The Fifth Season by Julie Korzenko Read Free Book Online Page A

the pig pen.
    “Your language,” she yelled back. “It’s very colorful.”
    He glanced over the gate in her direction. “The military offered special courses.” Another stream of curses followed this, and he dove back into the pen. Curious, Emma walked down the aisle and peered over the door.
    “Oh,” she sighed when she saw what he’d been doing. Instead of one four by six, Stone had re-paneled the entire pen, making sure all holes were filled. He’d cut in a small piggy door with a flap to allow Pocahontas easy access to her home, but it could also be locked down to prevent any unwanted little boys from investigating.
    Apparently, Pokey was showing her gratitude by stealing Stone’s tools. At present, the pig firmly grasped his hammer between her teeth.
    “Come on, Porkahontas, give it over.”
    “Stop calling her names. Pigs are sensitive.”
    He tossed her one of his get-real looks and turned to face the pig. “Okay, beautiful. Let’s have that hammer.”
    Pocahontas snuffled then dropped the tool. She stomped past Stone and exited the pen via her new door.
    “I think she likes you,” Emma said.
    “Whatever,” he shrugged.
    “Tell me about the military. What branch were you in?”
    “Who said I’d been in the military?” he growled, his face suddenly flushed with anger.
    Emma back-pedaled in her mind. Rut-ro, this was a sensitive subject. “You did, but I’m sorry. We’d promised not to question each other.”
    He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head sadly. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. Hey, let’s just stop saying we’re sorry, okay?”
    She smiled, biting back the instinctive apology that almost slipped out. “You got it. I’m done here so I thought I’d check on the progress inside.” Turning away from the most complicated man she’d ever met, Emma headed back to the house.
    “I’ll see you at dinner,” he called after her.
    She waved her agreement but didn’t dare glance back.
     
    ***
     
    Emma stepped from the shower and toweled off quickly. She was late. It’d taken longer than expected to perform her walk-through after housecleaning finished. She’d verified that the rooms were prepared, wine rack stocked, refrigerator full, special items purchased and itinerary finalized.
    The Bakers were set. For now, at least.
    What should she wear? Wait a minute, it didn’t matter what she wore. This was only a business dinner.
    “He’s not my type.” She insisted to the mirror. He was…well, he was just too hairy. Emma imagined trying to find his lips beneath his beard and mustache. At least that thought stopped her fingers from trembling.
    “Ready?” A deep voice called from her doorway, almost making her drop the towel that was wrapped around her body.
    It’d never crossed her mind to shut her bedroom door. No one ever ventured into her private section of River Run. “Would you stop that?”
    “What?”
    “Sneaking up on me. I can’t stand it. You’re gonna have to start wearing cowbells.”
    He grinned. “I guess this means you’re not ready.”
    “No, I’m not ready. Does it look like I’m ready?” She winced at her choice of words.
    Stone’s eyes darkened, and his mouth parted slightly. He licked his lips and inhaled sharply. An electric bolt shot straight up her spine as she realized the only thing between his burning gaze and her naked body was a tiny, white towel.
    “I’ll wait for you outside,” he said.
    “Good idea,” she whispered then slammed the door in his face. A throaty laugh filtered down the hall, and she winced again, hating the way her body responded. Emma opened the closet and rooted for something appropriate.
    Thirty minutes later, she arrived on the back deck adorned in a crisp white shirt and black pants. She’d moisturized until her skin glowed. Her face wore only the slightest trace of makeup, enough to hide a few freckles and thicken her lashes.
    Emma nodded to Tilly and glanced around for