Chapter Ten
Noelle’s distinctive laugh, full of unrestrained joy, had Tate rounding in his seat. Despite the incessant chatter of the twenty participants in the speed-dating event, he had no trouble distinguishing her voice from the others. There she was leaning across one of the solid pine tables in the steakhouse’s private party room talking to some guy who couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“You like her, don’t you?”
He about-faced. “What are you talking about?”
Shannon leaned forward. “I’m talking about the fact that wherever Noelle goes, your eyes are sure to follow. You like her and not just as a colleague or a friend.”
Tate shook his head. “No, it’s not like that.”
“It’s not?” Skepticism colored her tone. “Look, I know I’m a little high-strung, but I’m not blind. I saw the way you were looking at her a second ago. How you were looking at her at game night. You were ready to tear Mike’s head off when she sat on his lap.”
Tate fought the urge to squirm under her steadfast scrutiny. He forced out a chuckle. “Speaking of, why did you throw out that dare?”
“To see if Mike liked another woman sitting on his lap,” she said simply. “He didn’t. You didn’t like it, either.”
He shrugged off the comment in action if not in thought. So what if he’d imagined yanking Noelle off Mike’s lap? She’d looked uncomfortable.
He’d patted himself on the back for his speed-dating idea, even when the no-nonsense host had dictated that he and Noelle participate if they wanted to stay. He was always up for meeting new women. At least he had been until recently. Still, he hadn’t counted on getting the third degree from Shannon. He lounged back in his chair. “If you say so. Not that it matters. We’re here for you and Mike. Have any guys caught your attention?”
“A few.” Shannon rested her forearms on the table and took a quick glance around the room. “This whole exercise has been enlightening. I see why I’m with Mike, but also why I don’t have to be. We have chemistry, but I don’t know if we’ve ever fit or been on the same wavelength like you and Noelle were at game night. It was like y’all could read each other’s minds.”
The urge to squirm hit him again. “Come on. Those were games.”
She tilted her head to the side. “You know it’s okay if you like Noelle. You couldn’t do any better. She’s great and really supportive. She’s always available whenever I need her.”
Why wouldn’t she let it go? Tate frowned. “I’m not interested in her.”
“I don’t believe you. I don’t think you believe you. For what it’s worth, I’ve seen her sneaking peeks at you, too. I don’t think she likes you talking to other women.”
The bell dinged, signaling the end of their five-minute “date.” Tate nodded at Shannon, walked a few feet to the next table, and sat. Was it true? Had Noelle been looking at him? Did she share his unreasonable feelings of jealousy? Did she still think about that kiss? She didn’t act like it. They’d focused entirely on the show over the past few days with her giving no indication that she remembered what had transpired in the park, let alone having any desire to repeat it. He’d assumed he was the only one suffering. But what if Shannon was right?
“Hi, I’m Leah.”
Tate blinked and focused on the woman in front of him. “What? Sorry. I’m Tate.”
Leah was pretty, her hair cut in a bob, framing her round face. She smiled and perused the part of him she could see over the table. He didn’t doubt for a second that she liked what she saw. But his body didn’t react half as much to her covetous look as it did when a certain psychologist frowned at him. Right then, he knew he was losing his mind. Really losing his mind because he didn’t care. At all.
Again, he located Noelle. She was only two tables away. A slow smile spread across his face.
…
Noelle scanned the room until she spotted Shannon, who gave her a thumbs-up and a big smile. At least one of them was having a good time. Talking to strangers about herself wasn’t her strong suit, but she’d put on her therapist hat and asked the men questions about themselves. It hadn’t been too bad really. One of the guys she’d talked to had even made her laugh, which had calmed her nerves.
“Hey.” Tate slid into the chair across from her, all lean, masculine grace.
She drank him in. He looked good, but what else was new? A blue, button-down shirt complimented his creamy chestnut skin. His cocky grin graced his face, drawing her eyes to his full, luscious lips. Dangerous territory.
