his expression closed. He appeared deep in thought, visibly debating something within himself. “You and I haven’t discussed your specific job duties.”
No, they hadn’t. But that wasn’t what had him looking as if she’d punched him in the chest. “I assumed my filling in for Carlotta would include meals, light housekeeping and—”
“You don’t have to clean my house.”
She jumped at his abrupt tone.
“I’ll hire a service for that,” he added more softly, almost apologetically.
“Connor, what is this really about?”
He flicked a glance toward the back door. The gesture gave him a hunted look, as if he didn’t want to be alone with her.
“I have a few more things to do before dinner’s ready.” She kept her voice light. Easygoing. Nothing to worry about here. Still, she couldn’t escape a vague sense of rejection. “Why don’t you go hang out with your daughters while I get everything ready in here?”
His chin jerked, very faintly, but she caught the gesture. And the hesitation. He had something more to say.
Whatever it was, Olivia didn’t want to hear it right now.
“It’s a beautiful evening.” She subtly motioned toward the door, making sure to do so calmly, with very little fanfare. “It’d be a shame not to take advantage of the fresh air.”
He nodded. Slowly. Then deliberately stepped around her, careful not to touch her as he passed by. Mildly hurt, she barely restrained herself from informing him she was up to date on all her cootie shots.
At the door, he stopped abruptly, turned around and moved back to her side. “Olivia?”
“Yes?”
He clasped both her hands in his. “I appreciate you making dinner tonight. You went above the call of duty. I...” He smiled into her eyes. “Thank you.”
For a moment, Olivia thought her knees might give out. Desperate for some perspective, she lowered her head. And immediately connected her gaze with their joined hands.
Why did hers look so right wrapped inside his?
And why—why—did she have to notice something so small and inconsequential?
“Oh, Connor.” She lifted her head to stare into his eyes. “You’re so very welcome.”
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
