The Blackstone Legacy by Rochelle Alers Read Free Book Online Page B

down at his son for the first time since arriving at the schoolhouse. “Yes. Miss Kelly is tired. She has to go home and get some rest so she can be ready for school tomorrow.”
    â€œCan’t she come home with us? She can rest in my room.”
    â€œNo, she can’t.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause…because…”
    â€œBecause Miss Kelly lives in her own house,” Kelly said when Ryan did not complete his statement.
    â€œWhy can’t she live with us, Daddy?”
    â€œLet’s go, Champ. We have to wash up before dinner.” Even though he had spoken to Sean, he continued to stare at Kelly. “I’ll see you later,” he said in a quiet voice.
    Kelly nodded. “Okay.”
    Ryan smiled the sensual smile she had come to look for. His smile was still in place when he led Sean toward a pickup truck. Kelly turned her attention to the remaining children, her pulse quickening when she thought of her promise to meet with Ryan later that night.
    There was no doubt she was drawn to his sexual attractiveness, but was that enough? Was it enough tolessen the pain of loving and losing a man she’d loved all of her life? She had met Simeon Randall when both were assigned to the same first-grade class, and he had become her hero, protector. As they grew older she discovered and experienced passion in his arms and bed. A passion she did not know she had.
    Simeon had offered her all the emotional and physical gratification and fulfillment she needed. And for the first time since she had come to Blackstone Farms she had to question whether she might be lucky enough to capture both again.

Chapter Five
    R yan hadn’t realized he had been figuratively holding his breath until Kelly opened her door.
    He knew he was staring at her like a star-struck adolescent, but he couldn’t help himself. “You look very nice, Kelly.”
    Kelly smiled, opening the door wider. “Thank you, and please come in.”
    She knew she looked very different from the woman he’d seen jumping rope earlier that afternoon. Her hair, brushed off her face, was swept up in a twist on her nape. The sleek style was the perfect complement for a black cap-sleeved off-the-shoulder dress ending at her knees. A pair of slingback animal print leather sandals covered her bare feet.
    She admitted to herself that he also looked very nice. A chocolate-brown jacket and matching slacks complemented a finely woven beige, banded-collar linen shirt.
    His right hand concealed behind his back, Ryan walked into Kelly’s home. The miniature Tiffany-style lamp on a round table cast a warm glow on exquisite antique pieces from another era. An apple-green armchair covered in a watered-silk fabric with a matching footstool was the perfect complement for a lavender-hued sofa dotted with light green sprigs. Classical music played softly from a stereo system hidden from view.
    He followed her into the dining area, staring mutely at a table set for two. The crystal, china and silver patterns were exquisite. A multifaceted crystal vase held a bouquet of wispy sweet pea.
    Kelly moved closer to Ryan, measuring his stunned expression. “What are you hiding behind your back?”
    He blinked several times before handing her a decorative shopping bag. “This is for you.”
    Kelly took the bag, peering inside. She walked over to a countertop and removed two bottles of chilled red and white wine and a cellophane-wrapped plant. Nestled in a hand-painted pot was a delicate orchid plant.
    â€œIt’s beautiful, Ryan.” Turning, she smiled at him. “Thank you so much.”
    Angling his head, he returned her smile. “You’re welcome.”
    â€œWe’ll have the white wine because I’m making chicken.” Grasping his hand, she steered him toward the sofa. “Please make yourself comfortable. Everything should be ready in about ten minutes.”
    He stopped suddenly, and she