The Other Brother Read Online Free PDF Page B

get maudlin. Hey, how about here?” They’d arrived at an open space and, as the sun still shone, there were groups of people gathered on blankets and in chairs, enjoying their picnics and the sunshine.
    “Yes, this is great. Pick a spot and I’ll unpack.”
    “Unpack? You make it sound as though you’ve got loads in there!”
    He flashed her an enigmatic smile.
    After a few paces, she stopped. “Here is great. It’s bathed in sunshine and has great views.”
    “Okay.” Handing Melodie the camera bag, he slipped his own from his shoulders, retrieved a blanket, and tossed it to her. “If you could lay that down, I’ll get the other stuff out.”
    She shook it out over the ground and straightened any lumps. Sitting, she watched Patrick empty his bag of many wonders. Wonders that included beer and soft drinks and other tasty things. Her stomach growled. Wow, thank goodness for this picnic. We could have found a hot dog vendor or something, but I’m glad the food is right here, right now . He joined her on the blanket and pushed the boxes and packets of goodies farther into the middle so they could both reach them easily. She smiled gratefully.
    “Go on, dig in,” he said, pointing at the feast. “I’m starving, too.”
    No more persuasion was necessary. Pulling open the nearest bag of chips, she did indeed “dig in.” The two of them sat and ate in silence, and only as she started getting full did she realize how contented she felt. Patrick had many positive traits: easy-going, fun to be with, and thoughtful, hence the picnic.
    Grabbing a can of beer, she took several gulps. Patrick peered at her. “What?” she asked.
    “I’ve never seen a woman drink like that before.”
    “Sorry,” she said, her tone defensive. “But you didn’t bring any glasses or cups.”
    “I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t get pissed at me. I’m impressed, that’s all.”
    Narrowing her eyes, she wanted to know why he’d been gawking at her in the first place? Admittedly, he’d called her hot, but having an appreciation for someone’s looks didn’t mean you were attracted to them. Attraction equaled so much more than the physical.
    God, is he interested in me ? She dug back into the food, scooping up a healthy dollop of hummus on the end of a breadstick, trying to focus her thoughts without staring at the cause of them.
    Was there something between her and Sean’s little brother? And if so, what the hell were they going to do about it?

 
     
     
Chapter Six
     
     
    “Thanks for walking me back. I’ll let you know when I have the photos ready for viewing.” Melodie held her hand out for the camera bag that Patrick had still insisted on carrying for her.
    “Oh, I thought we were going to check them out now.”
    “Yeah, sorry. I’ve got a headache coming on and would like to go lie down before it gets worse.” She couldn’t let him come up right then. She wasn’t ready for what might happen if he did.
    “Oh, right. Sorry to hear that. Go get some rest, and I hope you’re feeling better soon. Want me to carry your bag upstairs?”
    Patrick appeared really concerned, and her resolve melted a little. Then she tugged it back into place quickly. Her head was fucked up because of her feelings for him. Her mind had been wandering down that sordid, forbidden path ever since the shoot.
    “I’ll be fine, really. I’ll drop you a text later or tomorrow and let you know how I’m doing.”
    “Please do.” Bending, he pressed a kiss on her cheek. “Now go on, to bed with you. And thanks for a fun day.”
    With a wan smile, she turned and let herself into the building. The skin where he’d kissed her burned and she walked quickly around the corner to the elevators where he couldn’t see her. Then she let her feelings go. Clapping her hands over her mouth, her horror grew as the heat in her cheek spread over her face, down her neck and her chest. Her heart pounded almost painfully, like a sledgehammer against her