Romance You're Going to Lose That Girl

"Oh, shit! I'm so embarrassed," Rachel sobbed. "I'm not gay or anything. I just don't like men very much right now. I don't trust them. Those jackasses think that because I don't date, I must be gay."

Hick silently gathered Rachel into his arms and held her while she sobbed into his chest. The girls on the team watched in fascination.

"Girls, I hope you learn from this," Hick lectured as he gently rubbed Rachel's back. "Words have meaning and are important. Never say something to intentionally hurt someone because they're different than you. Respect the difference and their freedom to be who they are."

Hick looked to see how the parents were reacting to the scene. He was concerned they would think he and Rachel were too broken to be around their kids. He saw nods of approval from several parents watching and felt relieved. They seemed to understand.

"Hi. I'm Tanya Richards," a young woman stated who seemed to suddenly appear. "I hope I'm not interrupting something special here, but my roommate told me there were some girls on the team who may want some pointers in pitching a softball."

Rachel forced herself to calm down. She pulled away from Hick and wiped her eyes before smiling at the young woman.

"It was just a little personal drama. Thanks for coming. Girls, this is Tanya. She's State's best softball pitcher and she came here today to help teach you the basics of pitching. Please make her feel welcome."

Rachel was pleased at how well Tanya worked with the girls. She also noticed that Tanya seemed quite taken with Hick. She was constantly asking him questions and making suggestions. The fact that she was a very attractive blonde with a killer body didn't appear to upset Hick in the least.

Rachel knew she had no interest in Hick, yet it irked her to see Tanya flirt with him so obviously. Rachel wondered if she had made a mistake when Tanya promised the girls to come to some of their games and to work with them at future practices.

"We had a pitcher from State's softball team come to practice today," Amanda revealed as she ate dinner with her mother. "Her name is Tanya and she's real pretty. I think she made Rachel jealous."

"Really? I thought Rachel didn't like Hick. Why would Rachel be jealous?" Jen asked, curious about how Amanda would explain it.

"Really, Mom?" replied Amanda with a roll of her eyes. "Hick is like super good looking. He's real buff and he's a nice guy. Rachel keeps yelling at him and complaining, but she knows how hot he is. Beth thinks she's just playing hard to get, but Liz thinks Rachel really does hate Hick."

"What do you think?" Jen asked.

"Rachel's acting like a witch to him, so I think he might date Tanya. She made it pretty plain that she liked him," Amanda stated before biting into her steak.

Later that evening, Jen called her friend, June Bailey. "Amanda tells me that Rachel is still pretty cold to Hick. I don't know how she can keep from throwing herself at him. He's very handsome and a true gentleman."

"I know," June agreed. "He actually backed Trey when some bullies tried to start a fight with him at The Rusty Spoon last Saturday. Trey said they left pretty fast when Hick told them to deal him into the fray.

"Her sisters think I should invite him to Sunday dinner, but Rachel swore she wouldn't come if he was there. I'm calling him tomorrow. It isn't always about her. Everyone wants to thank Hick for coming to Trey's defense."

Hick was surprised when June Bailey called him the next afternoon. He was more surprised when she invited him to Sunday dinner.

"Mrs. Bailey, I'm not exactly Rachel's favorite person. She flat out told me to stay away from her family, so I don't think it would be a good idea."

"Rachel doesn't make our family decisions," June replied firmly. "Her sisters and their husbands want to meet the guy who helped Trey out Saturday at the diner. Gerald, my husband, would like to thank you, too. I won't take 'no' for an answer."

"Okay, I'll be there, but Rachel won't be happy. Blood may fly," Hick warned.

"So it was you who helped Trey!" June exclaimed. "I was pretending I knew it was you, but I wasn't sure. Now I am. We're in your debt. If those three tough guys didn't scare you, I don't think Rachel can do much damage. We'll see you Sunday!"

The team had its first game Wednesday. The girls played pretty well considering how little practice they had, but dropped the game 6-0. The girls moped back to the bench after congratulating the winners.

That was when a pizza delivery guy approached them with a stack of pizza boxes. "I have six pizzas here for The Cardinals. Are you ladies Cardinals?"

