Incidental Contact (Those Devilish De Marco Men) by Eden Connor Read Free Book Online Page B

end of the bargain. Not to mention, damn, that’d be a full-time job.
    But the job had some impressive benefits. Her nipples throbbed their agreement.
    He chuckled. “My usual rule is that a woman has to be big enough to have her own place before I’ll touch her. Women do not come here. When word gets out you’ve moved in, that should shut down the gold diggers.” He smiled as though he’d found the solution to world peace.
    Relief swept through her. Understanding his motivations let her put his offer into perspective. She knew the publicity over his mother’s death had affected his family, but she hadn’t put much thought into the life insurance money, although Lila had mentioned their unexpected windfall.
    Now, the entire evening made more sense.
    His haircut made him look different, more mature, and even better-looking. The damn sizzle zipped through her again. He moved closer and she found it hard to breathe. Snatching the flashlight, she whirled, hurrying out the door.
    She needed more time to think and she couldn’t seem to do that when he was nearby.
    She thought the cold air might clear her head, but the truth was, that now that his haircut looked like a grown man’s, she found it harder to deny the attraction she felt to the man.
    Since her shock over Drew’s engagement was wearing off, she realized every passing day without any contact made not seeing him a little easier. He’d ridiculed her beliefs as well as her leisure-time pursuits. He even made fun of her for wanting a job in public education.
    Had she put up with him out of fear there’d never be another man who wanted her? If so, then throwing away three years was what she was sorry about, not losing him.
    But, she did want to show his dumb ass she wasn’t crying because he hadn’t come crawling back.
    With any luck, Drew will think I got a better offer, too. This will work out just fine. 
    Shivering, Amy pawed through her trunk one-handed. The flashlight illuminated the black-and-white striped shirt easily, but the black slacks that went with her uniform proved more elusive. And where were her black athletic shoes? 
    By the time she’d found all the pieces to her uniform, her ears, toes, and fingers were numb. Too numb to hunt for regular clothes. She’d just wear the uniform to school.
    Walking up the front steps didn’t feel like going toward her future so much as turning her back on the past. Twenty-two was damn old to have had only one lover. Maybe her lack of experience led her to settle for less than she deserved. Who was she to question why the Fates had decided the hottest man in the county would offer to make her feel sexy?
    “Russian tea,” Eric stated when she stepped into the kitchen. He held up a mug.” Want some?”
    “What’s Russian tea?”
    “Cynda made it. I think it’s made with Tang and powdered tea. I like the taste and all I have to do is drop some into hot water.” He grinned, stepping closer. She couldn’t tell what was in the hand he waved. He dunked something into the cup.
    “No extra charge for the cinnamon stick. Part of the house service.” He winked.
    She dropped her shoes, shifted her clothing to one hand, and took a sip. “Not bad. Can I use the washer and dryer?” Could I sound less sexy?
    “Sure.” He gestured to a room off the kitchen. She was relieved to find no dried clothing stuck to the drum, the way Drew left them, assuming she’d handle the chore. Dropping her uniform in, she added soap, punched the button, and took a deep breath.
    He leaned against the bar, still sipping the hot tea. When he offered her another sip, their fingers touched and she felt that damn sizzle again. What the hell is that?
    He refilled his cup and held out a hand. “Come warm up by the fire.” Giving her a crooked grin, he asked, “Are your feet cold?”
    “Little blocks of solid ice,” she admitted, returning the smile. W hy did his eyes go all hot?
    He flicked off the light, leaving the fire as the