Loving Treasures Read Online Free PDF Page B

concern.
    Jemma spilled out her story, a mixture of her new job and her concern for Claire.
    “I wish you’d talked with me,” he said.
    She lifted her head to his direct gaze. “What do you mean?”
    He paused, running his fingers through his hair. “First, I think you’ll be unhappy with the Dorchesters.”
    “Why,” she asked, “because I’m a housekeeper?” But she already guessed his answer. During the interview, Stacy Dorchester had seemed pompous and mildly demeaning.
    “There’s nothing wrong with being a housekeeper if you’re working for people who value you andthink of you as family.” He lifted the coffee mug and took a sip before continuing. “I know Stacy and Rod Dorchester. I don’t think that will happen.”
    Jemma didn’t think so, either. “But I’ve already accepted the position.”
    He stared at his cup, pivoting it right then left against the saucer. “I know. I wish you’d talked with me first.” He raised his eyes. “I could have given you a good job, Jemma.”
    “I know, but I’m tired of living off people.” Tears welled in her eyes again, and she brushed them with her fingertips to keep them from trailing down her cheeks. “Claire’s been so good to me. Now you. I have no self-respect or self-confidence. I need to stand on my own two feet.”
    Philip caught her hand in his and brushed the moisture from her fingertips. “Employment at Bay Breeze is self-respecting. I didn’t plan to make you a manager, Jemma. I offered you a job. If it’s not you, I’ll hire someone else. I have a business to run.”
    The warmth from his touch traveled up her arm. He didn’t release her fingers but held her there, his thumb brushing the back of her hand in a soothing caress.
    “I’m sorry,” she said. A deep sigh shivered through her. “Maybe I’m feeling sorry for myself.”
    “I doubt it. Everyone wants to be independent. Please understand that I’ll be here when and if you need me, Jemma…as a friend…or if you prefer, family. I care about you.”
    “I’m a shirttail relative. You really don’t have to claim me.”
    He tilted her chin upward with his free fingers. The look in his eyes sent gooseflesh down her arm.
    “Would anyone avoid claiming someone so special?”
    Someone so special. The words rattled in her head.
    He withdrew his hand from her face while his gaze again captured hers. “I don’t think you know how lovely you are.”
    Confusion filled her. She couldn’t speak, unable to think of a proper response and fearful that she would infer too much meaning from his words. “Thank you,” she said finally.
    She sounded weak and ungrateful, but she feared saying more. Hoping more.
    “And don’t worry about Claire’s mood. She loves you. This is just part of her drama. Claire needs to be loved and needed, too.”
    “I do love her. I’ll always be grateful.”
    “Then, talk with her. Tell her that you need to stand on your own. Let her know that you love her and that you’ll be there for her no matter where you live. That’s all she wants to hear.”
    “You think so?”
    “I’m sure.”
    Jemma tendered his words against her heart. Hurting Claire was the last thing she wanted to do.
    Philip fell back against the chair, his fingers slipping away from her hand. “Now the other business—” He released a puff of air and his chin dropped downward.
    Jemma shifted gears. “You mean the boutique?”
    He nodded. “I suppose I was naive to think that Claire had changed. She has a flair that could make the shop a success…that is, if she doesn’t give everything away. I need to talk with her.”
    Jemma stiffened. “But she’ll know that I told you.”
    “I can be subtle. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
    He could handle about anything, she was sure. Jemma leaned back and studied him. He was fifty. She’d discovered his age at the birthday dinner. Fifty had seemed old a few years earlier, but seemed younger now. And maturity looked