Killer Exposure by Jessica R. Patch

Author:Jessica R. Patch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-02-01T18:20:50+00:00

* * *

The smell of toast and coffee filtering into Locke’s senses teased his eyes open. But his body and brain protested. After chasing an F1 tornado in Rolling Hills last night and all the old excitement it brought, they’d enjoyed eggs and bacon at an area diner. Locke’s research team had shown up and they’d discussed the data recorded and talked about the worst twisters they’d ever been in. Thankfully for the surrounding towns, the twister dissipated before wreaking havoc, but there had been significant wind and hail damage.

By the time Locke and Greer had returned to her house it was nearly 3:00 a.m. He wanted to sleep this lazy Sunday morning away, but the sounds of clanging in the kitchen along with the rich aroma drew him off the couch.

He staggered into the kitchen. Greer was making toast and sipping juice. While she still had abrasions from previous attacks and soft purple lines of exhaustion under her eyes, she appeared to have more pep in her step than Locke. She was dressed in a cottony dress that reached her ankles. Bright summery flowers dotted it. Her hair was down and in soft waves around her face. “Where are you off to this early?”

“It’s Sunday. I go to church.”

“But we didn’t get home until three. Aren’t you exhausted?” he asked, then suddenly his neck flamed. Home. This wasn’t Locke’s home. They weren’t a couple. He wasn’t sure what they were. If they were anything. Lines were blurring lately. “You know that you can miss a Sunday and not get sent to the fiery pits below, right?” This is why he never liked church as an institution. Too many dos and don’ts. Too many judgy people judging.

Greer set her juice on the granite countertop. “I didn’t say it would. But I enjoy church and I could use some encouraging words and peace with everything going on.”

Church itself had never brought much comfort to Locke. From the time he was little he was constantly reprimanded.

Sit still.

Quit fidgeting.

Stop doodling on the prayer cards.

Why can’t you pay attention?

The list went on and on. Locke had failed at church. Why go to a place if he couldn’t get it right when he was there? “I feel God’s peace and comfort when I’m out in nature.” Where he could dress how he wanted. Move freely and not be forced to stand still or follow strict rules.

Greer poured Locke a cup of coffee and handed it to him. “So do I. The Bible says that the heavens declare His glory. It only makes sense to feel His presence while in nature. But it also says not to forget assembling together, too. People coming together to worship is uplifting.”

Locke sipped his black brew and shrugged. “Not when I went.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience as a kid or teenager.”

They hadn’t talked religion or church much during their dating, other than that they were believers and grew up in church.

“Nothing fun about sitting on a hard

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