Page 28 of Darla's Christmas Knight
*
A note lay on her kitchen counter on top of the insulated lunch cooler she occasionally packed for work. It was written on a page torn from her shopping list notepad.
Make time to take a break.
I’ll bring Chinese tonight.
The day dragged by, thankfully uneventful. And as requested, she took a lunch break, wolfing down the scrumptious chicken salad Bobby had whipped together from the contents of her fridge. She sent him a picture of the emptied bowl.
Yummy! Thank you!
His reply was succinct:
My pleasure.
*
Her heart leaped when the doorbell chimed, setting her pulse hammering.He was early.Darla cast a panicked look at the clothes strewn across her closet floor. “Get a grip, girl,” she muttered, closing the button of the dark blue skinny jeans she had tugged over her hips. She scooped up the clean clothes and dumped them in the laundry basket (it wouldn’t do for Bobby to think she was dressing up for him) and forced herself to leave the room.
But not before stopping and giving herself a critical look in the mirror. She’d settled wearing a loose, tunic-style, V-neckflowy blouse made from soft blue-and-pink floral print cotton. The pintuck pleats defined her breasts rather nicely, and she loved the three-quarter bell sleeves.
The doorbell rang again. “Coming!” she called out, hurrying from her bedroom. She reached the front door. And hesitated, her hand resting on the handle. Dropping her head to the wood, Darla took a deep, calming breath before straightening. She opened the door.
His eyes roamed.
It wasn’t hard to discern the desirous gleam in his hypnotic stare. Her heart fluttered, and she dropped her gaze, suddenly shy.
Shy?What the hell, girl?
And of course, her eyes settled on the bulge hidden behind his jeans zipper. Bobby packed quite the package. And it had been a while since she had experienced all he could do with that package. And she really,reallywanted to experience all he offered. Again, and again, and—
“You okay?” he asked.
Her gaze shot to his.
Concern had replaced the desire in his eyes, and a deep frown creased his forehead. Bobby stepped closer, and he gently cupped her face with his free hand. “You okay, love?” he repeated.
This near she could smell the fresh scent of his cologne. That hint of spicy citrus she’d come to associate with him. It permeated her senses. Made her feel safe. Made her want to believe in him.
Trusthim.
No, no. No!
Get a grip, Darla.
You’re allowing your carnal feelings to override your common sense.
Bobby Bell isnottrustworthy. He once broke your heart, remember?
He agreed to be your baby daddy,notyour forever lover.
And for goodness’ sake, you do not need a man to make you feel safe.
His thumb swept below the apple of her cheek. “Darla?”
She gave herself a mental slap and stepped back. “Sorry. Just spaced out for a moment.” She spun about and walked to the kitchen.
Hot on her heels, Bobby muttered something under his breath. He placed the takeout packet on the counter and his hands on her shoulders. Nudging her to turn, he peered intently at her. “Something’s amiss, darling. Talk to me.”