Hick chuckled as at least a dozen girls enthusiastically responded in the positive. The guy placed the pizzas on the bench and then looked around. "Is the other team The Blue Jays? I have pizza for them, too."

The girls were quite surprised when the man said he also had pizzas for the other team, but not nearly as surprised as the other team and its coaches. Once they were told that the pizzas were courtesy of The Cardinals, the coaches had the girls call out a cheer for The Cardinals.

The girls were soon chatting with each other and their parents as they devoured the pizza. The conversation was about how glad they were to have Hick as their coach.

"See what a cool coach we have? He even bought pizzas for the other team!" Beth exclaimed to her mother.

"Girls! Don't give me all the credit here. Rachel was involved in this, so be sure to thank her as well," Hick declared as Rachel struggled to conceal her surprise.

"Sorry, Coach Rachel," apologized Beth. "You're the best two coaches in the league. Thanks!"

The rest of the players and many of the parents chimed in expressing their appreciation for the generosity of the coaches. Rachel and Hick both smiled and thanked the girls for working so hard and making the game so much fun.

"How much do I owe you?" Rachel demanded once she was alone with Hick as they loaded the equipment. "Don't ever do something like that again. I can't afford to buy a dozen pizzas every game and I seriously doubt you can either."

"You don't owe me anything. I did it for the girls. I wanted you to share in the pleasure and credit. You've worked hard to help the team. Just smile at the girls and be gracious," Hick replied as he tossed softballs into a canvas bag. "A few pizzas won't break me."

Rachel studied Hick's face to determine if he was serious. He had just spent nearly two hundred dollars on the girls. She had even seen him tip the delivery guy two twenty-dollar bills. How could he afford it? As far as anyone knew, he was unemployed. Rachel realized she knew very little about the man and it might be worth the effort to find out more.

At the Friday night game, Hick saw progress in his players. He surprised everyone when he stopped the game in the third inning to have Cynthia Porter pinch hit for Amanda. The bases were loaded with two outs. Cynthia was a shy, slightly overweight girl. She was slow footed, so Hick had played her at first base in their previous game. He had promised all the girls they would never sit more than half a game.

Amanda had shown some improvement with a bat, so parents and players wondered why Hick would seemingly risk the outcome of the game to put Cynthia in. He briefly led her off to the side and spoke quietly to the girl.

"I want you to swing hard at the first three pitches. The coach just put in their best pitcher. She throws strikes, so just start your swing as she begins her pitch. Today we're having ice cream after the game. No matter what happens, you get to be first in line."

Hick hoped that talking about ice cream after the game would help the girl realize that he wouldn't be upset as long as she tried her hardest.

True to form, the new pitcher sent a BB right down the middle of the plate on the first pitch. No one was more surprised than Hick when Cynthia connected solidly. The ball jumped off the bat and rocketed over the first baseman's head. By the time the right fielder retrieved the ball and got it back to the infield, Cynthia was standing on second and all three base runners had crossed the plate.

She beamed as her teammates, joined my most of the parents, cheered and yelled their approval. That was their last score as the new pitcher shut the team down afterward. The final score was 4-3 with The Cardinals on the short end, but the girls were pleased with their performance.

"They were the best team last year and we only lost by one run!" Beth exclaimed between gulps of soft ice cream. "Did you see how hard Cynthia hit that ball? The first baseman was lucky she didn't get hit by it."

The girls were happily chatting at the local ice cream parlor when Hick noticed a tall athletic looking guy approach Rachel and hug her. He was upset with himself at how much that simple act bothered him.

"That's Lance Banks," whispered a voice in Hick's ear. He was surprised to find June Bailey standing close behind him. Apparently, she had seen where he was looking.

"He was several years ahead of Rachel in school. He's in his last year of law school now. He was the team quarterback in high school," she continued. "They dated a few times but never seemed to click. I don't think you have to worry about him."

"By that, do you mean..."

"He won't be able to take her away from you if you play your cards right," June assured. "Just be your charming self at dinner Sunday. Her sisters will be singing your praises. She'll come around."

"You're assuming that I'm interested in Rachel," Hick stated, rather than asking.

"Am I wrong?" June quipped with a sly smile.

Hick had closed on the estate shortly before Friday's softball game. He spent Saturday morning cleaning the small cabin. He planned on living in it while he had the old Victorian restored and modernized.

