Game of Hearts by Kathryn J. Bain

chocolate-brown eyes. Great. Now I want ed a candy bar. I could swim in those eyes. In fact, drinking them in sounded better than candy. I licked my lips and refocused my attention on what Brandon was saying.
    "So you know me by now, right?"
    "Yes."
    When he took hold of my hand heat rushed through me. "You remember when your car broke down, and I helped push it out of the street?"
    "Yes." One-word answers were probably best right now.
    "You said you wouldn't have dinner with me because you didn't know me. Now you do. You no longer have an excuse. Are you free next Saturday?"
    Could he be asking me out? "You mean a date?" My heart beat so fast I thought I'd drop dead right then and there.
    "I think that's what it's called when a man and woman go out together."
    "But I-I've got three kids." I stammered.
    "They're old enough to get their own food this time. I want it to be just you and me. No Scarlett or children. Just us."
    That sounded wonderful. I took a step back, sucked in a deep breath and said, "Okay."
    "Great, I'll pick you up at six. We'll do something other than pizza."
    "Sounds good."
    "You have a good week." His grin reminded me of the Cheshire Cat's. "Goodbye."
    "'Bye." I couldn't move.
    The Bloodmobile bus pulled out, leaving me in a plume of exhaust. I stood in the middle of the parking lot with my mouth hanging open. What had I just done? I groaned inwardly. Had I really agreed to go out on a date with Brandon Nash?
    Scarlett rushed up to me. "Well? Did you say yes?"
    "Uh-huh." My voice squeaked. Oh Lord, please strike me dead before next Saturday. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to handle this.
    ****
    When we got home, I glanced at the political brochure. Mr. Windsome's pamphlet mentioned his daughter's wedding several times. A list of bullet points ran down the inner right-hand side. One of his main issues was welfare reform. He proposed enforcing tougher laws for parents who didn't pay child support. I laughed out loud.
    "What's so funny?" Anthony asked.
    "Nothing." Mr. Windsome must not have checked into his future son-in-law too carefully. If his opponent found out, it would definitely put a damper on his chances of winning the election.
    Anthony stared up at me with those big blue eyes. "What were you and Brandon talking about in the parking lot, Mommy?"
    My heart stopped. I told Brandon I'd go out with him on Saturday night. What had I been thinking? I had nothing to wear. "We're going out to eat Saturday night," I croaked.
    "Are we having pizza again?"
    "You're not invited."
    "Oooooh, Mom's got a date." Sarah had a large grin on her face. "It's about time."
    Matthew rolled his eyes before taking off to his room. I'm beginning to think that eye-rolling stuff runs in my family.
    I walked into my bedroom and slid my shoes off, placing them in the closet. I paused in front of the large mirror on the bathroom door and ran a finger around my face. Brandon's touch created a warmth within me, one I hadn't felt in a while. Some days I ’d forgot ten I was a woman who used to enjoy the touch of a man. And his touch definitely ignited those feelings. Could I actually win a man like Brandon Nash?

Chapter Eight
    Â 
    I stared at myself in the mirror. White bra, white cotton panties. I needed an update. Maybe some new lingerie would add a dash of excitement to my life.
    Who am I kidding? The only person who'd get to see it would be me. What fun would that be? I reached over and picked up a perfume bottle from my dresser. It smelled of hyacinth. It might be old, but it would do.
    Sarah watched me as I went through my closet. I'd pick something out, and she'd shake her head. It wasn't like I had a lot to choose from. Most of my nicer clothes were too big on me since I'd lost weight. While good for my ego, it didn't do much for the nicely-fitting clothes issue.
    "Why are you so nervous?" Sarah punched the pillow behind her back. "It's not like Brandon hasn't seen you at church and stuff."
    "This is different. It's