A Friendly Arrangement Read online

  “You might want to hear me out before you start doling out costumes.” One of his eyebrows shot up to an intimidating angle.

  How’d he do that?

  “Okay…” She dragged the word out in length, a thin line of trepidation wrapping around her spine.

  “I think your suggestion about dating each other is—”

  Holly laughed and held up her hand as relief poured over her. “Don’t even go there. I thought you were being serious.”

  “Who says I’m not?”

  Her mind became a jumbled, panicked mess. “We know each other too well. You’ve not only seen me sprawled out on the couch sicker than a dog, but you’ve been privy to my laundry-day underwear. That’s a true sign of friendship. After witnessing things like that, there’s no way we can date.”

  “It’s not like you were wearing granny panties. I caught a glimpse when I put away your laundry.” He chuckled.

  She fought her laugh. “It’s bad enough you know I have them.”

  His grin spread across his face. “Picturing you in them still makes me laugh.”

  “And it makes me cringe. Enough undies talk.”

  “You’re right.” He bit his lip until he could get his playful grin under control. “I’m not joking about dating. And I’m not saying we date-date, this would be more along the lines of an arrangement between friends. Like what you’re asking me to do for you tonight, but long-term.”

  “Come on, quit giving me a hard time.” She laughed, but the sound came out hollow when he didn’t join in.

  His steady gaze locked onto her until her legs wobbled. He really was serious. At least if the set of his jaw and the intent gleam in his eye were any indication.

  His phone rang and broke his concentration. He glanced at the screen, frowned, and sent it to voicemail. He rested his forearms on his knees, leaning closer as he laced his fingers together.

  “Technically we wouldn’t be dating, but whenever one of us needed a plus one for an evening—”

  “Like I do tonight.”

  “And I will next weekend.”

  “Mmm.” That would be putting this plan into action right away.

  “We’d be all set. This arrangement would allow each of us to have built-in dates right across the hall for however long we want. No strings, no expectations. A dating relationship based on true perfection: friendship.”

  He made it sound so easy. And it was enticing. This might not be such a laughable idea after all. “It’s not like it would be all the time, either. I mean, my calendar isn’t overflowing with functions that require a date, but every once in a while…”

  He nodded, and his jaw relaxed. “Same here. Going out together will be easy because we’re comfortable, and we know each other so well there are times—”

  “We can finish each other’s sentences.” She gave him a smart-alecky smile.

  “Or say the same thing at the same time,” they both said in unison again. The air between them held a punch of playfulness and fun.

  “Proof in point.” Roth pointed at her as he stood and then rubbed his hands together. “We’d each get what we need without having to play interference to well-meaning family and friends.”

  “And strangers.” Excitement pulsed through her. This might not be so crazy after all. The more they talked, the more she liked the idea. Or was it just desperation for tonight? Nah. “I’m definitely in for scratching your back if you’ll scratch mine.”

  “I knew you’d be game.”

  “The best part is that after we show up with each other a few times, everyone will assume we’re in a relationship.” Her voice caught on the last word, and she coughed. She’d always had an allergic reaction to that word. “And they’ll stop trying to fix us up all the time.”

  “And we will be in a relationship, but not the kind they’re thinking.” He stopped pacing in front of her, brushing his chin with his finger. “Think about it. I mean really think. It’s perfect.”

  “It’s diabolical.” But she loved it.

  He paced again. “Why didn’t we think of this before?”

  “It doesn’t matter. The point is we did now. And you’re right. I love it. We’re like a couple of dating duo superheroes.”

  “I like that. You’re Wonderful Woman and I’m—”

  “Super Hot Neighbor Guy.” They laughed.

  “I like that. Super. Hot. Neighbor. Guy.” The words rolled off his tongue slowly as if he savored each one.

  “You’re such a guy.”

  “No, I’m Super Hot Neighbor Guy.” He winked.

