The Stranger's Sin. Darlene Gardner

stranger.

      “I’m sorry,” she said. “I wasn’t thinking. Of course you don’t want to leave Toby with me.”

      “That’s not—”

      “I should apologize for sending your neighbor home last night,” she interrupted. “But she was so tired she couldn’t keep her eyes open, and she needs to get up early with her youngest. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

      “I didn’t,” he said.

      “Of course we’re nearly strangers and…” She trailed off as his denial penetrated her brain. “Do you mean that? Were you really okay with me sending your neighbor home last night?”

      “Yes,” he said. “I’m okay with you staying with Toby now, too. I just don’t want to take advantage of you.”

      “You wouldn’t be,” she refuted. “Really. I’d like to stay with him.”

      “Are you sure?”

      “If you are.”

      He picked up his car keys, kissed Toby on top of the head and grinned at her. “Of course I’m sure. What did you think? That I’d be afraid you’d run off with him?”

      “No,” she managed to choke out, imagining how he’d react if he knew the charges she was facing. “Of course not.”

      “If you want, leave the necklace and I’ll see Mandy gets it when I find her,” he said. “I’ve gotta run. How ’bout you? Are you going back to New York today?”

      “I, uh, haven’t decided.” She hadn’t found out all she could about Mandy, but launching an interrogation when he’d apparently abandoned his didn’t seem wise.

      “Help yourself to coffee and whatever’s in the refrigerator,” he called.

      He was halfway out of the kitchen before he hesitated, turned around and retraced his steps, not stopping until he stood directly in front of her. She tipped her chin, her gaze focusing on his mouth. His lips were lush, a tantalizing contrast to his masculine features. Her breath caught and for a crazy moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. But then he stuck out a hand.

      She took it, and a bizarre sensation hit her like tiny fingers dancing over her skin.

      “I’m sorry about all those questions last night,” he said. “If I don’t see you again, thanks. For everything.”

      He was dismissing her, she realized. He held on to her hand for a few moments longer. Or maybe she was the one doing the holding. Then he let go and she felt…bereft. And guilty as hell for convincing him she’d told the truth about Mandy.

      When he was gone, she attached the suction toy she found on the kitchen table to Toby’s high chair, taking in his oatmeal breath and the lingering smell of baby powder.

      “What do you think, Toby?” she asked him while he played with the colorful toy’s spinning, sliding, blinking shapes. “Am I a terrible person? And did you see me almost drool when he shook my hand? I mean, he’s hot, but really.”

      “I don’t think you’re a terrible person because you think my son’s hot.” Charlie Bradford said, grinning at her from under the archway that led to the kitchen.