Man with a Past Read Online Free PDF Page B

Me” in bold white letters on the front. She needed that sassy attitude now.
    In her haste she forgot the towel wrapped on her head and wound up fighting with it before she managed to pull it off through the neck hole of the T-shirt. Finally dressed, she glared at the offending towel and ground it under her heel as she stalked back into the bathroom.
    She had work to do. A house to fix up, a son to raise. Stupid, archaic countrified rules to figure out so Max would have friends. She didn’t have time to worry about anything else.
    Attitude was everything and in this case, her attitude was the only thing that could get her through going back downstairs where she had to present herself as the man’s potential boss all the while aware he’d seen her at her absolute worst and virtually topless thanks to the wet T-shirt.
    References.
    Ashley lifted her chin, determination stiffening her spine. What were the odds his references would check out? Did she actually want them not to? Just because of a stupid incident?
    She had to prove to Joe Brody—and herself—that she was capable of doing what a man would do given a similar situation. Go down there and be strong, confident and capable, the personification of a take-charge, kick-butt, streetwise woman.
    Not an orphan who never belonged anywhere, or a somewhat desperate widow running out of time.
    She nodded firmly. She could do this. After all, it wasn’t like the man had never seen a woman’s breasts before.

CHAPTER THREE
    â€œC LOSE YOUR MOUTH, BOY . Gonna choke on a fly gaping after her.”
    Joe snapped his mouth shut and turned toward the old man. He hoped he had his body well enough under control that he didn’t embarrass himself any more than he had already by not being able to keep his eyes off her and the T-shirt stuck to her like a second skin.
    Ten years in prison and then to see something like that—
    â€œShe’s—” He indicated the stairs off the kitchen where Ashley had disappeared.
    â€œIn my day we called girls like that top heavy,” Wilson acknowledged with a grin. “And, yup, that she is. Now mind your manners and open the door on your right. Grab that big broom and make yourself useful.”
    Joe followed orders, grateful to have something to occupy his hands and take his thoughts off the woman upstairs.
    â€œHow’s your dad? He doin’ any better?”
    Joe nodded. “Mad at himself for falling and looking forward to getting out of there.”
    â€œCan’t blame him. In places like that it’s hard to avoid the vampires always out to suck your blood.”
    He chuckled at the description of the nurses, but didn’t comment. Instead he grabbed the broom and used the thick bristles and his excess sexual energy to shove the water toward the back door, all the while conscious the old man hovered behind him.
    Out of the corner of his eye Joe saw his father’s friend lean against the peeling, chipped woodwork with a grunt, his face screwed up in a grimace as he settled himself.
    â€œWe need somebody who’ll work hard and get the job done on time. No shoddy work or slacking off.”
    Joe glanced over his shoulder, surprised he was still in the running since the old man appeared to know so much about him. “I’ve got a good work history. No complaints.”
    â€œYou know how to plumb?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œCarpenter?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œWhat about roofin’?”
    â€œThat, too.”
    â€œDon’t suppose you can provide references for Ashley? She’s a stickler for those. Comes from reading all those how-to books.”
    References he had, but they were through thework release program and from the teachers the state hired to come to the penitentiary. He nodded once more. “Yes, sir, I do have references, but—”
    â€œBeen about ten years now hasn’t it?”
    Joe paused long enough to meet the old