Sadie's Surrender Read Online Free PDF Page B

letting go of him.
    “No, my eyes have been checked. I’m just not cut out for books.” He shrugged. “So, you see, I really do need your help.”
    A handsome white man—the head of a company, no less—needed her. Even though he didn’t desire her anymore as a woman, it was nice to be wanted some kind of way.
    “Then we’d better get started.” She pointed to the stack of books. “Which one would you like to tackle first?”
    His blue eyes sobered even more in the lamplight. “Before we begin, I should warn you about something.”
    “Don’t say another word.” She raised her hand. “What happened between us in your office can never happen again.”
    “I’m glad you agree, but that’s not all.” His shoulders dropped. “You were mentioned at last week’s Klan meeting.”
    “Why?” A cold chill rolled through her from the unexpected news. She touched her mouth, where he’d kissed her. “How did they find out?”
    “They didn’t,” he replied. “But they’re not happy I gave you such a lenient punishment for throwing those oysters.”
    “Oh, that’s not good.”
    “They’re going to watch you for a while, at work and off work. Be aware of it every time you set foot in Oyster Harbor.” He grabbed her wrist. “Please behave yourself, Sadie, for you, your mother, and me.”
    She rested her other hand over her pounding heart. “I’ll try. Are you in trouble as well?”
    “No, but they’re going to watch me more closely, too.” He released her and stared at his hands. “Exactly what I don’t need.”
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Rockfield. I never intended to cause you any trouble.”
    “Make it up to me.” The way he said it and looked into her eyes erased the bad news with good.
    He still wanted her!
    “Not that way,” he said, pushing a book between them on the table.
    Disappointment ricocheted through her. Did she never learn? But his salty-musky scent was strong, as if he’d just disembarked from a rough sailing trip. She’d also noticed it when he’d kissed her last week.
    He did want her… Even if they couldn’t do anything about it, she would hold the knowledge close.
    Hours passed while she taught him what she’d learned from the books. He related each topic to the oyster business, which helped her learn, too. Between topics, they stood and stretched several times and she poured them water to drink. She and Mama couldn’t afford much else, but he didn’t seem to mind.
    Spending so much time alone with Henry was more intimate than their brief kiss at the office. It felt as if they’d sat together at this table for years. She’d never been this comfortable with Buck. Finally, she closed the last text and rubbed her eyelids.
    “You learned a lot in a week.” His blue eyes were clear and calm again. “I’m not sure I’ll remember it all.”
    “Didn’t I tell you about the test?” she asked.
    He chuckled, a low rumble that sent heat to her belly and lower.
    “No test, please. I didn’t do well on them in school.”
    “Mr. Rockfield—”
    “Call me Henry, when we’re alone together.” He indicated the books. “I’d say you’ve earned it.”
    She didn’t even bother suppressing the smile that sprang to her lips. The lamp burned lower. It would go out soon if she didn’t attend to it. Rain pattered overhead, lulling her to dreamland. She hoped the roof wouldn’t spring a leak and ruin the mood. Luckily, Pearl’s prior suitor, Jimmy, had helped fix up the house a couple of years ago when he’d wooed her.
    Who ever thought her family home could look so romantic with the right man sitting beside her?
    “Henry…who else knows about your learning difficulties?”
    “Even Caleb doesn’t know the extent of it. No one at the plant must find out.”
    No one except her. The fact he trusted her so much warmed her body from fingers to toes. But why did he? It wasn’t as if the man wasn’t smart in other ways. Something existed between them. An indescribable bond,