A broad shoulder sheathed in a black cashmere sweater moved in a careless shrug. Children are a closed book to me.
Maybe he thought they were in need of a good square meal. She couldnt think of any other explanation for his arrival. Her cheeks flaming, she said, Look, were not going anywhere. We dont need breakfast
Youre so thin you look anorexic. Youre not, are you? he prompted with a sudden frown.
Of course Im n-not, she snapped in frustration.
A mocking grin slanted his mouth. I couldnt cope with an anorexic. Im crazy about food.
It didnt show anywhere on that long, lean body. He didnt carry an ounce of surplus flesh. His black jeans hugged sleek thighs and narrow hips, his sweater delineating a muscular chest and a stomach as flat as a washboard. About there she dragged her gaze away from him, angry with herself.
Blaze, at Rosies prompting, was obediently retrieving her rabbit from the floor and receiving a beatific smile in reward. Chrissy couldnt quite believe what she was seeing. There was no sign of irritation or impatience in his dark, mobile features.
Ive got a job offer for you, he told her almost in an aside.
Chrissy tensed like a greyhound scenting a hare. Where? Who with? she demanded.
I talk better on a full stomach. Dont get excited, he warned. Its not in London and it might not appeal to you.
So this was why he was here. His conscience had pushed him into further effort on their behalf. She reddened fiercely. It was petty of her but he was the last male in the world she wanted help from. It smacked too much of noblesse oblige and stung her pride. But then what was pride when it came to Rosie? And why was she getting excited? She might not get the job whatever it was and, even if she did, where would they live and what about Rosie? One problem simply led to another.
In the cab, Rosie stayed anchored to Blaze. She sat there very solemn and quiet and on her very best behaviour, but no way would she return to Chrissy.
No...no want Kissy, she said quite clearly.
Kissy? Blaze cast Chrissy a sudden lancing look of derision. Shes not Kissy. Shes Mummy, he informed Rosie firmly. Mummy. Say it.
Rosie obliged.
What the heck do you th-think youre doing? Chrissy spat at him furiously.
Ive got no time for women who wont let their children call them Mother
Its nothing to do with you! Chrissy vented in an explosive response. How dare you interfere?
I know exactly what Im talking about. He was quite unrepentant. She needs to know who you are.
Chrissy bit down on her tongue. She was angry, but did it matter? After today, she was unlikely to see him again, and Rosie would soon forget. Since she couldnt trust him with the truth, she would keep quiet.
He took them to a really fancy hotel where the head waiter treated them to an incredible amount of personal attention. As soon as Rosie was settled, Chrissy unleashed her impatience. The job, she reminded him.
Live-in. Child not objected to. Its a big house, he volunteered, lounging back in his chair to regard her with clear, cool eyes. One permanent occupant, occasional guests.
Her brow furrowed. This she had not expected. A private house?
He nodded.
Where?
Your home stomping grounds.
Chrissy tautened in dismay. That was equally unexpected. How close?
About five miles from Southfork.
Chrissy reddened. Her father had christened his home The Towers. It hadnt really matched up with the Spanish arches and the lamp-posts lining the drive. The locals had gone one better.
Whats the job? she asked anxiously, striving not to think of what it would be like to be working so close to her own home.
Blaze was tucking into an enormous fry-up with gusto. There was silence for several minutes. She could have screamed. He had her hanging on his every word. Finally, he let his knife and fork rest and lifted his coffee instead. Cook...housekeeper...general maid of all work. Ive got to be honest. The job description would have to be fairly elastic. If you cant be flexible, it wont suit you.
Are you telling me that Im likely to be worked to death?
No. Other staff will be brought in if its necessary. Right now, theres no need for them, he asserted. The house is being extensively renovated. Its in one hell of a mess and mostly unfurnished. The owner hasnt moved in yet and you would be left to your own devices quite a lot. There is a phone, though, and the use of a car. So what do you think?
Any idea of the salary?
He came back with a very generous quote. Not a lot, I know, but you wouldnt have any bills to worry about.
Chrissy grinned. Are you kidding? Id be in clover. And then she strove to suppress her excitement and be sensible. It was too good to be true. There had to be more drawbacks than he had mentioned. Why am I getting a chance?
Someone else backed out at the last minute. Took one look at the state of the house and said, No way, Blaze revealed.
I have no references
If you can cook worth a damn, youre in, he assured her.
She bit her lip.
Whats he like...? The owner, I mean.
Blaze lazed back in his seat with a reflective air. A satiric brow elevated. Hes not likely to come creeping into your bed in the middle of the night, if thats what you mean