Coming Up Daffy by Sandra Sookoo

way too much of a temptation for me. I could probably get away with a whole bunch more than he warned me about.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I don’t want to rush things and run the risk of messing them up.”
    Her stomach did a weird, flippy thing the same time her heart trembled. “Wow.”
    Mark waggled his eyebrows. “Just wait until you see what else I can offer.”
    As silence cropped up between them and they both stared at the news cast, Alice smiled. It was too early to tell but maybe growing this relationship would actually lead to a bloom; things were looking very good indeed. I guess he does think the same way. After a few minutes of listening to the monotone drone of Scott’s voice while he reported the news of Francesville and the surrounding towns, she lost interest, especially since the only thing occupying her mind was Mark’s citrusy scent and the tantalizing heat from his body.
    â€œDo you think Scott is a good man?” She took in his brown hair that looked as if it would remain in place in a stiff breeze, and his conservative suit with navy tie that screamed a bit too professional. The guy seemed boring and a little constipated.
    â€œI don’t know him all that well. He just moved to the area six weeks ago. There’s been talk he’s trying to get on with a television station in Indianapolis but hasn’t had luck. Maybe he’s just not Hoosier material.”
    â€œActually, he is. He used to live here back in the day just out of college. I went to high school with him.”
    â€œI see.” He strummed his fingers on her shoulder. “Just how close were you guys?”
    â€œWe went out a few times with a group.” She shrugged and dislodged his arm. “I remember him being popular. You know, one of the guys everyone wanted to know.”
    Mark grunted. He leaned forward on the sofa, no longer touching her. “Why are we talking about Scott? Are you interested in him? Does he have the sort of life plan you’re looking for?” A heavy dollop of annoyance sat in his question.
    She had the grace to blush. I deserve that barb. “No way. Just look at him. He’s so stressed out, he’ll have a breakdown or blow a fuse soon. That’s why the big news companies won’t hire him.” She gestured at the TV with her chin. “I always thought news people were an even-keeled bunch, but I guess we’ll see.”
    â€œWhy? What difference does it make whether or not he makes it?”
    Was that jealousy in Mark’s voice? “No difference. I suspect he and Mel used to be an item, but only time will tell if those sparks have died out.”
    â€œIs that one of your daffy tangents to change the subject?” The flash of mischief in his eyes spoke of future promises.
    She snickered. “No, and I thought you said you didn’t mind my daffy conversations.” She shoved at his shoulder. There was just something about teasing him that was fun.
    â€œI don’t.” At the commercial break he heaved himself off the sofa. “I’d better go. Thanks for a great dinner. You’d give my grandma a run for her money.”
    â€œYou’re leaving?” She stood but didn’t know what to say. An awkward silence sprang between them. Man, I really don’t like the early stages of dating.
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œWhy? I thought we were having a good time.”
    He shifted from foot to foot. “Because if I don’t…” He left the sentence hanging.
    What did that mean? She glanced at him but couldn’t see anything outwardly wrong. Why were men so difficult to understand?
    â€œOkay.” She followed him to the front door. “Do you want to go out again? Maybe catch a movie in Tyler or hit the diner?” Crud, does that make me seem too desperate?
    The smile that broke over his face as he briefly turned could rival the sun. “Tell you what, come out to the