Designs On Daphne by Lilly Christine Page B

of fresh air. It was such a pretty morning, so nice and warm outside! Who had time to waste in a silly, dirty coffee shop? She was a professional, after all, and really, she was very busy; she had lots of work to do for Rodric. Last night, he confirmed he’d be moving in on Friday; the bedroom furniture was being delivered today, maybe at that very moment!
      He’d need some lovely new things for that big bed of his; she’d already made a list: sheets and pillows of varying firmness. A nice, fluffy mattress pad. Some throw pillows and a long bolster. Light cotton blankets and a cushy down giant comforter for when the air conditioning was too cold.
      She couldn’t help but sigh.
      Of all the things she was looking forward to in that apartment, as a professional, seeing the master bedroom arranged in the splendor she anticipated was going to be her greatest accomplishment to date.
      Spotting a cab, she lifted her hand. Neiman Marcus was just a few blocks away, and they had a fantastic bedding selection. She and Rodric had such a lovely time there the past weekend, selecting his everyday plate ware and cutlery. She’d suggested at least eight place settings for the kitchen nook, for entertaining.
      He’d been interested in her opinions, so especially appreciative of her expertise, listening carefully as she explained that the round dining table could be set for six, or, if he were throwing a casual dinner party for eight, four could sit on stools at the granite counter, and four or six at the table.
      Nodding as she’d explained everything, he’d then ordered a dozen place settings, and two dozen of every piece of glassware! He wanted to be sure every guest at his housewarming party would have a cocktail and a glass or two of wine, he’d said.
      She’d been absolutely thrilled.
      The man did love to splurge.
      But the best thing was what happened next, as the saleslady wrote up the order. Lowering his lips to her ear, Rodric mentioned that he really only need one set of plate ware for the time being. Then he put his arm behind her. “You certainly are a very special woman, Miz Daphne.”  Nestled against him as she heard those words, she’d felt another little thrill, right down to her toes!
      The look he’d given her wasn’t ‘significant’ exactly, but it did assure her that he didn’t have any one particularly in mind for the time being.
       Anyone else, that is.
       Daphne felt real hope, thinking back to that little scene. Perhaps Rodric was ready to acknowledge that his perfect girlfriend had already appeared . . But then why hadn’t he kissed her, darn it?
       Well, at least she could count on having Rodric’s company all to herself. A pesky girlfriend would only distract from their lovely professional friendship, he had to see that. Besides, she didn’t want to take orders from anyone other than Rodric.
      Because, really, Rodric didn’t give orders. He always wanted to know what Daphne thought. She truly enjoyed that he considered her opinion so carefully, so often agreeing that she felt like she was working with him, not for him.
      There was still a lot of apartment to furnish and decorate, Rodric had said, standing close at the Neiman Marcus counter. “We’re making real progress here, you and I. I’m counting on you to stay and help me at least through December, Miz Daphne.”
      Then he’d gazed at her with such affection, his cheeks nicely shaven with just a hint of his expensive cologne, there was no way she could refuse him.
      “I do have to visit Hobble Creek once in awhile to check on Daisy and Hank, of course,” she’d replied, “But couldn’t you just come along with me, to visit Ty?”
      “Why, certainly, I could,” he’d replied. “I’ll take you out to Hobble Creek whenever you have the urge to be there, darlin’.” 
      Thinking over the past weekend, Daphne was delighted that she and Rodric could finish the apartment without the