Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) by Cindy Kirk Read Free Book Online Page A

not letting his frustration show.
    “You did your job. You found the error. Now that the problem has been identified, corrective measures can be taken.” Prim’s gaze settled on the papers. “Gladys doesn’t bear sole responsibility. There should have been checks and balances. I can’t believe the board—”
    “Had only been meeting semiannually.”
    Prim gave an incredulous snort. “An organization of their size should meet quarterly.”
    “Finally, someone who gets it.” As his hand slapped hers in a high five, satisfaction surged. Bringing Prim on board had definitely been the right move. “I’ve also recommended that the new treasurer computerize the record keeping. Bring the Women’s Events League into the twenty-first century.”
    “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
    He tilted his head, thought for a moment. “I don’t think so.”
    “Isn’t Gladys co-chairing the parade with you?”
    He offered a sheepish smile. “Oh, yeah, that’s part of the deal, too.”
    “So many tasks, so little time,” she murmured, then lifted her gaze. “I’m willing to dive into all of this, but I need something from you.”
    “Tell me what you need.” Max stared into those beautiful hazel eyes. Whatever she wanted, it was hers.
    Her lips curved as if sensing how far he was willing to go. She said nothing for several heartbeats, and his heart began to hammer.
    Then she extended her hand. “Be my backup babysitter.”
    Max felt a surge of disappointment, though he wasn’t sure why. He reached out and closed his hand around hers, smiled. “Deal.”

C hapter F ive

    Prim rolled her shoulders, then followed the move with a cross stretch. Last night she’d had difficulty settling. She blamed the restlessness on too much caffeine. Her tossing and turning certainly couldn’t be the result of THE KISS she’d shared with Max.
    The brief melding of their mouths had been too brief to stir up such intense . . . longings.
    “Throw the ball, Mommy,” Connor called out, punching his small fist into the pocket of his glove. “I’m ready.”
    Saying a little prayer, Prim gave her best MLB pitcher imitation and flung the ball at him. She grimaced as it curved to the right, so far out of reach her son didn’t even try to catch it.
    Then he was scrambling after it, his skinny legs churning.
    Callum, who’d already run after his share of overthrown balls, merely watched as his brother passed him. Standing on a decorative boulder between her property and Max’s with his eyes squinted, he reminded Prim of a sea captain at the bow of a ship. He pointed. “Is that Mr. Brody’s wife?”
    Startled, Prim turned to see an attractive, dark-haired woman standing on the porch of Max’s home. Decked out in a white dress covered with red, saucer-size poppies, the brunette’s attire was definitely a step above Max’s T-shirt, cargo shorts, and hiking boots.
    Callum still stood on the rock, studying the woman with the intensity he usually reserved for large, black bugs.
    “She has red sparkly shoes,” he announced. “Like in The Wizard .”
    Prim adjusted her gaze downward. The woman’s shoes were indeed red and sparkly. Unlike Dorothy’s shoes in The Wizard of Oz , these kicks had three-inch heels. And the legs they were attached to weren’t those of a little girl but the shapely ones of a grown woman; a beautiful, adult woman with lips as bright as her shoes.
    “Think she can throw a ball?” Callum asked when his brother returned, the ball clutched tightly in his glove.
    “Who?” Obviously confused, Connor glanced around.
    “Mr. Brody’s wife.” Callum gestured with one hand toward Max and the woman.
    “Mr. Brody isn’t married.” Prim tried to place the visitor but came up empty. “She’s probably just a friend.”
    Friend with benefits ?
    Prim shoved aside the disturbing image of Max and the statuesque beauty with hair the color of rich walnut and legs up to her neck, naked. In bed. Together.
    At the