Maid for Love (A Romantic Comedy) Read Online Free

the coffee maker, Zoe had been the one who had wanted to end their relationship. She’d sat him down and tried to convince him that he could forget her. As if it were that easy to forget someone you were in love with.
    Except that it appeared to have been that easy for Zoe. Not only had she not been in contact once in the last year, yesterday she’d acted like she’d never met him before. She’d called him Mr. Archer, like he was the high school shop teacher or something. He rubbed his temples. It hadn’t made any sense yesterday and it made even less sense now that he’d been awake all night thinking about it.
    His nephew’s voice broke through his thoughts. “So what’s the story with you and Zoe?”
    Michael busied himself pouring a cup of coffee. “There’s no story.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    “C’mon, Uncle M, we saw the way you looked at her,” Kathryn said. “You thought she was hot.”
    He carried his mug to the table. “If by that you mean she is attractive, I certainly did notice. That does not mean there is a story.” He sat at the table and reached for a donut. “I see we’re having the breakfast of champions.”  
    Josh gave one of his signature shrugs. “Easier clean up than bacon and eggs.”
    Michael surveyed the kitchen. While it wasn’t up to his usual standards, it was obvious that the kids had put in a real effort to straighten up. “Looks decent in here. Thank you.”
    “Are you going to hang around while Zoe’s here?” Kathryn asked.
    He shook his head. How pathetic would that be? It was bad enough that his heart was still broken, he didn’t need his ego bruised on top of that. “I’m heading into the office. Will you guys be okay here without me?”
    Without missing a beat, they assured him that they’d be fine. Of course they would. They had their cell phones, tablets, gaming system, and the number for pizza delivery on speed dial. So there was no reason he needed to hang around, certainly not for the privilege of watching Zoe act like she’d never seen him before.
    He spent the entire drive to work wondering why Zoe was playing it this way. He’d not had a clue that Maid for Love had anything to do with her when he called to make an appointment. He’d asked around the office for cleaning company referrals and Maid for Love had come up more than several times. He’d been just as surprised to see her as she’d been to see him. But whereas his instinct had been to take her in his arms, hers had been to act like he was a stranger.  Okay. Fine.  He could play it that way.
    And he did. Right up until eleven o’clock when he found himself back in his car and headed home. He cranked the radio up high, hoping that the music would drown out the voice of reason that was trying to get his attention. 'Have you no pride?' his inner voice chided. Derided was more like it. The sight of Zoe’s car still parked in front of his house was a relief, if only because it meant that this whole thing could be hashed out once and for all.
    He found Zoe in the kitchen with Kathryn and Josh. All three looked up as he came in.
    “Hey, Uncle M.”
    Michael ignored Kathryn’s knowing grin. He didn’t even bother to look at Josh because he knew he’d see the same barely concealed amusement in his nephew’s expression. Zoe looked mildly surprised but still composed.
    “I forgot something,” he blurted out. His gaze settled on his ex. “How are you, Zoe?”
    She hesitated only a moment. “Good morning, Mr. Archer.”
    He frowned.
    “Michael.”
    “Zoe, can I talk to you for a minute?”
    Her eyes widened slightly. “Of course.”
    He directed a pointed glance toward his niece and nephew, which they in turn ignored. “Kids, do you mind?” He motioned to the door with his head but still neither of them moved. 
    “Mind what?” Josh asked.
    “He wants us out,” Kathryn said. “C’mon Josh.”
    Michael waited until they were out of sight, and hopefully out of earshot, before he