Misunderstood: In Love with the Nerd (The Miss Series Book 2)

by Peggy Ann Craig

  “Make me a drink?” He was still smirking as he gestured to the bag of ice in her hand.

  “You don’t drink.” She told him.

  His brow lifted. “Since when?”

  “Since now.” Her voice became firm. “Go home.”

  “Ouch.” He snapped his head back as if she truly attempted to bite him. “Remind me never to invite you to one of my parties.”

  “Gladly.” She could only imagine the boredom. Six or seven computer brainiacs standing around having no clue how to have a good time, or at the very least what to do with a woman.

  “Aren’t we grumpy tonight.” He stated, observing her closely. “Frequent exposure to negativity can have an inimical effect on—“

  “Go home, Daniel. You don’t belong here.”

  “Sonya!” Audrey cried. “I invited him.”

  He stared at her then at the tiny blonde gaping with disbelief.

  “Right,” he muttered, then without another word, turned and left. With a huge thrust he slammed her apartment door behind him. Immediately, Sonya felt her world dim.

  “Sonya, why did you do that?” Audrey’s eyes bulged with disbelief.

  She ignored her, already feeling horrible. From the moment she saw the sincere pain in his eyes her words caused, she felt utter remorse. What an inconsiderate jackass she could be. He hadn’t done anything wrong to deserve the most vicious thing imaginable. She insulted a man for being himself.

  She glanced at Audrey who was still staring at her dumbfounded. She had taken an interest in him at once. Obviously, enough to invite him over without consulting Sonya first. Not that she needed permission to invite whomever she pleased. But Daniel? He was her neighbor. He didn’t belong in her circle. Though it hurt, it was most likely for the best.

  “You wouldn’t have liked him. All he ever does is shop talk.” She attempted to reassure her friend.

  “Oh.” Audrey made a mock expression of understanding. “And what a change that would be from men whose only interest is making a grab for my ass.”

  She walked away before Sonya could console her more. She would have to explain it all to her tomorrow over coffee with Maura. Maura would help explain, she understood completely.

  Sonya owed Daniel an apology as well. She really shouldn’t have been so harsh on him. First thing tomorrow, she would speak to him and make everything all right between them again.

  Her front door opened once more and Tristan Manning was suddenly there, in her apartment. Her disheartened spirits quickly evaporated. He came. He was actually in her apartment. And, if she had anything to do with it, in her bedroom before the night was through.

  “Tristan!” she called out and waved her hand.

  He noticed and weaved his way through the bodies littering her apartment. As he approached, she noticed he wore his lazy smile. The one which looked as if he had made love all night long. “Hey, Sara. Great party.”

  Her smile vanished. “Sonya.”

  “Right.” He clicked his tongue and shot two imaginary guns at her from the tips of his fingers and gave an apologetic shrug. “Going to get it right one of these days.”

  Audrey appeared out of nowhere. “I need a refill.”

  Apparently, she had not noticed their boss’s arrival, then the angry glare intended for Sonya, completely vanished. Startled, she exclaimed, “Mr. Manning!”

  Sonya’s brows arched. Mr. Manning?

  He turned and looked down at the blonde, becoming serious all at once, nodding his head in greeting. “Audrey.”

  Oh sure, he remembered her name!

  “Glad you found the place, Tristan.” Sonya’s face glowed with as much allure and temptation as she could muster. “Let me show you around.”

  Audrey took a step back but otherwise did not move. Instead, she stood and watched as the duo disappeared.

  “And, finally, my bedroom is back here.” She ended the short tour on purpose down the small corridor leading to her bedroom.

  He glanced at her, raised a brow then brushed past her and into the room. Sonya couldn’t contain the tiny jolt of excitement. He stood near the entrance, surveying the soft lace curtains over the window and the flowing hue of blue and white walls that reminded her of being caught in a springtime cloud. Overhanging the iron canopy bed were shrouds of white silk, while beneath, the bed was covered in a billow of satin sheets and pillows.