He had worked his contacts at the local dinner to find a reputable master carpenter as well as other dependable tradesmen and vendors. They were scheduled to begin work on Monday morning. Saturday afternoon, Hick decided to remove rotted boards from a wooden fence that lined the property.

It was a hot day and Hick was working without a shirt when a car pulled to a stop on the road near him.

"We heard this property has been sold," a pretty girl in the front passenger seat stated. "Could you tell us who bought it? Are you the owner?"

"Fat chance of that!" was a sarcastic retort from the rear of the car. "Hick probably still owes money on that twenty-year-old truck."

Hick quickly identified Rachel by her voice, as well as her sarcasm. It was apparent she enjoyed putting him down in front of her friends.

Rachel had been surprised to see Hick working on the decrepit fence on the old Higgins estate. As they approached him along the road, her friends had begun raving about his good looks and rugged physique.

"You know this guy, Rachel?" the girl in the front passenger seat demanded. "Why don't you introduce us? I'm Heather."

Without waiting for Rachel to say something, she had quickly climbed out of the car and offered Hick her hand. "You certainly are working hard. Would you like some water? Maybe a soda?"

Rachel exited the car and tried to gain control of her exuberant friend. "He's working, Heather. You can't flirt with every man you see, especially when they're trying to earn a living. Let's get going."

"He seems willing enough to relax for a few minutes," Heather responded. "Where and when did you meet this guy, and why haven't you mentioned him? Are you two dating?"

"We're coaching a girls' softball team together, which I did mention to you," Rachel replied. "I'm sorry Hick, but we have an appointment. We have to leave now, Heather!"

Rachel managed to herd Heather back into the car. They went to a restaurant where her friends spent the better part of the meal raving about Hick. Rachel had to admit that he was good looking, even if he seemed to lack any desire to get ahead.

June didn't try to conceal her annoyance Sunday morning when Rachel informed her that she had invited Lance to dinner as her guest. "Hick is coming for dinner! Why would you muddy the waters by inviting Lance?"

"There are no waters to muddy, Mom. I am not going to date Hick, ever. Lance has a good future. He's charming and good looking. You should be glad I'm interested in him," Rachel insisted.

"You invited Lance simply to make Hick uncomfortable at dinner. You're using Lance to embarrass Hick. This is not your best moment, Rachel."

"You're the one who insisted on inviting Hick in an attempt to embarrass me, Mother. When everyone sees Lance and him sitting at the same table, they won't be so impressed with Hick. That's really what bothers you. Besides, I'm not dating Hick, so there's no reason for him to be embarrassed or annoyed."

June was irked at Rachel's actions, but realized she was right. It wasn't June's place to promote Hick, or any other man, to Rachel. She just hoped things would not be too uncomfortable at dinner.

Rachel's sisters began grilling Hick as soon as he arrived. "Where do you live and what do you do? Does that small spiral tattoo on your hand represent anything?" were the first questions out of Christine after she greeted Hick.

"I'm staying, temporarily at least, in the small cabin on the old Higgins estate. The new owner is letting me live there in exchange for my labor in repairing whatever needs it," Hick responded. "The tattoo's the result of a dare from my cousin the summer we graduated from high school."

"Who's the owner of that property where you live?" Candace questioned. "That was a beautiful place when we were little. It looks kind of rundown now."

"It's owned by a company or a corporation, or something like that," he answered vaguely. "They've already hired people to remodel and restore the house. It won't be anything too drastic; mostly modernization, especially of the kitchen and bathrooms."

"I wonder if there's any connection between the Higgins property selling and the sale of L&H Manufacturing?" Christine's husband mused. "I heard they sold out. Everyone's wondering if it's going to continue operating, or if it'll be sold off in pieces. The machinery and property are worth more than the actual business, or so I've heard."

"That would be a huge blow to the area's economy," Rachel's dad, Gerald, observed. "There are at least a hundred and fifty people employed there. That's a lot of jobs for a small community like ours."

"Rachel and I are two of the employees," Christine explained to Hick. "They're helping Rachel go to night school at State. I'm an accountant. It was my first job and I'm still there after four years. I'd hate to have to look for a new job. It isn't a bad place to work, except they're falling behind the times. The equipment is getting older and needs to be modernized if we're going to compete with the bigger companies."

