tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15354961382308016122024-03-08T14:24:04.845-06:00Sonnets and StormsThe 2007 NaNoWriMo novel of Marissa M. PriddisRoll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-61849427628023778152007-11-28T10:33:00.000-06:002007-11-28T10:43:47.956-06:00Done.<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2071816772_6863d3863a_o.gif" alt="nano_07_winner_large" height="240" width="121" /><br /></div><br />It's been a helluva ride this November.<br /><br />Through work crises, the death of a fellow employee, Thanksgiving in TinyTown, a trip to a conference in Indy, a visit from my parents and being lost in Shawneetown, somehow I've managed to squeak out a novel.<br /><br />It's not very good, but it's mine.<br /><br />And it's DONE.<br /><br />I'd be remiss without a few thank yous...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks, as always, to my parents for their support and encouragement, and for being willing to leave Thanksgiving two days early so that I could write.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks for Jen, for her dares, her snarky emails, and for kicking my ass in the wordcount until the end. Sorry there wasn't room for more bondage. ;-)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks to De, for reading every word I write and encouraging me along the way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And thanks to all the nameless, faceless readers who enjoy what I put on the page. You are the reason I write.</span><br /><br />Until next year...Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-54379776225001485722007-11-28T10:16:00.000-06:002007-11-28T10:18:59.305-06:00Epilogue<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">(four months later)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What do you think of a destination wedding? Barbados or Hawaii or Fiji or something? Beaches with white sand, a sunset on the horizon, waves crashing on the beach, all that?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie smiled as she carefully carried several hot mugs of coffee to the kitchen table, setting out milk and sugar to go with it. "I think it could be really nice. Would it just be the two of you, or would you actually invite your families? Or, even better, is this a way to avoid inviting your families altogether?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"My mother is making me NUTS," Kat said with a joking growl as she took one of the proffered cups of coffee and stirred in two lumps of sugar before preparing one for Matt. "You know she's already got a wedding binder put together for us with all these clipped articles and wedding dress pictures? She's already planning the colours and schemes for my wedding to 'that nice Matthew Royston'." Kat banged her head on the kitchen table a few times. "I'll never survive the wedding planning, much less the wedding at this rate."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Maybe destination is the way to go, then," Sophie said, looking up as Matt and Daniel trundled in, dragging a medium sized pine tree with them. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Where do you want it, lady?" Daniel asked with a Cockney drawl, and Sophie clapped her hands together like a child, gazing at it. It was the perfect size, the perfect shape… Sophie had never had a real Christmas tree before, so Daniel had promised to find her the perfect one to replace all those years of a tiny, plastic Charlie Brown Christmas tree.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Ooh… I don't know," she said with hesitation, looking to Kat for guidance. "What do you think? Where do you think Auntie Barbara always put the Christmas tree?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I think she had it in the den," Matt said, rubbing his hands together for warmth. "But you can put it where ever you like. Just don't make us move it ten times. I know women like to do that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hey!" Kat shot at him from across the room. "Just because I couldn't decide where to put that chest of drawers…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It weighed about four thousand pounds, love. I think I still have a hernia from moving it a dozen times."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Kat stuck out her tongue at her fiancé, and then looked back as Sophie tried to decide.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie thought, and then her eyes lit up. "The conservatory. Think how pretty it will be at night when the millions of lights on the tree reflect in the glass."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Millions?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thousands?" Sophie amended with a pleading look in her eyes, making Daniel laugh. "Pleeeease?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thousands. Maybe," Daniel said, picking up the tree and helping Matt maneuver it. "Why is it I can't say no to you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Because you loooooooove me," Sophie said, drawing out the word and making Daniel laugh. He dropped a quick kiss onto her lips as he passed by.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah, yeah…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">With only a modicum of cursing and dropping only about a thousand pine needles, the two men managed to get the tree upright and steady in its base in the conservatory. Sophie and Kat gleefully unpacked boxes of ornaments Auntie Barbara had stored in the attic, cooing over every ornament, and making Matt and Daniel roll their eyes in unison.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I think I'm going to need to spike my coffee if they keep this up," Matt said to Daniel, just loud enough for them to hear.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Honey," Kat said, a warning tone to her voice as she smiled sweetly at him. "Play nice or go to your room."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt laughed, and then sat down behind Kat, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Within an hour, the tree had been completely lit and ornaments graced almost every bough. Kat and Matt admired their work, then left to meet Kat's parents for dinner in Hereford, calling out good byes and plans to get together again soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie closed the front door after waving them off, then retreated to the conservatory, where Daniel had turned off the lights, making the tree reflect a thousand times in the glass.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"That is beautiful," Sophie sighed, sitting down on Daniel's lap on the couch, her eyes on the tree. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It is," Daniel said, his eyes only on Sophie, making her giggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I was thinking we could open a couple of presents early," Daniel ventured, and Sophie looked at him, horrified.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What?!" she barked. "Are you one of THOSE people who open their presents before Christmas morning? Because if you are, we are going to have to have a serious talk. I think that's a travesty of the whole Christmas spirit of waiting and wishing, and poor Santa Claus would become totally…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie trailed off as Daniel pulled a small box from his pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"That's not… that's not what I think it is, is it?" Sophie asked hoarsely.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Depends. Do you think it's… a pony?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"A new pair of handcuffs?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie giggled. "No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Barbie's dream house?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie socked him on the shoulder. "No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good, because it's none of those things," Daniel said, holding the box out to her. Sophie took it in her shaking hands, tears falling as she opened the box, adding to the sparkle of the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Marry me…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> 50052/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-73047405651619741162007-11-28T10:15:00.001-06:002007-11-28T10:15:56.143-06:00Chapter Forty-Four<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Let me do all the talking, okay?" Daniel took a deep breath, and then began. "Let me preface all this by saying I'm an emotional fuckwit."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit back a smile at his honesty, which Daniel noticed, which made him smile slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's true."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded, but said nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"My cousin Cassie, who, by the way, still wants to meet you and apologize for the misunderstanding last night, also agrees with me. But she told me some things that helped me sort out all of this in my mind."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel took another breath, and then kept going, his words suddenly tumbling out of him, unable to be contained anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I care about you more than I ever thought I would care about anyone," Daniel said, his eyes searching hers, needing to see them to be brave. "What I feel for you is much stronger than what I felt for… her… all those years we were together. This is all incredibly new to me. I miss you when you aren't around, I miss the sound of your voice, the touch of your skin, the way you laugh with abandon. I miss all of that when you aren't around."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie blushed, but Daniel continued. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I love that you are scared of mice and spiders. I love that you tell me off when I'm being a prat. I love that you didn't know how to use the Aga or drive a car but came here anyway. But now you do – I also love how much you've grown since you've been here. And you've helped me grow too. I think you are so incredibly brave for coming here alone, and even more brave for taking on an emotional fuckwit like me head on, and for not taking any of my shit."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's eyes began to fill with tears, but Daniel soldiered on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I can't seem to be without you, but for some reason, I seem to be stumbling all over my emotions," Daniel admitted with a hang dog look. "I know what I feel, but I can't seem to quantify my heart and my head. My heart knows how it feels, but my head keeps arguing that I have no concept of these sorts of feelings."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit her lip, listening intently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Soph, when I saw Peter try and grab you, when I saw him try to possess you, to try and take you away from all this, away from me, something… snapped. Something snapped into place for me, and I realized you were IT. You were it for me, and I could barely restrain myself from breaking his neck to keep you safe. I want to protect you, I want to care for you, I want YOU for the rest of my life."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie swallowed hard, but continued to remain silent, per Daniel's request.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I know it's taken me too long to come around to getting this square in my mind, and now I know I've lost you, but I still wanted to say it. I… I had to say it," Daniel said, his voice breaking slightly. "I can't help being with you, but I'm scared to say it out loud. Why is that? Why can't I just tell you I love you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's eyes widened, and her jaw dropped slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Because I do, Sophie Roberts," Daniel said, finally looking up, his fiery blue eyes meeting her green ones squarely. "I love you with all that I have."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded, her eyes swimming with tears. "Can I say something?" she whispered as they looked at each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded and gave her a small, shy smile. "I wish you would."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I love you too," she whispered, and Daniel's face broke into the widest, happiest smile she'd ever seen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You love me?" he repeated just to make sure.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And you love me?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes," the both answered in unison, laughing together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie unwound her legs from beneath her and stood for a brief moment before collapsing into Daniel's lap, her arms immediately winding around his neck. He pulled her close, shutting his eyes and breathing in her scent, feeling her body against his. Opening his eyes again, he tugged down her face until she was inches away, tangled his hands in that fiery hair of hers and then kissed her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The most tender, emotional kiss of Sophie's life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Neither of them even noticed the tears she cried as they sat, cradled together in the sunlight. "Promise me you won't let go," Sophie whispered, pressing her forehead against his.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'll never let go," Daniel promised, his arms tightening around her. "I'll never let go."<o:p></o:p></span></p> 49165/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-88678597066083449742007-11-28T09:20:00.001-06:002007-11-28T09:20:57.357-06:00Chapter Forty-Three<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel had stood up quietly, unable to speak after Sophie's confession. He'd opened and closed his mouth several times, but no words came out as he looked down on her angelic face streaked with tears. Instead, he'd honored Sophie's request.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He'd left her alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And Sophie had felt her heart break as new tears swelled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks, though she didn't feel a single one.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It really was over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd taken the leap…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And he was still standing on the cliff.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It really was over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He managed to walk back across the lane where his cousin Cassie was waiting. "Well?" she asked, concerned at his downcast face. "Everything okay?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's over, Cas," he said softly, unable to meet her questioning eyes. "I blew it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh, Daniel…" Cassie said, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. "What do you mean, it's over? It can't be over. It's just a misunderstanding. A silly, stupid misunderstanding. She's not unreasonable - look, I'll go over there right now, she'll talk to me…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's not that, Cas," Daniel said, his voice dead. "It's not about finding you in my room. It's about me being an emotionally stunted fuckwit."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh," Cassie said, hopping up on the bonnet of the car as Daniel leaned against it, his arms crossed and his head down, as though waiting for punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Or absolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What did she say?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Nothing that wasn't true," Daniel said. "I mean, we spend all this time together, I can't seem to go more than five minutes without seeing her, I'm always wanting to protect her from the world, and yet, I can't seem to…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Let yourself believe that it's love you're feeling?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I thought I was dead to that, Cas. After Rosa, I just… I really thought I was dead to feeling that way."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You can't be dead to love," Cassie said with a laugh. "All those things you just described, all that you are feeling – it's called love, Coz, and you've got it bad."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I know…" Daniel whispered, finally admitting it. "Too bad I just fucking blew it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Maybe not," Cassie said with a warm smile. "You just have to tell it to Sophie, not me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"But I…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you want to be with her?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you miss her already?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you need her?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Congratulations," Sophie said gently. "You're in love."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded. "I know," he said quietly. "I just seem to have trouble saying the words out loud."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, you better practice, Coz, because if you don't, you're going to lose her," Cassie said seriously. "Game over."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Game over," Daniel repeated, his voice still a whisper. "Got it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">After Sophie had cried herself dry slumped next to the front door, she came to a realization.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She was done.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Done with the waiting and the crying.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Done with hoping Daniel felt the same way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">In fact, right now, done with men all together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Standing up, she went to the bathroom to wash her face, and then went upstairs to change clothes. It was time for a new Sophie – time to leave behind all the emotional baggage of the last few days and start anew, starting with a shower and some makeup, she thought, catching sight of herself in the shower.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd done it before, she could do it again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Keeping her head held high, Sophie went back downstairs, determined to stay busy today, and to start focusing on being herself – not herself plus one, whoever the 'plus one' was.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She quickly and efficiently cleaned the kitchen, the bathroom and put in a load of sheets to wash and dry.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She prepped a few things for a late lunch and made a grocery shopping list.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She snipped a few flowers in the garden for bud vases and straightened out a few bills and sorted the mail for Auntie Barbara.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She did everything at a brisk clip, afraid that if she slowed down in the least, all the feelings she'd been avoiding for the last few hours would come crashing back, suffocating her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And that just wasn't going to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Finally, physically exhausted, Sophie carried a mug of tea and a stack of invoices into the conservatory, promising herself a couple of hours of work for the shop so that she could return to Belletristic all caught up on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The sun was warm on her back as she sat down, and for the millionth time she marveled at how green everything outside the windows was. The fields swayed in the breeze, the roses losing a petal here and there in the garden like colourful confetti, the leaves shaking in the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd come to love this place – it was home now. More home than anywhere had ever been.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew part of that was Daniel – he had made this feel like home for her too – but not entirely. She'd managed to stand on her own two feet, thus proving Peter wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She really was home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Her eyes swam with tears at the thought of not being here, but she quickly blinked them away, concentrating instead on sorting and stacking the invoices, making everything neat and efficient and ready for action.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She jumped at the sound of tapping on the glass, and looked up to see a very dejected-looking Daniel looking back at her with a slightly pleading expression in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm not a stalker," he said with a self deprecating smile. "But I think there are things to say, if you'll let me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie swallowed hard, her stomach churning anew, but realized that they needed closure – just like she and Peter did. Maybe not screaming and shouting closure, but closure just the same. She nodded curtly, and then stood to unlock the conservatory door before retreating to the couch, pulling her legs up under her protectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You're right," Sophie said. "There are things to say."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And this time, I'm going to do all the talking," Daniel said firmly, pulling over a chair close to the couch and sitting down. "I owe you that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> 48397/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-14837741960102972182007-11-28T09:01:00.001-06:002007-11-28T09:01:56.817-06:00Chapter Forty-Two<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie was tired of pacing around and around the house. She wasn't able to go to sleep, and was a bit off put that Daniel hadn't been able to call or stop by all evening. She had no cause to be upset – he had told her he might be busy – but that didn't make it any easier to swallow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The note she'd written at work that afternoon was burning a hole in her pocket, and she wanted to get it off her chest and put the issue of their relationship into Daniel's court as soon as humanly possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Maybe she could pull one of his stunts – break into his house and sneak into his bedroom and wake him up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It had worked for him, she thought with a smile as she leaned over to pull on some shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Taking a flashlight with her, Sophie crossed the quiet lane in the dark, pulling on the front door of Daniel's farmhouse gently and breathing a sigh of relief that the door was unlocked and swung open easily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Quietly, she crept through the house, heading for the master bedroom at the back of the house with a plan to leave the note on his pillow where he would be sure to find it when he woke up the next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Cautiously, she opened the bedroom door, grateful when it didn't squeak in protest. The room was dimly lit, and Sophie stumbled over a pair of shoes as she approached the bed, suddenly tempted to join the sleeping form there, rather than just leaving a note and fleeing the house. The thought of falling asleep tangled in Daniel's arms warmed her from the inside out. Maybe she would end up staying after all…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She crept over to the sleeping figure…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And stifled a scream.