Matters of the Heart Read Online Free Page A

is
okay for you. The bed’s fairly new and if you want I can get you a TV but
you’re more than welcome to watch the one downstairs with me every night if you
want.”
    Lucy didn’t
know why but an image of them sitting together on the couch, thighs almost
touching, sprang into her mind.
    “Whatever’s
easiest for you. ”
    “There’s
plenty of closet space, and the dressing table has four generous size drawers.”
    “It looks
perfect.”
    It really
did. It was small but homely, and so neat and clean too. She wondered if he had
a cleaning lady or perhaps his mother stopped by every week.
    “And before I
forget, let me show you where the bathroom is.”
    She followed
him out in the hallway and across the way.
    “Sorry that
we have to share this. My only rule is I get to use it first thing in the
morning so I can be ready and off to work by eight.”
    “No problem.
Like I said, whatever works best for you is fine with me.”
    “If you want
to take your coat off or even unpack, go ahead. I’ll be downstairs. Can I get
you some coffee or hot chocolate?”
    “Hot
chocolate’s my favorite, and I’ll be right with you.”
    Lucy watched
as he went down the stairs. As she made her way back to the bedroom, she peeked
in at one opposite the bathroom. It was obviously Brad’s. She stood at the
door, hoping he didn’t come back up the stairs and catch her looking. He had
more photos on the dresser and a few paintings of horses, and what looked like
Montana
landscapes. The
bed was queen size and was covered in a masculine-looking plaid quilt. His
sheriff’s jacket and cowboy hat hung from the back of a chair. A pair of cowboy
boots was parked underneath it, and on the nightstand stood a lamp, alarm
clock, and book.
    She felt
guilty just standing in the door way being nosy, so she hurried back to her
room and took off her coat. She’d unpack later but now she really needed that
hot chocolate to warm her.
    When she got
downstairs she looked around but couldn’t see Brad. She heard a noise coming
from the back of the house and guessed he was there, and that it was probably
the kitchen. Lucy found him pouring hot water into two mugs and stirring
vigorously with a spoon. He looked up.
    “Great
timing,” he said. “You like marshmallows?”
    “Love them.”
    “Me
too. Let’s take these drinks through to the living room and we can sit and relax
before Presley wakes up.”
    He sprinkled
a handful of mini marshmallows on top of the drink and handed her one of the
mugs. The kitchen also looked neat and clean and she guessed that maybe he did
have a cleaning lady. Or maybe he had a girlfriend…she hadn’t asked about that.
    She followed
him through to the living room and he gestured for her to sit on the couch.
There was a fire burning and the whole place was small but seemed cozy and
comfortable.
    “I was
wondering if you could come shopping with me when Presley wakes up so we can
pick out some things for her. A few people at the office have given me a crib
and changing table that belonged to their own kids but they’re old and worn and
I’d like her to have her own stuff.”
    “Sure I can
do that.”
    “And maybe
you can tell me what other stuff she’ll need, like clothing and toys.”
    Lucy nodded
as she took a sip of the most delicious chocolate she’d ever tasted.
    “And
how about vaccinations? Is she up to date with those?” she asked.
      “I know this sounds terrible, but I don’t
know. I mean with her mother dumping her on me like that I’ve got no medical
history for her.”
    “Anyway you
can get hold of her to ask?”
    “She left no
forwarding address which I assume was intentional. Not that I want to see that
woman ever again.”
    “Then I
suggest we hold off until she’s due for another round of them just in case
she’s already been vaccinated.”
    “She won’t
get sick, will she? I mean if she hasn’t her shots?”
    Lucy shook
her head. “She’s not going to be around other children that