Who's Taming Who? Read online

  “It wasn’t my fault,” Frank protested. “It was an accident.”

  “Tell that to the peanut gallery, I was there, remember?” Kate cut in sternly. “I saw you run into her, I saw you ruin her dress, and I saw you get your handsome face slapped. I enjoyed it quite a bit, in fact.”

  “Okay, I ruined her dress,” Frank admitted, “and it looked like a beautiful dress.”

  “Here.” Kate held out a business card

  “What should I do with that?” he asked.

  “You still have the dress don’t you?” she asked, wondering just how dense this particular male specimen could be.

  “Oh! I get it.” He reached out and took the card. “Thanks Kate.”

  As he reached the door she asked, “You will get back to me after you speak with Bob, won’t you?”

  “And you’ll tell me what Lanie says about me?” Frank questioned. “Turn about is fair play.”

  “It’s a deal,” she agreed.

  Kate called Laura to get Lanie’s phone number.

  “Shouldn’t I be the one to sound her out?” Laura asked. “She doesn’t really know you, except by reputation.”

  “But she’s more afraid of you and your matchmaking abilities,” Kate countered. “Since I am an unknown factor she might underestimate me.”

  “Not for long,” Laura retorted.

  “But at least I’ll have a temporary advantage.” Kate hung up.

  That evening she called Lanie. “Hi, this is Kate. We’ve met a few times and I was at Laura’s party.”

  “Hi Kate,” Lanie answered, “what can I do for you?”

  “Well, Bob and I are throwing a party this weekend and I want you to come,” Kate said openly. “I feel like Bob and I owe you a good party after the disaster at the last one.”

  “But you hardly know me,” Lanie pointed out.

  “The minute Laura told me about your solution to the harassment you’d been getting on your job, I wanted to get to know you,” Kate admitted. “That was a very brave and smart way to stand up for yourself, not to mention original. So come to the party and we can talk.”

  “I won’t know anyone there,” Lanie said.

  “Sure you will. Laura and Jack, Bob, myself, and of course Frank,” Kate enumerated.

  “Are you trying to set me up with Frank?” Lanie asked. “I know you’re Laura’s matchmaking partner.”

  “Well, I do think you and Frank would be a great match,” Kate admitted freely, “but I would never try to force you into a relationship against your will. Not even with a great guy like Frank.”

  “Can I believe that?” Lanie asked.

  “Sure, trust me,” Kate countered.

  “Oh my God, you are setting me up,” Lanie almost yelled. “I’ve known Laura far too long for you to use that phrase on me. I’m sorry, I can’t go to your party.”

  “At least give me a chance to talk to you face to face,” Kate said quickly. “Meet me for lunch tomorrow, my treat.”

  “Just you and me with no surprise guests?” Lanie asked.

  “I promise,” Kate said, “not even Laura.”

  “Okay,” Lanie said, “lunch would be fun.”

  Frank knocked on Kate’s office door early the next morning. “How did it go with Lanie?”

  “Good morning to you too, Frank,” Kate greeted him with a laugh. “It is a lovely day. I’m fine and thank you for asking.”

  “Yeah. Hi and all that, blah, blah, blah.” Frank grinned then demanded, “Now how did it go with Lanie?”

  “Well, I couldn’t get a commitment out of her to attend my party,” Kate said slowly, then she lied, “but she is meeting me for lunch the day after tomorrow.”

  “That’s great!” Frank grinned. “Maybe you’ll find out why she’s avoiding me.”

  “The reason for that may be simple.” Kate pointed out, “She may just plain not like you.”

  “I know it’s possible but I don’t think so,” Frank said firmly.

  “Gee, Frank, no conceit there!” Kate shot back at him. “Talk about a male ego.”

  “That’s not how I meant it.” Frank recalled, “That kiss sure didn’t feel like dislike to me.”

  “Well, I’ll find out what’s up and get her to the party. The rest of it is up to you.” Kate changed the subject. “Now enough about you, what’s up with Bob and this party?”

  “I’m sorry to report that I failed in my mission,” Frank said formally. “I was sloppy and got caught.”

  “Caught?” Kate queried.

