Arm Candy. Jo Leigh

behind Dan. It was modern, no real subject, but nice.

      They’d talked a lot about his mother, of all things, during the meal. Jessica had heard of Colleen Crawford, had even read articles by her. It seemed the two of them had a terrific relationship, and according to Dan, his parents’ marriage had been ideal. But it begged the question “Why don’t you ask her these questions that have you so confused?”

      “She won’t answer me.”

      “What?”

      “She won’t. She tells me I have to learn some things through experience.”

      “But you don’t believe her.”

      “I don’t disbelieve her, but I think she’s been spoiled by her own relationship. I don’t think she sees the dilemma.”

      “Frankly, I don’t think I do, either.”

      “You will, the more we talk.”

      “Don’t be so sure. I’m not terribly bright when it comes to men. I’ve never been in love or anything remotely close to it.”

      His eyebrows came down for a moment, and he sipped some more of his wine. “I don’t think that’ll matter.”

      “No?”

      “My questions are about you. About what you want. What you need.”

      “I can tell you that in about two sentences.”

      “I’m sure. But I hope you won’t. I want you to answer my questions in the order I’m going to ask them. Not before.”

      “Fair enough.”

      He smiled.

      She ate the last piece of bread on her plate. After she’d swallowed, she tapped the table. “Well?”

      “What?”

      “Ask.”

      “Oh, no. Not yet.”

      “Why not?”

      “Because I’m having a really good time.”

      She laughed. “And questions will spoil it?”

      He shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

      “Just how offensive are these questions?”

      It was his turn to laugh. “Not at all. Although, they are personal.”

      “So I’d assumed.”

      “We’ll start later.”

      “When, later? I’m exhausted. All I want now is bed. I have to be up at five.”

      “Which means I have to be up at five, right?”

      She shook her head. “Nope. Tomorrow morning is makeover day. I’ll be at Bloomingdale’s. Owen won’t be.”

      “So when do I report for duty?”

      “Tomorrow evening. It’s the big opening party. I’m afraid it’s black-tie.”

      “No problem. I’m all set.”

      “Okay, then. Just be available from about five on.”

      “Yes, ma’am.”

      She knew he would handle the party well. He was every bit the sophisticate, although not in the least obnoxious about it. The conversation had flowed with surprising ease. But still. “No, it’s not going to work,” she said.

      He immediately sat forward. “What?”

      “I’m never going to get to sleep wondering what the hell you’re going to ask me. So you have to. Ask. At least one question. Dinner’s about done, so it can’t ruin much.”

      He leaned back, not looking pleased. “All right. If you insist.”

      “I do.”

      He looked down for a long moment, long enough for her to grab her fork so she could stab him with it if he didn’t for Pete’s sake say something. Then he lifted his head and his gaze met hers. “Do you like being tied up for sex?”

      Five things you’ll NEVER hear one woman say to another woman:

      1 Oh, look, that woman and I have the same dress on! I think I’ll go introduce myself!

      2 His new girlfriend is thinner and better-looking than I am, and I’m happy for them both.

      3 I’m sick of dating doctors and lawyers! Give me a good old-fashioned waiter with a heart of gold any day!

      4 He talks our relationship to death! It’s making me crazy!

      5 Why can’t I find a guy who’ll have a wild carefree night of sex and then just go his separate way for once?

      Source: Thompson, Dave “Things You’ll Never Hear” http://www.ijmc.com/