A Decent Proposal Read Free Page A

fast.”
    â€œThat’s right. You’re a mom now.” He grinned. “Motherhood agrees with you. How old is...” He didn’t know the child’s name and shrugged apologetically.
    â€œAmanda—Ben and I call her Mandy. She’s fifteen months. You have to meet her while you’re here.”
    â€œI’d like that—”
    A flash of red coming around the corner caught his eye and he did a double take. The blazer belonged to Sydney McKnight and she wore it over a white silk blouse tucked into jeans that fit her like a second skin. High heels made her legs look a lot longer than he knew they were. She was pretty in her work clothes and stunning in the sophisticated outfit.
    Camille followed his gaze. “Ah, my sister-in-law. Wow, she really cleans up well. But then she always dresses like a fashion model when she’s not at the garage. She looks fabulous.”
    Burke had noticed. Earlier her hair had been pulled into a sassy ponytail but now it fell like dark silk past her shoulders. Layers framed her small face and highlighted her big, brown eyes. She could be in
Car
and
Driver
magazine or grace the cover of
Glamour
or
Cosmopolitan
.
    Sydney saw the two of them and looked surprised for a moment before heading in their direction. She stopped in front of them.
    â€œCam, it’s nice to see you.” She leaned in for a quick hug. Then she looked at him. “So, you’ve met my sister-in-law?”
    â€œActually we’ve known each other for years,” he explained. “As a matter of fact, the Hallidays have invested in my resort.”
    Sydney blinked. “You own the development company?”
    â€œWith my cousin, yes.” Her surprised expression was genuine. “Why?”
    â€œYou just said your company owned the land.”
    â€œWe do,” he said.
    â€œI just thought you were on the payroll, not the guy who signed the paychecks for everyone.” Syd glanced at Cam, who nodded a confirmation. “Be sure to share with my father that you know this guy. He had your back today.”
    â€œOh?” Cam said.
    â€œThat’s right,” Burke agreed. “I brought my car into the garage for an oil change and he gave me the third degree about the new project followed by a subtle warning that it better not put the lodge out of business.”
    â€œI’ll be sure and tell Tom not to worry. He’s so thoughtful. I’m so happy he finally found someone, and the mayor is a good woman.” Cam looked first at Burke, then her gaze rested on Sydney. “Is this a coincidence you two meeting here?”
    Sydney dangled a ring of keys on the end of her finger. “Like Burke said, he brought his car in for an oil change and I’m delivering it now.”
    â€œAnd I appreciate the service.”
    â€œHappy to oblige.”
    â€œSo everyone is happy.” Cam grinned at both of them then released a regretful sigh as she checked the watch on her wrist. “I’d love to stay and chat but I really need to get home to Ben and the baby.”
    â€œGive them both a hug for me,” Sydney said.
    â€œI will.” She looked at Burke. “We’ll put a date on the calendar soon for dinner so you can meet my husband and Mandy.”
    â€œI look forward to it,” he said.
    Cam smiled, then turned and walked out of the bar, leaving him alone with Sydney. Their gazes locked and he felt something squeeze tight inside him. He wasn’t sure what it meant but knew she’d completed her errand and would leave if he didn’t come up with a reason for her to stay. And he really wanted her to stay.
    â€œCan I buy you a drink?” he asked. “It’s the least I can do. What with you going out of your way to bring my car back here to the lodge.”
    â€œI’d like that.” She gracefully slid onto the bar stool beside his. Without hesitation she said, “Chardonnay, please.”
    Burke