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“That obvious?” She made the joke knowing perfectly well she far from hid her intent.
He nodded casually, his eyes focused on her neck as he lifted her hair and began examining beneath it. Sonya automatically began to lean toward him. She was yearning to have those lips kiss her neck, earlobe or hell any part of her body would do at that point.
The door to her bedroom flung open. Audrey came soaring into the room. “Sonya, I’m going home.”
Then giving the couple’s closeness a sweeping glance, added out of courtesy, “Sorry.”
She was gone before Sonya could respond. She blinked then glanced at Tristan. His attention was still on the opened door. “Sorry about that. Audrey’s a little peeved at me because she’s interested in my neighbor and I don’t approve.”
“Why not?”
“He’s not her type.”
He cocked his head. “And you know her type? Or perhaps maybe you fancy the guy as well?”
“Oh please!” She hooted and would have laughed but didn’t want to lose the sensual atmosphere. “Daniel’s going to meet a nice young girl someday. Probably a nurse, or a teacher, or something like that. Together they’ll probably save world hunger.”
His eyes twinkled of laughter but he didn’t say anything further on the subject. Instead, he startled her completely by saying, “How does next Wednesday sound?”
“Pardon?”
“You and me. We’ll make a night of it.”
Elation enveloped her. “Why, Mr. Manning, are you asking me out on a date?”
The obvious reference to the other barmaid’s formal use of his name had him smirking before getting to his feet. “I’ll pick you up around eight.”
“Where are you going?” She hurriedly got to her feet; fearful she had frightened him away.
“Unfortunately, I have to get going.” He smiled slowly and reached out to touch her face gently. “But I had a nice time, Sophia. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”
She watched him go and felt a shadow pass over
her spirits. Tonight was supposed to be a pinnacle moment. Her fantasy was only inches away from being fulfilled. His behavior and emotions however were erratic. One moment she was certain she had gotten her man, the next the complete opposite.
“Sonya. The name’s Sonya.”
* * *
The next morning she slept in as expected and cringed at the mess left behind from the party. Normally, she would attack it immediately and have it gone in a jiffy, but needing to see Daniel and apologize was more pressing.
Dressed in jogging gear with her long hair tied back in a ponytail she grabbed her iPod, selected Tchaikovsky and headed for Daniel’s apartment. She took a few minutes to bang on his door, but had already figured he had left for their morning jog without bothering to wait for her.
How she knew this was because one, the man was always on a strict schedule and never strayed for anything, and second because she knew she owed him an apology and he was more than likely a little peeved at her.
As figured, she received no answer and headed for the elevator that took her down to the ground floor. She was just passing through the lobby when she heard voices coming from the mail center. One was Mrs. Sterling. The old woman did not sound too pleased and, needing a bit of entertainment, Sonya went over to eavesdrop. She was surprised to discover the second voice belonged to Daniel.
“The girl is a nuisance and somebody ought to do something about it. She has been rowdy far too long. If she holds one more party, that will be it. I’m going to call the police myself.”
“I understand how you feel Mrs. Sterling and I’m sure it doesn’t help that Fufu hasn’t been feeling himself lately.”
Sonya’s jaw dropped. The swine. How could he take old Mrs. Sterling’s side over hers? Even if she had hurt his feelings. He must have figured she would have eventually come around and apologize.
“Daniel, you’ve defended that girl far too much as it is. She doesn’t deserve you.”
“That’s very sweet of you Mrs. Sterling, but—“
“You are a decent boy and deserve a decent girl. You shouldn’t get hung up with a girl like Sonya Elliott. She’s trouble.”
