Read Online All They Ever Wanted by Tracy Solheim - Free Book Online Page B

a wrinkle in that perfect bubble you live in that I have to bust your balls a little when I can.”
    Miles took the steps leading to the veranda in one stride. “Practice your standup routine on someone else today, Gavin. I have a shitload of work to do.”
    â€œLook, I can rearrange my schedule so that Ginger and I aren’t in New York next week. That way, we can handle things at the inn if that will help you out. I know this thing with Faye Rich kind of blindsided you.”
    He turned to see his brother standing at the bottom of the steps with his hands on his hips, eager to jump in and save the day.
Again.
A wave of residual frustration washed through Miles every time he thought of Gavin putting his career—not to mention his life—on hold to protect their family.
    â€œNo, you’ve already done your fair share.”
    Gavin swore under his breath. “My way may not have been the right way, according to the
Book of Miles
, but I had everyone’s best interests in mind. Especially Mom’s. At some point you need to let me off the hook for not telling you Dad’s secret.”
    Miles waved his hand. “Water under the bridge, little brother.” And he meant it. Miles didn’t know what he would have done differently in the same situation, but he could still hate that he’d never gotten the opportunity to try. “Go build your fancy lofts in Manhattan. I can handle the B and B. Besides, Mom will be home today. She can take over the decision making. And with Cassidy and Lori around to do most of the day-to-day work, everything should be fine.”
    His brother looked like he wanted to say more before shaking his head instead, which was fine with Miles because he wasn’t in the mood for a heart to heart. “Yeah, okay. We’re lucky to have Lori. I don’t know how we could keep the place running without her. She’s a hell of a cook and housekeeper.”
    Lori
.
    If Miles were being truthful, it wasn’t only the campaign’s unexpected twist that had him up tossing and turning last night. The B and B’s cook/housekeeper had much more to dowith his restless night than he’d dare to admit.
Jesus, he’d nearly kissed her.
One minute he’d been negotiating with her and then her hand was in his, skin to skin, and all he could think of was her wet body that day he’d spied her in the shower and he’d become as horny as a sixteen-year-old. It didn’t help matters that she smelled like a freshly baked cupcake.
    With a groan, Miles wiped his sweaty brow with his shirt.
    In his defense, she’d completely caught him off guard with her quick banter and her refusal to be cowed by him. The woman who made it a habit to recede into the shadows most of the time clearly wasn’t as timid as she appeared. Lori had a stubborn mouth with a tart tongue and Miles wanted to taste both. Desperately. Even worse, his plan to chase her off had backfired. He should have known she’d go running to his mother.
    â€œMake sure you play nice with Lori, Miles. I don’t think we could find someone of the same caliber to replace her in a pinch if we had to. Not without paying a fortune.”
    â€œI don’t plan on ‘playing’ with her at all.” Miles’ answer was more vehement than he would have liked. “And the only reason it would be a fortune to replace her is that Mom isn’t paying her a damn thing outside of room and board.” His mother had been very forthcoming with that tidbit during her dressing down of Miles when he’d stopped by the rehab center the previous evening.
    His younger brother arched his eyebrows at him. “Hmm. I’d say something about you protesting too much, but since I already pinned your ass to the ground not more than five minutes ago, I’ll let it go. As for Mom’s reasoning behind who she hires as her employees”—Gavin sighed heavily—“I