. “And may I say the same to you? Since beautiful is not an accepted term to describe a man, I’ll have to say you are very handsome.”

A slow smile crossed his face as he reached to take her keys from her hand. “Well, let’s not waste any time, then. Let’s go dazzle the lowly peasants of our court, my princess.”

He leaned down to give Jack a quick pet, instructing him to watch over the house, and then closed and locked her door. Dropping her keys in his pocket, he held out his arm, which she gladly took, and escorted her to his truck, the words my princess echoing in her mind. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so…feminine. He stood a good six inches taller than her, even with her wearing high heels.

All her uncertainties about the wisdom of going out with him vanished as he helped her into the truck. She sank down into the soft leather and waited while he went around to the driver’s side. She did feel like a princess, and she wasn’t going to allow the feeling to perish just because of her unfounded fears of returning home in a pumpkin. For this night, and maybe only this night, she was going to push all her insecurities away and enjoy what was right in front of her.

Greg drove downtown and valet parked in front of a tall, glass-fronted hotel, the lights from the surrounding buildings dancing across the black panes. Music and conversation whispered from different directions through the calm air as people mingled on the street, some obviously tourists walking slowly as they searched for shops and attractions, some evidently locals who were out for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Greg kept one hand at the small of her back as he guided her into the hotel, but instead of stopping inside, he continued all the way across the lobby and out another door. Ginger gasped in surprise. “The River Walk! I had no idea you could get to it through the hotel.”

He smiled. “There are at least a million ways to get here, depending on what part of the River Walk you want to be on. However, with those heels, I didn’t think you’d appreciate walking too far. I’ll bring you back here one afternoon when we’re wearing tennis shoes and show you around.”

“It’s beautiful.” She turned around slowly in a circle. “I’ve wanted to come down here since I first came to San Antonio, but I haven’t had a chance yet.”

“Well, now you’re here.” He reached for her hand and led her down some concrete steps to a level below the street and right beside the river.

She felt as if she’d just entered another world with European style flavor. Charming walkways with beautiful, lush landscaping bordered the path, winding lazily under towering cypress trees, which led to myriad shops, restaurants, and hotels. The walk was crowded with groups of people dining outside under the stars, sipping drinks at open air nightclubs, or just walking along the walkway. Soft lights were placed all along the path, reflecting off the water and creating a soothing, romantic ambiance.

A distinguished looking maître d’ stood beside a wooden podium in front of a courtly restaurant. Greg gave the gentleman his name, and they were escorted to a secluded corner of the patio. Their table was protected by a large umbrella, slightly tilted so as not to obscure the view of the river.

Greg held out her chair and then sat across from her. She breathed in the scent of lush landscapes and cool river breezes. “This is nice. I already love it here.”

“I’m glad,” he said with a smile. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving. What kind of pizza do they serve here?”

“Hmm…I’m not sure.” His dark eyes danced. “But since this place is known for its steaks and seafood, the odds are good they don’t even have pizza.”

“Well, darn. I guess I’ll just have to settle for something on the menu.”

A friendly waiter appeared at their table wearing a short red jacket and black slacks. Greg ordered a bottle of wine and a porterhouse steak while Ginger chose grilled shrimp and a filet mignon. The waiter left to turn in their order and then returned within a few moments to pour each of them a glass of red wine before placing the bottle on the table.

Ginger reached for her glass and noticed Greg watching her. She smiled and held up her glass. “To you, Greg Tucker.” She lightly touched her wine glass to his. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“It is entirely my pleasure.”

She was touched by the sincerity in his voice, the warmth in his eyes. Soft music skimmed the night air, coming from the interior of the restaurant. The conversation around them was muted, the wait staff moving soundlessly through the maze of tables and chairs. If she closed her eyes, she could pretend they were the only couple in the whole place.

A sudden lump formed in her throat, and she quickly looked out toward the water. She and Greg were not a couple. They were two friends out sharing an evening together. She wasn’t a princess in a fairytale dream, and regardless of how much she might want it, he wasn’t her prince. She’d better push all this romantic stuff from her mind and try to lighten the mood, or she was going to make a fool of herself.

There was only one problem with her efforts to destroy the vision of them being a couple in love, though. Tonight, the illusion was just too perfect.

She watched an energetic eight-year-old boy pull his father by the hand along the pathway in front of the restaurant. Smiling, she took a sip of her wine. “The River Walk certainly appeals to people of all ages, doesn’t it?”

“It does. It’s one of the most famous destinations for tourists, but it’s also a favorite among locals. You should see it around Christmas time. The trees all along the river are lit up with tiny white lights. It’s pretty impressive.”

“I’d love to see that.”

He smiled and tilted his glass toward her. “We have another date scheduled, then.”

