Pretty Packages Read Online Free Page A

afford such an expense on his salary. “Can I get a rain check then?” Even as she said those words, she couldn’t believe that they were actually coming out of her mouth.
    What had this mammoth done to her?
    “We’ll see. In the meantime, I’ll bring that T-shirt you asked for,” Kentucky said at the door. Then, before she could tempt him even more, he left.
    Giada punched the pillow in frustration when he left. Her body was on fire. And so was her temper. She couldn’t believe she’d actually humbled herself like that. She felt even worse for humbling herself for a man like that.
    Get a serious grip, girl, Giada told herself, punching the pillow again.
     
    * * * *
     
    When Kentucky returned with the T-shirt, Giada was suddenly very cold and aloof. Interestingly enough, he wasn’t too surprised by her change in behavior. He half expected it. And yet he still remained hospitable.
    “Good night, Giada,” Kentucky said after placing the T-shirt on the chair by the door.
    She gave him one of her brief nods and waited until he’d closed the door behind him to move from the bed.
    Out in the hallway, Kentucky sighed heavily with relief. He knew he’d just dodged a big bullet. Had this been his house or a hotel room, he would have been all up in Giada by now. He wouldn’t have stopped making love to her until they’d both been thoroughly satisfied.
    At the depth of passion he’d seen in Giada’s eyes earlier, experienced in her kisses, complete satisfaction could have taken a very long time to reach. She seemed to have the sexual appetite of two women.
    No wonder she has so many boyfriends. Kentucky recalled how many different cars he’d seen Giada exit over the short time that she’d lived in the neighborhood.
    She might be able to find her Mr. Right if she stopped shopping for pretty packages, he surmised, deeming every man in Giada’s social life pretty in looks and/or bank account. Though Kentucky was up on his game in the latter, he didn’t mind being deficient in the former.
    When you weren’t drop-dead gorgeous, it was easier to figure out who genuinely liked you. The same was true when one kept one’s wealth a secret.
    Giada will never know my net worth as long as I have anything to say about it , Kentucky decided, going into his room down the hall.
    If she could go at him so hard thinking that he was broke and with him not being the prettiest flower in the garden, imagine what she would do if she learned he was a millionaire several times over.
     
    * * * *
     
    Though Hannah kept her word and cooked a bountiful breakfast, she was considerably less friendly to Giada in the morning. In fact, she barely said much of anything to her over their meal, which caused the younger woman to look puzzled by her change in attitude.
    Kentucky was on the silent side as well. He’d said all that needed to be said two hours ago. Not to Giada, mind you, but to Hannah as he revealed the true nature of her neighbor. Thus, when it came time for her to go to church, she was reluctant to leave her stepson alone with Giada.
    “Kenny, what time did you say your locksmith friend was coming?” Hannah asked, looking at Giada’s skimpy club attire from the night before. All those revealing holes bothered her.
    “ Newton will be here within the hour.” Kentucky rose to his feet. “You have a good day at church, Mama. I got everything covered here,” he added reassuringly, lifting her petite frame into his arms for a warm hug.
    Returning to her feet seconds later, Hannah smiled proudly at her strong stepson. Trust swelled in her heart. Kentucky could handle himself in any situation. That had been proven time and time again.
    “Good-bye, Giada,” Hannah said politely, giving her guest a pasted-on smile in passing.
    “Good-bye, Mrs. Jones,” Giada replied, continuing to look puzzled.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Did I do something wrong?” Giada asked Kentucky once they were alone. “Your mother was kinda cold toward me this