Free Never A Choice (The Choices Trilogy (Book 1)) by Dee Palmer Page A

I’ll clean this up, did any of the glass catch you at all?” I look up into the dark blue intensity of Daniel Stones eyes.
    “Sir? I mouth but with no volume.
    “You know Miss Thorne, I will never get tired of you calling me that.” His rich voice is smooth and tempting. I feel a flash of prickles cover my skin and despite the instant heat in my core my nipples peak hard and tight, and my breasts ache. Fuck! What is wrong with me? My heart beat is hammering, not just the raw reaction he induces in me but also the panic at realising he has been here the whole time.
    “Sir, Mr Stone what are you doing here?” I was trying for a calm tone but manage to sound angry.
    “Not sure that’s very polite Miss Thorne?” His eyes are piercing me and I’m thankful the ambient lighting is going someway to hide the deep colour of my cheeks.
    “Sorry, Sir, you’re right it’s just creepy.” Shit I can’t believe I said that out load now that was impolite. He grins and raises a brow. “Sorry, Sir, it is a surprise. It’s a surprise to see you here.”
    “Not really, I live close by and I have been here from time to time.” He maintains this intense stare and not knowing what to say and feeling an increasing awkwardness I revert to default waitress mode.
    “Of course Sir, if you would excuse me I’ll just get this cleared away. Is there anything I can do for you, get you, is there anything else I can get you or would you like the bill?” I know I’m flustered because I sound like I’m rambling.
    “You know there is.” His lips quirk. “But the bill will work, for now.” His deep tone resonates with smooth sensuality.
    I flash a quick tight smile and rush to sweep the remainder of the debris on the floor into my apron. I manage to slice my thumb on a small shard of glass.
    “Fuck!” I curse in a whisper and quickly stick my thumb in my mouth to stop the blood flow. I glance back up to Daniel when I hear him take a sharp breath or it might have been a moan. I scrabble to my feet and practically sprint for the kitchen. I stick my hand under the cold running tap and wince at the delayed sting that makes my thumb throb.
    “I can seal that cut for you Bets.” Joe flashes the flame on the cooker.
    “No I’m good Joe.” Burning cuts sealed is not my idea of good first aid, even if it does work. Sofia is right beside me.
    “You Ok?” Her nose is wrinkled as she watches the water change from clear to dark red.
    “You can add ‘eavesdropper’ to that description you’ve got for Daniel Stone. He’s sitting in the booth at the end!” I nod toward the restaurant.
    “No way!” She gasps but also can’t hold back a face splitting grin.
    “Yes way! I can’t go back out there, you’re going to have to take his bill over.” I plead.
    “Not a problem, can’t wait to see who’s got you so distracted you’re slicing body parts.” She is practically hopping on the spot with excitement.
    I’m about to head upstairs as my thumb won’t stop bleeding. It’s throbbing like its been hit with a cartoon anvil and I know I won’t be much of a help finishing up, when Sofia returns.
    “He wants to take you home, I said I was taking you but he was really insistent.” She has the grace to look uncomfortable.
    “Oh absolutely.” I bark out an incredulous laugh. “I am going to get into his car. I don’t know anything about him Sofs—what did you say?”
    “I said I’d get you?” She mumbles and won’t raise her eyes to meet my scowl.
    “Where would I get him to take me Sofs? I live here, I can’t believe this!” Joe stands beside me as I peak a look through the kitchen door into the restaurant and see Daniel leaning at the bar. He is wearing low slung jeans, fitted black shirt that skims his defined muscles on his arms and sculpts is abdomen. He is carrying his black leather jacket in the crook of his arm. His hair flops over his eyes hiding his intense brow and he sips his drink as he carefully takes in the