Chapter fourteen: An unusual request

Linda's POV,

My phone buzzed and I reached out blindly to glance at my phone. It was a text from David. You love love more than you love me. I found it, it's a song! However, it is by no means accurately describing my emotions towards you. I've been assigned to another case, which, naturally, I can't disclose the details to you, but I'm going to be down in Africa for a week or two. Wish me luck and good luck on your first date with Matthew!

I stare at the phone in shock. This man is crazy. He practically melted me against the wall with his threat to kiss me and here he is now, the following morning, joking and wishing me luck on a date with his potential rival. It takes me less than a minute to come up with a response. For the record, didn't your mother teach you not to go waking girls early in the morning after they've been out all night celebrating? And while I am glad to know that the song isn't what your emotions are, that's what I feel your emotions could be in the near future. I know you can't disclose the details of a case, but any hints about what it is would be lovely. Is it a murder, kidnapping, bank robbery, a drug bust or anything like that? And why are you wishing me luck on my date?

His reply came back with a smiley face. Sorry about that, thought you'd be up by now. But it appears I deduced incorrectly about what time you get up. I figured you for the early bird type. And I am going to bust up a group of drug dealers. I hate this type of work! I hate these places and I hate having to do occasional drugs to keep up appearances. Have you ever had to do things like this before? Why shouldn't I wish your luck? Your parents probably haven't even returned home, so you're bound to be nervous on your first date. I am not making fun of you, I'm serious. Personally, I'm looking forward to dating the insanity out of you when I return.

"You jug head!" I shriek as I read that last line. I glance at my clock, it's 9:30. Matthew's picking me up at 10:15, this is no time to be having an argument with someone who's somewhere in the middle.

My phone goes off and I grab it. You're mad at me aren't you?

I punch back. I have 45 minutes to get ready for my date. And yes! You don't own me!

My phone goes off and I answer it would looking at it. "Hello? Linda speaking."

I know. I glower as I recognize David's voice. You take too long to reply. I figured I call you.

I groan. "I am getting to go on a date."

He couldn't care less. I'm bored.

I turn the phone on speaker so I can walk around the room and talk to him at the same time. Frankly, I'm not sure why I'm talking to David. "I'm not going to amuse you."

But you're going to anyway, aren't you?

I roll my eyes. "Maybe."

So, where are you two going?

"Why should I tell you?"

Because I'm stuck in an airport for several hours and I'd really like to hear your voice before I delete your phone number from my phone.

"Why are you doing that?"

Safety precaution, I don't want anyone getting a hold of it.

"Thank you." I reach into my drawer and pull out a pair of jeans and a pink T-shirt. It's not fancy, but pink, according to mother, was my best color. Besides we were bowling and I wanted it to be casual. I didn't want to come across as if I were trying too hard him to notice me. "So, how many days do I have of peace before you come back and stir up my life?"

He laughs. Good to know that I'm having an effect on you. I glower at his phone. Hey, will you promise me something?

"Like what?" I head into the bathroom and close the door. I should feel unusual talking to man while I'm getting ready to change my clothes. But David's like a pesky fly and one can get dressed with flies buzzing all around your head. "It's not going to be something stupid is it?"

He laughs tightly. Not really. I'm just asking you not to kiss Matthew until I get back. I stare at the phone in absolute shock. I cannot believe he just said this to me. Can you promise me that? Because I'd really like the honor of having you first myself, if you've no objections. I can't say a single coherent word. I've shocked you haven't I? I still can't respond. I suppose you're wondering why I just said that. I nod. Because frankly, as I mentioned, I am very, very interested in you. I lick my lips and I sink onto the edge of my bathroom counter. I've got to go now. They're calling my flight. You haven't died on that end have you?

I laugh. "No, I-I'm...stunned."

Have I your promise? I can't speak for a moment. His tone drops into a deeper key. Come on Linda, I'm not asking too much. Just even up the odds, don't give him an unfair advantage.

I lick my lips and answer him as I give him the only answer I can. "I think...I will wait. But...there's no guarantee that Matthew won't get the first kiss as soon as you're back in the picture."

He exhales in relief. Well, glad to know that you're being open and honest with me.

"In a way I am. After all, what woman doesn't want two men fighting over her? But I do believe I must play fair."

That's good to know. He laughs. I'll see you when I get back. And I will be the one to claim that kiss of yours! Goodbye.

"Goodbye." The phone clicks off and I mutter. "Jug head." I wash up, change into my clothes and skip downstairs to grab an apple before heading up and brushing my teeth. I push the door open and survey the boys who are all sitting down and eating. "Hello, Mom and Dad sleeping in again?"

Scott shakes his head. "Dad kidnapped her, remember? He left a note saying that they won't be back until later this afternoon and he's in a place where they don't have cell service."

I laugh. "How romantic."

Sherlock studies me. "You look nice this morning. Are you going out?"

"Yes." I grab an apple and take a bite out of it. "I'm going bowling with Matthew."

John nods around his mouthful of cereal. "Have fun."

"Thank you."

"And no pressure." Alexander says as he monitors the sink that's filling up with hot water. "Since mother is going to be blessing us with twin baby sisters, there's no rush to give her grandchildren."

"I know, but...I'd like to have some children of my own." Everyone shoots me a look and I ask. "What?"

"Don't do anything hasty." Sherlock says, taking on the 'Father' mode. "After all, mom and dad waited until they were married."

I glower at him. "I know that and I intend to do the same thing. Why don't you have a talk with David?" I point out. "He's the one making all the moves. Matthew, I can handle. He's harmless."

"I'm sure mother thought the same thing about father," William says. "and look where they are now."

"They're not here." I point out.

Alexander nods. "I wonder where they are."

Sherlock shrugs. "How should I know?" Everyone looks at him and he scowls back. "Look, just because I'm named after father doesn't mean I know everything that's going on in his mind!"