Desire Unleashed by Layne Macadam Read Free Book Online

of a man in uniform asking for Miss Bellamy.”
    “Oh my God no,” Kathy wailed. “Was he very angry? Is he going to make an official complaint?” Her words tumbled out in a panic.
    “Simmer down, it’s all good. And to answer your questions, no and no.” Her reply was smug. “And get this, he’s coming to dinner, so what do you think about that?”
    “You’ve asked him here, to dinner, are you crazy?”
    “No, I’m not crazy. Actually it was a pretty slick maneuver if I do say so myself. And anyway, he didn’t come to complain; he came to apologize. Besides, it’s about time you got to know some of your neighbors. You’ve lived here for two months and haven’t met a soul.”
    “I just wish you’d checked with me first.” Kathy groaned.
    “Why, so you could say no? It was just a spur of the moment thing, and anyway his name’s Shane Jackson and aren’t you the least bit curious as to what he’s like?”
    “No. Not in the least. You invited him so tell me Liz, what are you going to cook for dinner?”
    Liz couldn’t help but blush, she knew she was widely acknowledged by her family and friends back home as being the worst cook in the State of Louisiana. “Well,” she wheedled. “I was skimming through one of your recipe books but everything looks so darn complicated. What do you think?”
    “I know what I think, but I’m too much of a lady to say it. Besides, I know when I’ve been had.”
    “I knew you’d come through,” she said relieved.
    “You needn’t think you’re getting out of it that easy, you’re going to help; he is your guest after all.”
    “Whatever you say,” Liz agreed, glad Kathy had been so obliging although a little disappointed at her lack of curiosity. She was aching to describe him. He could easily have been one of those guys from the club last night, and she could hardly wait until tonight when he’d arrive. Kathy was in for a shock. She’d be sorry then that she pretended not to be interested. “So what are we going to do for the rest of the day?” She switched topics.
    “Apart from finding somewhere for Cindy to stay and buying groceries for tonight, I thought some retail therapy was called for. I know you’ll agree that my wardrobe is in desperate need of an overhaul.”
    “Excellent, I’m always up for shopping,” Liz exclaimed with enthusiasm as she began flicking through the recipe book again.
    “I’m going to give Anne a call. She has a dog, so perhaps she can recommend some doggie boarding place or some such thing.” Kathy picked up the phone and dialed Anne’s number. Five minutes later she replaced the receiver. “All sorted. Anne’s offered to take Cindy until I can work something out. She convinced me it wasn’t an imposition so I accepted.”
    “That’s wonderful. Did you hear that Cindy? You’re off to a friend’s house.” Liz picked up the puppy and gave her a cuddle.
    “Yes well, I suppose so.”
    “Of course it is, now stop worrying and go and get changed so we can shop till we drop.”
    “Okay, just give me ten to shower.”
    * * * *
    Retail therapy was good for the morale, and Kathy hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. Encouraged by Liz, she’d spent a wicked amount on some trendy new outfits, new shoes, and sexy underwear. She chuckled, thinking about the shop they’d just left. It was an up-market shoe store, and she must have slipped her foot into every style they had before settling on a pair Liz proclaimed were perfect to go with the new cocktail dress she’d just purchased. Kathy had never spent that amount of money on an outfit in her entire life. It was positively obscene, but she had to admit she did feel like a million bucks in it.
    “How about we grab a coffee and a bite to eat?” Liz asked. “All this shopping has sharpened my appetite.”
    “There’s a yummy French bakery just outside the mall. They make the most delicious pastries and we could pick up something rich and decadent for tonight’s