ESCORT FOR HIRE by Ruth D. Kerce (Copyright © 2001, all rights reserved)       Sharon snapped her jeweled purse closed and took one last look at herself in the mirror. The black, sequined dress she wore had cost a small fortune, but the price was worth it. She looked great, if she did say so herself. Now where was he?       A glance at the clock showed it was getting late. He was due in exactly two minutes. If he didn't show, she didn't know what she'd do. A thousand excuses clogged her mind. She'd just have to pick one to tell everyone why she was dateless tonight ... or not go.       The doorbell chimed, and her stomach flipped over. Relief mixed with nervousness. She had to be crazy to think she could pull this off and fool people. But it was too late now to change plans.       With a last pat to her hair, she pulled open the door. Clad in an expensive suit and tie, stood a man she was sure had just stepped off the cover of GQ.       A look of surprise crossed his face, then a small smile tugged at his mouth. His full lips drew Sharon's complete attention. Of course, he was studly. Just what she'd ordered. It had taken a full two weeks' pay, too.       "Sharon?" he asked in a husky voice.       "Ye-Yes," she stammered, then swallowed hard. This was no big deal. She stepped back from the door. "Come in. I just need to get my wrap."       As she turned, she felt warm fingers curl around her elbow. "One moment," he said, and she heard the door close behind her. A combination of apprehension and expectation fluttered in her stomach.       Her heart pounding like a drum, she turned toward him, and he immediately released her. Without his skin touching hers, she managed to maintain her emotional control. "Is something wrong?" He couldn't have changed his mind-it was his job.       "Shouldn't we get our story straight before we leave?"       "Story?"       "Yes, Sharon." His smile was a little too indulgent, as if he was speaking to a child. "I'm sure you don't want to introduce me as your hired escort from Studs 'R Us."       She felt a blush heat her cheeks. "Of course. I wasn't thinking."       He crossed his arms and leaned back against the door. "This is a class reunion, right?"       She nodded. "I know it seems silly, but I just couldn't show up alone." She clamped her mouth shut. She'd said too much. Her reasons were none of his business.       "I've done reunions before. They can be tricky."       A wave of depression bore down on her, and she fought to control her feelings. "Maybe I shouldn't go." This was ridiculous. She shouldn't have to impress anyone, especially old classmates whom she never liked that much to begin with anyway.       He pushed away from the door. "Now, now." The pad of his thumb wiped away a tear that rolled down her cheek. "None of that. Are you still in contact with anyone who might show up tonight? Anyone who knows about your personal life or who you might be dating?"       "Some, but we're not really good friends, just acquaintances."       "All right. Then the closer we stick to the truth the better." He thought a moment. "We can say we met at a social engagement about a month ago. That way it won't look strange if we don't know everything about each other ... just in case we get trapped by a bunch of personal questions."       "Okay ... I guess." She grabbed her wrap.       Before she slipped it on, he gently removed it from her grasp and draped it over her shoulders. "Relax, Sharon," he whispered in her ear. "You're going to have a wonderful time."       She wasn't so sure.       "Sharon Howell just came in," Josey whispered to Lyle.       "So? Why should I care? She's probably still a loser." Lyle nodded to a couple of his old friends.       "Check out the hunk of meat she's with."       Sharon's heart began to race, and she dug her fingernails into the masculine arm she was clinging to.       "Ow ... what?"       She loosened her grip. "Lyle Anderson is headed our way. Merciless bastard."       "Sharon!" Lyle greeted. "I'm so glad you came." He openly examined her escort. "Don't tell me this is your old man. Doesn't seem your type."       "Well, no. I mean, he's not my husband."       "Of course not. I didn't think so."       Sharon looked up when her escort's arm tensed. He looked angry - the muscle in his jaw was ticking.       "I'm still trying to convince her," he suddenly said, moving his arm from her grip to slide around her shoulders.       Lyle looked at them as if unconvinced. "Aren't you going to introduce us?" he asked in a voice just a little too superior sounding for Sharon's taste.       Panic swiftly set in as she stared at Lyle. She didn't know her escort's name! She hadn't even thought to ask. Stupid, stupid, stupid!       As she opened her mouth to change the subject, he stuck out his hand. "Crandall Elliot."       Sharon breathed a sigh of relief. "Crandall, this is Lyle Anderson."       After boasting about his high school football career and his recent monetary contributions to the school, Lyle finally excused himself. When he glanced back over his shoulder with narrowed eyes, Crandall lightly kissed Sharon on the cheek, then whispered in her ear, "What a jerk."       The jolt of electricity that shot through her body at the feel of his lips shut out all other awareness. She knew he'd spoken, but hadn't heard the words, just the deep sound of his voice. "Um, what? Sorry."       He chuckled next to her ear. "Do you think we fooled him?"       "I don't know." She turned toward him. "Is that your real name, Crandall?"       "Of course. But call me Cray. All my friends do." He grabbed her hand. "I think a dance is in order. What's the story with you and Lyle?"       As Cray drew her into his arms, she had a hard time concentrating on his question. His warmth, scent, and strength enveloped her. "It's just a stupid teenage thing."       "I like stupid teenage things. Tell."       