"Okay, doctor," she said amicably. "Why didn't it work out?"
He shrugged. "I really don't know," he said thinking. "It was just one of those things. We never fought, we just... drifted apart Actually, there was never that... spark, you know what I mean? I guess I always knew that we would never marry. And so did she."
She nodded.
"In retrospect, I think we were both too much alike. There wasn't enough... balance."
"Was she in medicine?" He nodded. "A surgeon. And, just FYI, she was a couple of years older than me." He took a sip of his tea. "So much for your theory of my dating younger women. Although," he said, hesitating, "I have to admit I've been out with a few younger women since my breakup with Robin."
"Playing the field?"
"Not really. I just... well, my time is pretty valuable to me. I don't have much of it. And I've decided not to keep seeing a woman when I know we're not right for each other. I learned that lesson."
Kim nodded. She understood. After all, she felt the same way--which unfortunately, meant that she usually ended up spending the holidays by herself-- or worse, sitting across from a blind date.
"What about you?" he asked. "Any marriages in your past? Close calls?"
She shook her head and furrowed her brow, thinking. "I was serious with someone earlier this year, but it didn't work out"
"Too bad."
She shook her head. "Well, not really serious. I guess I should qualify by saying serious for me, which is probably casual for you... am I making sense?" "How many dates?"
"Dates? I don't know. A lot."
"Let me ask you this: Did he ask you out for Saturday night or was it just assumed you were doing something?"
"Assumed."
"Sounds pretty serious."
Kim laughed.
At just that moment, Geena walked into the room and let out a deep bark, causing them both to jump. Tony laughed and shook his head. "Sometimes she just does that. For no reasom"
Kim smiled at him.
"What do you think of dogs?" he asked.
"Do you mean, do I like them? Or what does it mean when a guy has a dog?"
"Both."
"Yes, I like them and yes, it's a very good sign. About commitment," she added quickly. "Helps to make up for the lack of furniture."
Tony nodded and grinned. He shook his head as if in admiration. "You know, I'm getting the impression that you have a wild, stubborn streak yourself."
Kim laughed. "I think you're right--on one account, at least. But I'm definitely not wild. I'm the type of girl who goes to bed at nine o'clock."
"Nine o'clock sharp?"
"Every night. And you?"
"I burn the midnight oil"
"See? Wild man."
"Yeah. I'm usually out escorting college girls around town or doing transplants," he joked. "I alternate nights." He paused, looking at her as if he was deciding on something. "You know, Kim," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I really didn't ask you in to get your opinion on those plastic... things," he said, nodding toward the dining room where the snowman and Santa were stored. "They're a joke present for one of the administrators at the hospital."
Kim started to smile.
"But I'll have you know, I was impressed by how... delicate you were about your disapproval."
"So," she said carefully. "Why did you ask me in?"
He glanced back at the fire. "I guess I just want to get to know you better. Most of the people... or rather women... that I meet are somehow connected to the hospital. It's not often I get to spend time with an artist."
She nodded. "So you like my profession." He shook his head. "I like you," he said softly. He sighed. "I just... well, it's a little awkward. The fact that you're Harold Risson's daughter."
"I'm of age," she volunteered. "Barely, of course."
"I know, but it could still be awkward."
She shrugged. "As you're aware, he and I have had our differences." She hesitated as she put down her teacup. "I've been making up my own mind for years."
Tony turned toward her and brushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. "There's that wild streak again."
She felt a tingling down her spine. He had a gaze that made her want to melt into his leather bachelor- pad sofa. Suddenly, Tony leaned forward and kissed her. Kim kissed him back, welcoming his tongue as it slid inside her mouth. But when he gently began to push her back on the couch, she broke away.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
"I... I'm not sure I'm ready for this... for us," she stammered. "Not that we're an us, or anything," she added quickly. She didn't want him to think that she was assuming they were about to begin a relationship. For all she knew, he was interested in a one-night stand. "It's just that I've got a lot on my plate right now... with my dad and everything. I'm not going to be in town that long, and I'm not looking for a fling. I just..."
He put his index finger to her lips. "It's all right," he whispered, pulling her in to him. "You should know that if I was looking for a fling, I wouldn't choose Harold Risson's daughter." That's right, he realized. He wouldn't. So what was he doing here with her if he wasn't looking for just a casual friendship? Perhaps, just perhaps, it was because he knew that Kim Risson was special.
Tony smiled sweetly and slowly pulled away from her. "I know you've been through a lot recently. We'll take it as slow as you want. There's no rush."