Read Online In Too Deep (Grayton Series Book 4) by Jill Sanders - Free Book Online Page A

at hiding his emotions. At least not when it came to anger.
    “So, next we’ll need…” He glanced down at his little helper, who rushed over to the cookbook and frowned as he read the recipe.
    “Garlic,” he almost shouted. “Then cheese. We melt the butter over a medium heat.” Reagan looked up at him.
    “Check.” He stirred the melted butter.
    “Then add milk and simmer for five minutes.”
    “Double check.” He nodded his head, urging the kid to continue.
    “Then add the garlic and cheese and whisk it quickly.”
    He rushed back over to the stove with the whisk in his hands.
    “How about I add the cheese and you add the garlic?” He held up the two cups with the allotted amount of each in them.
    “Okay, but I get to whisk. Right?”
    Roman smiled. “If you think you can do it quick enough without spilling.”
    “Course I can.” Reagan smiled up at him. “I’m a master chef.”
    Roman laughed and nodded. “Okay, how about we go on the count of three.”
    He enjoyed watching Reagan’s dark head bent over the pot as he stirred as fast as his little arms could.
    He’d spent most of his adult life helping boys Reagan’s age come out of their shells. The only difference was, Reagan hadn’t been abandoned and abused like he had as a child. Like so many of the kids that came to Spring Haven Home, a business he’d put all of his money and heart into growing.
    How many nights had he lain awake as a boy, wishing that he had a place like that to run to? It wasn’t until he’d almost died that he’d finally escaped the horrors and come to the Grayton’s house. Then, everything had changed.
    “Is it time to add the parsley and noodles?”
    “Hmm,” he said, looking down. “Maybe we should have a small taste test first?”
    Reagan held up a spoon and smiled. When he did, Roman noticed for the first time that one of the kid’s teeth was missing. Chuckling, he bent down. “I’m not sure. With that tooth missing, maybe I should have a taste too.”
    Reagan smiled. “I’ve got another one that’s loose too.” He put his finger into his mouth and wiggled the opposite tooth.
    “Neat.” Roman smiled. “Okay, taste testing in one, two—”
    “Three!” Reagan shouted as he dipped his spoon into the creamy sauce.
    They added the noodles to the sauce, though most of the noodles ended up on the countertop instead of the pan. As he helped Reagan serve the dinner, he thought he saw sadness cross Missy’s eyes.
    She had set the table with mismatched colored plates and had poured herself a tall glass of red wine, which was almost gone by the time she started eating.
    He’d been thankful that she’d had a case of beer in the garage. He had popped the top on one as he cooked and finished it up with the last bites of seconds.
    “So, Reagan tells me that it was his idea to go to the summer reading class,” Roman said, winking at the kid. “And that the class is planning a three-night trip to Disney in a week.”
    Missy’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her son. “I’ve already told Reagan that we just don’t have the money to send him this year.”
    Roman smiled. “Well, that’s where Reagan and I worked out a schedule.”
    Her eyes turned to him and grew even narrower. “A schedule?”
    He nodded, not meeting her eyes. “Sure. Reagan thinks that he’s responsible enough to have a summer job. You know, instead of sitting in the back room of the store after school, he could help out around here. Maybe help stock the shelves, price items, clean up spills.” He tilted his head and glanced at Reagan, who looked like he was holding his breath.
    “Roman.” Missy reached over and took Reagan’s hand. “Reagan and I have already discussed—”
    “Well, sure you have. But that was before I came around. You see, I’d be willing to pitch in some money. You know, maybe take some of it from my pay, since he’d be helping me out some.”
    “How would he be helping you out?” she asked, drinking