June (Calendar Girl #6) Read Online Free PDF Page A

know. It would hurt him.”
    That got my attention, and I spun around on a toe. “Hurt him? How?”
    Her shoulders sagged. “I raised Aaron after his mother died. He wouldn’t understand. His father and I agreed not to tell him.” She rotated her neck on her shoulders, but they still dropped down. “Besides, I’m not a woman of wealth. All the men in business have wives that are in the life. I’m a nobody.”
    I reached out a hand to her, but she backed away. “It’s fine. I chose this. If I wasn’t madly in love with him, I’d have left already. It’s better that I have him under the cover of night than not at all.” Of course, I disagreed wholeheartedly but when I started to reply, she clasped my arm and got close. “Thank you for your concern, but you don’t know either of us. We’d appreciate your discretion in this matter.”
    She waited while I stood there not certain what to say. “If that’s what you want,” I finally said.
    “It is. Thank you. We’ll visit in the morning. Mr. Shipley notified me he has a list of events that he plans to take you to. I’m glad I know why you’re here. Thank you for your honestly, Mia. It is a refreshing trait around these parts.” Her lips formed that small smile I’d seen in the office when I met her yesterday, and now twice this evening. I had to admit, it worked at keeping me calm. She left me standing there with my sandwich and a potential side project. Of course, I needed to find out if Warren felt the same about the lovely housekeeper as she did about him. I’d also have to feel Aaron out as to his thoughts about Kathleen and their history.
    I had a strong suspicion that feeling out young Shipley was going to be a tough job, but someone had to do it. I snickered at my own lame joke and headed for the maze of hallways leading back to my room. Tomorrow was a new day.
     

Chapter 3
     
    Half asleep, I walked through the doors of what I assumed was the dining room. Eureka! I’d found it. As soon as I entered and took in the space, a groan spilled from my lips. Kathleen approached, fully dressed in her pencil skirt, silk blouse, and heels, looking freshly pressed and pristine. Her graying blonde hair was pulled into a tight twist, not a strand out of place. It was seven in the morning and her face revealed a light dusting of makeup. Tasteful and suited her age and grace just right, but it was seven in the morning. Who looked that put together so early?
    Kathleen showed me to a place setting at Warren’s left. I sat like an elephant and blew the layers of loose hair off my forehead. Warren tipped the corner of the newspaper down and smiled.
    “Morning, Mia. I trust you slept well?” His eyes took in my camisole and cotton pajama pants. Of course, I’d brought the bubble gum pink tank and multi-colored striped pants looking every day of my twenty-four years. I could be this man’s grandchild, and here I was, serving as his date.
    I huffed. “I know you did,” I said, knowingly. He set his paper down into his lap and rested his elbows on the solid oak surface.
    “It seems you have become aware of some very private information. Would you care to discuss it?” His tone was straightforward with absolutely no hint of concern.
    Kathleen’s eyes looked away as she poured me a cup of coffee and refilled Warren’s.
    “Not especially. Would you like to discuss why you hired an escort while your girlfriend serves your breakfast?” I answered boldly, knowing I was stepping way over what would be considered appropriate for a woman in my position. The last thing I needed was to lose my bundle of cash before I could ship it off to Blaine, the dirty rat bastard ex of mine.
    Warren grimaced and his mouth tightened, so much so, that his lips turned white. “You’d do well to remember your place. Personal matters are none of your business.”
    He had a serious point. “I apologize; you’re right.” I wanted to ask Kathleen for a slice of humble pie for