Read Online Local Hero by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online

controlled.”
    â€œIt’s here, believe me. I didn’t ask if you wanted anything in the coffee, so I brought it black.”
    â€œBlack’s fine. This table—it’s Queen Anne, isn’t it?”
    â€œYeah.” Mitch set his bare feet on it, then crossed them at the ankles. “You’ve got a good eye.”
    â€œOne would have to under the circumstances.” Because he laughed, she smiled as she took her first sip. “I’ve always loved antiques. I suppose it’s the endurance. Not many things last.”
    â€œSure they do. I once had a cold that lasted six weeks.” He settled back as she laughed. “When you do that, you get a dimple at the corner of your mouth. Cute.”
    Hester was immediately self-conscious again. “You have a very natural way with children. Did you come from a large family?”
    â€œNo. Only child.” He continued to study her, curious about her reaction to the most casual of compliments.
    â€œReally? I wouldn’t have guessed it.”
    â€œDon’t tell me you’re of the school who believes only a woman can relate to children?”
    â€œNo, not really,” she hedged, because that had been her experience thus far. “It’s just that you’re particularly good with them. No children of your own?” The question came out quickly, amazing and embarrassing her.
    â€œNo. I guess I’ve been too busy being a kid myself to think about raising any.”
    â€œThat hardly makes you unusual,” she said coolly.
    He tilted his head as he studied her. “Tossing me in with Rad’s father, Hester?”
    Something flashed in her eyes. Mitch shook his head as he sipped again. “Damn, Hester, what did the bastard do to you?” She froze instantly. Mitch was quicker. Even as she started to rise, he put a restraining hand on her arm. “Okay, hands off that one until you’re ready. I apologize if I hit a sore spot, but I’m curious. I’ve spent a couple of evenings with Rad now, and he’s never mentioned his father.”
    â€œI’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t ask him any questions.”
    â€œFine.” Mitch was capable of being just as snotty. “I didn’t intend to grill the kid.”
    Hester was tempted to get up and excuse herself. That would be the easiest way. But the fact was that she was trusting her son to this man every afternoon. She supposed it would be best if he had some background.
    â€œRad hasn’t seen his father in almost seven years.”
    â€œAt all?” He couldn’t help his surprise. His own family had been undemonstrative and distant, but he never went more than a year without seeing his parents. “Must be rough on the kid.”
    â€œThey were never close. I think Radley’s adjusted very well.”
    â€œHold on. I wasn’t criticizing you.” He’d placed his hand over hers again, too firmly to be shaken off. “I know a happy, well-loved boy when I see one. You’d walk through fire for him. Maybe you don’t think it shows, but it does.”
    â€œThere’s nothing that’s more important to me than Radley.” She wanted to relax again, but he was sitting too close, and his hand was still on hers. “I only told you this so that you wouldn’t ask him questions that might upset him.”
    â€œDoes that sort of thing happen often?”
    â€œSometimes.” His fingers were linked with hers now. She couldn’t quite figure out how he’d managed it. “A new friend, a new teacher. I really should go.”
    â€œHow about you?” He touched her cheek gently and turned her face toward him. “How have you adjusted?”
    â€œJust fine. I have Rad and my work.”
    â€œAnd no relationships?”
    She wasn’t sure if it was embarrassment or anger, but the sensation was very strong. “That’s none of your