Berry Picking Read Online Free Page B

go.”
    “I'm not upset.”
    “Yes you are, you're clenching your jaw.” She playfully patted his cheek. “Forget about it.”
    He pulled her inside and led her into his living room. “Sit down.”
    “We'll be late.”
    He shot her a glance and she sat. He ran down the hall.
    “Stop!”
    He turned to her startled.
    “You're wearing flip flops.”
    “So?”
    “You shouldn't run in flip flops. You could slip out of them and break your leg or something, especially going down the stairs. This is not an emergency.”
    “I haven't broken anything so far so you can relax.” He disappeared into the bathroom. Wispy jumped up on the couch. Paula stroked her and the kitten began to purr. “Your Daddy is in a funny mood.”
    “No, he's annoyed.” Conrad came back into the living room carrying a First Aid kit. He sat. “Show me your arm first.”
    “We're going to be late.”
    “Then move faster.”
    Paula showed him her arm. He cleaned it with some antiseptic. She winced, it was still very sore.
    “I'm sorry,” he said then put on a new bandage. He cleaned the top of her hand then bit his lip and raised his eyes to hers. “Did he ask you out again?”
    Paula met his gaze. It was so serious and sincere she couldn't help smiling. “Has anyone ever told you that you have nice eyes?”
    He sighed. “Don't play with me, Paula.”
    “I'm not. I really like your eyes. Even when they're serious as they are now.” She waved the tickets. “And you're going to miss your birthday gift.”
    “Did you say yes?”
    “To a second date?”
    He nodded.
    “I didn't say anything. That's when the sign attacked me.”
    “I see.”
    “I told you to forget about it.”
    “Make me.”
    “Is that a challenge?”
    He nodded.
    She brushed her mouth against his. “Now let's go.” She stood.
    Conrad stood too and pulled her close. “Not yet.” His lips met hers and his kiss reminded her of him. It was like hot cinnamon chocolate. Warm and sweet. A habit she could definitely get used to. He drew away and searched her face, but she could tell he didn't find what he was looking for because his eyes had a guarded look she didn't like. For some reason she didn't like being the source of his disappointment or unhappiness. She liked him a lot, although most times she wasn't quite sure why. Paula stood on her tip toes and again brushed her lips against his, wishing she could make his guarded look disappear. Although it was a light quick touch, her lips tingled, but his wary look remained. At times she felt there was a chasm between them she couldn't cross, but she didn't want to think of that. She grabbed his coat. “Now, let's go.”
    ***
    The movie was a bomb but they laughed throughout at how awful it was. Afterwards, since it was still warm outside, they walked along the Potomac while she shared her news about her new client and the award nomination. Then Conrad treated her to dinner at a fancy restaurant in the heart of downtown, even though it was his birthday.
    “I know the owner,” he said. “I helped him get started. So order whatever you want.”
    She did with eagerness. That feeling left her once they waited twenty minutes just for the stale bread that finally arrived at their table. The main meal was not much better. She took one bite, set her fork down and folded her arms. “Get the chef,” she told the waitress.
    “Is there a problem?” the young woman asked with a tentative smile.
    Paula gritted her teeth. “Yes.”
    The waitress left and Conrad leaned towards her. “What's wrong?”
    “Don't take a single bite.”
    “But--”
    The chef, Judson Delord, arrived at the table. A hearty looking young man with silvery blonde hair and a tan that seemed to come by way of a cheap tanning booth rather than the sun. He gave Conrad a warm greeting. “What can I do for you two?”
    “Give us what we ordered,” Paula said.
    “What?”
    “We ordered the seafood platter. Unfortunately, what I see on my plate is rice that