“Don’t push your luck, buddy.” She grinned. “Do you come here often?”

“Not as much as I used to, but whenever I have a special occasion—like tonight—this is my first choice.”

She swallowed. How was she going to keep things in perspective if he kept making comments like that? Averting her eyes, she leaned back in her chair and watched as a river cruiser, completely full with passengers, moved quietly through the river, its light reflecting off the water. She could faintly hear the announcer pointing out areas of interest to his passengers.

She was going to make a point of coming back here soon so she could see some of the sights. This was her town now, and San Antonio had a vibrant and colorful history. The Alamo, the various Missions, and of course, the River Walk, were just a few of the places she wanted to get familiar with. It was a shame she hadn’t already taken the time to visit some of the major historical places, but that was going to change.

As she watched, the river cruiser disappeared behind a bend in the river. She turned back around just as the waiter brought their meal, the smell of the food making her mouth water. Greg cut off a small part of his steak and placed it on her plate. “You’ve got to try this. It’s delicious.” And it was.

For the next half hour, she and Greg fell easily into their pattern of fun, interesting conversation as they ate and drank until they were both so full the thought of dancing was almost painful.

He leaned back in his chair. “Are you sure you don’t want to go paint the town red, or whatever color you’re supposed to paint the town when you’re out for a good time?”

She laughed. “Red. And as much as I love music and dancing, I really don’t think I could handle it. Are you upset?”

“Hell, no, I’m having a good time just sitting here with you. But I’m not letting you off the hook. We are going to a nightclub soon. However, when we do, we’ll stick with eating something a little lighter. Care for dessert?” he teased.

She wiggled her eyebrows. “Since we’re not going dancing, let’s split one of those chocolate-covered brownies with ice cream.”

“You’re kidding me.”

She wasn’t, and by the time they got up to leave, she was wishing she had worn something a little less tight.

He reached for her hand. “Can you walk for a little while in those heels?”

“We’ll find out. If not, you may have to carry me, and after what I just ate, that would be torture for you.” She followed him across the patio to the walkway bordering the river.

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” He laughed and lightly squeezed her hand. “I wouldn’t think carrying you around would be a hardship at all, much less torture. At least I’d know where you were all the time—right where you belong.”

She stopped suddenly and stared at him.

“Are you all right?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“Of course, I’m not all right! What kind of remark was that?”

“What remark?” The innocent expression didn’t fool her for a minute.

“You know what remark. Right where I belong?”

“Oh, that.” He grinned, releasing her hand only to tuck it in the crook of his arm as he began walking again. “I was just teasing you. It would be impossible for you to eat the way you do if you were constantly in my arms.”

She shot him a look, but he wasn’t paying attention to her. Walking slowly, with a seemingly avid interest in their surroundings, he began pointing out several beautiful architectural designs on the old buildings across the river. The small smile on his face gave him away, though. He had gotten under her skin, and he knew full well she was flustered at the thought of being in his arms, right where she belonged.

Taking in a deep breath, she decided to let the matter drop. If his intention was to increase the sexual tension that always seemed to be simmering right below the surface between them, then he was going to be disappointed. She wasn’t going to give another thought to how she longed to be wrapped in his arms, especially in this lovely atmosphere with the subdued lighting and the tropical landscaping. Mentally giving herself a shake, she pushed the romantic thought from her mind.

“Are you cold?” he asked.

Uh-oh, maybe her movement hadn’t been just mental, after all. “No, I’m fine,” she replied, but he was already taking off his suit jacket and folding her into its warmth.

Then he pulled her closer, his arm resting across her shoulders. “It can get a little chilly in the evenings next to the water.”

She almost groaned. How could she not think of being in his arms…when she was in his arms and loving every minute?

They walked quietly for a while, and soon she found herself relaxing. The crowds of families were starting to thin out now, but the hardy party-goers were still having a wonderful time with friends and loved ones. A stone bench sat in a quiet alcove of the walkway, and Greg guided her over to sit down.

“How are your ankles holding up in those heels?”

She raised her feet and circled her ankles in the air. “Just fine. You know, I can run in these if I need to, so walking isn’t going to bother me.”

He laughed gently. “That’s good to know, but let’s hope we don’t have to do any running tonight.”

A couple passed in front of them, holding hands and talking quietly, so absorbed in each other they didn’t seem to notice Ginger and Greg sitting a few feet away. A nightclub with live music must be right around the bend because soft music wafted through the air, intermingling with subdued conversations and an occasional burst of laughter.

Ginger leaned back and closed her eyes. “This is wonderful. I think I could live here. If I’m late for work tomorrow, you’ll know where to find me.”

“Fat chance of that. I’m driving you home, remember?”

“Oh, yeah, I forgot.” As if.