Free Bride on the Children's Ward / Marriage Reunited: Baby on the Way by Lucy Clark / Sharon Archer

doing, he quickly dropped his hand and cleared his throat. ‘You…er…don’t look unkempt, if that’s what you’re worried about.’
    Eden shrugged, temporarily unable to speak as she tried to get her emotions under control. She was tongue-tied and glued to the spot simply because David had voluntarily touched her hair. Even though the touch had been brief, it had been tantalising—sensual, and a complete breach of her comfort zone, but one she was more than willing to allow. She put her current state of mind down to too much emotional turmoil and not enough sleep.
    ‘Eden…er…do you have any plans for dinner this evening?’
    She looked at him a little perplexed. Out of everything he could have said, that wasn’t what she’d expected. She’d thought he wouldn’t want to spend any more time with her than was necessary, given that by touching her hair in such an intimate way he’d openly acknowledged the attraction, the chemistry which existed between them. Then again, perhaps David had just asked because it was the right thing to do—and David always did the right thing.
    She swallowed. ‘Ah…no. I was going to see how Sasha was doing, but I think it’s best if she and Robert have some more time together tonight. Besides, my day is starting to catch up with me.’
    He nodded, understanding that she was tired. ‘That’s OK. If you’re tired, we don’t have to go. It’s no problem.’
    Go? Was he asking her out? ‘No. I didn’t mean it like that.’ She spoke quickly. ‘I don’t have any plans and I’d love to have dinner with you tonight…if that is what you’re asking.’
    His smile was gorgeous as he spoke. ‘Obviously I’m doing a very poor job. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve asked a woman to dinner.’
    ‘Well, if it helps, it’s been a while since I’ve accepted. Just tell me where you want to meet and when and I’ll be there. I can’t say for sure what type of company I’ll be, but hopefully I’ll have managed to sneak in a bit of a nap before night-time hits, so I’ll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.’
    ‘We have reservations for seven. Is that too early? Too late?’
    Eden was touched. Excitement coursed through her at knowing that David had already made plans. It made her feel special, pretty and feminine, and she hadn’t felt like that in…she couldn’t remember when. David wanted to take her to dinner. She didn’t care why because right now just the thought was all she needed to make her happy.
    ‘Seven sounds great.’
    ‘OK. I’ll meet you at your hotel.’
    ‘Perfect. Thank you so much for thinking of it.’ Stepping forward, she wrapped her arms about his neck and hugged him close. ‘A nice quiet dinner with you is just what I need,’ she said softly near his ear.
    David was surprised at the embrace, but he should have expected it. It was so Eden. He withdrew his hands from his pockets and placed them gently at her waist, easing her back slightly so her gorgeous body wasn’t pressed so firmly against his. She must have felt his restraint because she instantly pulled back.
    ‘Perfect,’ she repeated, feeling more relaxed and more herself. ‘Shall we go and see Sash?’
    David cleared his throat. ‘Why don’t you go in? I’ll catch up with her later on in the day. I want to get your VMO paperwork rushed through.’
    ‘Oh. OK, then. Well, I guess I’ll see you tonight at seven.’ She quickly gave him the name of her hotel before she forgot, then pushed open Sasha’s private room door and went inside with a beaming smile on her face.
    David walked into the lobby of the hotel, surprised at the apprehension in the pit of his stomach. What was there to be apprehensive about? It was just Eden. He walked over to the Guest Services desk and asked them to call her room. While he waited, he recalled a good many reasons why he should be apprehensive about Eden—and number one was the undeniable attraction he felt for her.
    It didn’t seem to matter