Dawn Autumn Read Online Free

hints of masculinity he showed. She was used to thinking of him as, well...neutered was a pretty close description. After all, sex and Fred weren’t words most women would string together without a grimace. Since she wasn’t inclined to churlishly argue her point, she chose to pick at another sore spot. “Why don’t you take off your sunglasses?” It was driving her crazy. Not only could she not see his eyes, most of his expressions where lost with a third of his face covered by the huge things.
    “Can’t. Photosensitive,” he said with the cheerfulness people were apt to use when covering a sore subject.
    She sighed, but let it go, letting her gaze wander to the glossy dessert photos lining the walls. Her gaze jerked back to Fred as he got up and wandered to a juke box. He read the listings and slipped in some quarters. To her surprise, the first song up was a love song, one of her favorites.
    “How did you know?” she asked him as he sat down again.
    He shrugged. “I’ve heard you singing sometimes. When you’re not singing, you’re playing CD’s or practicing the guitar. Anyone who listened would know.”
    Suddenly self-conscious, she glanced at him, and then sighed with relief when their order arrived. She didn’t have to ignore the undercurrents between them when she was busy with her spoon.
    “Do you have family in town?” he surprised her by asking.
    Surprised into meeting his gaze, she shook her head. “My parents are dead. I have a couple of uncles, but we never talk.”
    He nodded. “Did your mother teach you to cook? I smell some pretty good stuff coming from your apartment sometimes.”
    “No. I’m self-taught, though it’s not much fun cooking for just myself.” She bit her lip as soon as the words were out. When he didn’t jump on them, she said cautiously, “If you promise to leave your hat in your room, I might be persuaded to share sometime.”
    He laughed. “You don’t like my hat?”
    She grimaced. “What’s to like?” The silence stretched, became uncomfortably taut. Her invitation sat on the table like an invisible gauntlet, mocking her. She hadn’t planned to get involved with him. If she’d had friends, they would laugh to see her running around with a guy like him. What did she think he looked like, husband material? She winced, shying away from that road. So she was a little lonely. He was funny in his way, and she wasn’t out to break his heart. Just to remind them both, she added, “Just as friends, you know.”
    Even through the dark glasses, his gaze was intense. “I’d like that.”
    Suddenly unable to eat, Jay let the last bit of her parfait melt in the glass.
    * * * *
    Cole was waiting for them when they parked in front of their building. He actually seemed relieved to see Jay driving. “Just thought I’d say hello,” Cole said, his eyes darting anxiously over the paint job.
    Jay smiled and tossed him his keys. “I filled it up on the way home. Thanks.”
    He caught them neatly. “You’re welcome. Have a good time?” He eyed the two of them curiously.
    Jumping in before Fred could say something incriminating, Jay said, “He didn’t get her number, so he bought me ice cream. It wasn’t a date.”
    A slow smile started across Cole’s face. “Okay.”
    Feeling a little uncertain, Jay nodded her goodnight and hurried inside before Fred could walk her in.
    Leaning back against the car, Fred just watched her with boneless satisfaction.
    Cole slowly raised his brows, silently asking for details.
    Smiling, Fred said, “She invited me to share dinner with her sometime...or lunch. She didn’t say which. In her apartment.”
    Cole grinned. “You breached the wall. Way to go, buddy.” He slapped Fred on the back, incidentally loosening Fred’s hold on the car. “I think you should go lie down.” Away from the car. “You look a little punch drunk.”
    “Good plan,” Fred said with good humor. He moved away from the low rider, allowing Cole to bond