The Marrying Kind

“What are you talking about?” John demanded.

Though only thirty-four, Mark sounded every bit the wise old sage when he said, “John, you’re a great businessman, but you cut a wide swath through the women in Dallas. Even us staid bankers know how often you change girlfriends. And you never offer them marriage.”

“No, I don’t. I’m not my father!”

“I didn’t mean to imply you were, John. But don’t mess with Diane. She’s not your type and I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“I’m not going to hurt her. I just want to visit with her for a few minutes. Surely you can’t object to that.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you want to visit with her?”

“If you must know, I was rude to her last night over a misunderstanding, and I owe her an apology.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah, that’s all. Now, do I need a note from my mother to get to see her?” He figured Mark heard his sarcasm. John wasn’t trying to hide his displeasure.

“Yeah, okay, but remember, you promised not to hurt her.”

“I remember.”

“Her office is on the third floor. Just follow the signs to the investment department.”

“Thanks, I will.” John strode out of Mark’s office and headed directly for the elevator. When he got off on the third floor, he realized he was almost running. He stopped and drew a deep breath. No need to advertise his eagerness to see her. Instead he adopted a casual stroll down the hall.

When he entered the investments area, he was greeted by a receptionist.

“I’d like to see Diane Black,” he told her.

“Ms. Black has someone with her right now, but you’re free to wait, Mr.…”

“Davis. John Davis. And yes, I’ll wait.”

He sat down on the sofa across from the receptionist’s desk and picked up a magazine from the coffee table. He flipped through it, paying little attention to the contents.

His attention zeroed in, however, when he saw an elderly woman exit one of the bank offices and heard the receptionist on the intercom. “A Mr. Davis to see you.”

Diane’s voice came back through the intercom, curt and clipped. “Please tell Mr. Davis he has the wrong department. Loans are on the first floor.”

John started walking toward Diane’s office, despite the receptionist’s protests. “Sir, you can’t just walk in on Ms. Black. Sir—”

By that time, he had opened the door to her office. “Will you tell that young woman to stop yelling at me?”

Diane sent him an angry look, but pushed down the intercom button. “Wendy, it’s all right. I forgot that Mr. Davis needed to talk to me about something.”

“What do I need to talk to you about?” he asked.

“I have no idea, but I don’t want Wendy to feel she failed me.”

“That’s very kind of you, Diane. And I’m trying to be kind, too.”

“How are you doing that?”

“I was rude and arrogant last night and I wanted to apologize to you.”

“I see. Yes, that’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

He continued to stand there, staring at her.

“Is there anything else?”

“You could ask me to sit down.”

“Why?”

Why did people keep asking him that question? He wondered. First Mark, now her.

Before he could reply, Diane moved to the door. “I see no need for additional conversation, John, so perhaps it would be best if you leave.”

He deliberately sat down. “Perhaps I should remind you that I do a lot of business with this bank.”

“That’s not necessary, Mr. Davis. I’m well aware of your past history with my bank. I’ll be glad to refer you to whoever you need to talk to to be sure your needs are met.”

“And what if you’re the one I need to see?”

“For what reason?”

“I told you. I needed to apologize to you.”

“I appreciate that, but you’ve already done so.”

“So you’re throwing me out?”

“Mr. Davis, I’m pointing out—rightly, I think—that I’m at work. It is not a social situation. If you have something about my job that you need to discuss, so be it. But if not, then yes, I’m throwing you out.”

“All right, I’ll go, on one condition.”

“And what is that?”

“Have dinner with me tonight so I can show you I’m a changed man.”

“So you think forcing me to have dinner with you will show me you’re no longer arrogant? Isn’t that being arrogant again?”

He nodded, conceding the point. “Well, you’ve definitely proved one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re much brighter than most women I’ve met.”

She glared at him, saying nothing.

“You don’t consider that a compliment?” he asked.

“No, I don’t. Your scorn for my gender is disgusting.”

“My scorn? I was simply being honest.”

She opened the door further. “I have nothing more to say to you, Mr. Davis.”

“So you are throwing me out?”

