Pinky Promise (Riverbend Romance 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

He’d been going to say, whatever she wanted, but she probably didn’t keep any varieties she didn’t care for. He crossed the room as Kelly started to step out of his way, but he braced his hands on the counter on either side of her, hemming her in. The top of her silky hair came nearly to his chin, and her back warmed his chest. He shifted slightly closer, reveling in the fruity fragrance of her shampoo. He could definitely be interested in this woman.
    “Ian?” Her voice sounded a little strained, but she did not turn to look at him.
    He slid his hands a bit closer together, so his arms brushed hers. “Hmm?” The impulse to gather her up, turn her around, and enfold her in his arms was nearly irresistible.
    “What kind of tea?” But her voice was faint, breathless. Maybe the attraction was mutual.
    “How about this?” Ian plucked a box of chai out of the cupboard and set it on the counter, his hands daring to meet in front of her, not quite cradling her. “Do you like it?” She could answer that any way she pleased.
    He heard her swallow hard and felt a deep, shuddering breath through the contact. “Maybe?”
    “How about this?” He set his hands on her arms and slowly turned her to face him.
    She stared at his shirt. “I’m not sure?” she whispered.
    Ian tucked a finger under her chin and raised it until her gaze bounced off his. “I’m not trying to rush you,” he said quietly. Although he could certainly see where it might come across differently. “I’m attracted to you, and I’m thankful to two little girls for introducing us.”
    She sucked in her lips.
    “All I want to know for now is, do you feel the same way? Or do you think I’m some weird guy you can’t wait to get rid of, but are too polite to tell me because I’m your boss?”
    “Not that weird.” Her gaze flicked to his eyes then away.
    Ian fanned his fingers across her cheek. “Can we see where this attraction goes?” Why he needed to know today, right this minute, was beyond him. But somehow it was all that mattered. A chance to win her.
    If he hadn’t been touching her face, he might have missed her nod, it was so tiny.
    “Thanks,” he whispered, sliding both hands around her back and tugging her just a little closer. He became aware of silence from out in the yard just as it was broken.
    “Hey, Sophie! Your daddy is hugging my mommy. Want to come see?”
    Uh oh. Ian was pretty sure the girls couldn’t see the quick kiss he planted on Kelly’s hair. He took a step back and rubbed his hands against her arms. “Guess I’ve given them fuel. Sorry about that.”
    “Coming!” called Sophie, her footsteps skittering down the concrete steps.
    Kelly shook her head, but she was smiling. “Secrets are impossible around here.” She met his gaze for an instant. “It’s time for tea and cookies.”

Chapter 5

    Years of starting work early meant Kelly slept in but still had time for a shower and her quiet time before she heard Ian’s SUV in the driveway. “Elena! Time to get up. Your friend is here.”
    Elena emerged from her room rubbing sleep from her eyes just as the knock sounded.
    Kelly opened the door to see Sophie yawn. She squatted in front of the little girl. “You must have stayed up too late last night, like Elena.”
    Ian chuckled as he set down her backpack. “She was too excited to sleep. All she could talk about was playing with her twin and how much fun they’d have.” He bent and helped Sophie with her jacket and shoes.
    “We’ll have so much fun!” Elena took Sophie’s hand. “Come see my room.”
    “Make your bed,” called Kelly as the girls disappeared. Now she had no excuse not to look at Ian.
    “Thanks so much. This means a lot to me.” His brown eyes searched her face.
    Kelly took a step back. “I know. It’s okay. It will be nice for Elena to have someone to play with. Maybe I’ll hear a bit less of I’m bored .”
    “She seems like she makes her own fun wherever she goes. Sophie