Love Enough For Two (Love Inspired) (6 page)

“It’s better to get it out in the open right away,” Matt said. “So we’re both on the same page.”

“But we’re not on the same page,” Sierra said, her voice rising. “I have no intentions of being intimate with you. So, you don’t have to worry about babies and diseases.”

Matt frowned.

“My idea of appropriate physical behavior between unmarried adults is kissing and hugging,” she said. “It doesn’t involve anything more.”

Matt paused, trying to make sense of what she was really saying. “Is it that you don’t want to do it? Or that you don’t want to do it with me?”

“I just met you,” Sierra said, a touch of exasperation in her voice.

“So your feelings on the subject have to do with how long we’ve known each other?”

“No,” Sierra said in a firm no-nonsense voice. “It has to do with the fact that intimacy belongs in marriage. My faith teaches that and I’ve always believed God knew what He was doing when he set up those rules.

“No sex outside of marriage for me,” she said. “If you’re looking for a summer fling, I’m afraid you’re going to have to do your flinging with someone else.”

Though Matt wasn’t used to anyone telling him no, the sight of her clenched jaw brought a smile to his lips. Ever since he’d met Sierra Carlyle he hadn’t known whether he was coming or going.

He liked her sharp mind and quick wit. He liked the fact that she’d chosen to devote time to a project that most women her age could have cared less about.

If he just wanted a no-strings relationship he could easily find a woman who would be more than happy to be with him.

But Matt realized he didn’t want just any woman, he wanted
this
woman.

And she wanted him. He could see it in her eyes.

They’d play by her ground rules for now.

But a passionate woman like Sierra couldn’t hold out forever. It wouldn’t be long before she’d reconsider her decision.

And when she did, he’d be right there waiting.

“A
nd then I kissed him.” Sierra sat back in her chair at the sidewalk café, feeling her cheeks warm. She and Libby had just finished eating dinner when she’d made her confession. It had been over twenty-four hours but the incident was still fresh in her mind. “Or maybe he kissed me. I’m not really sure who made the first move.”

“Shut up.” Libby’s eyes widened and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “You kissed Matt Dixon?”

Sierra nodded, still unable to believe it herself. The crazy thing was she had the feeling if she were faced with the situation again she’d behave in exactly the same manner.

There was something about the guy. Something about the tone of his voice. Something about the way the light smoldered in his gold-flecked eyes. When his gaze had captured hers, she’d felt as if she were drowning in those liquid blue depths.

“I can’t believe you kissed him.” Libby’s voice rose in surprise. “You hate attorneys. You hate his father.”

What Libby was saying wasn’t anything Sierra hadn’t already said to herself. Yesterday when Matt’s lips were closing over hers, Sierra had wondered if she’d lost all her common sense. And last night when the memory of the kiss wouldn’t let her sleep, the realization of how easily she’d strayed off course had haunted her thoughts.

She found herself tempted to justify her actions, to assure Libby that Matt was different, that he wasn’t anything like his father. But she couldn’t say the words because she really didn’t know him well enough to defend him. He probably
was
like Dix. After all, what was the old adage? Like father, like son?

“I can’t believe it, either,” Sierra said with a sigh. “I always thought I had more common sense. Or at least more restraint.”

“Was he a good kisser?” Libby’s eyes were bright with interest.

Sierra had to smile. Trust Libby to focus on the scandalous part of the tale.

“Amazing.” Sierra breathed the word. Even after all these hours, she could almost taste the sweetness of his kiss. “Absolutely amazing.”

“Are you going to date him?” Excitement sparkled in Libby’s eyes and Sierra knew if she did go out that Libby would insist on hearing every detail.

The thought of interacting without a business agenda between them sent a surge of emotion racing up Sierra’s spine. She decided it had to be fear, because it certainly couldn’t be excitement. “There’s another Advocacy Center meeting scheduled—”

“I’m not talking work.” Libby snorted in disgust, not giving Sierra a chance to finish. “I’m talking fun.”

“I’m going to tell him it was a mistake.” Sierra stabbed a piece of lettuce with unnecessary force. “This just can’t be a good idea.”

“Of course it’s a good idea,” Libby said promptly nodding her head decisively.

“How can you even say something like that?” Sierra dropped her fork and pushed away her salad plate, a hard lump forming in the pit of her stomach.

“Because it makes perfect sense,” Libby said without missing a beat.

“You sound just like Matt.” Sierra picked a crouton off the discarded salad and absently popped it into her mouth. “Did I tell you we saw Carl at Crane River? He stopped by our table to say hello. After he left Matt made sure to tell me that his presence in my life would have the additional benefit of solving my Reverend Carl problem.”

