Read Online Pictures of You by Barbara Delinsky - Free Book Online Page A

Maria, and she was curious to see the extent of his custodial ability. It seemed that his offer of more coffee had indeed been a formality, for he adeptly washed all of the cups, leaving them to drain dry at the side of the sink. Eva was already feeling the stimulating effect of the espresso, so she would have refused more given the chance. Now, as she watched him finish his cleanup of the kitchen, she felt her annoyance melt away, to be replaced by faint amusement at this unexpected touch of domesticity.

    â€œDo I entertain you?” he spoke, glimpsing Eva’s expression. “It seems to be becoming a habit of mine,” this last in reference to the moment earlier that evening when she had similarly smiled at his actions. Eva chose to ignore the implication.
    â€œI enjoy seeing a man who can handle so-called woman’s work. Most men I know would have broken half the dishes before they ever reached the sink, let alone gotten them clean as you have,” she replied, gaining confidence as she talked to this man whose presence vaguely intimidated her.
    He gave a sideways nod, lifting one eyebrow as he did. “If that was meant to be a compliment, I thank you. But then, I’m not like most men you know, am I?” The gently teasing tone that now entered the conversation excited Eva, despite silent protestations in the back of her mind. Was it the caffeine or this other source of stimulation that was responsible for the trembling of her innards, she wondered.
    â€œNo, you’re not,” she conceded. But how could he have known that? Could he have sensed the awakening flames within her at his very glance? Or had something of the surprise and even fear she had felt at her own outpouring of passion in his arms given her away? “But then, I really know nothing about you,” she went on, attempting to cover herself. As much as she wanted to protect herself from him, Eva felt herself drawn inexorably toward him like a moth to a flame.
    Roberto’s stance, as he leaned back against the sink, shaggy-haired forearms piggybacked on his chest, was relaxed, compatible with the conversation. He seemed to have mellowed in her presence also, to the point even of enjoying her company. The strange surge of affection she felt as she faced him thus frightened her. Determined to blanket herself in some less personal
direction, she ventured, “How did you meet the others? Are they business contacts, as was my husband?” The change of subject, and particularly the mention of Stu, had its desired effect. Roberto’s expression became more serious and impersonal.
    â€œJacques and I met last year at a conference in Paris. He was one of the keynote speakers; we spent quite a bit of time talking. Pierre is Jacques’s friend. I’ve never met him before.”
    â€œPierre makes me very uncomfortable. He seems so angry and bitter. I wonder why?” she thought aloud, half regretting her forwardness, half hoping that Roberto might have some explanation to alleviate her nagging uneasiness in Pierre’s presence.
    â€œJacques mentioned something about an unhappy marriage. Relax … I doubt you have anything to fear from Pierre.” Again the smirk.
    â€œI’m sure,” she retorted, annoyed at the transparency of her feelings. Moving to safer ground, she went on. “What about Tom and Paul. How do you know them? Certainly they’re not business associates!”
    â€œThey go to school in Boston. I happen to spend a good deal of time there.” A slight evasiveness had crept into this response. “Do you like them?” His interest seemed to be genuine.
    â€œThey’re terrific. Tom is quite a character. What a great sense of humor. Paul could probably become a best friend … if I lived in Boston,” she responded enthusiastically. This last brought an even deeper grin to Roberto’s face, altering his jaw line enough to jolt Eva by its familiarity.