When You Least Expect Read Online Free Page B

have my daughter tunneling in your yard until she reaches the earth’s core. Dani,” she said, calling to the girl, “come say good-bye. It’s time to go.”
    “You don’t need to go,” Matt said, standing as well. The conversation had taken an unanticipated heavy turn, but he resisted the idea of them leaving so soon. He didn’t want to try to put words to why but whatever the reason, it felt right, Ariel and Dani being there.
    “No, we should go. I need to get her in bed soon anyway.”
    Instead of arguing like he wanted to, Matt said, “I’ll drop you two off.”
    “That’s not necessary, really. We can walk,” Ariel said, and this time, he could see that she meant it.
    Matt scoffed. “Of course it is. Or I’ll walk with you.”
    She shook her head, ready to protest, but he stopped her before she could start.
    “What? You’re going to lug Dani’s car seat all the way home?”
    “I’m capable,” she said, tensing ever so slightly, though Matt didn’t think she was angry.
    “I know, but I wouldn’t let any friend of mine carry something like that while she’s trying to keep up with a four-year-old.”
    He didn’t add that even a few more minutes with them would be better than nothing.
    Her expression was skeptical for a moment, but he watched her lush, full mouth turn up into a smile that told him she was conceding his point.
    “Fine, Matt. You win.”
    “Usually,” he said.
    “Don’t push it,” she tossed back, the words deep, smoky-voiced, though her face was still soft with humor.
    Matt couldn’t stop himself from responding.
    “I haven’t even begun—”
    “I’m ready!” Dani interjected, running over to grasp her mother’s hand again.
    A fleeting expression that Matt immediately recognized as guilt flashed across Ariel’s face before she recovered and schooled her features.
    “Let’s go, then, but we should wash your hands first,” she said quickly.
    After another stop in the bathroom, they headed out. Dani’s animated chatter filled his car, but it did nothing to cool the heated energy that flowed between him and Ariel, something that continued though they barely spoke another word during the drive over. When they reached her house, Matt helped her remove the car seat and then saw her and Dani inside.
    “Thanks for the ride, Dr. Matt,” she said, smiling slyly before she closed the front door.
    “Anytime,” he responded softly as he went back to his car.

Chapter Four
    Even after getting Dani settled in bed, Ariel still couldn’t say what had come over her this evening. And as she sat in her living room, she didn’t think she was any closer to an answer.
    Dropping the car off at his house had been an iffy but justifiable call, one that she could safely store in the small-town-hospitality box. Going out of her way like that fit with the town and how most of its citizens acted and besides, she could call it customer service. But the rest…
    There was no explanation for her staying for dinner except the fact she’d wanted to. And she’d enjoyed it. Watching him move around his kitchen, so comfortable, so masculine. Watching as he gave Dani little tasks and showered her with praise when she completed them, feeling especially warmed when she’d seen how her little girl soaked it up, how it seemed they’d become the fastest of friends.
    But then she’d gone and brought up his mother and the day had taken a turn. It was bad enough that she’d carelessly stepped into the sensitive subject, especially since she knew how much even well-meaning inquiries could hurt. But when they’d talked about Daniel, Matilda, her reasons for even being in town, she’d come to her senses. Dani had to be her focus, her sole focus. Her girl didn’t have anyone else, so it was Ariel’s job to make sure she had everything she needed.
    Which meant she couldn’t afford to waste time flirting with Matt like she was a free single. It didn’t matter that she seemed to respond to him on a