Read STAY THE NIGHT (The Phillips Family Book 1) for Free Online Page A

That could change in the next week before Christmas and if it does she'll be in my bed. ”
        “ Don't you sully that wonderful woman, Cray. ”
        “ Sully?  Who uses that word?  You never met her, you can't yet judge if she's a wonderful woman. ”
        “ If you're in love with her, she's wonderful. ”
        “ Where's my shovel?  The shit is getting damn deep.  Are we through talking? ”
        “ No.  What are your plans for today? ”
        “ Angelica is taking me to a boring, stuffy faculty tea.  Her words, not mine.  I'm going because she asked and I want to be with her. ”
        “ They wear tweed jackets with leather elbow patches and smoke pipes.  How are you going to blend in with your tailor-made suits? ”
        “ Yes, Angelica reminded me of that.  I'll rummage in the back of my closet and find something. ”
        “ Good luck with that. ”
        “ May I go take a shower and start rummaging? ”
        “ Sure, I'll call you later tonight? ”
        “ Mona, you're my sister, not my nanny.  Give it a break. ”
        “ I'm so jealous of you.  I want what you have. ”
        “ Give a guy a chance and you might find him. ”
        “ It's not that easy, Cray, when my mantra is:  Variety is the spice of life.  Bye, see ya tomorrow at work. ”
     

Chapter 4
    Cray rapped on Angelica's door exactly at one.  She opened it and said, “ Come in, Cray, I'm not quite ready. ”
        “ I want your opinion.  Will I fit in with this outfit? ”   He spread his arms so she could study him.
        She propped her index finger against her lip and tapped, gazing at his brown trousers, his pale yellow open-necked dress shirt, the brown cashmere sweater over it and the sport's jacket in a subtle plaid that had brown, tan, cream and pale yellow.  She said, “ Very collegiate. ”  
        She moved behind him, lifted the hem of his sport's coat and said, “ Nice ass.  I approve.  The tailoring and fabric are way beyond the professor's pocket books, but they won't notice.  It takes a discerning eye to see it.  Where's your topcoat? ”
        “ It's supposed to reach a high of fifty-four degrees today.  I don't need it with these layers.  Your hairdo is so severe.  I love your hair down around your shoulders. ”
        “ This is my professional look.  It's supposed to send a message that I'm there to teach, not be seduced with puppy-dog eyes. ”
        He grinned and said, “ Does that work? ”
        “ Along with the posture and straight-laced attitude, like a charm. ”
        “ You mean not one student tries to strip away the armor? ”
        “ There have been a few who tried.  Did you ever see a glacier?  They're a cold blue-white color and that's what my eyes become when they get out of hand. ”
        “ You don't give me that look.  Your eyes sparkle when you're pleased and twinkle when you're up to something devilish.  They're never cold and stand-offish with me. ”
        She said in a soft voice, “ That's because I'm falling for you, Cray.  Excuse me while I grab my suit jacket and purse. ”
        On the way down in the elevator, Cray said, “ There's a cab waiting.  I thought it might be a bit ostentatious to arrive in a limo. ”
        “ Thank you, Cray.  That didn't occur to me, but you're right.  Cray, I don't want us to be overt while we're there. ”
        “ Overt as in holding hands or being too demonstrative? ”
        “ Yes, exactly. ”
        “ I'll follow your lead, honey. ”
        “ Please don't call me honey while we're there. ”
        “ Other times it's okay? ”
        “ I like your endearments. ”
        He reached across the divide between them and put his hand on top of her knee.  “ I want so badly to kiss you right now.  I won't do it because it will ruin your lipstick and we'll both get flustered, but once we leave I can't promise to