From the Heart: Romance, Mystery and Suspense a collection for everyone Read Online Free Page A

you to start right away.” He uncrossed his legs and reached for the paper, dropping his gaze to scan her list of names. Seconds later he peered up at her.
    “Can you cook?”
    “Yes.”
    “Are you a criminal?”
    “No, unless you count a speeding ticket I got two years ago.”
    “Only one?” The tension that drove this meeting just a few moments ago had changed. The lighthearted teasing burst the bubble of worry building inside Emily’s tummy. She breathed easier, anticipating that maybe there was something really good just around the corner.
    “I’d need to be assured my son would take priority. If you’re bringing your daughter, will you be able to do the cooking and still look after him, and not ignore him?”
    “I wouldn’t neglect your son, but I won’t neglect my daughter either. I can look after both easily. I’m a mother. It’s what I do.” Emily swirled her hand in the air.
    He was quiet again. For the life of her, she couldn’t read his expression. What was he thinking?
    “Could you start tomorrow?”
    Her ears were ringing. And she wondered if she’d heard him right. “Well yes, that’d be fine. But I can’t move us that quickly. I have a whole house to pack up.”
    “How about coming for the day until we can work out the rest of the details, at least then you can get comfortable with Trevor, and he you, until you move here.”
    “All right, tomorrow I’ll come with Katy. Is about eight-thirty okay?”
    “Sounds good.”
    This was too easy. Brad slapped his hands on his knees, stood and, magically, he appeared even taller, like an enormous weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He hovered over her. Emily glanced at her purse and gave an extra tug on the zipper to make sure it was closed before slipping it over her shoulder. She held tight as she stood before this sizeable man.
    “I have a good feeling about this Emily. There’s something about you. I think this arrangement will work for both of us. I love my boy and only want the best for him.”
    He escorted her to the door. “Tomorrow then, Brad. And thank you for the job.”
    She bumped his hand when she awkwardly turned to shake it. Lord, she truly was a klutz today. She cursed her lack of self-esteem which, at times, kept her from being fit for polite society. And making it worse, he grabbed her by the shoulders, before she could knock something over, and guided her through the door. Her face heated again, bright red. She tried to duck her head but as she stood outside the door, she was forced to face him when he held open the white screen door— which she was sure was from the 1930’s.
    He looked over her head, obviously sensing her discomfort, shoved his hand in his pocket and leaned his other arm on top of the screen door. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows showing off his tanned, well-sculpted forearms. Before she could turn away, he pulled his hand from his pocket and extended it.
    She placed her hand in his; he squeezed, not too tight, but a nice, friendly handshake to seal the deal. “Drive safely, Emily. Let me know when you can make arrangements on your end to move, I’ll send my men to help.”
    “Wow, thank you.” She was sweating again, and then remembered the woman who’d answered the phone when she’d called. Better to ask now so she didn’t worry and wonder all night because she didn’t ask. “What about Trevor’s mother, was that who answered the phone?” A dark shadow cast over and hardened his good-looking face to one harboring something dark filled with nothing pleasant. There’s a problem. His cheek twitched.
    “No. That was Mary Haske, my neighbor who helps me out.” A sharp bite filled his tone, nothing nice and friendly now. “You’ll meet her. She’s an old family friend I’ve known since I was a kid. Trevor’s mother doesn’t live here or see Trevor.”
    The way the man held back his fury, she sensed she’d just peeled away a well crusted -over scab, put there by a woman