“Yes, I am.” She spoke clearly and precisely, leaving no doubt.

“So it’s arrogant to give you credit for your brains?”

“No, it’s arrogant for you to think you can determine a woman’s brilliance. How do you rate men?”

He frowned. “Most of the men I work with are fairly intelligent.”

“But the women are not?”

“I don’t usually deal with women in my business. I mean, I’m a developer and builder. It almost always involves men.”

“Well, Mr. Davis, in case you don’t know it, there are a lot of intelligent women out there.”

“I’ve met some of them, but they aren’t using their brains to get to me. They use their bodies, and I don’t think they’re smart.”

“I agree. Now, if you’ll excuse me?”

“No dinner?”

“No dinner.”

He sighed. “Okay. Maybe another day.”

She kept her expression impassive and merely stood there, waiting for him to leave.

Without another word John returned to Mark’s office.

“Did you see her?” his banker asked, worry creasing his brow.

“Yeah, I saw her. How about you set up a dinner so I can talk to her?”

“Why didn’t you ask her to dinner, if that’s what you want?”

“I did. But she refused. She’ll only consider going out if it’s for business reasons.”

“In other words, you’re asking me to trick her? No way, John. Diane wouldn’t like that.”

“No, not lie to her. I’m prepared to invest a million dollars through her.”

“You are? Why?”

“I’m getting very tired of that question. I want to be sure I won’t ever go broke. So I’m going to make a sizable investment.”

“That’s a good idea, John. I’m sure Diane will be happy about it, too.”

“Can you just tell her a client wants to invest a million without giving her my name? And have her meet you at a restaurant?”

“I suppose so.” Mark stopped short and his eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to back out on the investment, are you?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Okay. What night is good for you?”

“What’s wrong with tonight?”

“I don’t know if my wife can find a sitter that soon.”

“Call her and see,” John suggested.

After a brief phone conversation, during which Mark’s wife promised to try to line up a sitter and let him know if she was successful, John agreed to call Mark in an hour.

Then he left the bank, wondering what had come over him. The idea of investing had been in his mind before, but it hadn’t occurred to him lately, until he’d met Diane Black.

DIANE LOOKED UP when her computer indicated a new e-mail had arrived. She reached for the curser and clicked it open. It was from one of the vice presidents in the loan department, indicating he had a client who wanted to invest a million dollars. She raised an eyebrow.

Then she typed in, Sure, I’d love to meet with your client. When do you want to set it up? Lunch?

The answer appeared almost at once. He wanted to meet this evening. I think it would be good before he changes his mind. Is that okay with you?

Yes. Give me a time and a place, she typed in, and hit Send. After she received the information she needed, she turned off her computer. It was already past closing.

It was only after she was in her car, heading home, that she realized she hadn’t asked the client’s name. It occurred to her that John Davis could be the client, but she dismissed the thought. Mark wouldn’t introduce her to someone who didn’t intend to invest.

They were going to a nice restaurant, so Diane hurriedly changed into a simple black dress that she felt good in. She put on diamond ear studs, a reward she’d purchased for herself after her last promotion.

When she glanced in the mirror, she nodded to her image. She appeared festive, but conservative. Pleased with how she looked, she hurried back down to her car. She had fifteen minutes to get to the restaurant.

Mark and his wife were sitting at a table when she entered. Diane smiled. She’d met Elizabeth several times and liked her.

The maître d’ led her to the table and held her chair for her. She greeted the Golans and immediately said, “I forgot to ask your client’s name. Have I met him?”

Mark opened his mouth to answer and then stopped, his gaze going to a point over Diane’s shoulder.

She turned to find what had grabbed his attention. And discovered John Davis reaching for the chair beside her. She said nothing to John, but turned and stared at her colleague, waiting for an explanation.

“I swear, Diane, John promised he wants to invest a million dollars. I wouldn’t mislead you.”

After a considering look, she nodded, but still didn’t glance at John.

“Good evening, Diane. You look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you,” she replied coolly.

“You, too, Elizabeth. You look much better than you did the last time I saw you,” John said with a grin.

Diane turned to stare at him. “That’s rude.”

