Center Stage by Bernadette Marie Read Free Book Online Page B

hope was that John wouldn’t be upset.
     
    Arianna sat on Regan’s couch and held Spencer as he slept. One thing was for sure, the Kellers made beautiful babies.
    She’d played with Tyler after lunch until Regan had put him down for a nap. Now the house seemed quiet. She wondered how her mother ever managed with four kids who were all within four years in age.
    Regan strolled back into the living room and sat down on the opposite end of the couch. “I think he already likes you.”
    “What’s not to like? I’m here to spoil them rotten.”
    “Yes, you do that well.”
    Spencer stretched in her arms. “Thanks for letting me come out.”
    “Are you kidding me? I’m so happy you’re here for good. That once every few months thing was okay, but I’m glad to have my sister back in town.”
    “I will try not to intrude.”
    “As you can see, my daily conversations need some adult interaction.”
    Arianna nodded. “I just couldn’t sit in that house anymore. I’m all unpacked, but it was too quiet. New York is never quiet.”
    “And I’m sure your tenant doesn’t make much noise either.”
    There was a heaviness in her heart when she thought about it. She hadn’t even heard him get ready and leave for work that morning. She’d awaken in his bed, alone.
    “He’s the quiet type.”
    “Yes, but other than Zach, I’ve never met a better man.”
    Arianna ran her thumb over Spencer’s tiny hand. “He’s been very helpful with the house.”
    “I’ve heard he’s fed you a few times too.”
    She laughed. “Yes. I can’t seem to buy him a meal. But I did get him some groceries when I went to the store, to pay back some groceries he shared.” That was as far as she wanted to go with her admission.
    “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but I think he has eyes for you.”
    “What makes you say that?”
    “Because he nearly drove over Carlos to pick you up at the airport the other day. He’s talked about you for months, asking how you were, and what you were doing next.”
    “He did?” Her voice creaked. She’d had no idea.
    “Sure.” Regan shrugged as if it were no big deal. “I think he’s had eyes on you since Zach’s father passed away, but he’s not one to make a move.”
    Arianna adjusted the baby on her lap, more out of nervous energy than necessity. “He’s mentioned he’s not the type to remarry.”
    “Nah, but just think of how perfect that would be for you. You never want to get married either.”
    “Still, a relationship is a relationship.”
    “Yes, and you’re not against relationships. You’re against the whole issue that there is a document that says you belong to someone else.”
    Her sister knew her so well.
    “What would you say if I told you I was interested in him?”
    Regan shifted and leaned in closer. “I’d say you have good taste. He’s a very handsome man.”
    That he was. “What if I told you I kissed him?”
    Regan lifted an eyebrow. “I’d say you’re very bold.”
    “That’s no news there.”
    “No, but I would assume it didn’t go too well. John’s worried that all women are too young for him.”
    “He does have an issue with age difference.”
    Regan scooted closer. “He’s only in his early fifties. That’s not too old.”
    And didn’t she know that, too? Damn! She’d never been with a man who had more energy, and she certainly wasn’t going to complain.
    “I like him,” Arianna admitted to her sister as much as to herself.
    “And he likes you, so what’s holding you back?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Nothing as in you’re going to make a move or…” She studied Arianna and then scooted closer. “Oh, my, God!”
    “Shhh,” she warned as Spencer shifted.
    “You had sex,” she whispered.
    “We had sex.”
    Regan’s face was not hiding her emotions. The grin on her face was from ear to ear, and if her son hadn’t been sleeping in Arianna’s arms, she would surely have grabbed her. Of this, she was certain.
    “I can’t