Page 29 of Witch
“Yes,” she laughed. “They are handsome buggers, but unfortunately for you, their wives are gorgeous as well.”
“I know, I know. I saw them proudly displaying their wedding rings. Nothing like that to turn a girl cold,” she laughed. “Do you think I can go home now?”
“No,” said the deep voice standing in the doorway. She arched a brow at the man, and he shook his head, raising his hands. “Sorry. That was a bit abrupt. Not yet. We want him to think you’re still out there, but we want to keep you safe.”
“Linda, this is David. He works with my brothers.”
“Oh, hi,” she said shyly. David stared at the woman, and Adele stared back, tilting her head in a questioning gaze. “C-can I get something to eat now?”
“Yes,” he said abruptly. He turned and walked away, heading down the hallway to confirm what she could and could not have.
“Talkative guy,” grinned Linda.
“He usually is,” said Adele, frowning. “He’s one of the few single men on the property.”
“Single,” whispered Linda. “You’re not serious. How could that guy be single? He’s beautiful.”
“Well,” she laughed, “my mother didn’t get to play matchmaker with everyone.” At least not yet, she thought to herself.
“Oh, that’s right. God, I’m sorry, Adele. I forgot about your folks passing so recently, and now you’re helping me with all of this mess.”
“It’s fine. My parents were old. We had them a lot longer than most people get to have their parents.”
“Still, I know that must be painful. My mom died when I was little, and I was raised by my dad. He died three years ago after a stroke.”
“So, it’s just you,” said Adele. Someone cleared their throat, and David walked back in with a tray full of food.
“I wasn’t sure what you wanted, but the medical team said you could have whatever you asked for. The diner sent over some étouffée, homemade bread, and pecan tarts.”
“It smells wonderful,” she smiled. “Thank you.”
“David, would you mind sitting with Linda while I go check on some things. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“I don’t mind. I’m assigned to the room,” he said, looking at Adele. She knew what he meant. He was guarding her for the time being, and from the looks of it, he didn’t mind the task at all.
“I’ll be back in a little while,” she said, squeezing her friend’s hand. There was an awkward silence as Adele left the room, Linda looking at David and smiling.
“Thank you again for the food.” He nodded with a small grin. “Adele is a wonderful woman and a brilliant professor. I’ve treasured our friendship.”
“She’s part of an amazing family,” said David quietly, shuffling his feet, staring at the floor.
“Do you have family?” she asked.
“No. Yes. I mean, all the people here are my family,” he said nervously. Why was he so nervous? He didn’t get nervous. He was the man who could run fifty miles per hour. Yet his heart rate was skyrocketing just standing next to this woman.
“You don’t have to stay in the room if you don’t want to,” she said quietly.
“No. I mean, yes.” He cursed himself beneath his breath. “Sorry. I’m not usually so nervous.”
“Why are you nervous?” she asked, frowning at him.
“Because I’m guarding a beautiful woman, and you make me nervous.” She stared at him, blinking several times, then nodded, looking down at her food.
“Will you join me?” she said casually.
“Sure.” He took a seat beside her, and they began taking little bites, asking one another questions. Outside the room, Adele leaned against the wall and smiled to herself. The ghostly image of her mother appeared, holding her fingers to her lips.
“It’s a good feelin’, ain’t it, child?”
