Read Online Murphy's Law by Lori Foster - Free Book Online Page B

with bells sewn in at the waistband. Flat flip-flops finished the outfit.
    Quinton found himself smiling. God, she was so adorable.
    As she pushed the noisy vacuum along the hallway, her hips sashayed in time to the music, and he could barely detect the tinkling of the tiny bells on her skirt. He propped a shoulder against the door frame and watched her, waiting for her to get close enough to notice him.
    She wouldn’t expect to see him, but this time he had a legitimate reason for staying over. His uncle joined him in the doorway. “What are you—” He spotted Ashley and stared. “Who in the world is that?”
    â€œAn employee for the building. She cleans during night shift.”
    â€œShe dresses like that to clean?”
    â€œFrom what I’ve been able to deduce, she dresses any way that piques her fancy.” Still grinning, Quinton looked over his shoulder at his uncle. “And she likes color.”
    â€œSo I see.”
    Ashley started to sing along with the music, and Quinton laughed. She had a terrible voice, but she exhibited a lot of enthusiasm.
    â€œGood God. Please don’t tell me she interests you.”
    Quinton’s humor disappeared. “She does, and I trust you’ll keep your opinions on the matter to yourself.”
    â€œBut she’s—”
    Quinton tuned him out. Ashley had just caught sight of them and she went mute. In very precise movements, she yanked off the headphones, turned off the vacuum, and slowly stomped toward him. The jingling of bells accompanied her every step.
    When she was practically nose to nose with him, she stopped. “What,” she demanded, “do you think you’re doing?”
    â€œWatching you dance.” His mouth twitched with humor. “And listening to you sing.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “I won’t blush.”
    Very softly, still amused, he said, “I know.”
    â€œYou should have been gone already. The floor should be empty.”
    He held out his arms. “And yet, here I am.” He grinned. “But acquit me of plotting. It just so happens I had legitimate business tonight that kept me over.”
    Her eyes slanted toward his uncle, and with a tip of her head in his direction, she asked, “Who’s this?”
    â€œWarren Murphy, my uncle.” Quinton put his arm around her waist. “Uncle, this is Ashley Miles.”
    Ashley thrust out her hand. “How’s it going?”
    It infuriated Quinton that his uncle stared at her hand a moment before taking it. “It’s going…well. Thank you. And how are you?”
    â€œBehind schedule, actually—which is your nephew’s fault.”
    â€œHow am I to blame?” Quinton asked.
    â€œI got almost no sleep, thanks to you.”
    Warren puckered up. “I’m sure I don’t need to hear details. If you’ll both excuse me…”
    Ashley did blush then—but with annoyance, not embarrassment. “Oh, no, hey, get your mind out of the gutter. I didn’t mean…that is, we had breakfast. After I finished my shift last night. Or rather this morning. But then I had classes so I didn’t get much of a nap in between…” She halted in mid-sentence. “There wasn’t any hanky-panky going on.”
    Because Warren looked more discomfited by the moment, Quinton pulled Ashley closer and said, “You might as well head on home, Uncle. I’d like to talk to Ashley for a few minutes.”
    â€œWe have more to discuss.”
    â€œNo, we don’t. I told you I’m not interested.” Ashley tried to ease away, but he clamped her a little tighter. Forcing a smile, he said, “Tell Aunt Ivana I appreciate the invite, but I’ll be otherwise engaged.”
    â€œShe expects you there.”
    â€œShe’ll survive the disappointment.”
    Warren aimed a glare of exasperation toward Ashley.
    She crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.