Tempting Adam. Dorie Graham

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      “Yes, it sort of seems that way, doesn’t it?”

      “You think I’m right? He’s your secret admirer?”

      Lauren’s cheeks warmed. After that kiss, how could she doubt it? Adam wanted her. She couldn’t hold back the smile that curved her lips.

      “Well, he does seem a likely suspect,” she said.

      “What? Did something happen between you two?”

      Lauren’s smile widened. As uncertain as she was about the direction she and Adam were headed, she couldn’t hold back the wave of joy that filled her at that moment. “He dropped by this morning and we…kind of started something.”

      “Oh my God!” Kamira’s wide grin matched hers. “I’m so excited. So, you guys kissed?”

      “Oh boy, did we.”

      Kamira gave a delighted shout. “I knew it! You’ve got to give me that.”

      She held up her hand and Lauren laughed as she slapped her five.

      “So, now what?” Kamira asked. The light changed. Sidewalks and various businesses swept by.

      Lauren’s joy waned. “Hell if I know.”

      “Aw, hon, are you worried about his whole settling-down thing?”

      Groaning, Lauren covered her face with her hands. “I can’t even think about it without my stomach tying up in knots. I have no idea what I’m doing.”

      “You’ve got to play this out. This is Adam. If you walk away now, you’ll always wonder what might have happened.”

      “But a wife and kids?”

      Kamira waved her hand. “You know how he is. He was probably just talking off the top of his head again. You haven’t had much time for him lately. He’s just restless, needing attention. He wants something new, and if the two of you getting together isn’t new and exciting, I don’t know what is. Even I’m excited!”

      Lauren heaved a sigh. Maybe Kamira was right. Maybe Adam would be distracted enough by their new adventures that he’d forget his resolve to marry and start a family.

      She forced a smile. Like Scarlett O’Hara, she wouldn’t think about that right now. She’d go crazy if she did. “I can’t wait to see what kind of progress you’ve made at the clinic. It’s hard to believe you’re ready to paint and wallpaper.”

      “You paint. I’ll do the wallpaper. You’ll be forever matching every flower.”

      “Don’t worry. I’m perfectly happy on paint duty. There’s something numbing about manual labor.”

      Kamira pulled into the clinic parking lot, then turned to her. “Now, no fretting. It’s all going to work out. You’ll see.”

      Lauren sighed. “I just hope you’re right and he forgets this whole wife-and-baby scheme.”

      “Babies. As I recall, he wants a passel of them.” Kamira’s eyes gleamed.

      “Thank you. That’s helpful.”

      “Anytime.”

      “Let’s just go paint. I’m not talking about this anymore.”

      A beat-up truck pulled in beside them. Mark Patterson, the landlord’s son, emerged from the vehicle as they exited theirs.

      “Good morning, ladies.” He offered them a sweeping bow, along with his dazzling smile.

      Lauren couldn’t help but grin. Seeing him induced memories of Rusty. Her brother exuded the same youthful charm. It had certainly saved him from numerous scrapes that had aged her more than she cared to admit. She did miss him, though.

      She shook her head and focused on Mark. His dark skin and hair contrasted with the bright blue of his eyes. Kamira was right. If he was a few years older, he’d be very appealing. As it was, he surely drove all the college girls to distraction.

      “Marco, my love, you came to aid a couple of helpless damsels.” Kamira clapped her hand on his shoulder.

      His gaze swept over them as they headed up the clinic’s front walk. “Neither of you is the helpless type. I’m here to install the new light in the hall, but I can swing a paintbrush, too, if needed.”

      “We might take you up on that.” Kamira pulled out her keys to unlock the door.

      Half an hour later, Lauren stared at a spatter of blue on the drop cloth below her. Seemed she was getting more paint on the floor than on the wall. Getting Adam off her mind had proven impossible.

      “Need some help?” Mark peered through the door.

      She twisted around on her ladder. “Oh, I think I can manage. Thanks.”

      He moved into the room. “You looked like you were a hundred miles away.”

      “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

      “Guy trouble?”

      She smiled at him. He was really a nice kid. “What are you doing slaving here on a Saturday? I’m sure you’ve better things to do.”

      “Can’t think of anyplace I’d rather be.”

      “You are a charmer,” she said, shaking her roller toward him.

      “A babe like you should be used to it. You must have tons of guys after you.”

      She snorted her amusement. “That’s a good one.”

      “Come on, bet you have them lined up.”

      She pursed her lips.

      “Fess up. How many?”

      “That’s confidential, and I hardly think you’d find it interesting.”

      “At least one, then. One in serious pursuit.”

      With an exaggerated sigh, she ran her roller through the paint tray. “Could be.”

      “I see, and you aren’t certain if you return his affections?”

      “Let’s just say I’m not sure I need this kind of complication right now.”

      “Want some advice?”

      She smiled indulgently. Who knew? Maybe this young man could offer some insight. “Okay. What’s your advice?”

      “Believe in the secrets of the heart.”

      For a moment, she stared at him, then she laughed. “You’re one of those hopeless romantics, right?”

      “Guilty.”

      “And СКАЧАТЬ