Key Of Valor by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page B

knowing what she wanted and how to get it, more even than a willingness to sweat to get it.
    It was, under it all, a belief that she had to.
    She stopped only to check on her son, to see that he was fed and safe.
    By the time they were preparing the laminate for the second station, the others were packing up to call it a day.
    Malory popped upstairs and fisted her hands on her hips. “Wow! Every time I walk around this place, there’s something new. Zoe, this is looking great. The colors arejust fabulous. This is the station, right?” She walked over to study the completed one. “I can’t believe you built it.”
    â€œI had some help with that.” Absently, she rolled her stiff shoulders as she moved over to join Malory. “It really looks fabulous, doesn’t it? I know I could have bought something for about the same cost, but it wouldn’t have been exactly right. How’s it coming downstairs?”
    â€œFloors are done, kitchen’s painted.” As if she’d just remembered she was still wearing it, Malory tugged off the bright blue kerchief she used to protect her hair. “First coat’s on the cabinets, and the appliances have been scrubbed to within an inch of their lives.”
    â€œI got so involved up here. I should’ve given you and Dana a hand with the kitchen.”
    â€œWe had plenty of hands, thanks.” She combed her fingers through her dark blond curls to fluff them. “We’re all heading back to our place for some bucket chicken. You ready to pack it in?”
    â€œActually, I’d just like to finish this. Just send Simon up here, and we’ll come by a little later.”
    â€œWhy don’t I take him with me? He’s already outside fooling around with Flynn and Moe.”
    â€œOh. Well. I don’t—”
    â€œHe’s fine, Zoe. Just come by when you’re done. I’ll try to save you a drumstick. You, too, Brad.”
    â€œOh, you don’t have to stay.” As Zoe turned, Malory winked at Brad, then headed downstairs again.
    â€œYou want to finish this station.”
    â€œYeah, but I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”
    â€œWhen you put me on the spot, I’ll let you know. Ready to glue this up?”
    To save time, she didn’t argue.
    The second station was finished and clamped, left to stand by the first while they picked up and put away tools. They left the windows open an inch.
    Before she could do so herself, he picked up her cooler. “That should do it for today.”
    â€œI really appreciate the help. If you’d just leave that on the porch, I’m going to take a look at the floors, and the kitchen, and make sure everything’s locked up before I head out.”
    â€œI’ll wait. I’d like to see the work myself.”
    She started down the stairs, then stopped, turned around. “Are you looking out for me? Is that what this is? Because I can take care of myself.”
    He shifted the cooler. “Yes, I’m looking out for you. Though there’s no doubt you’re capable of taking care of yourself, and your son, your friends, and perfect strangers, should it be called for.”
    â€œIf I’m so damn capable, then I don’t need you looking out for me. So why are you?”
    â€œI enjoy it. In addition I enjoy just looking at you, period, because you’re a beautiful woman and I’m very attracted to you. Since you’ve shown no signs of being slow or stupid, I’m sure you’re aware I’m attracted to you. But if there’s any doubt in your mind, you could keep going down these damn stairs so I can set this cooler down and demonstrate.”
    â€œI asked a very simple question,” she returned. “I didn’t ask for a demonstration of anything.”
    She marched down the steps, and had just turned sharply toward the kitchen when she heard the thump of her cooler hitting the floor.
    She