What are they over there plotting? David Ferguson watched his adversaries as they stood across the room planning against him and his siblings. They would not win and he was not a man who went along meekly for anything. He glanced at his five siblings by his side and he could see the same determination on their faces he was sure that was on his. He inclined his head and they all matched him then he went back to studying those who thought they had their best interests at heart but had to be stopped.

“Maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt.” Brandon—his sibling who was the middle child—spoke.

“And I have a horse I want to show you who flies.” Aaron, the second oldest and who was a year younger than he said.

There was no mistaking the disbelief in his tone. David grunted in response and met his gaze and rolled his eyes. Brandon was the peacemaker and they had expected him to expect the best. They knew once they had proof he would be all in to defeat those across the room.

“We really shouldn’t be plotting against our parents.” Carter, the youngest said.

David looked at him shocked.

Carter smirked then laughed. “Who am I kidding. I’m going to enjoy outwitting the parentals. Let’s get them.”

David chuckled. Carter was the most competitive of them all.  He glanced at Stephen and Robert who hadn’t spoken. They met his gaze with jewel green eyes so much like his own. Both men studied him and he knew they were waiting to see what the plan was then  they would decide if they would go along. Just like himself none of his brothers just followed along—they made their own choices. Which was what made what their parents was doing so insulting. Heck they had gotten the way they were from their parents. Although each parent would accuse the other when they couldn’t get him or his siblings to go along of instilling the bad habits of being stubborn, arrogant and not doing what they were told.

“You know them bringing the Anderson’s is pulling out the big guns.” David looked back at his parents standing with Joseph and his wife as well as George and his wife.

The elder Anderson’s and their parents were good friends. They had both built their empires from what they loved. In the case of their family it was horses and ranching. Running a billion dollar operation wasn’t easy. His dad liked to tease that was why he had so many children so they could help them run the business. Their Mom always countered it was so they could retire while they were young enough to appreciate all the hard work they put in while the kids did the work. They all knew it was a lie. Their parents were in love and had them to build on that love0

“We should have figured something was up when they retired last year and started spending so much time visiting Mercer Island and their good friends, the Anderson’s.” David imitated the exact way their parents had replied when they asked why they weren’t home much anymore.

“We should have kept them in Texas.” A woman said in a melodious voice behind him.

“Yeah, we should have known they were trying to marry us off.” Another woman said mockingly. “Them throwing this party and inviting the elder Anderson’s and many of the happy pairing’s they somehow got matched up only cemented that is their plan. Run, run for your bachelor lives.” 

David turned his head and met the amused gaze of his sisters. “Joke if you want but you better be prepared. Your bachelorettehoods are in danger.”

“We’re not worried. They’ll want to marry you off first, big brother.” Delia grinned.

“Why is it you call me that when it suits you?” David rolled his eyes. “Other times you say we are the same age since we are twins.”

“You were born a few minutes earlier than I.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “And my reason is because in these sort of moments it suits me, and am I glad you were born earlier; since you will be the first on the radar to marry off.”

“Exactly. You know how much Dad likes things in a certain order. Davey here gets that from him.” Katherine patted his hand then added with a smirk. “So no worries boys we’re safe until they marry off Mister Order and Control here.” She linked arms with him.

Delia did the same on the other side. “And since we all know he won’t give up control long enough to let something like love mess with his carefully thought out five year plans we’re good.”

The rest of the siblings looked at each other then at him and they all grinned.

“It’s ten years.” David lifted an eyebrow.

They all laughed. He resisted the urge to flip them off. There was relief among the rest of them. He didn’t know if he should be offended that they were so happy he would be the one dodging the women their parents had lined up as potential wives. What they had said was true. They had started suspecting something was going on with their parents when they suddenly retired. That wasn’t weird it was just with his dad being…well….like him all about a certain order to things it was strange there was no indication that was what he was planning. Their Mom was more easy-going yet when she set her mind on something she was a force to be reckoned with. Their retiring from working on the ranch and horse breeding operation was unexpected. In addition the traveling so often in the last year was too. Yet none of them had really thought anything about it. When the parents had decided to throw a party to celebrate their retirement a year after they did they had wondered but not questioned it. It had barely been a blimp on their radar. Heck he hadn’t even known who was coming. Now he knew he should have paid closer attention. Now he…they were playing catch up. A plan like this, so not linear, wasn’t like his dad at all.

