The Right Thing Read Online Free Page B

face up and patted hers in response to the kiss. Morgan’s envy was so intense in that moment that he would have done anything to get Althea Carmichael to treat him with even a fraction of that same genuine affection.
    Morgan narrowed his gaze on her.
    “I’ll pay you a thousand dollars to tell me your secrets,” he offered, watching his father shake his head from side to side. “Including the one for the iced tea. I’ll split the profits with you on gross sales after we take over the market for it.”
    “Morgan has always been fixated on money,” Gerald told Thea. “He assumes everyone had ulterior motives and that there is a price for everything.”
    “I’d say that view is right more often than not,” Thea conceded, her direct gaze meeting Morgan’s. “But in this case, the iced tea recipe doesn’t have a price tag. It was my husband’s, and we never even told our children. It will be my deathbed confession if I don’t take it with me.”
    “You got something wonderful here. I could definitely see getting addicted and having to have it on regular basis,” Morgan told her, knowing his gaze was inferring interest in more than just the iced tea.
    When he saw the flash in her eyes, Morgan smiled. His father wasn’t the only one with charm in the family. It was both a boost to his ego and helpful to his plan that Althea Carmichael was at least a little interested back.
    “I assure you there’s nothing addictive in the iced tea,” she said, laughing at his obvious flirting that wasn’t nearly as polished as Gerald’s. “Enjoy your lunch, guys. Let me know if you need anything else.”
    Instead of answering, Morgan raised his eyebrows and just smiled again, amusement in his gaze making her roll her eyes as she walked away laughing. He watched her rear until it was no longer visible and bit into a French fry to keep from sighing.
    “I swear there’s nothing better than making a woman laugh,” Morgan said.
    Gerald stopped eating and studied his son. “That’s the first smart thing you’ve said in days. There just might be some hope for you after all.”
    Morgan smiled at his father and dug into his lunch with more enthusiasm than he’d had for food or anything else in a long time.
    *** *** ***
     
    “So how was Delilah doing this morning?” Lydia Roberts asked, bringing the coffee pot to the table to refill Gerald’s cup. “It’s decaf. You can have a refill.”
    “Have I mentioned how much I like you?” Gerald asked.
    “Maybe once or twice,” Lydia said, laughing. “I like you, too. I could easily fall in love with you, but I’m waiting for a better time.”
    Gerald tilted his head. “Waiting?”
    “I’m not going to come between you and Delilah Carmichael. If she were to get well today, I would bow out of the picture faster than either of you could blink. You’re a good man, Gerald, but sleeping with you is the closest to being a floozy I ever intend to get,” Lydia told him on a laugh. “It took me six months to learn to ignore all the gossip, but I finally did get to the point where I don’t care what people think.”
    “Delilah’s slipping away, and nothing is going to stop that. It would be a lot harder to bear without you in my life,” Gerald told her, his heart turning over when Lydia’s hand covered his in comfort.
    Unfailing support was what this generous woman always offered. Lydia’s friendship was true, her lovemaking uninhibited, and her affection as bright as the Arizona sun.
    “I know, Gerald. I see Delilah’s loss carving new lines in your face. I feel your desperation when you’re making love to me. I don’t mind that. I am happy—very, very happy to be the woman who comforts you. If any man could love more than one woman truly well, you are the one,” Lydia said, lifting his hand to her mouth for a kiss.
    She stood then and walked back to put the coffee carafe on the counter, leaning a hip against the sink. Her hair was solid white now and nothing