  Tristan took a step further inside then turned and looked at her. “This doesn’t look like this should be your room.”

  Surprised, she asked, “Why is that?”

  He shrugged and made a gesture to encompass the entire room. “It looks straight out of a Victorian romance novel.”

  “You don’t like it?”

  “I didn’t say that. I was just expecting something a bit gaudier.”

  She had to laugh. Where on earth would he have gotten such an impression? Pointing toward the bed, she offered, “Would you like to sit?”

  He nodded then dropped down on the bed, caught off guard when he realized the mattress was a waterbed. Chuckling, he said, “Now this makes more sense.”

  She grinned and watched him sitting there on her bed, a fantasy she fostered for so long. He looked just as perfect on it as she imagined. Her breathing quickened, stimulated by the fantasy in her head and the genuine thing in her bedroom. She wasn’t dreaming from months of yearning; he was actually and physically sitting on her favorite satin sheets. And eyeing her with lust.

  He patted the spot next to him and said, “Sit.”

  Like a trained puppy, she did as commanded. Her heart began a rapid beat while her mouth went suddenly dry.

  When she sat next to him, he lifted a hand and tenderly brushed a strand of long curls aside. “You are very beautiful.”

  “Thank you. So are you.” Christ, did she really say that? “I mean handsom—good-looking! Ah, hell, you’re gorgeous.”

  He chuckled. “You’ve had your eye on me for a while now.”

  “That obvious?” She made the joke knowing perfectly well she far from hid her intent.

  He nodded casually, his eyes focused on her neck as he lifted her hair and began examining beneath it. Sonya automatically began to lean toward him. She was yearning to have those lips kiss her neck, earlobe or hell any part of her body would do at that point.

  The door to her bedroom flung open. Audrey came soaring into the room. “Sonya, I’m going home.”

  Then giving the couple’s closeness a sweeping glance, added out of courtesy, “Sorry.”

  She was gone before Sonya could respond. She blinked then glanced at Tristan. His attention was still on the opened door. “Sorry about that. Audrey’s a little peeved at me because she’s interested in my neighbor and I don’t approve.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’s not her type.”

  He cocked his head. “And you know her type? Or perhaps maybe you fancy the guy as well?”

  “Oh please!” She hooted and would have laughed but didn’t want to lose the sensual atmosphere. “Daniel’s going to meet a nice young girl someday. Probably a nurse, or a teacher, or something like that. Together they’ll probably save world hunger.”

  His eyes twinkled of laughter but he didn’t say anything further on the subject. Instead, he startled her completely by saying, “How does next Wednesday sound?”

  “Pardon?”

  “You and me. We’ll make a night of it.”

  Elation enveloped her. “Why, Mr. Manning, are you asking me out on a date?”

  The obvious reference to the other barmaid’s formal use of his name had him smirking before getting to his feet. “I’ll pick you up around eight.”

  “Where are you going?” She hurriedly got to her feet; fearful she had frightened him away.

  “Unfortunately, I have to get going.” He smiled slowly and reached out to touch her face gently. “But I had a nice time, Sophia. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

  She watched him go and felt a shadow pass over
her spirits. Tonight was supposed to be a pinnacle moment. Her fantasy was only inches away from being fulfilled. His behavior and emotions however were erratic. One moment she was certain she had gotten her man, the next the complete opposite.

  “Sonya. The name’s Sonya.”

  * * *

  The next morning she slept in as expected and cringed at the mess left behind from the party. Normally, she would attack it immediately and have it gone in a jiffy, but needing to see Daniel and apologize was more pressing.

  Dressed in jogging gear with her long hair tied back in a ponytail she grabbed her iPod, selected Tchaikovsky and headed for Daniel’s apartment. She took a few minutes to bang on his door, but had already figured he had left for their morning jog without bothering to wait for her.

  How she knew this was because one, the man was always on a strict schedule and never strayed for anything, and second because she knew she owed him an apology and he was more than likely a little peeved at her.

