The Apartment by Debbie Macomber Read Free Book Online

excellence.
    â€œI hope you’re hungry,” he said.
    â€œWhy?” Thus far they’d each cooked their own meals.
    â€œBecause I cooked up a batch of the world-famous Cochran spaghetti sauce, not to be confused with the actor who bottles his own. It just so happens we share the same recipe.”
    â€œDoes this mean you intend to feed me?”
    â€œWhat I intend, my dear, is to fatten you up. A woman who calls three measly shrimp her dinner is a woman who hasn’t tasted my spaghetti sauce.”
    Hilary laughed softly. “I’ve never turned down a free dinner in my life.”
    â€œWho says this is free?” Sean asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. “I cook, you wash the dishes.”
    â€œYou’ve got yourself a deal.”
    Sean’s world-famous spaghetti sauce was as good as he claimed. Hilary couldn’t remember when she’d enjoyed a meal more. They talked and laughed and joked until Hilary was shocked to realize she was an hour into her practice time.
    â€œThank you,” she said, pressing her hands against her stomach. “The meal was heavenly.”
    â€œI owed you a dinner, remember?”
    â€œIn which case you’re welcome to eat my shrimp salad anytime you want.” She stood to stack the dishes in the dishwasher when she remembered. “I…I picked you up something while I was at work today. Something small.” She felt silly now, wishing she hadn’t done it.
    â€œA gift?”
    â€œSort of. A thank-you for your willingness to move out so everything will go smoothly when my mother visits.”
    â€œThat wasn’t necessary, Hilary.”
    â€œI realize that. It’s just a small way of thanking you.” She fished through her purse until she found the small white envelope.
    â€œWhat is it?” Sean asked.
    â€œA ticket to the symphony’s Mother’s Day performance.”
    A silence followed. “Me? At the symphony?” Then Sean burst out laughing. “Forget that, sweetheart.”

CHAPTER FIVE
    S ean realized almost immediately that he’d hurt Hilary’s feelings. He hadn’t meant to be insensitive, nor had he intended to threaten the fragile thread of their friendship.
    â€œI didn’t mean to laugh.” Even as he spoke, Sean knew it was too late. The damage had already been done. “It’s just that I’ve never paid to attend anything where I couldn’t buy popcorn or beer.”
    â€œI…understand,” she murmured, her eyes refusing to meet his. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to practice. I’ll close the door so you won’t be troubled.”
    â€œDammit, Hilary, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
    â€œI’m sure you didn’t,” she returned with a quiet dignity.
    Sean waited until she was completely out of the kitchen before he threw the dishrag down on the floor, thoroughly disgusted with himself. He’d made a mess of the whole thing, even the apology.
    It had come as something of a surprise to discover he enjoyed Hilary’s company. He’d never known a debutante before. His family hadn’t exactly brushed shoulders with the upper crust. Although Hilary hadn’t mentioned that her family had money, it was obvious. She reeked of culture—her manners were impeccable and her vocabulary had come straight out of an expensive private school.
    Her persnickety ways had driven him to distraction their first week together. Sean was willing to admit their problems were mostly his doing. He’d gone out of his way to irritate her, wanting to know how far he could push her before she broke. He’d been looking for some way of breaking through her stiff politeness and uncommonly good grace. No matter how much he’d goaded her, she hadn’t raised her voice, hadn’t revealed a hint of anger.
    She’d upheld her image of refined elegance. It was only when she’d lost her cool that