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It wasn't Daniel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was another woman.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Starkly beautiful, with long blonde hair that fanned over the pillow and delicate features, Sophie felt anger and indignation rise in her throat as she gazed at the woman sleeping in Daniel's bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She KNEW it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew Daniel was too good to be true, she knew she would never deserve another chance at love after Peter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Looks like she was right after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Crumpling the note into a ball and throwing it onto the floor in anger, Sophie fled into the night, tears blurring her vision as she stumbled back across the street, not even trying to be silent in her retreat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, open the door!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Go away!" Sophie managed to yell back through the front door between sobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel had begun banging on the front door shortly after daybreak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She had made sure to lock every door in the house, unwilling to allow Daniel to sneak up on her ever again; hell, to ever even set foot in the house again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, please, I want to explain, and I'm not going to do it through this bloody door!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Leave me alone!" Sophie shrieked, hating herself and her high pitched, pleading, girly tone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, please…" Daniel's voice lowered, pleading now. "Please… I can't talk to you through the door. I wanted to apologize…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No," Sophie's voice was strangled at the sound of Daniel's anguish.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, please let me in," Daniel tried again, and Sophie reluctantly shifted her body and unlocked the door from her sitting position beside it. Daniel threw open the door, then turned and saw her on the floor, knees pulled up to her chest, arms folded around herself, turning her into a small bundle against the wall.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He knelt, bringing his eyes level with hers. "Sophie…" he breathed, but she backed away slightly from the hand he raised to caress her. He dropped his hand like a stone, but refused to move away from her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Unwilling to be seen as any weaker than she already was, Sophie brushed away her tears angrily, then tilted her chin up at him. "Well? What is it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, it wasn't what you thought…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You mean the part about not being able to love me, or the part where I find another woman in your bed?" Sophie shot back, and Daniel visibly winced from the harshness of her words.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I knew I buggered that conversation in the car, I knew it," Daniel said, half to himself. "Sophie, it wasn't like that. And as for the woman…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You know what," Sophie interrupted him. "I don't care. It's none of my business what you do. It's not like… we're in love."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She said the words coolly, steadily, and Daniel wondered if maybe that's how she felt after all – that she didn't love him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But then he remembered the note he'd found on the floor, and closed his eyes, holding on to her written words – the words he'd read a hundred times with shaking hands and a quaking heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, I found your note. On the bedroom floor. Next to where my cousin, Cassie, was sleeping."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie blinked at him, but said nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Cassie is my solicitor – she lives in Worcester. She came out to finish up the land deal, and ended up spending the night. I slept in the guest room. That's the truth. She's still here – you can run over and ask her. She's horrified that she might have screwed things up between us. She's a sweet girl, but she's my COUSIN. Please, go ask her, she'll tell you," Daniel pleaded, his blue eyes boring into Sophie's, trying to force her to see the truth through him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie swallowed hard, staring at him, and then nodded curtly. "I believe you."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie paused, and then nodded again. "I do. You can go now."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Am I being dismissed?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No, I just assumed you'd want to flee as quickly as possible. Go – I release you."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Soph, it's not like that…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, then, Daniel, what's it like? Tell me," Sophie demanded, her voice hard as nails making him wince again. "Tell me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel ducked his head, trying to formulate into words all the things he wanted to tell the woman in front of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Another tear slid down Sophie's cheek, much as she tried to hide it. "You know what? Never mind. I don't want to hear it. Let's just… let's just leave it here, okay? I don't think I can handle much more emotional heartbreak just now."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, I'm not breaking anyone's heart, I just…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Daniel, just go," Sophie whispered, her voice breaking. "Please, just go."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You really care this much about me?" Daniel asked, hardly daring to believe that anyone was capable of shedding tears over him. His fingers itched to brush away the tears, to pull her into his arms and keep her there for the next thousand years. "Me?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded slowly, another tear snaking down her cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I really do," she confirmed, sniffling. "I only wish that you felt the same way about me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> 47389/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-67011561017241647542007-11-27T23:17:00.001-06:002007-11-27T23:17:52.905-06:00Chapter Forty-One<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie smiled as Daniel pulled the car to a stop in front of Belletristic the next morning. "Thanks for the ride."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"My pleasure," Daniel said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Sophie's ear tenderly. "I'm glad you're feeling better after yesterday."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah, I don't know what that whole hyperventilating thing was… sorry about that," Sophie apologized for what felt like the millionth time. "I've never had that happen before. I think it was just knowing that it was really OVER, that it was really behind me, you know? I was finally myself again, finally able to stand up to him, to be who I am. He brainwashed me for so long, and it felt so good to finally shake free of that. I think it was just the raw emotion of that moment that got me. Peter had such a power over me for so long…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded, his eyes downcast, unable to meet Sophie's questioning gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Danny? You okay?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Listen, about some of the things I said yesterday…" Daniel began, his belly tightening with nerves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I know you wouldn't really bury him in the hedgerows," Sophie grinned, then put on a straight face. "Would you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No, not that…" Daniel said with a small smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Danny, what is it?" Sophie asked, curling a hand around his arm and looking at him with concern. "Tell me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm not sure…" Daniel swallowed, and then tried again. "I'm not sure I can… commit to some of the things I said yesterday."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's brow wrinkled. "What did you say yesterday?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"We're still new at… this…" Daniel said, gesturing between the two of them. "And I just blurted out…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You were great," Sophie said with a wide smile. "Having you there… it made me brave. Don't worry about anything you said."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel looked at her in confusion, his eyes searching hers. "Sophie, really, I just… I need some time. I don't know how long, I just… I need time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Okay, time," Sophie said, also confused, not sure what Daniel was referring to. "How about eight or nine hours – see you tonight?" she asked brightly. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Maybe… depends on how things go today," Daniel said with a small wince. Sophie remembered that the field buy out deal was to be finalized today and nodded. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, just stop by if you're up to it," she leaned over to kiss his stubbled cheek, and then bounced out of the car, feeling like she could take on the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Every girl should tell off her ex-boyfriend she thought with a smile as she crossed the sidewalk. It makes you feel like you can throw around cars or time travel or something, she thought happily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">As she walked through the front door of Belletristic, it hit her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He'd said love.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He'd told Peter that he was going to love her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">No wonder he was backpedaling today, Sophie thought as tears pricked at her eyes involuntarily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew she loved him – she knew it without a single doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But obviously Daniel Davies had a few doubts of his own.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Setting her purse down on the glass counter, Sophie looked around for Matt, who was conspicuously absent. Her brow wrinkled, she peeked into the storeroom, but saw no Matt shuffling boxes around.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It wasn't like him to be late, she thought when she suddenly heard a giggle from one of the back rooms on the first floor. Treading lightly, she walked back to the room, expecting to see a customer laughing at a novel or a little girl playing on the floor with the box of toys, but instead she saw…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt and Kat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt and Kat, kissing like they were auditioning for <i style="">Romeo and Juliet</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's jaw dropped involuntarily, and she squeaked a noise which caused both of them to whip their heads around, and then immediately flush red.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm so sorry," Sophie apologized, but with a broad grin. "I'm… I'm sorry. I'm going to go… up front now. And stay there for a long time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And with that, she turned and practically skipped back up to the front of the store.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie recrossed her legs, still balancing the pad of paper on her lap.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd spent all day alternating between moping at what Daniel had said in the car this morning, and her triumph at succeeding in finally getting Matt and Kat together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">They had finally emerged from the back room, faces still flushed and hands intertwined, and Kat had made a hasty exit with a grin and a thumbs up for Sophie. She knew then she'd have to stop by Hay Coffee to get Kat's side of the story later in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt had stumbled over his words, clearly embarrassed at being caught, yet unable to hide his glee at finally 'getting the girl'. He revealed that the day that Kat and he had met for lunch at the Granary – the day that Sophie had begged off with a 'headache' – something had connected between them, and they had gone out on a date that night.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A date that lasted until nine o'clock the following morning. They had talked and talked… and a little NOT talking, and found out that they were…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A fit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie knew it – she knew they were perfect for each other; they just needed a nudge in each other's direction.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She was just glad she was the nudger.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Since that marathon all night date, Matt and Kat had been inseparable, and were just waiting for the right time to tell Sophie the good news.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Getting caught canoodling in the back room was not top on their list of reveals, but they had all found the humor in it. Kat was glowing when Sophie visited her later in the afternoon at the coffee shop, unable to stop gushing about Matt and how wonderful he was, how he treated her like a lady, how he made her laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie couldn't be more pleased that her Operation Hookup plan had worked so beautifully.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">On the other hand, there was the issue of Mr. Davies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew Daniel had trust issues, love issues, emotional issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But it was time to take the leap, she thought, tapping her pen on the paper distractedly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew she wouldn't be able to tell Danny all the things she wanted to say face to face, so she was resorting to note writing like this was gym class from seventh grade, but there was nothing for it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She had to get it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">D—<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I realized after the fact what you were referring to today when you said you weren't sure if you could commit to what you promised.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Love and cherish, right?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I realize those two things must be absolutely terrifying for you, but here's the thing:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">They're terrifying to me too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">You saw what I walked away from, how much power Peter had over me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And yet, I'm standing here, Danny, ready to take that leap again.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">With you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I understand your confusion and your hesitation, I really do. But it's time for a leap of faith. I'm willing to jump if you are.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Are you?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I'm standing here, Danny.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">--S<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd give it to him tonight, she thought with a curt nod of the head. Better to leap and get it over with than to wait and wonder and worry.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Leap of faith, she sighed deeply. Definitely a leap of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 46241/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-34115904963142693792007-11-27T22:24:00.000-06:002007-11-27T22:27:46.042-06:00Chapter Forty<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel stood rooted in place, out of sight of Sophie's front stoop, where he could hear every word being exchanged by Peter and Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Oh god, his heart ached to hear the anguish in her words, the strain of her voice, but he knew she had to let it out, had to tell Peter off for good in order to be free of him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He felt like letting out a victory whoop as she continued to rake him over the coals, giving him a piece of her very angry mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Whatever this fucker had done to her, he deserved to accept the brunt of her anger now, Daniel thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He wasn't sure what his role should be, though. Does he go stand beside her? Protect her?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Or does he let her stand on her own?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel leaned his head back against the barn door, thudding his head against the solid wood a few times, debating.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">As soon as he heard Sophie's terror filled words, though, he exploded into a run – heading straight for her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie felt like she'd run a marathon, she was breathing so hard and was so full of adrenaline as she looked at Peter, who was glaring back at her equally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">His hands were like vice clamps on her arms as he roughly pulled her against him, their faces mere inches apart. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Don't you talk to me that way, bitch," Peter hissed, and Sophie wanted to laugh out loud.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Finally, after all the charades, the real Peter had surfaced – the one she knew had lurked just below the surface for all the years they were together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">This was the Peter no one saw.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Let. Go. Of. Me," Sophie spat, pushing at his chest and making no progress in breaking free of his clutches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, please…" Peter panted, struggling to hold her in his grasp until she finally managed to pull herself backwards, her robe flying open, exposing her revealing nightie underneath. "Wow," Peter said, a dark, frightening look in his eyes. "Seducing the milkman are you? What kind of slut would wear that?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's chin tilted up in indignation. "Not the milkman, you fuck. I'm wearing it for my BOYFRIEND. Yeah, one that doesn't try to change me, and sure as hell doesn't STIFLE me, SMOTHER me like you did!" Sophie tugged the robe closed, and Peter made another grab for her before being pulled backwards roughly, letting out a squeak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You heard the lady," Daniel hissed in Peter's ear as he pinned both Peter's arms behind his back. "She doesn't want to be touched," Daniel said, and then paused before continuing. "At least, not by you, mate."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's face drained of colour as she saw Daniel grab and pull Peter away from her, his face a thundercloud of anger and protection.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You alright?" Daniel asked, his eyes seeking hers immediately. Sophie swallowed and nodded, taking another step backwards.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm fine."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So…" Daniel said conversationally, even as he pulled Peter's arms a bit tighter behind his back. "This would be Peter, then?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah," Sophie confirmed. "This is the fucker who slept around on me, turned me into someone I didn't recognize, and told me I'd never survive without him. Looks like I did okay without his pressure, his coaching, or his millions."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel's eyes widened at her words. Sophie had talked about what a manipulator Peter was, but never said anything about his cheating – or his money.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Awful to meet you, then," Daniel hissed into Peter's ear. "How about you just run along now, since it's clear Sophie has no desire to see you." He grinned at Sophie, an evil grin. "Or we could just bind and gag you, leave you in the hedgerows to rot."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie wanted to giggle at Daniel's suggestion, but one look at Peter's eye rolling, and she was angry all over again. "What do you want from me, Peter?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I want you to come home," Peter replied simply. "And for this oaf to let me go."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded at Daniel, who reluctantly released Peter, who fidgeted with straightening his tie and shaking his shoulders out dramatically. "I'm not coming home," Sophie said, tilting up her chin. "I'm happy here."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Really?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"With him?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded, her smile mocking. "Absolutely."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good luck to you, then, MATE," Peter said, practically spitting the last word. "She's a pain in the ass, in case you didn't notice. Headstrong, stupid, co-dependent. You're going to have your hands full."