A Private Affair Read Online Free PDF Page B

pushing their cart through the produce section.
    “I want to own a fair.”
    His answer surprised her. She was about to ask him what other occupations was on his list when she suddenly saw a horrible sight.
    Riverton! He was only a few feet away looking at pineapples. What was he doing there and why did he look so ordinary? Not menacing, not cold, just like a regular guy. No, Riverton didn’t look regular, but he looked less fierce out of the office. He sported a pair of dark jeans and a cream shirt that seemed to compliment his skin making him look annoyingly attractive. She watched as he sniffed a selection he was holding. He looked a little perplexed but she didn’t care. Someone else could help him. She felt something tugging on her sleeve and looked down at Malcolm.
    “Miss Carissa, are you okay?” he asked looking worried.
    “I’m fine. Come on let’s go.”
    “But we haven’t finished everything on the list.”
    “I can finish it later.”
    He frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
    “Yes, I’m—” About to die she thought when Riverton looked up and their eyes met. She didn’t know why she had such a strong reaction to him. She had a right to shop and so did he. There was nothing he could do to her, but all of a sudden she still felt like running away. He nodded in acknowledgment then looked back down at the fruit in his hand.
    Carissa took a deep breath. Since he saw her there was no need to hide.
    “Do you know that man?” Malcolm asked.
    “We work together.”
    “Then you’d better tell him that pineapple’s gonna taste nasty.”
    “I don’t think that’s my place.”
    “Why not? Don’t you like him?”
    “No, it’s not that.”
    “That’s okay Miss Carissa, if you’re too shy I can go tell him for you,” Malcolm said and before she could grab him he left. She watched in horror as the young boy walked over to Riverton. Why didn’t he sense any danger? Didn’t he see how much this man wouldn’t care? She hoped he wouldn’t get his feelings too hurt when Riverton brushed him off. She watched Malcolm talking to Riverton and point to the pineapple he was holding then pick one up and rub his hands over the skin then smell it. To Carissa’s surprise Riverton mimicked the child’s motions then nodded. Then Malcolm started talking and Carissa again grew nervous. What was he saying? Would Riverton tell him to get lost? Why did Riverton look as if he was really listening to him? Didn’t he realize that it would only encourage Malcolm to keep talking? She had to do something.
    She pushed her cart over to them.
    “And she makes one of the best baked trout you could ever eat,” she overheard Malcolm say.
    Carissa felt her face flush. Oh no, he was talking about her? Why?
    “Okay, Malcolm time to go,” she said.
    “I was just telling Mr. Riverton about your cooking.”
    “I’m sure he doesn’t want to know about that.”
    “You’d be surprised,” Riverton said.
    “He wanted to know how come I know so much about food,” Malcolm said.
    “Clearly you’re a good teacher,” Riverton said lifting up his pineapple. “I’ve been told this one is going to be sweet.”
    And if it’s not will you count points against me? “Hmmm.”
    Malcolm looked at her a little anxious. “I picked a good one right?”
    “I’m sure you did.”
    He snatched the pineapple from Riverton and handed it to her. “Check to make sure.”
    “I’m sure it’s fine,” she said embarrassed. It wasn’t like Malcolm to be so eager for her opinion. She tested it keenly aware of Riverton’s steady gaze. It looked ripe and smelled delicious. She knew Riverton would have a very juicy treat. “It’s perfect,” she said handing the pineapple back to Riverton, a shiver of awareness coursing through her when her fingers brushed his. “Enjoy,” she said, her voice seeming to drop an octave.
    “So what are you going to do with it?” Malcolm asked.
    Riverton looked at him a little confused. “I’m