THE DATING GAME Read online

  But there again, he didn’t think she was a nutter, not like those women he’d passed in the market trying on outrageous hats, even if she did have a penchant for cartoon pajamas…

  Dropping the chrysanthemums on the doorstep, James decided to call Annabelle. He’d get her to ring Lynette and ask her if she had any idea where Fen would be on a Friday afternoon. While he waited for her to ring back, James looked for a café to have a coffee.

  Plenty of cafés along the Portobello Road. James randomly chose one, gave his order to the young waitress and then settled himself at a window table to read the Financial Times newspaper.

  As he received his coffee, he saw a rather large West Indian lady on the street side of the café’s plate glass window. She gave him a blatant once over and then an audacious wink as she headed off down the pavement, pushing a person in a wheelchair who was wearing a revolting green hat.

  Before he could wonder just what the woman was winking at, his phone rang. Annabelle was returning his call and she had the information he’d requested. James grinned as he terminated the call and he scribbled down the name of a nearby gym. So Fen worked out, did she? Good girl. His grin widened as he imagined Fen in body-hugging Lycra. Boy, he could hardly wait.

  And wouldn’t she be surprised to see him.

  ****

  Fen had experienced far too much excitement for one day. Seeing James in the market had been one thing. Having him come into the same café had been more than a tad uncomfortable. She’d broken out in an instant cold sweat and had scalded her tongue on a big gulp of cappuccino to compensate.

  And now here were the flowers, lying forlornly on her doorstep. Some of the dusky pink petals had been blown by the wind and were scattered like confetti on the pavement. Fen sucked on her bottom lip. Why was James visiting her flat—and did he intend to come back later?

  Did she want him to?

  Her heart skittered a spasm and she closed her eyes. Yes. No. Maybe. Well, perhaps it was a blessing that she wouldn’t be here if he did. Her appointment at the gym, to go through her thrice weekly workout with her fitness instructor and friend Gail, was most important. If she missed the workout, she would lose ground on her fitness regime, and she didn’t want to do that, especially now. Having James McAllister in the equation gave her a huge incentive boost to toss away her crutches and get walking.

  Sometime later Fen was flat on her back and ten minutes into her floor exercises when she heard the woman next to her say, “Wow, now that’s what I call a good body.”

  Fen raised her head and glanced in the same direction as her fellow exerciser and instantly experienced another burst of cold sweat.

  James.

  There was no disputing the good body tag. He looked gorgeous in his silky black shorts and white tee shirt. His legs were muscular, as were his arms. By the way he filled out his tee shirt, his chest had the full quota of muscles too. Darn it, the man was just too attractive for comfort. Avoiding him was such a tragedy. But it had to be done, right? At least for the next few weeks, or months, but pray not years, until she could walk again. Then James McAllister, watch out!

  Fen sighed and flopped back on the mat. What wicked fate had brought James to her gymnasium? And on a Friday afternoon, too? What was wrong with the man? Didn’t he have a job to go to? A multi-million dollar business to run?

  “This calls for a few more tummy tightening exercises to tone me up,” said Fen’s companion with a grin. “And then I’m going to claim that exercise bike right next to his. Wish me luck.”

  “You’ve got it.”

  Fen lay still on the mat, madly trying to work out how she could get to the change rooms without using her crutches. If she could just reach out, she might be able to push the nearby crutches under the nearby rowing machine.

  She stretched. Rats, she was short by a foot. She could have reached them if she could have used her legs. But then, if she could have used her legs, she wouldn’t need the crutches and so wouldn’t be in this pickle.

  There was only one thing for it. She would have to roll over to reach them. She spun over a couple of times and then tucked the crutches out of sight. Hopefully, nobody wanted to use the machine in the next few minutes.

  She then rolled back on to her mat and wondered what to do next. She lifted her head to take another peek at James. The woman in her skin-tight, sky-blue Lycra was leaning on James’ handlebars and granting him a great eyeful of her voluptuous figure. The woman had no shame, thought Fen, but at least she was keeping James occupied. If she monopolized him long enough, Fen might be able to crawl or roll or do whatever to reach the change rooms. Better still, lie here flat and hope James would eventually go away.

