Just Perfect by Lynn Hunter Page A

the car, someone called to them from
the garage.   They turned to see a man jogging in their direction.  He was tall
with pale blond hair and a smile that seemed to stretch wider when he took in
his mother lovely face. 
    Sam’s mother had straight jet black hair that reached past
her shoulders, sharp, exotic features, and startling dark blue eyes.  She was
of medium height but had curves that always made men do a double take.  Not
that she ever noticed.  Or she just chose not to.
    “What seems to be the problem with the car?”  the guy asked
once he was a few feet away. 
    Sam was a little taken back.  Most guys ignored him when he
was with his mom.
    I'm not sure,” he finally said when the guy kept staring at
him, waiting for an answer. “The lights and gauges were flickering when my mom
tried to start the car, then, nothing.”  He wished he knew more car talk. “The
battery’s new,” he added.
    The man nodded as if he understood Sam’s lousy explanation.
“Let's have a look,” he said then turned his eyes to his mom, “is that okay
with you?” He stuck out a large work-roughened hand to her. “My name's Alan.”
    Sam could see his mom’s reluctance and didn't understand
why.  Looking back now, Sam realized she knew what was coming.  Alan fixed
their car and then pursued her mom relentlessly for weeks afterward.  It was
hard to find anything about Alan to dislike.  He was always kind, helpful,
supportive but most of all charming.  For the first couple of weeks of Alan
coming around and helping around the house and teaching Sam about cars, his mom
was uncharacteristically snappy and moody.  Alan was never deterred.  In fact,
it made him try harder.  The only time he ever saw Alan upset was when his mom
accused him of using Sam to get to her. Sam thought that was crazy since he
never hid his intentions.  He wanted her and told Sam from the very beginning.
Alan was pissed.  He left that evening.  He didn't come back for a week.  For
that week, Sam saw his mom watch out the window for him, just like she used to
for his dad.  He was so angry with Alan for leaving and hurting her.  But he
came back.  And when he did his mom answered the door with tears in her eyes.
    “Are you over your snit now, Janie?” he asked. “Can we move
past the bullshit and have a real relationship?”  His face was hard and his jaw
clenched.  His green eyes were demanding.
    She nodded. “Yes,” she whispered.
    Alan's face melted into a relaxed smile. He'd been smiling
ever since.  Just like Dean.
    Sam didn't know how anyone could be so damn happy all the
time.
    “So,” Dean sprawled his long body in a kitchen chair.  He
scratched his head making his hair stand on end. “How did it go with your young
lady yesterday?”
    “I don't know,” he answered honestly.
    “How can you not know?  You don't know if she's interested?  Or you don't know if you’re interested? 
    Sam ran a hand over his bearded chin.  The feel of it made
him wonder if he marked Lily's soft neck and breasts.  He hoped he did.  He
liked the thought of her seeing it and thinking of him.  “I'm interested.  She
just has some hang-ups.”
    “Like what?”
    “She has a seven-year-old son.”
    “That's a hang-up?” Dean sounded surprised.
    Sam narrowed his eyes. “No. It’s not a hang-up for me.  She
thinks she doesn't want or need a relationship.”
    “I take that to mean you want a relationship with a woman
who doesn't want one with you?”
    “That about sums it up.  She'll come around.”
    Dean was silent for a minute.  “You might try being nice and
maybe take her on a date.  You know, say nice things and try to convince her
you’re not an ogre that's demanding something she's not ready to give.”
    Sam's face turned dark and he aimed a glower at his brother.
    “You didn't look at her like that did you? Cause if you did
she probably moved out of town already and changed her name.”
    Sam clenched his jaw in