  She rolled her eyes, loving his playfulness even more so than the fact he’d agreed to help her tonight. “I’ve created a monster.” What man wouldn’t like to be referred to as hot? For that matter, what woman wouldn’t?

  “I’m the protector of single women everywhere. At least single women who are my neighbors.”

  “Sounds like a deal.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not a deal, we’re a deal. Or should I say we’re official, at least when it comes to any event requiring a plus one?” He winked again, only this time her stomach flipped. Not because he was Super Hot Neighbor Guy but because they’d just changed the rules of their friendship.

  For better? Or worse?

  Chapter Two

  After they sealed their arrangement with a firm handshake, Holly held the Superman costume against Roth’s chest. She smiled up at him and leaned her head to the side. “I can’t thank you enough for helping me out tonight.”

  “Glad to do it. Hopefully our combined superpowers will help you get Alan back. Although, I’m not that impressed with what you’ve told me about him. He should’ve had the courtesy to hear you out when you spoke earlier. Doesn’t sound like he plays fair.”

  And Roth definitely liked to play fair. She’d seen it in the way he handled business and even when they dined out or hit the mall for a little shopping. He had a knack for putting himself in other people’s shoes. She’d always liked that about him. “Not all the people you work with will be easy. I have to adapt. Plus, the more difficult ones really help me appreciate my awesome clients. And I’m lucky, I have several great ones.” Although she understood where Roth came from, and agreed, she liked working with Alan. She found him and the work he offered a challenge. She also liked that it afforded her the time to donate to the women’s shelter without struggling financially.

  “Good point.” Roth grabbed the costume and tossed it over his shoulder. “I’m sure it’ll fit. Themed parties are always fun.”

  Holly couldn’t believe her ears. He actually sounded excited. They were so much alike, but apparently not when it came to themed parties. “To me it feels like a corny, prom night nightmare, but whatever. At least the proceeds benefit the children’s hospital, and I get to put my love of superheroes into the mix.”

  “What do you have against prom? I had a great time at mine. Of course, I made it a point to have a great time because I almost didn’t get to go.” His face took on a faraway look, and his jaw tightened.

  “How’s that?”

  He cleared his throat, but the raw emotion still lay thick in his eyes. “Let’s just say my grade point average left a lot to be desired. I wasn’t into the books as much as I was, well…”

  “Into other things.”

  He nodded. “We had a Mardi Gras theme. Beads, fortune-tellers, casino, masks. What was yours?”

  “Hollywood. Red carpet, flashing cameras, Oscar statues,” she said dryly. “Other than tying for the title of prom queen with my sister, I have nothing against prom. At least I didn’t have to share my date, but it’s just another example in a long list of life moments that I couldn’t completely call my own.” She shook her head as she did her own quick skip down memory lane. Why stir up events from her past she couldn’t change? She adored Hailey, and they were tight like only twins could be, but nobody wanted to hear how they had to share every milestone. How fun would it have been if they’d both had their own bra
gging rights and list of accomplishments, instead of having the same awards, trophies, and achievements? She chewed on her bottom lip. What would it be like to be recognized as a single, instead of a double?

  More than once her sister had accused Holly of trying so hard to be different from their family that she really wasn’t going for what her heart truly wanted. All she could focus on was being different. Standing out. Being looked at as Holly instead of Hailey and Holly. She might have a point, but only to a certain extent. Holly did want to be her own person, but there was no chance she was missing out on any of her dreams. Because her dreams weren’t the same as theirs, and hopefully someday they’d realize that.

  Holly tromped down her thoughts. “We should probably get ready.”

  Roth’s cell rang again, and he eyed the screen, frowning as he pressed the button on the side of his phone.

  “That’s the second call you’ve sent to voicemail since I’ve been here. You avoiding a woman?” she teased.

  “That’d be preferable.” He rubbed his neck as he twisted it from side to side. “My brother Omar has been calling nonstop for the last week. I wish he’d lose my number.”

  “Sounds like whatever he wants is important.”

