Storm by Jayne Fresina Read Free Book Online Page B

cutting her a slice of bread ... and all that time a Deverell. He wasn't at all what she would have imagined from the rumors.
    Kate watched as he brushed his boots. Weak sunlight kissed the top of his bent head, slowly drying a few strands of hair and painting awns of golden wheat among the brown.
    " I keep my life simple, " he'd said.
    And he seemed content. She suspected the disarray of his house didn't bother him unduly. Someone, perhaps, had urged him to get a permanent housekeeper so he went along with the idea just to keep the peace. But from what she could see the man lacked nothing and looked after himself capably. Certainly whatever she could contribute to his life would be minimal.
    "Sorry, Mrs. Kelly, but I've got to go out already," he said, shrugging back into his damp greatcoat. "It's market day in Truro, and I'm taking a friend as I promised her. But you and the boy stay by the fire and finish the bacon." There went that smile again. "I'll leave Jack to stand guard."
    A female friend. Ah. The previously mentioned Sally White, perhaps.
    "And when I return we can get your cart unloaded."
    Kate stood abruptly. She had to speak now, before he left. The man had no idea what he'd taken on and it was only fair to warn him. Now that the feeling was back in her toes and fingers, good sense came back to her head too. "Mr. Deverell, I fear I am not the right housekeeper for you. I think it would be a mistake for—"
    He placed a finger to his lips and then pointed to where Flynn had fallen asleep, head on his plate, a crust of bread still clutched in one fist.
    She whispered, "For both of us." He knew nothing about her or the trouble from which she'd escaped. He liked his life simple, but her presence would only complicate it. As he would certainly complicate hers.
    What was the Reverend thinking?
    "Is this because I'm True Deverell's son?"
    Startled, she replied, "Of course not."
    "You seemed to have changed your mind suddenly about staying. The moment you realized who my father is—"
    "It's not that, sir. It's just...not...suitable. For you and I."
    He put his head on one side again, as if pondering a deep thought. Then another smile shot across his face. Apparently a new one was never far away— or was it the same one, never quite vanquished and disturbingly irrepressible? "You mean you could never work for me because there is something between us?"
    "I don't—"
    "You're attracted to me. Now you've met your employer, you're afraid you wouldn't be able to keep your hands off him or your mind on the work"
    She whispered crossly, "Certainly not!"
    "Forgive me for being straightforward, but as I told you, that's my simple way. And we've a spark between us. I feel it and I believe you do too."
    Her pulse quickened. "I'm not looking for entanglements of that nature, sir."
    "I thought I caught you looking at me with a bit of flame in your green eyes, Duchess."
    "I sincerely hope you're teasing again, Mr. Deverell. I have a son to raise, and he is the only male in my life now. I'm a respectable widow...and celibate."
    He shook his head. "Well that's a damned waste."
    In a rush of shocked breath she whispered, "I'm sure other ladies here swoon before you in great number, but I am not attracted to you in the least. I'm sorry if you are wounded by my honesty, but there it is."
    He thrust his hands into the outer pockets of his greatcoat. "Then I must have been wrong."
    "Yes. Indeed."
    "I'll not be getting that kiss then."
    Hand to her throat, she exclaimed, "What kiss?"
    "The one I've been imagining since I first saw you."
    So that was what he wanted in exchange for the rescue. She knew there would be something more than a plain "thank you" required. He was a man, wasn't he?
    "Like I said," he added, "I have a tendency to blurt out whatever I'm thinking, as it comes to me."
    Kate stared. "I suggest you see a physician about that."
    "Will he fix me, Duchess?"
    "He might try. Although I cannot guarantee his success. A man who has