Sharon laughed, despite the painful memory. "Well ... I was a bit geeky in high school." She glanced up at him, then averted her eyes.       "I find that hard to believe." Cray pulled her closer, making their dance and conversation more intimate.       She leaned into him, feeling safer in his arms than she had ever felt in her life. "He asked me out our senior year." She paused, then when Cray didn't comment, she continued. "I was skeptical, of course, but finally relented. I should have known someone like him wouldn't really date someone like me without a reason."       Cray's hand, which had been tracing a small circle along her lower back, stopped and stiffened. He nuzzled her ear. "Go on."       "We went out a couple of times, then he dumped me right in front of all his jock friends. Seems it was some kind of date-a-geek contest. They all got a good laugh out of it and tortured me over it for the rest of the school year." She pulled back and looked into Cray's eyes. "I suddenly don't feel like staying. Take me home?"       "Running away?"       "No." She glanced around. "Not really. I did what I set out to do. I showed up with a hunk on my arm." She smiled. "I don't see any of my friends here anyhow. Besides, I only paid for a couple of hours, and by the time you get me home, the clock will be almost up."       "If you're sure?"       "I'm sure." It would be a relief to get out of this oppressive place. She'd forgotten just how much she'd always hated it. She'd shown Lyle that a handsome man would date her. That was good enough for her. Petty maybe, but satisfying. Also, she'd had a nice dance, which would be a nice memory. All was good.       Sharon stuck out her hand. "Thank you, Cray. I had a good time. You made me feel sexy."       His large hand engulfed her smaller one. "You are sexy. And any man who can't see that is a fool. What time is it?"       Surprise made her hesitate. What an odd question. She glanced at the clock on the wall. "Five minutes 'til midnight."       "You still have five minutes then." He released her hand and raked it through his hair.       He seemed aggitated, hesitant to leave. Maybe he wasn't supposed to cut out on a job early - not even by five minutes. "You can come in if you like."       With a smile, he stepped inside. "Thanks."       Sharon draped her wrap over a dining room chair. She wasn't sure what to say. "Things went well tonight. Thank you."       "Is it midnight yet?"       Irritation grated along her spine. If he was so eager to get away from her, why hadn't he just taken off? "Why? Are you going to turn into a pumpkin?"       He slid his hands down her bare arms and laced his fingers through hers. "No. I'm going to kiss you."       Sharon's heart slammed against her ribs. "You are?" she croaked, then felt herself blush, realizing how idiotic that sounded.       "I won't do it until I'm off the clock. I want you to know that it's not your hired escort who's kissing you, but a man who finds you utterly beautiful, fascinating, and sexy as hell."       His words washed over her in a sensual wave. Her skin heated, and her legs felt like melted butter.       Releasing her hands, he slid his arms around her waist. He pulled her closer and his mouth hovered over hers. Not moving his head, he looked to the side with his eyes -- toward the clock. His voice came out a husky whisper. "Three, two, one ..."       His lips covered hers. He kissed her more thoroughly than any man ever had. Her fingers curled in the fabric of his shirt, while her toes curled in her shoes.       Just as she moved to deepen the kiss even more, he pulled back. Disappointment flooded through her. Even though he'd waited until midnight, she wasn't quite sure what to make of that absolutely astounding kiss. "I wish ..."       "What?" He stroked her cheek with the palm of his hand.       With a sigh, she leaned into his touch. "I wish you weren't a professional escort." If he wasn't, she would believe that kiss was truly real.       "I'm not."       Sharon tensed and stepped back, out of his reach. "What?"       He shrugged. "My brother owns the business. You called at the last minute, and he was all booked up. There was a mix-up, and he didn't actually realize it until after he told you yes. He talked me into filling in."       "But you said you'd done reunions before."       "My own. And a couple with a few former girlfriends." Cray stepped back into her space. He lowered his voice. "Now how about we try that kiss again?"       Sharon willingly went into his arms. When his mouth covered hers, she opened to him, accepting his tongue. Her heart pounded and her legs felt weak from the desire coursing through her.       Cray's hand moved up her sequined dress and brushed her breast. He growled and broke the heated kiss. "It's damn hard for a man to cop a feel through a sequined dress like this." His tone was teasing, and a smile spread across his face.       With a smile of her own, Sharon stepped back two paces. She reached behind her, pulled down the zipper, then slipped out of the dress. It pooled at her feet, and she stepped out of it. The shocked look on Cray's face was priceless. Not only had she just stripped, but because of the dress's tight fit, and the fact that she'd wanted to feel sexy tonight, the only thing she'd worn under it was a garter belt and stockings -- no slip, bra, or panties. "Are you all right?" she asked, when he just continued to stare at her naked body.       "I think I'm having a heart attack," he choked out.       She stepped toward him. "Really?" She reached out and began to unbutton his shirt. "I better check you out then, don't you think?"       He backed her up against the wall, and his hands slid down her bare body. "Not until I check you out. And I intend to take my time, Sharon. And be prepared for a thorough exam."       "Yes, sir. That's my favorite kind." THE END