Read Online Confidential: Expecting! by Jackie Braun - Free Book Online Page A

something.”
    “Yes. You’re very insightful, especially when it comes to understanding women and what we need from the men in our lives,” Anita chimed in.
    Darin wasn’t the only one who looked irritated now. A muscle had begun to twitch in Victor’s jaw. It was clear neither man appreciated the attention Logan was receiving. Mallory wasn’t thrilled with it, either.
    “I’m glad you found something I’ve said to be of help,” he replied modestly.
    Far from basking in the women’s profuse praise, Logan shifted uncomfortably in his seat. And no wonder, given his personal history, Mallory thought. If he’d written the manual on relationships, as Anitaclaimed, he wouldn’t have been blind-sided by his fiancée’s infidelity and virtually left at the altar.
    Mallory decided it was time to steer the conversation to a neutral topic.
    “So, how ’bout those White Sox last night?” she said, earning black looks from the women and a sneer from Darin, who was obviously a Cubs fan.
    Logan, however, latched on to the new subject. “Did you see that play at third base in the bottom of the seventh inning?”
    Because she could tell that all of his enthusiasm wasn’t manufactured, Mallory grinned. A Sox man. Who knew? Another reason to like him.
    “See it? I screamed so loud I woke up half my building. Detroit thought they had the game sewed up till that play, then our boys rallied,” she said with the kind of pride only other diehard fans could understand.
    Victor apparently was one of them. Either that or he was just eager to talk about something other than relationships. He began rattling off the standings for the teams in the American League Central. Darin entered the discussion a moment later and for the next several minutes a spirited debate on the designated-hitter rule ensued. Anita and Julia didn’t look all that pleased that sports were now dominating the conversation, but they began to chat between themselves about Julia’s upcoming wedding, so all was well. Beneath the table, Mallory felt Logan’s hand brush her knee. When she glanced over, he mouthed the word “Thanks.”
    “No problem,” she mouthed back.
    Several minutes later, Buck Warren, the head of the charity, took to the podium to welcome everyone and thank them for coming. He also made a not-so-subtle request for donations with the reminder that such gifts were tax deductible. Afterward, dinner was served. No rubber chicken, thank goodness, but Mallory couldn’t help thinking the pork tenderloin was on the dry side and the steamed green beans were undercooked.
    “They should hire you,” she informed Logan after washing down a bite of the tenderloin with some wine.
    He shrugged off the compliment. “It’s easier to cook dinner for two than it is for two hundred.”
    “True. I wonder what the dessert will be. I hope it’s chocolate.”
    He leaned over and whispered, “In the mood for a little decadence tonight?”
    “As a matter of fact…” Heat shimmied up her spine as she returned his smile.
    Dessert turned out to be apple pie with a side of vanilla ice cream that came largely melted.
    “How disappointed are you?” Logan asked.
    “Very.” But something occurred to her then. “You know, this might be a good time to claim my rain check.”
    “You want me to make you dessert?”
    She nodded. “Something with a sinful amount of chocolate in it. What do you say?”
    “And leave before the dancing even starts?” He looked comically appalled.
    Chocolate was momentarily forgotten. “You dance?”
    “Slow only. I made a point of learning how in junior high school when I figured out it was a good excuse to put my arms around a girl without getting smacked for my trouble.”
    “Very calculating.” But she laughed. “Well, we have to stay now.”
    “Eager to be in my arms?”
    Though she was, she said, “I’m more eager to find out how good you are.” When his brows rose, Mallory added dryly, “At dancing.”
    A local band