Just To Be with You. Sheryl Lister

person. But hadn’t she sworn off men? So why was she contemplating his request? “I’d like that.”

      He turned her chin to face him. “So would I.” He touched his mouth to hers gently. He held her close as they continued to watch the approach of the Golden Gate Bridge in the fading sunlight.

      “You know, I can’t get over how short you are,” he said, his gaze traveling down her body. “You were much taller last night.”

      Janae punched him in the arm. “Hey. No dissin’ my height.” She was grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. They’d been having a good time all afternoon, and she couldn’t recall the last time she’d laughed so much with a man.

      “Ow! You hit pretty hard for a little person.” He chuckled while rubbing the spot.

      “You’d be surprised what I can do for a little person,” she said sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

      Terrence threw back his head and laughed. “Let’s go back inside and see what kind of snacks they have. I’m hungry.”

      * * *

      “Monte seems really taken by Janae,” Karen said to Donovan as she watched them through the window.

      “Yeah.”

      “That’s all good, but if your boy is thinking about trying to hit it and quit it and hurts her, I’ll have his butt tossed off one of these bridges.”

      Donovan smiled. “He’s not like that. To tell the truth, I’m a little shocked. I’ve known him for sixteen years, and this is the first time he’s ever done something like this.”

      “So you’re saying he’s not a playa?”

      This time he outright laughed. “Hardly.” Then he sobered. “He needs someone special. Maybe she’s the one.”

      Karen observed Janae and Monte. She and Donovan knew something had happened because they both were quiet. Then she saw them kiss and laugh. “Yes!”

      Donovan glanced over his shoulder out the window. “I’m guessing by your enthusiasm, things are going well.”

      “I hope this works out. Janae deserves to find a nice guy. She’s had too many jerks in her life.” Karen thought of something. “When we were in the store, she called Monte ‘Terrence.’ Is that another name he uses?”

      Donovan’s eyebrows shot up. “Terrence is his first name. He doesn’t share it often, if ever. For him to tell Janae less than twenty-four hours after meeting her says a lot.” Her mouth formed a perfect O, and he laughed softly. “I would appreciate it if you keep it in confidence.”

      “No problem. He must really like her. Janae does have that effect on people. She’s the sweetest person I know.” She giggled, thinking Janae just might get her Prince Charming.

      * * *

      They returned to the hotel a few minutes past midnight. Donovan hugged Karen and Janae, thanked them for a lovely day, then went to wait in the car. Karen told Janae she’d see her upstairs.

      “Everybody disappeared. Was it something I said?” Janae asked, wringing her hands.

      “Come sit with me for a moment,” Terrence said, gesturing her to the seating area. He sat next to her. Taking her hand, he waited for the familiar warmth to start and smiled. “Janae, I’ve had the most amazing time with you today. I gotta be honest—I’m not ready for it to end. I know we’re going back home tomorrow, but I’d like to talk to you sometimes. Would you be comfortable giving me your phone number?”

      She stared at him, seemingly giving serious thought to his request. She stuck out her hand. “Give me your phone. I’ll program my numbers for you.”

      Terrence reached in his pocket, pulled out a phone, stuck it back and pulled another one from his other pocket. He unlocked it, opened the contact list, then handed it to her.

      “Two phones?” she asked with amusement.

      “One for business and one—” he pointed at the phone in her hand “—for personal use. Less than twenty people have this number. Can you put your address in, as well?”

      Her fingers stilled. “Why? You’re not going to go buy some expensive gift and send it to me, are you?”

      He laughed softly. “No.”

      She input the information and passed him the phone.

      “Let me call you, so my number will be in your phone. I want you to have it in case you’d like to talk sometimes,” he added quickly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be calling you most of the time.” He called her phone, let it ring once and hung up. “Will you have breakfast with me tomorrow? We can eat in the hotel’s restaurant. How about I meet you right here around eight-thirty?” he asked hopefully.

      She seemed to hesitate again before answering. “All right.”

      * * *

      Terrence enjoyed their quiet breakfast together the next morning. “Tell me something about you.”

      “What do you want to know?”

      He shrugged. “Anything you want to tell me. Your favorite color, dessert...how old you are...”

      “Well, I’m twenty-eight, my favorite color is blue and my favorite dessert is strawberry shortcake.”

      “What do you do when you’re not teaching?”

      “I enjoy painting landscapes. What about you?”

      “I’m thirty-one years old, and away from touring, I’m pretty much a homebody. I enjoy reading history and love cooking.”

      “Wow. I would have never guessed that about you.”

      “Most people don’t. I like to keep my private life private.”

      After breakfast, he convinced her to take another walk on the pier. Today the temperatures had dipped, the sun remained hidden behind the clouds and a brisk breeze blew across his face. He felt Janae shiver.

      “Are you cold?”

      “A little,” she said, closing her jacket around her.

      He placed his arms around her shoulders and pulled her closer. They continued to stroll past the shops lining the wharf and ended at the rail looking out over the water. Terrence had never felt such contentment. They didn’t need to fill every moment with conversation, and there were no awkward silences. He had no experience with a woman like her. His preference had always been to take a woman out once, maybe sleep with her and then move on. He glanced down at Janae. He had a feeling it wouldn’t be that easy with her.

      His gaze drifted to her mouth, and memories of kissing her flooded his mind—the plush softness of her lips, the sweet taste on his tongue. He had to kiss her again. He scanned the area, then saw a private corner.

      “Come with me,” he said, grabbing her by the hand.

      “Where are we going?”

      “Here.” He pulled her into the dark area, cupped her face and slanted his mouth over hers. Just like last night, kissing her elicited a desire he’d never felt before. He backed her against the wall and deepened the kiss.

      She moaned and tore her mouth away, breathing harshly. “I can’t do this.”

      She tried to move around him, but he blocked her path and pulled her back into his arms. “Why?” he whispered, trailing kisses in the curve of her neck.

      She pushed against his chest. “I told you. I’m not some groupie. I’m not into playing games where I end up being another notch on your bedpost.”

      He rested one hand on the wall over her head. “Are we back to that again? I told you that you could never be a groupie.”

      “Terrence, I’m not interested in being one of your playthings.”