Test Drive (The Bachelor #1) (9 page)

Jenna’s daunting words echoed in my head, "Don’t be such a girl, Drew." I argued over whether this was a valid fear, before saying out loud, "Maybe she shouldn’t live in such a creepy neighborhood."

It was time to man up, so I got out of the car fully ready to run like a little girl into the building if I saw anything creepy. But I managed to make it to the door without incident, and Claire was waiting at the top of the stairs when I burst through the doors.

She was wearing a navy blue wrap dress that landed about knee length. It was very simple but elegant, and her black flat shoes hinted that her profession made her very aware of her comfort levels. Claire’s hair was hanging in loose curly locks around her shoulders. The front was pushed back with a pin. She looked comfortable.

"I was wondering if you were going to come inside," she said.

"Yeah, I wasn’t sure I was in the right place. Your street is so dark," I said, ascending the stairs two at a time.

"Oh I know! The electric company is rewiring the stop light up the road, and we haven’t had streetlights for days now. It is kind of creepy." She rubbed her shoulders when I got to the top. I didn’t quite know whether to hug her or just follow her into her apartment.

You could smell the food cooking from the hallway, and my mouth instantly watered. "How do these people live in the same building with you?" I said.

"Excuse me?" She was obviously confused by my statement.

"I don’t think I could sit down the hall, smelling this mouthwatering food and not raid your apartment." We both laughed, but I was serious.

I followed her through the hallway, and the apartment building transformed into a luxury condo. Recess lighting and modern decor graced the entranceway. The kitchen was fit for a chef and was probably the big selling point for Claire. Granite countertops and a gas stove topped a large island in the kitchen and a smooth cream-colored set of cabinets lined the whole back wall. Her array of fresh fruits and vegetables were splayed out on the countertops beneath the cabinets and a spice rack that would make any chef proud took up one whole shelf in the pantry.

"This place is spectacular." I made a lap around the open concept living room, and I could see there was a loft bedroom up a narrow flight of stairs lining the back wall of the living room. "How long have you lived here?" I walked over to the large, floor to ceiling, windows, which were tinted to avoid anyone from seeing in. There were a set of automatic blinds that could be lowered at the push of a button. This place was the perfect bachelor pad or maybe couple’s pad?

"Um, I have lived here for about six months now. I really love the layout of the apartment, and the people here keep to themselves." She was mixing something delectable in a bowl. I could smell a hint of seafood, and I could barely wait to taste whatever she was making.

"What’s for dinner tonight?" I leaned over the counter towards her. She didn’t seem nervous at all.

"Well, I have wanted to try this stuffed mushroom recipe . . .” she said as she slowly mixed whatever ingredients were stuffed into the powder blue mixing bowl.

"Yum!" I interjected bringing a smile to her face.

"And then there is this chocolate lava cake with a caramel sauce for dessert."

"Oh my God, Claire, stop." I laughed. "You had me at chocolate, anything after that is going to turn me into a drooling fool." I wasn’t kidding. You ever hear that a way to a guy’s heart is through his stomach? Well that is bullshit, but what is true is that if a girl can cook then she gets major points in the "could be my wife" category. So I can see the misconception, but there is a real difference.

Claire giggled but continued mixing her concoction. "So what all is in there?"

"Umm, it has some lump crab meat and mayonnaise with a whole bunch of spices. There is cilantro and Italian loaf bread crumbs. I am getting ready to add in a cup of grated cheddar cheese, and then I am going to stuff those portabella mushrooms and top them with more cheese." She listed off the ingredients like she was giving instructions to her staff.

"Sounds delicious! So what can I do?" I rubbed my hands together signaling that I didn’t mind getting my hands dirty.

"Actually if you can just open this bottle of wine that would be super helpful."

I poured a few glasses and we toasted to a wonderful evening. I was a little bummed she didn’t want my help in the kitchen. I hoped she wasn’t one of those control freaks that wanted to conquer the world by themselves. Being independent and motivated was good, but not to the point where you shut your family out. I realized that was the definition of my father, which had been what sparked the resentment between us.

Claire and I talked seamlessly for another hour as she flitted around the kitchen pouring this and baking that. I felt like a lump on a log just waiting for her to get done. When dinner was finally ready, we sat down at her mahogany bar style table, and the night continued without a hitch.

The conversation between Claire and I flowed. Although I didn't feel any sparks, I thought we paired nicely. It's not that she wasn't beautiful because she was, but I felt like I was having dinner with an old friend instead of a new love. Dinner was spectacular. After, we sat down on the sofa, and she pulled her legs tightly up under her.

We talked for hours about food and movies. I learned a lot about her past dating history, and I selectively picked through the details of my life. I didn't want to risk being called a liar if I ever told her the truth.

"Wait a second," she said and popped off the couch.

"Okay?" I laughed.

Claire bounded into the kitchen almost spilling the wine sloshing around in her glass. She set down the glass and opened the fridge revealing a small plate with several square pieces of chocolate on it.

"Oh wow! What is that?" My mouth instantly watered, and she approached me with the sugary confections.

"These are my last surprise, if you can shove one more thing down your throat."

We both laughed, and I responded saying, "Are you kidding me? I can feel the pounds stacking up. I’m going to have to leave here and head straight to the gym."

"If you spend any more time at the gym, you won’t be able to walk out in public without being mauled by a dozen women."

"So let me get this straight. Are you saying that I am borderline irresistible? Are you trying to hit on me? Because if you are, I’m flattered."