  Yes, that was the best option. At least until she could think of a better plan. She rotated her feet, stretched out her toes and stared at the ceiling imagining her worst case scenario. James would see her and come over while she was lying like a stranded beetle, arms and legs flailing in the air.

  Fate couldn’t be so cruel. It wouldn’t happen. It was just a fluke James was here. He didn’t know she belonged to this gym. How could he? She hadn’t told him. So just think positive and get on with the exercises.

  “Are you in pain, Fen?” Gail asked, looking efficient and fit in her navy and white instructor’s uniform and her blonde-streaked hair tied back in a jaunty ponytail. She strode over to where Fen was trying to sink into the floor and look as though she was part of the gymnasium carpet.

  “No more than usual,” said Fen. “Have you come to bully me into doing extra?”

  “Yes. You looked as though you were slacking off. Or are those rolls a new variation to your routine that I don’t know about?”

  Fen offered her a twisted smile. “I was getting my crutches out of the way.”

  “Any particular reason?”

  “Yes. Him.” Fen nodded in the direction of James. No point being coy. Fen would have to enlist Gail’s help to scuttle back to the change rooms.

  “Oh, I see. Well, he’s certainly creating a bit of a stir.” She glanced around the room. “The ladies are all trying very hard to look taut and terrific. But I’m surprised you’ve fallen under his spell. I didn’t think you were on a manhunt. You’ve been adamant about no dates since the accident.”

  “I’m not on a manhunt or under his spell,” Fen spluttered with self righteous indignation. “I just don’t want him to know I’m a cripple.”

  Gail snorted. “You aren’t a cripple. You’re simply injured. It won’t be long before you’re back on your feet again.”

  “Yes, but I do need crutches at the moment and I don’t want James to realize that.”

  “So, it’s James, is it?”

  Darn, Fen had let his name slip out. If she wasn’t careful, Gail would want the third degree and she didn’t feel like obliging. The less she said about James the better. “He’s just a…friend,” she muttered.

  “Ah.”

  The ‘ah’ held far too much significance for Fen’s comfort. Gail was no fool. “An acquaintance,” she added. It was hard to look lofty while lying flat on one’s back and doing six-inch leg raises, but Fen tried anyway.

  “I see.” Gail giggled. “Thousands wouldn’t, but I believe you.”

  Fen flopped her leg down and huffed her defeat. “Well, actually he’s one of my clients.”

  “Oh, right. A client. So how come you’ve never fixed me up with him?”

  Gail had been one of Fen’s first Discreet Liaisons’ sign ups and had used the agency on several occasions. Now it was Fen’s turn to laugh. “Because he’s new on the books and has only had one date.”

  “With you?” Gail accused with mock seriousness.

  “No, not with me.” Fen decided not to tell her about their drink and fire drill. Too complicated. “I don’t date my clients.”

  “But he could be an exception, right?” Gail glanced over to where James was still pedaling at breakneck speed on the exercise bike. “Personally I would break ALL the rule
s to date him.”

  “Okay, so I’m tempted. I’m only human. But I’m not going to even try and get him interested until I can walk again. I don’t want him feeling sorry for me.” Fen made another half-hearted leg raise, four inches this time, winced, and then relaxed her leg.

  “Hence hiding the crutches.”

  “Yes. And if you get me into the change rooms without James spotting me, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

  “I can do that, but on one condition. You fix me up with a date with him ASAP. Deal?”

  Fen narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. “I don’t know,” she said slowly. “You’re stiff opposition. He might not look at me twice after going out with you.”

  “All’s fair in love and war, kiddo.” Gail gave a confident toss of her head.

  Fen regarded her in silence. She didn’t like it. She knew how attractive Gail was to the opposite sex. Fen wouldn’t stand a chance against her. “That’s mean,” she sighed and decided to appeal to her better nature. “I thought you were my friend.”