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Don't mind Peter – he's just overcompensating for various small… faults," Sophie said, unable to stop herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh, I'm just an effigy to be defaced, am I?" Peter shot back. "We had good years together, Sophie."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And now they're over," she said sweetly. "I'm with Daniel now, and I'm happy."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel looked down at Peter like he was a bug to be stepped on. "You've had your say, now sod off. Sophie is none of those things, by the way. She's independent, smart, feisty, and kind. And I'm going to do everything in my power to love and cherish her to make up for all the rotten ways you treated her for years. Now SOD OFF."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Peter puffed up his chest, ready to pounce on Daniel when Sophie stepped between them, a hand on each of their chests. "Alright, girls, tuck them back in. Let's just… let's just end this scene and move on with our lives, yeah?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded, and took a step back, showing he was done with the macho behavior. Peter remained rooted to the spot, his eyes never leaving Daniel's, but he nodded his assent as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie then turned to look at Peter, her face sad. "I'm sorry it ended like this. I wish we hadn't had this scene. It's over, Peter. Really, really over. Good bye."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So long, Soph," Peter said snidely, turning on his heel and retreating to the car. He roared away moments later, and Sophie found herself collapsing on the front stoop, suddenly unable to breathe.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie?" Daniel turned and saw her sit squarely on the ground. "What is it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I can't… I can't breathe…" she rasped, her face white. "I can't breathe… I can't believe that just happened, I can't believe I had to face him again… Danny, I can't breathe…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And with that, Daniel scooped her up in his arms and took her inside to the conservatory, whispering soothing words. "I won't let you fall apart," he whispered, cradling her in his lap until she was finally able to catch her breath again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thank you," Sophie finally whispered. "Thank you for everything that just happened…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You're welcome," Daniel replied. "What… what can I do, Sophie? Do you want something to drink?" he paused, looking at her with concern. "Brandy?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie snickered a bit, shook her head no. "I hate brandy. I just… I just want to stay right here for a while…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel kissed her eyebrow tenderly, keeping her close to him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And then he found his own chest tightening.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 45002/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-58340891466199899852007-11-27T22:23:00.000-06:002007-11-27T22:24:29.347-06:00Chapter Thirty-Nine<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie hummed as she wiped the crumbs from the kitchen table, detritus left from her late breakfast of toast with jam made only a few farms away. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and so far, Sophie was taking it as easy as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Lazing around in bed with Daniel for a few hours, they'd further cemented their budding relationship, alternating between talking and… not talking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Finally he'd insisted on getting up to go get things going 'round the farm. She, on the other hand, had taken a mug of coffee back to bed and read for a few hours, the windows open and a cool breeze blowing in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Bliss.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">There should definitely be more Saturdays in the week, she mused, smiling as she put her mug in the sink and tugged the belt of her pink robe tighter, smiling at the memory of Daniel prancing around the bedroom in it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She jumped a bit when there was a knock on the door. Daniel didn't knock, she thought with an odd twist in her stomach. Running a hand through her untidy hair and wishing she at least had some lip gloss on if she was going to be greeting a stranger, Sophie hurried to the door, seeing an unfamiliar car in the front drive from the window.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Not Matt, not Kat, not Daniel…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie gasped audibly when she opened the front door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And saw Peter, her ex, standing before her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hello, Soph," Peter said smoothly, giving her a wide smile. "I'm so glad to see you."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie stepped out onto the porch, unwilling to let Peter set even one toe inside her home, inside her new life, slamming the front door behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What are you doing here, Peter?" she hissed, tugging her robe closer to her body and glaring at him, green eyes flashing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I came to see you, of course," Peter said with an easy laugh. "I missed you. It's been so long since we've seen each other."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie raised one suspicious brow. "You wouldn't spring for cab fare to the airport, much less buy an international airline ticket. Try again: what. are. you. doing. here?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Peter swallowed, his smile faltering just a bit in the morning sunshine under her withering glare. "I… I had to attend a conference in London, so I thought I'd make a round trip to see you during my off day."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I knew it!" Sophie spat, wanting so badly to rip his face off, settling instead for balling her hands into fists. Only Peter would think he was making a grand gesture – on IU's dime, of course.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, good to see you. Good bye," Sophie said stiffly, turning towards the front door when Peter grabbed her arm with more than a little force.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"That's it?" Peter hissed at her. "Good bye? I come all this way to see you, to tell you I miss you, and that's it? I don't think so, Sophie. You WILL talk to me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"We're through, Peter, okay?" Sophie said, tears of frustration springing to her eyes. "We were through months ago when I told you I was leaving and you didn't fight for me to stay!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's voice echoed across the drive, across the hedgerows as she got louder and louder.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You didn't even blink when I gave you back the engagement ring, told you the wedding was off. You just stared at me, all smug and superior, convinced I'd never survive on my own. Well, I have! I'm doing just fine!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie," Peter said soothingly. "I was letting you spread your wings a bit, of course. And now that playtime is over, you can come back to me, we can get back to the way things should be between us – as husband and wife."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie wrenched herself out of his grasp. "I'm not a toy you can play with then throw away, then pick up again!" she shrieked. "And I'm NOT COMING BACK!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What happened, Peter? Huh? Did you latest graduate assistant stop sleeping with you? No little fuckbuddies waiting in the wings for you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Peter's eyes widened, then narrowed again, but Sophie noticed the miniscule change.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Of course I knew you were sleeping around, Peter. I would have to have been blind not to notice. I just convinced myself…" Sophie ran a frustrated hand through her curls, tugging slightly on the hair to feel the pain, to root herself in the here and now. "I just convinced myself you would come back to me. I was so stupid then."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So what happened, huh? Did you find yourself suddenly all alone, and decided having me around to be your perfect Stepford wife was easier than trying to break in a new one, huh? Is that it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Hot tears finally spilled down Sophie's cheeks as she pushed him away again, his arms insistently tugging her towards Peter's chest as he tried to calm her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"DON'T YOU FUCKING TOUCH ME!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> 43835/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-11167564600094321832007-11-27T17:30:00.000-06:002007-11-27T17:34:38.706-06:00Chapter Thirty-Eight<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's eyes flew open, her chest heaving, gasping for air in the darkness of the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd dreamt she was trapped in a burning house, unable to breathe, unable to get out, to save herself, instead watching the fire slowly consume everything around her until she couldn't breathe anymore…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie! Sophie!" Daniel's urgent, panicked voice right beside her make her shriek into the darkness, his hands clutching on her upper arms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Daniel!" She barked, startled and still shaking from her dream. "What the HELL are you doing here?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel sat beside her on the bed, his face embarrassed in the faint light. "I… I felt bad about our fight last night, and then I didn't see you at all today, so I snuck in through the back door to see you. You were already asleep, so I was going to wait until morning for you to wake up, but then you started shifting and crying out, and I assumed you were having a dream, so I tried to wake you, and… are you alright?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel's confession came out in a rush, his words tumbled and quick, so unlike Daniel himself, Sophie mused, her breath finally normalizing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You were just going to…" she waved her hands around. "Sit around all night on the off chance I would have a bad dream and wake up?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, not the bad dream part…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Just sit around and stare at me?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, I'm guessing I would have eventually fallen asleep myself, but…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Daniel," Sophie huffed, pulling the covers up to her chin, pushing his hands off her arms. "You can't just waltz into my house and… sit around staring at me while I sleep. It's creepy."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel rubbed a hand over his face but said nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"How long have you been here?" Sophie asked, giving a bit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Not long," Daniel said quietly. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Just watching me? Isn't it kind of… boring?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel gave her a small, shy smile. "Not when you enjoy the view. I'm sorry I barged in, Sophie. I just wanted to see you, wanted to apologize for disappearing the other day. That must have been… odd."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie quirked her mouth and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not your master. You can go where you want, when you want. You don't answer to me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"In fact, there's nothing for you to apologize for. You're a grown man, you can do what you want. I'm not your keeper."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Seriously, don't worry about it. Now run along – you've done your manly duty and all."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, will you stop?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">At Daniel's growling tone, Sophie bit her lip to keep from speaking again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"This isn't about duty. I missed you, I wanted to see you, and I wanted to apologize for having to go to Worcester without telling you. But mostly, I just wanted to be with you tonight," Daniel said, his voice commanding, serious.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie watched him carefully, saw his longer fingers tangling with the edges of the duvet she was still clutching.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I want to be with you all the time," Daniel said softly. "And that scares me a bit, if I'm being honest. This is all rather… new to me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded, relenting at his pleading tone. "I want to be with you too. And it scares me too."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Strength in numbers," Daniel said with a small smile, and Sophie linked her hand with his still fidgeting one, giving it a small squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It hurt when you just left," Sophie admitted, hating herself for sounding like such a girl. "I can't help it, but it did."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I left a note."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes, a really long, elaborate one, thank you," Sophie said dryly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel ducked his head. "I'm sorry about that. I seem to be sorry for a lot of things today…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Are you sorry about the tree kissing incident?" Sophie asked, her voice vaguely teasing and Daniel looked up, his eyes locking on hers, and she saw the desire burning behind them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No, that's the one thing I'm not sorry for, unless you count the fact it ended too soon."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie gave him a small smile. "Well, now that I've almost forgiven you, are you heading back home?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel simply looked at her, saying nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Or, wait… did you want to stay here?" Sophie asked seriously, biting her lip to keep a straight face.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, it's an awfully long walk from here back to the house, and it is quite dark, and you may have another nightmare that I could wake you from…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I guess you should stay, then," Sophie finished for him. "Just in case."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel smiled as he began to strip off his clothing, and then looked at her over his shoulder as he chucked his jeans onto the nearby chair. "What was your nightmare about?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie squeezed her eyes shut, and then shook her head. "Doesn't matter. It's gone now. I can breathe again."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel looked at her questioningly, but didn't push for an explanation. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He was back in Sophie's bed, forgiven and forgotten – exactly where he wanted to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie sighed as he wrapped his arms around her, spooning her body against his, then giggling as she felt the evidence of his arousal pressing against her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh my," she whispered in the dark. "I had no idea stalking me and watching me sleep through nightmares were such a turn on for you…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Right up there with riding crops and candlelit bathtubs," Daniel said, pressing a kiss to the nape of her neck. "Are you sure I'm forgiven?"<br /> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah," she said, turning in his arms to face him, her hands tugging on a lock of hair. "You're forgiven."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Prove it," he said huskily, his lips nibbling on her ear, making her giggle anew in the dark.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 43012/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-10797619751459203442007-11-27T17:29:00.000-06:002007-11-27T17:30:10.262-06:00Chapter Thirty-Seven<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie was annoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She kicked at a pebble lining one of the flower beds in the garden in frustration but kept right on walking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Night had fallen, but she was restless sitting inside the house, unable to focus on a book or a television program. Instead, she'd stormed out the back door into the garden, walking around and trying to clear her head.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She was annoyed with HERSELF.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She should have known that this… flirtation with Daniel was just that. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A flirtation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It certainly wasn't the love story of the century, she knew that. Just a flirtation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">So, they'd culminated their banter and flirting and bickering with a lot of mind-blowingly good sex. So what?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He had turned tail and run, which meant this was nothing more than fling to him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">That was fine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She could accept that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She was annoyed with herself for letting herself fall for him a bit, for getting too close, for letting her feelings sneak up and bite her in the ass.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Well, no more.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The day she'd spent with Daniel was very… satisfying, but it was over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie squared her shoulders, and then kicked at another rock, still venting some of her frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She continued to walk around the edge of the garden, looking at the beds in the growing moonlight, musing that she would probably have to have the grass cut again soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Normally, she would ask Daniel for help recommending someone, or batting her eyelashes until he did it for her, but clearly he was off the list now.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">So be it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nearly jumped out of her skin several minutes later when a figure emerged at her side, appearing like smoke in the darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A sideways glance told her it was Daniel – she could smell his cologne, feel the warmth of his body as he came close to her, not touching her. Her hands itched to run a hand through his hair, to grab his hand in hers, to cup his cheek with her palm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But she did nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She continued to walk, not breaking stride despite his appearance, and Daniel easily fell into step beside her, not breaking the silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Neither one spoke for several long minutes, just walking beside each other, not even hands brushing one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Finally, Daniel decided to end the increasingly tense silence and spoke first – a first in Sophie's life, she was sure. She was always the talker.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you want to talk about it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit back about ten nasty replies, and then shook her head no. "No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded once, and then kept walking beside her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you want to talk about something else?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie pretended to think about it for a long moment, and then shook her head again. "No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded once again, still keeping pace with her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you want to talk at all?" He ventured, his eyes searching for hers, but she kept them stubbornly trained forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit her lip, and then shook again. "No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel wanted to smile at her indignant tone, her rigid back, but couldn't. He knew she was hurt, confused by his sudden disappearance, and he wanted to make things better without pushing her too hard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">They continued to walk, rounding the side of the house at a measured pace when Daniel finally spoke again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you want me to press you up against that tree and kiss the hell out of you?" He asked, his deep voice low, husky, wanting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">There was a long beat of silence as Sophie came to a full stop, still not daring to look up at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel smiled then, unable to contain himself as he grasped her shoulders and steered her backwards until he bumped her back against the tree, his hand protecting the back of her head gently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He lowered his head then, slowly, slowly moving his mouth closer to hers, stopping when they were centimeters apart, breathing her in. She remained motionless, forcing him to make the move, to cross the threshold between them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">After several long seconds, he finally bent to capture her mouth with his, stealing the breath from her body as they made contact. His body pressed against hers as he dipped down to nip kisses at her neck, to press his lips to hers, his tongue dancing and darting and daring her to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie moaned involuntarily at the contact, suddenly hungry for Daniel's touch, his kiss, his everything. She had tried to remain stiff and stoic, but at the touch of his lips to hers, she felt everything inside herself melt. Her hands slid up his back, snaking into his hair and tugging him closer to her, pressing his lips even more insistently against hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was Daniel's turn to groan as Sophie shifted her body, pressing against his length, her tongue following his. He tangled his hands in her long auburn hair, which was down and loose tonight, making her look like a wood nymph being seduced by one of the Greek gods from mythology.