Read Online Christmas in Whitehorn by Susan Mallery - Free Book Online

I've had a lot of extra exercise and I really need to keep up my strength."
    She glared at him, unable to believe what he'd just said. At the same time, heat flared in her cheeks and she knew that she was blushing. The man could be really annoying … in the most charming way possible.
    She turned to leave. He stopped her with a light touch on her arm.
    "Why don't you bring me some pumpkin bread, too. I enjoyed it the last time I had some. Even if it is made with vegetables."
    She hated that he complimented her cooking, mostly because it made her go all soft and mushy inside.
    "You're not playing fair," she protested.
    "I know."
    She walked off without saying anything else. There were more customers who needed her attention and she really had to get away from Mark before she said or did something stupid.
    It had been a lot of years since she'd had to deal with the awkwardness of "the morning after." She remembered the time as being fraught with peril. Apparently her time out of the dating game hadn't changed that particular fact.
    Darcy took orders from new customers, delivered hot food and avoided Mark right up until his breakfast was ready. Then she had no choice but to return to his table. She set down the plate with the omelette, along with two smaller dishes containing the bacon and pumpkin bread.
    "Thanks," he said. "Everything looks great."
    "I'll pass along the compliment."
    "Especially you."
    Her heart did a quick double beat. "Mark, don't."
    "Why not? It's true." He leaned toward her. "How about tonight?"
    Her insides quivered. Did she want this? Him in her house … in her? Heat poured through her at the thought. Impulses weren't a part of her current life, so why was she so quick to give in now? She wanted to tell herself that she was crazy. She felt crazy. But she also felt excited about something other than finding Dirk a good school for the first time in years. Was that so bad?
    "Darcy?"
    "I'm thinking."
    "I didn't imagine the question would be so hard."
    "Well, it is."
    "Why?"
    Because he represented temptation, she thought. The question was how would she pay for giving in? Darcy knew any relationship with Mark, even one primarily located in the bedroom, was going to cost her a lot.
    Did she mind that? The problem was she'd been so lonely for so long. Mark made her remember that she was still alive and very much a woman. Shouldn't she be allowed to have a temporary diversion in her life?
    A sound at the door interrupted her musings. She looked up and saw Homer Gilmore wander into the café. He glanced around fearfully, as if expecting someone to pounce. Darcy turned to Janie, who looked as concerned and undecided as she, Darcy, felt.
    Homer was the town eccentric. Well into his seventies and losing his faculties, he often wandered around town, talking to himself. He was usually harmless, but with his long gray hair, slippers and bathrobe, he was just enough outside of normal to be scary.
    Darcy squared her shoulders and ap - proached the old man. "Morning, Mr. Gilmore," she said cheerfully. "Can I get you something?"
    Homer glared at her, muttering something she couldn't understand. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Janie heading for the phone, no doubt to call Homer's nurse to come and get him.
    "I'll take care of this."
    The familiar voice caught her by surprise. Darcy turned as Mark approached. He gently took Homer by the arm.
    "Come on, Mr. Gilmore. I'm with the sheriff's office. Mark Kincaid. Why don't I see you home?"
    Homer glared at him, then his wild eyes cleared slightly and he nodded.
    "Can you wrap up my breakfast?" Mark asked. "I'll pick it up on my way back. I'll pay my bill then, too."
    "No problem. It's not as if I don't know where you live."
    He grabbed his jacket and shrugged into it, then ushered Homer out of the Hip Hop. Darcy watched them go. Her chest tightened, but with more than nervousness and anticipation. She could accept Mark being handsome, sexy and very good in bed. What she