Bargain in Bronze by Natalie Anderson Read Free Book Online Page B

the dangerous glitter in her eyes.
    He got the no kisses rule, but did that mean personal talk was a no go area too? “Your commitment to the circus ,” he finished slyly. “Knife throwing and stuff with strong Serge.”
    She almost smiled. “I’ve retired from the circus.”
    Had she now? Serge too? He reached forward and snaffled one of the dried apricots. It didn’t look like a normal orange apricot to him, but was a much darker color. “Why’s that? You get hurt by the knife or the strong guy?”
    “Why think I was hurt?” She chopped faster, louder. “Maybe it’s just that I’m too busy.”
    “Taking all the time to dice dried apricots by hand? That’s not too busy, that’s extreme avoidance.”
    “It’s dedication to making the best product I can.”
    It was avoidance. Why did she have knife-edged barriers up when she’d been as into that kiss as he had? The incandescent reaction between them was only going to worsen the more they saw each other. It was stronger already—he couldn’t believe it wasn’t the same for her. And he planned to do something about it. Soon.
    He didn’t have time to put into a relationship. It wasn’t fair on a girlfriend. And frankly, he knew loss—intimately—and he didn’t want any more of that. Keeping an eye on Tom and Anne was more than enough. But what he hadn’t had—in too long—was a little fun. There hadn’t been time. He’d abandoned his degree and gotten on with work, taking over the family art and antiques store. Then he’d bought his first building and refurbished it, spearheading the revitalization of that block and beginning his commercial property portfolio. He’d worked crazy hours. Through half the night while his siblings slept, rousing Tom to go to training in the early hours before snatching a couple of hours sleep before getting his sister up and on track for school. It wasn’t a time he wanted to revisit. He’d been so tired. But he still worked hard, caught in the habit—and the drive to achieve security for his family still pushed him. So there’d only been one-nighters, the briefest of flings, and nothing in recent months.
    Now Libby Harris had him thinking about fun. All the time.
    “How much can you make in a night?” he asked.
    “A couple of batches. Enough for Tom.”
    “What about to fulfill your orders at the organic supermarkets?”
    “That’s going to take a little longer.”
    Good. He wanted more time. “You can’t give up the day job?” He grabbed another apricot. “Copywriting?”
    She nodded. She was definitely avoiding looking at him. “Local council.”
    “No wonder you’re good at telling tales in tight situations,” he teased.
    It drew a smile from her. “The tales I get to tell at work aren’t nearly as exciting. It’s puff pieces on litter collection or something.”
    “So you invent to make them more entertaining?” He laughed. “I bet you come up with some crazy stuff.”
    “Most boarding school girls have good imaginations,” she said mock primly. “Sometimes it’s the only way to survive.”
    Boarding school girl? He glanced at her and for once their gaze met, meshed— clashed .
    Heat unmistakably flared, the charged silence thickened. But then she turned away. He was sure she wanted him. But didn’t want to want him.
    Jack pulled up a stool and sat, flicking through his emails on his iPad. He was confident enough in himself—in that kiss —to know it wasn’t him, but something within her making her skittish. He was going to have to take it easy, but keep up the tease until she couldn’t resist it any longer. He was sure it would happen…sure he wasn’t alone in feeling this pull. All good things came to those who waited, right? And he’d be waiting right here.
    …
    The second night he arrived before her. Wearing jeans and tee again—the casual outfit emphasizing his flat abs, long legs, and a butt meant for grabbing. Libby inwardly groaned. Spending four hours in his