Ghostly Liaison by Stacy McKitrick Read Free Book Online Page B

meal, because her next one would be at the loony bin when her hallucination reappeared.
    “Sure, as long as I pay my way. What did you have in mind?”
    The grin lasted a moment, but the sparkle in his eyes remained. Rob picked up the bucket of spackle and his tools and carried them into the hallway. “Well, I’m not exactly dressed for anything fancy. How about a fast-food joint?” He placed his items on the workbench. “By the way, did you know you left the television on?”
    Bridget still couldn’t believe she had done that, and for what? A ghost? She really was losing her mind. “I heard if you leave a TV on, you’re less likely to get robbed.”
    He tilted his head as if contemplating what she said. “So you’re saying I should just leave the TV on and forget about having a house sitter?”
    What the hell had she done? Talked her way out of a free place to stay? “No! I’m not saying—”
    Rob covered his mouth, but his eyes crinkled in mirth and a chuckle escaped. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. You have valuables. I understand.”
    She shook her head. “No valuables. Just clothes. Which are valuable. To me.” God, could she babble any more? Maybe dinner was a bad idea. She’d most likely make a fool of herself. Of course, if she said no now, he’d probably think horrible things about her, and she couldn’t have that. Or could she? Oh great. Now she was babbling in her mind. She had to face it: Rob Gentry was trouble.
    * * * *
    Rob smiled. Bridget sure was cute.
    First, the panicked look on her face when he’d hinted at reneging on their agreement. As if he’d do that. What other way could he see her every day without actually dating her? Second, her string of little sentences, each said as an afterthought. He nearly laughed aloud, but squelched it, thinking she might take it the wrong way.
    She also exuded sex appeal, and it had nothing to do with her wardrobe.
    The weather had turned warmer, yet Bridget wore a long-sleeve T-shirt underneath hospital scrubs. Covered from neck to toes. Maybe no one else would find her irresistible, but all he could think about was uncovering her layers.
    The lower half of his body awoke with a jolt. Why had he told Kate he’d stay away?
    “Let me clean up here and we can go.” He turned toward the workbench and affixed the lid on the bucket, taking his time for the bulge in his jeans to disappear.
    Bridget walked to the sliding glass door and gazed outside. “Where’s Barnaby?”
    “I took him home. He was driving me nuts. First he wanted out. Then he wanted in. Then he wanted out again. I’d have left him outside, but he wouldn’t stop barking. Maybe I should take him to Kate’s. He’s never acted this bizarre before.”
    “I’m sure he’ll be fine. Maybe he needs to get used to my scent.”
    Rob doubted that. If anything, Barnaby liked Bridget. No, something was wrong with the dog, hopefully nothing serious.
    He walked to the door to the garage and she held it open while he carried his gear to the truck. Pieces of drywall littered the ground and a white film of dust covered the table saw and truck bed. He shoved the saw toward the cab and picked up the debris, tossing it nonchalantly as he went. Turning back toward the house, he nearly collided with her carrying his workbench.
    “You didn’t have to get this,” he said as he took it from her.
    “I don’t mind helping. Besides, I’m hungry.”
    He’d thought for sure he’d have to bribe her one way or another; instead, he thanked his lucky stars she’d accepted so quickly. How many other ways would she surprise him? He couldn’t wait to find out.
    He placed the bench beside the saw and closed the gate. “Do you need to change? I can wait.”
    She shook her head. “If you’re good enough, then so am I.”
    Wow. Had he ever gone out with a woman who hadn’t felt the need to dress up and wear makeup? And if Bridget wore makeup, it was minimal, not that she needed it. Even with her hair in a