Page 41 of An Unexpected Match

“Something like that. I know you like order and neatness and I didn’t want to get on your bad side,” she said with a grin.

He laughed.

“Right. I don’t think so. Something tells me you’re afraid of very little.”

“Hold that thought. Why are you home so early? I haven’t even started dinner.”

Brendan slipped his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

“I’m the boss, so I decided I could take time off if I wanted.”

He had no intention of telling her the real reason that he’d been impatient to see her again.

“Want to go out for pizza tonight?” he asked.

It was a treat Hailey especially loved. He knew that his explanation for asking her to his business event last night seemed flimsy. He was glad she hadn’t pushed for a stronger reason.

Like an explanation for that strong physical attraction, a voice whispered. He clamped down on the thought.

“I’ll change and we can head out,” he said.

“Don’t feel you need to include me. If you want to take the girls out, do it. I can get something for myself.”

She headed for the kitchen, one hand balancing the water cups, the other holding the damp rag and two brushes, with the folded newspapers held beneath one elbow.

“I want all of us to go. I wouldn’t have invited you if I’d only wanted it to be the girls and me.”

For a moment, he wondered if she’d refuse. The terms of the job were such that if he were home, she was no longer on duty.

Perhaps she’d rather not eat with them.

“Then I’ll get the girls ready. Thanks.”

She smiled almost shyly and disappeared into the kitchen.

Brendan remained standing in the hall, his gaze moving back to the mural. He refused to analyze the feeling her smile engendered. Focusing on the positive aspects, he was glad to have her here with his daughters. He like the way she was expanding things, like the painting they seemed to love.

He was intrigued by her. She seemed carefree and flighty sometimes, yet showed great patience with his children. And her devotion was obvious, even after so short a time. She hadn’t come with the background he wanted, but she suited.

More than he’d expected.

Frowning at that thought, he headed for his room.

He and Arden could enjoy a business relationship that let them share things like a night out for pizza with his daughters. He’d do the same with any woman who was watching his children.

And the kisses?

Chapter Ten

The pizza parlor was crowded. Teenagers chatted in groups and couples laughed and called to each other. Young parents chased after children or sent the older ones with quarters to the video room. Here and there, an older couple ate quietly, watching all the activity in bemused fascination.

The aroma was savory. The noise was loud. The commotion was total confusion.

From the smiles on everyone’s face, it was perfect.

They ordered a large cheese pizza and soft drinks, and Brendan found a table near the rear. As soon as they were settled, Hailey wanted to go play the video games.

“Can she really play them?” Arden asked in surprise.

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