  “We haven’t talked since my dad’s funeral over a year ago.” He forked his fingers through his hair. “And before that it’d been a couple of years. Why change things now?”

  “A couple of years? How could you go that long without talking to family?”

  “He’s family in name only. We hardly know each other.”

  A stab of compassion punctured her chest. Roth didn’t talk about his family often, but from the little he’d mentioned, they weren’t on the same level of closeness as her family. She sensed that lack of a bond hurt him. More than he let on.

  Even though her family could drive her crazy, she loved them and their interfering ways. Deep down, she knew they only wanted the best for her, even though their idea of best and hers were miles apart. She couldn’t imagine not having them in her life. Nothing compared to the love of family. Or, at least it shouldn’t. “Maybe the loss of your dad made him realize how important family is, and he’s reaching out.” For Roth’s sake she hoped she was right.

  “Um, yeah. But only if Omar’s done a complete one-eighty.” His frown deepened as he continued to rub his neck. “He’s like my father, all work and no play—and no time for family.”

  Roth seemed close to his youngest brother, but what Holly knew about Omar would fit inside a peanut shell. “I know you didn’t ask, but I think the next time he calls you should answer.”

  “I don’t have anything to say to him.” Roth’s voice came out hard. He shoved his hands deep into his pants pockets.

  “But he has something he wants to say to you. That’s kind of obvious. Aren’t you a little curious?” If the shoe had been on the other foot, she’d dive on the phone to find out why her estranged sister kept calling.

  “Nope. I know why he’s calling; I just don’t want to talk to him.”

  She waited for him to share, but when he didn’t, she let out her breath. The pain between the brothers went deep. She wouldn’t push, because now wasn’t the time. “If you ever want talk about it, I’m here to listen.”

  “I know that, and I appreciate it, Holl. Let’s drop the subject.” He avoided her eyes, grabbed the costume from his shoulder, and held it out at arm’s length. Tension fell away from his shoulders. A genuine smile filled his face, complete with two perfect dimples hugging each side of his mouth. “Gotta hand it to you, I love the irony that your Clark Bennett was going to this party as Superman, a.k.a. Clark Kent.”

  “I know, right? We both got a good laugh out of it…” Her voice dropped off as their laughter was replaced by painful memories of this morning. If she wasn’t convinced that what she’d done was right, for both her and Clark, she’d hate herself for hurting him. He was a great guy. Nice. Attentive. Patient. Humorous. One day he’d be the perfect man for someone. Someone who wanted a commitment, but that someone wasn’t her.

  Time to change the subject before you get all choked up. She and Roth had both touched on topics that were best left for another time. No need to be a Debbie Downer when he had agreed to help her out. “You’re going to look spectacular in the costume.”

  “Ah, flattery. It gets you everywhere. Especially with Hot Neighbor Guy.”

  “Don’t you mean Super Hot Neighbor Guy?”

  He tilted his head to the side, and his smile went straight to his eyes. “It’s quite a mouthful. We should consider shortening it. Maybe initials would work better. SHNG.”

  She pursed her lips as if considering. “Not sure. I think people would start calling you Shing or Shang, or something that has nothing to do with superheroes. Maybe taking off the super is the way to go.”

  “Hot Neighbor Guy it is.” His eyes brightened before a small frown marred his brow. “You know, I wasn’t a huge comic book fan, but I don’t remember Superman and Wonder Woman as a couple. Wasn’t she linked with that Trevor guy?”

  “Actually, his name was Steve Trevor. And yes, that’s the going story, but if you had kept up on your comics and had read the Justice League #12 from October of 2012, I think it was, you’d have read and witnessed for the first time the evolving relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman. There’s actually a lot of speculation that there is…”

  He held up his hand. “I forgot you’re a closet comic book geek. You can spare me the details, I only wanted to make sure we didn’t break some unspoken rule of the evening.”

  “I keep telling you that if you’d read at least one comic you’d be hooked.”

