Free Sparks & Cabin Fever by Susan K. Droney Page B

Stefani looked expectantly into his eyes. Was he going to kiss her ? Her heart thudded. If he did, would she be able to stop herself from dragging him upstairs and into her bed?
    Deacon smiled and leaned in close. She closed her eyes. Her lips prepared to meet his. She waited, but his lips didn't meet hers. His lips briefly brushed her cheek.
    â€œI'll give you a call. Thanks again for a delicious dinner,” he said and then was gone.
    He waved to her as he backed out of the driveway. She stood on the porch and placed her hand on the spot he had kissed. She was confused. She didn't know whether he was sending her mixed signals or if he'd sent no signals and it was all in her imagination. Did he consider her only a friend? But then he had said twice that she was beautiful. Maybe he did think her beautiful, but just wasn't physically attracted to her. But they'd laughed and talked together for hours. She'd felt very comfortable with him. So why hadn't he made a move? Or had she been trying so hard to control her own desire for him that she came across as uninterested? Had he been afraid of being rejected by her? She looked up at the beautiful star-studded sky and then walked into the house.
    * * * *
    â€œSo how did your date go?” Harper asked the following morning as they sat on Stefani's open front porch with steaming mugs of coffee.
    â€œIt was nice. After dinner we went for a long walk and talked about everything under the sun,” Stefani said.
    â€œSo, he was the proper gentleman?”
    â€œYes.” She eyed Harper.
    â€œBut?”
    She sighed. “A part of me is afraid that I'll get my heart broken.”
    â€œAfter one date?” Harper sipped her coffee. “Or is there something you're not telling me? Has he asked you for a second date?”
    â€œHe invited me to Liz's party next weekend.”
    â€œI've been invited, too. Liz called me last night. It should be a lot of fun.” She leaned forward. “You're crazy about him, aren't you? I can see it in your eyes.”
    â€œI know it sounds strange, especially coming from me, but I think I fell in love with him the minute he walked up to my window at the post office.” She held a hand up palm out. “I know…I know. This is so not like me.”
    Harper laughed. “You've got it bad, girl. But I love this side of you. So? When are you going to sleep with him?”
    Stefani's face reddened. “Also out of character for me. I admit, I've thought about it, but first I want to be certain how he feels about me. I don't even know for sure if he wants only friendship or something more.” She frowned. “If things do work out between us, I'll date him for a couple of months before I sleep with him.”
    â€œA couple of months? Wow! That's a long time to wait.”
    â€œIf it's meant to be, then the wait will be worth it.”
    * * * *
    â€œWe've barely gotten together for weeks!” Stephani exclaimed giving Harper a hug as she led her into the living room.
    Harper screwed up her face. “We see each other all the time, Stef. What are you talking about?”
    â€œI mean just the two of us. I miss hanging out with you.”
    Harper lifted an eyebrow. “Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but most of your free time involves doing something with Deacon.”
    â€œPoint taken.”
    She grinned. “I knew you and Deacon were meant for each other.”
    Stefani sat in an easy chair while Harper seated herself on the sofa. “Help yourself to some cheese and crackers.” She motioned to the tray on the coffee table. She poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Harper.
    Harper peered at her as she took the glass of wine. “What's wrong?”
    â€œNothing. Everything's perfect.” She flashed a smile.
    â€œCome on. I know you better than that. Has something happened?”
    Stefani rubbed her forehead. “Has Liz said anything to you about how Deacon feels about