“Hey. How are you doing?” She sank back into her chair in a fruitless attempt to put as much distance as possible between them. He had some serious mojo over her hormones, and it was getting harder and harder to deny it. To deny him.
“Good. I was thinking about what a crazy week it’s been. Seven days ago, if someone told me I’d be speed dating with you, I would’ve laughed and called them crazy.”
Amusement tugged at the corners of her mouth. “I hear you. How do you think Shannon and Mike are doing?”
She planted her hands on the table and boosted herself out of her seat to spot them. And promptly lost her train of thought when Tate’s hand landed on hers. Her eyes flew down.
He flexed his long, elegant fingers. “Doc.”
She couldn’t resist the alluring tone in his voice. Her eyes lifted.
Tate grinned. “You’re not playing by the rules.”
“What are you talking about?” She sank back down into the leather seat.
He lazily skimmed the back of her hand, the gentle touch sending desire racing through her body. “Mike and Shannon expect a good faith effort from us, so we need to give it to them. You’re giving me the look again.”
Noelle swiped her hand away, curling it in her lap, and wiped the frown off her face. “What are you talking about?”
“We shouldn’t be talking about other people. We’re supposed to be speed dating. You heard what the host said. We have to participate.”
Feeling her lips turning downward, Noelle forced them upward. “Fine. What do you suggest?”
“Let’s talk. We’ve established that sports aren’t your thing. What do you like?”
Was he for real? His amused smile informed her she was frowning again. She cleared her throat. “I like plays and musicals. It’s amazing how they can tug on your heartstrings even without all the props and expensive budgets that movies have.”
“What’s your favorite?”
“Rent.”
“Good one. Not my favorite, but I like it.”
Her eyebrows rose. “You’ve seen Rent?”
“Jumping to conclusions, Doc?”
She held up a hand. “You’re right. Most guys I’ve dated cringe when I suggest going to see a Broadway musical.”
“Okay, I admit it I’ve been that guy, but I like musicals when I’m dragged to see them.”
She nodded, forcibly banishing the nauseating thought of Tate dating other women out of her head. “So what’s your favorite?”
“Avenue Q. Can’t beat the puppet sex.”
His answer shocked a bubble of wild laughter out of her. “Of course,” she said after she stopped giggling. “So you liking Avenue Q has nothing to do with its messages of equality and acceptance?”
He hitched a shoulder. “Eh. That stuff’s okay, but mostly it’s the puppet sex.”
Noelle met his dancing eyes and caught another case of the giggles. Slowly, the merriment in his eyes turned darker, hotter. Her laughter faded away as a wave of arousal crashed through her. She jumped at the strident clang of the bell.
“Saved by the bell.” Tate stood. “See you in a bit.” He winked and strolled to the next table.
If anyone else had pulled that move, she would’ve scrunched up her face in disgust and held her stomach to stop herself from throwing up. But he made it work, the insufferably sexy, arrogant man. Taking a deep breath that did nothing to calm her, she looked at her watch. Ten more minutes and she could call it a night. Maybe she’d be able to get her unruly hormones under control once she was no longer in the same room as Tate. Unlikely, but there was nothing wrong with being optimistic.
She caught the eye of the man, Steve, who’d made her laugh earlier. His lips tugged upward. She returned the smile reluctantly. She hoped he didn’t mark her as a potential match at the end of the night. He was a nice guy, but God help her, he wasn’t the man who interested her.
Her next date passed uneventfully, but the last guy kept right on talking about his recent appendectomy long after the bell rang, signaling the end of their five minutes. She fought the urge to check her watch.
“I’m sorry. I have to go,” she said when he finally paused to take a breath. “It was nice meeting you.” She stood and strode toward the room’s entrance.
“Stop right there.” The event organizer blocked the door and pointed to the paper Noelle held in her hand. “You haven’t filled out the form.”
“I didn’t connect with anybody,” Noelle protested.
“We still need the form. Why don’t you think about it for a second?” She pointed to a table where a few others sat marking matches on their own forms.
Should she argue? The mutinous expression on the other woman’s face let her know it would be futile. Shannon, Mike, and Tate had already exited the room and were no doubt waiting for her in the hall. The woman held out a pen.