“Carl Stieve.” Libby scrunched up her nose. “Is the good pastor still calling you?”

“Not as much,” Sierra said with a sigh. “But yes, he’s still calling.”

“Yuck,” Libby said, pretending to shiver.

“He’s not yuck,” Sierra protested halfheartedly. “He’s nice. And he’s very good with Maddie.”

The look Libby shot her was one of shocked disbelief. “Don’t you dare tell me you’re considering getting serious with Cootie Carl.”

“Libby.” Sierra kept her tone firm but she couldn’t stop her lips from twitching. “No one has called him that since fifth grade.

“At least not to his face,” Libby said with a smug smile, tossing her head and sending her dark hair cascading down her back.

Sierra rolled her eyes. Carl Stieve was now an assistant pastor at her church. He was a respected member of the community. Cootie Carl was in the past.

But still, she had to acknowledge that remnants of that boy remained. When Sierra looked into his eyes, she knew he still liked her as much as he had when he was fourteen. A rueful smile tipped her lips at the memory of their freshman year in high school and the afternoon they’d stayed after school to work on a science project.

She’d just started to notice boys. But Carl had been off her radar screen. It hadn’t been his most attractive time. He’d been tall and gawky and cursed with a bad case of acne. Though Sierra had since learned the importance of the inner man, at that time she’d been a typical teen and looks had been everything.

But Carl had been incredibly bright and when the teacher had assigned them to be lab partners for the semester, not a single groan of protest had passed her lips. For one thing she knew it wouldn’t make a difference. Old man Stoddard didn’t like to have his decisions challenged.

But that wasn’t the only reason Sierra had kept quiet. She’d seen the look of excitement on Carl’s face when the teacher had announced the pairings. He’d been so happy that she couldn’t bring herself to burst his bubble.

Even at the tender age of fourteen Sierra recognized that life wasn’t easy for Carl. He was tall, but too uncoordinated for sports. And his mother insisted he keep his hair short, instead of slightly longer like all the other boys.

But underneath all that unattractive packaging, Carl was a good guy, a kind soul who cared about others. So she’d just smiled and told him as long as he did all the dissecting, they’d get along fine.

And, it had been a great partnership until they’d stayed late one afternoon to work on a special project. They were alone in the lab and had just finished with a frog when Carl had leaned over and planted a wet, slobbery kiss on her mouth. And that wasn’t the end of it. Before she could say a word, or even wipe the wetness from her mouth, he’d confessed his undying love.

She’d turned away so he wouldn’t see the tears filling her eyes. Though she felt bad for him, she’d felt just as bad for herself. It figured that her very first kiss would come from Cootie Carl.

Over the years, Sierra had been sorely tempted at several all-girl sleepover sessions to tell all, but she’d kept her mouth shut. The kiss and declaration had remained her little secret. And she’d remained cordial to Carl. Though after the incident she’d made a concerted effort to make sure they were never alone again.

“Carl’s an okay guy,” Sierra said. “I’m just not interested.”

“But you
are
interested in Matt Dixon.” Libby raised an eyebrow and took a sip of her iced tea.

Sierra sidestepped the question. “I’ll admit I’m attracted to the guy. But I can tell you right now, if I were looking for a relationship it certainly wouldn’t be with him.”

Libby nodded. “I agree. It doesn’t sound like he’d be an ideal candidate if you had marriage in mind. On the other hand, he’s perfect for a summer romance.”

“He’s not interested in anything permanent,” Sierra said slowly. “But, then, neither am I.”

Sierra pondered the possibilities for a moment. If it would be just temporary, it also wouldn’t matter that he was his father’s son or a lawyer.

“You see,” Libby said with a triumphant smile. “It’s a match made in heaven. No ties, no commitments, just fun.”

Sierra had to chuckle. “I think God is about commitment.”

“Not when you’re all wrong for each other,” Libby said.

Sierra had to concede the point. Still, though the idea was tempting, it didn’t seem right. “I’ve never used anyone like that before.”

“You wouldn’t be using him,” Libby reminded her. “You’d both go into this knowing the score.”

“I wouldn’t be intimate with him,” Sierra said quickly.

Libby waved a dismissive hand. “Of course you wouldn’t. And if he starts to pressure you, you get rid of him.”

Sierra silently considered her friend’s words. “Some people say you shouldn’t date someone you wouldn’t want to marry.”

Libby rolled her eyes and laughed. “I don’t know anybody who says that, much less believes it.”

