“Downtown?” Her eyes widened. “In that new building?” It had been heralded as the most exclusive condo complex in Vancouver. “And I suppose you have the penthouse.”

  He laughed. “Of course.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Come on, let’s get going. I’m starving.”

  * * *

  They walked down the ramp into the basement and he guided her to a Land Rover.

  “And here I thought we were going in that.” She motioned toward a low-slung gunmetal-grey sports car parked against the opposite wall. “What is it?”

  “An Aston Martin.” He stopped to admire the car. “It’s a beauty, all right. It belongs to the guy who owns the penthouse.”

  “Like James Bond. You’re sure we can’t take it?” she teased.

  “Next time,” he said with a laugh. “Come on, let’s go get some breakfast.”

  * * *

  Samantha sat back and patted her stomach. “Oh, I do love Eggs Benny. I so rarely go out for breakfast. This is a real treat.”

  “Doesn’t he take you out for breakfast?” His gaze went to the precise spot on her neck where the hickey had been. Thankfully, it had faded.

  “I...” She didn’t know how to answer.

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” He didn’t look sorry. “It’s just that I have some pretty old fashioned ideas on how a woman should be treated.” He gave her a look that curled her toes.

  Warmth flooded her body. If she hadn’t been hot for him before, she certainly was now.

  The awkward moment passed when the server brought a fresh carafe of coffee and removed their plates.

  “Why are you doing this for me?” he asked, fingers absently caressing the side of the cup. He watched her intently as the silence stretched out.

  “I guess...” she hesitated, staring into her cup. “It’s partly because you were so nice to me that time when we were in high school.” She raised her eyes. “Do you remember? I scarcely knew you. As a matter of fact, I probably made fun of you behind your back, but you stuck up for me.”

  He nodded. “I remember. I wasn’t sure that you did, though.” He thought about her reply for a moment. “So this is your way of paying me back.”

  She ached to tell him the truth, but Lauren was right. Cody had to be dealt with before she could start anything with Freddie. She picked up her purse. “I’ll just go use the restroom before we leave, okay?”

  “I’ll wait outside.” He pulled out her chair. “And we’ll try that first place we talked about.”

  Chapter Seven

  Freddie spoke quietly but firmly to the salesman, outlining his needs.

  “I understand, sir. What colours do you prefer?”

  He looked at Samantha, who’d been standing quietly by his side. She was fascinated by the way he was handling himself, as though he was accustomed to giving orders.

  “Greys,” he said, looking to her for confirmation. “Dark browns, dark shirts. Nothing flashy.”

  She nodded her approval.

  “And I’ll need something a bit more formal for a wedding. The invitation says “casual, no suits or ties’ but I need something classic.

  “We have just the thing. Would you step over here, sir, so I can measure your inseam?”

  “Is there somewhere the lady can sit?” He waited while the salesman brought a chair for Samantha, and then submitted himself to the salesman.

  He stood in front of a three-way mirror and Samantha studied his reflection. How had she ever thought he was dull, or unattractive? He exuded confidence and a raw sexuality that simmered right beneath the surface. Standing there in a shirt and cargo pants, the years of snowboarding were clearly visible in his physique. She touched her fingers to the corners of her mouth to make sure she wasn’t salivating. What would it be like to make love with a man like this? A man who knew who he was, who didn’t pump himself up by putting other people down. The idea was deliciously arousing.

  She looked up to find him watching her in the mirror. The suggestion of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth and he winked at her. It was a good thing she was sitting down, or her legs might have buckled.

  The salesman insisted that he come out into the showroom to check the fit of the slacks. The fine, luxurious fabric hung beautifully on his body and Samantha’s mouth went dry at the sight of him. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and as he twisted his body to check his reflection she caught a hint of muscles flexing under a lightweight summer shirt.

  He chose several jackets, half a dozen pairs of slacks and she lost count of how many shirts he bought. As he was arranging to pick up the hemmed slacks it occurred to her that he hadn’t needed her company at all. He’d known precisely what he wanted to buy.

  He offered her his hand and she rose unsteadily.

  “Are you okay?” he said, leaning down to look in her eyes. His cologne was subtle and yet masculine; she gripped his hand as though she might fall, and her small hand disappeared inside his massive one. It belonged there.

  “I’m fine,” she said, giving his hand a squeeze before releasing it. “Just sitting too long, I guess.”

  He picked up the hangers containing the jackets and a couple of bags with his shirts. “All I need now is shoes, but I think I can manage that on my own.”

  “You didn’t really need me here today.” They were walking toward the car and she gave him a sideways glance. “But I’m glad I came.”

  “Me too.” He opened the passenger door and made sure she was settled before stowing his purchases. He climbed into the driver’s seat. “So what do you think? Good choices?”

  “Excellent.” She smiled across at him. “You’re going to look even hotter in those slacks.”

  “Hotter?” He raised an eyebrow. “Does that denote some degree of hotness already?”

  “Oh, yeah.” The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.

  He threw back his head and laughed. “Samantha Gordon, you really know how to build a guy up. You could charge for this.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll think of something.”

