Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online

minute she opened the back door of the car, she was immersed in her small, fragrant jungle.
    â€œWe’re going to have such fun, and I’m going to take wonderful care of all of you.”
    Feet planted firmly, she stretched inside to lift the first tray.
    Hell of a view, Zack thought as he stopped across the street. A small, shapely female bottom in snug,faded jeans. If a man didn’t spend a minute appreciating that, he was a sorry individual.
    He got out of his cruiser, leaned against the door, and watched her take out a flat of pink and white petunias. “Pretty picture.”
    She jerked, nearly bobbled the tray. He noted that, just as he noted the alarm shoot into her eyes. But he straightened lazily, strolled across the street.
    â€œLet me give you a hand.”
    â€œThat’s all right. I’ve got it.”
    â€œAnd a lot more. Gonna be busy.” He reached past her, took out two more flats. “Where’re you going with them?”
    â€œJust around the back for now. I haven’t decided where I’m putting everything yet. But really, you don’t have to—”
    â€œSmells good. What’ve you got here?”
    â€œHerbs. Rosemary, basil, tarragon, and so on.” The quickest way to be rid of him, she decided, was to let him cart the trays around. So she started across the yard. “I’m going to put in an herb bed outside the kitchen, maybe add a few vegetables when I have time.”
    â€œPlanting flowers is planting roots, my mother always says.”
    â€œI intend to do both. Just on the stoop’ll be fine. Thank you, Sheriff.”
    â€œYou’ve got a couple more in the front seat.”
    â€œI can—”
    â€œI’ll fetch them. Did you think to get any soil?”
    â€œYes, in the trunk.”
    He smiled easily, held out his hand. “I need the keys.”
    â€œOh. Well.” Trapped, she dug in her pocket. “Thanks.”
    When he strolled off, she clasped her hands together. It was all right. He was just being helpful. Not every man, not every cop, was a danger. She knew better than that.
    He came back loaded, and the sight of him, a huge bag of soil slung over one shoulder and a flat of pink geraniums and white impatiens in his big hands, made her laugh.
    â€œI got too much.” She took the flowers from him. “I only meant to get herbs, and before I knew it . . . I couldn’t seem to stop.”
    â€œThat’s what they all say. I’ll get your pots and tools.”
    â€œSheriff.” It had once been natural to her to repay kindness with kindness. She wanted it to be natural again. “I made some lemonade this morning. Would you like a glass?”
    â€œI’d appreciate it.”
    All she had to do was remind herself to relax, to be herself. She filled two glasses with ice and poured in the tart lemonade. He was already back when she came out. Something about the way he looked, big and male, standing in the middle of pink and white flowers, gave her a quick little jolt.
    Attraction. Even as she recognized the sensation she reminded herself it wasn’t anything she could or wanted to feel again.
    â€œI appreciate the pack mule services.”
    â€œWelcome.” He took the glass, draining half of it while that little jolt became a twitchy dance in her belly.
    He lowered the glass. “This is the real thing. Can’t think the last time I had fresh lemonade. You’re a real find, aren’t you?”
    â€œI just like to fuss in the kitchen.” She bent, picked up her new garden spade.
    â€œYou didn’t buy any gloves.”
    â€œNo, I didn’t think of it.”
    She wanted him to drink his lemonade and scat, Zack thought, but was too polite to say so. Because he knew that, he sat on the little stoop outside the kitchen door, made himself comfortable. “Mind if I sit a minute? It’s been a long day. Don’t let me stop you from getting