Sierra couldn’t help but smile. It did sound kind of silly when you said it out loud.

“Besides, you’re not really going to date him,” Libby said with a teasing grin. “You’re just going to kiss him.”

“Thanks for saying that,” Sierra said. “That sounds so much better.”

Libby leaned forward, her blue eyes dark and intense. “You should do it. Have fun this summer. It might be your last chance for a while. It’s not like either of you are expecting this to be a serious relationship. And it may serve another purpose.”

Sierra tilted her head. “What is that?”

“Cootie Carl. I’m sure Matt is right.” Libby picked up her drink and regarded Sierra through lowered lashes. “Carl will move on and find another woman when he sees you aren’t available.”

Sierra shook her head at her friend’s confident tone. “You should be in sales.”

Libby’s eyes brightened as if sensing that Sierra was wavering. “You should do it.”

Sierra thought for a moment. All her life she’d tried to do the ‘right’ thing and where had it gotten her? Anyway, like Libby said, what would be so wrong with just having fun? After all, she wasn’t really herself this summer, anyway.

“Why not,” Sierra said, for once in her life throwing caution to the winds. “I have nothing to lose. Right?”

M
att swung his black Mercedes roadster into his sister Tori’s driveway and hopped out. His feet had barely hit the front stoop when the door to her peach-colored stucco town house swung open.

“Matt.” Tori’s welcoming smile faded and she stopped short, eyeing his dark suit and tie. She glanced down at her striped cotton sundress. “I dressed casual for tonight. Do I look okay or do you think I should change?”

Matt smiled. Even though he knew he was prejudiced, he was firmly convinced his sister would look good in a gunnysack. Her silvery-blond hair was cut short, barely brushing her jawline. She wore it straight and tucked back behind her ears. Her complexion was flawless and she utilized her makeup to full advantage, emphasizing her big blue eyes and full, pouty lips.

“You look great.” He was struck once again by how much Tori looked like their mother. Or rather, their mother’s pictures. Photographs were pretty much all they had. Janice Dixon had left her husband and children when Matt was ten and Tori was four.

She’d decided that not only didn’t she want to be married anymore, she didn’t want to be a mother, either. She’d taken a job with a multinational firm based out of Hong Kong. “I thought we’d just eat at one of the sidewalk cafés downtown.”

“But you’re all dressed up.” Tori glanced down at her dress then back at his suit. “Are you sure you don’t want to go somewhere a little nicer?”

“I like eating outside and watching the tourists walk by.” He took her arm and pushed her toward the shiny black car. “And I’m only wearing a suit because I came directly from the office. You seem to forget that some of us have to work for a living.”

Tori rolled her eyes at his teasing. “Don’t give me that. You’re on the golf course more than you’re in a courtroom.”

Matt couldn’t help but laugh again. Tori had been born when he’d been six and she’d always had a mind of her own. But he’d adored his baby sister from day one and he still did.

Tori stopped short and stared. “Is this your new car?”

“Yep,” Matt said. “Just picked it up yesterday.”

“It’s absolutely adorable,” Tori said, admiring the shiny black finish and plush tan leather seats. “Can I borrow it sometime?”

“Get in,” Matt said, having learned early on the value of not dignifying ridiculous questions with an answer.

“Maybe some Saturday night you could let me have it for a few hours?” Tori’s gaze grew hopeful. “I’ll take good care of it. I promise.”

“In the car,” he repeated firmly, though he knew he’d probably give in to her pleadings one of these days.

Tori tossed her head and slid into the passenger side. He shut the door and rounded the car. In only seconds he was behind the wheel and they were on the freeway headed toward downtown.

“Dad said something about you and John breaking up,” Matt said, turning the volume down on the radio. “I was surprised. You two seemed to get along so well.”

“We did,” Tori said. “But there were some significant problems.”

Matt’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. As children it had been him and Tori against the world and he couldn’t stop a surge of concern. John had seemed like a nice guy, but Matt knew people weren’t always what they seemed. “Such as?”

“Such as he’s determined to move back to Connecticut after graduation and I want to stay here.” She lifted one shoulder in a slight shrug. “Even if we could have resolved that issue, he didn’t want kids. And I definitely couldn’t marry a man who didn’t want children.”

Matt stared at his sister for a long moment. It seemed like only yesterday that she’d been a little girl playing with Barbie dolls and stuffed animals.

“You’re twenty-one years old,” Matt said. “You shouldn’t even be thinking about marriage and children at your age.”

Tori rolled her eyes. “Get real. I’ve been assessing the marriage potential of every guy I date since I was sixteen.”