  “Good” He gave her a long look, then turned the ignition. “Would you like to go anywhere else, or should I take you home?”

  She checked her watch “I could watch you shop all day long, but unfortunately I’m committed to a birthday party this afternoon. My nephew and a dozen other little monsters.”

  They drove back over the Lion’s Gate Bridge and past the green oasis of Stanley Park. Far too soon they were parked in front of her apartment building.

  She undid her seatbelt and turned toward him. “Thanks,” she said. “I enjoyed that.”

  He undid his seatbelt but did not get out. He hooked an arm over the back of his seat, his fingers dangling dangerously close to her hair. “Is it over?” he asked, his voice low and intimate. He picked up a lock of her hair and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “I don’t want to let you go, Samantha.”

  “Me too,” she said, her voice little more than a whisper. “Will I see you on Monday at the coffee shop?”

  He gave her a look that told her he knew she’d purposely misunderstood what he’d said.

  “I’ll be there,” he said without much enthusiasm. He got out, came around and opened her door. They walked up to the apartment entrance in silence. A couple came out and he grabbed the door, holding it open for her. “Thanks again. Looks like I’ll be ready for the wedding next weekend.”

  “Our old schoolmates won’t recognize you,” she said.

  He forced a grin. “That’s what I’m counting on.” He let go of the door. “See you on Monday, Samantha.”

  * * *

  Had he scared her off? Freddie drove through the maze of West End traffic. There was a spark between them, he was sure of that, but he didn’t want her while she was involved with someone else. Loaded down with his purchases, he punched the button for the penthouse. He let himself in, put everything away and walked to the plate glass windows overlooking one of the most spectacular city views in the world.

  But he didn’t see the North Shore mountains. He saw Samantha as a high school student. She’d been vertically challenged then and she still was. He liked the fact that she was short; it made him feel protective toward her, as well as all the other emotions that surfaced every time he saw her.

  Back in school he’d been all arms and legs, uncoordinated and shy. Learning to snowboard had been difficult, but he’d eventually mastered it, and everything else soon followed. He smiled to himself, recalling the day he’d recognised that his arms and legs were doing what he wanted. But by then he’d withdrawn into a world of his own; asking out the sweetest girl in school was something he’d never even consider.

  After graduation, it had taken him several years to get over his crush on Samantha and start dating. In spite of his lack of clothing sense, girls were plentiful. Plentiful, perhaps, but none had that impossibly curly hair, or those green eyes that flashed glints of gold when the light hit them just right.

  And then he’d moved downtown, spotted her at the coffee shop, and his heart was lost all over again. He didn’t mind losing his heart, but he didn’t think he could stand to lose Samantha again. He had the rest of the weekend to plan his next move.

  * * *

  Freddie and Lauren were sitting together when Samantha arrived at the coffee shop on Monday morning. He nodded toward the pick-up counter as she came through the door; she skirted the line-up and thanked the barista for the latté.

  “You told me he looked good, but I had no idea.” As usual, Lauren didn’t mince her words. She looked admiringly at Freddie. “I can’t believe it’s the same guy.”

  Freddie held Samantha’s chair and Lauren’s eyes widened as she watched them together.

  “He does clean up rather well, doesn’t he?” Samantha’s heart was playing hopscotch in her chest as she looked at him.

  “Now, ladies. You’re going to give me a big head.” He’d included them both, but he had eyes only for Samantha. “How was the birthday party?”

  “About what you’d expect from a group of nine year olds. I spent most of yesterday in bed with a headache.”

  His eyes grew concerned. “But you’re okay now?”

  She beamed at him. “I’m okay now.” Especially when he looked at her like that.

  “Well, kiddies, I hope you don’t mind, but I need to be in early this morning.” Lauren had worked her way to up the position of head window dresser at a large downtown department store. “Monday morning meeting. We’re discussing our fall windows already, can you believe it?”

  “Hmmm.” Freddie tore his eyes away from Samantha to acknowledge Lauren. “Have a good day, then.”

  “Sure thing.” She looked at Samantha. “See you later, short stuff.”

  The two friends exchanged looks. There was no such thing as Monday morning meetings at the store. “I’ll call you,” Samantha called, as Lauren sailed out, a satisfied smile on her face.

  “I have another favour to ask.” He leaned forward, toying with the coffee cup. It was a gesture she was beginning to recognize. “Is there any way you can get a day off in the middle of the week?”

  She tried to recall her schedule for the week ahead. “Does it have to be a full day? I might be able to swing an afternoon off on Wednesday. My boss is in court that afternoon.”

  He smiled broadly. “An afternoon would work.” He pulled out his Blackberry. “And Wednesday’s perfect.”

  “What do you need?” It didn’t really matter. She was thrilled at having the chance to spend more time with him.

  “It’s sort of a surprise, but I want you to help me buy a wedding gift for Ashley and her new husband.”

  “Oh my gosh. I haven’t even thought about a gift yet.” How could she, when thoughts of him had filled her mind day and night.

  “Maybe you’ll find something as well.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” His eyes held hers. “Don’t eat lunch.” People came and went in the coffee shop but neither noticed. After several long moments, he broke the spell. “Give me your cell phone,” he said.