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He felt like Zeus as he continued to possess her mouth, his breath coming in short bursts, unwilling as he was to pull away from her to try and catch it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It had only been a day, but he was hungry for her, had been thirsting to have her near him, and now she was here with her intoxicating scent, her tuggable hair, her kissable lips…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel groaned anew as Sophie broke the contact, placing her hands on his chest and pressing him away from her. Immediately realizing she wanted space, and that it wasn't a ploy, he took a step back, putting his hands in his pockets to stop himself from tangling them in her hair again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop," she whispered, her own breath coming in gasps, her hair deliciously mussed. "Please stop."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…" he breathed, wanting so badly to take a step closer to her, to feel her against him again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Where did you go?" she asked, plaintive. "Why did you go?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel opened his mouth to respond but she interrupted him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"God, no, sorry, don't answer that. I'm not one of those clingy girls. I don't care – it's your life. Sorry." She held up a hand, closing her eyes as she said that, warding him off.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel squeezed his eyes shut, then closed the distance between them again, taking her upturned hand in his, pulling it up to his lips and kissing her palm tenderly, then placing the hand against his chest, near his heart. "I had to go to Worcester to discuss the field buy out with the solicitors and the bank. I thought I'd be back in a couple of hours, but I was detained in town, and the meeting went hideously long so I ended up spending the night with my cousin. Soph, I'm so sorry. I never meant to…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She looked back at him, skeptical.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's true," he said, his voice low. "Look into my eyes, Sophie. I'm not lying. I had to go for the farm, and I'm sorry I wasn't back sooner. I… I missed you. I'm not lying. I'm so sorry…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie released her hand from his, nudged him back with one finger, and he stepped away from her again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm glad you're home safe," Sophie said primly, pushing herself away from the tree and turning towards the house. "Good night, Daniel."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie!" he called after her, but she didn't break stride. "I'm sorry…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's knees were still wobbly as she finally made it into the house and shut the door firmly behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He may have apologized, and his kiss may have inflamed every each of her, but she was definitely going to bed alone tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Fling or no fling, they needed space.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Or at least she did, she amended, ascending the stairs wearily. Space to sort out what Daniel Davies was doing to her, and where they went from here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 42058/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-14486894374709036092007-11-27T17:28:00.000-06:002007-11-27T17:29:17.340-06:00Chapter Thirty-Six<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie toed off her shoes the minute she walked in her front door, slinging her bag to the ground and sighing gratefully. Today was clearly not the day to wear the cute shoes – today was a day for heavy duty sneakers what with all the walking, climbing and sorting she did at work today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She wandered into the kitchen, half hoping to see Daniel slaving away at the stove – preferably wearing just an apron and nothing else – but saw nothing out of the ordinary. A glance out the window confirmed that no lights were on across the lane either.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie sighed slightly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She wasn't going to be that girl. The clingy one that wants a phone call or another date within hours of the last one ending.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was tacky.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Squaring her shoulders, she opened the fridge with a pop, pulling out a bottle of barley water and some leftover pasta. She sat at the table in the half darkness, eating quietly when she started to smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt had been practically GLOWING when he got back from lunch, she thought smugly. I knew it was a good plan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">At 11:45, Sophie had – very dramatically, she thought – stumbled into the front of the shop and announced that she felt a migraine coming on, and that it would be best if she didn't go to lunch today. But instead, why didn't Matt go so that Kat didn't feel stood up while she went home to take some medicine? No, really, she'd said. I insist…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt had agreed, grudgingly and with a little fear of being on his own with Kat, but he'd gone with only a little hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie had instead locked the shop for lunch and spent a blissful hour ensconced in an upstairs chair, nibbling on a sandwich she'd brought and reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">When Matt had come back after more than an hour, she knew her plan was a success. He talked a mile a minute, relaying to Sophie all the things he and Kat had talked about, how sweet and kind Kat was…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">How… how pretty she was, he had said shyly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie would have danced a jig in the middle of the store if she wasn't still pretending to have a headache. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Oh yeah, Sophie thought now, the plan was ON.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie hated herself as she kept glancing out the window at Daniel's house as she got ready to go to work the next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She really wasn't that stalker girl, but now she was a bit worried. It had been a day since she'd seen Daniel, which wasn't like him at all. With so much to do at the farm, and what with playing hooky the day before, it wasn’t like him to continue to shirk his duties – he had too much invested, too much pride for that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie jumped a bit as she pulled on her shoes, seeing an unfamiliar car pull into Daniel's front drive, and a short, stocky man get out. He moved around the courtyard with familiarity, getting out an enormous bag of food to feed Dex, tugging on the barn door to check on the animals, and generally bustling around.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It wasn't like Daniel to give away responsibility either, Sophie thought in puzzlement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Something weird was going on, but unfortunately, she had her own job to worry about this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd have to worry about Daniel and his mystery employee later.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Every time the door opened with the tinkling of the bell all day, Sophie's head shot up, expecting to see Daniel smiling and waving at her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But it never was.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Instead, the store was quite busy throughout the day, and Sophie found herself making endless pots of coffee and chatting with customers about potential finds in the stacks, or certain titles that were being sought, how she might be able to help them find that perfect book.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was all so satisfying, except for that nagging edge of unease she felt all day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She really hoped this… whatever… with Daniel wasn't over before it started.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">To just leave a scrap of paper of a note, and then to disappear… that was a little dramatic, a little cowardly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She was a big girl – she could handle it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">If it was just a fling for him, then so be it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd still have her dignity.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 40740/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-76449368850027622002007-11-26T22:43:00.000-06:002007-11-26T22:46:57.261-06:00Chapter Thirty-Five<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie woke up with a start, reaching out for Daniel instinctively.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Instead, her hand met bare mattress and an empty pillow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sitting up slowly and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she gazed around the room but all evidence of Daniel was gone – his clothes, his watch from the nightstand, everything. Only her pink robe remained, folded neatly over a nearby chair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She saw a small piece of paper on the pillow beside her, along with a banana.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Well, at least he'd made her breakfast before he left, she thought with a wry smile. Picking up the note, she read its scant words quickly:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >S—<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >I'm so sorry, I had to go.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >--D<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Well, that was the love letter of the century, she thought sarcastically with a mental shrug of the shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >So much for basking in the afterglow, she thought, flinging back the duvet and getting out of bed – and back to the real world.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Did you have a nice day off?" Matt asked as Sophie marched through the front door of Belletristic. "Did you go sightseeing?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie mentally reviewed her day, deciding not to tell Matt that her favorite sight had been Daniel's naked body above hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I did. I went to Hereford Cathedral, saw the chained library and the Mappa Mundi…" Sophie said, setting down her bag and immediately heading for the warm coffeepot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Isn't that incredible?" Matt asked, nodding eagerly. "I just love going there, soaking in all those words that have survived the test of time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie nodded, taking a sip of coffee. "That’s exactly how I felt standing there." She looked around, noting the few customers milling about, her mind already switching into 'work mode'. "We had a really great day."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"We?" Matt ventured, raising an eyebrow slightly, looking up from his perch behind the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Yes, we," Sophie said, her cheeks going a bit hot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You and the man you most recently referred to as 'a ruffian with a black heart and atrocious manners?" Matt asked innocently.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Hey!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"What?" Matt defended, giving her a wide smile. "I'm just saying…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You like Daniel!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"And apparently so do you," Matt said, grinning at her. "Already going on trips together. Next it'll be dirty weekends..."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie nearly choked at that, her cheeks flushing an even deep red.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"…and then you'll be deciding whether or not to have a June or a November wedding."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Easy, there, Martha Stewart. We aren't ready for you to start knitting any little booties yet or anything. We're just… casually dating."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Mm. Whatever you say, boss."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie threw him a mock stare, then quickly changed the subject before Matt delved into further into her plans from yesterday. "So how were things here? Any problems? Anything come up?"<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Not in the least," Matt said proudly. "I even sold a couple of first editions yesterday – nice bit of change, that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie grinned. "In that case, I'm going to run to Hay Coffee and get some breakfast for us – my treat. What do you want?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Colonist!" Kat said happily, looking up as Sophie walked through the door. "I didn't see you at work when I went by yesterday. Playing hooky?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie laughed. "Hi Slave. Actually, exactly that," she said, her cheeks flushing at the memory of her day. She really had to stop blushing every time the subject of Daniel came up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Oh. OH," Kat said knowingly. "Did you and Mr. Davies, um, explore new boundaries of your friendship?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Meaning…?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You guys totally slept together, didn't you? You have that smug, well-sexed expression on your face," Kat said triumphantly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie's mouth formed a shocked O. "I do NOT have that look!" She paused, and then looked at Kat, her voice meek. "Do I?"<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"No, but you guys did finally do it, didn't you? The sexual tension became too much and you just…" Kat clasped her hands to her chest with a passionate expression on her face.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie nodded, her smile betraying the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I knew it! I could practically FEEL the sparks flying off you guys the other night at dinner. Sophie, I'm so pleased for you!" Kat said, automatically retrieving two muffins for both Sophie and Matt without Sophie having to ask.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"It was… it was a good day," Sophie agreed, pulling out her wallet. "He was gone when I woke up this morning, though."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Did he leave a note?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie nodded. "And a banana."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Breakfast in bed," Kat agreed. "Nice."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Listen, I was going to see if you wanted to meet Matt and I for lunch today," Sophie said after she had paid for her muffins and accepted the bag from Kat. "I have some new ideas for the shop, and I'd like your opinions."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Sure, sounds good," Kat agreed easily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Noon at the Granary?" Sophie asked, and when Kat agreed, gave her a wave and a cheery goodbye, walking back up the road, surreptitiously scanning to see if Daniel's car was in town.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >No such luck, not that Sophie was really surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He may not be around for the next round of 'Operation Hookup', but Sophie was making sure things remained on track with Matt and Kat. Swinging back into the shop, she gave Matt a winsome smile as she handed him his breakfast and began unwrapping her own muffin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Hey, I was going to ask you… are you free for lunch today?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Matt nodded after a moment, his mouth full of muffin. "I think so… why?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I was going to see if you wanted to head to the Granary with me to grab something to eat. I asked Kat to join us, so we can discuss new ideas for the shop. I'd really value your opinion along with hers," Sophie said, biting back a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Matt's eyes lit up at the mention of Kat's name. "Yeah, sure, I'd be happy to. When?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie hid a wide smile behind a bit of muffin. "Noon okay with you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Matt nodded eagerly, his own cheeks turning a brilliant red.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Happy to discuss changes to the shop, huh?" Sophie couldn't help needling him slightly after his comments about Daniel. "That's unusual."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Oh yeah, absolutely. I'm always eager to discuss new marketing ideas," Matt said, sounding almost convincing and Sophie laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Okay, Romeo. I'm glad to hear it…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Oh yeah. The operation was in full effect now, Sophie thought, turning towards the bookshelves in the back of the room with a private smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 40017/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-24919370323870809162007-11-26T22:42:00.001-06:002007-11-26T22:46:46.073-06:00Chapter Thirty-Four<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Oh, that's terribly fetching," Sophie purred as Daniel emerged from the bathroom. "Rawr," she said in her sauciest tone, winking broadly at him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >They had just spent an explosive hour in the sunken tub together – initially just relaxing and soaking and not really talking, and then in short order flooding the floor as they made love by flickering candlelight.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She hoped Auntie Barbara wouldn't get any mold or that her second floor caved in – it would be awkward to explain how exactly the entire floor ended up wet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Well, Daniel and I were having spectacular sex in the tub, and as we moved the water sloshed around, soaking everything in sight, Sophie thought to herself with a wry smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Yeah, not a conversation she really wanted to have with Auntie Barbara.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Yes, I thought it was rather dashing myself," Daniel said, twirling as though he were a supermodel on the runway at Fashion Week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie giggled at the vision in front of her – Daniel, wearing her silk kimono robe. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Her PINK silk kimono robe. The robe that fit her perfectly due to her short stature, but on Daniel's tall frame bordered on the obscene – not to mention the hysterical.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"That color really brings out your eyes," Sophie said, gazing up at his hooded lids and dark hair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I'm thinking of converting all my flannel shirts and overalls to this particular shade of… pink," Daniel said, pinching the robe between thumb and forefinger and examining it carefully, making Sophie smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie jumped as the doorbell chimed from downstairs, instinctively pulling the duvet up to further cover her breasts. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I'll go… it's probably the food delivery," Daniel said, heading for the door. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You're going dressed like that?" Sophie called after him, hearing his laughter down the hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I'm very secure in my masculinity," Daniel shot back. "Fear not."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie's eyes kept threatening to close on her, but she fought to try and stay awake longer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She really didn't want this day to end.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel was already asleep beside her, obviously worn out from their day of playing tourist.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Or from the energetic sex they kept having every hour or two.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Either way the man was tuckered out, Sophie thought with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie smiled at the memory of the day – their perfect day. Sex, books, eating Chinese food in bed. Daniel cracking jokes and making her laugh in that stupid robe of hers, conversation and discussion during the drive and over lunch, some truly fantastic sex in some new and exciting places, and the way he looked at her…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >No man had ever looked at her so… hungrily. She felt like a vixen, the most beautiful girl in the world when Daniel looked at her like that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Now that his walls were coming down, she wondered how she had ever thought him cold and unfeeling and rude. Though it had taken some time, and there was still trust to be built between them, she could see that he was a genuine, kind, warm person, who was searching for someone to love, just like her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Peter had never looked at her with such a combination of admiration, lust, affection and warmth before, not in all their time together.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel made her feel… precious.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >And she'd felt that way since last night when they'd made love in the hallway – the single most erotic encounter of her life – until this moment, when he held her close and wouldn't let her move away from him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She'd fallen, and she'd fallen hard.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She really didn't want this day to end.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She fell asleep with a smile, savoring the feel of Daniel's warm, silky skin against her own.