“You do
what?
”

“My friend Katy’s mom always used to say you shouldn’t date someone you wouldn’t want to marry,” Tori said. “Because when you date someone you run the risk of falling in love with them. It made sense to me. That’s why I never just date for the heck of it. Beginning with the first date I start checking out their values and where they stand on important issues.”

“Issues such as where they want to live?” Matt asked, trying to keep his tone light and not sound too censuring. “And if they want children?”

“Among other things,” Tori said. “I also look at their views on women working outside of the home, their religious faith and if they’re ready for a committed relationship.”

Matt thought about John. He’d really liked the guy. John had been a go-getter with lots of ambition. And best of all, he’d treated Tori like a princess. “Maybe John would have changed his mind about the children issue.”

Tori shrugged. “Maybe. But then again, maybe not. I couldn’t take that chance.”

“He was a fool to let you go,” Matt said.

“My mind was made up,” Tori said with a wistful smile. “There wasn’t any point in dating him any longer.”

“Because you didn’t want to become attached to someone—”

“I don’t want to marry,” Tori said, finishing the thought. The flash of pain in her eyes tore at his heartstrings. “It was hard, but that’s the way it usually is when you’re doing the right thing.”

He wondered what Tori would think about the “relationship” he’d proposed to Sierra. Somehow, he had the feeling she wouldn’t approve.

So, on the way to the restaurant he kept the conversation focused on Tori, on her summer classes and the latest movies she’d seen until she shifted the conversation around to his new car.

“I love it,” Tori said. “But I have to say I’m surprised. I thought you’d get a coupé. You know, one of those four-doors like Dad drives, one you could use for business.”

“I can use this for business.” Matt grinned, casting an appreciative gaze around the two-seater. “I just have to limit the number of clients that ride in it at any one time.”

“You’re such a typical guy. You’re all stuck in the adolescent phase,” Tori said.

Matt groaned. He should have known he’d regret encouraging her to take that psychology course.

“You refuse to grow up,” Tori added.

“If growing up means having an old man’s car,” Matt laughed, “then you’re right, I don’t want to grow up.”

“I’m not just talking about the car.” Tori slanted him a sideways glance, her expression suddenly serious. “I’m also talking about your relationships with women.”

“I like women,” Matt said. “I always have.”

“You’re twenty-eight years old,” Tori said dryly. “You don’t even have a steady girlfriend.”

“I’m an old man,” Matt said, with a wink. “I’m too tired after working all these hours for any romance.”

“You’re twenty-eight,” Tori repeated. “And you’re not even dating. Tell me, how do you expect to find a wife if you don’t date?”

Matt tried not to take offense, but something in her tone touched a nerve. It was almost as if she were implying that he couldn’t
get
a woman.

“I may not be looking for a wife,” Matt said, “but I am dating someone.”

It wasn’t entirely true. After all, he and Sierra hadn’t really been on a date. But they’d discussed the option and that had to count for something.

Interest flickered across Tori’s face and she turned in her seat. “Is she marriage material?”

Matt groaned. “Tori—”

“Is she?” The determined look in her eye told Matt she wouldn’t let up until he’d answered.

“I don’t know,” he said finally. “And it doesn’t really matter. Unlike you, I’m not looking to get married. At least, not until I’m at least thirty-five.”

“Thirty-five?” Tori’s voice came out as a high-pitched squeak. “You’ll be practically ready for the nursing home.”

Matt grinned. He remembered all too well being twenty-one. Anyone past thirty was definitely over the hill. “I’m hoping I’ll still have a few good years left.”

“Seriously, Matt,” Tori said, her blue eyes blazing with strong emotion. “You don’t want to be ancient before you have children.”

“That’s another thing. I don’t know for sure that I want children,” Matt said honestly.

“Not want children?” Tori looked at him as if he’d just confessed to shopping at a discount store.

“I don’t like kids that much,” he said. “They’re messy and loud and they demand a lot of attention.”

Tori’s eyes widened and for once she didn’t have a comeback, she simply stared in stunned silence.

Matt changed the subject, relieved he didn’t have to elaborate. His arguments sounded good and they were true as far as they went, but he had deeper concerns, ones that he didn’t feel like sharing, even with his sister.

Though he wasn’t keen on kids, one of his big concerns about going the parenthood route was he didn’t think he’d be very good at it. From what he’d observed, most successful parents learned their skills from observing their own parents.

The only man Matt had to model himself after was his dad. Though Dix had tried, he’d certainly never win any parent-of-the year honors. He’d done his best after his wife had left, but he’d had very little interest in parenting his motherless children and had relied on employees to see to their needs.

