Two weeks later, the Greek god finally called Rory.

And after a busy week, she needed to unwind with a long relaxing swim at the health club on the Friday afternoon before their first date.

She emerged from the pool after swimming several laps, grabbed a towel and started to dry her hair as she headed for the empty chair next to Skylar.

The artist looked up from her magazine and shook her head. “I would think you’d want to save all your energy for your date tonight.”

“Very funny.” She draped the towel over the chair and sat. “Swimming is like a big glass of wine to me.”

“So where’s he taking you?”

“No idea. But I was beginning to think he was one of those guys who says he’ll call and never does.”

“That’s usually after he has sex with a girl. Don’t you have the playbook? C’mon, get with the program.”

“I need to be on my best behavior tonight and not chase him away. Right now I need the playbook on dealing with a guy who can have any woman he wants.”

“And he chose you. That should make you feel special enough. Hell, I’m jealous of you.”

Rory tried to hold back a smile but couldn’t. “Fine, I’m flattered. Still, considering the women he’s worked with I’m surprised he gave me a second look.”

Skylar furrowed her brow. “What, you vetted the guy?”

“Of course. Need to know if he’s a playboy, goes through women like Leonardo DiCaprio, etcetera.”

“And, pray tell, what did you find?”

“A lot of print ads with some seriously gorgeous women.”

“That doesn’t mean he dated them. Or is attracted to them.”

“A man would have to be dead to not find these models attractive. Anyway, we’ll have to see if the personality is as good as the body.”

“Half as good would be fine with me.” Skylar looked up at the pool and her eyebrows did a little jump. “Speaking of good bodies, check out the one at the other end of the pool.”

Rory looked up and her eyes widened as she spotted the man in a tight bathing suit with incredible back muscles emerging from the pool. “Damn. Wonder if the front is as good as the back.”

“Who cares with an ass like that?”

The man headed toward a chair, grabbed a towel, pulled off his swim goggles and tossed them on a chair. He began to dry off his hair as he turned around.

“Day-umm,” said Skylar, sitting up. “He’d give your date tonight a run for his money.”

“No kidding. His six pack is an eight pack.”

And then he pulled the towel from his head.

Skylar rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding. It’s Napoleon.”

Rory shook her head. “As I mentioned before, why do the cute ones have to be jerks?”

“I know. But damn, look at that body. He’s like a pocket Chippendale. Who knew?”

The man dropped his towel and headed for the juice bar at their end of the pool. “Oh, shit. Hide.” Rory grabbed a paperback, lifted it to cover her face and pretended to read. Skylar turned on her side so she was facing away from the juice bar.

“Let me know when he’s gone.”

Rory couldn’t resist getting a closer look at that body. She peeked over the top of her book and saw him arrive at the bar and order a smoothie. He looked around as he was waiting, then spotted her and waved. “Shit, he saw me.” She gave him a nod and went back to her book.

“Let’s jump in the pool.”

Rory saw him grab his smoothie and head in their direction. “Too late, he’s coming this way. Brace yourself.”

He walked over to her chair and smiled. “Well, hello again. Rory and Skylar, right?”

Rory nodded but didn’t smile. “Very good. You want a gold star for remembering names?”

“You’re funny. Hey, I’m glad I ran into you guys. I was wondering—”

“I still don’t need any help.”

“But I do.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve picked up a few new clients. My assistant and I have too much on our plate. So I was wondering if you’d like some freelance work. I think you’d be a good match for a particular campaign.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because of what I saw of your work at the banquet. If that’s your typical style it would be a nice fit for what the client is looking for. Your stuff is very clever and I think it would work.”

Damn, he’s asking for my help.

Damn, I can’t stop looking at those abs.

“Well, I guess you could send over the particulars and I’ll let you know if I’m interested.”

“Sure, we can talk more when I bring them by—”

“You don’t need to make a special trip. Just email everything. Fact sheet, whatever you’ve got about the client. I’ll call you if I need anything else. The contact information is on my website. Callahan Agency dot com.”

“Sure, no problem. I’ll get it to you today. Take a look and if you’re interested let me know how much you’d charge.”

“If I decide to do it.”

“Of course. Well, you two have a nice weekend.” He turned and headed back to the other end of the pool.

Skylar turned toward Rory. “Well, that was certainly interesting.”

