The Other Woman's Son. Darlene Gardner

have a relationship with me?”

      She fidgeted, annoyed at herself for reading nuances into the question that weren’t there. He was talking about a business relationship, not a personal one.

      “I realize it would be impossible not to because you own the bar. But we don’t have to be…” She groped for a word. “…friendly.”

      He uncrossed his arms, leaned his strong forearms on the table and looked at her from under long, male eyelashes. “So sitting here like this, talking together, that’s out?”

      She had to clear her throat before she could manage a reply. “Unless it’s about business, yes.”

      “Will you be unfriendly to Darcy, too?”

      “Not if you don’t try to push us together. That’s why I came here today. To get assurances from you that you’ll respect my desire not to get to know her.”

      He expelled an audible breath through his nose. “I can hardly tell my sister she’s not welcome to drop by my bar.”