Falling for Mr. Wrong Read Online Free Page B

kitchen island, trying to maintain her resolve in the face of Marie’s obvious desperation. “I’m an EMT, not a doctor, and I’m not pathological.”
    Marie nodded solemnly. “Fine. You’re not a doctor. And you’re only marginally pathological. But you are good to have around in an emergency.”
    Realizing she was unlikely to resist her irreverent friend, Kelsey slumped back with resignation. “So back to the kids—what’s their story?”
    “I think they’ll be pretty easy, other than maybe being a little homesick.” Marie sorted through a pile of mail ten inches high. “Mom and the kids moved to Denver a couple of weeks ago because she got a new job working for a software company. She needs someone full-time over the summer, and then after school in the fall.”
    “I’m leaving town in a month,” Kelsey reminded her.
    “I only need you for a day or two, until Hope gets clearance to go back to work. She met the kids last week and it seemed like a great fit, especially since she’s planning to go back to school this fall and could keep the job on a part-time basis. I’d send in one of my usual temps to cover for her but everyone’s sick. I’ve gone through all my backups and no one is available on this short notice. I’m desperate.”
    While her internal voice warned of dire consequences for any children unfortunate enough to fall under her care, Kelsey tried to project a note of calm logic. “What did the mom say? Maybe she can take a couple of days off work until Hope’s better.”
    Marie shook her head. “I called Jenna this morning but she didn’t pick up. But I know she’ll love you. Oh—and I put a note in the file that shows you’ve passed the criminal background check and have a clean driving record.”
    Kelsey clucked her tongue. “How do you know that?”
    The tips of Marie’s cheeks turned a delicate pink. “I ran a check this morning. I figured you wouldn’t mind. Besides, I’ve been driving with you for years. You’re slower than my grandmother.”
    “I’m not slow, I’m cautious,” she protested.
    Marie giggled. “I know. It’s hilarious. You go on some crazy expedition in South America and then come back and drive fifty-five on the highway.”
    Kelsey sniffed. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”
    “You should. It’s one of the many things I love about you.”
    “What about the dad?” she asked, feeling her ability to object slipping away.
    “They’re divorced. I think he’s moving out here in a month or so, but Jenna didn’t tell me much about him.” Marie grabbed a manila folder from the counter. “Here. All you have to do is drive over, introduce yourself to Jenna, explain the situation, and have her call me if she has any questions.”
    Kelsey held up her hands and backed away, refusing to take the envelope. “You assumed I’d say yes.”
    Marie held out her hands in a gesture of helplessness. “You’re my best friend. If I can’t count on you, who can I count on?”
    Refusing to meet her friend’s puppy-dog eyes, Kelsey scowled down at a pot that bore the remnants of blackened spaghetti sauce. “I seriously know nothing about taking care of kids. I’d have to feed them and—well, what else do you even do with kids their age?” She tried to imagine herself entertaining a trio of kids, but all that came to mind was a skinny thirteen-year-old leading a group of campers into a bear-infested forest. Her skin crawled with tension. “I’m better cooking on a camp stove than a real one, and I don’t know the first thing about TV shows or video games.”
    Marie smiled. “But that’s good. You’ll take them outside and play games.”
    “Right, then they’ll probably put a frog in my pocket and set a pointy pinecone on my chair.”
    “Honey, this is not World War II Austria, and you are definitely not Julie Andrews.”
    Kelsey sailed on, ignoring her friend’s protests, determined to take one last shot at avoiding what would doubtless