He stilled and stared at the couples across the room. Since the party wasn’t one of those events to impress she was dressed more casually in a light green collared blouse and jeans with her favorite boots on. Their dad was similarly dressed. The elder Anderson’s also was dressed more casually in slacks and shirts opened at the necks.

“It’s Mom.” David was sure of it. “She’s the one who is orchestrating all of this.”

The siblings stopped then stared at him then glanced to their parents standing across the room with Joseph and George. David watched his siblings and by their body language could tell when they put the pieces together and came to the same conclusion he had. One by one they looked at him again. They were all grinning. The relief was even more evident than before.

“This is going to be a breeze for you.” Brandon lifted slightly on his heels then settled back. “You can outwit Mom. Dad now he would have been tougher. Not saying you couldn’t but well it would have been entertaining to watch an Immovable Object Senior going up against Immovable Object Junior.”

David glared at him not appreciating the joke about him being named after their dad. “Are you all insane?” He shook his head. “I’d rather go up against dad.”

“Why?” Aaron studied him.

David stared.

Aaron continued his scrutiny then swore and rubbed his finger along the bridge of his nose. “He’s right. If it’s Mom planning this we’re so screwed.”

The others looked uneasy. They all knew how their mom operated. She came up with the most harebrained plans and you would think it would fail yet somehow she pulled it off. David disentangled himself from his sisters then slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he studied his Mom. He’d need to be really wily to get around whatever his mother had planned. As if knowing they were watching; their Mom looked over at them. Even from across the room David knew there was an unholy gleam in her green eyes. She winked then smirked.

“I’m suddenly very afraid.” Stephen said.

At that they all knew they were screwed. Nothing shook Stephen.

“Me too.” Robert sounded grim.

David glanced at him and winced. He looked as he sounded.

“Maybe getting married isn’t so bad.” Carter said.

Aaron who was closest smacked him lightly across the back of the head.

“Sorry.” Carter rubbed the back of his head. “I panicked a moment.”

It was bad if he was panicking. David straightened and turned to meet his Mom’s gaze. He partially lowered his lids over his eyes then composed his face. He knew how he looked. It was his take no prisoners look and he also knew what it would do. His mom narrowed her eyes them bared her teeth and inclined her head. She turned and said something to his dad. His dad looked at him and shook his head. David countered by inclining his. His dad rolled his eyes then turned to his wife.

David smiled knowing their silent communication clearly showed he knew and his Mom countered she wasn’t backing down. Then his dad was not interfering. At least he didn’t have to contend with them both. Now he’d just have to deal with their failed attempts until they gave up. Then they would leave him and his siblings alone.

“You do know challenging Mom is a bad idea.” Delia said cautiously.

“Yes.” He turned to her and smiled. “But it’s gonna be fun. You know Mom she hates losing. At least with her focused on me we know who her target is. If I hadn’t given her one we’d have no idea who was in her sights.”

“True.” Aaron said. “With her way it could be anyone. And since some of us were already panicking we would have had a weak link. If one of us falls it would give her renewed purpose to get the rest.”

“Hey, it was just a moment.” Carter protested. “I’m strong. I won’t give in to their matchmaking.”

They all snorted.

Carter flipped them off. They all chuckled then sobered and then focused on David.

“So what are you going to do?” Katherine asked.

“Find something sweet.” David replied. “Need to feed the sweet tooth.”

They laughed. They knew of his sweet tooth and the lengths he would go to get something he wanted.

“Not about that.” Delia said. “About Mom.”

“Nothing. She can try to match me up but I know something she doesn’t.”

“What?”

“I plan to get married.” David paused them smiled. “Someday, in my own time and by my own choice. And according to my ten-year plan she is many years too early.” He pivoted on his heels and strode away.

