Husband for Hire by Susan Crosby Read Free Book Online Page B

off,” Chip said. “Boss’s orders.”
    â€œI can’t. The teleconference is scheduled for tomorrow morning. You know they’ve got other offers. It’s our only chance.”
    â€œBut maybe you could let her come home early,” Gavin said, trying to look like a romantic newlywed.
    â€œI’ll shove her out the door right after the conference.” Chip waved a hand. “Come on, gang. Dinner’s on me.”
    They said their goodbyes, then Chip turned back. “Maybe you’ll be able to get her to slow down a little.”
    His words surprised Gavin. He’d figured it wasthe business that was driving her to put in such long hours, but Chip seemed to imply otherwise—as if she had a choice and had chosen to put in the extraordinary time. She’d told Gavin that everyone worked long days.
    Becca and Gavin went outside to his car, neither of them saying a word until they were settled in and buckled up.
    â€œOb-gyn, Gavin? Really?”
    He held back a grin. “You want me to be able to speak knowledgeably on my profession, don’t you?”
    â€œIf you’d chosen urology, no one would ask you any questions at all.”
    He laughed. “So, Suki is your friend who helped you concoct this wild plan.”
    â€œThe one and only.”
    â€œDid she know what we were doing today?”
    â€œ I didn’t even know what we were doing today, remember? I expect to get a call from her any minute—” Her cell phone rang. “No, we didn’t really get married,” she said instead of hello.
    Gavin listened to Becca’s side of the conversation as he drove out of the parking lot and onto the main thoroughfare.
    â€œYes, I’ll take tomorrow afternoon off, but that’s all….” She gave Gavin a quick look. “Of course not, Suki. I repeat. We did not get married…. I know, but just because we’re wearing rings doesn’t mean that…Iagree, he is…. Tuesday, I promise…. Okay, bye.” She ended the call and tucked the phone into her purse.
    â€œYou agree I’m what?” he asked.
    â€œI don’t want to give you a swelled head.”
    He gave her a curious look, wondering if she realized what she’d said. “Aw, come on, Becca. Tell me.”
    She sighed. “Okay. She said you’re cute.”
    He didn’t buy it. She was squeezing her hands together, a gesture he was coming to identify with her avoiding telling the truth.
    â€œWhat did she really say, Becca?”
    She didn’t roll her eyes, but came close to it. “That you’re hot, okay? Are you happy now?”
    â€œWell, yeah. That’s a whole lot better than being called cute. Babies and puppies are cute. It might complicate things, though.”
    â€œThat Suki thinks you’re hot? Why?”
    He curved his hand over her knee. “Because you agreed with her.”
    She grabbed his shirt cuff, moved his hand over to his own leg then dropped it. “Don’t get all cocky, Gavin.”
    â€œI’ll try not to, but you seem to have that effect on me.”
    She finally laughed, as if she’d been holding it in and couldn’t for a second longer, the sound spilling from her almost musically. He liked her. A lot. He didn’t like lying, but he understood she had what sheconsidered good reasons. For his part, he tried not to overthink it all.
    Something else occurred to him. “Are any of your coworkers in touch with your brothers?”
    â€œNo. Wait. Maybe. Chip’s been talking to Eric about doing business with us. I didn’t ask Chip not to say anything….” She grabbed her cell phone. “No reception now that we’re away from town.” She tapped her phone against her chin.
    â€œI can turn around and go back,” Gavin said. “We haven’t been on the road that long.”
    â€œIt’s Sunday. I doubt they would be in touch. I’ll