Chapter Five

It never occurred to her that he might be embarrassed when he found out. "Well, I've had enough sympathy in the last few weeks. Maybe what I needed was someone to kick me to my feet. I feel much better now."

He looked up and studied her face intently for a moment. Finally he took the cup of coffee from her hand and nodded. "So what are your plans now?"

She repositioned the photo standing up. "I'll get a summer job and start collage in the fall like my parents wanted me to do."

The topaz gaze was intense as he sipped the hot liquid. "What kind of job are you looking for?"

She made a face. "When you're only going to work for the summer, you can't be too picky. There are a zillion fast food restaurants around here. I also have an offer to work at the law office where I worked last summer. The pay isn't that great, but its clean work with reasonable hours."

For a moment he stared into his coffee. Without taking his eyes from it, he finally spoke. "You've got a better summer job, if you'll accept."

He was full of surprises. She stared at him. "Doing what?"

His gaze lifted to hers. "I need someone to take care of Tammy and help Mom with the house and garden."