  “And that’s what I’m avoiding. You know I don’t like commitment.”

  She groaned. “I think this is one type of commitment you’d enjoy. But I won’t try to change your mind. At least for now. However, don’t be surprised if you find a comic book slid under your door one day, and when you pick it up and skim the pages, I think you’ll be all about comic book commitment.”

  “Dreamer.”

  She shrugged, lifting one brow. “Time will tell. But for now, give me thirty minutes to transform into Wonder Woman, and I’ll meet you in the hall so you can fly us the few blocks to the party.”

  “Unless this works”—he laughed, tugging at the cape attached to his costume—“we’ll walk.” The stress from the day evaporated with the sound of his laughter. He had one of those sexy, husky laughs that went along perfectly with his deep radio announcer voice.

  Until this moment she’d never realized how sexy his voice was. Or maybe she had but had never acknowledged it, or dared to acknowledge it.

  “Or would you prefer the bike?”

  She loved his Harley, and her body tingled with awareness at the idea of sitting behind Roth, arms wrapped around his waist as the heat from his back spread across her front. She’d press up against him, feel every flex and sinew of muscle—

  Before she could answer he frowned and said, “Seems like a lot of work to get it out for a trip that’s only a few blocks away. Let’s walk.”

  His words killed her daydream, and her libido, which had just started to rev.

  “The fresh air will do us good,” she said, trying to sound upbeat. And hopefully clear your head.

  Her gaze slid down from his face, and she concentrated on the beer logo plastered across the front of his tee to regain her equilibrium. She felt lightheaded and not quite herself. Although relieved that Roth would help her out tonight, and hopeful Alan would reconsider, she feared her own confusion. Maybe time with Roth right now wasn’t the smartest of ideas. What if she did something stupid? Like act on her attraction.

  She traced the wording on his tee with her eyes. She couldn’t force her focus away from his chest. The swell of his pecs beneath his thin shirt would be glued to her memory for days to come. The bulge of his biceps as he lifted his arm to brush his fingers through his hair ran a close second. The idea of him in that nylon costume j
ust might make her explode.

  He lifted her chin with his finger. “You okay?”

  Before he could analyze her too closely, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him against her with a solid thud, seizing him in a huge hug as she tried to work through her own tangled thoughts. He smelled like he always did: clean, cottony, and comforting. She relaxed against him as he tugged her in tight. “Thanks again, Roth.”

  He rubbed his chin on the top of her head, a habit that had become tradition whenever they hugged, but this time it didn’t just give her additional comfort. It took her breath away and made her skin tingle. Was it the way his arms tightened around her when he pulled her close? As if she were the only thing that mattered. Or…

  “You can always count on me—”

  “To come to the rescue,” she whispered.

  How come she’d never noticed before how solid his chest was? He’d be a force to reckon with once he slipped into that Superman costume. Not that she planned on trying to kick his ass on the way to the event or anything.

  She closed her eyes, bit back her smile, and gave him one final squeeze before kissing him soundly on the cheek. Something she’d done a hundred times before but that suddenly made her feel shy, unsure, insecure. She stepped from the circle of his arms.

  Silence filled the air between them as they stared at each other in silence. She cleared her throat, and he coughed.

  “I have to make myself Wonder Woman beautiful.” Relief hit her full force that with all her confusion, her voice still sounded normal.

  He walked backward toward his bedroom, tripping slightly on his own two feet but correcting himself so quickly she’d almost missed that it’d happened at all. “Why bother? Wonder Woman’s got nothing on Holly Haggerty, a.k.a. Wonderful Woman.”

  Her heart somersaulted. Did he just call her beautiful? She gawked at him a moment, trying to read his mind. Wasn’t that a trait of Wonder Woman?

  No, she had a lasso of truth, or something like that.

  His dimples accentuated his bright smile as he saluted her, then he gave her his back. “Thirty minutes. Don’t let me down, Wonderful Woman.”