Emmett by Diana Palmer Read Free Book Online Page B

“Don’t lose heart.”
    She had to force herself to draw away from him. It was embarrassing to allow herself to be comforted. She was used to bearing things bravely.
    She managed a wan smile. “Thanks,” she said huskily.
    He nodded. He picked up the plates and handed them back to her. “I’ll get the kids packed,” he said.
    He moved out of the kitchen. He was disturbed and vaguely aroused. He didn’t want to think about how his feelings had changed since his concussion. That could wait until he was more lucid and out of Melody’s very disturbing presence.
    Guy had noticed the embrace and he remarked on it when Emmett joined the children in the living room.
    â€œLosing the cat upset her,” Emmett said, and that explanation seemed to satisfy Guy. At the same time, the boy’s face went a little paler.
    Later, Emmett promised himself, he was going to have to talk to Guy about that cat. He had some suspicions that he sincerely hoped were wrong.
    He and Guy weren’t close, although they got along well enough. But lately the boy was standoffish and seemed to not want affection from anyone. He bossed the other two around and when he wasn’t doing that, he spent his time by himself. He didn’t ask for anything, least of all attention. But as Emmett pondered that, he began to wonder if Guy’s solitary leanings weren’t because he was afraid to get attached. He’d lost his mother, whom he adored, to a stranger. Perhaps he was afraid of losing Emmett, too.
    Emmett could have told him that people don’t stop loving their children, whether or not they’re divorced. He’ddone his kids an injustice, probably, by not letting Adell near them. He began to rethink his entire position, and he didn’t like what he saw. He’d been punishing everyone for Adell’s defection. Perhaps he’d been punishing himself, as well. Melody had said some things that disturbed him. That might not be bad. It was time he came to grips with the past, and his kids. Fate had given him a second chance. He couldn’t afford to waste it.

Chapter 4
    I t only took her reluctant houseguests a few minutes to pack and be ready to leave.
    â€œYou could stay another day if you need to,” Melody told Emmett and her dark eyes were worried. “Concussions can be dangerous.”
    â€œIndeed they can,” he said. “But the headache is gone and I’m not feeling disoriented anymore. Believe me, I don’t take chances. I’m all right. I’d never take the kids with me if I wasn’t sure.”
    â€œIf you’re sure then,” she said.
    â€œBesides,” he added ruefully, “we’ve given you enough trouble. Thank you for taking care of those kids for me. And for your hospitality.” He opened his wallet and put two twenty-dollar bills on the table. “For groceries,” he said.
    â€œThey didn’t eat forty dollars’ worth of food,” she returned angrily.
    â€œThe babysitter cost that much for two hours, much less two days,” he said, putting his wallet away. “I won’t argue. I don’t want to be under any obligation to you. In my place, you’d feel exactly the same,” he added with a smile when she started to protest again.
    She would have felt the same way, she had to admit. Reluctantly, she gave in. “All right. Thank you,” she said stiffly. “I hope you’ll be all right,” she added. She couldn’t quite hide her worry for him.
    Her concern touched him. “I will. I’ve got the world’s hardest head.” He guided the kids out the door. “We’ll get a cab,” he added when she offered to drive them.
    â€œI’ll miss you, Melody,” Amy said sadly. She hugged Melody warmly. “Can’t you come with us?”
    â€œI’ve got a job,” Melody said simply. She smiled and kissed the little girl’s forehead.