Free Sparks & Cabin Fever by Susan K. Droney

her ears and on her wrists. She only wore an expensive brand on special occasions. And this was definitely a special occasion. She'd set the dining room table with the family china and placed candles on the table ready to be lit as soon as dinner was ready. Soft music played in the background, low enough not to interfere with conversation, but to add some ambiance. She'd never gone to this much trouble for any man before and then it suddenly hit her that she'd never wanted to until she'd met Deacon. She'd enjoyed getting the house ready. In fact, she'd spent the entire week cleaning and polishing everything in sight.
    A light knock on the door made her heart flutter. She waited a few seconds before answering. She didn't want to appear anxious. Deacon was dressed in a pair of dark brown dress slacks, tan shirt, and brown cowboy boots. His large hand held a dozen of the most beautiful red roses Stefani had ever seen.
    â€œFor you,” he said as he handed her the roses.
    â€œThank you. They're beautiful!”
    â€œNot as beautiful as you,” he said, briefly meeting her eyes before they swept appreciatively over the rest of her. “I brought a bottle of wine,” he said.
    She realized that he was still standing in the opened doorway. “It will be perfect with the roast. Please come in. I'll find a vase for the roses.”
    Deacon followed her into the living room. “Let me put these in water, grab a couple of wineglasses, and I'll be right back.” She turned to head to the kitchen, but Deacon laid a hand on her arm, startling her. His touch was gentle.
    â€œLet me help.” He smiled.
    She nodded and led the way. He settled himself at the counter while she opened a cabinet and pulled out a large vase. Next, she reached into a cupboard, retrieved two wineglasses, and set them on the counter.
    â€œI'll pour the wine while you take care of the roses,” he said. “Something certainly smells delicious.”
    â€œI hope you like roast beef. I suppose I should have asked what foods you like.” She lifted her eyebrows. “We're just simple down to earth people here in Garden Grove. You probably already figured that out.”
    â€œAnd I wouldn't want it any other way.” He spread his arms wide. “I am so fortunate to have found this place. To me it's paradise.” He glanced around the kitchen. “This is a homey, inviting room. Do you own the house?”
    She shook her head. “No, it belongs to my parents. They moved to Florida, but spend summers in Garden Grove. In fact, they'll be returning in a few weeks. No sense in my finding a place of my own when I can stay here and take care of the house for them.”
    â€œMakes perfect sense.”
    Stefani felt the tension leave her body as she placed the roses in a vase, and then took the glass of wine Deacon offered her. She felt comfortable with him. A part of her feared that he was too good to be true, but the other part of her reasoned that he'd chosen her . She hadn't chased him. Looking at him made her suddenly realize that she'd succumb to him in an instant if he put on the moves, so she had to be on guard and keep her emotions in check. She didn't think she could bear it if she only became a notch on his belt.
    She sipped at her wine and then set the glass down. “Dinner is almost ready.” She was aware of Deacon's eyes on her as she moved to a cupboard and retrieved a serving dish. As she reached for a second bowl on a high shelf, she was suddenly aware of Deacon behind her. She trembled at his closeness as he reached up and grabbed the bowl.
    â€œAnything else I can get down for you?” he asked as he set the dish on the counter.
    â€œI think that'll do it.” She smiled. She took the roast out of the oven and popped a tray of rolls inside. She placed the tray of meat and vegetables on the counter. She carefully removed the meat, placed it on a platter, and then began scooping potatoes