Read Online Always the Best Man by Michelle Major - Free Book Online

full day somewhere. The entire space had been transformed. The reception desk was clear other than the papers stacked neatly to one side. The wood furniture in the waiting area had been polished, and the top of the coffee table held a selection of magazines. There was even a plant—one that was green and healthy—on the end table next to the row of chairs where clients waited.
    He caught the faint scent of lemon mixed with the richer smell of fresh coffee. His office hadn’t looked this good in all the years he’d been here. There was a freshness to the space, as if it had been aired out like a favorite quilt.
    He was still taking it all in when Emily appeared from the hallway.
    â€œI hope you don’t mind,” she said, almost shyly. “I started cleaning up before we talked about how you wanted it done.”
    He rubbed a hand over his jaw, realizing in his haste to be on time he’d forgotten to shave this morning. “I didn’t even know it needed to be done. Are you some kind of a witch who can wiggle her nose and make things happen?” He shook his head. “Because I’m five minutes late and what you’ve done here looks like it took hours.” He glanced at the closed door to his office.
    â€œI didn’t touch anything in there. Yet.” She reached behind her and shook out her loose bun, blond hair falling over her shoulders. Jase was momentarily mesmerized, but then she gathered the strands and refastened the bun. “I came in early,” she told him, moving to stand behind the receptionist’s desk.
    â€œHow early?”
    She moved the stack of papers from one side of the desk to the other before meeting his gaze. “Around five thirty.”
    â€œIn the morning?” he choked out. “Why were you awake at that time?”
    â€œI don’t sleep much,” she said with a shrug. “I’ve gone through the filing system Donna set up and think I understand how it works. We need to talk about how you record billable hours.”
    He stepped close enough to the desk that his thighs brushed the dark wood. “We need to talk about you not sleeping. How often does that happen?”
    â€œA few times a week,” she said quietly. “It’s no big deal.”
    â€œHow many times is a few?”
    Her mouth pressed into a thin line. “Why do you care, Jase?”
    â€œHow many?”
    â€œMost nights,” she answered through clenched teeth. “My doctor in Boston gave me a prescription for pills to help, but I haven’t refilled it since I’ve been back. Davey had trouble adjusting when we first got here, and I wanted to hear him if he needed me.”
    â€œAnd now?”
    She shrugged. “I watch him sleep. He’s so peaceful, and it makes me happy. This morning my mom’s schedule allowed her to watch him for me when he woke up, so I came into the office to get a few things done.” She looked up at him, her gaze wary. He noticed something more now, the shadows under her eyes and the tension bracketing her mouth. It didn’t lessen her beauty or her effect on him, but he kicked himself that he hadn’t seen it before. This woman was exhausted.
    â€œYou didn’t have to do this,” he said, gesturing to the shiny clean space. “But I’m glad you did.”
    She rewarded him with a small smile. “It was a pit in here, Jase. It’s like you don’t even care.”
    â€œI do care,” he argued. “I care about my clients and this town. So what if the office isn’t spotless?”
    â€œYou’re a business owner and you’re running for mayor. People have expectations.”
    He choked out a laugh. “Tell me about it.” He didn’t mind taking grief from her because the brightness had returned to her gaze. The Emily he remembered from high school had been so sure of herself and her place in this world. She’d held on to that