Fool's Gold Collection Part 1: Chasing Perfect / Almost Perfect / Sister of the Bride / Finding Perfect. Susan Mallery
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in our blood.”
“No, it wasn’t a slam dunk. We broke up a few months ago. I found out about the job here and made the move. So this will be the first house I buy myself.”
“You were born to own a home.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re responsible, you want to be settled and you’d look great on a porch swing.” His gaze wandered down her body before returning to her eyes. “In shorts.”
The warmth in her cheeks deepened. “If that was a compliment, then thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Not that you don’t look great tonight. I like the red.”
He put his hand on the small of her back and led her out of the room. She tried not to notice the contact, even when it burned through to her skin.
“By the way, I know of a house coming on the market. It’s in a great part of town. Builtaround 1910, but fully remodeled. The electrical and plumbing have been brought up to code. It’s not huge, but I think you’d like it. I, ah, know the owner and could get the key. Want me to show it to you?”
“Sure.”
She told herself she was only interested in the house, but she knew she was lying. What she was hoping was that in the quiet of an empty house, Josh would try to have his way with her. Not that she would give in, but she was sure looking forward to the discussion.
SATURDAY MORNING CHARITY met Josh at the Starbucks on the corner. She ordered her nonfat latte, then splurged with a couple of pumps of mocha flavoring. Josh stood talking to a couple of women who were obviously trying to convince him of something. She waited until the other women walked off before joining him.
“That was intense,” she said as she followed him outside.
“They want me to open a training camp here in town. A place for kids to take their riding to the next level. There are a few of them in the country.”
She thought about what she knew about his past. “And?”
“It’s an idea.”
“Not one you want to take on?”
“Not today.”
They started down the sidewalk.
“We’re walking?” she asked.
“It’s about a mile. Want to drive?”
“No. I like to walk. Living here will cut down on tire wear and tear.”
They passed a couple of women jogging. They waved at them. Charity saw the woman on the left whisper something to her friend and point. She grimaced.
“We’re a couple, aren’t we?” she asked with a sigh. “I totally forgot about the consequences of people seeing us together.”
“Do you mind the gossip?”
“Not if no one asks for details.”
“They’ll expect you to tell them I’m a god in bed.”
Probably, she thought, grinning. “Are you?”
He raised his eyebrows. “Want references?”
“So you have them?”
“I could get a couple.”
“Thanks, but I’ll wing it if anyone asks.”
“It’s no trouble.”
“I’m sure it isn’t,” she murmured, then sipped her coffee.
A god in bed. If anyone could meet that criterion, she had a feeling it would be Josh. He was a complete and total temptation, but one she planned to resist. He was practically worshipped everywhere he went and she was just a regular person. She’d studied mythology in school. She knew what happened to mere mortals who dared to stray into the realm of gods.
Of course, a couple of days ago, she was hoping he would make a pass at her. When it came to Josh, she simply couldn’t decide if it was better to be good or be bad. Although she knew which option would be more fun.
They crossed the street and walked into a residential neighborhood filled with beautiful old houses. A few had been completely updated, thereby losing their charm, but most retained elements of the original architecture. There were big trees that stretched across the street, touching branches and providing shade. Intricately carved fences surrounded lush gardens. He pointed to a white house with blue-gray trim.
“That’s it.”
She stared at the two-story structure, the wide front porch and big windows. Everything about the house welcomed her.
“I already love it,” she said.
“Wait until you see the inside.”
He pulled a key out of his jeans pocket and unlocked the front door. They stepped into the stillness.
Light spilled in the windows, illuminating the polished hardwood floors. The living room was large, with a fireplace and Craftsman style built-ins. There was a dining room, also with built-in storage and a small library with bookshelves that went up to the ceiling.
Everywhere she looked she spotted amazing details. The baseboards were at least eight inches high and crown molding emphasized the plaster ceiling. In the kitchen, the appliances were refurbished fifties style and blended perfectly with sleek new cabinets and a slate floor. There was an eat-in nook and French doors that led out into the garden.
A lot like Jo’s house, she thought with a happy sigh. Only better.
“I love it,” she said wistfully. “I don’t even have to see the upstairs. It’s beautiful, but I have a feeling it’s out of my price range.”
“I know the owner and he’ll deal.”
“Is there anyone in town you don’t know?”
“There might be a couple of babies I haven’t met yet.”
“Life in a small town,” she said.
“It works.”
She turned in the center of the kitchen, admiring the light fixtures, the original doors, the feeling of home and space.
“You’re not the least bit tempted to buy something like this for yourself?” she asked.
“I like where I live.”
“But it’s a hotel.”
“Exactly. No maintenance, cleaning service is provided and I get a break on pay-per-view movies.”
Because he owned the hotel, she thought, trying to keep her attention on the house rather than the man. She was alone with Josh in a quiet, empty space. If she didn’t keep her mind focused, she was in danger of throwing herself at him and begging to find out if he really was a god in bed.
“Don’t you get tired of the room service menu?”
“They take requests.”
“From you.” She shook her head. “A rock star in a small town. I can’t imagine.”
“It has its benefits.”
“And the downsides?”
His gaze locked with hers. “There are those, too.”
Something stirred deep in her belly. Determined to stay strong, she deliberately switched the conversation. “Still riding alone at night?”
He nodded.
“Have you talked to anyone about what happened? A sports psychologist?”
He glanced away. “When it first happened. I’ve seen the pictures, the TV coverage. I know there was nothing I could have done. But knowing and believing