Read Online Across the Creek by Jeremy Asher - Free Book Online

missing a beat, Felicia welcomed his aunt into her arms, as if she had been expecting it. “It’s so nice to meet you. Robbie has told me so much about you.”
    “He has?” Felicia sounded surprised.
    Aunt Sherry pulled back, leaving her hands on Felicia’s shoulders. “She’s gorgeous,” she said, looking at Robbie.
    “Robbie’s told me a lot about you, too,” Felicia said.
    “I just bet he has,” she said. “Well, let me tell you something about Robbie.” Aunt Sherry leaned into Felicia and whispered, “He’s a sweet boy. Don’t let those grizzly tattoos and tough guy demeanor fool you. He’s all heart.”
    “Oh, I’m not fooled. I saw him for the softy he really is after spending just five minutes with him.”
    Still looking at Felicia, Aunt Sherry placed an approving hand on Robbie’s shoulder. “Things haven’t been easy for him.” She turned her gaze to Robbie. “But he’s a diamond in the rough.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind,” Felicia said.
    “Anyways,” Robbie said, hoping to change the subject before Aunt Sherry started sprouting tears. “Felicia made lasagna. Are you hungry?”
    Aunt Sherry looked at the sack Robbie held. “Lasagna. Sounds good, but I can’t. I’m on that Atkins Diet. You know, the one where you can only eat bacon.”
    “I think you mean meat,” Robbie corrected.
    “Of course, that’s what I meant. And bacon is a meat, isn’t it?” She looked at Felicia. “I just can’t get enough of bacon. It’s so delicious. And I think the diet’s working. I started the diet this morning and I’ve already lost a pound.”
    Robbie rolled his eyes.
    “It was so good meeting you, Felicia.” She gave her another hug and then squeezed Robbie’s cheek. “You be good to her. I can tell she’s a keeper.” She gave Robbie a wink before opening the door.
    “It was nice meeting you too.” Felicia waved as Aunt Sherry walked out of the breakroom.
    When they were alone, Robbie said, “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you about her.” He pulled out a chair for Felicia. Then he set the sack of lasagna down on the table and took a seat in the chair next to hers. “She can be a bit much for some people.”
    “I like her. She’s sweet.”
    “Sweet is one of the many words that you could use to describe her. But she’s a good person to have in your corner when you need someone.”
    Felicia removed two plastic plates, forks, and the pan of lasagna from the bag.
    “Smells delicious.” Robbie removed the lid from the pan. “And it looks just as good as it smells.”
    “So, you’re a diamond in the rough, huh?” Felicia asked as she dished out two squares.
    Robbie rolled his eyes. “She’s talked like that ever since I was a teenager. I don’t know where she gets that stuff.”
    “I can see where she gets it. You are different from most men I’ve dated.”
    “Really?” Robbie’s chest swelled with pride.
    Felicia nodded. “You do have a hardened shell,” she said. “Probably something you developed as a way to protect your soft center.”
    “Hey, my center is anything but soft,” Robbie said, slapping his hand to his gut. “These abs don’t come natural, you know. I work out.”
    Felicia chuckled. “That’s not what I meant.”
    Robbie took a bite of the lasagna and closed his eyes. “Oh my gosh, this is good.”
    “I’m glad you like it.”
    “I think this is the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted,” he said, pointing his fork to the plate. “You should sell this stuff.”
    “Thank you,” Felicia said. She sliced into her piece with a fork but left it sitting on the plate, as if it were too heavy to lift.
    “What is it?”
    Her eyes remained fixed on the fork of lasagna. “I’m sorry that I was late.”
    Robbie sensed that something more was bothering her. Although she had prevented him from responding when she had said that she loved him, he wondered if she was upset that he still hadn’t said anything. “Are you not hungry?” He