“No, it’s not,” Elizabeth said. “We were on a picnic and the baby threw up all over me. I tried to clean up, but there wasn’t much I could do. Everyone did their best to avoid me.”

“Oh, you poor dear. Was she very sick?” Since Diane had had no children or siblings, she knew little about babies.

Elizabeth laughed again. “No. She must’ve eaten something she didn’t like. Little ones tend to throw up frequently.”

Diane looked horrified.

“Haven’t you ever been around babies?” John asked.

“No.” After a moment she looked at him cautiously. “Have you?”

“Each of my stepmothers had an ‘heir’ to cement her marriage with my father. I never did any babysitting, but I was home more than my stepmothers, so I saw the nanny deal with a lot.”

“A nanny? Your stepmothers didn’t—No, I guess not.” After composing herself, Diane said, “So, you have four brothers and sisters?”

“No, just three brothers. But I expect to be informed of another one on the way at any time.” John looked at her. “You don’t have any siblings?”

“No. I was a mistake they didn’t want to repeat,” she said, and then regretted her words. “Forget I said that. Now, you want to put a million dollars in my hands to invest?”

“Yes. I think you’ll do a great job for me.”

“I need to know what you expect. I can’t promise gains by leaps and bounds, but I can guarantee growth. Is that what you’re looking for?”

“Of course. I simply want to put that much money aside so I’ll never go broke. It’s a safeguard.”

“Where is the money now?”

“It’s in an account.”

Diane stared at him, a slight frown on her face. Something didn’t seem right. “Have you made investments before?”

“Yes, several times, but I’ve lost money, too. I think it’s better for a professional to handle my investments instead of me trying to do that as well as handle my business projects.”

While Diane couldn’t argue with that logic, she proceeded with caution. “We’ll need to discuss the kind of investments you have an interest in,” she said slowly.

John nodded and flashed her a wide smile. “But first, why don’t we order some drinks?”

After the waiter took their requests, Diane hesitated returning to the subject of John’s investments. She’d been in the business long enough to develop a sixth sense about a potential client.

This time that sense was telling her to run as far and as fast as she could.

JOHN WAS AMAZED at how much trouble he’d gone to to convince Diane they should… Should what? Become business partners? Friends? Lovers?

Yeah, that was what he wanted. Even though she wasn’t a beauty at first glance, not playing up her natural assets, the longer he knew her, the more beautiful she became.

He wanted to take out the pins holding back her long blond hair, and run his hands through it. He wanted to hold her against him, to feel her breathe, to kiss her just below her ear. To inhale her subtle scent. He wasn’t sure why she appealed to him so much. Maybe it was because she wasn’t chasing him. In fact, she seemed downright elusive.

That remark she’d made about her parents made him eager to question her about her childhood. The two of them might have a lot in common.

Throughout the evening he watched her carefully. Her every move was so graceful, nearly poetic. He wondered why she was alone.

That thought stopped him. Was she alone? There could be a man in her life. What would John do if there was?

At a pause in the conversation, he asked her, “Should we have invited your, uh, significant other?”

She lowered her eyes. “No, that’s not necessary.”

“Because there isn’t anyone?” he pressed.

Her eyes speared him with a sharp look. “Because it has nothing to do with our conversation!”

Mark immediately intervened. “No, of course not. This is a business dinner. It’s a chance to discuss your investment strategy with the professional you’re giving the opportunity to handle your money.”

“Of course,” John agreed. He knew Diane wasn’t going to make it a social situation. He was beginning to wonder if she even had a social life.

Abruptly, he said, “Do you snow ski, Diane?”

She stared at him. “In Texas? I don’t think that ever happens.”

“But Colorado’s not that far away. Maybe you go there on vacation?”

“No, I haven’t tried skiing.”

“I go several times a year.”

“We went last year and took the kids,” Mark interjected. “We hired a high school student to come help with them.”

“That was my idea,” Elizabeth pointed out. “I didn’t want to stay in the room and take care of the kids while Mark went skiing every day.”

