Read Online Sparks & Cabin Fever by Susan K. Droney - Free Book Online

replied with a wink at Stefani.
    * * * *
    Stefani’s heart thudded so loudly in her ears that she was sure Deacon could hear. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Was she dreaming? It had to be too good to be true. They strolled around the grounds and when Stefani stopped to admire an elaborate flower garden, Deacon led her to a nearby bench.
    â€œI don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful,” she said as she gazed at the beautiful display of colorful flowers.
    â€œI want to be perfectly honest and upfront with you, Stefani,” Deacon began. His eyes narrowed as he peered at her.
    Stefani steeled herself. She should have known that she was reading more into his actions than he had intended. Why had she come? Her heart couldn’t take these ups and downs. Her happiness suddenly drained from her. She kept silent, but studied his face. She could read nothing in his expression.
    He exhaled loudly as he leaned back against the bench and casually stretched his arm across the top of it. “I don’t just work for the company that bought the Ware Plant.” He paused.
    â€œYou work for your brother?”
    â€œNo. David and I work together. Our family owns the factory. I wanted to get that out of the way.”
    Stefani grinned, relieved. “I’m pleased that Garden Grove was your family’s choice, since there are so many closed factories around the country you could have chosen.”
    â€œMe, too,” he replied grinning. “We looked at several, but this location caught our eye. Anyway, I’m happy you stopped by. I was trying to figure out another way to get you to talk to me. I was wrong the other night. I should have left the bar when Harper showed up. I hope you’ll accept my apology.”
    â€œYou don’t owe me an apology.” Stefani’s face reddened. “None of it was your fault. I’m the one who should be apologizing for treating you so rudely this afternoon.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I hope you forgive me.”
    â€œLet’s call it even. Better yet, why don’t we start over?”
    â€œI’d like that.”
    â€œFrom our brief conversation it appears that we have a lot in common. Would you have dinner with me Friday night?”
    Stefani’s heart flip-flopped with excitement. “I’d love to, but only if you come to my house and let me cook dinner for you.”
    â€œNow, how can I say no to that?” He rose. “Would you like to see the guesthouse?”
    She nodded and took the hand he offered.
    Her eyes widened at the sight of the guesthouse. She’d expected a small one or two room cottage, but instead he led her through a smaller version of the main house. The only difference was that it had one floor and two bedrooms instead of two floors and eight bedrooms.
    â€œWow!” she exclaimed. “It’s breathtaking. What a view!” she said peering out of his kitchen window at the woods bordering the property.
    He shoved his hands in his pockets as he joined her at the window. “That’s one of the reasons I insisted on staying here even though Liz and David wanted me to move into the house with them.”
    â€œWell, I can see why you insisted on staying out here. It’s so quiet and peaceful. Have you had a chance to explore the woods?”
    â€œNo.” He turned his head and looked at her. “Maybe you’d like to come with me when I do.”
    Stefani felt like she’d explode with happiness. She still couldn’t believe that she was here with Deacon Travis in his home. “I’d love to,” she replied.
    â€œGood.” He removed his hands from his pockets and took her elbow. “I supposed we’d better get back and join Liz and Harper for that cup of coffee.”
    * * * *
    Liz and Harper were busy thumbing through magazines when Stefani and Deacon quietly entered the room. David Jr. smiled at Stefani