“No kidding. The guy is seriously ripped. He must live in the gym when he’s not writing copy.”

“I wasn’t referring to his body, but I agree. I meant his offer. You gonna take the gig?”

“We could use the business. But let’s see what it is first. Or if it’s actually real. He may have made up the whole thing just to come and talk with us.”

“Tell you what, though. If it is legit you should charge him big time. Consider it combat pay for working with him. And I’d like reparations for what I went through in college.”

Rory kept watching as he reached the other end of the pool. “Damn. That chest. Those shoulders.”

“Stop staring, you’re only giving him a bigger head.”

Rory turned to Skylar and saw her staring as well in addition to licking her lips. “And you look like you want to devour him.”

“I’d like to bend him over my knee and give him a spanking, because he deserves it and I’d enjoy it. I’ll bet you could bounce quarters off his ass.” Just as he reached his chair, he was joined by a towering redhead. “Holy shit, check out the ginger amazon.”

“Probably a client.” Rory watched as he cocked his head in her direction. The redhead looked at her, then turned back to Will, nodded and smiled.

Then she patted him on the shoulder and they sat down next to each other.

“Don’t think she’s a client,” said Skylar. “Who the hell takes a client to a swimming pool? Damn, that woman’s taller than I am and looks like she could snap me like a twig. Check out those broad shoulders. She’s built like one of those Olympic swimmers. And not an ounce of fat. That is one big redhead. And she sure is pretty.”

“Surely they can’t be together.”

“Why else would he tell her he was talking to you? He needs some cover for talking with another woman so he tells her you’re someone who can help him with advertising. So she won’t get jealous. She could be his girlfriend. Hey, he hits on everything in a skirt. Maybe she’s the one who finally took the bait.”

***

RORY HEARD A CAR PULL up in front of her home and peeked through the curtain. She saw a gleaming silver Mercedes which she knew cost a small fortune. She headed toward the door and took a deep breath as she waited for him to arrive.

She shook her head as she rolled her eyes. “Damn, Rory, calm down. It’s just a guy.” Yeah, keep telling yourself that. He’s only the most handsome man who’s ever taken you out on a date.

The meow from Hemingway distracted her and she turned to face the cat. “Yeah, I know. But since you’ve been snipped you have no idea what dating is like.” She grabbed her non-annoyance directive from an end table and quickly reviewed it. She heard her date head up the steps so she shoved the list in a drawer and walked to the door just as the bell rang. She opened it and the sight of her date in a perfectly tailored dark gray suit nearly took her breath away. “Right on time.”

“Hey, you don’t keep a lady waiting.”

She stepped to the side and ushered him inside. “Come on in. Let me get my purse and I’ll be ready to go.”

He stepped into the living room and looked around. “Beautiful house.”

“Thank you. It also doubles as my ad agency. I love working at home. Fifty foot commute from the bedroom and I can work in my bathrobe if I feel like it.”

“I know what you mean. When you’re a freelancer like me you don’t need the expense of an office.”

She grabbed her purse and headed toward him. She locked onto his spectacular eyes, then saw him look down and cringe.

She saw the reason.

Hemingway with his paws up on Jeff’s leg.

And then rubbing against it.

Shedding big time.

He stepped back. “Oh, I didn’t know you had a cat.”

“That’s Hemingway.” She picked him up and looked at him. “Now you know I brush you every day, why must you shed on this nice man’s suit?” She turned to him. “I’ve got a lint roller which should take care of that.”

He was still staring at his slacks with a pained expression. “Great. But I think your cat pulled a thread out with his claws.”

Uh-oh.

***

RORY NEEDED TO DO something.

For whatever reason her date seated across from her did not seem very interested as he ate his dinner in the casual restaurant. The conversation was forced, with her carrying most of it. The dead giveaway was that he’d almost finished his meal since he’d barely spoken.

Is it me?

Did I do something to offend him?

Or is this another guy who hates cats?

She saw him lean over and look at his slacks.

Again.

Good God, it’s just one thread. You couldn’t see it unless you tried.

She forced life into her eyes as she smiled at him. “How’s your dinner?”

“Fine.”

“So, I wanna know what it’s like to be an actor. I could never do that since I can’t memorize stuff. How do you people remember your lines?”

He shrugged. “Well, for commercials there’s a prompter if you need it. For roles I’ve had on stage or television I just read ‘em over and over. And of course for print ads, I don’t have any lines.”

