Crimes of the Heart Read Online Free PDF

want.”
    Frowning, she asked, “I do?”
    “Without a doubt.” My family’s reputation will be restored with the next generation . “Sean.”
    Horror chased across her face, and then she cupped a hand over her mouth. Denial shone in her stare.
    “I’d say it was a fair exchange, Jewel. My money and this house, for a chance for me to help raise my son.” He shrugged his shoulder. “Well, you will have to endure me as your real husband. Do you think you can do that for our son?”
    Dropping her trembling hand, she appeared shell-shocked. “Are you proposing again?”
     
    ***
     
    Every nerve and fiber in her body vibrated in dazed disbelief as Jewel walked into the kitchen with Devon on her heels. There was no sign of Sean or the cat.
    The emptiness closed in, and the old clinging scent of baking sugar cookies rushed up to her. The awkwardness that had descended in the yard moments ago clung to her like a second skin. Shivering, she rubbed her arms, hoping to restore some warmth to her numb body.
    “Cold?” He sounded as if he actually cared.
    Stopping abruptly, she threw over her shoulder, “I’m fine, thanks.” Terrified, was more like it.
    Repetitive clomping bounced down the stairs, alerting her to Sean’s whereabouts. He entered the room a few seconds later with the cat draped around his neck. A guilty flush stained his cheeks. “I was just exploring.”
    So much like your father, always curious, always searching for something .
    “Did you find anything interesting?” Devon’s rich voice washed over her.
    Sean’s face lit up. “I found your gear on this really cool bed.” He turned to Jewel, dislodging the animal. The cat leapt to the floor to perform figure eights through his legs. “Mom, you should see this bed. It’s built in under a window like a window seat, but it’s way bigger.”
    Surprise lanced through her as she jerked her head to Devon. My old room. He quirked an eyebrow at her as if daring her to challenge his choice. The accompanying smile sparked a curl of heat coiling low in her abdomen. Her heart rate accelerated, thumping in her chest as his hooded gaze spoke of endless delights they had shared and, if it were up to him, they would soon share again.
    Tearing herself away from his hypnotic stare, she cleared her throat, and then said to Sean, “Next time ask permission first before searching someone else’s house, all right?”
    His scuffed his brand new sneaker along the scarred hardwood floor. “Sorry.” Sneaking a peek at his father, he asked, “Is this your place or are you just working here?”
    “It’s mine.” The ring of pride in his answer could not be mistaken.
    “Cool. So, you gonna fix it up and stuff.”
    Devon nodded, leaning a hip against the counter and folding his arms across his chest. “I’ve got several of my crews showing up tomorrow to begin work.”
    Frowning, Jewel asked, “Your crews?”
    Twisting to her, he captured her gaze, holding steady. “My partner and I have a construction firm based in Texas. We travel all over the country working on special projects, mostly custom homes for the wealthy. I also design software programs for the industry.”
    “No way!” Sean beamed from ear to ear.
    “Way.” Devon answered with a smile in his voice, breaking the connection with her.
    “Wait until I tell Kev He won’t believe it. Oh, Kev’s my best friend. He doesn’t have a dad, well…he does, but his folks are divorced and his dad’s in the Navy, so he hardly ever gets to see him.”
    Jewel processed the fact that Devon had carved out a life of his own. Part of her applauded him for going from penniless to an obviously rich man. The other half shriveled up inside at the assumption he was like all the other power hungry, well-to-do men she’d encountered over a lifetime, including her father. Would he take time for Sean or be like dad who ignored me because business and making the almighty buck was always more important?
    As her son and