  “Bob knew I was spying for you the minute I walked into his office,” Frank admitted. Then he became indignant and continued, “He said to tell you, and I quote, ‘You’ll need someone a lot smarter and trickier than Frank to get secrets out of me,’ and then he told me to get back to work! Can you imagine?”

  “Frank! Where did I go wrong? I thought I had trained you better than that!” Kate chided, sounding very disappointed in him. “I’ll have to send you to remedial spy school.”

  “I’m so ashamed.” Frank pretended to sob. “I do know one thing though. Something is definitely up. He has got something planned for the party. I don’t know what, but he has got a plan. If I had to guess, I’d say a proposal.”

  “Which I’d accept,” Kate murmured.

  “Oh, really?” Frank tried to act surprised.

  “Oh, definitely really.” Kate sounded dreamy.

  The next day Kate met Lanie for lunch. In spite of her lie to Frank about just when this lunch was taking place, she kept one eye open as she drove to the restaurant. She realized that if Frank knew she was meeting Lanie, he would try to follow her. She has dressed for casual comfort in a floral skirt, T-shirt and sandals. Lanie, as a landscaper, worked almost everyday in shorts and a T-shirt. She joined Kate at a local buffet. After hitting the salad bar both women sat down to talk.

  “First thing I want to say, Lanie, is that whether or not there is the slightest chance that you will ever give Frank a shot, I want us to become friends,” Kate told Lanie. “From what Laura’s told me about you, I think we can become good pals.”

  “I get that feeling too,” Lanie admitted, “as long as you don’t push me into a wild romance with some overgrown Romeo who would never commit to a real life together.”

  “If you mean Frank,” Kate told her, “you’re wrong about him. He is definitely one of the good guys. He’s a little crazy and he loves to joke around but he would commit in a minute, and once he committed he would be completely faithful to the right woman. He would also manage to keep her exasperated and off-balance, yet still treat her like a queen.”

  “If only he wasn’t such a jerk,” Lanie sighed.

  “But I’ll bet he kisses good,” Kate said in an offhand manner.

  “That’s one bet you’d win.” Lanie blushed.

  “Funny, he said the same thing about you.” Kate finished her salad. “Let’s get some dessert.”

  “All you’ve had is salad, aren’t you going to eat a main course?” Lanie quizzed.

  “Maybe later, after dessert,” Kate told her grinning. “Hey, we’re moms. We’re the ones who set the rules. Who says we have to follow them while the kids aren’t here?”

  “Good point.” Lanie laughed. “Isn’t hot fudge one of the basic food groups?”

  “Don’t tell my kids but I’ve always thought it was.” Kate smiled with a memory. “Remind me to tell you sometime just exactly what Bob can do with hot fudge.”

  “I’ll bet I can guess.” Lanie grinned. “I can tell you’re really happy with Bob. I don’t think I’ve ever been in love myself, not like that.”

  “All the more reason you should stop fighting and give Frank a chance,” Kate pointed out. “He might just be the one.”

  “There’s not only me to think of, I have Cassie,” Lanie replied thoughtfully. “I can’t let her get hurt.”

  “Frank is terrific with my kids. I trust him to babysit, and they love him like an uncle,” Kate told her. “And I h
ave three, all under five years old, and six dogs.”

  “Six dogs?”

  “Well, a pair and four puppies,” Kate clarified. “But between them and the three kids, Frank will still volunteer to babysit, and I’ve never come home to a mess. Now that’s a good man.”

  “I didn’t know you had kids,” Lanie told her, “until you mentioned being a mom a few minutes ago.”

  “Boy, am I a mom. I have three, a boy five and twin girls, just about to turn two,” Kate told her. “I’m also a widow.”

  “Whoa! That’s tragic. I’m so sorry to think of you going through something like that,” Lanie said sadly. “Losing someone you love and being left with three small children to care for… I can’t even begin to imagine how terrible it must have been for you. It’s amazing to see you so happy now.”

  “Well, I found Bob with Laura’s help, of course.” Kate told her firmly, “You could be that happy, too. You deserve it as much as anyone I’ve met lately. So, are you going to come to my party?”

  “What will you do if I say no?” Lanie asked. “Would you do what Laura did and call in my sister to help persuade me to go?”

