Grace (The Family Simon Book 5) by Juliana Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

clean up. It hadn’t been updated as of yet and the linoleum was curling in the corners, while peeling wallpaper adorned the walls. The pattern, small rosettes and sprigs of greenery, didn’t exactly scream masculinity, and she smiled a bit, picturing Matt in here going about his business.
    A large bathtub stood in the corner, its claw legs a throwback to a much earlier time. There was no shower, although she supposed he must use the long showerhead that hung from the wall.
    She glanced in the mirror and sighed. Her hair was a mess and after a quick search through her jeans pockets, she found an elastic. She secured the wild waves in a loose knot at her neck and then splashed water on her face. There was only one toothbrush so she was forced to use her fingers to clean her teeth.
    That should do it, she thought, satisfied that she didn’t look like she’d just rolled out of bed. (If you didn’t count the rat’s nest at the back of her head and her wrinkled clothes.) After hesitating for a second or two, she grabbed Matt’s deodorant. It wasn’t overly masculine, sporting a clean, crisp scent that suited him. With one last glance in the mirror Grace headed for the stairs, though she paused at the top. The house was silent and, suddenly nervous, she hesitated. She had no idea which Matt would greet her. The charming hot guy, the brooding hot guy, or the closed-off hot guy.
    “God, don’t be such a baby,” she whispered.
    On sock feet, Grace crept down the stairs and made her way to the back of the house. It was on the dark side—no lights were lit—but her eyes adjusted and, well, thank the Lord for that.
    Matt was shirtless with bare feet, his jeans riding so low on his hips that she was pretty sure they were undone. Mouth dry she couldn’t take her eyes from him, and her cheeks heated as she fought the images she had tucked away. Images of him naked. Behind her. Inside her. Muscles straining. Skin glistening.
    He stood near Rosie’s pen, cradling one of her pups in his arms, and though she couldn’t hear him, he was talking real low. The tone was intimate and the sight of him practically naked, those impressive shoulders of his hunched protectively over a fragile puppy made her heart pick up. Her chest tightened, a lump formed, and the yearning that washed over her wasn’t simple or small or anything that didn’t scream complicated.
    She wanted him. Plain and simple. But how much rejection could she take?
    Determined to start the day over with a clean slate, Grace exhaled and decided to concentrate on something other than the very sexy and very complicated Mr. Matt Hawkins.
    Puppies. Concentrate on the puppies.
    The little bundle in his arms squirmed and made the sweetest noises. She remembered this particular pup from the night before. Rosie’s babies were all black except the smallest, which sported white spots along the back end and a pure white nose to offset a midnight face.
    Matt nuzzled the little guy and Grace’s heart filled up watching him. She thought of how swiftly he’d turned to stone the night before. Of how he was so desperately trying to push her away when all along she knew he felt the pull as strongly as she did.
    Bad guy my ass, she thought taking a step forward and whacking her knee against a small side table.
    Matt glanced over his shoulder and she offered a tentative smile and a small wave. “How did Rosie make out?” she asked, moving closer so that she could have a look herself. The dog was asleep, as were all of her babies, nestled up against her body for comfort and warmth.
    “She did good,” Matt replied, placing the puppy among its littermates. “How did you sleep?”
    “Your bed is…well, there’s a lot of room and the mattress is firm and…” Darn she was mumbling like an idiot. “I slept like a baby.”
    Matt was silent for a few moments, though his eyes never left hers. “The storm isn’t letting up until Monday. Looks like we’re stuck here at least until