She laughed a bit. “Must be nice to get paid for just standing there and looking good.”

He furrowed his brow. “Modeling is hard work, Rory.”

Her face tightened a bit.

Obviously this is a sore subject with him. Change it.

“So, you grow up around here?”

“No. Texas.”

“Ah. Tell me about growing up in the Lone Star State. I’ve never been there other than to change planes. I imagine New York took some getting used to.”

He nodded and went back to his food. “Uh huh.”

He looked at his watch, then turned back to her. “You know, that’s a common misconception.”

“What, about culture shock that can come with moving to New York?”

“No, about modeling. That it’s easy. People have no idea. They think it’s a glamour job. You’ve got to work on your poses, stay in the moment, keep your energy up and take direction from a photographer who usually has no idea what he wants till he sees it. It can be absolutely exhausting.”

She snorted as she did her best to stifle a laugh.

“You think that’s funny?”

She reached for her water. “Something went down the wrong pipe.” She took a long sip then realized this wasn’t worth saving as she finished her dinner. What the hell. “You know, even with modeling being hard I’ll bet a lot of people would be happy to trade places with you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure everyone wants to spend four hours a day in the gym. Try it sometime. I’ll bet you wouldn’t even make it through a full week.”

“So you actually think you work harder than a police officer, a teacher, a soldier, or our waiter? I feel blessed that God gave me the creativity and writing talent that lets me work at home and not have a difficult job. You should be grateful you were blessed with a face and body that lets you make a good living.”

“Hey, I’ve worked damn hard to get where I am. You have no idea how many auditions I go to, and how demoralizing it is to be turned down because you look a certain way.”

Yeah, must be awful to look like a superhero.

He tossed his fork on the plate. “I lost a gig this week because they said I was too hot. The rejection really gets to you.”

Annddd... we’re done.

She downed the rest of her drink and looked at her watch. “I need to go home. I just remembered I forgot to give my cat his medication.”

He nodded and waved at the waiter for the check. “No problem. Let’s go. That cat obviously comes first with you.”

You’re damn right. She put up her hand. “Oh, please don’t get up. You can finish your dinner. In fact, stay for dessert. I’ll get a cab.”

***

A WAITRESS SLID CHEESEBURGERS in front of Will and Savannah as they sat at the bar of the casual restaurant. Savannah quickly grabbed hers and took a bite. “Mmmm. Just what the doctor ordered.”

“I love that you’re so easy to please.”

“Sometimes you just want comfort food. This was a good idea, Will.”

“Hey, it was a long week.” He popped a few fries in his mouth. “I have a confession to make.”

“Oh no, you didn’t insult another woman, did you?”

“No. And don’t take this the wrong way. I’m glad when we both don’t have dates on a Friday night.”

She nodded and laughed a bit. “You know, I am too. Will, I’m really glad that you’re not only a great boss but you’ve become a good friend as well.”

“Same here. You’re like the sister I never had.”

“Thank you. But tell you what, I never liked dates on Friday anyway. Too tired after work.”

“Yeah. Sorry we have to eat at the bar.”

“What the hell, the food tastes the same and the company is just as good.” She looked up across the bar into the crowded restaurant. Her eyes widened as she spotted an incredibly handsome man.  Savannah licked her lips. “Hot damn.”

“Huh?”

She cocked her head in the direction of the man. “Very tall, incredibly hot guy sitting down at the corner table. The one with the face that’s all angles and planes.” She started fanning her face. “True perfection. As the old Southern ladies used to say, ahm gettin’ the vapors.”

Will followed her gaze. “So, that’s your type?”

“I think he’s any woman’s type. Whoa. He is smokin’ hot.”

“This from the woman who tells me not to describe a woman’s appearance.”

“Forgive me, Will, but you don’t see a guy who is that perfect very often.”

“Well, nothing’s tying you to this chair, go over and say hello. If anyone can turn a guy’s head, you can.”

“Okay, but I gotta check if he’s with someone.” She leaned up from her chair and craned her neck to see the other side of the man’s table. “Alas, he is already spoken for this evening. Not exactly a surprise.” She playfully put out her lower lip in a pout as she sat.

Will patted her hand. “Guess you’re stuck with me tonight. But I’m sure you’re more attractive than whoever he’s with.”

