Read Online Raw by Jo Davis - Free Book Online Page B

frame.
    â€œYour place is beautiful,” Margaret said thoughtfully. Then she smiled. “Care to show me the rest?”
    Pleased, she gave her mother a short tour. “It’s not that big, but it’s a prime location. I was lucky to find a place so close to the restaurant.”
    â€œI’ll bet.” For the next few minutes, Margaret oohed and aahed
over the furnishings, the layout, and Anna’s small touches. She met Sterling as well and was instantly charmed by the small ball of fuzz. When they were done, Anna led them to the living room, where they sat on the sofa to catch up before Gray came to get them for dinner.
    â€œSo, tell me more about this man of yours,” her mother insisted. “He must be special if he’s taking
both
of us out.”
    â€œHe is special.” She couldn’t keep the enthusiasm out of her voice. “I really like him, Mom. He makes me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time.”
    â€œLove?”
    The word caused a shiver, and not in a bad way. “Maybe. It’s soon, but who knows? He’s exciting, and so sexy.”
    â€œDoes he treat you right?”
    â€œYes, he does. And he walks me home every night after work.” At her mother’s curious look, she added, “He’s one of my prep chefs.”
    Surprise morphed on the other woman’s face, then she hooted with laughter. “Hot damn! He’s exciting, sexy, and you’re the boss of him, so to speak. The best of both worlds.”
    â€œTrue, but he’s no pushover. Wait until you meet him.”
    â€œI’ll do that.”
    â€œWhat about you? Dating anyone?”
    Her mother was still a pretty lady. Though she was smaller in stature than Anna, it was from her that Anna had inherited her brunet hair, brown eyes, and general facial features. She wore her hair shorter than her daughter, cropped at the collar and feathered in a flattering style around her face.
    Her mother flushed. “Nobody special. I’ve been to dinner a couple of times with a man from church, but it’s not serious.”
    Anna gaped at her. “Which is why you’re blushing like a teenager? Spill it!”
    After a few undecided seconds, she relented. “His name is Bruce, and he’s three years older than me. A widower with two grown children and three grandkids. He’s a retired high school principal.”
    Her mother’s soft tone, her mannerisms, said more than words possibly could. “If he makes you happy, go for it. I’m happy for you.”
    â€œThanks, baby. I am rather fond of him,” she admitted. “And I lied—he is sort of special.”
    They spent the next few minutes reminiscing, until a knock on the door interrupted their talk. “That must be Gray.”
    Hurrying to the door, she opened it to find Gray dressed to kill in a tailored black suit that set off his gold-streaked brown hair. He was holding two bouquets of flowers—one sporting white buds, one with red. The red ones he handed to Anna, and gave her a searing kiss. Right in front of her mother. Who, Anna noted when she was released, had risen from her seat and was staring at Gray.
    â€œHello,” he said warmly, crossing to her. “I’m Grayson James, or just Gray. Anna’s told me so much about you.”
    Taking Margaret’s hand, he kissed it in an old-fashioned gesture, then handed her the white roses. Anna swore that her mother nearly swooned.
    â€œThank you for the flowers,” she said, beaming. “Anna, do you have a couple of vases for these?”
    â€œOf course.” Walking up to Gray, she kissed him again. “Thank you from me, too.”
    The heat in his eyes said she could thank him later—after Mom was tucked in bed.
    Margaret monopolized Gray’s attention while Anna put the flowers in water and set them on the dining table. In fact, the older woman was flirting shamelessly, while grilling the