His-And-Hers Family Read Online Free Page B

heavy hair back. “That’s good. Then you won’t have to be away from your children too long.”
    “That’s the truth. The housekeeper threatened to quit on my last trip. She doesn’t like having to corral the kids. Said it’s not part of the job, but I can’t keep a full-time sitter. Most of them prefer younger children. But the kids are tough, they don’t need someone hovering over them all the time.”
    Cassie flinched at the thought of someone caring for children who felt it was strictly an inconvenience, and also at Blake’s callous-sounding view of nurturing. But she decided his lack of parental concern wasn’t her business. “Then, an even better reason to get back to civilization.”
    “Yes, even though there aren’t any fireflies.”
    Feeling a smile tugging at her lips, Cassie met his gaze briefly. She’d noticed earlier that his eyes were a deep blue, and in the diminished light they seemed even darker, even more provocative. She suspected those eyes had sent more than one female heart running for cover. And even though she’d steel-belted her own susceptibility to men, it was escaping through that locked door.
    She purposely tamped down the unfamiliar spurt of attraction, surprised she could still feel such a thing. But then, Blake Matthews was hardly the average man. Tall, leanly muscled, his dark hair an intriguing contrast to those incredibly blue eyes, he was a mouthwatering man, made-to-order for her fantasies. Not to mention that he had a face that could belong to a Hollywood star rather than a businessman.
    At least he wouldn’t be around long enough to be a worry. Even though he’d awakened a long-buried feeling, she would stash it firmly back in place. Her time for being attracted to men was past. And it certainly wasn’t in her future. Not that he’d reciprocate her attraction.
    Knowing that, she was able to smile briskly. “Maybe you can take ajar home with you.”
    His gaze met hers. “Wouldn’t be the same.”
    That wayward pulse in her throat leaped to attention once more.
    The front door screen banged open suddenly, interrupting the quiet moment. Jimmy Ray stood at the doorway, looking between them, a suspicious frown covering his face.
    Cassie withheld a sigh. Her oldest took his responsibilities as the man of the house seriously. Sometimes too seriously. His protectiveness was sweet, but hardly necessary. Blake Matthews hadn’t exactly seemed overwhelmed by her presence. In fact, she doubted he thought of her as a woman at all. Which was fine, she told herself. She shored up her smile, directing it at her son. “Had enough studying for one night, Jimmy Ray?”
    He moved closer, his stance clearly protective. “Just taking a break, Mama. I thought you might need something.” His gaze challenged Blake, who seemed to catch the boy’s inflection.
    Blake looked first surprised, then amused. No doubt the thought of romancing her was ridiculous to him. She wondered why the thought rankled her slightly. What did it matter what a guest thought of her?
    “No. I was just enjoying the quiet,” she replied. “And Mr. Matthews came to see the fireflies.”
    “And now it’s time to get back to work,” Blake inserted, his voice once again all business. “I need to send for some battery packs for the computer, and modular connections for the phone. The hardwired dial phones won’t accept my modem.”
    Cassie listened to the unfamiliar terminology, guessing that he meant that their house was hopelessly outdated. And now that his brisk, impersonal style was back, she also guessed that his earlier lapse had been a rare one. “I’m sure Jimmy Ray can help you out. He’s always reading about computers. The school doesn’t have the funds for one, but Jimmy Ray still keeps up on everything.”
    Blake glanced at the boy. “No computers in your school?”
    “No, sir. But that doesn’t mean I can’t learn about them.”
    “Of course not. I’ll show you what I need. If you want to