Read Online Her Mother's Daughter by Lesley Crewe - Free Book Online Page A

When she turned it off and opened the door, he held out his hand to help her out.
    â€œThank you.”
    They walked out together and he pulled the garage door down and locked it. He opened the truck door for her. “I’m afraid it’s not very clean.”
    â€œThat’s okay. Don’t worry about me.”
    He helped her in and shut it behind her. When he sat behind the wheel, he turned to her. “Before we go, I need to ask you something.”
    Tansy crossed her bare legs. “Ask me anything you like.”
    â€œAre you with me because you like slumming it?”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œA woman like you doesn’t go with a guy like me unless she’s into having an adventure she can laugh about with her friends over lunch.”
    Tansy smiled. “You’re not stupid, are you, Dermot?”
    â€œNo, I’m not.”
    â€œBelieve me. I won’t be telling anyone about this. My family wouldn’t approve.”
    â€œOf me, in particular?”
    â€œNot at all, but they live in a Betty Crocker world.”
    â€œAnd what world do you live in?”
    â€œMadonna.”
    Dermot laughed. “Looks like I’m in for a wild ride.”
    â€œThat’s a promise.”
    They spent the evening in Sydney, going to a few clubs, but it was obvious to Tansy that Dermot was extremely uncomfortable in places where there was loud music and dancing. She tried to get him up on the dance floor, but he begged off. When he looked at his watch, she said, “Let’s get out of here.”
    They talked easily all the way back to Louisbourg. When they neared the garage, she turned to him. “Take me home with you.”
    Dermot stared straight ahead, but the truck got slower and slower.
    She held her breath and waited.
    When they passed the garage she smiled. Without a word between them he drove into his yard and they got out of the truck. He preceded her up the back steps.
    â€œThis is a lovely old house.” She took in the old porch and peeling paint. “You should fix it up a little.”
    â€œI work a lot.” He opened the door and went through ahead of her. He turned on the kitchen light and she saw that his dishes from breakfast were still on the table.
    â€œYou need a wife.”
    â€œI know.”
    Dermot threw his keys on the counter and put his hands in his back pockets. He looked everywhere but at her. She placed her purse on the table and walked over to him. She put her arms around his neck and made him look at her.
    â€œI don’t bite, you know.”
    He looked away. “It’s not that. It’s just…”
    â€œIf you don’t want to, that’s fine. I’m not going to beg.”
    He looked at her then. “I need to explain something.”
    She pulled her arms away. “Go ahead.”
    Dermot gave a big sigh. “I’m in love with someone.”
    â€œA girlfriend?”
    â€œNo. A friend.”
    â€œAnd she doesn’t know this?”
    â€œYes, she does, but she’s…”
    â€œâ€¦a fool.”
    Dermot shook his head. “She’s no fool. She’s lost at the moment.”
    Now it was Tansy’s turn to sigh. She turned away from him and walked aimlessly around the room, as if to gather her thoughts. Then she stood in front of him and took his hands.
    â€œDermot, I can tell you this in all honesty. I don’t want your heart. I gave mine away a long time ago, so keep your heart for your friend. No one will know about this. It’s you and me and something we can share to keep the night at bay. I’m lonely and I think you’re lonely too. You’re not betraying her. I want your body, that’s all.”
    She put her arms back around his neck. “Now be very quiet and let me kiss you.” She pulled his head towards hers and almost touched his mouth but not quite. Her lips opened and she waited. He groaned and kissed her. A shock of electricity