A Familiar Star (Romance Mystery) Read Online Free Page B

down , and like I said, waiting for you."
    Max got up from the sofa and cast her, an amused look.  He couldn't help himself. She was as jumpy as they come, and he knew it was him that was making her nervous.  Once she got to know him a little, he was sure she would relax.
    "I really didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry."  He said gently.
    "It's okay. " Kylie answered but was still hesitant.
    "I made Italian. Is that okay?"
    Max walked over to the table and poured her a glass of wine.  His shirt was opened and the top button of his jeans was undone. Kylie tried not to stare.
    "That's fine. " She said then paused. "Oh no, I mean, I planned on going out for dinner."
    "Well now you won't have to."   Max handed her the glass.
    He was standing so close to her now that she could smell him; fresh shower and light cologne.  She knew she should leave, but was too busy noticing how tanned he was, how his eyes sparkled green, and how truly handsome he was when he smiled.  This is not good she thought to herself and accepted the wine graciously.
    Max was hoping on gaining a smile , but Kylie leaned up against the back of the sofa putting some distance between them.  Then she gave him a suspicious look.
    "I've forgotten my manners. " She apologized. "I should thank you."  She lifted her glass to his.
    "You ca n thank me after the meals over.  Actually, I’m really not a very good cook, I lied." He confessed, and Kylie was forced to smile a little of her nervousness away.
     
    Kylie and Max made small talk over dinner. She was getting used to him, and his teasing, and realized she hadn’t laughed so hard in a long time.  He really was, too charming for words. But then again, that was his kind, and she wouldn’t let herself forget it.
    “The food wasn’t so bad.” She teased. “Where did you learn to cook?”
    “My dad taught me.”
    “Oh.” She scrunched up her brows. “So he ’s the chef.”
    “No, he’s just a regular dad.”
    “What about your mom, did she cook, or was she working?”
    “She died when I was nine. My dad took over the cooking and eventually got pretty good. My brother Ray and I had no choice but to help out around the kitchen, so we learned.”
    “I’m sorry. ” Kylie shifted in her seat. “Where’s your brother now?”
    “Somewhere in Japan contracting for a company called Evron, they’re a satellite company. He’s doing R & D work.”
    “Impressive. Does he have a family?”
    “No, he’s on his own, but never lonely.” He smiled.
    Kylie looked Max over and bet that was true, if his brother had Max’s genes , he probably had his hands full.
    “So what about your dad, where’s he?”
    “He had a house on the lake but he moved back to town last year.”
    “On this lake?” Kylie was surprised and curious.
    “Y eah, that’s right, on the north side where the road forks.”
    “So, you must know this area pretty well.”
    “No, not really, I didn’t come up very often. He was only here for about a year before he moved back to the city.  But when I did come up, I loved it.” He nodded his head thoughtfully. “So when I got the job at the center, I came to the lake to see if there was anything available. That’s when I found this place.”
    “Why did your dad leave?”
    “I think he found it lonely.” He lifted his glass and took her in.   “It’s no fun living alone.”
    “There’s no chance of that now is there.” Kylie had to laugh, the wine loosening her tongue.
    She told him all about he r parents, their vacation condo in Florida, and their four dogs.  She had just finished telling him how she thought they were happy that she had finally moved out, when he smiled.
    "You've never lived alone? "
    "No never. " Kylie replied.
    “Why is that?”
    “I guess I…I’ve been very busy.” She stammered.
    "Have you ever been in a relationship?"  He smiled again.
    "That’s a very personal question.  What are you implying?"
    "Why not just answer the question?"  Max