Desperate Measures(89)
Ten minutes later her legs were burning with effort and Brent was urging her on. “That’s it, babe, you can do it. One more, one mooorrre … excellent!” He smiled at her, nodding his head. “I’m impressed. You’re strong. Even stronger than you look.”
“You’re no wimp yourself,” she said, wiping her face off with her towel, breathing heavily. “Well, thanks for sharing, Brent. I need to get back to my friends. See you around.”
She started to walk away, praying her legs weren’t visibly shaking. She was wiped out.
“Hey, Kiki? Are you busy later? Say around seven?”
“Yes.” She turned to look at him, even though she didn’t want to.
“You’re lying.”
Kiki looked at him in mock outrage. “Says who?”
“Says me. You’re no good at it. Listen, it’s not a big deal. It’s just that I have a client who has an opening tonight at a gallery, and I could use a plus one. I hate going to these things alone. They’re dreadfully dull sometimes.”
“So, you’re asking me to go out on a dreadfully dull date with you?”
“Uh, yeah. I guess I am.” He smiled, flashing the straightest, whitest teeth she’d ever seen not in a Crest commercial.
“No thanks. As tempting as it sounds.” She couldn’t help but smile back at him. His face was glowing from not only the sweat but merriment.
“Why not? Are you seeing someone?”
“No.”
“Afraid then,” he deadpanned.
“No, I’m not afraid,” she said, trying not to let her hackles rise up at that, since it was exactly what he wanted.
“Yes, you are. Afraid you’re going to have a good time. Which you probably would, since I’m a fun date. Or so I’ve been told.”
“I’m not afraid. I’m just not interested.”
“What if I said I have more workouts I could share with you? Free of charge.”
“Tempting. But not enough. I’m busy tonight.”
She turned to leave again but was stopped by his sincere voice.
“How about begging? Would begging make any difference? Because I’m willing to go there, if I have to. Although I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t make me.”
“I think you already are,” she laughed.
“Yeah, I guess I am. Come on, Kiki. Say yes. I promise not to offend you again. And if the thing is too boring, I’ll take you out dancing instead.”
Her eyes narrowed at him, but she could detect no underlying joke. He really didn’t seem to remember where he’d seen her. It was dawning on her that she could, for the first time in so many years she couldn’t remember, go out on a date with a guy who didn’t look at her like a stripper. At least, until he put two and two together and remembered who she was. She decided not to over-think it and just go with her gut.
“Fine. What time and where?”
“I can pick you up.”
“No. I’ll meet you there.”
“You’re feisty. I like that.” He seemed confused by his confession.
“You don’t seem the type.”
“I know. I’m usually not.” He reached into a small bag next to a nearby weight bench and pulled out a card and a pen, writing something on the back before handing it to her. “Here’s my card with the address and gallery name on the back. See you around seven?”
“Or so,” she said, turning to go join her friends. “See ya.”
She didn’t wait for his reply, instead focusing on her friends’ faces and chanting in her head as she walked away. Legs, don’t fail me now … Legs don’t fail me now…
Chapter 27
ELIZABETH STARTED FANNING HER FACE before Kiki walked up, trying really hard not to smile. As Kiki got within earshot, she started talking to Aimee in an overly casual tone. Aimee picked up on it right away.
“Wow, Aimee, is it hot in here or what?”
“Oh, yeah. Hot? Is it ever. Phew!” She started fanning her face too.
“I swear, I feel like I’m just going to combust!” said Elizabeth. “What about you, Kiki? Are you all hot now too?”
“Hot and bothered?” asked Aimee, her voice and expression pure innocence.
Kiki shook her head as the other two collapsed into giggles. “Geez, you two … do you have any idea how dorky you are?” She tried to act annoyed but couldn’t keep a straight face. “Come on, I’ve had enough. Let’s go.”