Blackmail by Robin Caroll Read Free Book Online Page A

They didn’t show up at the door and knock politely. She wiped her hands and opened the front door.
    Jon Garrison’s wide shoulders filled the doorway. He wore a crooked grin, again causing the weak-kneed reaction. “Hello, Ms. Thompson.”
    Oh, no, she couldn’t react to his mere presence in such a way, especially because he had to be here for a home visit. The house was a mess—Caleb’s things thrown about as she’d refused to play maid and pick up after him, Sunday’s newspaper scattered across the coffee table, the coupons she’d cut lying on the end table. She swallowed. “Hello, Mr. Garrison.”
    â€œI think we’re beyond the formality. Please, call me Jon.”
    She couldn’t just leave him standing on the porch. Pulling open the door, she waved him inside. “Then call me Sadie.”
    His gaze darted around the room. What could he be thinking? She glanced into the living room, trying to see it through his eyes. Secondhand furniture. Scuffed and scratched floors. Threadbare rugs. Cheap curtains.
    Her back stiffened. Why should she care what he thought? She did the best she could. She didn’t owe him any explanations.
    The aroma of fried shrimp filled the air.
    â€œHang on. I was fixing supper when you knocked.” Sadie rushed to the kitchen, grabbed the slotted spoon and turned the shrimp in the hot grease.
    â€œSmells good.”
    She jumped and glanced over her shoulder. Jon had followed her into the kitchen. What would he think of her feeding Caleb shrimp po’boys for supper? Was that considered a good meal for a teen?
    Hating that she second-guessed herself and feeling like she was constantly under scrutiny, she opened the fridge and pulled out the makings for a salad.
    Jon leaned against the counter, making her nervous with his stare logging her every move. “How is Caleb adjusting to summer school?”
    If only she had an answer. “Fine.” At least, that’s how she chose to interpret her brother’s replying grunts to her questions.
    â€œGood. The counselor said he attended all his classes today, so that’s a good start.”
    Her hands froze over the iceberg lettuce. “You talked to his counselor?”
    Jon nodded. “Always check up on my charges after their first day or so. It’s a good indication if they actually make it to all their classes.”
    â€œHmm.” She popped the core from the head and set the lettuce in the colander. “I think Caleb will do just fine. He’s a smart kid, yes?” From what she remembered, anyway. And she prayed he would do well.
    â€œHow’re you two getting along?”
    She couldn’t lie—as soon as Caleb walked into the room, Jon would know their relationship was strained. “We’re in an adjustment period.”
    Jon laughed. “That’s an interesting way to answer the question.”
    His laughter did the strangest things to her—made her remember the feelings from her past. No, she was changed.Attraction was one thing, as long as she didn’t let it lead her to morally suspect behaviour. And while Jon might make her feel things she’d thought forgotten, he wasn’t exactly relationship material. How could he be? He had the power of her brother’s immediate future. Not a good basis for a romance. Besides, she didn’t even know if he was a Christian!
    Spooning the shrimp out and plopping them onto a paper towel–draped plate, she shrugged. “I didn’t expect us to be best buddies right off the bat.” That wasn’t exactly true. She had hoped they’d form a bond quickly. Reality just didn’t work out that way.
    â€œGood. At least you’re keeping realistic expectations.” His stare burned her back. “Can I help you with anything?”
    She moved the grease pan to the back burner. “No, thank you. I’ve got it under control.” As soon as she said the