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 38947/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-68694754507525732472007-11-26T22:41:00.001-06:002007-11-26T22:41:39.783-06:00Chapter Thirty-Three<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Wow," Sophie breathed as she gazed around the room. "This is…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel stood behind her, his chin coming down to rest on her shoulder for a moment before he straightened. "I know. I couldn't wait to show this to you when I found out you were so bookish."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You say that like it's a bad thing," Sophie whispered, still gazing around.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"On the contrary. Smart girls are sexy."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie turned, smiling up at his twinkling eyes. "This is amazing!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">After their decidedly unorthodox tryst in the car, Daniel had managed to steer them to Hereford, a larger town just over the English border, filled with shops and markets, impressive churches and this – a chained book library, one of the last remaining in Britain, found in the Hereford Cathedral.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"These are just so… old," Sophie said reverently, her voice whispered so as not to disturb the guard standing in the room with them. The huge bound books were all shelved neatly on the desks with their spines facing away from the user, an enormous chain bolted to each spine, and then connected to the desk itself so that users could just pull it off the shelf, setting it on the flat surface below to read.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Because books were so valuable in the 'olden days', the monks literally chained them to the desks so that they wouldn't be stolen," Daniel explained as they moved around the room. "Anyone could have access to them, but only here, in this room. This library has actually been in existence since the twelfth century, and I think a couple of these titles date from the eighth century, which boggles the mind a bit."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I can't even fathom how old that is," Sophie said, itching to reach out and touch one of the books, to caress the pages inside, to literally reach out and touch history. "How many books are here?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Almost fifteen hundred, I think," Daniel said, looking to the guard questioningly who nodded in agreement. "Impressive, no? It's the largest surviving chained library in the world."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"How do you know all this stuff?" Sophie asked quietly. "Are you a chained library nerd? Now who's bookish, hrm?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed. "This was a popular field trip spot for children in this area, my school included. I didn't appreciate it then, but I did manage to pay attention occasionally – who knew it would come in handy when I try to dazzle a comparative lit major later in life."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie grinned, her cheeks colouring slightly. "You're trying to dazzle me?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hoping you'll love me for my mind, and not just my body," Daniel said straight faced, making Sophie giggle anew. "You hussy," he whispered, pinching her backside out of sight of the guard. "So, you like the library? My dazzling worked? My mind impresses as well?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's amazing… just amazing…" Sophie said, turning to meet his eyes. "Thank you for this."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"My pleasure," Daniel said, his heart warmed by the look of wonder and gratitude in Sophie's eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Between this library and the Mappa Mundi outside, I feel like…" Sophie breathed deeply, her eyes closed. "Like I'm living history or something. I can't describe it…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Daniel said with a smile. "Lunch?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie opened her eyes and giggled at his serious tone. "Lunch it is," she said, taking his hand and exiting the room with one last look over her shoulder at the books just waiting to be read again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop it," Sophie whispered, her cheeks flushing pink as she took a small sip of water from her glass.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop what?" Daniel asked innocently, taking a bite of his lamb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop… that," Sophie said, gesturing to his face as she fiddled with her own fork, Daniel giving her a confused, yet bemused expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie, I don't…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop... smoldering at me," Sophie whispered, and Daniel barked in laughter, drawing the eye of several fellow diners.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm smoldering at you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes, and it's very distracting," Sophie said, trying not to smile. "Instead of enjoying this very tasty, and very expensive lunch, which you are paying for by the way, I'm instead thinking about…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thinking about…" Daniel prompted with a wicked grin, nudging her foot under the table with his own.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thinking about you… smoldering. Naked smoldering," Sophie admitted, still giggling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Naked smoldering?" Daniel bit his bottom lip in an effort to remain straight faced. "You're picturing me naked and smoldering?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You ARE."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm not!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Are you done with lunch?" Daniel asked, glancing at her plate. "Because I'm up for some smoldering if you are. If I drive ninety, I can have us home in almost warp speed time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie laughed out loud as Daniel gestured for the waiter to bring the check.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">So much for a day out of the house – they were heading right back home to the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And that was perfectly fine with her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 38336/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-66058074392149653862007-11-26T22:40:00.000-06:002007-11-26T22:41:04.594-06:00Chapter Thirty-Two<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie winced at the bars of sunlight slashing across the bedroom as she slowly came to consciousness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Her body ached in new and interesting places this morning, she mused as she tried to shift, only to find herself pinned to the bed by one of Daniel's very long, very strong arms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Oh yeah, she thought dreamily, her eyes closing again as she smiled to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">No wonder she was so exhausted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie looked over at Daniel's sleeping form, his face completely relaxed for the first time since she'd met him, all traces of propriety or emotion washed from his face, leaving him as innocent as a babe.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It was a look of his she could definitely get used to seeing more often.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie swallowed thickly, twisting her body back until she was pressed against his body again, feeling his warmth against her naked skin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She had no idea what last night was.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Lust run amok?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The beginning of a real relationship?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A booty call brought on by the storm?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">For all she knew, Daniel would wake up, climb out of bed, say "thanks, babe", and be gone, leaving her exposed and alone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Great.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie closed her eyes, struggling to push all her self doubt and confusion aside until she found herself unexpectedly falling back asleep in his arms.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You're awake," Daniel said, his hand drawing lazy patterns on her back.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie stifled a yawn and nodded. "I am. Unfortunately. What time is it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel leaned over to spy the clock on the bedside table. "Almost ten o'clock already."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Ten?" Sophie sat bolt upright in bed, the duvet dropped from her shoulders, her entire upper body naked to Daniel's suddenly hungry gaze. "The shop!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grabbed her arm as Sophie turned to climb out of bed. "I have a suggestion," he said, his voice calm and quiet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Does it involve warp speed?" Sophie asked, her voice high and unsure.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel shook his head no. "It involves playing hooky for the day. I'll skip school if you will."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie looked at him, that mischievous look on his face, and felt her knotted stomach relax incrementally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He wanted to spend the day with her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It wasn't nothing – last night wasn't nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Thank god.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She took a deep breath, let it out slowly. "I was always very diligent about going to class."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, I wasn't. Come on, live a little. Belletristic will still be there tomorrow," Daniel's eyes pleaded with her, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'll blow off all the paperwork for the farm if you ignore the shop for the day, leaving things in someone else's hands. Let's get out of Hay, see the world a bit."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'll even drive," Daniel said with a teasing grin, his attempt at sweetening the pot. "And if you ask very nicely, I'll even make you a bit of toast before we go."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie giggled, then shook her head yes. "Okay. But you're corrupting me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel growled, sitting up to mirror her pose. "Absolutely," he said, leaning over to nibble on her bottom lip, his hands sliding from her shoulders to lower, more sensitive places.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Okay," Sophie said, her breath rasping. "Corrupt away."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And with a slow, sweet smile, he bent his head, kissing a freckle on her left shoulder and making her shiver at the touch of his lips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Where are we going?" Sophie asked two hours later from the front seat of Daniel's car. It had taken them that long to finally emerge from the bedroom, change clothes, grab breakfast, feed Dex and be on their way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I thought we might go to Hereford. There's something there I'd like you to see," Daniel said, shifting gears in the car and then resting his hand on Sophie's upper thigh possessively. "Alright with you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded. "I'm at your mercy today."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel sent her a smoldering gaze. "In that case, I'll be pulling over this car and having some mercy right now."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie giggled and waggled her finger at him as Daniel suddenly yanked the wheel to the side, planting the car in the weeds along the lane, then grabbing her shoulders and planting a passionate, fervent kiss on her lips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"We're never going to get to where ever we're going at this rate," Sophie breathed minutes later.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you care?" Daniel asked, wincing as he hit the gear shift in the middle of the car with his long legs, then kept moving towards her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Not especially, but Danny, no… we can't have sex on the side of the road!" she squeaked as he tugged on the button of her jeans. "Someone will see!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Who?" Daniel asked, looking around and seeing nothing but green fields. "The sheep?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie giggled again at his incredulous look. "No, stop. This isn't high school."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I don't know what kind of school you went to, but we definitely didn't have this opportunity at MY school," Daniel said lustily. "I've never done it on the front seat of a car… would you deny me the experience?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Danny… Danny!" Sophie's voice got higher and higher as Daniel finally tugged her pants down, maneuvering them both with a lot of giggling and fidgeting until she was planted on his lap, facing him as he slid inside her, making her toes curl and her breath to whoosh out of her lungs even as she called out his name.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 37524/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-38958157884169156272007-11-26T22:39:00.000-06:002007-11-26T22:40:15.172-06:00Chapter Thirty-One<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">When they finally arrived in the bedroom, Sophie felt suddenly shy. Between her total nakedness, and the huge expanse of the bed in front of them, she suddenly felt the need to vault under the covers, to hide her body from him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel, somehow sensing her hesitation, pressed her back against his front, cradling her body in his powerful arms as they stared at the bed. "You are so beautiful, Sophie…" he said, nibbling on her earlobe, his fingers drawing lazy circles on her soft stomach. "So beautiful…" He pressed his lips to the back of her neck, making her shudder in his arms, which tightened around her, before shifting again to cup her aching breasts in his hands, his hips still snugged against hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie felt herself melting not only at his touch, but at his words. He sounded almost… worshipful. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Slowly, slowly, he inched them forward to the bed until she turned in his arms, sitting down lightly on the edge. He smiled down at her, cupping her cheek in his warm hand, then turned, searching the room for a moment. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">As Sophie clamored under the duvet, covering herself, she watched Daniel's progression around the room as he lit several candles she had stowed nearby in case a storm knocked the power out altogether. She smiled, a 'cat who got the canary' kind of smile, at his absolutely perfect body – sculpted abs, tight butt, long legs, bitable neck.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">What the hell was a Greek Adonis doing in bed with a girl like her?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Moments later, Daniel joined her under the covers, pulling her close and kissing her softly, tenderly. "You okay?" he asked, sensing a change in her emotional state.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She looked up at him, smiling slightly. "I'll be better when…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed, a deep, throaty laugh as he pulled her close to him again, skin against skin, lip to lip, all their bits and pieces touching and tangling together. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie groaned as he began roaming across her body with his lips, pressing kisses against her breasts, her belly, and then lower, making her gasp and thrust her hips upwards. He touched and teased, tongued and tantalized, until Sophie caught his head in her hands, tugging on his long black hair, urging him on with the movements her body, rather than her voice. She screamed out his name with release, and his eyes sought hers, a small smile on his lips as he shifted from between her legs to look at her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">What felt like hours later, he traveled back up her body, staring into her eyes as he slowly covered her body with his, thrust into her, making her arch her back to meet him. Sophie finally had to close her eyes, unable to meet his hot, penetrating gaze – that look made her feel even more exposed than all the skin he had just seen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">His body continued to urge hers on, the candles across the room casting flickering shadows of their one form against the wall. Sophie finally cried out in exquisite pleasure, just as Daniel groaned his own release.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Gently, he rolled off of her, pulling her against him in one fluid movement, her head on his chest, their breaths ragged and labored.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"That was…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah," Sophie agreed silkily. "That was."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed at her dreamy voice, and then his body stiffened. "Oh god, I just… I just realized that I didn't…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie cupped his chin with her hand, soothing him as she read his thoughts. "I'm on the pill, Danny. It's okay."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I shouldn't have… oh, god, Sophie, I'm sorry. I'd never be that irresponsible… I just got caught up in the moment, and I couldn’t… I couldn't leave you alone. I've never…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">His voice drifted off, as though he were unable to finish the thought – at least, not yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I've never felt this way about someone before – never needed someone that badly before.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I've never lost my reserve that way before.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I've never been that inflamed for anyone before.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It's okay," Sophie repeated, snuggling closer against him. "You can make it up to me, though…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Anything," Daniel said, tightening his arms around her, pressing his lips to her temple.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do it again."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed hoarsely. "Give me about five minutes, and my wish is your command, milady…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie grinned then, pressing a kiss to one perfectly formed pectoral, her tongue flicking out and across one nipple. "I'm holding you to that, sire." Daniel groaned as her wet tongue dragged across his hot skin, and Sophie nearly crowed at his submission to her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Now, about that riding crop of yours…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie giggled anew as Daniel slithered away from her, sneaking under the sheets, his mouth tickling the insides of her thighs, once again taking her breath away.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 36624/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-66027464080433534722007-11-26T22:38:00.000-06:002007-11-26T22:39:26.821-06:00Chapter Thirty<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">The storm had finally abated, and Sophie reluctantly lifted her head from Daniel's shoulder, where she had been comfortably ensconced as the thunder drifted further and further away, the lightning no longer lighting the sky at odd intervals.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Daniel asked, a teasing lilt to his voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie rolled her eyes in response, and then shifted her weight. "Are your legs completely paralyzed from supporting my weight? I should have moved off of you after about thirty seconds… sorry about that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel kept his arms around her waist, refusing to let her move until she looked at him. "You aren't heavy, Sophie, on the contrary. I… I liked the feeling of you there. And yes, I still have full use of my legs."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Mm..." she said noncommittally, inwardly giddy from his compliment. Even so, she managed to wriggle out of his grasp and stood, stretching her back slightly as she looked up at the sky, which was now dark with night, rather than rain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel looked at her uncertainly, following her cue and stretching. She began to move towards the door, and Daniel picked up his now almost dry jacket from the chair and followed her towards the front door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm glad you came over," Sophie said, suddenly shy, looking down at her bare feet on the cool tiles. "That was much better than my first storm."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"My pleasure," Daniel said, his voice low, quiet. He shuffled his feet for a moment, and then looked up. "I should… you probably want me to… I should go."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie said nothing, instead looking up at him, his strong features illuminated only by a single streetlight far outside the door. His eyes flashed in reflection as he watched her watching him, trying to read her mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She opened and closed her mouth several times, unable to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Stay, she wanted to say. Stay the night… let's go upstairs and do all kinds of terrible stuff to each other, and then wake up tomorrow and do it all over again. Stay, and prove that you want me as much as I want you.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Stay, she wanted to say, but instead she remained silent, respecting his need for space, for time, for his own decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good night," she whispered after a long moment, making no move to open the door for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good night," he whispered in return, still rooted to the spot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">And then he took a deep breath and jumped.