Steeling My Haart by Lizzy Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

daughter when he found out she was pretty well alone in the big
city. He took the role pretty seriously. He was continually trying to find her
a date with “suitable” guys who frequented the diner, he once told her.   Emma smiled to herself, despite that
George’s heart of gold, she knew it was pointless to try talking him out of his
efforts.
             “George,
that was very kind of you to say so, but I’m sure he has plenty to keep himself
occupied and it’s a long way from home for him to be considering a blind date.
Besides, you know me. I’m so busy I don’t have time for anymore men in my life
other than you and Bobby.” She smiled at him warmly and took a seat by the bar
near the fan, watching the diners enjoying her food and a bit of relief from
the already humid weather.
             George
set her usual pumpkin latte in front of her, as he spoke quietly, “S’ok, Miss
Emma. It’s a decaffeinated. I know you don’t like caffeine this late on.”
             She
smiled at his thoughtfulness and out of habit she blew on the froth coating the
top of the latte absentmindedly. Her mind had drifted to thinking about what
was happening tonight and to the issues Lily was having. Her face had hardened
and she scowled into the steaming coffee, the stress etched on her face at her
inability to be able to help Lily. As she sipped the delicious brew, she all of
a sudden could feel someone watching her. She turned her head toward the staff
only entrance of the diner. She caught sight of the retreating back of who she
suspected was the “big guy” George was telling her about. He had disappeared
out to the back of the diner before she could get a good look at him but she
swore she could feel his eyes burning through the back of her head. A small
shiver ran across her skin and goose bumps formed on her warm arms unsettling
her.
             Bobby
popped his head out of the serving hatch, his salt and pepper hair tucked
neatly into a white chef’s hat, and hollering across the bar he broke her out
of her trance.
            “Emma,
one grilled chicken and avocado salad coming up.   Shall I add a Blaze’s Bake to your bag,
too, darlin’?” She visibly jumped at the noise but smiled when he suggested the
cupcake.
             “Please,
Bobby, you know the way to a girl’s heart.   I could just do with treat tonight.”
             He
beamed and winked at her. “Anything for my favorite customer. One fresh salad
and one cupcake coming up.”
             “Cheers,
Bobby.” She smiled back and headed to George to pay.  
             “Darn
it, Miss Emma, the big guy went an’ left, but said to say your food is on the
house an’ he’s sorry he didn’t come say hi to our best customer, but he had to
get goin’,” he explained to her as a smile crossed his face as he waved Emma
away. She was touched and flattered by the gesture.   “Well, that was unexpected, but thank
you. Please pass on my thanks the next time you see him, would you? Hope you
both have a good evening and I’ll probably be in sometime tomorrow for my
usual.” And she picked up her latte and the food cartons on the counter and
left, waving with her free hand as she went.
             It
was only a short walk back to her apartment block and as she reached the
entrance, she was again aware of the strange sensation of someone watching her
again. As she stepped in she scanned the immediate area but saw nothing
untoward in the quiet streets. Walking up the front stairs into the ornately
carved white stone building, she felt slightly relieved to be inside and in
relative safety. She couldn’t shake the feeling tonight that she was being
watched.
               As she passed by the desk she let the new
duty doorman know that Lily would be here shortly and to allow her up to her
seventh floor apartment. It wasn’t the penthouse yet, but if she kept her head
down and earnings up,