Blushing, she took a small piece of the chocolate and held it out. "Eat the chocolate, Drew." She didn't appear to be placing it in my hand, so I opened my mouth and she laid the chocolate on my tongue. She popped the other half in her own mouth and let it melt on her tongue.

"What do you taste?" she said. Her eyes lit with excitement.

"Hmmm!" I let the chocolate roll around in my mouth. I could taste some heat, but I couldn't quite place what flavor it was. "Is it some kind of chili flavor?" It was a wild guess, but I could definitely taste the spice. I sipped some wine to wash down the thick sludge leftover.

"Yeah, I have been playing with the flavors, and I think this is my favorite. What do you think?"

"I mean it's definitely different, but I am more of a sweet fan than savory. It's delicious though, just not my style." She had me try the others, which were pomegranate and strawberry. I preferred the strawberry. She said they were going to package the flavors to give as favors to the guests at her hotel.

"People would love that. It’s very
unique.
I think you are on to something there. I would love to try a cinnamon version." The chocolate was out of this world, and the flavors were . . . different.

"Hmm! That is an idea." I could see the ideas checking off in her head as she sat down on the sofa next to me. "Do you have to work tomorrow?" That was the famous girl code for
get out.
So I took the bait.

"Yeah, actually I have to be up pretty early, but dinner was fantastic." I stood from the sofa towering above the petite chef. "Talk to you soon?" It was more of a question. I had waited patiently all night to see if she would show any signs of interest in me.

"Yeah, I’m going to be busy this week, but we’ll have to get together again soon." She checked the clock hanging against the adjacent wall and gave a quick yawn.
Strike three, buddy, you’re out.

We parted ways, and I jogged through the dark empty street to my car. The drive home was full of thoughts, but they weren't about just Claire. Neither of us had attempted so much as a hug on the way out. It didn't feel necessary since I was leaving my "friend's" house. I thought back over Jenna and Sicily. I was beginning to wonder if any of the women I had contacted were my type. Then there was Beth. I had to find a way to see where that could go without my father hating me, but for now she was shelved. I couldn't risk ruining the work I had done over a girl that probably thought I was an idiot.

When I arrived home, I checked my inbox. I had my daily email from Victoria. We had been talking a lot, but she had never offered to give me her number or set up a real date. I liked talking to her though. She was down to earth and funny. I even liked hearing about her daughter who was in the first grade. Her name was Emmaline, and from what I had been told, she was incredibly smart and cute.

Victoria raved about her, which set off good signals for me. I wanted someone who had the capacity to care more about someone else than they did themselves. I didn't know if I was ready to be a role model for a six year old, but I did know I could support them. Was that enough though?

There was a second email from Lola. I hadn't heard from her since she sent me the flyer. The email said, "I'll be in the DJ booth until ten if you want to hang out. Just ask for Lola."

I knew that this would be an unforgettable evening, although I had serious doubts that she was the one for me. So far she had piqued my interest with her short messages and witty poems. She wasn't ugly by any means, but looking at her profile pictures gave me the feeling she might play with Ouija boards or practice witchcraft in her spare time.

Hey, maybe she'd cast a love spell on me? I replied letting her know I’d be there. Now I had to figure out what one wears to a rave.

I settled in to my bed that night and let my head sink in to the pillows, wishing for a better week; one free of criticism or letdowns.
Good luck with that.

TUESDAY MORNING CAME
quickly, but I was ready. I walked into the board meeting with my head held high. I had made several copies of my proposal to hand out during the board meeting. The board consisted of four people. Bob with benefits, my father, my mother, and Linda with accounting. The board members had been the original company before it got big. I had not expected, however, for Beth to join us that morning. She strode in wearing a gray dress suit with a white ruffled collar shirt and a pair of four-inch black stilettos. I couldn't recall the last time I saw her wear heels, but holy shit that is distracting.

The board was seated, and they discussed a few things regarding our numbers and the new clients. Then it was my turn. My mother winked as I stood up and adjusted my beige sports coat. I didn't chance a look at Beth, but I could tell out of the corner of my eye that she was chewing on her pen. I handed out the copies of my report and started my speech. I said blah blah blah about the employees needing to feel comfortable and appreciated at work. I laid out the whole plan to make the changes and then we got down to the numbers.

My father sat arms crossed and face void of any emotion. My mother looked like she would burst into tears of joy and pride at any moment. The other two seemed impressed while Beth appeared to be off in her own little world.

I finished the list and then stood there waiting for the applause; it didn't happen. I did get a semi positive response though.

"Well, son, I see you took this very seriously, and I think we can agree these changes are necessary to stay relevant. We will vote on the changes and let you know. You are excused now."

I wanted to protest. I didn't know why I couldn't be present for the vote. It wasn't as if I had a personal interest in the changes. Beth followed me out so the board could conclude their meeting.

I headed back to my office feeling more than a little irritated.

"Hey Drew, will you slow down?" I turned to see Beth briskly walking down the hallway towards me. I stopped to allow her to catch up and then continued to my office.

"What is it, Beth?" I didn't mean for it to sound so rude, but the way I was dismissed to allow the
grownups
to talk was belittling.

She didn't say anything until we were safely behind my closed office door. "They liked your proposal. I could tell by your dad's face, so why did you storm out of there like a five year old?" She sat down in one of the comfy leather chairs across from me and crossed her arms and legs simultaneously. Watching those smooth legs slide over each other and those
do me
heels dangling on her feet was sexy enough without even rising high enough to see her face. I had noticed at my parents' house she wore contacts, but at work she had black rimmed square glasses. Staring at her face, I wasn't sure which I preferred.