A Gentleman’s Offer Read Online Free Page B

perfect health.
    “Isn’t she clever, Arthur?” Mrs. Cantrell said, closely watching Yvette from a rocking chair.
    Arthur scooted closer to Yvette until his upper arm pressed against hers. She stifled a groan. “He’s fine,” she said, placing Lancelot down.
    “I just wanted to make sure.” Mrs. Cantrell stood. “Let me go get you something to eat.”
    “No, that’s okay,” Yvette called after her, but Mrs. Cantrell had already disappeared into the kitchen.
    Yvette briefly closed her eyes, determined not to move or say anything. She didn’t want to hurt Arthur’s feelings, but she did not want to encourage any advances.
    “Mama’s a really good cook,” he said in a drawl Yvette wasn’t sure was real.
    “Yes, I know.” She managed to move a couple of inches away from him.
    Moments later Mrs. Cantrell returned with a plate loaded with southern deep-fried chicken legs, greens and biscuits and handed it to Yvette. “Eat up. No man wants a skinny woman.”
    “This is really too much.”
    “You could never have too much.” Mrs. Cantrell shoved a fork in her hand, and pulled up a collapsible tray resting nearby.
    Reluctantly, Yvette took a bite, then made audible sounds of pleasure. Mrs. Cantrell smiled. Arthur did, too. But while the food was good, it was hard to enjoy a meal with two pairs of eyes watching. Yvette started to eat fast. “Thank you. This is delicious,” she said, desperate to fill the silence.
    Mrs. Cantrell returned to her rocking chair. “Did Arthur tell you he was promoted?”
    Yvette shook her head and continued to eat as fast as she could.
    Arthur rested his arm behind her head. “I’m now a regional manager.”
    Yvette swallowed before the food stuck in her throat. “That’s great.”
    Mrs. Cantrell nodded. “And he got a salary increase.”
    “Mama,” he said in protest.
    “A woman likes to know these things.” She smiled at Yvette, as though they were best friends. “Don’t we?”
    Yvette set her glass down on the side table, accidentally knocking over a picture of a man with a gun and a deer head. “That was wonderful.”
    Mrs. Cantrell rushed to her feet and stared at Yvette’s plate. “You’ve hardly eaten anything.”
    Yvette stood, determined to reach the door before she did. “I had a large lunch.”
    “But—”
    Yvette scooted toward the exit. “I really have to go.” She dashed out the door and gulped in the fresh air of freedom. She raced up the stairs, but stopped when someone called out her name. She turned and saw Arthur.
    “Could I talk to you for a minute?” He saw her hesitation and added, “I promise you it won’t take long.”
    Yvette turned and started down the stairs, but stopped before she reached the bottom. “Okay, what is it?”
    “I know you’re not interested in me, but I was wondering if you could do me one favor. Then I promise you my mother will leave you alone.”
    She rested against the railing. “What is it?”
    “My office is having a party this weekend and I’d like you to be my date.” He waved his hands when she opened her mouth. “Before you say no, please hear me out. I know I’m not handsome or debonair. But I’m a good guy and I’d like to show the guys at my office that I’m not some lonely workaholic, that I can get a woman like you interested in me.”
    Yvette straightened. “Arthur, you’re fine the way you are. You’ve just been promoted. You don’t need to impress anyone. Besides I’m no one special.”
    He took a step toward her and clasped her hand in both of his. “Yes, you are, and it would really mean a lot to me. Please. Just one night.”
    Yvette stared at her trapped hand, then sighed. “Okay.”
    His face lit up. “Really?”
    “Yes. I’ll do it.”
    “Really?”
    She pointed at him. “If you ask me that one more time, I’ll change my mind.”
    “Right. I’ll send you the date and time.” He pulled her close and kissed her on the cheek, his lips as thick and meaty as the rest of