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Dropping his jacket onto the floor, he grabbed first her right wrist, then her left, capturing them in his warm hands. Slowly, agonizingly, he shifted his body, maneuvering her backwards until her back bumped against the hallway wall behind her. His eyes searching hers, he tugged her wrists up, up the wall until they were above her head, captured in his firm grasp. His gaze shifted away from her eyes, and his bent his head, kissing first her right pulse point, then her left, his thumbs tracing circles when he lips lifted from the warm skin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He continued to caress her wrists, even as he bent his head, capturing her mouth with his, kissing her deeply, one of his thighs pressed between her legs, planting her in place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie sighed into his mouth, the eroticism of being pinned to the wall by this powerful man making her knees shake and threaten to fail altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">His tongue danced with hers, his body pressing closer to her, expressing his need to touch every part of her…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Danny…" she breathed as he continued to plunder her mouth, his desire for her becoming more and more apparent, his kiss threatening to steal her breath altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Tell me to stop…" he whispered, dragging his mouth away from hers after several long minutes, resting his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged and his eyes closed. <span style=""> </span>"Sophie, tell me to stop."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh god, don't stop," Sophie practically whimpered, shifting her hips to fit her body closer against his, further inflaming his obvious lust for her. "Danny, please…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie tilted her head up, up going up on tiptoe until her mouth was close to his ear. "I want you," she whispered, hardly daring to believe her bold request…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He pressed his hips to hers in answer to her movements, her words, her wrists still pinned, his mouth seeking hers again. Finally, he dropped both hands from hers, though she obediently kept her hands against the wall above her head. With his free hands, he tugged her shirt up and over her head, his mouth urgently seeking the soft skin underneath. She finally dropped her hands as he stripped her, struggling to undo his jeans button and zipper even as he undid hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Struggling slightly, they managed to shuck themselves of clothing altogether, even as they remained standing in the hallway, pressed against each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie felt Daniel's shoulder and back muscles bunch beneath her hands as he pushed her firmly but not painfully against the wall again, his body following her and cupping her bottom with his hands, pressing her naked form against his, lifting her up off the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">With a gasp and a grunt from each of them, he was inside her, nailing her to the wall with his body, his mouth pressed eagerly to hers even as he claimed her body. They rose higher and higher until Sophie could take no more, gasping out his name as he grabbed her and pulled her in, satisfying his own need.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's hair stuck to her sweaty forehead, and she couldn't seem to catch her breath as Daniel slowly lowered her to the floor until her feet finally made contact with the cool tiles. She continued her downward movement, finally slumping on the floor at his feet, Daniel following only moments later.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I've never done that before," Sophie said, then laughed at Daniel's startled and horrified expression. "Done it against a wall, I mean."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"That was a first for me, too," Daniel admitted, wiping his own brow and giving her a shaky smile. "I didn't mean to… I hadn't intended… did I hurt you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie grinned, satisfied and smug. "No. That was very… therapeutic."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It was meant to be ground shaking," Daniel said, his eyes closed as he leaned the back of his head against the wall, the sheen of sweat dancing on his warm skin, a small smile on his lips. "Therapeutic? Awe inspiring, more like."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh, it was that too," Sophie amended with a grin. "But I'm still feeling a little… delicate from the storm. I think you should stay the night, in case it… comes back."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel smiled, his eyes still closed. "That sounds like a good idea. Maybe we can do it right next time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, I'm no expert, but I thought we did it right this time," Sophie said, her voice teasing. "That was… unexpected."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Unexpected?" Daniel ventured, and Sophie grinned to herself at his wondrous expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Almost as unexpected as that riding crop I have in the closet," she teased, and he opened one eye to look at her, his desire for her becoming apparent again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Let's go," he said, standing in one fluid motion and grabbing her hand and pulling her upstairs, Sophie giggling the entire way to the bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 35831/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-27100974838136331872007-11-25T20:56:00.000-06:002007-11-25T21:07:34.253-06:00Chapter Twenty-Nine<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie jumped out of her skin as the thunder boomed across the fields, only a second after the first flash of lightning. The sky had been a threatening grey colour all afternoon, and it looked like the promised storm was finally here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Pulling her sweater more tightly around her, she sat down determinedly on the sofa in the conservatory.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >After cowering during the last storm, Sophie realized she needed to conquer her fear – she was going to sit in the entirely glassed in room until the storm was passed, proving that there was nothing to be afraid of.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She squeezed her eyes shut at the next bolt of lightning, trying to buck up her courage as she continued to sit primly on the edge of the sofa.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >This was going to be harder than she thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel saw the sheets of rain as they began to come across the fields, and realized he only had a minute or two to make a decision if he wanted to avoid being soaked to the bone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He stared out the window at Fairfields, but didn't see Sophie in the kitchen, though there were other lights on in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He knew she must be scared of this new storm, based on her reaction to the last one. With one last glance at his computer and the piles of paper and mountains of work surrounding it, he grabbed a jacket and yanked open the front door, telling Dex to stay put as he closed it firmly behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He shrugged further into his jacket, immediately soaked to the skin by the deluge of rain that had already started. Without wasting a breath, he sprinted for the gate, slamming it behind him as he ran across the lane towards the front door of Fairfields.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He wasn't going to leave Sophie to deal with this alone, he thought grimly. Even if he did catch his death of cold…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie bit back a shriek as she heard the front door crash open, then shut a moment later. She was on her feet searching valiantly for a weapon when she sighed in relief, seeing it was a very wet Daniel who had let himself in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You scared the shit out of me!" she said, sitting down on the couch again in relief. "What are you doing here?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I'm here to protect you," Daniel said, feeling like an idiot the moment he said it, almost wishing he could take it back. "I mean, I just…"<br /><br />Sophie looked up at him, her eyes wide and questioning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I didn't want you to be alone during the storm," he said, draping his sopping wet jacket over a chair and taking a step towards her. "I just thought… you mentioned the other night how much the last storm scared you, so I just…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He trailed off, uncertain, until he saw Sophie close her eyes as lightning slashed through the sky again, betraying her act of courage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I’m trying to be brave by sitting in here until the storm is over," Sophie said, her eyes still shut as she spoke. "But so far I haven't been very brave. I'm not exactly laughing in the face of danger. More like cowering."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel bit back a smile at her bravado, and then crossed over to the couch, sinking down beside her. She squeaked as the thunder rattled the windowpanes, and then tentatively reached for him, her hand stopping just shy of his arm, unsure if she should touch him or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel wasn't exactly a hands on person, Sophie had noticed. The occasional brush of a hand, but not one kiss, and certainly no cuddling, though she had a dim recollection of being kissed on the forehead as she fell asleep the other night.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Impossible, she thought now, still not sure whether to touch him or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Without blinking, he grasped both her upper arms gently, tugging her towards him until she was settled against his chest, the top of her head tucked beneath his chin. He could feel her shuddering slightly, hear the hitch in her breath as he pulled her close.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Are you alright?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She nodded beneath his chin. "I'm better now. You're soaked, though… you're going to freeze to death," she said, her voice quavering slightly at his sudden closeness.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel smiled softly, looking up at the darkening sky. "I very much doubt that. I'm feeling pretty warm now."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie smiled, burying her face more deeply into his shirt and tightening her grip on him, savoring the smell of him, the warmth of his body against hers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Suddenly, Sophie was incredibly grateful to the storm for blowing in, since it appeared it had blown Daniel in with it. He was never this… hands on, she mused. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She liked it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >A lot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >After a few minutes, her breathing was slowly normalizing, and she ventured a look up at the sky. She still winced slightly, but managed to keep her eyes open as a new bolt of lightning crossed the sky. She stared up, suddenly mesmerized by the light show, feeling brave with Daniel's arms around her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She snuggled a bit closer to him, her eyes still on the sky outside the windows when Daniel shifted as well, until she felt herself being lifted and placed squarely on his lap, his arms still wrapped protectively around her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Better?" He whispered, not daring to meet her eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie smiled, not meeting his gaze either. "Much, much better."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She shifted her hips, making herself comfortable in his lap, and he leaned back until he was against the back of the couch, tugging her with him until they were both settled comfortably.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Or at least passably comfortable, Daniel thought, wishing he'd worn slightly more broken in jeans, not having anticipated having a beautiful woman in his lap during the storm, but somehow it just felt… right to pull her against him, to cradle her body as she rode out the storm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >They both sighed slightly, the lightning still illuminating them at irregular intervals, the thunder still shaking the glass panels of the conservatory.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >And with that, they didn’t speak again until the worst of the storm had passed them by, leaving only rivulets of rain on the windows in its wake.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 34618/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-60494223510215371602007-11-25T20:55:00.001-06:002007-11-25T21:07:22.514-06:00Chapter Twenty-Eight<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Okay, let's review…" Sophie said, pacing back and forth across the kitchen as Daniel stood at the Aga in the Fairfields kitchen, carefully steaming asparagus and smiling at her General Patton approach to the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Oh yes… let's. Because we haven't discussed this enough yet," Daniel teased, looking over his shoulder at her, a grin quirking at the corner of his mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She stuck out her tongue in return, and he laughed. "This is serious. Operation Hookup is in effect."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You need a better code name for your little pet project…" Daniel ventured, and she stopped, planting her hands on her hips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Listen, buster, I have one night to get Kat and Matt to realize they are perfect for each other, and they are going to be here in only a few minutes, and so if I say we need to review, we need to review. Stop cooking and review!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Can I just repeat now that I think this whole operation is ridiculous? Listen, Yenta, these two don't need you to play matchmaker in order to find out if they like each other. For all you know, they are already embroiled in a hot, passionate affair and have no need for your services at all," Daniel said, his tone serious. "Maybe they are hiding their love child even now to avoid the disappointment of their parents, who think they are not a good match for one another and would never accept a child born out of wedlock."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie stared at him, her mouth slightly open. "You get that off EastEnders or something? Coronation Street? Are you a secret soap opera junkie? You are, aren't you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I'm just saying…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Look, Matt is shy, and Kat is looking for a boyfriend, and they are perfect for each other – smart, funny, kind and all sorts of other positive attributes. I'm simply facilitating the process to get two lovely people, who, yes, have known each other for a while, to realize they are each other's destiny. A little support would be nice," Sophie said, hands still on hips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel slung a towel over his shoulder, and then slowly swiveled to face her, giving her a small salute and sighing slightly. "Review away," he said, his mouth curling into a teasing smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Okay, we need to make sure they sit next to each other."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Check."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"We need to make sure the food tastes good. Food should always taste good on a first date."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Check. My food always tastes good. Even though they don't know they are on their first date."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Can it, Farmer Ted. Okay, we need to make sure we have sparkling conversation all evening. Possible topics of discussion if the conversation lulls include…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"The National Book Award nominees, the plight of Darfur, the wavering exchange rate of the Euro and anything to do with Posh and Becks," Daniel said, deadpan, biting his lip slightly at her steely expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I. Don't. Like. You."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel laughed out loud at her tone. "No Posh and Becks?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Can it," Sophie repeated, mock glaring at him. "This is serious! We want fun, light conversation that will reveal that they have a lot in common and should marry immediately and start making beautiful babies."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Or at least that they should go on a second date," she amended at his questioning look.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Better," he agreed, turning back to monitor the progress the vegetables. "Sophie, it's all going to be fine. I've never known conversation or quiet to be an impediment to you. In fact, I've never known you to sit through a quiet moment at all."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Tugging the towel off his shoulder, Sophie landed a solid thwack to his backside with it, and then carefully replaced it on his shoulder, smoothing it down perfectly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Please, sir, may I have another?" he asked without turning around, and Sophie dissolved into a fit of giggles just as a knock was heard on the front door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Oh, god. They're here. Or one of them is here. Okay, remember…" Daniel gave Sophie a solid push towards the hallway, encouraging her to answer the front door, rather than fretting about it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Go. It's all going to be fine…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I have butterflies," Sophie confessed. "My butterflies have butterflies."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Dinner is going to be great," Daniel reassured them. "And don't forget to tell them you cooked everything. That'll impress the hell out of them."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie gave him a small smile, and then hurried towards the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Sophie, that was a great meal," Kat said, dabbing at her lips with her napkin and smiling at her friend. "Very British. I didn't know you were such a good cook."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie bit her lip and began to deny her involvement when Daniel kicked her lightly under the table. Throwing him a stern look, she straightened in her chair. "Thanks. Danny was a big help."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Kat raised an eyebrow at the nickname, but said nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"That was really great," Matt agreed, smiling at Sophie and Daniel. "I… I brought a pie for dessert."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"What kind of pie?" Kat asked, her eyes lighting up. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Apple crumb pie," Matt said shyly. "It's my mum's recipe, but I've made it a few times…"<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You… bake?" Kat asked curiously, and Matt's cheeks coloured at her incredulous tone.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I can't make desserts to save my life. A pork roast, muffins, even croissants, but I can't make anything sweet. What's your secret?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie looked at Daniel triumphantly as Matt and Kat drifted away from the table, still discussing sugar ratios and pie tins. "See?" She hissed as they began to clear the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"And we didn’t even have to discuss the art of sumo wrestling…" Daniel whispered back, mock wincing as Sophie lightly pinched his arm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"This is so great!" She said gleefully, looking over her shoulder as Kat and Matt continued to talk quietly, heading for the den. "I'll bring coffee in a minute – make yourselves comfortable!" Sophie called over her shoulder, then smiling at Daniel. "Okay, we have to stall."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"What?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Stall," Sophie whispered. "We don't want to go in there and ruin the delicate balance."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Speaking of unbalanced…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Shut it, cowboy. This is good – this is a love connection!" Sophie whispered, handing him another plate for him to wash in the sink. "Stall…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie and Daniel managed to clean the entire kitchen at a leisurely pace, Sophie occasionally peeking into the den to see Kat and Matt still deep in conversation, then crowing about it to Daniel. Finally, they made a pot of coffee and joined their guests, spending the next two hours engaged in banter, discussion and joke telling until Kat covered a yawn and Matt solicitously suggested they leave their host and hostess for the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel and Sophie waved their guests away as the headlights flooded the dark evening, and then Sophie turned and socked Daniel on the shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I knew it!" She said with a wide smile. "I KNEW they just needed a push!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"It's not like they are picking out the colours of the bridesmaid dresses yet…" <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Give it time," Sophie said confidently. <span style=""> </span>"Just give it time."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel looked down at Sophie's pleased face, his heart swelling at her happiness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Maybe it was time for HIM to stop stalling, to stop giving it time…<o:p></o:p></span></p> 33573/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-68192269110614231032007-11-25T20:54:00.002-06:002007-11-25T21:07:05.589-06:00Chapter Twenty-Seven<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Thanks for cooking. That roast was great," Sophie said, collapsing on the couch, and then reaching for her wine glass to take a sip of the Merlot they'd shared at dinner. "I felt like I was going a million miles an hour all day today, and it's finally caught up with me," she yawned, covering her mouth, then continued. "I'm exhausted. Hence my lack of sparkly-ness."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel smiled at her. "My pleasure… it's nice to cook for more than one person. I feel like all I ever eat is leftovers when I cook for myself. And you're perfectly... sparkly."