  As figured, she received no answer and headed for the elevator that took her down to the ground floor. She was just passing through the lobby when she heard voices coming from the mail center. One was Mrs. Sterling. The old woman did not sound too pleased and, needing a bit of entertainment, Sonya went over to eavesdrop. She was surprised to discover the second voice belonged to Daniel.

  “The girl is a nuisance and somebody ought to do something about it. She has been rowdy far too long. If she holds one more party, that will be it. I’m going to call the police myself.”

  “I understand how you feel Mrs. Sterling and I’m sure it doesn’t help that Fufu hasn’t been feeling himself lately.”

  Sonya’s jaw dropped. The swine. How could he take old Mrs. Sterling’s side over hers? Even if she had hurt his feelings. He must have figured she would have eventually come around and apologize.

  “Daniel, you’ve defended that girl far too much as it is. She doesn’t deserve you.”

  “That’s very sweet of you Mrs. Sterling, but—“

  “You are a decent boy and deserve a decent girl. You shouldn’t get hung up with a girl like Sonya Elliott. She’s trouble.”

  “Thank you. I’ll watch myself.”

  “I’ve seen her coming and going out of your apartment. You haven’t done anything stupid, have you Daniel?”

  “No, ma’am.” Even in her hiding spot, Sonya could hear the control in his voice. He wasn’t easily agitated. “She really isn’t all that bad. She can be quite nice if you get to know her.”

  “Bah!” The old lady continued to say something else, but Sonya tuned her out completely.

  A warm feeling swept over her. Even after last night. Even before she had the chance to apologize. Daniel stood by her side. She smiled. Mrs. Sterling was right. He really was a nice guy.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Sterling.” She stepped forward and interrupted the old woman’s barrage of complaints.

  The elderly woman glared at her and spat out, “It’s afternoon already, girl. If you didn’t stay up half the night, you would have seen the morning.”

  Ignoring the woman, she turned to Daniel and offered her most sincere smile. “Good mor—afternoon, Daniel.”

  She was relieved when he smiled in return. That was one thing she liked about Daniel, he never stayed angry for long.

  “. . .god-forsaken music.” Mrs. Sterling was still going on. “Let me tell you girl, if you have another one of your blasted parties I’m calling the police. Do you understand?”

  “Perfectly, Mrs. Sterling.” Sonya gave her a synthetic frown. “And I’m terribly sorry to hear about Fufu. Has he finally kicked the bucket?”

  The woman straightened her back and glared at Sonya then turned away in a huff, leaving the two standing alone in the mail center. Grinning, Sonya turned back to Daniel as he dropped some change into the newspaper stand and pulled out a paper. Her smile vanished immediately.

  “Listen, Daniel,” she began, “I was a jackass last night. You know that. But what I said was unforgivable.”

  He briefly glanced up from his paper but didn’t say anything.

  She leaned forward and said, “I’m sorry.”

  His head shot up to look into her pleading eyes.

  “Really.” She added for reassurance.

  Sighing, he folded his paper and began to leave the room. Sonya followed.

  “I suppose you’ve already gone for your morning jog?”

  He offered a vague nod and headed toward the elevators without uttering a single word to her.

  Sonya heaved a weary sigh. Lord, he was really mad at her. She must have hurt his feelings more than she figured. Wanting to mend things quickly, she offered, “Audrey took a liking to you.”

  He paused in mid stride to stop and look down at her.

  Pleased she finally got his attention, she smiled up at him. Then nearly choking on the words added, “I-I could give you her number if you like.”

  His eyes searched her face before turning away to press the button for the elevator. “Not interested.”

  Surprised at her own relief, she nevertheless felt curious. “Why not?”

  “Not my type.”

  “Not your type?” Which was exactly what she already concluded, however, hearing it from Daniel’s lips made her feel incensed. “You mean the waitress type?”

  “I didn’t say that.” His grey eyes shot in her direction. “I have nothing against waitresses.”

  She sighed, taking his hidden meaning for what it was. “I already apologized. Do you expect me to beg for your forgiveness?”

