Page 44 of Tiger's Quest
“Right, I’m full of integrity. See ya around, Artie.”
“Wait, Kelsey. You haven’t returned my phone calls, so I assume your answering machine is not working. It’s going to be hard to fit you in, but I believe I have next Wednesday available.”
He picked up his pencil and his planner and was already scribbling my name down.How could he ignore the very large man behind me?
“Look, Artie, I’m seeing someone else now.”
“I don’t think you’ve thought this out clearly, Kelsey. The date we had was very special, and I felt a real connection. I’m sure if you reconsidered, you would see that you should be going out withme.” He glanced at Ren briefly. “I amclearlythe best option.”
Exasperated, I said, “Artie!”
He shoved his glasses up again and stared me down, willing me to give in with his eyes.
At that point, Ren stepped between us. Artie reluctantly dragged his eyes away from me and looked at Ren with distaste. The two men were such a contrast that I couldn’t help comparing them. Where Artie was soft, jowly, and paunchy in the middle, Ren was lean and big in the chest and arms.And, having seen his incredible torso without a shirt on, I could also vouch for him having fantastically chiseled abs, as well. He could easily grind Artie into the ground.
Artie was pasty white and hairy-armed with a red nose and watery eyes. Ren could stop traffic. Andhad.Literally. He was a golden-bronzed Adonis come to life. I’d frequently seen girls trip over the sidewalk and bump into trees when he walked by. None of these qualities fazed Artie. He was supremely self-confident. He boldly stood his ground and was completely uncowed by Ren’s awesomeness.
Artie droned nasally, “And who mightyoube?”
“I am the man Kelsey’s dating.”
Artie’s expression was incredulous. He peered down at me around Ren’s shoulder and said snidely, “You would rather date thisbarbarianthan me? Perhaps I’ve misjudged your character. You obviously make questionable choices based purely on lustful impulses. I thought you were of a higher moral caliber, Kelsey.”
“Really, Art—” I started.
Ren stuck his face very close to Artie’s and threatened quietly, “Donotinsult her again. The young lady has made her position clear. If I ever hear that you are hounding her or any other young woman again, I will come back and make your lifeveryuncomfortable.”
He stabbed Artie’s day planner with his finger. “Perhaps you’d better write that down so you don’t forget. You should also make a note to yourself that Kelsey will not be available again.Ever.”
I’d never seen Ren from this perspective before. He was lethal. I would be shaking in my shoes if I were Artie. But, as usual, Artie was oblivious to everything except himself. He didn’t see the dangerous predator lurking behind Ren’s eyes. Ren’s nostrils were flared. His eyes were fixed on his target. His muscles were taut. He was ready to pounce. To mangle. Tokill.
I put my hand on his arm, and the change was instantaneous. He let out a tense breath, relaxed his stance, and slid a hand on top of mine, covering it with his.
I squeezed his hand. “Come on. Let’s go.”
He opened my car door for me, and after making sure I was buckled in, he leaned in and said, “How about a kiss?”
“No. You didn’t need to act so jealous. You don’t deserve a kiss after that.”
“Ah, but you do.” He grinned and kissed me until I changed my mind.
Ren was quiet on our drive home. “What are you thinking?” I asked.
“I’m thinking that maybe I should buy a bow tie and a sweater-vest since you seem to like them so much.”
I laughed and punched him on the arm.
Later that week, I saw Ren engaged in a serious conversation with a pretty Indian girl. Ren seemed a little perturbed. I was wondering who the girl was when I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Jason.
“Hey, Kelsey.” He joined me on the steps and followed my gaze. “Trouble in paradise, huh?”
I laughed. “No. So what’s up with you?”
“Not much,” he replied, digging into his backpack and handing me a theater magazine. “Here’s a copy of that article. The one with your picture in it.”
On the magazine cover was a picture of Jason and me standing next to the car. My hand was on the old lady’s arm as she thanked me. I looked awful.Like I’d been hit by a car.
Jason suddenly stood up. “Uh, you can keep it, Kelsey. Catch ya later,” he called over his shoulder as Ren approached.
