| Dangerous Alumni |
| Excerpt from Chapter Six: |
| Delaney stared out her sliding glass door, watching the ocean roll in endless waves to the shore. Adam had just left, after gobbling down a monster BLT, Lay;s potato chips, and a root beer. He hadn't been gone more than five minutes, and she already felt lonely. What had he done to make her so confused? To tempt her to cast aside her absolute loyalty to her career? Was it because he had been a perfect gentleman ever since he agreed to slow things down? He never once caught her off guard with a wanton touch or errant kiss. Not that the look in his eyes didn't show any interest. Just the opposite--those dark blue eyes blazed with desire. Still, he seemed to know exactly what she needed--time and space--without telling him. She sighed and glanced at the clock. It would be a long time until their lunch date tomorrow. On a whim, she picked up the phone and punched in his cell number. "Norwood, here." The Jeep's throaty engine rumbled in the background. "Its me." "I knew you'd eventually change your mind about me staying there a few days." She laughed. This had been a common joke over the past few days, although she suspected he'd jump if given the chance to stay at her place and "protect" her. "Uh, no." She gathered her breath and continued. "But, I would like to invite you over after work for a home cooked meal and a movie, if you're up for it." "Sounds great, I'll be there about six, okay?" "Perfect." * * * He was back in his small, dark apartment, the thick curtains drawn to block out the sunlight. Sitting in front of the computer, he alternated glances at the screen with feverish scribbling on a yellow notepad. The voices raucously cheered him on, and he ignored them the best he could. Phase one of his ultimate plan to destroy Queen Bitch was set into motion as he jotted down a recipe for arsenic-laced brownies. * * * There. Delaney surveyed the room with her hands on her hips. The table was set, with a sprig of black-eyed susans in a milk glass vase as a simple centerpiece. Two long, sky-blue tapered candles stood like sentries on either side. The aroma of sweet honey barbeque filled the room and her stomach grumbled in anticipation. Everything was ready, and everything was perfect. The doorbell rang. She opened the door and caught her breath as Adam loomed before her, a grin spreading across his face. He swiped a fingertip across the bridge of her nose and stuck it in his mouth. "Mmmm, those are good mashed potatoes," he said. She blushed. "Oh, you! Come on in." With his other hand, he held out a pan of brownies. "You didn't have to bring anything," she said, touched. He shrugged. "I didn't." He tilted his head and peered at a little yellow sticky note stuck on top of the saran wrap covering the pan. "It's from a 'Mr. Robinson'." "Oh, how sweet! He's my elderly neighbor." She took the pan and brought it to her nose, inhaling the rich, chocolate aroma. "I bet these will be a good dessert." "Oh yeah, especially if you have some ice cream to go with them," he added, stepping inside. "I just happen to have some of my mom's best homemade hot fudge and some plain old vanilla ice cream." She smiled, excited to be with him again, and excited to see where the evening might lead. * * * From across the street, he chuckled wickedly. The ocean breeze stirred his hair and inside his head, the spirits were holding a victory party. He was inclined to celebrate as well. Things were going well, as they always did when the spirits were in control. Adam Norwood was joining her for dinner. Perfect. |