  There was a pregnant pause where she thought he wouldn’t answer until at last he produced a grin, and Sonya felt a wave of relief. “I’d be waiting a long time.”

  “Yes, you would.” She agreed and returned his smile. “Do you have time to join me for a muffin or donut at the coffee shop?”

  He shook his head. “No, I’ve got to get back to the Institute. Our deadline was bumped up.”

  She nodded, vaguely wondering who our was, then brushed the thought aside. No sense getting him started in some lengthy conversation about his latest project. “I was going to tell you about my good news.”

  “What’s that?” he queried as he began to surf through his mail.

  “Tristan finally got around to asking me out.”

  His hand paused for a moment before continuing. Then finding something of interest, he pulled it out of his stack of envelopes. “Congratulations.”

  “I know.” She beamed. “Next Wednesday night.”

  “You got what you wanted,” he said quietly as he opened the envelope.

  “Not yet.” She gave her seductive laugh and was a little peeved when he ignored it. “I’m going to have to get my hair done and I think I’ll treat myself to a new outfit. Or I could wear the little red dress again. He seemed to especially like it.”

  “Sounds great,” Daniel mumbled as he read the opened letter.

  “What do you think?” Her pulse accelerated even as she thought of the outcome of their upcoming date. “Do you think it displays my cleavage enough? Or maybe I should get something with a little lower cut.”

  “Hmm?” Obviously distracted, he offered instead, “Yeah, the blue dress sounds good.”

  “I said the red dress, not the blue dress.” Frustrated, she dropped heavily on her heels and demanded, “You’re not paying attention. What is so important that you’re reading?”

  He glanced at her face. Then held out the letter for her inspection. It looked formal and business-like. Not bothering to read it, she asked instead, “Anything exciting? Win the lottery?”

  “Kind of.”

  Her face went blank. “Really?”

  “I won the Award of Excellence for Technical Innovations.”

  “Wow, that’s terrific, Daniel.”

  He took in her genuine happiness for him and ventured to add, “My sister has indicated that she and her husband will more than likely be there, but I also have an extra invitation for
a guest to the corporate presentation on Saturday.”

  She nodded, smiling, oblivious to where he was going with this train of thought.

  “Would you be interested in accompanying me?”

  Her eyes bulged. “Christ, no.”

  Taken aback by her directness, he nodded quickly and shoved the letter back in the envelope.

  “Oh come on, Daniel,” she said upon noticing she had insulted him yet again. “I would be dreadfully bored at a computer conference.”

  “Of course.”

  “Daniel.” She put her hand on his arm. “What I said last night might have hurt but it’s the truth. We’re like mud and oil, you and me. We’re from two different worlds. We may make great neighbors but that’s it. You don’t belong in my world any more than I belong in yours.”

  She sighed, adding, “Besides, I have to get my hair done for my date with Tristan.”

  He turned an exasperated glare at her. “I prefer the mud and oil excuse better.”

  “No.” She grinned. “It’s really the truth. Do you think these curls are natural? It takes at least five hours in the chair to get them rolled and set. I want to look perfect for my date.”

  Daniel leaned forward and banged the elevator button hard as if impatient for its arrival. “Your date is on Wednesday, not Saturday.”

  “Of course. But I have to wait forty-eight hours before I can wash my hair after getting a perm. The fumes alone would thwart his lovemaking.”

  “And that’s a bad thing.”

  “Yes, Daniel, a very bad thing. If I ever want to perform on his stage, I have to get the man first.”

  The elevator arrived at that moment, which was a good thing because Daniel wasn’t sure he had a decent comment to this last remark by Sonya. He had heard her sing many times. Admittedly, he would turn down his own stereo just to hear her while she practiced in her apartment. Though he would never admit this bit of information to her.

  He didn’t doubt for a second she could get a deal with anyone. For he knew Sonya Elliott was a woman of perseverance and wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted.

  If only she didn’t want Tristan Manning.

  Chapter 4