Free My Christmas Stalker by Donetta Loya Page A

table, David reclaimed it with his.
          “Well, we are even then.  I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met.”
        “Hardly!” She scoffed at his words. Her lips went in between her teeth and he couldn’t help himself. He leaned forward and kissed the corner of her mouth.
         “I mean it, Whitley,” he said softly as he stared deep into her eyes. She stared back at him. He placed another soft kiss fully on her lips this time. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered.
         Before she could say anything, he had settled back into his seat and their waitress set their food on the table. The awkward moment passed as they dove into their food. It was all delicious, but all Whitley could think about was his arm lips pressed against her mouth!
          Whitley couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed spending time with David. He was funny, so charming and handsome. He was a gentleman. He made her feel like she was the most important person in the room. He gave her all his attention and she reveled in it. Her smile came freely and without reserve by the time their dinner was over.
        He had kissed her, twice! And she loved how he held her hand. It was as if they had held hands before. He talked with his hand and he moved her hand with his every time he tried to describe something. It made her smile and feel a part of him.
     
     
         D avid was a tall man, about six foot and she was short about five foot four—but he made her feel as if she were flying on air! He made her feel special. As they walked away from the bistro he had grabbed her hand and tucked it into his coat pocket with his. The conversation picked up where they had left off when David had paid the check.
        “Where are your gloves, my sweet pastry girl?” he asked her in the middle of his sentence.
         “I don’t have any. I lost them somewhere, walking home one day.”
         “Well, that is a shame. I guess I will have to walk you to and from work so your hands won’t get cold from now on!” She laughed at him. “You don’t think I would?” he asked soberly.
          “You can’t take time out of your day to walk me everywhere to keep my hands warm. That is just not something that would be practical. You have a job. Don’t you?” She glanced at him with her eyebrows raised.
        “Sure I do, but I set my own hours and I could be here if you would let me.” He smiled at her.
         “What exactly do you do? Especially if you can set your own hours?” She looked up at him, a question in her eyes.
         David looked straight ahead. “My family owns a clothing store a few streets away.”
        “Oh, yeah? What store? I wonder if I have shopped there before!” Her faced took on a look of excitement.
         “I wouldn’t know. I….Whitley?” His voice dropped to a hushed sound. “Move to the other side of me. Quickly now!” She moved without a second thought and he put his arm around her. His voice stayed low. “I don’t like the looks of those guys up ahead.” As soon as he said it, four young men pushed off the wall and started walking towards them. Their eyes had focused on her for a moment then ran an appraising look over David.
        “Forgive me, this is for your own safety.” David moved her up against the building and started kissing her. His lips covered hers and he was intense in his action. His arms enfolded her and she wrapped her arms around his neck. His kiss deepened, and she felt a shivered race through her body as she returned his kiss with fervor.
        Her mind vaguely registered the voice of the thugs. “Come on, Julio! He’s just getting a piece of his lady! Let’s go!” One of them spoke up in agreement.
         “Yeah, man. Leave the dude alone with his woman.” There was a grunt from someone and then the group moved on.
         David continued to kiss Whitley. He told himself it was in case the trouble makers