Read French Roast for Free Online Page A

growing up. Then he broke my heart and left for a cooking school I didn’t even know he’d applied to.”
    The macaroni dribbled into the pan, the impact turning the water cloudy. “You don’t trust him?”
    “Not fully.” She bit her lip. “Plus, there’s this other thing I haven’t told anyone. I was with Brian on the night of the Halloween party when Jemma…”
    The blush that broke out across her face made Peggy drop the spoon she’d been using to stir the macaroni. “You were together? she asked in a lowered voice.
    Yanking on a curl, Jill said, “We were out on the porch. He grabbed me and kissed me, and it …got heated. I don’t know what would have happened if…” Tears popped into her eyes. “We heard people screaming Jemma’s name and ran inside. Part of me wonders if I would have been able to save her if I hadn’t been with Brian. I think it’s why we’ve kept things platonic even if we felt otherwise.”
    Survivor’s guilt was the prime bitch, but Peggy knew how to deal with it. She walked closer to Jill and looked her directly in the eyes. “There was nothing you could have done. I know it’s hard, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking you could have saved her. When someone has an undetected heart murmur that acts up, there’s not much anyone can do. Not without an AED, anyway. It’s tragic, but it’s not your fault.”
    Jill’s sniff had made Peggy’s knees lock. She hated seeing people cry. She reached for the napkin and handed it to her friend.
    Jill’s sigh came out shaky. “Part of me knows that. The other part can’t accept it yet.”
    “You will. And listen to the professional here. This tragedy is something else that you and Brian share. On top of everything else between you, it’s a hell of a lot.”
    “You’re right.”
    “And you want to start a new business, together” Peggy said, shaking her head. “You’re taking on a bunch.”
    Jill’s shoulder lifted, and her blush faded. “I always do. I need to move forward. Work fulfills me, and it will help to have something new to focus on.”
    “Then do it—with or without Brian. Have a great date, but listen to your gut and try to take it slow. Deep down, if you don’t trust him, there might be a good reason.”
    “Thanks, Peg.” Jill squeezed her shoulder. “I need to run. Keith, come kiss me goodbye.”
    Peggy’s son rushed in, grinning like crazy as Jill planted a kiss on his cheek. Jill didn’t hug her at the door. Peggy was glad. That would have been too girly.
    “Be careful,” she said as Jill waved on her way out.
    “I’m planning on it.”
    When the door shut, Peggy studied her mud-brown hair and eyes in the entryway mirror and had to wonder—not for the first time—other than having girl parts and a kid, what really made her a girl?

Chapter 5
    B rian’s unhurried perusal of Jill’s outfit left her with no illusions about how charged this night would be. Sexual tension sizzled along with whatever was crackling and popping on the stove.
    His navy V-neck sweater showcased his strong shoulders while his faded jeans snugly fit his muscular butt and legs. Her mouth watered from more than the smell of food.
    “Hi there, he drew out, pulling her flush against his hard, warm frame.
    Whoa! The slow kiss caught her by surprise, but yearning and lust sparked through her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dove into the kiss. His tongue slid between her lips without preamble and explored her mouth with the same leisureliness of his heated gaze. She moaned deep in her throat. After years of fantasies, she was putty in his arms.
    He broke the kiss and buried those warm lips against her neck. What in the world had gotten into him? She took a moment to quiet her panting. Jeez. She needed to go to kissing boot camp to get into shape for all this action. When he pulled back, she raised an eyebrow.
    “Aren’t you supposed to kiss me after dinner?” she asked although she hadn’t dared to expect