Pretty Face by Sable Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

think you need to go.”
    “Heck, no. This isn’t the first time I’ve done something like this. I let my concentration wander. I’ve had a lot on my mind. The accident was my fault.”
    His words didn’t make Cody feel any better. She knew Sage Donovan was on his mind. Her lies were what had hurt him as surely as if she’d taken a knife and ripped his flesh. “There.” She finished affixing a small, neat bandage to the cut. “If you don’t feel like continuing, please feel free to take off early.”
    Hunter looked at her handiwork. “Very professional. Thank you.” He smiled. “You’re very kind. I don’t think I’ll have a problem continuing.” Her touch had been soothing. He had enjoyed it and for some reason that revelation bothered him. “If you’ll excuse me.”
    “Of course.” Feeling effectively dismissed, Cody put away the first-aid supplies and turned to go. When she entered the safety of her office, she sank to the floor. Clasping her hands around her knees, she bowed her head. This was torture, pure torture. Squeezing her eyes shut, she relived the wonder of cradling his hand in hers, of touching his skin. How could she endure? Could she act halfway normal and not arouse his suspicions? A hiccupped sob slipped from her lips. The risk wasn’t that Hunter would become suspicious that she was Sage, the more likely probability would be that he would presume her to be a daft sex-starved old maid.
    He would be right.
    In the kitchen, Hunter finished tearing out the bar. As soon as he found out the location of the neighborhood dump, he’d haul the debris off for her. For a moment, he stopped to study Cody’s drawing. She wanted an island constructed between the pantry and the wall that contained the refrigerator, and he wasn’t certain it would work. Before he could proceed, Hunter needed more information. Walking to the doorway, he gazed down the hall. He wasn’t sure which room she was working in. “Ms. Napier?”
    Cody jumped a bit when her name was called. She’d been paying a few bills online. Rising to her feet, she went to the door, pushing her hair nervously over her shoulder. “Yes? And please call me Cody.”
    “All right, Cody.” He nodded his head, giving her a slight smile. “I’d like to show you something if you have time.” Hugging the wall, he gave her room to pass, then he explained. “I think you need to consider moving the island about half a foot toward the window. If you don’t, I’m afraid the refrigerator door will bump it every time you open it.”
    Cody studied her drawing. “You’re right. Please make whatever changes you deem necessary. My crude sketch is merely a suggestion.”
    “No,” Hunter responded quickly, kneeling to measure and draw a chalk line on the floor where he thought the edge of the island should go. “Believe me, I appreciate your efforts. This will help things go smoothly, I promise.”
    Cody smiled at the faint praise. While she was there, she admired his progress. “You got a lot done today. This should go fast.”
    “I think so. I’ll do my best.”
    Seeing he was concentrating on his work, she left, not wanting to bother him further. “Thank you, Hunter.”
    When she said his name, he jerked around to watch her walk softly down the wall. The oddest sense of déjà vu took Hunter’s breath away.
     
    *  *  *
     
    When it was time for Hunter to leave, he came to her office to let her know. “I’ll be back in the morning.”
    “Okay, have a good night.” She had the door open about six inches. The scarred part of her face was hidden.
    Hunter pivoted to walk away, then paused. “Look, you’ve got a big project here. It’s going to take some time. Would you be averse to my working past five a few days a week?”
    Cody shook her head. “No, whatever would be easier for you.”
    “Great.” He smiled a beautiful smile that made Cody go weak in the knees, then he was gone.
    “Whew!” She leaned against the wall. This was