Page 49 of Planned Seduction
Her world had changed, but she couldn’t pinpoint how. It all centered around Daniel. That pressure in her chest after seeing him with Vicky, the sense of rightness as they’d kissed… Her feelings for him were shifting, evolving. Yes, she loved him as a friend. But there was more to it now. There was the physical desire and lust, and more importantly, there was the longing to connect with him on a deeper level than before, a more intimate one.
She had a bone-deep need to know what Daniel had been about to say before Leona interrupted them.
When she could bear the ignorance no more, she swore out loud and grabbed the phone.
“What did Vicky inspire you to tell me?” she demanded as soon as Daniel answered.
“Eating away at you, is it?” His chuckle made her fingers curl into fists. How could he be so relaxed when her thoughts were spinning out of control?
“I thought you were miserable after your visit to the hospital,” she snapped.
His tone remained upbeat. “I was miserable after seeing Vicky. But it’s hard to stay down when I know she and all the other kids are so comfortable in their newly refurbished ward.”
“Oh…good point,” she conceded. Daniel had a lot to be proud and happy about. She was proud and happy for him. But she was also an emotional, confused wreck, and she needed answers. “So back to the reason for my call, what did you want to tell me?”
“That I’m making dinner for you tonight, at your place? How does pasta sound?”
“Like a terrible idea. You can’t cook.”
“You told Leona I was cooking last night.”
“Stop changing the subject. That whole act was for Leona’s benefit.”
“Was it?” His voice drifted over the phone like a low, sensual hum. “Your kiss didn’t seem like an act.”
She froze and then resumed her agitated finger tapping. That kiss wasn’t an act. Yes, she’d used Leona as an excuse, but that’s all Leona was. An excuse. She’d kissed Daniel because she’d wanted to, because everything inside her had told her it would be the right thing to do. “What were you and Vicky talking about?”
His sigh was her answer.
“Please, Danny. Lay it on the line for me.”
There was a moment’s hesitation. “Not over the phone. Come round tomorrow, about fourish. We can chat then.”
