Hidden Desires by Elle Kennedy Read Free Book Online Page A

said you’re a homicide investigator.” Her expression turned somber. “He told me about your wife.” The statement hit Rachel like a blow to the chest. Travis had a wife? The thought caused an army of emotions to begin battling for control. Rage and humiliation that he’d had the gall to kiss her with a wife at home, shock that he hadn’t mentioned it, regret that she hadn’t asked. And simmering underneath it all, jealousy and disappointment that Travis Gage was already spoken for.
    It was the latter that left her most shaken. She really shouldn’t care, and she didn’t understand why the thought hurt her so, but before she could contemplate further, Layla added the statement that shook it all away.
    “I’m so sorry, Travis. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for you.” Sorry? Sorry for what? She looked to Travis for answers, but he kept his eyes on Layla.
    “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
    Thoughts of her sister’s death quickly took a back seat to questions surrounding Travis, but Layla managed to steer the conversation back to the topic at hand.
    “But why would you be investigating Carrie?” She took on a look of shock. Placing a hand to her cheek, she asked, “You don’t think she was murdered, do you?” The question struck Rachel as if it were actually true. Growing more confused as each second passed, she stood, her mouth open, a dozen thoughts spinning in her head.
    “No,” Travis interjected. “We’re just trying to get some clarity on a few things that happened during the weeks prior to her death.”
    From the corner of the garage, a blonde little toddler peeked out, a wide grin brightening her rosy cheeks and fair, cherubic face. When Rachel and Travis smiled back, the tiny waif let out a high-pitched squeal and went scampering back to the front door.
    “That’s my daughter, Tessa,” Layla said fondly. “Why don’t you come in?” She turned and followed the toddler down the path.
    Travis motioned for Rachel to come along, although she had no idea how she would be able to get her legs to make motion. She was still stunned by the revelation and the questions surrounding Travis’s wife.
    “This will be okay,” he said, his eyes warm and reassuring.
    She broke from her trance and followed Travis into the house, taking a seat in one of the flowery wing chairs that adorned the grand front room. The house had Layla written all over it. Tasteful pastels and soft yellow carpeting spoke of Layla’s eternal optimism and sunny personality. The room was adorned with photos that displayed the functional, loving family Carrie and Rachel always admired.
    As Layla went to the kitchen to prepare lemonade, Tessa emerged from the hallway, carrying a plastic cup. She made a beeline directly to Travis, who had taken a seat on the couch. In her chubby wet fingers, she held out a Cheerio, and without the slightest flinch, Travis accepted the offering, popped the morsel in his mouth, and rubbed his stomach.
    “Mmmm,” he said.
    The toddler climbed on the couch, instantly enamored with Travis, and Rachel couldn’t help but return the sentiment. He seemed so comfortable with the child, so fatherly, that she suddenly wondered if he had children of his own.
    “Do you have kids?” Layla asked, entering the room with a tray of iced drinks.
    Travis accepted another Cheerio and answered, “No.”
    Layla chuckled. “Well, you’ve made a fan out of Tessa. If she’s bothering you, just let me know.” Tessa held out another tidbit and Travis playfully snatched it from her hand, tossed it in the air and caught it between his lips. The toddler let out another screech of delight and climbed onto his lap to settle in.
    “Oh, Tessa,” Layla said, but Travis cut her off.
    “She’s fine.”
    Layla’s attention turned to Rachel. “You look so good. How have you been?”
    “I’m good, thanks. Your house is beautiful,” she said, taking in the sight of the impeccably styled room.
    She laughed.