Free Husband by the Hour by Susan Mallery

and I never knew. And the way we resemble one another … well, it takes some getting used to."
    "Several of your nieces and nephews have the 'Haynes' look, too."
    Hannah chuckled. "There were so many children. Don't these people believe in birth control?"
    The van in front slowed for a stop sign. Nick stepped on the brake. "The kids are great. Don't you want any?"
    "I haven't really thought about it. I sort of assumed I wouldn't have any." She paused for a second. "I don't think I'm very maternal. You can't tell me you want children."
    "Of course. Dozens."
    She laughed. "No way."
    "All right. Maybe just two or three. But I do want children."
    "You?"
    Her surprised, slightly patronizing tone got under his skin. "What's so strange about that?" he asked.
    "Nothing. Only I wouldn't have pictured you as the type."
    "I would be a great dad." He would do exactly the opposite of what his father had done to him. It was a simple formula for success. "I love children."
    "Yeah, right."
    She was still laughing when they pulled into a long driveway. As the main house came into view, her laughter turned into a strangled cough. This house was just as big as Jordan 's. Three stories, peaked roofs, a porch wide enough to host a dance.
    "Cops make a lot more money up here than they do in
Southport
Beach
," she murmured.
    "Hell, if I'd known the money was this good, I would have joined the force. What's the name of this town?"
    "Glenwood. This is amazing."
    Nick slowed the car and stared out the windshield. There was no way either brother could afford their homes on city salaries. There had to be another income source. For a half second he wondered if the family was into something dirty. Then he dismissed the thought. It had to be something else.
    "Maybe an inheritance," he said, thinking aloud.
    "Or someone married money."
    "There's a plan."
    She shot him an impatient look.
    He raised his hands in surrender. "It's not like you're going to keep me around for long, dollface."
    "Just try to keep your libido on hold until the weekend is over."
    The minivan stopped in front of a small gatehouse. Nick looked at it and wondered if Hannah would be willing to work off some more of her debt in trade. He thought about suggesting it, then figured she would object. He wouldn't mind the verbal or even physical wrestling match sure to follow, but he would prefer either to be in private.
    Kyle and Sandy got out of the van. Sandy approached the passenger side of Nick's Mercedes, and Hannah rolled down the window.
    "I'm going to get the kids in bed," Sandy said. "Kyle will show you where everything is." She reached in and squeezed Hannah's arm. "I'm so glad you're here. Welcome to the family."
    "Thanks."
    Kyle motioned to a spot next to the gatehouse. As Nick pulled in, Sandy got in the driver's side of the minivan and headed for the main house.
    Kyle waited at the rear of the car. When Nick opened the trunk, Kyle reached in for the luggage. With Hannah carrying the smallest bag, they made it to the front door in one trip.
    "I've got the key right here," Kyle said, pulling a set of keys out of his khaki trousers. He slipped one off and used it to open the front door. "We were going to use this as a rental," he explained as everyone stepped inside. " Sandy just finished redecorating the inside, but we haven't had a chance to run an ad in the paper. Great timing, huh?"
    "We really hate to put you out," Hannah said.
    Kyle set down the suitcases and reached for a switch by the front door. Light flooded the room. A long hunter green sofa sat across from a television. The end tables were oak, as was the floor. There were two large windows and even a fireplace.
    Kyle took them on a quick tour. The kitchen was small but adequate, with refinished cabinets and an eating area. They continued into the bedroom, which had a king-size bed. Two people could be very comfortable there, Nick imagined, then figured he would never get the chance to test the firmness of the