The conversation swung to other topics. Eventually, Rachel's sisters stopped questioning Hick. Rachel couldn't help but notice how they seemed to hang on his every word, as well as how they laughed too hard at his jokes.

Long before the dessert was served, June was chuckling to herself at how badly Rachel's ploy had backfired. Hick had arrived at the same time as Lance and the two men quickly became comfortable with each other.

As dinner had progressed, it had become obvious to June that Rachel's sisters and their husbands were enjoying Hick's company. To top that off, Lance seemed to be completely at ease with the situation. The two men discussed sports, travel experiences and just about everything else. They shared several funny anecdotes with the group. Lance Finally asked Hick how he came to coach the girls' softball team with Rachel.

"I was arrested for indecent exposure the first day I drove into Warren County. The deputy insisted I pull up my shorts and get into the cruiser immediately for a ride to court. Rachel was the only other defendant in the courtroom. Judge Stanford offered us community service in lieu of jail time, or in Rachel's case, losing her driving privileges."

"Indecent exposure?" Lance asked with obvious surprise. "That's a pretty serious charge, yet you're invited here to dinner and you're coaching teen girls. There must be more to the story."

"I had just finished changing a lady's flat tire in a downpour, and I was soaked to the bone. The rain stopped, so I decided to get out of my wet clothes and put on a pair of board shorts rather than get my truck seat wet. I opened the front and back doors on the passenger side of my truck to shield me from view and quickly stripped off my wet clothes. As I was stepping into a dry pair of board shorts, I was arrested by Deputy Connors for indecent exposure."

Everyone was listening intently as Hick told his tale. "It turned out Judge Stanford was the lady with the flat tire who I had just helped. I can't prove it, but judging from the conversations I heard, the judge told the deputy to pick me up on some trumped-up traffic charge. Officer Connors adlibbed and nabbed me for indecent exposure. I'm pretty sure it was a setup to find coaches for the Judge's daughter's team."

"That's illegal as hell," declared Lance. "You could win a big lawsuit if you're right about that."

"There's no record of any of it, I'm sure," Hick replied with a grin. "Besides, I'm really enjoying the kids, as well as meeting their parents and other members of the community. I almost forgot to mention that Rachel asked the judge since I was such a deviant, what she should do if I tried to spank the monkey at practice."

"Sis! You asked Aunt Jen that?" Christine marveled as everyone at the table erupted into laughter.

"Hick makes it sound bad, but I only said it after the court warned him to not choke the chicken or make the bald man cry when he was around the girls," Rachel revealed to even louder laughter. "I almost forgot! Aunt Jen also warned him about wrestling the eel!"

By that time, Rachel's sisters had tears running down their cheeks from laughing so hard. June was almost as bad, while her husband tried to keep a straight face.

"Hick, have you been able to avoid interacting with the eel, the chicken, the monkey and the bald man?" Christine asked with a big grin.

"I have, at least when I'm around the girls," Hick responded with a straight face. His response caused another round of laughter.

Once the dessert was finished, Lance stood and thanked his hosts. "Rachel and I are going to take in that new science fiction movie, so we have to get going. I had a great time. It was good to see everyone again, and to meet you, Hick. We need to get together for a round of golf and a couple beers sometime."

Once Rachel and Lance left, everyone moved to the living room and chatted for another hour before Hick bid them goodnight. As soon as they saw Hick's truck start down the driveway, Rachel's sisters began raving about him.

"Mom, is that guy for real? How can Rachel resist him?" Christine asked. "He's handsome as hell, funny, smart and charming. Lance is an okay guy, but Hick is amazing."

"He really was well versed on a variety of subjects," Christine's husband observed. "Hell, even Lance liked him. Instead of making Hick uncomfortable, it looked like they struck up a bro-mance."

"That's what I've been telling Rachel," June agreed. "She thinks he's some kind of loser because of his name and the truck he drives. It's quite apparent he's educated and very capable."

