Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

more than a few hours. I’m Mom twenty-four, seven. It’s just me. And those boys, they’re my world. More important than any one night stand.
    Pushing from my stool, I smile politely at Derek. “I’m sorry, I’ll have to decline your offer. Thanks, though.” I turn and walk back to where my friends and family are still gathered.
    “What?” I hear him guffaw, a loud snort coming from his laughter. He’s by my side in two seconds. If nothing else, he’s persistent.
    “Did you just snort?” I smile. He stops short, grabs my arm, forcing me to face him.
    “Yeah, but let’s backtrack here. Why won’t you come home with me?”
    “Because I have to go home to my children.” I raise my brow and place one hand on my hip in a silent challenge. Clearly, he’s surprised; it’s written all over his face. The information will send any man running. Always does.
    “You have kids?”
    “Yes. That’ll douse a man’s hard on, right?” I laugh but he studies me with a smirk.
    “Tell me about them.” What?
    “No.”
    “ No? ”
    “No. Look, I don’t know you. You’re hot, but obviously have some mama issues because you’re still hitting on me.” He laughs, mischief written on his face as I rant. “I’m just a mom, a woman trying to do right by her children. I’ve got no room for you in my life. Not even for a night.”
    “I doubt that. You’re much more than you give yourself credit for. And for the record I don’t have mother issues.” He teases with a grin.
    “You have a healthy relationship with your mother?” I raise my brows. I’m not buying it.
    “I did.” He smiles sweetly. “Until she died.”
    “Oh, my god! Derek I’m so sorry—” He bursts into laughter and draws attention from the entire room. Crossing my arms over my chest, I scowl.
    “Sorry, couldn’t resist. You should’ve seen your face. I really do have a good relationship with my mom. She lives in Peoria and I call her every week. She’s the strongest woman I know. Swear.” His fingers trace a cross over his heart. I give his teasing eyes a hard glare.
    “I don’t joke about death. Ever. I’m a nurse for the oncology floor at Children’s.”
    Something passes over his face. The silly demeanor drops a split second before it eases back into a grin. “Yeah? That’s pretty cool. So, I’ve got to know. You ever fantasize about playing nurse and patient? ’Cause I feel a cold coming on.” His poor attempt at a cough has me laughing.
    “You never stop, do you?”
    “That’s what the ladies tell me.” He winks and I roll my eyes.
    “I’m not sleeping with you tonight.”
    “That’s fair.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders like we’re the best of pals and leads us back to the bar. It’s sad how much I revel in his touch. My entire body lights up, craves more. It’s been too long since I’ve been with a man. Yup. That must be it. I should pull away, or go back to our group, but I’m interested to see what comes out of his mouth next.
    “Two of whatever’s on tap.” Of course, one look from him and the bartender bustles to fill our order.
    “I accept that you won’t sleep with me tonight.” He drops his arm and I immediately miss the warmth. He pulls out a twenty, lays it on the bar and grabs both glasses. He hands me one but doesn’t release the glass right away. His eyes widen and my breath catches as our fingers touch. His mouth dips to my ear again. His words cover me like honey. “Not tonight. But one night soon. I don’t give up easily when I want something. In fact, some might say I get a little obsessed.” He pulls back, a cheeky grin on his face, and flashes that stud in his tongue before he takes a sip from his beer.
    I pull my glass to my lips and take big gulps—a futile attempt to cool my body and hopefully regain my ability to speak. He laughs.
    “Slow down there, Nurse Betty. Let’s get back to your friends.” He grins and we make our way back to the group.
    “My name’s not