Page 24 of A Matter of Time
“Yes. I always like to get the lay of the land when I’m somewhere I’ve never been before.” He smiled that sweet, sexy smile of his and Angelina had to force herself to turn away and concentrate on unlocking the door. As they entered the house, Richard once again seemed as if he was searching for something, or someone.
“What exactly are you looking for?” Angelina asked, her curiosity piqued.
“As I said, I like to familiarize myself with my surroundings.”
Angelina dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and turned to find Richard standing so close she nearly bumped his chest with her nose. She stepped back and found herself up against the counter.
“I’m sorry. I’m crowding you,” Richard said, moving away. Not nearly far enough though, in Angelina’s estimation. She could still feel waves of heat emanating from his body.
“Why don’t you have a seat? Can I get you something to drink? Water? A soda?” She was nervous and hoped it didn’t come across in her voice.
“Water, thank you.” Richard exuded confidence as he wandered through her living room, examining her little knickknacks, photos and mementos. “Your home is much like you,” he observed. “I like it.”
“Here’s your water.” Angelina handed him the glass and said, “Why don’t you sit for a minute while I get changed. Then we can go for a walk along the cliff if you’d like.” She tried to be as nonchalant as possible, but she was suffering a distinctly inherent reaction to his close proximity. Her small cottage had always been plenty large enough for her, but Richard somehow made it feel tiny. As she closed the door to her bedroom she was having second thoughts about the idea to bring him home with her. What was she going to do with him all day? She knew what she’dliketo do, but that wasn’t happening. They made a pact to be friends, so she’d stick to that arrangement, no matter how difficult it might be. She grimaced at the prospect. Without conscious thought, she pulled on her sexiest jeans and a t-shirt. Taking a deep breath she walked out of the bedroom and directly into the heated gaze of Richard Jefford.
Richard lookedup when Angelina entered and sucked in a breath at the dazzling beauty who stood before him. She wore the simplest of clothes, but on her, they were breathtaking. He couldn’t seem to stop staring. He was definitely going to have a hard time keeping his hands off her. “You look lovely, Angelina,” he managed to choke out.
“Thank you,” she said, and grabbed a jacket from beside the door. Richard watched, mesmerized, as she wrapped a scarf around her neck and tucked her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. His eyes lingered on her shapely bottom which was now being spoiled by the rectangular outline of the phone. “Shall we?” she asked as she opened the front door.
Richard followed as Angelina exited the house, closing the door behind her. As they were heading down the driveway, an elderly woman approached.
“Estella!” Angelina said, smiling brightly at the woman. “I was hoping we’d see you today. This is my friend Richard. Richard, this is my neighbor and friend Estella.”
Estella was beaming at him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Richard.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Estella.” Richard took the hand she offered and kissed it. It appeared that Estella was going to swoon, so he grasped her elbow to steady her. She smiled up at him speechlessly.
“This is Nick’s friend, the one that I told you about,” Angelina said.
“Oh, yes, of course. I hope you’ll be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner. I told Angelina to invite both you and Nick.” Estella was still gripping his hand and didn’t appear to intend on letting it go.
Richard chuckled. “I don’t believe she’s mentioned it, but I’m sure we’d love to join you.”
“I’m sorry, Estella. I meant to tell them about it, but I forgot. We’re going for a walk, would you care to join us?” Angelina hoped Estella would, because the older woman would most assuredly keep Richard busy with small talk and endless questions.
“I’m afraid I can’t. I’m baking again and I have something in the oven. Would you mind taking Percy along with you?” Estella suggested, sounding hopeful.
Richard didn’t know who this Percy was, but he hoped Angelina would refuse. He didn’t intend to share her with another man today.
“Sure. We’d love to,” Angelina said, much to his dismay. She started walking towards Estella’s home and Richard trailed along behind.
As they got closer, Estella called out, “Harry? Harry! Percy’s going to go for a walk with Angelina.” She turned and spoke to Richard. “I’ll be right back with him, wait here.”
Richard wasn’t certain if she meant Harry, or Percy, or both. He stood with Angelina by his side waiting until a small, fluffy creature came charging out of Estella’s house towards them. He instinctively stepped in front of Angelina, to protect her from the strange animal. It began barking and running happy circles around them. “It’s a dog,” Richard said, surprised.
“Yes, of course – what did you think it was?” Angelina sounded amused by his comment. She stooped down to pet the dog and it wiggled in ecstasy.
“I wasn’t quite sure,” Richard said. He squatted down so he could get a better look at Percy, who immediately turned his attention to Richard. He held his hand out for Percy to sniff and then petted the little dog. “You’re an unusual one, aren’t you?” Percy stopped wiggling, tipping his head and sat perfectly still, as if he understood what Richard was saying to him. “And very intelligent as well.”
“Do we need a leash, Estella?” Angelina asked.
“No. He’s very good off the leash. I’m sure he won’t give you a bit of trouble. Will you, Percy?” Estella’s adoring gaze settled on her little dog.
“Okay, then, we’ll be off. See you in a bit,” Angelina said.
The ocean crashedonto the rocks beneath the path they walked, occasionally sending a splash of surf to the top of the cliff. She was happy to have Percy walking along with them. Richard seemed fascinated by the little dog, and while he was studying Percy, Angelina was safe to ogle Richard all she wanted.
“I’ve never seen a dog like this before,” Richard said. “What breed is he?”