As Rachel sat next to Lance at the movie, she couldn't stop thinking about Hick. It had been extremely obvious that her entire family enjoyed Hick. He had been funny, personable, and modest. Her sisters couldn't stop looking at him and their husbands seemed to genuinely like him. Even Lance spoke well of Hick on the ride to the theater. What was it about Hick that she didn't like? Rachel pondered that question as she sat through a movie she didn't actually watch.

As the softball season went along, Hick and Rachel noticed a real improvement in the girls' skills. In their third week of play, the girls won their first game. They were jubilant; although Hick made sure they demonstrated good sportsmanship toward the losers. By the end of the season, the team had a 4 and 10 record, with two of the loses by just a single run.

It was a warm summer day when the girls, along with parent chaperones, boarded a chartered bus for the two-hour trip to a water park. Once they hit the park, the girls took off in small groups, each with at least one chaperone. Hick found himself standing alone as he watched the girls disappear into the park.

He decided to take advantage of the situation and stroll around the park. He immediately saw numerous attractive women in swim suits. He realized it was going to be a good day, since he had seen many of them before he had even left the parking lot.

Hick happened on several of the girls on the team waiting in line at a long water slide. He decided to hang out and see how the girls enjoyed their ride. As he stood there, several college age girls in bikinis stopped near him. Soon they were engaging him in conversation. Hick was no stranger to the age-old art of seduction, but while the young women were attractive, it was obvious they had been drinking. He had no interest in hooking up with a woman whose judgment might be impaired, regardless of how attractive she might be.

"There you are, Hick! I've been looking for you," Rachel proclaimed as she walked past the three women and took his arm in hers. "You promised to do this ride with me, so let's get in line."

Hick was initially surprised at Rachel's actions, but quickly realized she was simply saving him from the trouble of trying to extricate himself from the overfriendly girls. As soon as they reached the line for the ride, Hick thanked her.

"I owe you for getting me away from those girls. They were three sheets in the wind and pretty aggressive. I really appreciate it. You don't have to go on the ride with me if you don't want. I see that they've just left for greener pastures."

"That's not very flattering," Rachel replied. "Would you go on this ride with me? I hate going alone."

"Of course. I'd love it. I just thought you might not want to be around me, and certainly not be seen having fun with me," Hick reasoned.

"One ride shouldn't destroy what little reputation I have left. Being seen with a good-looking guy really can't be too bad."

Hick looked closely at Rachel as she spoke. She seemed to be complimenting him, which would be a first. He studied her face until she became uncomfortable.

"Why are you looking at me like? Did I do something wrong? If you don't want to go on the ride with me, just say so."

"I was just marveling at how beautiful you are," Hick replied earnestly. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"Oh! I didn't expect that," Rachel admitted with a blush. "In that case, you can stare all you want."

Rachel had been giving Hick a great deal of thought. She realized she had been reluctant to become friendly with him for two reasons. The first was that he reminded her of Tim Barnes, and he was one person she wanted to forget.

The other reason was he was always so vague about details of his childhood, family and career. She had seen enough to know he was much more than a handyman working for his keep.

She realized that avoiding Hick would not allow her to learn more about him, and even though he reminded her of Tim, he seemed far more mature and respectful than Tim had been. She hated to admit it, even to herself, but she was attracted to Hick. She just hoped he didn't turn out to be another disaster.

Rachel enjoyed standing in line with Hick and chatting with him. She clutched his hand while they were on the ride and he seemed fine with it. Once the ride ended, two of the girls from the team suddenly appeared. They insisted Rachel go with them on a different ride. Once again, Hick was left to his own devices so he casually wandered around the park, taking in the sights, mostly of scantily clad women.

An hour or so later, Hick saw Rachel climb out of one of the pools. Beth and Amanda had been with her, but they quickly joined up with two other girls from the team and headed for the next ride.

As he watched, Hick saw two young men move close to Rachel and attempt conversation. She was in a fairly modest bikini, but her figure was an eye-catcher. It seemed to Hick the guys were being a little too aggressive with their attentions and Rachel was looking for a way to remove herself from their company. He decided to move closer and offer Rachel an excuse to get away from her admirers.

Rachel's eyes lit up when she saw him headed toward her. "Hick! I've been wondering where you were. How about taking me for that burger you promised?"

