Return of the Maverick

She folded her arms under her breasts. His mouth dried, and he had to struggle to hear her through the pounding in his ears.

‘How long have you known those boys?’

‘Since this morning.’ Most of my life. They are me at that age. ‘I’ve found out about their backgrounds. Not good. I’d like to help them if I can.’ Like David and Mary did for me.

Her gaze was disconcerting. As was her next question. ‘You sure you know what you’re doing?’

‘Yes.’ He wouldn’t plead for her to understand him. Neither would he divulge his history, if she didn’t already know it, in order to win some slack for the boys. She had to accept his opinion.

‘Okay.’

‘That’s it? No conditions? No questions? You’ll let me talk to them first?’ She’d surprised him. Deflated him, really. He sucked a breath, added belatedly, ‘Thanks.’

She nodded. ‘I’ll make some coffee while you’re fixing that door.’

‘I’d prefer a beer.’ Brad slipped into the laundry and tackled the broken lock.

Either the kettle was slow or he was fast because soon he was standing in her kitchen, watching her put her groceries away. The cat strolled across and used his boots to sharpen its claws. Unperturbed, he hunkered down and rubbed the back of its neck with his forefinger. ‘What’s the moggy’s name?’

‘Lucky. Lucky I found her at the SPCA.’

‘So you’re into looking out for strays, too.’ Cats. Boys. They all needed love and understanding.

Looking up at Erin, his chest tightened. Her gaze was fixed on his finger stroking the cat. A light flush coloured her cheeks, sending his imagination running riot. It wasn’t hard to envisage caressing her skin. Hell, it seemed they only had to be together for a few moments and the fireworks started.