Finding Mr. Right

By Mary Suzanne

Passengers crowded the incoming and departure gates at the airport terminal in Oklahoma. Lori inched her way over near the wall. She rose on tip-toes trying to spot her father. She soon saw him standing across the room talking to a man. When the stranger turned and she got a better look, she felt a rush of blood singing through her over her discovery.
She was looking at the man she'd seen at the party last month in her hometown and believed she would never see again. Maybe she was imagining things, but after taking another look, she realized it was the stranger. For the longest time, she stood staring across the room trying to find the courage to walk over to them. Lori silently hoped that the enticing looking man didn’t remember her from Brad’s party that night a few weeks ago.
She slowly started across the room, each step bringing her closer to her dream man. The closer she got, the more nervous she became. She told herself countless times to calm down, but she wasn’t having any luck in keeping her heart from beating at an accelerated rate.
When she made it through the crowd, she saw her father glance at her and a welcoming smile lined his face. The man with him glanced at her and his eyes narrowed. He gave her a look that said, I've seen you somewhere before, but I can't figure out where.
Eventually, she stood next to her father. She didn't know if this man was Zack Ryder, her new boss, or an acquaintance of her father, so she patiently waited to find out.
"Zack, I want you to meet your new secretary Lori Benning,” Rick introduced them, reaching for her arm and pulling her forward. "Lori's from Texas and decided to make Oklahoma her new home."
"Ms Benning, it's good to meet you." Zack Ryder extended his hand and engulfed her small one in a warm handshake. She felt her stomach knot listening to the oozing sound of his sensual voice. This was the first time she'd ever heard him speak because a room had separated them at the party. The sound sent a tingling sensation racing down her spine and she looked forward to hearing it again.
His blue eyes narrowed again as he studied her features more closely. She crossed her fingers hoping that he didn't connect her to the party in Texas. For the longest time, he continued staring at her, with the same puzzled expression lining his features. With a slight shrug, it looked as if he was giving up trying to remember where he'd seen her before.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Suzanne
• Release date: Oct 5, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301018987

Mary Suzanne

Mary Suzanne writes a story feeling the hero and heroine’s pain, happiness and joy over their relationship. It she is able to transport a person from their every day existence to another realm in time; then she has succeeded in giving something special to her readers.Currently there are 99 e-books ready for purchase at Smashwords.com and othet distributors.

Book preview

Finding Mr. Right

Copyright 2012 by Mary Suzanne

Smashwords Edition

Chapter One

Lori, Mary Beth called out, poking her head around the door of the study. It's five o'clock and the party starts at six. It doesn't look as if you've started getting ready.

Lori North's violet eyes held a startled expression when she turned and discovered her bubbly friend standing in the doorway. Mary Beth’s mop of black curls dangled loosely, framing her small face and brown eyes.

I'm not going tonight. Lori watched the look of impatience fill her friend’s face.

What are you talking about? We’ve been planning to go for the last month.

You don't need me there. Lori stood and stretched her small frame in a languid pose. There will be plenty of our friends to keep you company. Anyway, I've had it with those boring parties and I can’t understand why you haven’t either.

Why couldn't you have called and let me know? She wailed indignantly. I've already lined up dates to meet us.

Lori shrugged in answer to her question, knowing that she should have called her, but she’d forgotten. She walked with graceful steps over to where Mary Beth stood eyeing her. She couldn't help smiling over the way her friend took the news. I don't intend going out with another guy who's bent on finding out how much my father's worth.

Rick North owned oil companies throughout the southern states and provided an easy life for Lori and her mother Amy. Lori's most fervent wish had always been to be an average, young woman, making her own way in life.

I want someone that doesn’t see me as a dollar sign, Lori explained.

And how do you intend to find such a man, Lori North? Everyone in this part of Texas knows you and your family. Suddenly, her brown gaze lit. I remember a man at the last party catching your eye and he may show up again.

I doubt he’ll be there, she answered, visualizing his handsome features. He didn't appear to be the type to hang with any of that crowd if you remember right.

She thought over what Mary Beth said about the mysterious man. In the weeks since seeing the handsome hunk, Lori had thought of him often. Even now she could picture his dark features and remember the way his mouth curved with a grin over something someone said to him. His deep blue eyes looked to her like a turbulent ocean right before a storm developed. The slight scar on his cheekbone only made him look more daring and attractive. The one thing she noticed was how he didn’t fit in with any of the groups clustered around the room. When he disappeared within an hour, she felt letdown. She knew then that he was an unusual man in every aspect. He looked like someone who made his own way in the world without giving a care what anyone thought of him.

She shook her head to clear it and glanced over to where Mary Beth stood waiting. To answer your question on how I'll find someone, I've been thinking about this for a long time, she answered, nibbling nervously on her bottom lip. I've come up with a plan to try a major campaign on my father.

Now you have me really confused. She walked the rest of the way into the room and plopped on the couch. Come on, spill it, you've really got me interested.

Do you remember me telling you about the computer and office work I've been doing to help dad out at the main office?

Yes, go on. She moved to the edge of her seat, her interest peaking.

I'm going to tell him I want to go to Oklahoma and work in one of the branch offices. I'll get my own place and a chance to meet new people.

