Read Online Waiting for Mr. Darcy by Chamein Canton - Free Book Online Page B

twenty-something women keeping him busy.”
    â€œSo you’ve thought about it,” Lauren teased.
    â€œI’ve done no such thing.”
    â€œMaybe he’s just passing time with these young things until you come around,” Harrison said.
    â€œAre all of you suffering from heatstroke?”
    Lauren’s cell phone rang.
    â€œI think you like him, Alicia.”
    â€œI think your cell phone is ringing, Lauren.”
    She jumped and then rifled through her bag for the phone. “Hello?”
    â€œHi.” It was Randy’s voice.
    â€œHi,” she said breathlessly.
    Alicia looked at her watch. “Not bad for boy time.”
    Lauren started to walk away. “Can you hold for a second?”
    â€œSure” he answered.
    â€œI’m going to take this in your office.”
    â€œBe my guest.”
    â€œBy the way, you’re not off the hook. I’ll be back.” Lauren walked away.
    â€œTake your time,” she called after her.
    Kurt sat in the chair next to her. “There is something between you and Nate.”
    â€œThe sparks always fly when they’re around each other,” Harrison said casually.
    â€œStop encouraging him. There is nothing between Nathaniel Becker and me but a shared property line.”
    â€œIf you say so, Mom.”
    â€œI do.” She turned to Harrison. “Harrison, can you bring those lemon drop cookies out for me, please.”
    Kurt’s eyes lit up. Lemon drop cookies were his favorite. “You made the lemon drop cookies?”
    â€œYes.”
    He jumped up. “I’ll get them.”
    â€œThey’re in the white cookie jar.”
    â€œAll right.” He ran into the house.
    Harrison clapped. “You are something else, Alicia. You got him off the subject and onto lemon cookies.”
    â€œWhat can I say? I’m his mother and no matter how old he is, he still loves it when Mommy makes cookies.” She sipped her lemonade.
    * * *
    Seated comfortably at Alicia’s desk, Lauren nearly bubbled over with enthusiasm. “So how are you, Randy?” She could hear the bustling kitchen in the background.
    â€œI was about to ask you the same thing. How’s your head?”
    â€œBetter, thank you. Breakfast helped a lot.”
    â€œGood. I hope something else helped, too,” he said suggestively.
    She felt a little hot. “It did.”
    â€œThat’s nice to hear.” He paused. “I know this is a little backwards, considering, but I wanted to know if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight?”
    â€œTonight?” Her ears perked up. “What time?”
    â€œIs eight o’clock okay?”
    She looked at the clock. “Sure. That gives me enough time to get back to the city and get ready.”
    â€œOh, listen, if it’s too much trouble we can make it another night.”
    â€œNo. It’s not a problem.”
    â€œI’ll pick you up at eight then?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œGreat, I’m looking forward to it.”
    â€œMe, too. I’ll see you then.” She hung up.
    Lauren felt light as a feather as she walked from the office to the kitchen. Alicia, Harrison and Kurt were having cookies at the table.
    â€œHot date?” Alicia winked.
    â€œAs a matter of fact I do have a date, which means I need to get going.” She picked up her bag.
    â€œWait up, Auntie. I’ll walk out with you. It’s getting late and I’d better get back.”
    â€œYou’re leaving me, too?” Alicia asked sweetly.
    He got up and kissed Alicia. “I’ll come back soon, Mom.” He paused. “You know, the road goes both ways. You can visit me.”
    â€œNow that I’m on hiatus and at home for a little, I will.”
    Kurt looked at her in disbelief. “I’ll believe it when you pull into the driveway.”
    â€œYou’re on.”
    Harrison got up and handed Kurt a bag of take-home goodies.