Page 21 of Just One More Temptation

“And what do you plan to study?”

“Social work.”

“Admirable,” he said, and continued on with his questions, noting that somehow she seemed to move her chair closer to his as time went on.

“Tell me about your cooking skills? As you know, the girls will need breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Although he planned on trying to be home for the latter meal and spending the evening with them, including making their dinners, he still wanted answers. In case he needed to work late.

She tucked her brown hair behind her ear and leaned in, one elbow on the table, those ample breasts too close for comfort. “I’m a good cook. I can make sure you have everything you need meal-wise, as well as the children. I don’t mind taking care of all ofyou.” Her emphasis was on the last word and she fluttered her heavily mascaraed eyelashes.

And he was ready to call this one a bust. No pun intended.

“I’m concerned with the girls, not myself, Ms. Jones.” His tone left no room for misinterpretation. He wasn’t interested in anything she had to offer him.

“That’s a pity because I’m so eager to be all things to everyone. Including you. I did my research on you too, Mr. Powers, and that’s why I was hoping we could turn this into a live-in position.” She slid her hand over his, the unwelcome gesture taking him off guard.

Before he could pull his hand away, he felt the heat of someone’s stare. The sense he was being watched. He glanced up to see Fallon had walked into the diner, an older woman by her side. Her gaze dropped to where Annie’s hand was on his. He jerked free but the hurt in Fallon’s eyes told him the damage had been done. She averted her gaze and escorted her companion to the free table the hostess had shown them.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Jones. This won’t work out. Excuse me.”

“But—”

He tossed money on the table to compensate the waiter for the time he’d taken and rose to his feet. Fallon sat in a booth across from the elegant woman whose cane rested against the bench.

Steeling himself, he strode over to them. She steadfastly stared straight ahead, ignoring him, though she must know damn well he was there.

“Good afternoon, ladies.”

“Hello to you,” the woman with Fallon said. “Well, isn’t he a sight for these aging eyes?”

“Behave, Clara.” Fallon’s lips curved into an unwilling smile.

“Clara Morganville,” she said, ignoring Fallon and putting out her weathered hand.

He took it and clasped it gently in his. “Noah Powers,” he said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you in person. I’ve heard so much about you from Fallon.” Who still wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“Aah, but I can’t say the same. That’s something we need to rectify.”

He liked her already. “Would it be okay if I borrowed Fallon for a few minutes? I need to speak with her.”

“Actually, I need to go powder my nose.”

Fallon narrowed her gaze. “Your nose looks fine to me. But if you need to, I want to make sure you’re steady. I’ll go with you.”

“I’m feeling a little better.”

Noah took a better look at Clara, taking in her grayish pallor, understanding Fallon’s concern for her boss.

“I know I can make it to the restroom in the back. You two talk.” Clara pushed her way out of the booth and Noah took her hand again and helped her to her feet, then handed her the cane.

She slowly made her way to the back of the diner, Fallon watching her with a steady gaze until she disappeared from sight. He waited for that moment and slid into Clara’s side of the booth.

Fallon had picked up a menu and was studying it in silence.

“Hey. It’s not what it looked like. I’m going to go out on a limb and say you know it, too.” He tapped the top of the menu until she lowered it, revealing her face. Her beautiful eyes held a hint of sadness, and there was no normal Fallon cheerfulness that he enjoyed.

She swallowed hard. “We aren’t in a relationship, Noah. Whatever you do… or don’t do isn’t my business.”

“And yet you walked in here, saw me with a young woman, and were hurt. Sounds like that makes what was happening your business.”

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