Read Online Teacup Novellas 01 - Tea With Emma by Diane Moody - Free Book Online Page B

Melissa’s attention, much to Ian’s relief. His heart pounded, the hot anger quickly racing through his veins. Teeth clenched, he fought the eruption of old memories and still-open wounds. For the remainder of the meal, he picked at his food, chastising himself for letting her affect him this way after all these years.
    The tall pillar of cheesecake remained untouched.
     

     
    Maddie gazed around her new kitchen. The freshly painted walls in a soft yellow called Butter Cream created the perfect, soothing ambience she would need for her culinary efforts . The white lace curtains allowed plenty of sunshine to stream through the pane-glass windows. She ran her hand over the cool marble countertop on the huge center island, dreaming of the delicacies she would create here. Appreciating the new cabinets banking the walls, she realized what a miracle Brad had pulled off in just a matter of weeks.
    “Brad!” She looked at her watch then grabbed the phone, quickly dialing Lanie’s number.
    “Lanie, where are you? He’ll be back in just a few minutes! I thought you were going to be here for tea?”
    “I’m coming, I’m sorry! I was talking with Jeff and lost track of time.”
    Maddie felt her teeth grinding. “Lanie, will you forget about him? I really think Brad likes you. So hurry up! I want you here before he gets back. Get your sweet bum over here!”
    She hung up the phone, again irritated by the mention of the California nerd. I’m finally getting you and Brad connected and here you go, wasting more time with that stupid geek. When will you ever learn to trust me, girl?
    Her gentle nudges to bring Lanie and Brad together had gone according to plan. She’d actually been hearing less about Jeff and more about the handsome contractor from her friend. “I have to admit he’s fun to be with,” Lanie had admitted on more than one occasion. “He’s got the funniest sense of humor. And is he buff or what?”
    Maddie observed the growing excitement in Lanie’s eyes each time she happened to stop by when he was done for the day. She loved watching her respond to his impeccable manners. Their laughter over tea or lemonade filled Maddie’s heart with joy. Just a matter of time, those two.
    Half an hour later, Maddie heard Lanie’s voice at the front door.  
    “Maddie, I’m here! Sorry I’m late. I was on fumes and had to stop for gas which took way longer than it should have. Maddie? Hello?”
    “Back here, Lanie. Come see my new appliances!”
    Squealing like a school girl, Maddie greeted her best friend with a hug. “Look! Our refrigerator and stove were just delivered! Aren’t they unbelievable?”
    “Oh wow, they’re huge —you could store a side of beef in there.”
    “Well, hi Lanie. How are you?”
    Lanie lit up at the sound of Brad’s voice. “Fine, Brad. How about you?”
    Maddie watched her take in Brad’s appearance. His worn jeans fit him like a glove as did the white t-shirt stretched across his chest. Show me any computer geek who looks this good.
    Brad tipped his ball cap and started for the door. “I’m good. But if you two will excuse me, I need to be going.”
    “No! Brad, wait,” Maddie said. “I was hoping you’d have tea with us today.”
    “Thank you, but I have a meeting with an architect in about an hour. I appreciate the offer, though. See you tomorrow. Bye, Lanie,” he said, giving her a wink before closing the door.
    “Did you see that?” Maddie whispered. “He winked at you! Lanie, hurry—run out there and catch him before he leaves!”
    “Why? What would I say?” She peeked out the door.
    “Invite him to meet you at Starbucks later. Tell him you have something you want to talk to him about. Anything! Just go. Go!” Maddie pushed her out the door then dashed to the open window overlooking Brad’s truck. She hid out of sight, peeking through the curtains.
    “Brad! Wait up!”
    Maddie watched as Lanie hurried down the driveway, catching up to him just as he