In His Sights by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online Page A

complain.”
    â€œBeautiful wife and baby, what’s to complain about?” He smiled, but Robyn caught the wistful look on his face as he studied Ben.
    Her heart warmed a fraction.
    Chris gestured to the table. “Mind if I pull up a seat?”
    Howard stood and stretched. “Actually, take one of our chairs. We’re going to make the rounds inside before we have to go home and put Ben to bed.”
    â€œOh, all right. It was good to see you guys again.”
    â€œYou too, man. Take care.”
    Chris and Howard shook hands, and then Chris hugged Kat and kissed the baby on the cheek.
    After they were gone, Chris took a vacant chair and rested his arms on the table, clasping his hands as he studied her. “I was surprised to see you here. But glad,” he hurried to add.
    â€œI have a confession to make—I wasn’t surprised to see
you
at all.”
    He looked confused. “Really? How did you know I’d be here?”
    â€œI work with Shea at the hospital. She’s a friend of mine, and when she mentioned the party I remembered her twin brother is Shane Ford, a detective like you, with the same last name. I put the pieces together and she confirmed you’re their cousin.”
    He smiled. “Sounds like you could be a detective yourself. Small world, huh?”
    â€œIsn’t it?”
    â€œI’m guessing you’re single?” he asked, glancing at her empty ring finger.
    â€œFor a while now.” She didn’t offer more and he didn’t push. “You?”
    â€œNever been married.” Appearing pleased with the direction things were moving, he leaned toward her a bit. “So, what do you like to do when you’re not saving lives and being a mom?”
    â€œYou mean, just for myself, for
fun
?” she said, teasing. “I’m not sure I remember what free time
is
.”
    â€œWell, according to your vague recollections, give ityour best shot.” His brown eyes were dancing with humor.
    â€œLet’s see . . . I love to go boating, fishing. I prefer a quiet lake cabin over the beach. I love steaks, seafood, Italian food. I enjoy reading. Dancing.”
    â€œWouldn’t you know? I love those things, too.”
    â€œOh, really?”
    â€œI never lie about having fun.”
    As she stared into his sexy face, the intensity in his eyes, it hit her like a bolt of lightning.
    Good God, he’s interested in me! How did I not realize that the moment he walked over? Has it been that damned long?
    Yes, it had.
    And as the spit in her mouth dried up, Robyn knew she didn’t have a single clue what to do about it.

3
    â€œRobyn?”
    Startled, she looked at Chris and realized he had asked her a question. “I’m sorry, what?”
    â€œI said, speaking of fun, is it okay if I take Maddy to toss the football?”
    The curve of his lips and sparkle in his eyes communicated he knew that wasn’t what she’d expected him to say. Most men who were interested in Robyn tended to treat Maddy like a third wheel, or ignored her altogether. But Chris seemed sincere.
    â€œSure.” She shrugged.
    Maddy bounded from her chair, half-eaten hot dog forgotten, and raced for the grass. Giving Robyn a smile that made her heart pound again, he tagged along after his pint-sized companion. She watched as he picked up the ball and motioned for the little girl to move back a little.
    Gently, he executed an underhand toss. Maddy dropped the ball, but was grinning as she picked it up and threw it back. He easily caught it and tossed it back again, andMaddy whooped when she caught it successfully that time. His words of encouragement and praise drifted to where Robyn sat, and she couldn’t help but wonder if this was for her benefit, not Maddy’s.
    But she just didn’t believe so. One thing that was hard to fake was liking kids, and Chris appeared to be having too good a time for that to be the case. Her