0451471040 by Kimberly Lang Read Free Book Online Page B

bunch of women. But only this one time, and only because he was Helena’s friend. Plus, she reminded herself, no one liked to hear something like that.
    He cleared his throat. “That makes this easier, then.”
    “Exactly.” It was still awkward, though, and after a few more throat clearings and random looks around, they finally started walking again. Quietly, this time, thank goodness. The breeze kicked back up and Molly ran her hands over her bare arms to rub the chill bumps away.
    “You cold? Take my hoodie.” He was already shrugging out of it.
    She shook her head. “It’s a little chilly, but I won’t freeze between here and home.”
    “I don’t need it,” he insisted. “I only have it with me because Helena borrowed it last week and returned it to me tonight. Here.” Tate held it out, gentleman-style, ready for her to slide her arms in, and further refusal would just make her look silly.
    The hoodie held his body heat, chasing away the chill immediately. As she zipped it up, she could smell the spicy scent of Tate’s aftershave. She’d noticed the scent before, but from a respectable distance where it hadbeen only a faint aroma. This time, it surrounded her, filling her nose and lungs each time she inhaled. It was nice.
    Unsettlingly nice, actually, and it took her a moment to figure out why. It was just so utterly, unabashedly male , and coupled with the warmth of his body and the loaning of his clothes, it pushed the right set of buttons in the right order to cause a little flutter low in her belly.
    Maybe if Helena hadn’t had matchmaking on her mind, therefore putting it in her mind, this wouldn’t be happening. She’d never denied Tate was a hottie—she wasn’t blind, after all—but she’d never let her thoughts wander past that to the man himself.
    It wasn’t that she hadn’t noticed; she just hadn’t noticed like that.
    But it was a lovely evening and she was on a quiet walk with a good-looking, smart, and kind man who smelled nice and had the good manners to offer her his jacket.
    It was downright romantic .
    And now she seemed to be noticing him in a big way.
    It had been so long since she’d thought—really thought —of any man in that way, she figured her ovaries were all but dust anyway. Finding out that wasn’t the case was nearly overwhelming.
    And very disconcerting.
    Damn Helena for putting ideas in her head.
    No longer even the least bit chilly, she unzipped the hoodie to midchest to let the night air cool her down at the same time she started walking a little faster.
    Four more blocks.
    If Tate noticed the change of pace, he didn’t say anything, and his long legs easily matched her stride. She didn’t realize she was mumbling under her breath until Tate looked at her oddly.
    Keep it together.
    “I wanted to say thanks for giving my sister a job,” he said, choosing a new topic. “She’s really excited, even if she doesn’t know anything about coffee.”
    It was such a complete change from where her mind had been that it took a second for her to process the shift. Once she did, though, she grabbed on to the topic like a lifeline. “I’m glad to hear it. She’s got the right personality and attitude for the job, and that’s the most important thing. Everything else is teachable.”
    “Can I ask how much it pays?”
    Molly nearly tripped over her own feet. She gave him a hard look. “Why? Are you planning to apply for a position?”
    A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “No.”
    Nosy big brother. “Compensation is negotiable and those negotiations are private,” she said in her most businesslike tone. “Ask your sister if you want to know.”
    “Like she’d tell me.”
    “Then don’t ask me to.”
    “Fair enough. But do me a favor and don’t tell her I was asking.” There was that grin again, and she felt it all the way to her toes. Damn it.
    “Of course not. I think it’s very sweet that you’re so concerned about her.” She was still way