As she spoke, Rachel stepped between the two guys and hugged Hick. "Get me away from those two, please," she whispered softly into Hick's ear.

Hick threw his arm over Rachel's shoulder and began leading her away. He felt a thrill as his hands came in contact with Rachel's bare skin. Girls hadn't affected him like that since high school, but there was no denying how he enjoyed having his arm around Rachel.

They spent the rest of the day together. On their way to the bus to leave for home, Rachel stopped Hick as they were leisurely walking and stepped closer. Hick would have to been deaf, dumb and blind to not realize that Rachel expected him to kiss her, so he did exactly that.

Their lips only touched for seconds. Hick decided he wanted more and pulled Rachel closer and kissed her again. Rachel offered no resistance as her arms found their way around his neck.

"Look at our coaches!" Beth shouted from somewhere nearby. "They acted like they hated each other, but they're kissing!"

Rachel broke the kiss and pulled away from Hick. She was flushed as she flashed a huge smile to the girls.

"We never hated each other," she explained. "We just didn't know each other very well. We're getting along better now."

"Is Coach Rachel your girlfriend?" Amanda asked.

"If it were up to me, she would be," Hick replied as he searched Rachel's face for any indication she might agree.

"We're just friends for now, Amanda," the still smiling Rachel responded. "We need to know each other better before we commit to any sort of relationship."

"Isn't that what dating is for?" Beth asked. "You learn about each other when you date?"

"Well, since you put it that way, it is why people date. I'm just not ready to be anyone's girlfriend and Hick needs to know more about me before he even considers being my boyfriend. We're just friends for now."

Hick was slightly disappointed with Rachel's response to the girls' questions, but soon forgot about it when Rachel sat next to him as the bus pulled out of the parking lot.

"There are a few things you need to know about me, Hick," Rachel stated. "When I was in the Marines, I met a guy. I thought I was in love with him. This isn't easy to tell, but I'm trying to be as honest as possible here.

"He was a Marine, too. We dated for about six months before I slept with him. I thought he loved me as much as I loved him. I was wrong. He had made a bet with some buddies that he could get me into bed. Once he did, he showed them a few pictures he had taken of me in bed without my knowledge or consent. Then he dumped me. The last two years of my enlistment were hell. Everywhere I went, people knew I was the slut who slept with Tim Barnes. He was treated like a hero, but I was a round-heeled slut. Funny how that works.

"I had intended to make the Marines a career, but once that happened, I couldn't get out fast enough," Rachel admitted. "So you see, I'm not the nice girl you might think I am. I'm not very trusting of men and I won't be having sex with you. You may want to find someone else."

"I'm sorry you had that experience, but not all men are like that asshole," Hick insisted. "You really are a nice girl. No reasonable man would expect you to be a virgin. We don't have to have sex to enjoy each other's company. I'd like to be your friend and see if we connect."

"We can try that, but I know what all men want. You're obviously all man, so I doubt you'll be content with an occasional kiss for very long," Rachel reasoned.

"Truthfully? I think I can hold off as long as you can," Hick replied carefully. "You're a beautiful young woman. You won't be content with that occasional kiss any longer than I will. If everything else clicks, we'll know when the time is right."

"Just don't get your hopes up," Rachel responded. "I've no intention of repeating the mistake I made with that jerk."

When Rachel walked into her parents' house shortly after 9 PM, she was surprised to see her two sisters chatting with their mom. All three turned to her with big grins on their faces.

"Tell us all about it," June insisted. "What did you talk about? How did he get you to kiss him?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Rachel replied with a straight face.

"Jen sent me a picture Amanda took of you and Hick. It looks like you're getting along with him quite well," June added.

Rachel looked at her mom and sisters and realized they were not being cruel. Rather, they were honestly interested in her possible romance. That allowed her to relax and break into a smile.

"He had some drunk girls trying to get into his shorts, so I rescued him from that situation. An hour or so later, a couple of players had me cornered when Hick showed up and whisked me away. We spent the rest of the day together."

"He must like you if he was happy that you pried him away from some girls trying to get into his shorts," a laughing Christine observed. "Did you kiss him first?"

"We were walking back to the bus and I realized if I didn't do something soon, nothing would ever happen, at least not tonight. We're the coaches and chaperones for the trip, so we couldn't set a bad example by necking on the bus. I just stopped walking and turned toward him.

