The Christmas Date

Chapter Three

A little less than two hours later, Tyler Nichols decided he had it made. His new neighbors were on a mission, and, after telling Tyler to sit and enjoy some of Nora’s homemade stew, they had flown into a cleaning frenzy while clucking nonstop about Myra’s dreadful children.

Even if Tyler had wanted to help, sitting at the kitchen table was probably safer. The Dogwood matrons were household pros who put Heloise and her hints to shame.

They were also matchmakers extraordinaire who had to be reckoned with. Subtlety was not in the vocabulary of these ladies. Tyler had already gracefully turned down three invitations to meet six eligible granddaughters.

Not only that, but the few men who had braved coming into the fray were busy one-upping one another to carry any remaining boxes. No, Tyler decided that sitting was safer, and better because it allowed him to look at Kate as she moved around, spritzing and polishing.

Even doing something as mundane as household chores revealed the feminine grace basic to her. That type of poise was rare and would make her fun to photograph.

Her face had all the planes and angles the camera lens loved. He only wished she’d pull her hair out of that annoying bun. With her hair around her shoulders, she would laugh, bat her long eyelashes and gesture him toward the bedroom…. Tyler shook off the vision before it threw him completely off balance. Once his shower was suitably sanitized, he was heading in there for a needed dose of cold water.

To think of Kate simply as his next-door neighbor would be wise, he reminded himself. Whereas he loved the female sex, and he most definitely enjoyed their company as long as it came without strings, he was not one of those men who knew the meaning of the C-word. The only commitment he’d made was to his career. He’d never remained with one woman long enough even to think about giving her a key to his apartment or allowing her to store a toothbrush there.

But after a grandma named Frieda had cornered him and suggested that he ask Kate out, well, now the idea wouldn’t dislodge itself. Her body between his sheets—just the very idea was a muse beckoning.

Tyler twisted his hands. Maybe Kate was right about declaring him brainless. Here he was, considering following Frieda’s suggestion. While he didn’t know Kate well, he sensed she could prove to be a disastrous complication in his life. And when the relationship ended, he’d still be living next door to her. How awkward would that be?

He knew only one other woman like Kate. His mother. Efficient. Sweet. Innocent. Always lending a helping hand. Definitely untarnished by the ugliness of the world. Maybe that was why his mom didn’t understand his job and wanted him settled down, not traveling the world as he preferred.

Not even his job’s importance could convince his mother to like his decision to be free to document the world’s events on film. Not that she had given up on seeing him married. She remained hopeful that if Tyler found the right woman, he’d want to stay home.

Somehow, Tyler didn’t figure Kate would really understand the value of his job, either. The way she fit into the Dogwood Lane community proved she was home and hearth, something he definitely was not and never would be.

“Earth to Tyler!”

Tyler jerked his head up to find Kate hovering over him. Her breasts were just about eye level, and Tyler shoved his hands under his legs.

“Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to unpack? Didn’t you hear me? They’ve finished your bedroom and Harold wants to know if you’re happy with where the movers put the furniture. If you are, you’d better hurry in there before they decide to rearrange it and move it around themselves.”

Tyler gave a short laugh before standing up and stretching. “I’d better go survey the scene.”

“You’d better. I’ve never seen so many men trying to play Hercules.”

As Kate smiled, Tyler’s gut clenched. He attempted to put the evening into proper perspective. “By the way, in case I forget to tell you later, thanks for organizing this.”

“No problem,” she said.

“No, really,” Tyler insisted. He gestured around. “I’ll have to tell my sister I lucked out. She’s the one who picked out this house. I’m glad I listened to her. You guys are great.”

Kate stepped away and vigorously wiped the counter, the same one she had scoured earlier. “Well,” she said, refusing to look at him, “consider it your housewarming present from all of us. Dogwood Lane is a pretty special place. We’re more than a street. We’re a neighborhood.”

“I’d definitely say so.” Tyler couldn’t resist. He rose and approached her. His fingers snaked forward and tugged on the infernal bun that was driving him crazy. Blondish strands cascaded to her shoulders and her head shot up. She stood as if hypnotized, watching him, waiting for his next move. His nose wrinkled. Even with a hint of antiseptic woodsy pine, she still smelled divine.

