Read Online Surrendering To His Mrs. Right (Soul Food Diner) by a.c. Mason - Free Book Online Page B

forgettable?
    She leaned against her door tears forming.
    A car’s headlights drew nearer and Tim pulled to a stop in front of the house. Relief washed over her. She walked hesitantly toward the vehicle.
    As she hopped in, nervous energy fluttered in her belly.
    “I figured the least I could do was pick up some coffee when I’m forcing you to get up so early on Christmas morning.” Tim pointed to the cup holder. “Black, two sweeteners, right?”
    Little details about her didn’t escape him. Liam still always asked how she took her coffee. He was unable to think beyond his own needs and yet she desperately wanted him to desire her. What she couldn’t figure out was why. Could it be because he’d seen her through so much? With her best friend, she wouldn't need to pull out all the big baggage.
    Liam's disinterest hurt, but was it her pride or that she loved him?
    “ We’re trained at young age to wake early Christmas morning to get to our presence.” She picked up the cup from the holder.
    “Did Santa get you what you wanted?”
    What she’d thought she wanted was Liam. She wasn’t sure about that any more. “I got some money and a couple of practical things from my parents, but being near them was the best gift. I’m blessed. I’ve got my health and those I care about are safe. Everything else is just extra,” she said. “How about you?”
    “I’ve spent so long being angry with Santa I can’t risk being disappointed again. I’m sure one day someone will change my mind and be worth taking the leap of faith for.” Tim sighed and drove away from her parent’s house.
    What could he have wanted and never got ? She hoped he would share it with her but she wouldn’t push him now.
    The bittersweet scent of coffee and sweetener swirled in the air as the hot liquid rolled over her tongue. Just as coffee had been an acquired taste Tim was becoming much of the same. In a matter of days she’d grown accustomed to being with Tim and enjoyed the thoughtful things he did.
    “Are you okay?” He glanced at her then back at the road.
    The streets were vacant. Families were likely joined together today. One of the few times of the year when people all over the world were gathered, celebrating love. God’s love. Love of family and their fellow man.
    “Yeah, why?” She pulled from her thoughts.
    “You’ve seemed in your head since last night.” He appeared concerned.
    The party last night had shown her that her friends weren’t going to approve if she and Tim started dating. They’d never minded other guys she’d dated. So what was it about Tim that set everyone off? She got Liam’s competitiveness with his brother, but he wasn’t interested in her so why did it matter? . Again, he’d reminded her that she was humiliating herself by throwing herself at him. That if Tim had wanted to take her to bed, he would’ve made a move by now.
    “Indy?” Tim asked.
    On the other hand, if Tim was interested, they should be happy for her. “I know. I’ve been thinking.”
    “Good thoughts , I hope?”
    “Very,” Indy said.
    The smile that formed brightened his expression and made his blue eyes shine.
    They pulled up to his parking spot at the hospital. She hadn’t thought he would bring her around his co-workers. Shit, maybe she should’ve worn something less casual. Given he’d told her she would need to change, she’d worn something she could get into and out of easily.
    “Are you sure you’re all right?” He got out of the car.
    “Yeah.” She climbed out on her side and nodded. “I just didn’t expect to meet your colleagues so I didn’t really dress for the occasion.”
    “You could show up in a paper bag and look hot.”
    “Stop playing.” She pushed him on the arm.
    “I’m not.” He took her hand and pulled her close. “You ’re a beautiful woman, Indy, and the more I learn, the more I see that it’s shining from the inside out.”
    Her cheeks burned with heat. When he wanted to be , he