Opposites Distract by Judi Lynn Read Free Book Online Page A

on me.” She genuinely appreciated his call. Without a reminder, she’d be in the same grubby jeans and baggy sweater she’d worn since she got here.
    His voice dry, Brody said, “Ian pays me in brotherly love.”
    She had to laugh. “Does that go for your carpentry work, too?”
    â€œIt covers everything. See you soon.” And he disconnected.
    When she walked into the dining room at twelve thirty, Brody looked at her, surprised. She smirked. Her hair waved past her shoulders, shiny and clean. She wore black jeans and a black, fitted, long-sleeved tee with the words I put a spell on you across her breasts. She’d put on mascara, blush, lipstick—the works.
    â€œWell, who knew?” Brody smiled up at her.
    She grinned. “You didn’t think I’d get my shit together, did you?”
    Paula had made chicken salad sandwiches for lunch today, and Brody dug into them.
    Ian shook his head. “Those are one of his favorites.”
    The man had good taste. She followed suit. Half a sandwich down, she wiped sauce off her mouth. “They’re really good.” She turned to Ian. “How’s Tessa? Better today?”
    â€œStill moving slow. We made a simple meal for tonight. I helped her slap rub on baby back ribs and put them in the oven on low. I’ll add sauce when I get home and throw in some potatoes, then crank up the heat.”
    Brody looked concerned. “She doesn’t have to cook for us every night. We can manage on our own.”
    â€œNo, she wants to,” Ian said. “She’s looked forward to seeing you guys since you agreed to come. She’s going to cut back a little on her writing so she can enjoy you.”
    â€œBut she only writes in the winter. She runs the farm stand in the summer.” Harmony nodded to Brody for support. “If you don’t mind eating a little later, Brody and I could drive over at six and help with the cooking.”
    Brody stared at her, surprised. “Do you cook? I mean, something people can eat?”
    Offended, Harmony raised her chin. “I’m not an expert like Tessa, but when I have friends over, I have a dozen tested recipes I can count on. They’ve never complained. No one’s gone to the hospital.”
    Brody winced, and she studied him. Had she hit a nerve? Good, he deserved it. “I can’t cook,” he said, “but I’d be happy to help out.”
    Ian waved away their offers. “I can help Tessa, too, but she’ll fuss about it. For right now, she’s just tired, so I can fill in.”
    Paula chimed in. “I could make dinners for Brody to take over.”
    Ian sighed. “Thanks, guys. Really. But it’s your two-week vacation, Paula. You’re not cooking. If worse comes to worst, we’ll drive into town and eat at the diner.”
    â€œThat works for me.” Harmony finished her sandwich. “I came here to visit with Tessa, not to make her entertain me.”
    Brody nodded, but Ian shook his head. “Tessa’s not ready for any of that yet. You’ll lose this battle.”
    â€œShe is a redhead,” Brody said. “We’ll try again later.”
    On the way back to her room, Harmony fretted. She didn’t want to wear Tessa out. She knew her friend. She’d try to be the perfect hostess, and she didn’t have to. But try telling her that.

Chapter 7
    B rody, Aiden, and Bailey knocked on her door at four o’clock. Brody tried to corral the kids so that they didn’t rush her, but with no luck. After hugs and rushed greetings, they settled in for the movie—Aiden on his stomach on her bed—she’d made it since Brody was coming—and Bailey on Brody’s lap.
    Harmony glanced at gauze wrapped and taped around Brody’s thumb. “Cut yourself?”
    Brody scowled. “Ian hired Luther for afternoon help. The kid’s a fast learner, but his first swing with a hammer