The Blackstone Legacy Read Online Free PDF Page B

He smiled at her, his expression so much like his father’s, and then skipped away to catch up with Sheldon.
    Once everyone left, Kelly sat down on one of the club chairs, rested her feet on a corner of the coffee table, and closed her eyes. The open house had gone well. She waited half an hour, then began the task of unpacking and cataloguing books into a database of the personal computer Sheldon had given her for the school’s use. It was later, well after the dinner hour when she slipped behind the wheel of her car and drove back to her house.
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    Kelly showered, changed into a pair of shorts and top, and then went into the kitchen to prepare her dinner, a small salad, which she devoured hungrily. She had just dried and put away her dishes when the doorbell rang. The sound startled her. It was the first time anyone had rung her bell. Drying her hands on a terry-cloth towel, she made her way out of the kitchen, through the parlor and to the door.
    â€œYes?” She had lived too many years in New York City to open the door before identifying who was behind it. “Ryan.”
    The sound of his voice made her heart skip a beat before it settled back to a normal rhythm. “What do you want?”
    â€œOpen the door, Kelly,” he said after a pregnant silence. “Please.”
    Her hand was steady as she unlocked the door, opened it and looked at Ryan staring at her as if he had never seen her before. It was only when she noticed the direction of his gaze that she realized her state of half-dress—a pair of too-tight, low-riding shorts and a revealing midriff top. The narrow waistband on her black lace bikini panties and the outline of her nipples under the white top were ardently displayed for his viewing.
    Tilting her chin, she repeated, “What do you want?” The question was filled with fatigue.
    Ryan closed his eyes, but he still could see the soft curves of Kelly’s body. Why was it whenever he met her one-on-one she was half-dressed?
    He opened his eyes, forcing himself to look at her face and not below her neck. “I missed you at dinner. I just came by to check whether you’d eaten.”
    She nodded. “I had a salad.”
    He lifted a raven eyebrow. “Just a salad.”
    â€œI was too tired to fix anything else. I’ve had a long day.”
    â€œI thought I told you that you could order from the kitchen.”
    Kelly gave him a smile. “I know you did, but—”
    â€œYou’re working too hard, Kelly.”
    â€œI’m not working too hard, Ryan,” she countered. “I had a deadline to meet, and I met it.”
    He smiled, tiny lines fanning out around his eyes. “Congratulations. Do you want to celebrate?”
    Vertical lines appeared between her eyes. “Celebrate?”
    His smile vanished. “I’m certain you’re familiar with the word.”
    â€œCelebrate how?”
    He shrugged a shoulder. “Go into town.”
    Her gaze narrowed. “And do what?”
    â€œTalk. If you want we could share a drink.”
    Kelly recalled her erotic dream earlier that morning and she fought the dynamic vitality Ryan exuded. She knew she wasn’t immune to him, but she had nointention of permitting herself to fall under his sensual spell. She had come to this part of Virginia to teach, not become involved with a student’s father or have an affair with her boss.
    She offered him a conciliatory smile. “I’m flattered that you asked, but I’m afraid I have to decline. First of all, I’m tired. It’s been a very exhausting week for me.”
    Ryan noticed the puffiness under her eyes for the first time. “And the second reason is?”
    Her expression changed, hardening. “I’ve made it a rule not to date my boss.” Much to Kelly’s surprise, he threw back his head and let out a great peal of laughter. She frowned. “What’s so funny?”
    He sobered enough