  “Hah, but I’m human too. And he looks too cute to pass up. He’s poetry in motion on that bicycle.” Gail grinned.

  “But you go out with lots of men.”

  “Not as gorgeous as this one. So do we have a deal or shall I leave you to explain yourself to the hunk?”

  Fen did have much choice. She gave a baleful stare and gave in. “Okay, deal. Though I don’t like it.”

  “And may the best woman win.”

  “It’s not a competition, Gail!”

  “Oh, yes it is! Now get on with your exercises or you won’t be dating Mr. Perfect until you’re of pensionable age.”

  “What a miserable thought.” Fen closed her eyes and did some deep breathing before concentrating on her leg lifts. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she slowly raised her leg and just as slowly lowered it. She did that ten times and then changed legs. That done, she lay there to allow the pain to seep away to a more manageable level.

  “Asleep, Fen?”

  No mistaking that low, sexy voice. Eek. James—her worst case scenario! Fen forced herself to crank open an eye. “James, what a nice surprise.”

  James stood over her, his hands on his hips, a sheen of sweat on his glowing skin, his tee shirt glued to his hot body. He’d obviously shaken off his admirer and finished pedaling the marathon on his exercise bike. His chest rose and fell as his breathing slowed to its normal rate.

  Fen felt at a total disadvantage with him towering above her. There was no way she could stand without assistance. But at least she could sit, which was better than nothing. She hauled herself upright, trying not to wince, and offered a tentative smile.

  “You don’t sound that surprised to see me.” He squatted down on his haunches to be on eye level with her.

  She was immediately swamped by his powerful male scent. Her senses swirled in a tumultuous whirlpool in the pit of her stomach. She could feel the heat radiating from him. If she reached out, she could touch one of those rippling biceps. She gulped and tried to focus. “You were pointed out to me by the woman in blue.”

  “That long ago? So why didn’t you come and rescue me?”

  “You looked as though you were doing just fine. I haven’t seen you here before.” She forced a smile. “Is this your first time?”

  “Yes. I thought I’d give it a try, especially after Annabelle told me it was your local gym.”

  “Annabelle?” Her voice spiked in surprise. “How would she know?” So it wasn’t fate. He’d been tracking her down! Oh Lord.

  “Lynette told her.”

  Her traitorous sister! “Now I wonder why they would have been discussing my gym habits?” she said, making a vow to have a serious talk with Lynette along the lines of privacy issues and the danger of giving out personal information to the likes of James McAllister’s sister.

  “That’s easy to answer. It’s because I asked them.”

  “You did what? Why?” Fen felt the familiar rise of panic. Did that mean he knew why she was here? What else had he asked Annabelle to find out from Lynette? It didn’t bear thinking about. “I was in the neighborhood and wanted to see you. Mind if I use your rowing machine?” He indicated the machine situated close by.

  “Go ahead. I’m not using it,” she managed to squeeze out in a strangled voice. She grappled to make sense of what he’d just said and watched in desperation as he settled himself in the rowing machine, flexing his fine muscular body. She took a deep breath. “Why did you want to see me?” Her question came out in an undignified whoosh.

  “We have unfinished business as our evening was so rudely interrupted the other night. I like you. I want to spend time with you. Is that a problem?” He flicked her a glance, his brows high in inquiry and she had difficulty sucking in another breath.

  “Yes. No. It’s complicated.”

  “Is there someone else?”

  “No.”

  “Good. That clears up one problem. So what’s the complication? It can’t be that bad?” He hefted the machine, effortlessly going backwards and forwards with easy, mechanical rhythm which was only marred by an odd clunking sound. “Come on, Fen. Talk to me.”

  Fen chewed her lower lip and wracked her brains to come up with something that would stop the conversation dead, because what could she say to him that wouldn’t embarrass them both?

  The clunking persisted. James frowned and ceased rowing. He bent down and looked under the rowing machine. “Grief, someone has left their crutches here.”

