Danny scrunched the pillow tighter around her head trying to ignore the annoying buzz from the doorbell. She groaned when she squinted at the alarm clock. It was eleven a.m. The doorbell rang again.

Alright . . . alright, I'm coming. She grumbled as she pulled an oversized sweater over her pajamas. She didn't bother to put her glasses on so everything looked fuzzy when she walked down the narrow hall. Danny threw the door open before the bell had a chance to ring again.

There better be a fire or . . . Danny's mouth dropped. She pulled her sweater together under her chin as she peered up at a blurry Mister Ryder.

And a good morning to you too. Craig's white teeth flashed a mischievous grin.

Good . . . morning, I thought you said two o'clock? Danny looked past his shoulder at the gleaming silver Porsche parked beside her beat-up Volkswagen.

I did . . . May I come in? I could use a cup of coffee. He was amused when he noticed her slippers. You don't strike me as the type to wear fuzzy bunny slippers.

Danny quickly opened the door further to let him pass. She didn't want the whole neighborhood knowing her business. Craig followed her down the hall.

Mister Ryder, there are many things you don't know about me and frankly I prefer to keep it that way.

I take it you're not a morning person, actually . . . it's almost noon. Craig looked at his watch. She ignored him and walked briskly to her apartment.

Craig quickly regarded the small one-room apartment. A small antique, drop-leaf table and two chairs stood beneath a window overlooking the brick wall of the next building. Along one wall stood a large armoire that accommodated the entertainment system and a Murphy bed still warm from its occupant. A kitchen galley the size of a closet located behind an overstuffed love-seat, a couple of bloated pillows and a wooden trunk that doubled for a coffee table. Her computer desk nested inside book shelves that reached the ceiling. The room was neat and functional, just like Ms. Givens. He surmised that Ms. Givens lived her life vicariously through her books.

Are you always in the habit showing up unannounced? Danny filled the coffee maker with water.

I had a sneaky suspicion you'd break our lunch date. Now that I'm here, perhaps I can take you out to brunch instead. Craig sat at the small table, enjoying her obvious discomfort as she approached him with two mugs of steaming coffee.

I'm sorry, I hope

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