Hands On by Debbi Rawlins Read Free Book Online Page A

thong. Dalton had the same view. She wanted to turn around to see his reaction, but she didn’t dare. He’d probably think she was jealous.
    After making it up to the midpoint herself, she realized he hadn’t followed. She looked over her shoulder to find him still standing at the bottom of the stairs. Staring at her butt.
    He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “I’m going to get the bags from the car and meet you up there.”
    Mary Jane stood on the landing and leaned over the rail. “I’ll take care of that.”
    â€œThe bags are heavy. I’ll only be minute.”
    â€œWell, okay…” Mary Jane made a face. “But leave the keys in the car so I can move it to the garage later.”
    He shook his head. “Nobody drives that baby but me.”
    Mary Jane gave him one of her toothy grins. “I’ll only be behind the wheel for a minute. The garages are directly in back.”
    â€œThen I’ll just go ahead and do it myself before I bring in the bags.” Dalton dug the keys out of his pocket. “I’ll find you.”
    Clearly displeased, Mary Jane watched Dalton retrace their steps. With the sunny disposition gone, she looked a little hard, older, too. She realized Cassie was staring at her and she immediately flashed a smile.
    â€œHe’s very stubborn,” Cassie said as she met her on the landing. “That’s why we have so many problems.”
    â€œWell, that’s exactly what you’re here for. Hopefully, by the end of the week, you’ll have a better understanding of each other. Robert, uh, Mr. Blankenship is very good at pinpointing problem areas in the marriage.”
    â€œHell, I can do that. I knew this trip was a waste of time. Maybe I ought to tell Dalton to leave those bags right in the car.” Cassie folded her arms across her chest and pretended to look out the window for Dalton. Out of the corner of her eyes, she watched Mary Jane’s expression get ugly. Oh, she was in on Bask’s scheme, all right.
    â€œNow, you’re being hasty. Isn’t saving your marriage worth one week of your time?” She was all smiles again when Cassie turned to her.
    â€œI suppose.” Cassie sighed in her best put-upon wife imitation. “Let’s go see our room.”
    â€œRight this way.” Mary Jane threw one final look toward the front door and then led Cassie down to the end of the hall. “You have a corner room with a view of the pool and gardens,” she said, opening the door. “It’s the best one, in my opinion.”
    She stood aside while Cassie preceded her. The room was large, really large, with lots of windows and French doors that led to a verandah. Two large vasesof fresh flowers had been set out on the antique mahogany desk nestled in the corner of the sitting area, and the white vanity table and chair close to the window. The queen-size sleigh bed was antique, as were the cherry nightstands and armoire.
    The burgundy and cream décor was plush and gorgeous, like a suite at the Ritz, and Cassie caught herself just in time. Her mouth had nearly dropped open. But she was supposed to be rich. This should be no big deal to her.
    She tried to look bored. “Don’t we have a small fridge or something to keep bottled water cold?”
    â€œRight here.” She went to the corner and pulled back a folding panel that looked to be made of raw silk. “You have an entire wet bar, fully stocked.”
    â€œFine.” Cassie ducked her head into the bathroom. Under a skylight was an enormous tub surrounded by a blue marble floor.
    Mary Jane came up behind her. “The tub is also a whirlpool bath. And of course there’s a glass shower stall over there.”
    â€œVery nice.” Cassie fingered the emerald green velour towels and asked casually, “Does Mr. Blankenship own this house?”
    â€œHe leases it.”
    â€œIt’s a lovely