“You’re sweet, Will. And I’m not stuck with you. I’m always proud to be in your company. As for his date being more attractive, I can’t see her face. But I’m sure she’s gorgeous. A man like that can have any woman he wants.”

Out of curiosity he leaned to the side to see if some famous supermodel was sitting with Mister Perfect. He saw the back of a brunette’s head. And then she turned.

His face dropped. “Aw, hell.”

“What?”

“The woman he’s with.” He shook his head.

“What, Will?”

“It’s Rory Callahan. Damn, even if I had behaved perfectly I would have had no shot with her.”

“What are you talking about?”

“She’s obviously off the market. I mean, she’s out with a guy you think is perfect.”

“I’m sorry, Will, it was just an expression.”

“No it wasn’t. I’ve never seen you react to a guy like you just did. He’s twice my size and looks like a movie star.”

“Oh, dear. Now I’ve made you feel bad.” She reached out, took his chin and turned it toward her. “Will, just because I happen to find a man physically attractive doesn’t mean he’s better than you. Let me ask you this... what celebrity do you think is physically perfect?”

He shrugged. “I dunno.”

“Yes, you do. I know about your Hollywood crush.”

“Fine, I’ve got a thing for Nicole Kidman.”

“So, hypothetically... if I offered you the choice right now between a date with Nicole Kidman and a date with Rory, which would you choose?”

“That’s not fair. I know Rory and I’ve never met Nicole Kidman.”

“Doesn’t matter. Let’s assume in this hypothetical situation you have to make a choice. Right now.”

“While Nicole is stunning, Rory is my type. I guess I’d pick Rory.”

“Even though Nicole is a woman you consider to be perfect.”

“Fine, you’ve made your point. Still doesn’t change the fact that she’s obviously taken.”

“Well, maybe that’s a good thing for you if you’re going to work with her. If you think she’s unattainable in the back of your mind you’ll be totally professional.” She saw Rory leaving the table. “Hey, you want me to run into her and get the story on the guy? She’s probably going to the ladies room.”

“Nah, leave it alone.” He looked down at his dinner. “At least I know I had no shot.”

“You still don’t know that, Will.”

“Oh, come on, Savannah.”

She shrugged. “Sure, he looks good. Doesn’t mean he’s right for her. Or has a good personality. Or has a good heart, like you.”

“If she can get guys like that she wouldn’t give me a second look.”

“Will, if she’s on the market when I get through with you, she will.”

***

SINCE IT WAS ONLY EIGHT o’clock, Rory decided to take a chance that her friends were still at their usual watering hole drinking wine. She spotted them at a corner table and headed in their direction.

Madison looked up and furrowed her brow. “Thought you had a date.”

“I did.” Rory grabbed a chair and sat. “Already over.”

A.J. looked at her watch. “Damn, that was fast. No foreplay at all, huh?”

“Very funny. I decided to cut my losses when I realized it wasn’t going to work. I’ve reached the point in my life where I can tell right off the bat.”

“Did you do something on your list to tick him off?” asked Madison.

“No. He did something to tick me off.”

Tish reached over and patted her hand. “Well, glad you came straight here. So what happened with the guy who was built like Thor?”

“Well, we got off on the wrong foot when he picked me up. Hemingway rubbed against his leg, shed all over him, and pulled a thread from his slacks with his claws. I could tell he was ticked off. Jeez, it was one stinkin’ thread and he must have looked at it six times. Anyway, we get to dinner and within thirty minutes the conversation isn’t flowing at all. I may as well be talking to a picture of him. I mention his modeling career and basically tell him how lucky he is to get paid for having his picture taken, and he gets all upset. Tells me what a hard job modeling is. Give me a friggin’ break. I tell him he should count his blessings. Then he complains about being rejected because, get this, he’s too hot. Anyway, right after that I figured I didn’t want to spend another minute with him and grabbed a cab.”

Madison nods. “Hey, I thank God every day I’m lucky enough to have the career I do. I mean, think about it. I make a living telling stories.” She cocks her head at A.J. “But she works her ass off.” Then turns to Tish. “And I know you put in a ton of hours.”

“He wouldn’t last a day in the deli,” said A.J.

Tish nods. “Well, at least you didn’t invest any time with him. Besides, he obviously didn’t like cats.”

Rory waved at a waiter who headed in her direction carrying a bottle of wine. “And that’s the biggest box to check.”