  She said nothing, but handed him her phone. He entered his number in it, and looked up. “I’m giving you my cell number in case something happens. I’m going down to Seattle this afternoon, but I’ll be back on Wednesday morning. Where shall I pick you up? At your apartment?”

  She thought quickly. “How about here? It’s close to the office.”

  “I’ll be here.” He sat back and studied her face as if he were going away for a long time. “Wednesday, at noon.”

  Chapter Eight

  A few minutes late, Samantha ran across the intersection on Wednesday. Freddie was waiting in front of the coffee shop. “Sorry I’m late,” she said breathlessly. “I had to type up a deposition.”

  “No problem.” He guided her toward his condo building, hand at the small of her back. It felt good to be cared for, but then he always made her feel good. He pressed the remote to open the gate leading to the basement.

  “I missed you yesterday,” she blurted out. “At the coffee shop.”

  “I missed you, too. Seattle might be known for having the world’s best coffee, but it wasn’t the same without someone to share it with.”

  He drove out of the basement and they circled the block, and then headed down toward the waterfront, where he pulled into a small parking lot.

  “Here we are,” he said, motioning to a dock that extended out into the water. “Harbour Air.”

  “We’re flying? Am I allowed to ask where?”

  He paused, as though considering her request. “Okay. We’re going to Pender Island for lunch and some shopping.”

  “Give a guy a new pair of slacks and there’s no stopping him.” She gave him an appreciative once-over as they walked down the dock. “Looks good.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’m glad you approve.”

  If only he knew. The fabric moved with him, emphasizing his athletic build. Not for the first time, she wished she hadn’t agreed to help him with his makeover. But it was too late–he was chick bait now. Her heart constricted at the thought of him with someone else. For the first time since he’d left, she wished Cody would come back so she could end things with him.

  * * *

  “Will we see any cruise ships?” she asked, as they flew out over Georgia Strait.

  “Not at this time of day”, the pilot answered, “They head up north. We’re going southwest.”

  Before long the Gulf Islands were spread out below them. Pleasure boats, fishing boats and ferries dotted the surface of the water, white wakes streaming out behind. Freddie reached across and squeezed her hand. “Brody is taking us to Bedwell Harbour. We’ll have lunch there, and I’ve arranged for a car so we can drive ourselves.”

  “Will he come back and get us later?” She looked down as they started their descent.

  “No, he’ll just hang around and wait for us. We have the aircraft until 5 this afternoon. That way we can leave whenever we’re ready.”

  She gave him an odd look. “You don’t fool around, do you?”

  His gaze lingered on her lips. “Not with my time, no.”

  They landed a few minutes later, the pilot holding the floats just above the water before touching down smoothly. They taxied up to the designated spot at the marina and Brody jumped out and tied up. Freddie helped Samantha down onto the dock.

  “That was great,” she said to the pilot. “I enjoyed it.”

  “I’m glad you did.” He turned to Freddie. “Enjoy your visit, Mr. Howard. I’ll be here when you’re ready to leave. You have my cell number, right?”

  Freddie patted his pocket. “Right here. Thanks, and see you later.”

  * * *

  “This is like something out of a fairy tale.” Samantha dabbed at her lips with a napkin and admired the view again. Sleek sailboats had been coming and going out of the sheltered harbour ever since they sat down. Small power boats dodged in and out among the fishing boats on the sparkling water; everyone seemed to know where they were going. Flags rippled in the light breeze, adding to the festive air. “The lunch was terrific.”

  Freddie looked at her with an indulgent smile. “I like making you happy, Samantha. I feel I owe you so much.”

  “No you don’t.” She returned his smile. “You were pretty special the way you were. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I don’t know. You said earlier that I should learn what women like in a relationship.”

  She gave him a long, steady look. “I was wrong. You know exactly what a woman wants.”

  The world ceased to exist while they looked at each other. Freddie was the first to speak.

  “What is this? Are you building me up again before you push me out of the nest?”

  She allowed her eyes to roam over the face that had become so important to her. “I don’t want to, but yes, I think it’s about time.”

  His eyes clouded but he regained his sunny disposition almost immediately. “Shall we go shopping?”

  He drove confidently along the narrow roads. Samantha remained silent, enjoying the play of sunlight streaming down through the tall trees. Was she foolish to think she could have a future with this man? She sneaked a sideways glance at him. With his hair pulled back he seemed to exude a new confidence. No, that wasn’t right; he’d always been confident. The changes she’d helped him make only made that more obvious. She groaned inwardly and turned her head away. It could be too late...he might be dating someone already. If so, she had herself to blame for losing the most exciting man she’d ever know.

  “A penny for your thoughts?” He gave her one of those heart-melting smiles. “You look a million miles away.”

  “Not really.” She allowed a sad smile to play around her lips. “I was just thinking about what you said. You know, about pushing you out of the nest.”

  They were crossing a narrow bridge and he kept his eyes on the road. “That was the whole purpose of this exercise, wasn’t it?” He pulled into a driveway and slowed down. “To make me socially acceptable?”