Without a word, Noelle took it and made a left and sat. She stared at the paper for a few seconds and looked up, directly into the unyielding gaze of Organizer Dragon Lady. Noelle lowered her head again. She scanned the list. Her hand hovered over Steve’s name, but she couldn’t. Not if he was genuinely interested in her. But she needed to mark someone’s name. The world wouldn’t end if she made a match. Besides, she needed to get back in the dating game, as Caitlin constantly reminded her. She hadn’t dated seriously since her engagement ended. Her eyes fell. The list was in alphabetical order by first name, which meant Tate’s name came next. Lord knew he wasn’t a suitable option, either.
Still, Organizer Dragon Lady’s eyes weighed down on her, so Noelle slapped an X on the paper, handed the form to the organizer without a word, and exited.
…
The next day Tate slid silently into the studio, taking the chance to study Noelle. She peered at a sheet of paper, her forehead creasing as she concentrated. The sexy librarian was back. He wholeheartedly approved.
Last night had been his tipping point. He would no longer lie to himself. Noelle fascinated him. She challenged him. He felt more alive with her than he had in a long time. He didn’t have to be anyone other than who he was when he was with her. He could confide in her about his fears and concerns, and she didn’t make him feel less for it.
He’d tried to talk to her after speed dating, but she’d hurried out, claiming she had to catch up on work.
Today was a new day. He wanted Noelle, and he was going to have her.
Noelle looked up when he settled in his seat next to her. “Oh, hey. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“No worries. I just got here.”
“Ready for the show?”
“Yeah, it should be a good one.” He planned on it.
They put on their headsets. After they welcomed their audience, Tate took the lead. “Doc, I hope you don’t mind if we deviate a little from the script today.”
She eyed him. He’d made no mention of wanting to do something different from what they’d discussed earlier. “Is something bothering you?”
“No, nothing’s bothering me, but I’ve been wondering about something. I don’t know if you’re aware, but the Cowboys have been trying to sign cornerback Wilson Dalton.”
“I wasn’t, but okay. What’s the problem?”
“The problem is that he’s coming off major knee surgery and no one knows if he’s fully recovered. He says he is, but that’s what all athletes say. Other teams are wary, but the Cowboys love him. He was one of the best corners in the league two years ago. So the situation has me thinking. When it’s time to trade for a player or sign a free agent, how do you know it’s the right move to make and that you’re not blinded by who you want the player to be versus who he really is?”
Noelle nodded. “I see what you’re getting at. I’m not an expert on sports teams, but I assume the people in charge do their research. Evaluate their needs and wants. Ask themselves why they want the player. What value is he adding to the team?”
He leaned in, ecstatic she’d given him the perfect opening.
“Yes, and this applies to personal relationships, as well, when trying to decide if it’s time to make a move on someone you’re interested in. How do you know if you should go for it? What do you think?”
“The frustrating thing about dating is there is no one right time or sign that works in every situation. But again, it goes back to why are you attracted? Is it only a physical thing or is there something more?”
“Let’s say it’s both.” He held his breath, waiting for her response.
She swallowed. “At that point, when you’ve come to the conclusion that you want to pursue this person, it’s time to decide the best course of action.”
Tate inched closer. “And your advice?”
“Express your interest in the person.”
“With gifts?”
Noelle shook her head. “I’ve found that honesty is the best policy. People like to hear that you’re genuinely interested in them. That you enjoy listening to what they have to say and care about what they’re doing. I imagine it’s the same way in sports.”
“True. Flattery will get you everywhere with athletes. They’re no different than the rest of us. They want to feel desired.”
Noelle’s brow wrinkled. “But isn’t it true that they place their value on how much money a team is willing to pay them?”
“Yes, but there’s nothing wrong with that. It is a business relationship, after all. But, overall, it’s too simplistic an answer. Athletes like to be courted. They want to feel like they’re more than just wins and losses. Just like women want to feel like they’re more than tits and ass and men want to feel like they’re more than the suckers who are expected to pay the dinner bill. Isn’t that how you want to feel, Doc? Valued? Desired?”
