Raw Desire by Kate Pearce Read Free Book Online Page A

see my lovely sister without a reason?”
    She finished off her sandwich and washed it down with a gulp of soda. “Now I’m really worried. What do you want?”
    â€œA favor.” He took up a position opposite her, trying to keep his expression relaxed and friendly. “For an old friend.”
    Her smile disappeared. “What old friend?”
    â€œSomeone you used to be best buddies with.”
    â€œAlly Kendal?”
    â€œSo you know she’s back?”
    â€œEveryone knows she’s back.” Lauren pursed her lips. “What I want to know is what it has to do with you.”
    Rob glanced around, but everyone else in the small kitchen appeared to be occupied. “She needs a job.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œI was hoping you had an opening.”
    â€œEven if I did, why would I give it to her?”
    â€œAs a favor to me?”
    Lauren’s brown eyes flashed fire. “Ally dumped you. Why the hell would I want to help her?”
    He met her furious gaze. “Because I need her to stay around for a while.”
    â€œSo you can what? Make things right with her?”
    Rob thought quickly. “No, so that I can clear up something that’s been bothering me about Susan’s death.”
    â€œSusan Evans?” Lauren studied him for a long moment. “Like I believe that.”
    â€œIt’s part of the reason. Ally was there that night, and no one got to talk to her. She might have evidence that will help me solve the case.”
    â€œThe case was solved, Rob. Susan committed suicide.” Lauren turned on her heel and headed into the tiny cramped back office. Rob followed her and waited until she swung around to face him. “I still don’t believe you.”
    â€œI can’t help that. But Ally really does need a job.” He met her gaze. “Hell, I never ask you for anything, sis. Will you do this for me?”
    She folded her arms over her chest. “That bitch hurt you, Rob. She almost destroyed you.”
    He shrugged. “It was a long time ago. I’ve gotten over her.”
    â€œDon’t lie to me. Sure, you date lots of women, but you’ve never allowed any of them to get close. I know because they come and complain to me about it all the time.”
    â€œ Okay. Part of me wants to have it out with her, make her tell me why the fuck she did what she did.”
    She nodded slowly. “I’d like to hear Ally try and explain herself as well. I’ll give her a job. I need a new busboy since Joe left.”
    Rob frowned and stood up. “If you’re going to treat her like shit, I’ll go and find someone else to ask.”
    â€œI’ll treat her the same as any other new employee. I swear.”
    Rob considered her carefully. “You promise?”
    Lauren smiled way too brightly. “Sure.”
    He wasn’t convinced, but what else could he do? If Ally hated the job, she’d quit soon enough. “Now, how am I going to get Ally to find out about the job without telling her?”
    â€œEasy, put a flyer in her mailbox. She’ll assume everyone got one with their junk mail and she’ll come over.”
    â€œYou are a genius.”
    Lauren sat down at her desk and typed away on her computer. “I already had something drafted for the ad, so here you go.” The printer rumbled into action, and she leaned across to retrieve the single sheet from the mouth of the printer and handed it to Rob.
    The paper smelled like fried chicken, but Rob was okay with that. He’d gotten used to his sister smelling the same way since she’d taken over the diner three years earlier. “Thanks, doll.”
    She grimaced at him. “I’m not going out of my way to be nice to her, and if she gives me any trouble, she’s out, just like anyone else.”
    â€œTotally.” Rob hesitated. “But give her a chance, Lauren, won’t you?”
    â€œGod, Rob, what does that