"He got the hint real quick and kissed me. Then he pulled me closer and really kissed me!" Rachel added. "He's very good."

"Well, duh!" Christine retorted. "The guy's a walking wet dream. Did he ask you out? Did he try to get you to go back to his place for some personal time?"

"No, he was a complete gentleman," Rachel replied. "He kept his hands to himself and never so much as suggested we go to his place. I had already told him about Tim Barnes and how we wouldn't be having sex."

"You told him that?" Candace marveled. "That sounds a bit restrictive for a red-blooded man interested in a beautiful woman. How did he take it?"

"He was fine, although he indicated he thought I might change my mind and weaken before he did. Do you think he's egotistical?"

"I think he's a normal guy," Candace replied with a chuckle. "I wouldn't want to bet against his chances. He's really good looking and his personality isn't bad either."

Rachel's phone vibrated. She picked it up and quickly broke into a smile. "Hello, Hick. Did you miss me already?

"...Sure, I'd be glad to go to dinner with you. I love Italian food so that'll work fine. I'll be ready by seven."

"Tell Hick he's invited here for dinner on Sunday. He can come any time after three," June interrupted.

"You heard her?" Rachel asked. "Yeah, I was telling Mom and my sisters about my day. They'd already seen a picture that Amanda took. You were taking advantage of me. Now they think I like you. I'll tell Mom you're coming Sunday. See you tomorrow night."

"Sis, Hick really likes you," Christine stated as she pointed out the obvious. "He called you for a date pretty quick. It's so nice to see you with a good guy."

"I just hope he's for real," Rachel replied. "I don't know if I could survive another ordeal like Tim Barnes put me through. I told Hick about it. He said it would be unreasonable to expect me to be a virgin. He doesn't seem to feel that I'm a loose woman."

"One lover does not a loose woman make," Candace declared. "You're twenty-five years old. A lot of women your age have had a dozens of hook-ups. I'm sure a guy as good looking as Hick has had a few willing women in his bed."

"I wish you hadn't mentioned that," groaned Rachel. "He's probably an expert. He'll think I'm pathetic."

"I hope you're talking about your honeymoon," June stated with a straight face.

"I didn't mean I was going to sleep with him anytime soon, Mom," Rachel explained. "I was just saying that if I ever did, he'd know what an inexperienced lover I am. He'd..."

"Love you all the more for it," June finished. "He isn't asking you out for sex. I'm sure it's occurred to him, but he's interested in you, Sweetheart. He wants to know more about you. He likes what he's seen so far. That's obvious. Sex isn't a contest. He's a very considerate man. I'm sure he'll be patient and gentle. Just don't rush it."

"Wow, Mom! You've given this some thought," Christine said with a laugh. "You really like the guy, don't you?"

"I approve of Rachel dating him, if that's what you're asking," June responded. "Everything he's done so far has been appropriate for a man looking for a wife. He's courteous to your father and me. He and Trey get along fine and he likes you girls and your husbands. He checks all the boxes for me as a mother-in-law."

"Mom! We're going on our first date. It doesn't mean we'll be getting married in a couple of weeks," Rachel insisted.

"Rachel, you and Hick have been dating since the day you met," June replied with a smile. "Maybe they weren't official dates, but you've been doing things together for a couple months. He's infatuated with you and it's pretty obvious you're very fond of him."

"You think he's infatuated with me? Why do you think that?" Rachel quizzed.

"Go fishing much, Sis?" Candace asked jokingly. "I'm giving Christine a ride home and it's time for us to go. We can't hang around and listen to the hundred ways Hick loves Rachel."

Rachel wound up going out with Hick three times that week. They often ran into people Rachel knew from school and work, and Rachel was always proud to be seen with him. All her girlfriends thought she had found a winner.

Sunday before going to her parents' house for dinner, Hick drove Rachel out to the small cabin on his estate. It only took a few minutes for him to show her the entire place.

"It's a charming cabin, but why are you showing it to me? You don't expect me to sleep here, or move in with you, do you?" Rachel asked. "I like you but I'm not ready for any big commitment. Besides, you keep telling me you have a job lined up, but so far you haven't done anything but work on this property. You don't plan on making a living as a caretaker, do you?"

