A Christmas for Katie by Shelley Shepard Gray

Author:Shelley Shepard Gray [Gray, Shelley Shepard]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2012-11-30T11:00:00+00:00

CONNOR WAS PRETTY sure that everything about Jayne Donovan was perfect. Her violet eyes were striking. He loved her short brown hair and the way the ends curled at the nape of her neck, emphasizing her pretty features. He admired her slim figure, how she was wearing an ivory turtleneck, brown wool slacks, and simple gold hoops in the ears. She looked classy and pretty. Perfect. But everything about her manner revealed that she didn’t see herself that way. No, she seemed oblivious of her beauty and unsure of herself. Almost awkward.

Over the years, he had spent his days around many women in uniform. They were feminine, for sure. But the women he worked with were also some of the most confident people he knew. They had to be, working in a man’s world. He’d admired them, for sure.

But he’d be lying to himself if he pretended he didn’t know which type of lady he preferred. There was something about Jayne that melted his heart.

After they ordered, Jayne glanced his way. “Would you mind if I said grace real quick?”

“I would love it.” And he did feel that way, he realized with some surprise. Everything about this evening was feeling like it was the start of something special. Being around Jayne, enjoying the quiet serenity of Jacob’s Crossing . . . and remembering who had placed him there.

After a hesitant smile, Jayne closed her eyes and recited a quick, quiet prayer. When he said, “Amen” with her, their eyes met, and again, a sweet feeling of happiness and peace passed through him. Sure, his job was filled with uncertainty. Sure, he was in a strange place, and it was taking some time for him to feel like he fit in . . . but things were also very, very good.

At least they were at that moment.

Then, their meal arrived. As they savored each course, enjoying crisp Caesar salads and homemade Italian bread and pasta with red sauce, Connor discovered more and more things about Jayne. He shared some of his history, too . . . about how he put in four years in the marines before going to the police academy, then taking his first job near his hometown in Kentucky.

And, of course, they talked books. He revealed how he’d already read half of Tripwire and was anxious to continue the story before he went to sleep.

But all too soon, their tiramisu and coffees were done, it was almost ten, and it was becoming obvious that the staff at Bravo’s were anxious for them to go on their way.

As they walked back to the library, their steps slowed. The Christmas lights on the surrounding buildings made him think of glowing fireflies, and the smell of snow and fresh pine felt invigorating.

He wasn’t in any hurry to say goodbye to her, though he knew that he shouldn’t push his luck and try to get her to hang out with him a little longer. Though, of course, where would they even go? Jacob’s Crossing looked locked up tight.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.