Read Crazy in Chicago for Free Online

that’s all.”
    His well-being regained, he straightened and smiled again. “Maybe you should come over tonight with milk and cookies. I’m sure that would help.”
    A smile blossomed on her face. “Cookies, huh?” For a moment her eyes danced with light. Then she shook her head and turned away. “I’ve got everything you want right here, now. All photocopied, packed and ready to go.”
    Yes, he thought, as he watched her move smoothly across the room. You do.
    * * *
    Through the roar of the vacuum cleaner, Roberta heard the chime of the doorbell. She clicked the vacuum off, pushed her damp hair back from her face, and glanced at the clock on the VCR. It was nine eighteen.
    At the door, she peered through the peephole, then frowned. Cody! What did he want? She glanced down at herself. The flat sandals, white denim shorts and halter top she wore hardly presented the professional image she wanted a reporter to see. Especially this reporter. But it was too late to do anything about it now.
    Anticipation rippled through her as she unlocked the door. Don’t be ridiculous. He’s not interested in you—only the information you can give him. She composed her expression into one of neutral welcome and opened the door.
    Despite her resolve, her lips turned upwards in a smile of genuine pleasure as her gaze lighted on him. How could she do anything else when he smiled at her with a male delight she’d rarely seen before? When he looked so good, standing barefoot in the hall in his cutoffs and t-shirt. His crooked smile lit up his tanned face, and the gleam in his dark-as-chocolate eyes would have done the Big Bad Wolf proud.
    Only she wasn’t Little Red Riding Hood. Roberta cleared her throat. “Hi Cody. You wanted something?”
    Oops! Wrong thing to say!
    His lips curved upwards again, with a warmth that seared her down to her toes, fanning fantasies already running hot from too much daydreaming and wondering about her next door neighbor. Wondering why he seemed so enticingly mysterious yet familiar in some odd way she couldn’t fathom.
    Slowly Cody stretched one arm over her head until his hand rested against the door frame. His smile broadened further and his dark eyes sparkled. “Just came over for that milk and cookies you promised me.”
    â€œMilk and cookies . . .” Roberta’s voice trailed off. It had been a joke. Hadn’t it?
    â€œI distinctly remember you agreeing to give me milk and cookies for my insomnia,” he purred. “So here I am. You are going to ask me in, aren’t you?”
    â€œYeah, sure.” Roberta straightened. She told herself he just wanted to pump her for information about SUFOW.
    She stepped back, and he sauntered past into her living room. Chairs and couches were pulled out from the walls, and knickknacks, lamps and cushions were piled on the coffee table and end tables. He would come over the night she decided to give the living room a thorough cleaning.
    He looked around with open curiosity. “Hmm. It’s always interesting to see what someone’s apartment tells about them.”
    Roberta wrinkled her nose. Even when everything was in its place, it was far more cluttered than his apartment. “So what do dust bunnies behind my couch tell you?”
    He laughed. “That you’ve got better things to do than clean.” His expression turned little-boy hopeful. “For instance, make chocolate chip cookies?”
    Roberta chuckled. “Give it up, Cody.” She surveyed him. “You don’t really want milk, do you?”
    â€œYes, ma’am. One large glass. And cookies, too, if you’ve got them.”
    â€œThe milk I can do. But you’re out of luck on the cookies, homemade or otherwise. I rarely buy them. Too much temptation.”
    â€œSpoken like a true Puritan.”  
    â€œNo, spoken like someone who’d like to lose five pounds. Here, help me