Page 23 of A Matter of Time
“Oh, I’m sorry. What were you saying?” He quickly tore his gaze away from her and focused on the cup in his hand.
“I’m going home and I’ll be back later for practice.”
He didn’t feel comfortable letting her go home alone. Something in his gut was warning him that he needed to keep her close. “Angelina, I would love to see your home. Would you take me with you?” He tried his best not to look too eager.
“Sure. If you really want to go, I’d be happy to take you with me. Can you hand me my clothes from the chair?”
Richard hadn’t realized until this moment that Angelina had kept the blanket pulled up to her chin to protect her modesty, because she’d taken her clothes off to sleep. He was particularly grateful hehadn’tknown, or sitting here speaking with her would have been doubly difficult. He rose and got her dress and shoes from the chair, depositing them on top of the blanket. He stood there, coffee in hand gazing down at her loveliness.
“Ahem. If you don’t mind leaving for a few minutes, I need to get dressed.”
“Oh, of course,” Richard felt like an idiot. He was certainly making a fool of himself this morning, but thankfully Angelina didn’t seem to care. “I’ll leave you then.” He backed out of the room and down the hall to his bedroom.
Couldthat man get any hotter?She hoped she wasn’t making a mistake taking him home with her. What harm could come from letting him see where she lived? She could introduce him to Estella and they could go for lunch at the little seaside restaurant down the road. Nothing romantic, just two friends spending the day together. It would be fine. She quickly donned the pretty black dress and strappy heels she’d worn the night before.
Nick emerged from his room and headed straight into the kitchen.
“Good morning to you, too,” she teased.
“Is it now? I’m surprised to see you here this early, and so dressed up,” Nick teased right back.
“I slept here and you know it.” Being as observant as he was, there wasn’t much Nick didn’t know, and Angelina was certain he would have heard her late arrival.
“And where did Richard sleep?” he asked, obviously working hard not to chuckle.
“In his room,” she responded indignantly.
“I see. And you? Did you sleep in there as well?”
Angelina frowned at him in response. “We’re going to my house for the day. We’ll be back for practice.”
Nick looked surprised and Angelina enjoyed the little victory. “Why aren’t you inviting me to go along?” he demanded.
“You can come if you like,” Angelina made the offer automatically, but she hoped he wouldn’t agree to it.
“I have some things to attend to,” Nick replied. “You two go and have fun. Oh and Angelina, be gentle with him.”
She was about to ask him what he meant by that remark, when Richard returned to the room, “We’re going…”
“Yes. I know. You’re going to Angelina’s house,” Nick said. “Try and be back at the warehouse by six, if you can.”
Angelina headed for the door and Richard fell into step behind her. She glanced back at Nick, as she opened the front door, and caught him as he winked and waved.
“We’re taking Jenna’s car,” she said to Richard. “Every now and again I have to take it, or the truck, so the batteries don’t die.” She led him into the garage where the truck and two cars were parked. Angelina pointed to a silver car and Richard opened the driver’s side door for her to get in. She started the car and he settled into the passenger side. “Seat belt,” she reminded him, when he didn’t put it on right away.
“Right.” He clicked the buckle into the holder.
Angelina backed the car out of the garage and headed off towards Pacifica. It was a beautiful day, sunny and crisp, and the drive down the coast wouldn’t take long. She enjoyed the panorama of the sun glistening on the water as she quietly observed Richard from the corner of her eye. He seemed enthralled by everything they passed, and acted like a man who was experiencing everything for the first time, which seemed strange. There was a great deal she wanted to know about Richard, and Angelina hoped that today she’d get her answers.
Chapter 12
As Angelina pulledonto the gravel drive beside the house, she couldn’t help thinking this might not have been the best idea she’d ever had. Having Richard seated next to her for the entire drive had been torture. In fact, she’d be glad to get out of the car and take a deep breath. It would be the first one since they’d gotten into the car.
“This is it,” Angelina said, as she stepped onto the driveway.
Richard emerged from the passenger side with a look of wonder upon his handsome face. He turned a full circle, and stopped again once he was facing her. He nodded his apparent approval. “You live here alone,” he stated.
“I do. Let’s go inside.” She led the way to her front door, aware that Richard was scanning the area as if he were searching for something. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
