Opposites Distract Read Online Free PDF Page A

Harmony sighed, punched the save button on her computer, and stalked into the bathroom. She came out in the same ragged jeans and oversized sweater she’d worn yesterday. He’d hate that, she knew. But he only gave her a quick glance, then hustled her into the hall. They walked down to the dining room together. At least she’d given her face a quick scrub and brushed her teeth.
    When he held out a chair for her at the table, she pressed her lips into a tight line. He made her feel small. Not just size-wise. The top of her head stopped at his shoulder. But he had a way of making her feel like a naughty child again. She hated that. When she sat down, he scooted the chair in for her. Good grief!
    Ian and Paula watched with amused expressions. Then Ian looked at her hair yanked back in a rubber band and her face with no makeup, and he burst out laughing.
    â€œThat’s the last straw!” Harmony was ready to throw her stuff in her bag and drive home.
    Ian shook his head. “You look like Tessie when she’s hit a sweet spot in her manuscript and the scenes are coming to her.”
    Brody stared. “Tessa loses track of time, too?”
    â€œYou have a lot to learn, brother.” Ian reached for his napkin. “Once Tessa settles into writing mode, the world could blow away outside her windows, and she’d never notice from nine to five. I think she used to write nonstop until she married me. Now she quits when I come home, and we cook together.”
    Brody slanted a sideways look at Harmony. “So that’s normal.”
    Ian grinned. “As normal as writers get, as far as I know. But I’ve only lived with one, and she’s pretty much worth it.”
    Brody frowned, and Harmony could almost see him adding up the pluses and minuses.
    Ian said, “If I’m late getting home, Tessa doesn’t hassle me. Hell, sometimes she doesn’t even realize I’m late.”
    â€œThat was one of Cecily’s pet peeves.” Brody reached for his sandwich. “She always made plans for the night—meeting someone for dinner or attending some function. Even when she knew I worked long hours in the summer, she had some place she wanted to go, someone we should meet for drinks or dinner.”
    Ian winced. “Sounds like Lily.”
    Brody gave him a knowing look. “That’s why I warned you off her.”
    Both brothers went quiet a moment, thinking.
    Harmony looked at Paula. She needed a change of subject. “This sandwich is delicious. A Cuban?” There was roasted pork and ham with melted cheese. “Bet it’s fun just cooking for the kids at supper while the inn’s closed for two weeks.”
    â€œThe kids love it. We have the whole evening to ourselves.” Paula touched her hand to a locket. She opened it so that Harmony could see baby pictures of Aiden on one side and Bailey on the other. “I’m so lucky. Our lives have been bumpy, but they’ve been cool with it.”
    Harmony looked around the dining room. “This is a beautiful room.” An oak floor gave it a country feel, but crown molding added more sophistication. Windows lined the back wall, looking out over the rolling lawn and the lake. Cream-colored walls brightened the space. Impressionistic landscapes added soothing color.
    Ian beamed. “Tessie helped me decorate the whole place. She made it into what I’d pictured.”
    Harmony nodded. “She’s good at that. Visited my place once when she came to New York to see her agent. When she left, she’d done all these little things that made the apartment look better.”
    â€œYou don’t have the touch?” Brody asked.
    She shook her head. “No talent at all. I can look at colors and fabrics, but I can’t picture how any of them would go together.”
    â€œThat’s me,” Ian said. “Brody’s good at it, though.”
    â€œI have to be,” Brody said.