“You do know not everything goes by a plan.” Stephen called.

“Then I adjust to suit and come up with another plan.” David retorted. “You outmaneuver obstacles by planning smart.”

He didn’t slow his stride. Although he could hear them still conversing he couldn’t make out what they were saying. For now he was focused on getting something sweet. Any pesky plans his Mom had to marry him off weren’t worth his time. He spoke to a few of the guest as he passed. David paused by Lucas Anderson.

Lucas smiled his deep blue azure eyes twinkling. “Good luck.”

“Ass.” He replied.  “You could have warned us.”

“What fun would that be?” Lucas smacked him on the shoulder then slid his arm around his wife.

David kissed her on the cheek then said. “You could do so much better.”

The couple laughed. He smiled and went on his way. As he went he kept his eyes on the kitchen door that was in view. It was the one they used when they threw parties in this room of the house. Soon he was at the door and opened it before quickly stepping through. He closed it behind him and the noise from the other room faded. David glanced around the room and noticed it was empty. He figured that the servers and the caterers were somewhere. He really didn’t care.

David quickly went deeper into the kitchen and spotting a tray of various treats, he snagged it before grabbing a beer from the fridge then strode to room adjacent to the kitchen. He opened the door with one hand. In moments he was inside and he relaxed. Taking the tray he set it on the table next to the comfortable chair. It was his favorite spot whenever there was a party in this area of the house. His family knew he hated crowds and made sure there was a spot for him to get away at least for a moment. He sat and opened his beer then took a long pull of the cold liquid. He sat back in the chair and crossed his ankles. He stared off into space for a little bit then studying the tray he picked an item then brought it to his mouth and took a bite. He moaned as apples, cinnamon and caramel filled his mouth.

“Oh my…you make me wish I was that pastry.” A woman said in a husky sultry voice.

David sat forward startled as he hadn’t known someone was in the room. He glanced toward the balcony doors where the sound had come from. He could only make out the shape of the woman. When she stepped forward he lost his breath. An impish grin curled full lips with dimples bracketed on each side. He studied the rest of her—a pixie cut with hair feathered along her forehead and her sculptured face. Her rich dark honey toned skin from what he could tell was makeup free and she didn’t need any enhancements to make her even more gorgeous. The white blouse she wore had a deep V that showed off her cleavage and was loose flowing down to about mid-thigh over her dark blue slacks. He blinked then blinked again as he noted she was in socks. That wasn’t what surprised him. It was the color and design—dark blue with neon orange—.

“Is that books?”

“Yep. The socks get them every time.” The woman held out a foot. “This is one of my favorite pairs. I have a thing for knee socks.”

He lifted his head as she spoke. The woman winked briefly shielding her hazel colored eyes with her thick curly lashes.

“So sexy, why are you stealing my pastries?” She smiled wider. “Although I did love hearing your appreciation for them. Come on do it again.”

“What?”

“Take a bite of my goodies and make that sound again.”

“Huh.” David looked at the pastry in his hand then back at her. “I—“

She came closer. “Come on take a bite. You know you want to.” She wheedled.

David didn’t know what to say to her. So he did as she bid. He took another bite while watching her. Involuntarily he groaned at the wonderful taste in his mouth. The woman’s eyes darkened. David’s breath caught. She moved closer and stopped just before where he sat. The woman leaned closer and he licked his lips anticipating what she would do. She took the tray and quickly stepped back.

“Sorry, sexy but that’s for the party guests. Can’t have you hogging them all.” She paused then took out a paper out of her pocket and setting it down by his side before putting a few on the paper beside him. “Here’s a few for being so damn cute.”

“Cute.” David frowned.

“Now, now no frowny face.” She rubbed her finger between his eyebrows.   

David was surprised he hadn’t jerked away and let her. She winked again and stepped back before she pivoted and headed toward the door.

“Hey, you—“

“I sure can, sexy.” She paused at the closed door and looked back at him. “My pastries and you were taking them for a walk.”

“I was stealing them to eat them all.” David countered.

“I like the way I said it better.” She smiled.

“So you’re one of the caterers.”