"Walk with me up to the big house. I want to show you the property," Hick replied with an enigmatic smile.

Rachel loved the property. She raved about the stables and the tennis court, but was suddenly silent when she looked at the pool. It had been totally remodeled with new tile and furniture.

"This is beautiful! The pool is huge and so private. The owners are going to be very happy here."

"Rachel, I'm the owner," Hick stated succinctly.

He waited as Rachel stared at him while she tried to determine if he was serious or making a joke. She finally came to a conclusion.

"You're serious, aren't you?"

"I am. I know we're just beginning to date, but you've expressed doubts about my ability to care for you, my lack of planning for the future. I respect that and understand why it matters to you. Security is very important, especially to women. I can afford to live here and support a family. I wanted you to know that."

"I heard this sold for over two million. Where did you get that kind of money?" Rachel asked fairly calmly as she gazed at her surroundings with greater appreciation.

"I'm a trust fund kid. When I turned 26 this spring, it was turned over to me. The old truck I drive was my grandfather's. I was given the keys to it the same day as the trust fund became mine."

"You don't act like you're rich. If anything, you seem pretty unconcerned about money. Is that because you have so much?"

"My father and grandfather made me work growing up. I was given an allowance as long as I did my chores. In high school, Dad had me get a job stocking shelves. He wasn't mean. He just wanted me to understand that working was important and honorable. He was afraid I'd become one of those worthless trust fund babies you always hear about.

"I like working. I studied business in college because I knew I was going to be handling large sums of money and needed to understand my limits and responsibilities. I bought this property because I want to live and raise a family here. I thought my future wife and kids would enjoy it," Hick concluded.

"The wife and kids?" Rachel repeated as she arched her eyebrows in a question.

"I don't have any of those things, at the moment, but I expect to. This is where we'll live. Let me show you the house," Hick offered.

Rachel mulled over Hick's comment as she walked with him to the home. Once inside, she quickly forgot about it as she marveled at the refurbished home.

"I still have to get furniture, appliances, flooring and have every room painted, but you can get the general idea. The construction phase should be done within a week or two and then the decorating and painting begin."

"You've done an amazing job," Rachel praised as she looked around. "Increasing the size and number of bathrooms was a great idea. It's going to be perfect. Is it okay if I tell everyone about your property? Can I take some pictures with my phone to show my family?"

"Sure. One of the things I like the most about you is how close you are to your family. That tells me a lot about the kind of person you are."

Rachel studied his face as she considered his remark. For some reason, she felt a warm glow. He really was a far different man than Tim Barnes, and far better.

As Rachel passed the potatoes to her sister at their Sunday dinner, she quietly stated, "Hick was showing me his property today. It's really going to be local attraction. It's got everything."

Christine swung her full attention to Rachel. "Are you talking about the cute little cabin Hick lives in on the old Higgins estate?"

"Well, yes, at least partly. Hick's the person who bought the estate. He's having the house remodeled. It really is quite beautiful. The swimming pool is already refurbished."

Conversation suddenly stopped as Rachel's family considered what they had just been told. Rachel grinned when she saw Christine and Candace exchange glances.

June was the first to speak. "You bought the Higgins estate? I heard it sold for over two million dollars. Did you really buy it?"

"I fell in love with it the first time the realtor showed it to me. I made my offer the same day. It's taking some time, but everything is looking good so far," Hick responded.

"Let me get this straight," Christine insisted. "You're great looking, a really nice guy, good with kids, and you're wealthy?"

"It sounds like you approve of my boyfriend," Rachel observed dryly.

"Now he's your boyfriend?" Candace demanded. "I thought you were filled with misgivings and doubt. It sounds like you've come around."

"I have," Rachel admitted. "I like Hick. I like doing things with him. He always treats me with respect. Can't a girl change her mind?"

"Hell, yes," Christine's husband chimed in. "That's a woman's prerogative. We all know that."

Hick answered questions about his plans for the property for the rest of the dinner. Rachel delighted in showing everyone the pictures she had taken. Hick appreciated the interest shown by the family and even picked up some good suggestions on how to make the property even more attractive and functional.​