Unlocked Treasure by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Author:Linda Carroll-Bradd [Carroll-Bradd, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2014-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

On the drive back to her place, Aleen learned Braden lived in an apartment over the garage of his childhood home, his older brother Colbert designed yachts, and his younger sister Ebba was a nature photographer. His high school graduation present was an African safari with his grandfather who worked for a famous nature magazine, and the elephant hair bracelet he always wore reminded him of Pops.

She thought of her own graduation, and how she’d wished for more family than her aunt and uncle. The congratulations card with a hundred dollar bill from her dad had arrived two weeks late. “Wow, you’ve led a big life.”

“I come from a long line of adventurers.” His phone made a foghorn sound, and he reached into his back pocket to pull it out. “Can you read me the text?”

Aleen glanced at the screen and saw the name Mom. “Kaia’s party-4PM. Don’t forget bread & sodas.”

“Or the birthday present.” He slapped a hand on the steering wheel. “My mom knows me too well. What time is it now?”

“A little after two. If you’re pressed for time, just drop me at the next intersection.” She pointed toward the sidewalk. “I can catch a bus.”

“Absolutely not. A gentleman always drops off his date.” At the next stoplight, he turned toward her, eyebrows raised. “Come with me.”

“What?” His speculative look made her leery.

“I need help choosing a present for my four-year-old niece. Then I want you to come to the party.”

“No, I couldn’t—”

“Just a family dinner at my brother’s.”

Family. That word sounded wonderful. And the opportunity to learn more about this already intriguing man was tempting. “But I’m not dressed—”

“My family is low-key, Aleen. Gatherings are come as you are. And you are dressed perfectly.”

A horn honked behind them. He faced front and accelerated.

“Okay, if you’re sure…”

“First stop, the toy store.”

Two hours later, Braden parked the truck in front of a two-story Cape-Cod style home. Golden birches stood among the brilliant orange and fiery red leaves of the maples along this street in Providence.

Aleen was still amazed at how anxious Braden got when faced with the toy choices. She’d had to steer him away from the ship models and rocket launchers aisle and toward the pre-school section. He’d refused to even walk down the “pink” aisle, so she’d made suggestions that included card games, puzzles, or memory games. He decided on a T-ball set, binoculars, and a fishing game. Aleen couldn’t resist a set of dress-up wooden animals. They’d laughed all the way through wrapping the presents in the bed of his truck while still in the toy store parking lot. Even their dash through the grocery store was fun, because he made sure to select everyone’s favorite drink.

With their arms laden, they walked up the flagstone steps. Right before he opened the door, Braden turned. “Ignore everyone’s surprised reaction to your presence. I haven’t brought a female around since high school.”

Her stomach clenched. What did that mean? Was she facing The Spanish Inquisition? “Gee, thanks for the advance warning.

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