“Yeah. Sometimes I forget children require so much work, but Elizabeth reminds me by going off shopping on a Saturday. By the time she gets home, I’m desperate to get out of there,” Mark assured them.

“Elizabeth is a great mother. Not every woman is. My father seems to have a talent of picking wives without that quality.”

“You think it’s something a woman is born with?” Diane asked.

“Oh, yeah. And pity the poor kids who have the wrong mother.” John grinned at her.

“I don’t agree,” Elizabeth said. “I had to learn to be a good mother. I had friends who helped me, and my mom. She taught me a lot.”

“I agree,” Diane said. “They even offer parenting classes for those who doubt their abilities.”

John seemed unconvinced. “Yeah, but you have to be interested in learning. My stepmothers only wanted a child to ensure that they got more money when the divorce came along.”

“You’re assuming they went into the marriage knowing it would end in divorce,” Diane commented.

“Honey, my dad’s famous for his marital problems. He chooses a woman by her beauty. He keeps her until she turns into a wife and bugs him about things he doesn’t want to do. That’s when he discovers she’s not the woman for him. By that time, a baby has come along, and the alimony and child support payments soon follow.”

“That’s a very cynical outlook, John,” Diane protested.

“I’ll have to introduce you to my father. Then you’ll understand.”

Annoyed, she turned to Elizabeth, looking for some safer conversation. “How old are your kids now?”

“One and a half, four and six.”

“They must require a lot of energy,” Diane guessed. “My friend Jennifer Carpenter—now Jennifer Barry—adopted three little girls close to those ages.”

“Three at once?” Elizabeth asked, her voice rising. “How brave of her!”

“Yes, but they’re so sweet. The three are sisters who were split up when their parents died. They’re so glad to be back together now.”

“Oh, yes, that’s wonderful,” Elizabeth said, tearing up just a little. “I can’t imagine my children being separated.”

Mark reached for his wife’s hand. “That won’t happen, honey. Remember, your sister and her husband said they’d take care of our kids if anything happens to us.”

Diane watched the tender way Mark looked at his wife, and it made her heart ache. What would it be like to have someone who understood, who cared, who prepared for the future?

Elizabeth straightened her spine. “I’m sorry, Diane. Sometimes I worry.”

“No need to apologize!” she exclaimed. “I found myself tearing up over my neighbor’s little girls. I’m just glad they found such a great home.”

John joined the conversation. “So Jennifer is a good mother?”

“Yes. She wasn’t sure she would be, so she took a parenting class. But she’s doing fine.”

Mark looked at John. “You sound like you know her?”

“I know about her. My father wanted to set me up with her.”

“She sounds like a catch,” Mark said. “Why’d you refuse?”

“Actually, I didn’t. I was too late. That’s how I met Diane.”

“Yes,” Diane hurried to add. “And it was a mistake.”

John turned to her, a smile dancing on his lips. “But not one I regret.”

Chapter Three

How could she be alone with him?

The dilemma had kept Diane awake all night, and still plagued her this morning. She couldn’t walk away from a million-dollar investor, yet she couldn’t honestly accept John’s invitation to lunch.

Last night, after his incendiary comment at dinner, he’d kept the conversation light and general—till he leaned in close to invite her to discuss his “portfolio” at lunch tomorrow. From the rumbling sound of his voice, she wondered what he really had in mind.

Maybe she’d invite Mark to join them. He’d be the perfect buffer to keep them on a strictly professional basis.

After she worked up some preliminary projections for John’s investment, she called her coworker and made the offer. “I think John would be more at ease with another man there,” she added, hoping that would seal the deal.

But Mark didn’t fall for it. “I don’t think so, Diane. I got the idea he was determined to take you to lunch alone. He certainly didn’t mention inviting me when we were together last night.”

“He probably thought I would object, but I wouldn’t, Mark. I promise.” She fought to keep the desperation out of her voice.

“What’s up with you two, anyway?”

Diane froze. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean…well, why is he so determined to be with you, while you’re so reluctant?”

“It’s business, Mark, that’s all.”

“Well, I’m free for lunch, but you need to ask John if he wants me to come. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll know I was right.”

