He got her phone number from the utility company and called her every day. She let her answering machine pick up the calls. When he finally procured her cell phone number, she gave in and accepted a dinner date. But then they had an unpleasant encounter in the wooded area that divided their property...
If he thinks I'm having dinner with him after he blistered my butt... he can damn well think again!&nbp; She called his office and left a message with the receptionist that she had to cancel their plans. When he called back, she was unavailable, her cell phone turned off.
He knocked on her door. She didn't answer.
He sent roses. She put them in a pretty vase and enjoyed them.
He called, sent more flowers, and humbled himself by sending abject written apologies by special courier.
The next time he called, she accepted another date.
Men! she thought as she removed his arm from around her shoulder. "Don't touch," she admonished him over dinner when he tried to get closer to her.
Christ! An old-fashioned girl! How long is she going to make me wait?
"Why not?" he asked, desperate to touch her, thinking she was the prettiest filly he'd ever laid eyes on... and stubborn... and willful... and feisty... and sexy... and... Sweet Jesus, I'm horny as hell!
Engaged in conversation, both realized they weren't bored to tears and that they might have something worth pursuing. Sophie had heard he was a successful businessman, but she wasn't particularly impressed with his wealth. She wanted good conversation, a man with a sense of humor, someone who liked to laugh, someone who would care for her, maybe love her a little for who she was and not just the appearance of her outer shell. She needed someone who was mentally challenging, someone who was a little more stubborn and determined than she was... someone who could push her to the limits of her patience and then rein her in. She didn't hold out a lot of hope, but was willing to see him again... if he could keep his hands off.
Jess had always wanted sex and lots of it. If the sex was good, he thought, they might have something worth pursuing. He grimaced in mid thought. It was obvious Sophia Katerina Arnow wasn't going to jump into the sack with him like the other women he knew. But he knew he wanted her for more than that. There had been sparks when they met, sparks when they touched, and sparks every time he thought about her. Regardless of their inauspicious beginning, in spite of her reluctance to sleep with him, he was determined to get to know her very well. This woman was bright as well as beautiful - it was a compelling combination.
He was a former marine highly skilled in covert ops. He was a successful businessman. He'd make a plan, form a strategy, and set out to accomplish his mission. He knew he wouldn't fail. By the second date, he'd have her in his bed. He was certain of the outcome.
Their second date was a complete disaster.
Eager to have her in his home, he invited her for lunch at his house. Though they were neighbors, their houses were several miles apart and he said he'd pick her up. She agreed, provided he'd see her home before supper. He didn't like the time constraint but gave in.
"Do you like horses?" he asked when they arrived at his house.
"Don't know," she answered truthfully. "Never been close enough to touch one."
"Would you like to?"
"Yes, I would."
"This is Pal," he said, rubbing the horse's nose as it stuck its head over the paddock, whinnying when it saw its master. "Pal's an Appaloosa, easy going, and sweet disposition. Touch his nose," he guided her hand. I think you'll like it."
She did. The horse's nose was like velvet and Sophie caressed it, the animal's warm breath heavy on her palm. "You're a beauty, aren't you?" she told the horse, reaching up to stroke its giant head. Pal snorted and slobbered in her hand. "That's perfectly disgusting," she admonished softly. "You have no manners at all." The horse snorted agreeably and slobbered again.
Jess laughed. "He likes you. I like you, too," he added as he put an arm around her waist.
"You're not going to slobber on me, are you?" she grinned.
"Got something else in mind," he murmured as he pulled her to him and kissed her.
"Don't do that again," she warned, her voice soft, her tone firm.
"Why not?" he asked, eager to kiss her again.
"We don't know each other well and I don't... I'm not that kind of woman," she added as she pulled back from his embrace.
"What kind of woman?" he asked as he pulled her closer again, his mouth descending.
"The kind of woman who jumps into bed with any man who wants her," she snapped, stepping on his foot and punching her fist straight into his groin.
"Jesus H. Christ!" he swore, doubling over in pain. "What the hell did you do that for?" He gasped as he tried to inhale a decent breath and still keep his legs under him.
"I don't play games, Mr. Lawrence," Sophie said calmly. "I mean what I say and I expect you to respect my wishes. If you can do that, fine. If not, I'll say goodbye."
And she walked away from him, leaving him standing in his barn, one hand clutching the family jewels, the other leaning on the horse's paddock.
"I am going to blister your butt," he mumbled as he watched her walk away. "I am going to light a fire... so hot... you're gonna... Jesus!" he groaned. "That hurts!"