Ripple Effect by Traci Hunter Abramson

Author:Traci Hunter Abramson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2017-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Jill sighed wistfully as she smelled the pink carnations on the kitchen table. She didn’t have to ask to know that they were for Kylie. Flowers frequently showed up when Matt left on a road trip, as did silly postcards originating from Matt’s various stops along the way. It wasn’t that she hadn’t received flowers before. She had. In fact, she figured she had probably already received more than her share. But never from someone who truly mattered to her.

She kicked off the ridiculously high heels she had worn on her date and sat down in a chair to rub her feet. Her date of the evening had been pleasant enough. He said the right things, opened the doors for her, and was as boring as a ninety-year-old history professor.

Just once, Jill wished for a man who would add a little excitement to her life. She wanted someone who could make her heart beat faster just by walking into the room, someone she could laugh with, someone who would look at her the way Matt looked at Kylie.

When the doorbell rang, Jill stood, leaving her shoes behind. She opened the door in her stocking feet and looked up into the most incredible brown eyes she had ever seen.

She took a quick breath as the man’s smile softened his face. His dark hair was cut military short, and his chiseled features just escaped being handsome.

Though it took some effort, Jill managed to swallow. She thought she wanted someone who would make her heart beat faster. Now that her heart was pounding in her chest, she wasn’t so sure she liked the sensation, or the unease of having her thoughts transformed into reality in an instant.

“Wow.” He exhaled slowly. “Kylie didn’t tell me her roommate was such a knockout.”

Jill stiffened, her back straightening as she kept her eyes on his. Her voice was almost regal as she spoke. “And you would be . . .”

“Doug Valdez.” Doug offered his hand to Jill, who shook it reluctantly. “Kylie’s cousin.”

“Cousin?” Jill looked at him suspiciously, then, realizing her hand was still in his, she pulled back. “She didn’t mention anything . . .”

“I thought I’d surprise her,” Doug told her. “I’ll be in town for most of the week.”

“I’m afraid she isn’t here,” Jill said. Manners dictated that she let him in, but she wasn’t entirely sure she trusted this man standing on her doorstep.

“Let me guess.” Doug stepped forward, keeping his eyes on hers. “She’s at the pool training for the Olympics.”

Jill’s stance relaxed slightly.

“Do I pass the test?” Doug grinned.

Stepping back from the door, Jill motioned him inside. “I’m sorry. You can’t be too careful these days.”

“You’re telling me.” Doug took a seat on the couch, waiting for Jill to sit across from him. “How long ago did she leave?”

Jill glanced down at her watch. “She should be back pretty soon.”

“I guess we’ll just have to get to know each other while we wait.” Doug leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

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.