Free White Trash Witch by Franny Armstrong Page B

urging her to say yes.
    Swallowing hard, she melted beneath is simmering
gaze.
    "Uh, okay." When he gave her that puppy-dog eyed
look, she practically forgot her own name.
    "Great. I'll make the reservations for seven o'clock.
That gives you all day to visit Dara."
    "Sure," she said, distracted by his lips. They were
moist and full, and she ached to kiss them again. It had been two
weeks since they'd slept together. She felt like she was going
crazy with wanting him. Every minute of the day he was in her mind,
teasing and beckoning her to come to him.
    "Well, I'd better get some sleep. Goodnight, Wiley,"
he said, turning to leave. His firmly shaped butt teased her eyes
as he walked out of the room.
    When the door closed behind him, she nearly
groaned.
    "He didn't even kiss me goodnight," she grumbled,
staring at the door. Confused, Wiley opened the fridge and
practically threw the creamed cheese back inside, slamming the
door.
    "What am I, invisible, here?" she muttered.
    Picking up her bottle, she chugged the rest of the
beer then threw the rest of her bagel out, gasping when she
realized what she'd done. In her whole lifetime, she'd never wasted
food. Ryder had her so perplexed that she could barely think
straight!
    Once she finished the beer, she made her way back to
her room, pausing in front of Ryder's closed door as she battled
the urge to knock, and beg him to make wild, passionate love to
her.
    Growling, she marched to her room and slipped quietly
into bed beside her niece. It took hours for her to finally fall
asleep, and when she did, she dreamed about a handsome man with
auburn curls, and a smile that could melt the polar icecaps!
****
    Lily and Lacy went back to Salem early in the day,
while Wiley sat with Dara. She had no idea where Ryder was, though
she had a hunch he was taking care of business.
    The day went by fast, and at five o'clock Ryder came
to pick her up and take her back to the house to get ready for
their dinner date. He never once touched her, except when he
steered her clear of the pillar in the hospital lobby that she'd
nearly walked into, she was so distracted.
    Once at the house, he disappeared behind his bedroom
door, leaving Wiley staring at the solid panel wishing she could
see behind it. After giving herself a shake, she went to her room,
had a quick shower, and dressed in a slinky dark purple mini-dress
he'd bought for her. Telling herself she would pay him back, she
gave in. She wore a silver necklace with a pentagram pendant
hanging from it, and a thin, chain-linked silver belt that dangled
on her hips below her waist. Her black pumps and purse completed
the ensemble.
    She swept her long red hair up into a French bun,
leaving a few tendrils hanging down. Last, but not least, she added
a touch of makeup. The eyeliner and mascara made her eyes stand
out, and the mauve eye shadow softened them, making the green more
vivid. With just a touch of plum blush, she was ready.
    Opening the door, she nearly screamed. Ryder stood
there with his hand poised to knock.
    "Good timing. Wow, you look beautiful, Wiley. Purple
really suits you."
    "Thank you. You look nice too," she said, liking his
navy blue plaid shirt, and blue pants. He didn't have a wrinkle on
him. She smoothed down the dress with her palms, feeling
self-conscious about her appearance.
    Holding out his arm, he said, "Are you ready to
go?"
    She slipped her hand on his forearm, nodded, and they
made their way downstairs.
****
    The Chinese food restaurant was busy, so Ryder
suggested that they order from the menu, rather than fight their
way through the buffet line. Wiley nodded, unable to form a
sentence because of his nearness. She favored the cologne he wore,
it's scent subtle. Once they'd ordered, they sat back to talk.
    "I understand that Dara is doing better than
expected," he said.
    "My sister doesn't let anything keep her down for
long." Wiley smiled, her earthy green eyes meeting his. There went
her stomach, flipping over again.