  “Oh dear.” Fen’s heart pounded into a guilty gallop. She’d momentarily forgotten the hidden crutches. Was there no end to the afternoon’s awkwardness?

  “I wonder who?” He glanced around the gym. “They can’t get very far without them so they should be easy to spot.” He smiled easily at Fen.

  She tried to mold her lips in a return smile, but was doubtful how successful she was.

  “I’ll take those, thank you Mr. McAllister.” Gail jogged up out of nowhere and popped the crutches under one arm.

  “Are they for the clients who have over done it?” James grinned.

  “We like to provide a full service,” responded Gail, her voice full of warmth. “Let me know if I can be of any assistance. We would like to make your first time at our gymnasium a satisfactory experience and one to be repeated—often.”

  “I shall, thanks,” said James.

  “You never said that to me on my first day, Gail,” said Fen, trying not to feel jealous of her friend’s reaction to James, though she couldn’t blame her. James was special. “You’re giving him preferential treatment.”

  “And wouldn’t you in my position?” Gail beamed.

  Fen rolled her eyes.

  “Well, wouldn’t you?” asked James, quirking a slightly lopsided grin at Fen.

  “I told you, I don’t play favorites.” She ran a hand through her hair in what she hoped was a nonchalant manner and avoided his eyes. She’d never wanted to play favorites more—with James and herself top of the list! But of course, she couldn’t.

  “Wish you did, sweetheart,” he said.

  Fen’s heart did a double somersault at the unexpected endearment.

  Gail raised her fine brows and regarded Fen with keen interest.

  Fen’s face flushed and she panicked. “Okay, I will play favorites,” she announced, her voice breathless all of a sudden. She was rewarded by a deeper smile from James. “As you two are among my most favorite clients, I’ll tee up a date between you. How about tonight?”

  “Yep,” said Gail promptly. “I’m free. Sounds great.”

  The smile froze on James’ face. His eyes narrowed.

  Uh-oh. He wasn’t happy. Fen could see the war between good manners and anger flickering across his face. Good manners won out.

  “I’ll be delighted,” said James. “But you must realize…er…?”

  “Gail,” said Gail.

  “Gail, I have actually resigned from Fen’s agency so I’m not ava
ilable for other dates.”

  “Oh.” She pouted. “What a pity.”

  “Have you resigned?” said Fen, her brain a muddle of confusion. He’d resigned and reinstated himself one too many times for her to keep tabs.

  “Yes,” he said firmly. “But I shall be extremely happy to meet you tonight, Gail. It’ll be a great pleasure.”

  “That’s settled then,” said Fen, trying to keep the satisfaction out of her voice. “Why don’t you go with Gail now and organize things so you don’t forget?”

  “But I was just getting into my stride on the rowing machine.” James shook his head. “I haven’t worked up a decent sweat yet.”

  Fen’s eyes dropped involuntarily to his damp tee-shirt. Any damper and it would be transparent. Well, there was a thought she shouldn’t be having!

  “Come along, James,” said Gail. “While things are quiet.”

  “And the machine will still be here in five minutes,” said Fen who was pleased to see Gail had casually popped the crutches back down on the floor near to Fen’s mat, just out of James’ sight line.

  James continued to hover over Fen, as if he couldn’t bear to leave her, which gave her a sneaking thrill, not that she would admit it to anyone else. “Go away, James. You’re intimidating me. I can’t exercise with you breathing down my neck.”

  “But I want to see you go through your paces.” He gave her a suggestive wink.

  “It’s not a pretty sight.”

  “Let me be the judge of that.”

  “Take him away, Gail.”

  “With pleasure,” said the other woman and linked her arm through James’. “This way, sir.”

  As soon as they were out of sight, Fen picked up the crutches and swung herself towards the change rooms and relative safety. Once inside, she plonked herself down on the bench and breathed a sigh of relief. A close call, but now what? She really must do a workout, but not while James was around. That would be out of the question.