  “Nah,” Kate said with a shrug, “I’d skip the little stuff and bring in the big guns, so to speak.”

  “You don’t mean-” Lanie looked shocked.

  “Yep.” Kate looked lethal. “I’d call in your mom. Laura said she was relentless.”

  “You are really ruthless.” Lanie shook her head. “I thought you might be less persistent than Laura but you’re even worse.”

  “You’d better believe it; I have to be to keep up with her.” Kate softened her tone. “Lanie, will you please come to my party?”

  “Yes.” She smiled. “I know when I’m outgunned.”

  “It’s only because we want to see you happy. Please come. Promise?” Kate prompted.

  “Yes,” Lanie said softly, “but please, don’t throw Frank at me.”

  “No throwing,” Kate promised with her fingers crossed, “just be there, and give him a fair chance.”

  “He is kinda cute, isn’t he?” Lanie relented.

  “And he’s trainable, he has real potential,” Kate agreed.

  “Well, I guess I’ll get a sitter for Cassie and be there,” Lanie said softly.

  “Sitter?” Kate said questioningly. “Are you nuts? Bring Cassie.”

  “To a formal party?” Lanie puzzled.

  “Of course. Look, my kids will be there, and Bob’s nieces and nephews, all of Bob’s nieces and nephews, and several of the guests are bringing their kids.” Kate explained, “Bob’s even rented a room close to the banquet hall with a sitter in case any of the kids get tired or bored at the party. They’ll have toys, videos and special food, and of course video games.”

  “All right, we’ll be there.” Lanie smiled. “Cassie will love it.”

  “I hope she does.” Kate smiled softly. “I hope I do, too.”

  “What do you mean?” Lanie asked.

  “I’m hoping this turns out to be an engagement party,” Kate said, “for Bob and me.”

  “Well, you’re a take-charge kind of woman. Make it one,” Lanie suggested. “If he doesn’t ask you, ask him.”

  “Hey! You’re right.” Kate smiled. “Oh my gosh! Look at the time! Sorry Lanie but I have to get back to work.” The two women parted.

  “Frank, can you come into my office, please? When it’s convenient,” Kate said into the intercom.

  Frank came in and sat in one of the comfortable chairs across from her desk. “What’s up?”

  “I lied to you,” Kate admitted. “I said I was going to lunch with Lanie tomorrow but we had lunch together today instead.”

  “Why?” Frank was puzzled.

  “So you wouldn’t try to follow us and sabotage my best efforts,” Kate returned.

  “And how did it go?” Frank wanted to get to the point.

  “She’ll be at the party with her daughter,” Kate said, “and I promised not to throw you at her, so you’re on your own.”

  “I’m up to it,” Frank insisted.

  “I do have a suggestion though,” Kate added. “Get her daughter to like you. Lanie’s a very loving and protective mom.”

  “I’m good with kids, you know that,” Frank said proudly. “And I really like kids, even if I’m not interested in their moms.”

  “But this little girl is important,” Kate said, “and Lanie is smart enough to spot it if your friendship to the girl is even slightly phony or forced.”

  “Kate, give me some credit.” Frank left in a feisty mood but came back a minute later just to stick his head in the door and say, “Thanks.”

  Chapter Four

  Lanie was among the last of the guests to arrive at Kate and Bob’s fancy and mysterious party. She looked stunning. She was wearing an emerald green dress with a soft, velvet bodice trimmed with sequins beads, and a full swirling skirt made of chiffon. The dress had spaghetti straps and a low, square neckline. A brightly beaded, multicolored jacket with lots of emerald green in the beading completed the outfit. The color of the dress set off her hair and complexion perfectly.

  She had Cassie at her side, holding her hand. Cassie was in a frilly dress, the color of rich wine, with a lace collar and lace cuffs. She had on shiny black shoes with white stockings. She looked very pretty and excited.

  Almost the first person Lanie spotted across the room was Frank. He was in a charcoal gray suit, and he looked fantastic. He turned to look at the door just as Lanie entered the room and the look in his eyes stunned her. He didn’t smile or move at all. He just looked at her with a peculiar expression in his eyes. He looked – she tried to think of a word, and then suddenly it hit her – he looked ravenous. She was stunned when the right word hit her, frozen to the spot. Before she could react Kate came over to greet her.

