Baby Experts 02 Read Online Free PDF Page B

linguine?”
    How could that question be so sexy on a man’s lips? Their eyes locked for an interminable moment as the twins scampered around them.
    Her mouth suddenly dry, she replied, “I like linguine.”
    “Do you have Italian in your soul?” he drawled, his Texas upbringing obvious.
    Before she could answer, Emily’s cell phone rang. She checked the caller’s name. “It’s Francesca,” she murmured.
    Leaning close to her, close enough that she could breathe in the scent of his musky cologne, Jared said, “If you need privacy, we’ll keep shopping and meet you at checkout.”
    Emily was so tempted to touch the beard shadow on Jared’s jaw…to straighten the collar of his shirt. But that freedom wasn’t hers. Grateful that he understood her need for privacy, she stood still as he moved down the aisle and she answered her call.
    “Francesca? Is something wrong?”
    “No, nothing’s wrong. Tessa and I wondered whether anything was wrong with you. I’ve hardly seen you for two days. We were beginning to worry.”
    “I left you a note on the refrigerator that I’d be taking care of Dr. Madison’s twins,” she protested, feeling defensive.
    “I know. But it’s not like you to be out of touch. Are you having fun?” her friend asked, less concern in her voice now.
    “Actually, I am. They’re two adorable little girls. He’s done a good job raising them. He and his wife were divorced before she died, but he doesn’t seem to want to talk about it.”
    “So what are you doing now?”
    “We’re shopping at the grocery store. He’s going to cook for me and the girls tonight.”
    “Cook for you?” Francesca hesitated a few moments, then asked, “Is something happening between you and Jared?”
    “I don’t know,” Emily responded honestly. “But for now, we’re just being practical. He’s going to cook and I’ll probably end up with the cleanup.”
    “You’re staying the evening?”
    “Do you miss me so much?”
    Francesca was quiet and Emily knew something was on her mind.
    “What?” Emily asked.
    “It’s about Jared….”
    Emily knew Francesca was hesitating because she didn’t like gossip any more than Tessa or Emily.
    Emily waited.
    Finally Francesca said, “I’ve heard he has no time for anything serious…that his divorce really affected him and that the last thing he wants is to get involved with anyone long term.”
    “He has his daughters to think about,” Emily replied quietly.
    “Yes, he does,” Francesca agreed. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
    “I haven’t taken many risks in my life,” Emily admitted.
    “And you want to now?”
    “It’s too soon to tell.”
    “You know you can call on me or Tessa if you need us.”
    Emily did know that.
    She checked on Jared’s progress. He’d just reached the checkout line. “I’d better go.”
    “Have fun. But stay safe.”
    Emily’s throat closed a little at her friend’s concern. “I’ll try.”
    A few seconds later, Emily hunkered down beside Amy, who was reaching for candy bars. “Do you really think your dad would want you to have three? ”
    Jared heard Emily’s question and raised his brows at his daughter. He lifted his index finger. “One candy bar. You and Courtney can share it. Okay?”
    Amy flashed him one of her best grins.
    As he helped the clerk put the groceries into a bag, he asked Emily, “Did Francesca think you were abducted by aliens?”
    “Not abducted. She was afraid I went willingly.”
    He laughed out loud. “Thank you, Emily. I don’t know when the last time was I really laughed.”
    “You laugh with the girls.”
    “That’s different.” His shoulder bumped hers as they transferred bags to the cart. “I’m glad I’m getting to know you better.”
    “I’m glad I’m getting to know you…and Courtney and Amy,” she added hastily.
    But the intense look in his eyes and the tightening of his jaw told her there was something going on here between the two of them