That was his way of saying goodbye. He would be hanging up the phone in another second. She had to stop him before he cut off the call. “Wait.” She couldn’t say why but she just knew she didn’t want the conversation to end like that.
Damn. Why was she so wishy-washy? She knew it was better that she let him go but she couldn’t. “I was…planning to go to The Galleria but it can wait till later.” There. She’d done it. She’d gone and complicated things just when she’d successfully avoided him for almost four days.
“I’ve got a better idea,” he said, his voice turning cheerful. “Why don’t I take you to the mall? I took the day off so if you want me, I’m all yours.”
Solie’s heart did a hop, skip and, as if that weren’t enough, a little jump, too. A man, and not just any man, Ransom Kent, offering to take her shopping, the bane of men across America? He must be the one man in a million who would do that.
And then to say, I’m all yours?
“Yes,” she said before she had time to think. “I’d like that. I can be ready in an hour. Is that good?”
“Perfect. Just make sure you don’t eat anything. I’ll take you to The Capital Grille when we get there.”
Solie knew this was probably not the wisest decision she’d ever made but as she slid into her skinny jeans and threw on her embroidered peasant blouse she was feeling bubbly, which was not a word anyone would normally use to describe her. When she heard the doorbell chime she was smiling and she was ready.
She was halfway to the door when her pace slowed and her smile dissolved. God forbid but what if, when she opened the door, it was Raul. It wasn’t as if something like that hadn’t happened before. Stealthily she crept up, shifted the curtain ever so slightly and peered through the window.
She released her breath when she saw Ransom standing on the porch. She grabbed her purse from the hallway table and opened the door to him. “I love a man who doesn’t keep me waiting.” She gave him a mischievous grin, pulled the door shut behind her and sauntered ahead of him to the low-lying Mustang parked behind her Honda.
When Solie glanced back Ransom still stood there watching her then, smiling, he shook his head and followed her to the car.
That afternoon at the Galleria Solie had more fun than she’d had in a long time. It was a different kind of fun than going to the movies with a couple of friends. This time she was in the company of a man who made her body tingle every time he touched her. And the way he looked at her made her temperature rise…in a good way.
The more time she spent with him the more she saw of his complex personality. When they’d first met she’d classified him as nothing but a bully. Then she’d seen he could have weaknesses then she’d learned that he could be a friend. Now she was seeing a whole new side of him. They’d walked the mall together and the whole time he’d been more than solicitous. The man had even sat patiently outside the changing room in Banana Republic while she tried on boot-cut jeans and tops. What better sign did anyone need that this man was a keeper?
And then, to her surprise, he’d offered to pay for the stuff.
“No, thank you,” she said firmly and pushed his hand away as he reached for the outfits. “You’ve done enough. All that food I ate in The Capital Grille must have left a serious dent in your wallet.” She gave him a smile to soften her rejection. “But thank you. You’re very kind.”
Her smile widened as she turned away and headed for the cashier. It was just too funny, listening to him grumble about ‘independent women’.
Later, after grabbing some sweet treats from Godiva Chocolatier, they made their leisurely way home. By that time it was way past dusk and the stars were out and blinking like tiny fireflies in the heavens.
When Ransom pulled into her driveway Solie gave a soft, satisfied sigh. “I had a wonderful time,” she said as she turned to look at him. “Thank you.”
“No," he said. “Thank you.” Then he jerked his head toward the bags in the back seat. “You’ve got quite a bit of stuff back there. Let me help you with them.”
He didn’t let her carry a single one. As they walked to her door all she had was the handbag hanging from her shoulder.
When they got to the porch Solie turned to Ransom. It was time to say goodbye. But how could she? She didn’t want this relaxed, beautiful time with Ransom to end.
Drawing in a deep breath she let it out slowly. She had to make a decision, and fast. She could either be a wimp and scurry away into the safety of the house or she could be strong and just go for what she wanted. In the end the decision wasn’t that hard. “Would you like to come in for a drink,” she asked. “Or coffee, if you prefer?”
Ransom cocked an eyebrow then he gave her a crooked smile. “Are you sure?”
“Why?” she asked, her tone full of challenge. “Should I be scared?”
His smile deepened, making a dimple form in his left cheek. Why hadn’t she noticed that before now? “Maybe,” he said as he gave her a wicked grin. “You can’t be too careful.”
Solie only shook her head and turned to open the door. “At least get rid of those bags. You’ve been lugging them around all day for me.” She pushed the door open, flipped on the hallway light and held it wide so Ransom and her assortment of bags could get through the front entrance.
“Come on in,” she said. “Don’t be shy.” She was all bravado, showing an easy smile and relaxed stance when inside she was coiled as tight as a spring…but Ransom didn’t have to know that. All he would see was a super-confident woman who had not a fear in the world.
And the fact that, as he passed by her heart did a double-take, was absolutely none of his business.
***
At Solie’s invitation Ransom stepped inside, bags in hand. When she stood there, still clutching the doorknob, he gave her a quizzical look. She’d sounded totally at ease when she invited him in but now she was just standing there, watching him, a tiny smile on her lips and an uncertain look – half welcoming, half worried – in her eyes.