Watcher by Kate Watterson Read Free Book Online

Dean of the School of Science by the time he died, and Jake had a fair idea of her salary also. Most professors weren’t rich, but smart ones could be well off. It was a beautiful house, but still awfully big, and the location was pretty private. He wasn’t sure he liked the idea of her living there all alone.

    42
    Kate Watterson
    It was hardly up to him, he reminded himself wryly, and somehow he doubted the sophisticated and self-possessed Dr. Jana Johnson would appreciate his protective male instincts.
    He parked in front of the three car garage and got out, holding the two bottles of wine he’d selected, hoping he’d made a decent choice. The walk was brick and led to a small arched sheltered entryway with a carved door flanked by beveled glass panels. Jake pressed the doorbell, pleased to note that there was obviously an alarm system, the tiny red light going off just before the door opened.
    “You’re right on time, I.Q. Please come in.” Jana’s lips quirked a little in an uncharacteristic teasing smile as she stepped back.
    That ridiculous nickname made him feel uncomfortable, but his mouth went dry for entirely different reason.
    He followed, not even able to give a proper greeting because he was momentarily silenced by the fact she was dressed differently than he had ever seen her. She wore a red silk shirt tucked into faded jeans that hugged her long legs and fabulous ass, no jewelry, was barefoot, and if he was a judge from the provocative sway—
    and he was very used to looking at her breasts through clothing—
    wore no bra. The ebony silk of her hair hung lightly across her shoulders, loose and shining. Jake walked behind her through a two-story foyer with a skylight, and into a spectacular open area that held a sunken living room with a stone fireplace. Beyond was a wall of French doors to the backyard, and to his right the kitchen area, from which came some extremely delicious smells. Soft classical music played from an unknown source.
    “I wasn’t sure,” he finally managed to say, proffering the wine,
    “so I brought both a red and a white.”
    “Thank you.” She lifted a brow as she accepted both bottles and turned toward the kitchen. “Though I don’t plan on overindulging again, I have to warn you.”

    Watcher
    43
    Jake leaned against the marble counter, admiring the view as she bent over to put the white wine in the refrigerator. “A guy can dare to dream, can’t he?”
    She straightened and her expression was neutral. “Maybe.
    Would you like a glass of wine? I have some already breathing.”
    He’d drink stale salt water after that quixotic maybe. “That sounds great.”
    There was a rack hanging above the polished counter and she retrieved two crystal glasses and deftly poured red wine while he removed his coat. She handed him both glasses, took his jacket, and gestured at the living room. “Have a seat while I hang this up.
    Dinner won’t be ready for about a half an hour.”
    “It smells wonderful,” Jake said honestly as he went down two steps and chose the leather couch in front of the fireplace. The furnishings were both comfortable and elegant, an eclectic mix of antiques and modern pieces seamlessly blended into an inviting space. To his disappointment, Jana retrieved her wine glass and chose a wing chair a few feet away. She sat down, gracefully curling one leg beneath her, and sipped her wine.
    “This is a beautiful house,” he said conversationally. Then he added, “It suits you.”
    “Brian loved it the minute we saw it. We made an offer the same afternoon.”
    Jake took a small drink from his glass, watching her over the rim. He commented without inflection, “He had excellent taste, but then again, I already knew that.”
    She looked at him with those very blue eyes. Her dark lashes lowered a fraction. “I see you are going to use charm since I’m on my guard against the alcohol ploy. That was a lovely compliment.”
    Jake leaned back and smiled. “That