“Yep.”

“Do caterers usually work in socks?” David looked at her sock clad feet again.

“Only when I am in my own kitchen creating.” She replied.

He met her amused gaze. “But you are now.”

“Well I was taking a break before this man came in while taking my pastries for a walk.”

“Why does everything you say sound so—“

“Naughty.” She laughed a rich sensual sound. “No idea. Something about you seems to bring it out in me. And it is so against my usual.” She studied him. “I hope to hear from you soon, sexy. Now back to earning my keep.” She opened the door.

“Where are your shoes?”

“You must have been really focused on my pastries.” She smirked. “There I go again with the naughty. I could say I can show you my goodies but you already ate one. And I left you others. God I really need to stop talking now.” She blew out a breath. “Ok. Shoes are just outside the door.” She slid her feet into the low heeled shoes and showed him. “I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon, sexy.” She closed the door.

“Wa…” He sighed. “I didn’t even get your name.”

David stared at the door then rose. He strode to it and yanked it open. He stepped into the kitchens and noted the room was empty. He frowned glancing at the door leading back to the party. He could go after her but he really didn’t want to chase after her like some lovesick schoolboy. David leaned against the door jamb and decided to wait. She or one of the caterers would need to be back at some point. Then he’d get a name either directly from her or one of them. The door opened and he straightened refusing to think of what he was feeling was anticipation. When the person came into view he blew out a breath.

“What are you doing here?”

“I…” Brandon rubbed his hand down the back of his head. “Don’t know what the hell just happened. This woman…she…I don’t even know how to describe her or what happened.”

David knew the feeling. He narrowed his eyes. “Was she wearing socks with neon orange books on them?”

“What? No.” Brandon smiled a soft grin. “Heels that according to her were torture and she had lost her mind for even wearing them. Then she gave them to me.” Brandon held up the shoes.

David hadn’t even noticed he was holding them. As the woman said he was really not paying attention. David studied his brother. He looked befuddled. Something else he could relate to.

“Come on and tell me about it.” David went back into the room.

Brandon came behind him and closed the door behind him. David retook his previous seat. Brandon sat on the chair on the other side of table. He reached for the pastry. David grabbed the napkin with the sweets.

“Mine.”

“Chill.” Brandon laughed.

“Don’t get between me and my sweets.” David laughed. 

“I wasn’t thinking. I should know better.” Brandon reached again then held up a paper. “What’s this? A n—“

David took it from him. He glanced at the card and realized it had been tucked under the napkin she had left with the pastries. He studied the information on the business card—a stylized logo and name of her catering company and then in center Michelle Wallace, co-owner, and also a address, phone number as well as email. He flipped the card and written was a personal number and note.

Sexy – You looked so intense sitting there. I watched you when you came in…I promise not in a creepy way.  And wanted to make you smile. Then you took a bite of my pastry and well that sealed it. Call me if you want then maybe I can get you to smile. – Chel.

He studied the number and smiled.

“What is it?”

He focused on his brother. “A woman. One who…”

“Made you discombobulated.” Brandon said softly. “Yeah I know the feeling. Tell me about yours and I’ll tell you about mine.”

“Deal. You first.” David slid the card into the pocket of his shirt.

He would need to decide what to do about it. Who are you kidding you’re going to call her. It’s just a matter of when.        

 

* * * * *

 

Michelle slapped the dough on the floured counter and punched her fist into it. She pounded the dough and cursed herself for being so forward. It was so unlike her. What the hell were you thinking?

You weren’t. You were thinking with your libido instead of your head. Look where that got her. Nowhere. The man was still in her thoughts. And there was something about him that niggled at her that she knew him from somewhere. But she didn’t recall ever meeting him before that day.

“What did that dough ever do to you?” A woman asked by her side.

Michelle jumped and glanced at—Erica Lauer —her good friend. “God, you almost gave me a heart attack. When did you get here?”

“A while ago, I was speaking with Hallie.” Erica hopped onto the stool by her side.

At Erica mentioning her sister and Michelle’s business partner and other friend she winced.

