Let Me Hold You by Melanie Schuster Read Free Book Online Page B

regret.”
    Without waiting for an answer he stood up and pulled her to her feet.
    “That’s a great idea,” Alana said breathlessly.
    Her studio was in a sunroom located next to the family room. It was the perfect spot for a studio because it had floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. It was as tidy as the parts of the house he’d already seen and it looked very organized.
    “You weren’t kidding about your painting,” he said. There was a large stretched canvas on a tall easel that bore a portrait of Adrienne looking radiant and obviously pregnant. It wasn’t finished, but it was already a stunning work of art. The one wall that didn’t have windows served as a gallery of sorts; there were lots of unframed pieces in oil, watercolor and pastels. A big slanted worktable held a sketchbook with colored pencil drawings. It caught his attention and he went over to take a closer look.
    “This is adorable,” he said. “That’s Sydney, isn’t it?”
    “Yes, it’s a book I’m making for her. She told me about a dream she had about something called ‘Oom-Fala Pie’ and it was so cute that I started making her a little book.” She turned the pages so he could see her progress.
    “I’m not an expert on kids’ books, but this is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. You’re amazing.”
    The book showed Sydney and Lucas making a fabulous pie for Sherri, with the help of Sugar and Sweetie, the little Westies. It was colorful and engaging and there was a recipe in the back, along with a little song. Roland was totally taken with the book.
    “How does the song go?”
    “I’ll sing it for you if you promise not to laugh,” she said. “Okay, here goes: Oh, my, Oom-Fala pie, if you never had it you should give it a try! It’s good for girls and it’s good for guys, so have yourself some Oom-Fala Pie!” Her face was flushed and she laughed as she finished the little ditty.
    “You know what?”
    “What?”
    A loud noise followed by a yelp made them both jump. Alana’s eyes widened and she left the studio, headed for the kitchen with Roland on her heels. They were greeted by the sight of Adrienne hopping on one foot with a frown on her face.
    “Don’t pay me any attention,” she said crossly. “I had a sudden urge for watermelon and I dropped it on my foot. I should have cut it up before I put it in the refrigerator.”
    In minutes Roland had retrieved the errant melon and sliced it up before cutting it into manageable cubes, while Alana made her sister sit down and examined her foot. She made an ice pack out of a bag of frozen peas and made her put her foot up on a small stool.
    “I didn’t mean to interrupt your evening, but I do appreciate the attention,” Adrienne said gratefully.
    “Think nothing of it,” Roland said easily. “And actually I think it’s time that I hit the road. It’s getting late. Thanks again for your hospitality, Adrienne.”
    She waved goodbye with a chunk of melon and Alana walked him to the door. She took his jacket out of the closet and handed it to him.
    “Thanks again, Alana. I had a great time.”
    “You’re more than welcome, Roland. I enjoyed myself, too.”
    “So what’s on your agenda for the rest of the week?”
    “It’s a busy week for me. Adrienne’s furniture is getting here tomorrow and I’ll be helping her get moved in. And Alexis and Jared’s anniversary party is this weekend, and...”
    Her words stopped as Roland covered her mouth with his. It was a long, sweet kiss with just the right amount of tenderness. He tipped her chin up and gazed down at her. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow. I couldn’t let two beautiful women handle a big moving job by themselves. And I’ll definitely see you this weekend. We can go to the party together.”
    Without waiting for her answer he kissed her again and left without another word. She was still standing in the doorway when Adrienne came to find her. She had a bowl of watermelon in one hand and was guiding