Read Online 7 Days and 7 Nights by Wendy Wax - Free Book Online Page B

someone else. She could barely think, let alone come up with an appropriately cutting remark. And instead of the elation she expected, she felt only regret . . . and the insistent welling of tears she refused to shed.
    JoBeth placed the empty pie plate down on the counter in front of her. Then she untied her apron and laid it gently on the Formica next to it.
    A dull ache settled around her heart as she faced the man she’d hoped to grow old with, but it was too late now for regrets. She straightened slowly and looked Dawg Rollins straight in the eye—the one not currently covered with crust.
    With a small smile and an apologetic shrug, she pulled her order pad from her pocket and passed it over to Emmylou. She didn’t think she’d have any trouble getting the rest of the afternoon off.
    â€œI’m sure Em’ll clean you up, Dawg. And I’ll take care of your tab.” She paused for a second to survey the damage she’d done before offering her parting shot. “But it looks like dessert’s on you.”

7
    Matt wiped steam from the bathroom mirror. Still humming the tune he couldn’t seem to push out of his head, he lathered his face and then shaved in time to the mental beat. A slash of deodorant, a splash of aftershave, and he was set.
    With the towel tucked around his hips, he left the steamy warmth of the bathroom. From the hallway he spotted Olivia behind the kitchen counter, knife aloft, and spent a moment or two imagining just what sort of meal she might be making with the provisions she’d laid in.
    Olivia kept her head down and her gaze on the counter, but the stiffness of her shoulders and the rigid tilt of her head revealed her awareness of him. He almost felt sorry for her, trapped as she was with a man who knew just how much heat simmered beneath her cool facade.
    A gentleman would allow her to pretend indifference. But no one had ever accused him of being a gentleman.
    In his bedroom he dropped the towel and dressed quickly, then padded, barefoot, out to the living room.
    Olivia looked up from her seat at the kitchen table.
    â€œWhat’re you eating?”
    Olivia stopped in mid chew. He waited patiently while she swallowed and then took a sip of her Diet Coke. She dabbed delicately at the corner of her mouth with her napkin, as if she were dining in a five-star establishment.
    â€œPeanut butter and jelly. I made an extra sandwich if you’re hungry.”
    â€œThat’s what you’re having for dinner?”
    â€œUm-hmm.”
    â€œPeanut butter and jelly.”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œFor dinner.”
    â€œYep.” She dropped the last bite into her mouth, chewed it thoroughly, and swallowed. “Is this a problem for you?”
    â€œNo. I’ve just never met anyone over the age of ten who would consider that an actual meal.”
    â€œAnd I suppose you’re a connoisseur?”
    â€œWell, I know the difference between PB&J and . . . dinner. But if your taste buds are willing to settle, who am I to criticize?”
    â€œWho indeed?”
    â€œSo is this what you eat every night, or are Monday nights special?”
    â€œWhat are you, the food police?” She dabbed once more at her mouth and then got up to throw her napkin away, erasing all evidence of her meal.
    Matt shrugged. “I’d just hate to see you waste away on my watch.”
    Olivia went to the pantry and pulled out a bag of chocolate chip cookies. He watched as she removed one cylinder, opened the plastic casing, and took out three cookies. Replacing the bag, she moved over to the counter, munching happily. “I’m hardly wasting away. And I’m sure even you have heard of comfort food. Lots of people like to eat foods that remind them of their childhoods.”
    â€œNot me. I prefer my comforts grown-up. And without chocolate bits.” He leered at her—just in case she hadn’t caught his meaning.
    She bit