Package Deal by Chris Chegri Read Free Book Online

water here is warm and inviting, but I know you have your share of shark bites, too.”
    Steve conceded with a shrug.
    “Like I said, I guess I could have stayed somewhere nicer, but the view of the ocean on The Glades’ web site, plus the low price, won me over instantly. I’ll take this kitchen and the extra space over a one room luxury hotel room any day.” She crossed back to the kitchen. “Besides, I’m into midnight snacks,” she openly admitted her sin. “Somehow I always seem to get the munchies after the stores close.”
    Steve chuckled. “I’ve been known to succumb myself. Matter of fact, I keep a ready supply of microwave popcorn and M&Ms on hand at all times. Never know when the mood will hit, although it definitely will during a football game.”
    Kelly’s heart lurched at the mention of football. He’s one of those men, like Ken, remote in hand, glued to the television during football season. Her spirits took a nosedive. Ken hadn’t even watched the games at home but at the sports bar on Monday nights, a friend’s house on Wednesdays, and all day Saturdays somewhere else. She never actually knew where.
    “Okay.” She tried to alter the path of her thinking. “Ready?”
    “Your carriage awaits, milady. Do you have any idea what we’re looking for today?”
    “Well, I only need two bedrooms, but I’d prefer two baths if possible.” She locked the cottage door and climbed into the passenger seat. “I have a feeling I may be bringing a lot of work home, so three bedrooms would be ideal. I could use one for an office. A roomy kitchen and a screened-in porch are also a must. I’ve heard rumors that the mosquitoes here are radiation mutants.”
    Steve’s laugh was seductive, rippling through Kelly’s brain, reminding her of a stone skipping over water. She looked away, letting his effect on her fade, hoping her face revealed nothing of the physical attraction he stirred in her. She wouldn’t deny the fact. Any woman with a normal hormone level would react the same way—the very reason she was so uncomfortable. Actually, she was counting on Steve being a complete bore, devoid of personality. Even a beautifully wrapped box, if empty, was easy to throw away. Empty or not, she couldn’t stand the thought of Steve McCarthy, or anyone else, thinking she was a bitch. Childhood hang-ups again.
    “You’re in luck. Screened-in porches are standard equipment in homes and apartments around here. Unfortunately, our mosquitoes are not our only mutants.”
    Kelly knew he meant the giant water bugs thriving in Florida’s warm, humid climate.
    “ La cucaracha? We’ve already met. I chased two down this week and dealt them both lethal blows with my shoe. I’m not thrilled about wearing the shoe again,” she joked. “I suppose I’ll get used to it. I’m a survivor. You can’t live on the west coast without being adaptable.”
    “As long as you understand there are no bug-free guarantees, we should have you and your daughter in a home in no time.”
    As they drove, Kelly avoided looking at him, chanting the mantra, he’s a football lover. He’s a football lover , in her head.

Chapter Seven

     

     
    F irst stop was a mainland real estate office managed by an old high school classmate of Steve’s. Jerry Rowland refilled their coffee cups and settled them at a table in the back office. He handed them a file of sales and rentals, set up access to the computer listings, and gave them some information on a couple of rentals that had called in shortly before they arrived. Kelly read the descriptions aloud while Steve scribbled frantic notes.
    When he’d filled two pages with addresses, they thanked Jerry and drove back across town toward The Glades to look at several properties in Daytona's neighboring communities of Flagler Beach and Ormond by the Sea.
    The first few houses they saw were either too small or had beenbadly neglected. The lawns were so overgrown with weeds Kelly joked of having