“Fine,” she conceded. “But I’m sure he’ll change his mind.” Then she hung up the phone.

“About what?” John asked, leaning against the open door to her office.

Diane gasped. Then she took a deep breath and said calmly, “Hi, John. You’re a little early. I didn’t expect you until noon.” Since it was only eleven-thirty, he was actually a lot early.

“Were you talking about me?”

“Yes, I called Mark to see if he wanted to come with us.”

John raised one eyebrow as she watched in fascination. “What did he say?”

“He said he didn’t think you wanted him along.”

“Smart man. Are you ready to go? I thought we should beat the lunch crowd.”

“John, I don’t mind if he comes, in case you don’t like eating alone with me,” Diane insisted.

“But I want to eat alone with you. I don’t want Mark with us.”

Just as she’d feared.

“By the way, you look great in that color, whatever it is.”

“Th-thank you.” The color was a rosy beige that no doubt paled in comparison to the blush on her cheeks now, thanks to his compliment. She’d deliberated over her choice of clothing for a long time that morning, finally settling on a black pinstripe suit and the pastel blouse she hardly ever wore.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, but—All right, we’ll go. I made a reservation for twelve o’clock.”

“I know. I changed it to eleven-thirty.”

Diane bent to get her purse, then stood. When she came around the desk, John took her hand.

“What are you doing?” she asked, snatching her arm away.

“I was holding your hand.”

“I know, but I’m your banker, not…a woman.” As soon as she said it, she knew it had come out all wrong. “I mean, I bet you don’t hold Mark’s hand.”

He grinned, that white-toothed, wolfish smile. “No, I’ve never swung that way, honey. I’m strictly a ladies’ man.” He ushered her out of her office, whispering to her back, “And just for the record, Diane, you’re all-woman.”

HER CHEEKS STILL BURNED when they finally exited the building. She’d never been so grateful for fresh air.

“My car’s right over there,” she said, pointing to the left.

“Nope, we’ll take mine,” John said. “I know I’m being arbitrary, but I prefer to drive.”

After pausing a moment, she gave in. That was easy to do, and it would please him. She might have to be stronger on things that mattered, so she should store up some good credit in the meantime.

When they reached the restaurant, the maître d’ greeted them both by name. “I have your table ready. Right this way.”

He led them to the most secluded table in the restaurant. Diane supposed it would be good for private business talk, but she didn’t like feeling so isolated with John.

When they’d placed their orders, she launched right into business. “Now, I’ve laid out a plan—”

“Good. But I want to ask you something.”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed, thinking he wanted to ask about her philosophy in investing.

“Why did you say your parents considered you to be a mistake? Surely they don’t think so now.”

Diane just stared at him, aghast. She couldn’t believe he’d asked such a personal question. No way would she answer it. Instead she began outlining her investment plans.

“Wait. You didn’t answer my question.”

“John, we’re here to discuss investing.”

“Look, I know about investing. I just don’t have time to do it myself. Invest half of it in quality stocks that will grow slowly. Invest a quarter in strong stocks that might go up or down, and monitor them closely. And with the rest of it, try a few flyers. Now can we talk about you?”

She blinked in surprise. “If you already knew what you wanted, why did we need to meet to discuss it?”

“Because I wanted to get to know you.”

“But—”

“Isn’t a million enough? I don’t think I can pull out more right now, because I’m starting a new project, but—”

“John, you don’t pay to get to know someone! That’s outrageous!”

“But you seem resistant to the idea.”

“But I’m not the kind of woman you like to date.”

“I know, but I’ve gotten tired of those kind of women. Look, I asked about your parents because I think we may have something in common, that’s all. Is that so bad?”

“No, of course not, but—” The conciliatory look on his face stopped her protest, softened her just enough. “Okay, you win. My parents are Alexander and Karen Black, quite famous archaeologists who teach at Southern Methodist University. They didn’t intend to have children. I was an accident. They’re very self-absorbed people. They hired someone to take care of me and, basically, abandoned me. I sometimes think I might’ve had a better life if they’d let someone adopt me when I was a baby.”