Listen To Your Heart by Fern Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

this?
    â€œI can see myself out.”
    â€œThat’s all right. I have to lock up anyway. You can leave your wagon here if you like.”
    â€œI’ll drive over in the morning and put it in the trunk. Thanks for doing this.”
    He was so close she could smell his minty breath, or was it hers? She wondered what it would be like to lay her head against his chest. “I guess I’ll see you for breakfast.”
    â€œEight-fifteen. I’m usually prompt.”
    â€œPrompt is good.”
    She sensed his intent to kiss her. She was about to step backward, but instead she stepped into his arms. Nothing in the world could have prepared her for the feel of his arms, the touch of his lips. Her head spun as her heart hammered in her chest. And then her head was against the hard wall of his chest. It felt as right and wonderful as she knew it would.
    â€œGood night, Josie Dupré.”
    In a daze, Josie could only nod. She stood in the open doorway until he disappeared in the dark, velvety night.
    â€œI saw everything from the top of the steps,” Kitty squealed. “How was it? Do you like him? Is he nice? Did he ask you out? Hurry up, tell me everything. How come his dog is still here?”
    â€œIn a word, spectacular. Yes to everything, and the dog is staying because he wouldn’t leave and he’s bringing beignets for breakfast as long as we make the coffee. He’s taking me to Commander’s Palace for dinner tomorrow night. I’ve never been kissed like that in my life. Never. Ever. He has sad eyes, Kitty. I don’t know why that is. I don’t think he’s that arrogant man the magazine article said he is. He’s something totally different. Don’t ask me how I know it. I just do. I suspect, and this is just a guess on my part, but I think something happened to him along the way. I asked him what he thought a perfect mother was and his answers blew my mind. It’s so strange. Everyone’s version of a perfect mother is something totally different. I gotta tell you, though, that was a kiss I won’t soon forget.”
    â€œWoweee! I hope it all works out for you, Josie. Who knows? This guy might turn out to be Mr. Perfect. We could have a double wedding. Twins are supposed to have double weddings. What could be better?” Kitty said, clapping her hands.
    â€œYou can say that again. You lock up, okay? I’m going to bed.”
    â€œSweet dreams, Josie.”
    â€œCount on it.”

Three
    T he stainless-steel kitchen of Dupré Catering was fragrant with the rich smell of a slow-baking praline pie. Every burner on the Sub-Zero stove held something equally as fragrant and tantalizing. Kitty was, as Josie put it, cooking up a storm. Hands on her hips, Kitty eyeballed her sister, and said, “Mama is probably spinning in her grave knowing you can’t even boil water, Josie. It’s not hard. What in the world are you going to do if you get married and your husband expects you to cook dinner for him. Well?” Kitty demanded when her sister stared at her with a blank expression.
    â€œWell?” Kitty prodded.
    â€œI’ll hire a cook. It’s natural for you. You love to cook and bake. I don’t. I can boil eggs and make coffee and toast. I’ll never starve as long as I can do that. So, tell me: What did you think of you know who?”
    â€œCharming. He loves his dog. Any man who loves an animal is okay in my book. I’m sorry he left so quickly. I thought you said he was staying for breakfast. Bringing it and setting it on the table is something else. He picked up his dog and took off like the devil himself was on his heels.”
    â€œHe said something came up. Maybe the two of us intimidated him,” Josie said thoughtfully as she moved heavy crockery from one end of the long work counter to the other.
    â€œNothing can intimidate that man. Trust me. I think women tend to aggravate and frustrate him. I