Unexpected Visitor

Dan & Libby

Very aware of her state of undress, Libby grabbed her jeans off the floor and held them up in front of her defensively. Dan had the grace to look a little uncomfortable at catching her half-naked. Out of the blue, Libby wondered if March would look uncomfortable about that. Probably not.

"You're soaked!" She regained the power of speech which seemed to have momentarily deserted her.

Dan grinned a little at that. "So are you. Soaked and muddy."

"I just got home," she explained, wondering what kind of comical-looking picture she made, standing just inside her own door, hugging her muddy jeans as though they were a lifeline. "I was about to shower."

Dan turned toward the door. "Don't let me stop you. Now that I know you're all right, I'll head back home.

Libby was touched that he would come out in all this for her. Why was it this man acted so concerned for her welfare, but didn't seem to want to see her unless he thought she was in trouble?

"Dan. Wait-" she said hesitantly. "It's awful out there and you're soaking wet. I've got a washer and dryer here. We can at least get your clothes dry, and you can have some hot coffee. That's the least I can do, after you came all this way to see about me."

Dan was looking at her doubtfully, so she rushed on. "Just let me-" Libby began backing in the general direction of the short hallway which led to her bedroom, still holding her jeans defensively up in front of her. "I've got something you can wear- I think- while your clothes dry-"

Her speech was rambling and disjointed and she was blushing. She was actually blushing! Backing through the bedroom door, she kept talking to him as she closed it. "Just give me a minute- I'll get something on and I'll be right back."

Dan couldn't help grinning as he waited for her. He'd never seen Libby Tyler so uncomfortable in his presence before. She always seemed so bold, so forthright. Seeing her like this was a new experience, one Dan couldn't exactly say he disliked.

She was opening the door again in less than five minutes, and coming through it wearing some kind of short, blue bathrobe belted at her waist. Coming toward him, she was holding up what looked alike a man's gray sweats-shirt and pants.

"Here. Maybe these'll do." She held them out to him.

Dan looked at her questioningly. "These belong to your boyfriend?" He couldn't help asking the question.

"No!" She said sharply, flustered by the question. "No! They don't! Actually, they belong to my brother. He leaves 'em with me, so he has something to wear around the house when he comes to visit."

Dan was a little sorry he'd asked. He hadn't wanted to upset her. Where the hell had jealousy come from at the mere thought that she might have a boyfriend?

He was remembering seeing her downtown the day of Barrett's sale with that new chef over at Andy's place. And then again with that same guy at the opening of the restaurant. Some really good-looking Italian guy with an accent. They type who looked like he probably had women throwing themselves at him. Dan didn't like seeing Libby with him. Or anyone else for that matter.

As Dan disappeared into the bathroom with the sweats to change, Libby thought to herself, "What next?"