Mary Beth didn’t say anything for several seconds, but eventually, her heavy sigh filled the room witnessing the determination covering Lori’s features. You've made up your mind already and nothing I say will convince you how foolish you sound. I just don’t understand you lately, Lori.

Maybe you don’t, but I finally understand myself, she answered softly.

I can't see your dad going along with you. You know how protective he is. She stood and reached for her handbag.

I'm old enough to start making my own decisions. Doesn't it bother you that most of your dates are interested in your father's money? Mary Beth's family owned several manufacturing firms and she was in the same situation as Lori, when it came to meeting men.

I really hadn't thought of it that way. We've known most of our friends all our lives, she answered, pausing to take a breath. And another thing, you're more resourceful than I am when it comes to office work. You know how to run all the equipment.

You could learn if you really wanted to, Lori admonished her gently.

I wouldn't know where to begin, she stammered giving the impression that the idea of working was somehow beneath her.

Since finishing college, Lori realized her friend hadn't even tried to find any type of employment, enjoying the carefree, party-filled nights without a worry in the world.

When are you going to spring the idea on your dad?

Tonight, after we've eaten dinner. He should be in a more receptive mood on a full stomach, she chuckled softly.

Good, that will give me time to clear out before all the shouting starts.

You're beginning to sound like a pessimist. Lori laughed at her expression. I'll call you tomorrow and let you know what happened. She glanced at her watch. If you're going to make it to the party on time, you'd better get a move on.

You've taken all the fun out of the evening for me. Mary Beth looked dejected as she walked toward the door with an exaggerated slump to her small shoulders.

If I know you, you'll find a way to have a good time. Lori smiled as she draped her arm across her friend’s shoulder. Tell the guy you fixed up for me that I had a change of plans. I'm sure there will be plenty of women for him to choose from.

If that's your final decision, I should get going. She glanced at Lori. You'd better not forget to call me tomorrow.

I promise, Lori answered, standing on the front step and watching as she ran through the rain to her sports car parked in the drive.

Lori closed the door and leaned back against the oak panel. Tonight was going to be a challenge in convincing her parents of her intended plan. She knew her mother would eventually agree, but her father was a different proposition.

Hearing a noise in the hallway, she glanced up and saw the housekeeper Marie walking toward her. You should get yourself upstairs and changed before dinner, Marie told her, her gaze drifting over Lori's jeans. Your father is leaving on a trip later tonight, so we're having dinner a little earlier. He'll need the extra time to finish his packing.

Oh, where's he going?

He didn't say. Marie brushed a stray lock of gray hair from her forehead as she eyed the young woman she'd raised since birth

I promise I won't be late, she answered, distracted, hurrying up the flight of stairs leaving a curious Marie gazing after her.

After showering and dressing, Lori glanced in the mirror studying her features. She didn’t miss how her violet eyes, surrounded by thick sooty lashes, held a look of mystery and the make up she’d applied gave her confidence a much needed boost for what she had to do that night in confronting her father about her plans. After running a brush through her long brunette hair, she took a deep breath and headed down the stairs.

When she walked into the dining room, her father and mother were already there. You look lovely tonight, Lori, Rick told her, walking over to kiss her cheek. Aren't you supposed to be going to a dance with Mary Beth?

I’m passing on it tonight, she said as she made her way over to the table.

Aren't you feeling well? Amy spoke up, her violet eyes, looking much the same as Lori's, eyed her narrowly.

Oh, I'm feeling okay, but I didn't want to go. I have something I want to discuss with you both. I've decided to get a job and rent my own apartment. She noticed the stricken look covering her parents’ features once the words flowed from her.

Aren't you happy living here? Amy asked quickly.

Yes, what seems to be the problem? Rick joined in on the questioning.

It's not that I'm unhappy here. I feel it's about time I started making my own way. I can't always depend on you to support me.

But, where would you move? Her mother’s features held a stunned look.

You don't know anyone but the people you've grown up with in Texas, her father added.

I know that, but I'm twenty-one and need to start thinking about my future. How many women my age are still living with their parents? She challenged him. In answer to your question, Mom, I'd move to a different city where my identity isn't known.

She didn't miss the hurt expression covering her father's face. I didn't know being my daughter was so troublesome to you, Rick remarked.

It's not that, Dad, it's all the money you have. She hurriedly tried explaining how she felt. Everyone I meet always mentions your oil wells and how much you're worth.

Her father didn't say anything for several seconds as his frown slowly disappeared. I see how you feel.

Thank you for understanding. Lori smiled at him. I love you and mom very much and I wouldn't hurt you for anything, but I need to do this. You know I've always been interested in office work.

Again, there was a pause, but eventually Rick spoke up, I have a suggestion. Since we have branch offices throughout the Midwest, you could work at one of them.

She couldn't believe he accepted her idea. This was the same plan she'd come up with and her father had thought of it, too. Oh, Dad, thank you.

Have you thought about where you'd like to settle?

Oklahoma might be a good place, she answered, the excitement building in her. It's the closest state to home.

Oklahoma’s a good choice, he told her. Zack Ryder’s in charge of the Oklahoma office and I know he'll be a fair boss. If you want to keep your identity a secret, you can always use your mother's maiden name of Benning on your application.

I only hope you understand my feelings over the situation. I'm not trying to hurt you, but it's about time I struck out on my own.

You're right,