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"You can cook for me anytime," Sophie assured him, grinned at his use of 'sparkly', and then stopped. "That wasn't meant to sound quite so pleading… or seductive."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel laughed, a low sound in his throat. "Plead, seduce… I don't mind."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie eyed him carefully over her wine glass, but said nothing. She wasn't sure if that was flirting, if that was just conversation, if that was teasing…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She'd spent another evening with Daniel Davies, and was no closer to figuring him out than she was weeks ago when she'd first arrived in Hay and met her once-surly neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >The man was truly an enigma.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She liked him, she knew that. Now that the prickly exterior was slowly being peeled away – very slowly, she found – she was coming to like the man inside. Daniel was still guarded about his feelings, his background, his everything, but he was beginning to let her in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >And that was making her fall harder. At first, it was just physical…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >One look at his shirtless body had done that, Sophie mused, sipping her wine. But now, there was more to him than just pretty eye candy…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Do you play?" Daniel asked, and Sophie had to snap herself away from naughty thoughts of playing in all sorts of filthy ways to focus on what he was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Play? What were they playing?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"Sophie?" Daniel repeated. "Do you play?" Sophie refocused, and realized he was gesturing to the piano tucked in the corner of the family room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She shook her head no. "I don't. I took lessons for a few weeks as a kid, but I howled every time I had to sit at the keyboard to practice. I regret it now – I can't even read music or play a single instrument. I love listening to it, though."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel stood, setting his own wine glass aside and caressing the keys softly. "Do… do you play?" Sophie ventured after a moment, noting his slightly sad, slightly wistful expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel gave her a small smile. "It's been a while, but yes. My mother was an amazing pianist, and she made me take lessons and practice for years. I got rid of the piano when she died, though, to make room for files and ledgers in the den. I kind of regret it now, but…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie sat up straighter. "Well, please, by all means, help yourself. I'd love to hear you play…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel looked at her shyly. "It's been a while…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >"I can't even play 'Chopsticks' – believe me, anything you can play will impress me," Sophie said with a teasing grin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel seemed to hesitate a moment longer, then slid onto the bench behind the piano, his long fingers dancing across the keys. He paused for a long moment, and then struck the first few keys.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sophie lay back on the couch, closing her eyes as the sounds of a Beethoven lullaby began. Daniel's playing sounded flawless to her, modulating from loud to quiet, soft to forceful and back again. Her head lolled to the side as she felt herself being wrapped up in the music like a warm woolen blanket, and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Daniel looked down at Sophie affectionately, her eyes closed, her face soft as she slept. She didn’t look terribly comfortable on the couch, though, lying at a strange angle, so Daniel hesitated on whether or not to move her. After gazing at her for another long moment, he finally decided to try and take her upstairs to her own bed where he knew she would be more comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Sliding his arms carefully under her, he picked her up as though she was a slumbering child, and her arms wound automatically around his neck. He smiled as he inhaled her Sophie smell, felt her softness against him as he carefully trod up the stairs to the second floor, cradling her gently against his chest. He managed to navigate the hallway without turning on any lights, and within a minute had carefully deposited Sophie into the middle of the large bed in the master bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He carefully tugged off her shoes before lifting the duvet and laying it back down atop her, pulling it up to her chin and tucking her in.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >She looked so peaceful… it was the most quiet Sophie had ever been, Daniel thought with a small smile, hearing her voice echo in his mind even in the silence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He was surprised the pounding of his heart didn't wake her up.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >What the hell was he doing, he mentally asked himself. What if she went away, what if she broke his heart, turned into another Rosa for him to have to survive…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >But then again, what if this feeling inside of him never went away, and he walked around with a Sophie-shaped hole inside his heart for the rest of his life because he was too much of a chicken shit to take a chance on her?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >This could be a huge mistake, he thought again as he continued to gaze down at her sleeping form.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >But then again…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to her hairline, and then quickly retreated down the stairs and out the front door, locking it behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Thus eliminating his temptation to go back upstairs and crawl into bed beside her, tugging her body against his, letting her warmth thaw his decidedly chilly heart. No, if they ended up in bed together, when, hopefully, they ended up in bed together, she was definitely going to be wide awake...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >He smiled at the thought, glad he'd locked the door after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >Just too tempting, he thought as he crossed the dark lane and went into his own, cold home for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 32359/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-21131679005459466732007-11-25T20:53:00.001-06:002007-11-25T20:53:46.271-06:00Chapter Twenty-Six<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thank you, Helen. This is going to look absolutely fantastic in here!" Sophie enthused, shaking the older woman's hand happily.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Thanks for the opportunity, Sophie. I never would have thought of it meself," the woman said, her voice lilting with her Welsh accent. "Let me know if you have any takers."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I absolutely will," Sophie smiled. "Thanks again!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">With a wave, Sophie watched as Helen left Belletristic, a smile on her face. Turning, she saw Matt with a decidedly less delighted expression on his face.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do I even want to know?" he asked wearily. "First the coffee, then the music, then the furniture… now what have you gotten us into?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Just a little… cross marketing," Sophie said coyly, but with little success at hiding her new treasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Tell me… why is there a huge framed piece of art on our counter?" Matt asked, folding his arms across his chest and staring her down. Sophie batted her eyelashes at him a few times teasingly, and he cracked a small smile. "Stop doing that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie laughed out loud. "I approached a couple of local artists – you know, there are some fantastic painters and artists living right here in Hay, amazing talents – and asked if they maybe wanted to hang a few pieces in the shop. We're kind of like an art gallery for them. They can send potential customers here to see their pieces, maybe we can make a sale or two for them…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And we get new customers," Matt finished for her, nodding. "How come you never have terrible ideas for me to shoot down?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Because, darling boy, I am brilliant. Brilliant, and totally needing a big, strapping man like you to help me drill some nail holes. You in?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt rolled his eyes good naturedly, and then retreated into the back room to find the hammer just as the bell on the front door tinkled, causing Sophie to turn to greet her customer.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good day, sir. Is there something I can help you find?" Sophie asked formally.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Perhaps…" The man replied slowly. "I need a handbook on soil cultivation – preferably from 1907."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie stifled a grin. "I'm terribly sorry, sir. My stock of that title just ran out a few days ago. However, I know the gentleman who has it – I'd be happy to present you his name and address so you can go beat the hell out of him for it. No charge, even."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grinned at her serious tone as Sophie dissolved into giggles. "Gosh, doesn't take much to sell me out, eh?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Payback for being Meanie McMeanerson all those times…" Sophie said, shifting away as Daniel reached to tweak her ear teasingly, giggling as she escaped his grasp.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Looks good in here…" Daniel ventured, looking around, noting the changes that Sophie had made to the front of the store. "You've made some great improvements, from the looks of it. I really like the counter area now, and that chair… and something smells good…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie smiled at his compliments happily. "Coffee… do you have time for a cup?" she asked, gesturing towards the coffeepot in the corner and taking a few steps towards it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel shook his head sadly. "I really don't… I was in town to pick up a few things, and just wanted to stop in and say hello. I… I missed you."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie practically glowed at his words, even as she poured him a mug of coffee, despite his insistence that he didn't have time for it. "I missed you too…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh, gag…" Matt said under his breath as she came back into the room, overhearing Sophie and Daniel's exchanged words, and observing the searching, hungry looks they were giving each other. "No public displays of affection in Belletristic… it's a rule," he said, his voice serious but his smile easing the snark of his words.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Too bad," Sophie said. "We were just going to drop trou and start humping on the floor," she said sweetly, batting her eyelashes for the benefit of both men.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel turned bright red as he choked on the hot coffee when he heard her words. Sophie looked at him angelically, and he started laughing anew.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Listen, Matt… I've been meaning to ask you… do you want to come over and have dinner with Daniel and I tomorrow night? I think I've almost mastered the stove in the kitchen at Fairfields," Sophie asked. "And I'd really like to cook you dinner as a thank you for being my driver for my first few weeks."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel injected. "I'll be supervising the stove use, rest assured, mate."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt shook his head apologetically. "No, thanks, though. With my folks it's hard to take a night off, and I don't want to be the third wheel and all…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie shrugged slightly. "That's too bad… Kat was going to come over too."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Matt swallowed thickly, the color draining from his face slightly. "Is seven okay?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel and Sophie exchanged a small smile, and then Daniel caught sight of the clock above the checkout counter. "I've got to run. Will I… will I see you tonight?" he asked, almost shy as he handed his mug of coffee back to her. "Maybe dinner together?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie smiled at him, catching his hand in hers and giving it a small squeeze. "Count on it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> 31299/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-42176500764341883332007-11-19T07:25:00.000-06:002007-11-19T07:26:26.566-06:00Chapter Twenty-Five<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Are you sure there won't be anyone on this road?" Sophie asked, looking around, nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm sure."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"How can you be sure?" Sophie asked, turning to face him. "I mean, you aren't the lord and master of all things traffic in Hay, are you?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sophie?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Stop. Avoiding. The. Car." Daniel pointed to the driver's side of Auntie Barbara's small hatchback, which was currently parked in the middle of a tiny lane bordered by hedgerows on both sides. "And yes, I am the lord and master of all things traffic. It's a new title, just awarded last year. I beat out Old Man Pilcher for it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie stuck out her tongue at his teasing, and then climbed into the front seat. "Okay, so you know I said the whole 'driving on the wrong side of the road' thing was scary? And how I don't like roundabouts? Well, I forgot to mention that…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You don't know how to drive a manual transmission, do you?" Daniel rolled his eyes skyward in an exaggerated scowl. "Woman, you are hopeless."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Sorry."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And well you should be," Daniel said, unable to contain a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Where are we?" Sophie asked, trying to see over the enormous hedge blocking both sides of the small road. "I can't see a damn thing except greenery. I feel like Alice in Wonderland or something."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"We're on a road that is rarely used on the edge of my property. I figured I better minimize your damage rates but starting you somewhere isolated," Daniel said, folding his long body into the passenger seat and shutting the door. "Now, this is really quite simple…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It took Sophie about fifteen tries before she managed to get the car into first gear and roll about twenty yards before the engine sputtered and died again. She expected Daniel to lose patience, or to just yank her out of the driver's seat and drive them around himself – but he didn't.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He remained encouraging and patient, and after a while, Sophie forgot to be nervous and embarrassed about being around him, about not knowing how to drive, and started to get the hang of things. Another hour of practice, and she was triumphant as she managed to drive several miles without stalling or shuddering the car.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well done, Sophie!" Daniel beamed at her, pleased with the progress of his pupil. "You ready to take on a 'real road' now – there's even a roundabout at the end of it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit her lip slightly. "What if I mess up?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"If you do, you do. At least this way, you'll know you can make it to work and back – that's where we'll head. And if you manage to not stall the car on the way, I'll even buy you lunch."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie grinned, her courage rising. "Deal!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hang on…" Daniel said right before she put the car into gear again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Do you have a good insurance policy? I hope you're fully covered for this…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie socked him lightly on the shoulder, and then bravely put the car back into first gear, praying she wouldn't stall on the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Fifteen minutes later, she pulled smoothly into a space near The Granary, a delicious luncheon place filled with enormous sandwiches, hearty soups and sweet desserts. "I did it!" Sophie crowed, pleased with herself. She reached for the parking brake at the same time as Daniel, their hands meeting in the middle, tangling with each other. Sophie's cheeks flushed at the contact and she dared not meet his eye. He didn't relinquish his grasp for a few seconds, until someone called out "Daniel! Sophie!"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Reluctantly, Sophie let go, and they both climbed from the car to Kat's called greeting. Exchanging pleasantries, Kat kept throwing Sophie a knowing smile, though Sophie refused to smile back, to give away her own feelings on Daniel – but it seemed that Kat already knew. She was surprised Kat didn't do the "nudge, nudge, wink, wink" thing right there in front of Daniel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Great, she thought, I'll never hear the end of this now. Maybe I can turn it around a bit…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You know, Kat," Sophie interrupted smoothly, giving her a winsome smile. "Daniel here has been educating me to the ways of the mystical Aga. I'd love to have you over for dinner sometime – maybe you and Daniel, even Matt."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Ha, Sophie thought with a hidden smile. She thinks she got me figured out, wait until I start matchmaking her ass with Matt.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Kat nodded happily. "Sure, anytime. Stop by and let me know when. I've got to dash, but I'll talk to you tomorrow!" With a knowing wink, Kat gliding away from them, and Sophie gave Daniel great credit for not watching her perfect backside recede for more than the briefest of moments.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Ready to eat?" He asked with a small smile, and Sophie nodded, flushing again as Daniel placed a hand on the small of her back, guiding her into the dim interior.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A few hours later, when the car was safely parked in the garage and Daniel had returned home to make a few phone calls, Sophie flopped onto the couch in the conservatory, her head spinning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">This Daniel was like a new man – helpful, patient, kind. She could really see herself liking him… more than liking him…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">So, how did he feel about her?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">At times, she thought she detected a spark from him, but then… nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">No kiss, even. They'd brushed hands a few times, but no kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Maybe he didn't feel the same way after all. Sure, the guy had been through the wringer in the last year – lost his mom, lost his best assistant, lost his girlfriend. No wonder he had trust issues and was wary about new people, but jeez, Sophie thought. I'm not scary or untrustworthy. He can trust me…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Maybe he just wasn't ready.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Or maybe, Sophie thought with slight resignation, he just isn't into me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">No matter, Sophie sighed. Better to have Daniel the Friendly Neighbor Man than Daniel the Surly, regardless of romantic entanglements.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She just wished she knew more of what was going on in that gorgeous head of his…<o:p></o:p></span></p> 30414/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-33134006474142517532007-11-19T06:41:00.000-06:002007-11-19T06:42:12.013-06:00Chapter Twenty-Four<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So you went to school and got a degree, then went to graduate school to get another degree…" Daniel prompted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"And then was so tuckered out from all the degree getting that I didn't finish my dissertation. Yet," Sophie said as she folded her legs under her and settling further into the sofa, facing Daniel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Dinner had been a success – despite the lack of garlic bread – and they had retired to the family room with two glasses of red wine, Sophie watching as Daniel stoked a fire to life in the fireplace. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She could get used to this postcard perfect kind of life, she mused with a small smile. The good wine, the crackling fire, the hottie occupying her couch…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Will you?" Daniel asked, jarring her back to the present.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Will I?" Sophie repeated, momentarily dazed, and then shaking herself back to reality. "I will," Sophie said with determination. "I always finish what I start, I just… I needed a break. I wasn't sure…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I mean, usually when you go this far in school, you're expected to keep getting degrees, or to turn around and teach. And the more I thought about it, the more I really didn't want to teach apathetic undergrads about seventeen century literature. I mean, I was one of those apathetic kids once…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded, but said nothing. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I guess I'm just searching for direction, and the longer I put off the writing, the longer I don't have to decide what I want to be when I grow up. And right now, that's incredibly appealing."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I can understand that," Daniel said, and Sophie looked at him in puzzlement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You do? I mean, it seems like your life was all laid out for you, so all you had to do was step into those shoes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel shook his head no. "I never intended to go into agriculture at all. In fact, growing up, I couldn't wait to get away from Hay, to never come back. And yet, here I am…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What were you going to be?