Maggie Undercover by Elysa Hendricks Read Free Book Online Page A

considered everyone's business her own and
didn't hesitate to hand out unwanted advice. A large basket hung
over each arm.
    "I saw you working out here on those pumpkins
and thought you might appreciate something to eat." She held out
one of the laden baskets.
    "Thank you, Mrs. Larkins. Won't you join
us?"
    "No, I'm on my way to the church for the
senior social. But I appreciate the offer. You're a nice boy, Jared
Blake. You do your parents proud." She reached over and patted his
head like he was five years old.
    Jared felt himself coloring. At Alexandra's
giggle he looked over and caught Maggie's grin.
    The widow looked over at the children, her
sharp gaze focused on Maggie. "There's pumpkin muffins and cider
for you. I would have made hot chocolate, but it's a mite too warm
today. Enjoy."
    "Thank you Mrs. Larkins," the children
chorused as the large woman made her way down the walk. Ignoring
the adults they dug into the treats.
    The fragrant scent of the widow's steaming
pumpkin muffins made his mouth water. He took a bite. Tastes
exploded on his tongue triggering memories. Widow Larkins did have
her good points. He sighed in pleasure.
    "These bring back my childhood. She's been
making pumpkin muffins for me since I was a boy. They're my
favorite. I didn't realize just how much I've missed them these
last ten years. Store bought doesn't compare."
    "They're delicious," Maggie mumbled around a
mouthful of muffin.
    "Widow Larkins' baking is famous in town.
Before her husband passed on and she retired they owned the bakery
in town. She still goes in every day to make sure the new owner -
they've owned the place fifteen years now – keeps up her standards.
I think she had it written into the contract."
    He watched Maggie smile. A large crumb teeter
at the corner of her lips then tumbled down in to the open V of his
jacket. The crumb came to rest on the rise of her breasts just
above the green trim of her top. Leather rippled and as he blinked
the crumb disappeared. "What was that?"
    "Nothing." She tugged the zipper up and
shifted away from his gaze.
    Bathed by the full afternoon sun and
sheltered from the breeze the porch grew warm as they worked on the
pumpkins. Jared shed his sweatshirt and rolled up his shirtsleeves.
Alexandra took off her jacket, but Maggie remained bundled in his
leather jacket. Every so often he caught her hugging her waist and
pushing her nose beneath the zipper. Something was going on here
and he was going to find out what.
    "Are you still cold?" he asked.
    She looked up from where she sat cross-legged
on the floor. "Huh? No. Not really."
    "Then why don't you take off my jacket and
help us out here." He motioned with slippery hands toward the
mounds of yellowy-orange pumpkin guts piled atop the newspaper
covering the wooden floor.
    "You're doing just fine." She gave him a smug
smile.
    "Hey, kids. Do you think it's fair that we're
doing all the work, getting all messy while Maggie sits there and
directs?" He held up his arms, dripping from fingertips to elbows
with orange slime.
    The children squealed in agreement and turned
towards her.
    Maggie eyed the four sets of goop-covered
hands. She scooted backwards and scrambled to her feet. "You
wouldn't dare. Your jacket will be ruined."
    "Take it off." He scooped up a handful of
pumpkin guts.
    "No."
    "Then I'll take my chances. Let's get
her."
    Shrieking in mock horror she bolted from the
porch, three small banshees and one large, grinning predator in hot
pursuit. Leaves crunched beneath her feet as she raced around the
house looking for a place to hide. The large backyard with its
scattering of trees and wooded border offered a multitude of hiding
spots. Breathing heavy she leaned against the side of the house and
listened for her pursuers. She'd lost them.
    Disturbed by the loud noises and sudden
motion the puppy woke. Frightened it squirmed in her grip. She
sucked in her breath as his claws raked over her belly, ripping the
thin nylon of her tank top and