She blinked slowly, her gray eyes darkening. “Sure. What woman doesn’t?”
Exactly what he wanted to hear.
…
Noelle gaped at the computer screen, convinced her eyes were deceiving her. The “You’ve got a match!” subject line in the email from No Waiting Dating mocked her with its overwhelming cheerfulness. It could only mean one thing, but there was no way. Right?
She moved the cursor over the subject line, but snatched her hand away before clicking. Maybe it was a mistake and she was panicking over nothing. Yeah, that was probably it. She closed her eyes and clicked.
Strangely enough, the world didn’t come crashing down around her. Only the same silence that had pervaded the room before she clicked greeted her. Man, she needed to get a grip. Being melodramatic was not her thing. Her eyes popped open and zeroed in on the screen. She swallowed, the noise sounding like a sonic boom in the quiet room.
There it was. Her match. None other than Tate Grayson.
Getting a grip was no longer an option. Noelle’s brain raced. Was he seriously interested in her? What if he was? How was she supposed to handle that? Denying herself was one thing. Denying him? She didn’t know if she could. He got to her. So easily.
She shook her head to banish the ridiculous thought. More likely he’d checked the name of every woman there. She’d seen him flirting with the other female speed daters. Yeah, that must be it.
A strong knock sounded on the door. Tate opened the door before she could call out a greeting. He stepped inside, locked the door with a decisive turn of his wrist, and leaned against the frame. He waved his iPhone in his right hand. “I just got the most interesting email. How ’bout you?”
Oh, God.
Feeling her cheeks start to burn with embarrassment, Noelle jumped up and marched around her desk. “Unlock the door.”
“Not until we talk. I don’t want any interruptions.” His tone brooked no argument.
Fine. She’d play it his way for now. She raised her chin. “Why did you pick me?”
“Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing,” he answered, his eyebrows lifting.
Noelle threw her hands up. “Why am I even asking you this? You probably chose all the women in an attempt to increase the size of your harem.”
Something—anger, annoyance maybe—flashed in his eyes. “Is that what you did?”
“Of course not,” she bit out. “That’s ridiculous.”
He straightened and moved closer, stopping directly in front of her. “Good.”
She backed away from his scent, his heat. “Were you trying to distract me from the bet by messing with my head?”
His shoulders stiffened, the light in his eyes turning deadly serious. “That would be pretty shitty of me. I like getting my way, but I’m not devious.”
No, he wasn’t. For better or for worse, he was a straight shooter.
“Try this on for size,” he continued. “Right here, right now, I don’t give a damn about the bet. I marked only one woman’s name because she’s the only woman I’m interested in. Period. Could it be that you’re feeling the same way?”
The intensity, the conviction in his voice curled around her like the warmest, most-seductive embrace. Her heart skipped a beat, then resumed pumping blood at triple its normal rate.
No.
As alluring as she found his declaration, she had to deny her feelings. Getting involved with him made no sense. And she was always logical.
“Of course not,” she pushed out of stiff lips, staring at his shirtfront.
“Then why did you choose me?”
“Because, because…” she sputtered.
“Because what, Doc? You’re never at a loss for words.”
“Because Organizer Dragon Lady wouldn’t let me leave until I picked somebody,” she said in a rush.
“But that doesn’t explain why you chose me. There were nine other men you could’ve picked, but you didn’t, did you?”
Her shallow breaths filled the air, but she didn’t respond. Confessing would be too revealing.
“Did you?” His voice, usually lighthearted, demanded an answer.
She gave a slight shake of her head and finally raised her eyes. “But it didn’t mean anything. It was a crazy impulse.”
“But you don’t do impulsive. That’s my territory.” An arrogant grin bloomed across his face. “You know what I think?”
She shook her head but couldn’t tear her eyes away from his. She was going under, holding on for dear life.
