Read Online Wishing On A Starr by Adrianne Byrd - Free Book Online Page B

he doing here? Her hand flew to her wet hair and she glanced down at her attire.
    “Hello,” he called through the door when she hesitated too long.
    “Yes, huh. Just a minute.” She sweated a few more bullets while teetering in limbo on what to do.
    “I know I should have called,” Daniel explained through the door. “But while I was out shopping for a Christmas tree tonight, I was reminded of something you said to me.”
    “What was that?” she asked, leaning against the door and feeling a bubble of hope rise within her.
    “I remembered that you wanted to turn over a new leaf this Christmas. So I’m here to help you out.” Daniel waited. At the sound of the locks turning, he finally released a sigh of relief and allowed a broad smile to monopolize his face.
    Gia opened the door and gasped in surprise at the sight of the large pine tree clogging the hallway. “You brought me a Christmas tree?”
    Her gaze swung to him and he was warmed by its radiance. “You didn’t have one the last time I was here, so I took the liberty to help you get into the spirit. I hope you don’t mind.”
    She flashed him a smile that was more beautiful than he remembered before she stepped back and allowed him entrance into the apartment. It took a bit of work but Daniel finally squeezed the large tree through the door.
    “Nothing says Christmas like a trail of pine needles,” Gia joked.
    “Ah. You might feel that way now, but wait until we get this baby up and decorated. I guarantee you’ll be in the Christmas spirit by then.”
    “You also brought decorations?”
    “Hey, I came prepared.” Daniel winked, and then casually glanced over her attire. “I’m not complaining, but, um, you might want to put on something more appropriate for climbing trees.”
    Her cheeks darkened prettily. “In that case I’ll go change.”
    Daniel nodded and watched her disappear toward the back. Starr’s bright idea just earned her another gift under the tree. He was very aware of how badly things could have turned outhow things could still turn out.
    A few minutes later, Gia returned to the living room dressed in a pair of form-fitting jeans and a red sweater just tight enough to stir the blood in any man with a pulse.
    “Can I get you anything-maybe something to drink?”
    “Some coffee would great,” he answered, jarring out of his trance. “I hope you’re not angry with me for just dropping by?” he asked tentatively.
    Gia retrieved a can of Folgers from the cabinet and smiled at him. “No. I’m not angry…just surprised.”
    He nodded, but still felt like he was treading on thin ice.
    “Actually, I’ve been wanting to call you,” she began.
    He definitely didn’t like the sound of that. “Oh?” he asked, drawing a deep breath and preparing for the worse.
    “Yeah. Each time...I chickened out.”
    Daniel remained composed though his heart was trying to hammer its way out of his chest.
    “But I’m glad you came over. You made my night.” Her smiled brightened as she made the coffee.
    Daniel relaxed, but then grew curious. “Why would you chicken out?”
    Gia hit the brew button and crossed her arms. ”It’s complicated.”
    He studied her as he nodded. “Well, I’ll let it go at that...but when you’re ready to talk, I’ve been told I’m a pretty good listener.”
    “I’ll remember that.”
    “Good.” He clapped his hands. “Now let’s go down to my car and get those decorations. Shall we?”
    “Okay.” Gia quickly bounded out of the kitchen and grabbed her coat by the door. “I can’t believe that I’m actually doing this,” she said, slipping on her gloves.
    “Trust me. You’re going to have fun.” He winked.
    The moment the couple stepped out of the apartment building, an errant snowball hit Daniel.
    “Sorry, Mister!” a kid yelled.
    Daniel held up his hands. “Not a problem.”
    Gia laughed and then clamped a hand over her mouth.
    “What, you think that’s funny?” Daniel asked,