Bosom Buddies Read Online Free PDF Page B

was saying, I try to be on the floor from six o’clock on, but a lot of my job is follow-ups, most of which I do on the phone. I could work until lunch-ish and be home afterward to watch Ryane, could you make that work for you?”
    “Really, Allie . . .”
    “It’s not a ‘Really, Allie,’ kind of question. ‘Yes, thank you, Allie, I can make that work,’ or, ‘No, Allie, could we try it this way instead,’ are your two options.”
    “I still don’t understand.” Ian seemed confused and almost angry that she was offering to help.
    “Wrong answer too,” Allie said gently. She reached over and touched Ian’s shoulder. “Didn’t anyone ever do something for you just to be nice?”
    It wasn’t meant to be a difficult question, but for Ian it obviously was. Allie watched as he lost himself in thought. “No.”
    “Well, then it’s about time someone started.” She gave his hand a little squeeze. “Now, about tomorrow . . .”
    “You’re not going to let up, are you?” There was that hint of a smile again.
    “Nope.” Her face crinkled in delight. “I have a reputation for being tenacious, so you might as well give up gracefully.”
    With mocking good humor, Ian nodded. “Yes, thank you, Allie, I can make that work.”
    She chuckled. “Well, then it looks like we have a plan.”
    Ian’s face became suddenly serious. “Thank you.”
    Allie tried to echo his expression, but her smile kept creeping through. “It’s not that big a deal, but you’re welcome.”
    “I think it’s a bigger deal than you know,” she thought she heard him say, but maybe she was mistaken, because in the next second he said, “Okay, about this baby’s feedings.”
    She went over her instructions. Ian listened with quiet attentiveness.
    “And, Ian?”
    “Yes?”
    “About that lady on the street. I just want you to know that I’m beginning to understand that you’re not the type to depend on anyone. I’m not looking for anything in return, and I promise to butt right back out of your life as soon as Anne’s out of the hospital, but until then, I’ll try not to intrude more than I have to.”
    She felt herself blushing as she continued, “And I want you to know, I’m not using this situation to . . .” She searched for the right word. “Well, I’ll just tell you up front that I’m not looking for any men in my life. I’m not trying to use Ryane to get close to you. When this is over, if you’re interested in being friends, I’d be happy to oblige. I can use all the friends I can get. But, if not, then we’ll just shake hands and go back to nodding at each other in the hall.”
    “Feel better?” he asked.
    “I just want things clear up front. I’ve had problems with misunderstandings in the past and would rather avoid them with you if I could.”
    “Fine.” He gathered up the baby and left. He seemed mad, but Allie couldn’t decide why he would be. Maybe he was still put out at having to accept her help.
    Well, he’d have to get over it. Allie wasn’t backing down. Why it was so important to ease Ian’s burden, she didn’t know.
    But it was, and she was going to do all she could to help him.

CHAPTER THREE
    “Hello,” Allie called as she entered the room. “I’m Alexandra McGraw. Allie to my friends and—”
    “You’re Ian’s neighbor, the one who is helping with Ryane.”
    Ian’s Anne was beautiful. Even lying in the hospital bed, one leg in traction, she was beautiful. Blond hair, blue eyes, and porcelain frailness. But in those blue eyes, Allie could see a will of iron.
    Anne smiled and looked even more beautiful, if that was possible. She definitely wore the blue hospital gown with far more finesse than Allie had ever managed.
    She walked into the room and next to the bed. “I just thought I’d stop in and see if there’s anything you need.”
    “Can you stay a minute?”
    “Sure.” Allie pulled a chair over and sat down. “So, how are you feeling?” She glanced at the