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel smirked. "You'll laugh."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I won't," Sophie crossed her heart solemnly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I was going to be an accountant. I was going to join a big firm in London and wearing constricting suits and live the preppy life to the end of my days."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie bit her lip but did not laugh. "Yeah… I can't really see that."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"In the end, neither could I," Daniel said with a self deprecating smile. "When Mum died, a lot of things changed, chief among them my perspective on the world and my place in it. Even though London was a done deal, I just knew in my heart I couldn’t go. It was difficult but I chose. I lost some things…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Like your girl," Sophie said softly, and Daniel looked up sharply. "Oh come on. You can check up on me, and I can't check up on you?" Daniel gave her a wry smile, but said nothing. "I hear that she just… left. That's a rude bitch, if you ask me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed a little. "She was a lot of things, and yes, rude bitch among them. She just couldn't stand by my decision to stay, and in the end, I couldn't stand by her. Let's just say the parting WASN'T amicable."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So I gathered," Sophie said with a smile as she took a sip of wine. "Her loss. Now you can be the playboy of Hay if you like. I can totally see it."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Should I buy the Porsche first, or the posh shoes and <i style="">Miami Vice</i> suit?" Daniel deadpanned, making Sophie giggle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"The suit. Definitely," she agreed. "So is this the right fit? Is this what you want to be when you grow up?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nodded after a long pause. "Yeah. I never thought it would be this farm, but it turns out, it's this farm. This seems to run in my blood, and I'm quite good at it, so hopefully I can make a go of it for the next fifty years or so…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hopefully," Sophie echoed, giving him a warm smile. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So, you never told me. What was the topic of your dissertation?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Okay, brace yourself. It's pretty racy stuff," Sophie said seriously, and Daniel raised a single eyebrow. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh really?" he asked speculatively, a seductive and teasing smile playing across his lips. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Okay, ready?" He nodded and she took a deep breath. "The Influence of Non-Shakespearean Elizabethan Playwrights on the Concept of Epic Theatre and the Plays of Paradox." She paused, noting his blank expression. "Riveting, huh?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh, terribly," he deadpanned, before giving her a quick smile. "That explains why you threw <i style="">Tamburlaine</i> in my face once. Sophisticated argument tactic, by the way," he noted and she giggled. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Why mess with a good tactic?" Sophie teased. "Yeah, now you can understand why I haven't finished my dissertation, right? Doesn't it just want to make you run out and learn all there is to know about the intricacies of Elizabethan theatre? At least I'm in the land of Marlowe and Kyd and Jonson. That's something…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Wow, if you do research here, can you write off this entire field trip as being school related and get a break on tuition or something?" Daniel speculated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I'm thinking… no. And you call this little shindig a field trip? More like a life altering event," Sophie smiled at him, grateful that he hadn’t pushed her to finish, nor quizzed her on the contents of her studies. It was interesting enough when she started, but now…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Life is so much simpler now, she mused. And yet, I feel like I'm learning more each day in that store than I ever could in a dusty carrel in Bloomington…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, at least your degree is in comparative literature – that's related to your bookstore, right?" Daniel said, taking a sip of his wine. "I mean, it's all words on a page, and how they make people feel, and what they all mean."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yeah, but so far we haven't had a lot of spirited debates in the stacks about Austen novels or Victorian poetry. Mostly just 'how much is this?' and 'do you have anything by Danielle Steel?'. Woe is me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Woe is you, indeed. Could be worse…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie raised an eyebrow, waiting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You could be a farmer. Or even better, an Aga repairman. Well, repairwoman."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grinned and ducked as Sophie chucked a pillow at his head.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 29389/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-66973582097969326982007-11-18T20:24:00.001-06:002007-11-18T20:24:35.845-06:00Chapter Twenty-Three<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What do you mean, you can't drive?" Daniel said by way of greeting as Sophie came tearing out of the house and leaping into his idling car.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I can't drive," Sophie replied easily. "I mean, I can in America, but the whole 'other side of the road, teeny tiny lane thing' freaks me out here. Hi," she said brightly as he put the car in gear and they drove away from the farmhouses.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Hi," he replied, smiling at her as she settled into the seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good day?" she asked, and he rolled his eyes a bit, regaling her with the difficulties of dealing with country solicitors, making her laugh at his impersonation of his legal counsel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Within minutes, they were parked in front of a small grocer, where boxes and boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables were spilling over onto the tables they were sitting on.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Ooooh…" Sophie breathed. "This is fantastic!" Without waiting for him, Sophie leaped from the car, hurrying over to the boxes, and immediately began grabbing and sniffing the fruit. Daniel smiled as he climbed from the car, caught up in her enthusiasm for simple groceries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He patiently pushed the cart as Sophie practically danced up and down the aisles, exclaiming over items from her childhood time spent in England, things she heard of by never tried, and stocking up on kitchen essentials. Before long, the cart was close to overflowing, and Daniel was having a hard time keeping up with Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He'd never seen someone take such pleasure in shopping for food.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He liked it – he liked seeing Sophie like a kid in a candy store.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">It… restored his faith in humanity in some small way, somehow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She paid for the packed-to-the-gills cart, and helped him struggle all the groceries into the boot of the car, talking a mile a minute, and occasionally pausing to catch her breath. Though he'd been nervous about conversation between them, he saw he had no reason. They were able to keep up a steady stream of banter and conversation between them with no struggle at all.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">What a relief.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel knew he was painfully shy around new people, but somehow Sophie made it easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So now that you've bought most of the store, what are you going to make for dinner?" he asked, putting the car into gear and reversing out of the parking lot and onto the narrow lane behind them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie's brow furrowed. "You know, I'm not sure. Something fabulous, without a doubt. And definitely a salad – I'm dying for a fresh salad. What do you cook? Do you have a signature dish? The Daniel Special?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He laughed a little, glancing over at her. "Well, I was at the top of my class at Le Cordon Bleu, so…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Really?" Sophie breathed, her eyes wide, and he burst out laughing at her wondrous expression.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Oh. I thought you were serious."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"No."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, do you cook?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"How well?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, I'm not dead yet, so well enough for me."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Good," Sophie said, settling back in her seat, the matter decided. "You're in charge, then."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel laughed, and they chattered the entire way home – about Hay, about their respective farmhouses, about Sophie's updates to Belletristic and the expected profit increase. They unloaded the car in record time when they returned to Fairfields, and then Sophie stood in the middle of the kitchen, her hands on her hips, facing the Aga as though she and her three hundred Spartans were facing the Persians at the Hot Gates.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"I just don't trust that thing," she said seriously, her gaze firmly fixed on the enormous iron oven.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"It probably doesn't trust you either," Daniel said easily, nudging past her to place a pot of water onto one of the burners. "Let's do something easy, and just boil water. Pasta alright?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie nodded. "Think we can we make garlic bread in that evil looking oven too?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grinned over his shoulder. "We can do that. You prep, I'll cook."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">They moved easily around each other in the kitchen, Sophie slicing a loaf of French bread and whipping up a garlic butter while Daniel prepared his own tomato sauce to go with the pasta. They talked easily, but also worked in companionable silence – a rare balance, Daniel thought with a hidden smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Particularly for a talker like Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"So you were last spotted in Indiana before fleeing to the Welsh countryside," Daniel said, picking up an earlier thread of conversation. "What was Indiana like?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, it's a bit like here, but with a lot more corn and cows. Lots of it is rural like this, but then there are these pockets of urban life that…" <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie trailed off, her gaze lifting and her nose sniffing. "Uh, Danny? I think something's burning…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"What?" Daniel asked, his knife still trained on the garlic and onions before him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Uh… burning!" Sophie yelped, yanking open the oven door, releasing a billow of black smoke. She jumped back, and then grabbed a second pot holder to try and wrestle the cooking tray from the oven. "Almost… got it…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">With a squawk of triumph, she got the tray out, throwing it in the sink, the bread still smoldering slightly. Daniel was still frozen in place, watching her acrobatics. She looked at the oven, a wounded expression on her face. "I thought I had the hang of it. I mean, how do you turn it down?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"You don't," Daniel said with a soothing smile. "It's a constant temperature… you'll get used to it. You just have to keep a closer eye on things when they are cooking in there…"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"But…" Sophie protested. "How can the Aga tell if it's cooking a twenty eight pound turkey or just a loaf of bread? Does it have mind reading capabilities? Are there magical elves running it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel snorted with laughter. "No magical elves, I'm afraid. Maybe a gnome or two, but no elves. It's just an older technology… practice makes perfect."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Well, this bread is far from perfect," Sophie pouted. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Whip down to the grocer and pick up another loaf then," Daniel said, his tone serious. "Oh wait… you can't. You don't know how to drive either. It's a wonder you've made it to the ripe old age of 26 at all," he grinned, teasing her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Danny?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes, Sophie?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Bite my ass."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel barked out a laugh, and then his eyes turned softer, meeting hers. "That's the second time you've called me Danny."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie swallowed, suddenly uneasy. "Do you like it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">"Yes. As a matter of fact, I do," he answered with a smile. He took her hand in his for the briefest moment, giving it a squeeze. "I do."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span>28320/50000<br /></p>Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1535496138230801612.post-24871076754807762632007-11-18T10:43:00.000-06:002007-11-18T10:44:04.560-06:00Chapter Twenty-Two<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie was sitting on the floor of one of the back rooms of Belletristic, her legs splayed out in front of her, a box of dusty books nearby. She could heart Matt cheerfully whistling in the next room as he reorganized their selection of travel books. She sneezed as she pulled out an old tome about tuberculosis, and pondered whether anyone would ever actually buy it.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She decided probably not.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">But then again, she thought with a slight eye roll, she'd been amazed by what people had bought since she had come here. She expected they'd want first editions and best sellers, shiny like-new copies of popular authors or special orders, but just as popular were obscure books on every topic under the sun, from paganism to Tuscan statuary to horse breeding in ancient Rome.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Every reader his or her book, and every book its reader, Sophie mused, recalling two tenants of library science from her days as a graduate student spending a lot of time in the library and befriending a lot of would-be librarians.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Those rules were never more true than in a dusty secondhand bookstore, Sophie thought with a smile. Maybe she would put the tuberculosis book on the shelf after all – its reader was out there somewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She finally managed to unpack the box entirely, and then stood, knuckling her back before turning to examine one of the top shelves above her. She'd reorganized most of the room into more sensible categories, but still had a few top shelves left to do. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Grabbing a nearby chair, she stood, teetering slightly, as she dusted and straightened, pulling out a few books that may never sell and tossing them to the floor. Her fingers played across the bindings, caressing each one as though they were old friends, and she inhaled the smell of "old book" – an indescribable smell that happened to be one of her favorite on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She'd never get tired of that, she thought, tugging down a copy of a book with a worn spine. Someone should bottle that smell…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Turning over the worn book, she blew on the cover to reveal the title. <i style="">Soil Culture Manual: Wales</i>, it read. She carefully cracked open the cover, looking for a publication date inside. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">1907.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">So, a bit old then, Sophie thought with a smile. Only published before the First World War and all…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She carefully closed the cover again, and was about to put it back on the top shelf, tucked away from the world when she had a thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">She knew someone who may appreciate just such a gift.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">A peace offering, if you will.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">If Daniel Davies can reach out and apologize to her for his behavior, she can certainly assure him that his apology was accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Even if it's with an unorthodox gift, she thought, jumping down lightly from the wobbly chair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">**<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel nearly tripped over the package propped against his back door, not paying the least attention. He'd spent the entire day toiling out on the acreage, and now he was weary, hungry and ready to get inside for the night, leaving the farm problems behind for another day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He stooped down, scooping up the package, wrapped in plain brown paper and tied with twine. He didn't recognize the handwriting bearing his name, but instinctively knew it to be a female hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Staggering indoors, he smiled as he left the package in the den – after dinner, he'd open it, seeing what was inside.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He couldn’t remember the last time he'd had a nice surprise – or a gift of any kind for that matter. Christmas had been harrowing last year… no family left, no Rosa, no one to celebrate with. He hadn't even bothered with a tree, and had spent most of the day chopping firewood to avoid missing the warmth of the holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He hoped to never spend Christmas that way again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">After a shower and a hurried meal in the kitchen – he'd only caught a glimpse of Sophie once, totally absorbed in a novel as she walked into the kitchen to get a drink and back out again – he returned to the den, pulling the package into his lap as he sank into his favorite chair.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Tugging at the string, he managed to open the package, revealing a book, obviously the worse for wear over time. He smiled at the title of the book, and carefully flipped it open, thumbing through pages and smiling slightly at the aged diagrams, the stodgy language depicting tips and tricks for soil tillage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Just as he was about to close the book, a piece of paper fluttered out from between the pages, landing on his lap. He picked it up, unfolded it, and then smiled as he glanced down at the signature at the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">His eyes returned to the top and began reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I came across the book today, and I thought of you. You said you were still 'getting up to speed' on running the farm, and so I thought this book looked terribly informative and useful.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Okay, so it's from 1907, but never mind. How difficult can farming be anyway?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel smiled, hearing Sophie's sarcasm as he read the words.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Thank you again for your apology – I'm glad you came over yesterday. I must admit, I was really bothered that we got off on the wrong foot, and then kept stepping on each other after that. Your apology means a lot to me. I'm sorry too, for being a silly America, and a twit on top of that.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grinned, then kept reading.<i style=""><o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">As I said yesterday, I'm sorry for all the sorrow and difficulty you've had in the last year or two, and if there's anything I can do to help you, or if you just need someone to talk to, I'm just across the lane.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Probably microwaving my dinner again. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel grinned, once again imagining her dancing across her kitchen to the sounds of her iPod, her dinner in the microwave, her hips swaying and that soft, touchable hair swinging from side to side.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I can't wait to learn how to use the Aga, to buy some groceries, but mostly, to be on good terms with you. You seem like a good person (maybe with a tough exterior), and I hope we can become good friends.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I know I can't replace your mom, and I can't replace your ex, but at least I can be someone in your life you can trust, and that you know won't walk away and leave you alone.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">At least, not for a while. I'll do anything to avoid that damn dissertation at this point.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Let me know when you can get away for some grocery shopping, and by the way… do you mind driving?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">I kinda don't know how. Yet.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Enjoy the book, and talk to you soon, neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Fondly,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Sophie<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">Daniel sat completely still, rereading her words again and again until they reverberated in his mind, smiling at her words and picturing her friendly smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana;">He couldn't wait to see her again.<o:p></o:p></span></p> 27202/50000Roll The Dicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03300115881940970319noreply@blogger.com1