Beguiled Again: A Romantic Comedy Read Online Free Page A

shirt-sleeves were rolled back and his tie and suit jacket were missing. He fixed her with a slightly disapproving stare. “The door wasn’t locked. Something tells me that Peter wouldn’t approve.”
    “Yeah, well, you’re right.” Unreasonably irritated, she leaned against the doorjamb. “But, then, Peter doesn’t approve of you, either.”
    “I noticed. I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but the feeling’s mutual.” Jeff walked toward her.
    She fumbled behind her and closed the bathroom door before he could see the mess inside. “Why are you here?” she asked as he stopped a few feet away.
    “I got to the office and reached in the back seat for my briefcase and found this.” He offered her the scuffed, dirty soccer ball. “According to my receptionist, it’s an expensive one.”
    “Forty-nine dollars and ninety-five cents, before tax.” Cecilia took it from him, trying to feel grateful. She tossed it at the wicker basket beside the front door, a good twenty feet away. It landed dead center. The basket rocked a bit, then settled.
    “Swish,” Jeff remarked grudgingly. “Nice aim.”
    “Lots of practice,” she replied, rubbing her hands on the back side of her jeans. She tilted her head back. “I, uh, really appreciate all the trouble you’ve been to today.”
    “I thought... well, you seemed like you needed a little help.” He aimed a quick glance into the den. “Where are the kids?”
    “Next door with Carol.”
    “Oh, yeah. We met.” He relaxed visibly and raised the brown bag. “I thought you might need something to eat.”
    “That’s very generous of you, I’m sure.” Cecilia took a shaky breath. “But as a matter of fact, I was going to call Carol and have her send the kids home. I feel much better now.”
    Jeff snorted. “Just what you need—Little Dillinger and the Keystone Kops.”
    Cecilia bristled. “I dare you to say that when I’m up to retaliating.”
    “Does he really balance your checkbook?” Jeff asked casually.
    That damned checkbook again! “That’s none of your business,” she replied, raising her chin.
    “Answer my question, Cecil. Does that kid really balance your checkbook?”
    “As a matter of fact, yes.” She raised her chin higher. Let him figure that one out. She stepped toward the door. “I know you’re busy, and I do appreciate your concern, so—”
    Jeff ignored her and strolled into the den. “The kitchen’s this way, right?”
    Cecilia spun around. “What are you doing?”
    He set the grocery bag on the breakfast bar. “Chicken soup.”
    “Chicken soup?” Cecilia felt her mouth fall open, and promptly shut it with a click of her teeth.
    Jeff gave a tentative half smile. “I really need to be getting back to the office.”
    Cecilia brushed a tangle of curls away from her face. “Thank you. Very much.”
    “Anytime.” His eyes quickly met hers in dismay. “I mean... for old times’ sake.”
    Cecilia forced a brittle smile. He was certainly conscientious, the adult Mr. Jefferson Smith. He hadn’t been able to ignore her plight, but he sure as heck couldn’t wait to leave, either. “I’ll bet you were a Boy Scout,” she said sweetly. “You know the way out, but I’ll walk you to the door. This time I want to make sure it’s locked.” She indicated the door with a jerk of her head, and gasped. The room tilted sideways; the floor vanished from beneath her. Her head roared, and the room whirled. She groped wildly, but felt herself falling.
    She hit the floor with a thud and found herself staring blearily at the immaculate creases in Jeff’s pant legs—all five of them. “Oh, Lord.” Desperately she tried to rise.
    Jeff squatted beside her and pressed her shoulders firmly onto the carpet. “Just relax. Don’t try to get up yet.” He brushed damp curls from her forehead.
    “I can’t believe this,” she moaned. Still light-headed, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.
    “Just like old times, eh?”
    She blinked up at