  “I’m so glad you came. Here’s some champagne for you and some cider for your daughter,” Kate greeted Lanie. She handed her a flute of champagne and an identical champagne flute filled with sparkling cider to Cassie.

  Lanie returned the greeting. Then Kate turned her attention to Lanie’s daughter. “This must be Cassie. She’s beautiful. Hi Cassie, I’m Kate.”

  “Hi Kate. Thank you for letting me come to your party with my Mom,” Cassie said.

  “I’m glad you’re here, the party wouldn’t be the same without you,” Kate told the girl.

  Lanie looked Kate over. “You look radiant and also a bit anxious. Have you found out what Bob’s planning yet?”

  “No,” Kate grinned, “unless he’s planning to drive me nuts, and he’s already succeeded at that.”

  “You’ll find out what’s up pretty soon.” Lanie smiled. “I’m betting you’ll be very happy before the night’s over.”

  “I hope you’re right. Now go greet Frank while I take Cassie and introduce her to some of the other kids.” Kate pointed to a side door. “We have a special room for them with a sitter, Suite 101, and some special treats including video games and a few other surprises.”

  “Okay, she can go. I won’t promise to go over to Frank, though he can come to me.” Lanie smiled at Cassie. “Go have fun, Sweetie. I’ll be here if you need me.”

  Frank was still standing there watching her, but she didn’t get a chance to decide whether to go over and meet him. As soon as Kate and Cassie were gone, Laura and Jack came over. They brought Bob along and introduced him to Lanie.

  “I understand Kate and Laura are trying to play matchmaker with your life,” he told her with a great deal of sympathy. “You have no idea how far those two will go. The saving grace is that they only want to see you and Frank happy. This whole party is a direct result of Laura’s matchmaking.”

  “So? I have gotten their special treatment. How did I get so lucky?” Lanie asked, sipping her champagne. “Neither one of them really knows me all that well.”

  “I think it was Frank they were working on.” Bob smiled. Then, distracted by his own nerves and perhaps a gl
ass or two of champagne, he put his foot well and truly into his mouth. “All I know is that Kate promised to find Frank a shre-” He shut up very abruptly.

  Laura shot him a look that could melt steel. Jack whispered, “Better you than me,” under his breath, then abruptly walked over to the other side of the room.

  Bob looked after him and muttered, “Coward,” very softly.

  Lanie looked back and forth from Laura to Bob, puzzled. “Kate promised to find Frank a what?”

  “It was just a joke she made before she ever met you, before you ever met Frank. Please don’t get insulted,” Laura said quickly, “it really didn’t have anything to do with you as a person.”

  “A what?” Lanie was more demanding. “Kate promised to find Frank a what?”

  “A shrew,” Laura answered softly. “Kate only said it because Frank quoted a few lines from The Taming of the Shrew when they first met.”

  “I am not a shrew!” Lanie defended herself. “Am I?”

  “Of course not.” Laura led her to a chair. “And we don’t expect Frank to tame you either. That would be insulting and get us thrown out of the sisterhood. We were hoping to find him a fantastic woman with enough fire and spirit to tame him. Of course, we just couldn’t tell him that. He’s only a man.”

  “Of course not,” Lanie conceded.

  “The thing that made us think you would be perfect for him was the way you slapped him at my party.” Laura smiled. “And the way your eyes were shooting sparks as you stood up to him.”

  “You mean this all started because we fought at your party?” Lanie was surprised.

  “It was a great fight,” Laura said, “but that’s not all. Lanie, there were sparks flying between you two, and not all of them were caused by anger. Both of us noticed it.”

  “Maybe not all of the sparks were anger,” Lanie relented, “just most of them.”

  “So go over and talk to him.” Laura grinned. “Give him a hard time. What can it hurt? I have to find Kate.”

  The room seemed three miles wide as Lanie walked towards Frank. He met her halfway across the room. Without a word, he took the almost full champagne glass from her hand and set it on the nearest table. Then he led her to the dance floor and took her into his arms.