“Yeah she told me you were acting a litt—“

“Yeah I know.” Michelle sighed. “I’m going to have to apologize and Hallie is so gonna make me pay for it.”

“Yep.” Erica grinned then sighed. “That is what I was doing. I’ve been a little out of sorts since the party a few weeks ago.”

“Really?” Michelle studied her. “I thought you said it went fine. That you got to speak with Mrs. Ferguson about adding to her donating to your center.”

Hallie had a community center that their catering company shared space in the same lot with. They were in walking distance of each other. Many of the center patrons who had an interest in working for them found space for when they had events or needed additional help. They did a background check and other things first.

“It did. But something happened at the party. I sort of met someone.” Erica grinned sheepishly. “I gave him my shoes. Those damn heels I bought to impress.”

“Ummm…there is a story there.”

“Yeah.” She smiled. “I’ll tell you but I didn’t get his name and it’s bugging me.”

“Join the club.”

“Huh?”

“I had the same thing.” She shook her head. “No name but gave him mine so he could reach me. But he didn’t.”

“No name here either. I didn’t get chance to give him a way to get in touch with me. I…” Erica’s eyes widened then she smirked. “About to get his name.”

She got up and walked away.

“Wh…” Michelle turned and she trailed off.

She stared at the man she had meet weeks ago. The one she couldn’t stop thinking about. The same intense look was on his face. He was as she remembered with his shoulder length hair pulled back from his face in a braid and those captivating green eyes. The combination against his sun-kissed skin was as compelling as the man himself. His short immaculately maintained beard and mustache only added to the brooding quality he portrayed. He’d looked good in his casual dress but today he was devastatingly handsome. His dark smoke grey suit with white button down shirt open at the collar and dark pink accents only added to his appeal. She lifted her gaze to his and his expression was contained. Michelle narrowed her eyes and again that sensation that she knew him filled her. Yet she still couldn’t figure out from where. He hadn’t called her for four weeks and now he was just waltzing in here like he owned the place.

She turned her attention to Erica and noticed the man she was speaking with in hushed tones for the first time. From his features she figured he was related to Mister Tall Dark and Don’t Call. Although the other man had only a slight five o’clock shadow which made her think he was usually clean-shaven. He was dressed in a pale grey suit and black tie. The men standing next to each other looked like an angel and a devil. Michelle looked at the devil.

“See you, Chel.” Erica called.

She turned to her and lifted her hand. Erica grabbed the man in the light grey and pulled him behind her out the door. Michelle for a moment wondered why she hadn’t come in and taken the door closer to the direction of the center. Then it dawned on her this must be the man Erica had met. She recalled what Erica said that she hadn’t given him a way to get in touch with her. Unlike what she had done. She slid her gaze to the man who was still studying her with that unfathomable look on his face. Michelle deliberately glanced away and when back to her dough. At the sight of the lumpy mess she picked it up and turned. She held back a gasp at the proximity of the man. He’d come a hairsbreadth from her and she hadn’t heard him move.

“What do you want?”

“Damn if I know.” He scowled. “You’re not in my plan.”

“Plan?”

“I have a ten–year plan.” He titled his head to the side. “Things I want to accomplish. Meeting a woman like you at this time of my life is not part of it.”

She studied him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Trying to decide if I should be offended how you said that. You said that like I was trouble.”

“You are trouble.”

She straightened her shoulders then opened her mouth then rethought what she was going to say. “Why?”

Hallie would be so proud of her for asking first. It was why Hallie was the one who dealt with the public and she stayed in the kitchen. She didn’t have patience for most people. Usually she would have told him off and kicked him out.

“Because you make me want to throw out all my carefully throughout plans.” The man scowled. “What have you done to me woman?”

At the disgruntled tone and finally an expression on his face Michelle smiled. “Nothing yet… but time will tell?”

“I’m not ready to get married.” He said firmly.

Michelle’s eyes widened and she took a step back. “I wouldn’t marry you if you paid me.”

His eyes narrowed. “Really?”

Suddenly she felt very uneasy. The look on his face wasn’t giving her any clue why that one word made her want to run from and to him.