“I think you did it hoping I’d mark you down as well. I think you’re as attracted to me as I am to you. I think you felt the vibe between us at game night. I think you’ve replayed that kiss in the park a thousand times in your head like I have. You find yourself wondering if it was as good as you remember and want one more taste to compare.”
Another slight head shake was all she could manage.
He cocked his head to the side. “Really? Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” she whispered. Although she knew.
“Like you want me to kiss you.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she whispered.
“Yes, you do. The pulse, right here,” he caressed the skin at the base of her neck, “tells the truth.” The touch arrowed straight through her body to the spot between her legs.
She tried to shy away, but he matched her move for move, his body so close. Close enough to touch. The back of her legs hit her desk, halting her retreat.
“I think if I kissed it, you wouldn’t move away. You’d tilt your neck, giving me better access. Not wanting to break contact, I’d slide my mouth up your neck to your lips, which would be parted as you tried to get some air. But I’d provide all the air you needed as our lips met. Don’t you think that’s what would happen?”
Noelle shook her head, even as she gasped for breath, giving credence to his prediction. She needed to step away. Had to, but his seductive words flowed through her like the finest wine, enthralling her. She hadn’t been able to forget their kiss and could barely admit to herself that she wanted to repeat the experience. Desperately. She would move aside as soon as she sent the command to her feet.
But then, oh, God, but then he backed his words up with action.
He dipped his head and touched his warm, oh-so talented mouth to the jackhammering pulse point at the base of her throat. She gasped when the tip of his tongue met her eager flesh. Of its own volition, her head tilted back. He took immediate action and kissed his way up her neck to her waiting mouth. He slid his hands into her hair and gazed deep into her eyes. The desire, the determination to consummate his promise, was there for her to see. There was no chance of misinterpreting it. He wanted her. Maybe as much as she wanted him.
She stood on her tiptoes and met him halfway when he lowered his head. Bliss spread from her mouth to every corner of her body as their lips met. She hadn’t dreamed or exaggerated the awesomeness of their first kiss. Far from it.
He didn’t rush, slowly sliding his mouth across hers, sending tingles through her body, and then concentrating on her bottom lip. He tugged on it gently. His tongue made its way into her mouth, which was wholly eager to accept it.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and sank into the kiss. Into him. She groaned when he broke away a few seconds later.
“Do you want me?” he whispered.
“Yes.” Denying the truth was no longer an option.
“Good.”
He dipped his head again. Their third kiss was different from the first two. Hunger, desire, and lust exploded as their tongues mated in a wild dance. This was no slow exploration. She wanted as much of him as she could get. Thankfully, he seemed happy to oblige.
She slid her hands underneath his T-shirt and sucked in a breath at the hard muscles flexing under her seeking hands. His skin was so warm, so taut. “Take it off.”
“Huh?”
“Your shirt.” She tugged at the hem. “Take it off.”
Amusement entered his voice. “Yes, ma’am.”
Tate retreated a step and pulled the shirt up, giving her a tantalizing glimpse of world-class abs. Her mouth watered at the thought of tracing the ridges with her tongue.
Knock, knock.
“Noelle, are you there?” Caitlin called out.
Tate and Noelle froze. He yanked his shirt down. “Get rid of her. I’m not done.”
“Noelle?”
“Yeah, I’m still here,” she answered.
Tate sent her an incredulous look. She shrugged helplessly. She didn’t know what else to say, her mind completely rattled.
The doorknob jiggled. “Why is the door locked?”
“I’ll be right there.” Noelle smoothed her hair and ran her hands down her sides. She took the two steps to the door and opened it.
“Why did you have the door locked?” Caitlin looked over Noelle’s shoulder. “Hey, Tate.” With a raised eyebrow, she said to Noelle, “Am I interrupting something?”
“Nothing that can’t wait, right, Tate?”
“Right,” he growled. “I’ll see you later.”
Noelle released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding when the door clicked shut behind him.
Caitlin crossed her arms. “What was that about?”
“Nothing. He was just upset he couldn’t get his way.”
So was she. Her body was still in utter chaos, demanding she finish what they’d started.