Tyler inwardly cursed himself. Yep, way too long without a woman. That had to be the reason he was having this overwhelming reaction to Kate. He’d better move away before he did something stupid and impulsive, like kiss those lips, which were slightly parted with anticipation. “Those guys are waiting.”

“Yes.” Her voice faltered as she moved a pace back. “Good idea.”

As soon as he left the room, Kate sat in the chair he had vacated. The wood still felt warm from his presence.

Wow. Whenever he’d touched her, even briefly, she’d felt shivers run down to her toes. Jack had never made her quiver. Certainly not like this. Tyler had boldly pulled her hair from her bun. Forgetting she had gloves on, she reached up to touch the strands.

“He’s quite a doll, don’t you think?” Frieda strode into the room, a small white trash bag dangling from her hand. “I tell you, if I were forty years younger, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“He’s very nice,” Kate hedged. There was no way to describe what Tyler was, but doll didn’t come close. He put Barbie’s ex, Ken, to shame.

“He’s definitely an improvement over Myra, God bless her. We could use some younger blood on the street.”

“Are you matchmaking again?” Nora entered and glared at Frieda.

Frieda didn’t hide her guilt. “Of course I am. I think Tyler would be a good match for anyone.”

“He’s busy with work, as am I,” Kate replied, deciding to nip this situation in the bud. All night Frieda and Nora had swept her along, and she couldn’t escape the feeling she’d forgotten something important.

Besides, she’d had enough of Frieda’s and Nora’s matchmaking attempts two years ago after Sandra’s death. To prove to the matrons she wasn’t hurting anymore, Kate had gone on three disastrous blind dates, and then she’d rebounded straight into Jack. There were worse things than being alone, she reminded herself.

Nora patted Kate on the shoulder. “There, there, dear. Ignore Frieda. Niles will be in town over Christmas. That’s only a few weeks away.”

Great. Kate sighed inwardly. She had no intention of dating Niles, either. She just didn’t have the heart to tell Nora outright, which she’d have to do if Nora kept insisting on fixing them up. Nora had been such a support after Sandra’s death that Kate hated to flat-out reject her grandson. Thus, getting out of a date would take some creative thought. “I’m busy with school and work,” she said somewhat lamely.

Nora didn’t seem too perturbed. “We’ll just have to arrange something that fits into your schedule. You’ll love Niles. He was a magna cum laude at Georgia Tech.”

“He’s a geek,” Frieda announced. “You can say no, Kate. Have you seen Niles’s photos?”

“Frieda Webster!” Nora placed her aged hands on her hips and gazed over her glasses. Despite her petite size, Nora packed a powerful punch. “You take that back. Niles is perfect for Kate.”

Frieda tossed her head, her hair-sprayed gray hair not budging an inch. “No, he’s not. Tyler’s much better.”

“Much better at what?” Tyler strode back into the room and grinned. “Thelma—I think that’s her name—is organizing my underwear drawer. I figured a hasty retreat was best.”

Still sitting in the chair, Kate dropped her head into her hands. How could he be so nonchalant and naive? Didn’t he have a clue? Dogwood Lane would be gossiping about his boxers or briefs for weeks to come. The residents thrived on things like that to spice up their bunco nights.

“Well,” Nora said, relaxing her posture somewhat, “why don’t you just take a break and keep us company. I was telling Kate all about my grandson Niles. He’s visiting over the holidays. Normally, I travel to Jacksonville, but this year, as the family is going every which way, he’s agreed to come down here for a change.”

“Really?” Tyler feigned interest as he poured himself a glass of water from the tap. He’d given up on beer after finishing the first one.

“Yes. Did Rita tell you about her granddaughter Jane? Such a pretty little thing. She’s an elementary teacher in Lakeland.”

Tyler shrugged. “She forgot to mention that part.”

“Well, you’ll have to meet her. Just like Kate is going to meet my Niles,” Nora declared.

“Oh, I’m sure she’s looking forward to it,” Tyler said, giving Kate a wink. After listening to all the single-women stories, he knew exactly what Kate dealt with. Her neighbors were the matchmakers from hell.

“Of course Kate wants to meet Niles,” Nora insisted.

Frieda coughed, the noise sounding like the word bull.