Suddenly Sexy by Linda Francis Lee Read Free Book Online

now a responsible and successful
businessman. He was everything she wanted in a man.

"We've been going out," Parker explained, his fond expression twisting
something inside her. "Didn't
she tell you?"

Jesse skewered her with a hard gaze. "No, she failed to mention that
she was dating one of my friends."

They hadn't been dating steadily, but often enough that Parker would
think it perfectly fine to come
over this morning and bring her flowers. She knew he wanted a
commitment from her, and she knew
that she was insane not to give it to him, but something held her back.

Parker glanced at her. For the first time, he seemed to consider the
situation. Jesse Chapman, notorious ladies' man, standing in her
backyard without a shirt. Kate could see the realization dawning on his
face.

"Are you staying here?" he asked Jesse.

"I am."

Parker looked to Kate for verification.

"He is," she confirmed, doing her best not to look guilty.

"Well, of course," he said finally. "You're old friends, grew up next
door to each other. It makes sense."

Makes sense might have been a
stretch, but she was grateful he didn't make an issue of it.

Quickly, before his mind could go any further, she said, "Would you
like to come in for some coffee?"

Parker focused, then looked at her soil-trimmed hands clutching the
flowers. "Actually, another reason
I came by was to see if you'd like to join my parents and me for
brunch."

She could feel Jesse staring at them.

"Jesse, if you'll set the tools in the workroom, that would be great."
Then she guided Parker back to the front drive.

"Jesse, let's get together for lunch while you're in town," he called
back.

Jesse didn't answer, though she could feel his hot, piercing gaze on
her back as she fled.

Once they got to Parker's car, she tried to think of something to say.
He looked at her oddly. "Are you okay?" he asked.

She thought of possible answers.

No.

Definitely not.

I wish.

But decided on an "I'm fine" instead. "I've been putting a lot of hours
in at work, so I've been busy."

His expression softened. "I've missed you these last few days. I really
would love for you to join us for brunch."

She held out her arms, exhibiting herself, and found a smile for him.
"I'm not sure this is the best brunch attire, but I appreciate the
offer. Maybe next week."

He looked at her a long time, just looking. Then he reached out and
took her hand. He didn't grimace over the dirt.

"I care for you a great deal, Kate." He glanced toward the house, then
back at her. "Don't shut me out." Leaning forward, he kissed her on the
forehead, so kind, so gentle, so perfectly right for her, then he
got in his car and drove away.

She watched him.until his four-door sedan disappeared around the bend
in the road. He was an incredible man. And she resolved to make time
for him next week.

Feeling good about her decision, she went inside to her workroom off
the kitchen and found the buckets. Thankfully, Jesse was nowhere in
sight. But she hadn't gotten more than the first tool cleaned when she
heard the screen door open, then bang shut.

"Anyone home?"

He entered the kitchen, and she could see him through the open workroom
doorway, the sun casting
him in morning light.

"I'll be there in a minute," she called out.

He had dressed in a pair of khaki shorts with a polo shirt hanging out
untucked, boat shoes without socks, and a Texas Rangers baseball cap
that he tossed onto the counter. Anyone else would have looked unruly.
Jesse Chapman looked wonderful and amazing and like more trouble than
she knew how to handle.

He pulled open the refrigerator and looked inside.

"There's orange juice if you want some," she said.

"Thanks."

By the time she scrubbed her hands free of dirt, he was on his second
glass.

"Can I get you something for breakfast?" she asked. "I have Cheerios,
powdered doughnuts, and Pop-Tarts."

"A regular health nut."

" Strawberry Pop-Tarts. Plus I
have granola bars."

Jesse grinned, then glanced back into the