Read Online Animal Angel by M. J. Wilson - Free Book Online Page B

“Hey, Mavis, come in,” he said, standing aside for her to enter.
    She stepped through the door, clutching her clipboard, and smelled the most delicious aroma. Her stomach growled as if on cue. Her heart started to race, and sweat beads broke out on her forehead. He had company. “D-did I get my time wrong?”
    â€œNo. Why?”
    â€œI just… I don’t want to interrupt.”
    â€œYou’re not. Come on in.”
    Mavis tried to psych herself up. Guess it is time to meet the girlfriend. Why did that thought leave a bad taste in her mouth? “Honest, I can come back if you have company.”
    â€œI don’t— I mean I do.”
    Oh great. There is a beauty queen in the kitchen. She sighed.
    â€œRelax. It’s you.” He reached out and ran a reassuring hand down her arm, leaving a heated sensation in its wake
    â€œWhat’s me?”
    â€œMy company.”
    Her brow crinkled. “I’m so confused,” she said, looking down at her feet.
    He tugged her toward the kitchen, and the scent of the garlic and basil pulsed through her nostrils, triggering her salivary glands into action.
    â€œEat dinner with me.”
    Her wide eyes snapped to his. “Oh no… no… no. I can’t do that.” She shook her head so hard it made her neck crack.
    â€œSure you can. I’ve made a chicken fettuccine, garlic bread, and a mixed green salad. You’re not a vegetarian, are you?”
    â€œNo, but that’s beside the point.”
    â€œWhat is the point then? We eat, and then you can inspect my house.”
    Mavis opened her mouth, but no words came out. The food smelled out-of-this-world delicious, but being on such friendly terms with him could be dangerous. She didn’t want to like him.
    â€œHey, stop the war of words in your head and sit down. I’ll get the food.”
    â€œYou planned this,” she said, the truth dawning on her.
    â€œLet’s just say I thought this would be much easier than asking you out. Now our first date is out of the way.” His back faced her as he mixed the pasta into the sauce.
    â€œDate?”
    â€œYep.”
    â€œWait, don’t I have to agree to a date?”
    â€œYou’re sitting at my kitchen table, and I can hear your stomach from here. You’ve agreed.”
    â€œWait. What’s happening here?” she asked, placing her hands flat on the table as she tried to absorb everything that had taken place in the last few minutes.
    His kitchen had a U-shaped layout with an island. The massive expanse of storage and counter space made her envious as she thought about her cubicle of a kitchen that barely had enough room for her to butter toast. The countertops were clear of any clutter, except for the exact same espresso machine she’d drooled over in the store a couple of weeks ago. This is progress — now I hate him.
    He dished up the dinner, placed the plates on his forearm, and sauntered over to Mavis. Reaching around her, he leaned in close to set a plate of pasta and a bowl for salad in front of her. “We are having a date,” he said, matter-of-fact, breath warm on her ear. “I thought given a choice you would say no, so I made this easy on you to accept.”
    â€œHow thoughtful of you?” She raised her eyebrows.
    â€œLook. You’re here. You’re hungry. Let’s eat.” He sat down across from her.
    It smelled wonderful, and her hunger was overruling her head. She reached for the salad.
    â€œGood. It’s a date,” he reinforced.
    Mavis opened her mouth, closed it, and opened it again. A sigh escaped her, but no words of argument followed. All the trouble he’d gone to for her caught her off guard, and she was touched.
    â€œMmm. My gracious, this is amazing,” she said, closing her eyes and holding the bite in her mouth, savoring the creamy sauce. The roasted garlic, parmesan, and she thought nutmeg formed the