Wait for Me Read Free Page B

abusive parents have children and people like me, don’t?
    The manager led the injured teenager to his office in the back.
    Maybe I should just adopt a child. They need someone to love them. And I wouldn’t have to deal with stinky diapers.
    She drummed her fingers on the table.
    But I will have to deal with their problems. What if I’m unable to love an adopted child? Would it be easier to love my own? Does this make me a terrible mother?
    A distinctive sizzle pulled her away from her thoughts.
    Mmm. Garlic lime shrimp grilled on an open fire.
    Her mouth watered. The waitress set down her plate. Steam wafted off bright green broccoli and a pat of butter melted on her mashed potatoes.
    “You need anything else, Hon’?” the waitress asked.
    “No thanks,” she replied, picking up her fork.
    She crossed off the first item on her mental list. She had a beautiful home. Her next goal was to fill it with love.
    Adopt or IVF? Or throw caution to the wind and accept Sanjay’s offer?
     

Chapter Three
     
    Who’s that?
    Tom stood by his window, peering at his new neighbor.
    Snug blue jeans hugged generous curves while a plain white shirt hung loosely on her frame, hiding the rest of her charms. His eyes flicked toward her house. Nothing moved.
    Is the rest of her body as tanned as her arms?
    He took off his shirt then jogged over to his neighbor.
    “Hi, I’m Tom, your neighbor. Need some help?”
    She glanced up. Coffee-brown eyes roved over his body, lingering on his bare chest before moving up to meet his eyes.
    He smirked at the spark of desire in her eyes.
    “No thanks,” she replied.
    The spark of desire vanished, leaving him momentarily confused.
    She fiddled with the lawn mower.
    He dropped to his knees beside her.
    She pulled out a long vine, freeing the blades.
    “It’s a hot day. I’m surprised your husband isn’t out here mowing the lawn.”
    “I’m not married,” she replied.
    She stood and dusted off dirt and twigs from her knees.
    “If your boyfriend doesn’t mind, I’ll be happy to mow your lawn for you,” he offered.
    “No boyfriend, either. I’m Anjali,” she replied, offering her hand.
    He shook her hand.
    “Do you have a lawn mowing business?” she asked.
    Tom chuckled.
    “No, I just like to offer my services to pretty ladies.”
    He flashed her his sexiest smile. She blushed and turned away, pretending to study her backyard.
    I must be losing my touch.
    “I appreciate your offer, Tom, but I think I can handle mowing my lawn.”
    “What about your nose?” he blurted out.
    “My nose?” She touched her nose. “What’s wrong with my nose?” she asked, a little defensively.
    “Nothing. You have a cute nose. I just meant—sunburn. You don’t want to get a sunburn.”
    “I’ll be fine. One of the benefits of having brown skin. Less likely to get sunburn.” Her eyes drifted to his chest again. “You should probably put on your shirt.”
    He glanced down at his muscular abs.
    She wants me to cover my chest? I thought women liked looking at my bare chest.
    “ So you don’t get sunburn,” she added. “Your pale skin will burn easily under this hot sun.”
    He nodded silently. She pulled the cord. With a loud roar, the lawn mower started and she pushed it along her yard.
    What the fuck just happened here?
    He ran his fingers through his hair.
    How can she possibly resist me?
    He sniffed his arm pits.
    Just deodorant. Maybe she doesn’t like my cologne?
    “Tommy!” a familiar voice called. He closed his eyes and swore.
    Just what I need.
    He took a deep breath and forced himself to turn around.
    Janice stood on his front porch, waiting for him.
    Tossing his shirt over one shoulder, he walked slowly back to his front porch.
    “Janice. I’ve told you before. I prefer Tom or Thomas,” he replied tersely.
    Janice bit her bottom lip. Her eyes caressed his chest and dipped down to the front of his jeans.
    I should have taken Anjali’s advice and put on my shirt.
    The wind