Free Daddy's Little Girl (A Homespun Romance) by Geeta Kakade

interrupted.  "Don't move from there.  I'm going to get Kelsey up, and the three of us are going out for fish and chips.  There's a place just around the corner that makes the best fish 'n chips you've ever tasted."
    "We don't have to go out today," Sara protested.  "You cooked yesterday.  I'll fix a meal in no time.  You must be tired after the long hours you've worked."
    Jason didn't know who'd made the rules Sara lived by, but it was time she learned some new ones.  The finger he placed on her lips, was the best way he could think of to stop her protests. 
    "A walk helps me relax after a day at work," he told her.  "No more arguing.  Open the box while I get Kelsey up."
    When he'd disappeared in the direction of Kelsey's bedroom, Sara touched her lips.  The spot where Jason's finger had rested, burned.  Strange as it sounded, she hadn't wanted him to remove his hand.  A part of her still ached in protest that the contact had been nothing more than cursory.
    Sara blinked.  What on earth was wrong with her?  Had being cooped up in the flat, made her lose her perspective of the situation?  Jason Graham was her employer, and he'd warned her in no uncertain terms that he wouldn't tolerate any familiarity. 
    Sara stared at the shiny grey and silver striped box.  Reaching out, she slipped off the bow and lifted the lid.  Her heart jumped when she moved the pink tissue aside.  The incredibly delicate silk and lace undies were in her size.  There were six matching sets in jewel colors.  Next she pulled out two teddies that made her blush.  It seemed as if they'd reveal more than they would cover.  Under everything were two nightgowns with matching robes.  Ribbon, soft lace, and delicate embroidery combined to make the garments incredibly beautiful.
    The brown paper bag in the corner of the box looked like a lunch bag.  Sara opened it and her face flamed as she took out a set of her own underwear.  It didn't take a genius to guess how Jason Graham had guessed her size.
    Sara dropped everything back into the box and replaced  the lid as if the box contained a venomous snake.  Her cheeks burned with embarrassment.  Why had he done this?
    "Do you like them?"  He came in, a sleepy Kelsey still resting her head on his shoulder. 
    "Why did you get them?"
    His eyes narrowed at her tone.  "Why not?  I though you needed a few new things and I just happened to pass a shop at lunchtime."
    It came to her in a flash.  He'd seen her things the day he'd folded the laundry and he felt sorry for her.  Sara thought she'd dissolve into a big puddle of embarrassment. 
    "I don't need them," she said stiffly.
    The anger in her voice reminded him of the day he'd given her the ring.  Didn't the woman like anything?  He looked at her face and got his answer.  Sara was embarrassed by what he'd gotten her.
    "If it makes you feel better, I didn't pick the things out myself.  I gave one of the salesclerks your things and told her to put in whatever you might need, and I picked up the box after lunch."
    That did make her feel slightly better.  "If you'll tell me where you got them from, I'll return the things for you."
    "It's only something small, Sara.  I want you to keep them."
    "I never accept charity, Mr. Graham."
    What made her think he was offering any?  He thought of his surmise that Sara Adams might be badly off.  He'd been like that when he'd first started his company, too poor to afford things, too proud to let anyone guess. 
    Putting Kelsey in her chair, Jason handed her the covered plastic cup he'd filled with juice, and took the chair next to Sara.  "Look, its no big deal, okay?  I just happened to notice you needed a few new things and I got them for you."  She didn't look at him, and exasperation made him say, "I don't want whoever we hire to wonder why my fiancé is wearing darned clothes."
    Sara's face burned.  She hadn't thought of it from that angle.  Pushing her chair back she stood, forcing