Matt shoved the disturbing thought aside and pulled into a parking space on the street just around the corner from the Italian restaurant. He stepped out and rounded the car, opening Tori’s car. Once the alarm system was activated, they started down the sidewalk.

Santa Barbara was a casual town and Tori fit in perfectly. She wiggled her fingers and smiled at a guy in shorts and a pair of flip-flops walking his dog down the street.

“That’s Kyle,” Tori said. “He’s hot.”

“How do you know him?” Matt asked before giving the hostess at the sidewalk podium his name.

Tori smiled. “He’s in physics with me.”

Matt lifted an eyebrow. “A potential mate?”

“Shut up.” Tori punched him in the arm.

“I’m just asking,” Matt said with a slight shrug. “After all, you did say he was hot. I would assume physical attraction is part of your assessment criteria.”

“I am attracted to him,” Tori said with a regretful sigh. “But I’m a Christian. He’s an agnostic. It wouldn’t be a good combination.”

“So he’s out?”

Tori nodded and gestured with her thumb. “Out.”

Matt shook his head and couldn’t help but laugh as they followed the hostess to a table in the sidewalk dining area. “Got any other prospects in mind?”

Tori smiled at the waiter as he pulled out her chair and placed the menu before her. “I’m tired of talking about me. I want to talk about
you.
I especially want to hear about this new woman you’re dating.”

“There’s not much to say.” Matt picked up her menu and handed it to her with a pointed glance. “They’ve got great Fettuccini Alfredo here.”

But Tori didn’t look at the menu. Instead her gaze had shifted toward the inside of the restaurant.

“I want that woman’s belt,” Tori said abruptly. “The lambskin one. I have a friend who has one just like it.”

Matt followed the direction of her gaze and his eyes widened. It was Sierra. She wore a multicolor stretch cotton skirt and a white sleeveless top. The belt his sister admired was wrapped around her trim waist.

“Beautiful,” he breathed. She’d pulled her hair back from her face with some kind of cloth band that complemented her skirt. Her eyes were large and green and a touch of color brightened her lips.

“Will you buy me that belt for my birthday?” Tori shifted her gaze back to him. “Dad won’t do it. He says it’s way too expensive.”

“Sure,” Matt said idly watching Sierra slowly weave her way through the crowded tables and out onto the patio in their direction.

“I knew I could count on you.” Tori reached over and squeezed his arm. “Anyway six hundred dollars isn’t that much. Not for lambskin.”

Matt’s gaze briefly jerked to his sister. “How much?”

“Six hundred,” Tori said with an innocent look that didn’t fool him in the least.

“Forget it.” Matt pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. As if Sierra could feel the heat of his stare, her steps slowed and for the first time she looked in his direction.

“Matt.” Surprise filled her voice and she walked over. “Did you just get here? I didn’t see you before.”

Her gaze flickered briefly over Tori and Matt quickly performed the introductions.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she said pleasantly, shaking Tori’s hand. She nodded to Matt. “Good to see you again.”

“I love your belt,” Tori said.

Sierra glanced down as if she’d forgotten what she’d put on. “It’s lambskin.”

“I know,” Tori said. “My friend Marlys has one just like it.”

Sierra smiled again.

“Sierra.” A feminine voice called out.

Sierra turned immediately. A brunette sat at a table on the edge of the outdoor seating, holding up a cell phone.

Sierra nodded before turning back to Tori. “I’m afraid I need to go.”

Matt could tell she was in a hurry. Still, he couldn’t let her go, not quite yet. He touched her arm and met her gaze. “We need to talk.”

Uncertainty flickered for a moment in her eyes before she nodded. “I’ll be home after nine.”

“I’ll call,” Matt promised.

She inclined her head in a slight nod, said goodbye and walked away.

“Is there something going on between you two?” Tori asked, her gaze following Sierra to the table.

“She’s my new girlfriend,” he said.

Tori’s eyes widened and her gaze jerked back toward Sierra. “Why didn’t you say that when you introduced her?”

Reproach colored Tori’s question. Matt ignored it. “It’s a relatively new relationship.” He shrugged. “I didn’t want you interrogating her. It’s enough that I introduced you.”

“Does the fact that I’ve met this one mean she’s special?” Tori asked. “Will she be around for a while?”

“I doubt it,” Matt answered honestly. “She’s not looking for anything long-term, either.”

“Don’t tell me she’s like you.” A look of horror crossed Tori’s face. “Surely
she
doesn’t want to wait until she’s in her thirties to settle down.”