Wise Moves by Burton Mary

Author:Burton, Mary [Burton, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suspense
Publisher: Silhouette Intimate Moments
Published: 2010-04-19T05:00:00+00:00

When Kristen arrived at the studio ten minutes later, she found a young woman knocking on the studio door. The woman was trying to peek past the curtains.

Kristen slowed her pace and tried to collect herself. “Can I help you?”

The woman turned. Red curls framed a heart-shaped face and alert blue eyes. She was wearing her yoga gear and holding her mat.

“Why haven’t you opened up the studio yet? Class is going to be starting in ten minutes.”

Kristen walked up the steps and moved past her to open the front door. “The studio is closed until next Monday.” She pointed to the sign on the door.

The woman glanced from Kristen to the sign. Her annoyance deepened. “Crap. I forgot all about that. Sheridan told me but I zoned. I’ve had a killer deadline to make.”

“Deadline?”

“Sorry. I’m Simone Brady. I’m Sheridan’s friend.”

The reporter. “I’m sorry. We’re under construction. By next week the tearoom will be open.” She hoped the nugget of information would make her feel better and coax her to leave.

It didn’t. “The muscles between my shoulder blades are so tight you could bounce a quarter off them. And my head is pounding from all the tension. This is so not good.”

Kristen couldn’t muster sympathy. She’d just lost her life savings to a street kid. “I’m sorry. Sheridan isn’t even in town.”

Giving in to defeat, Simone sighed. “Hey, it’s not your fault. And I’m sorry I snapped your head off. Deadlines turn me into Satan.”

“It’s okay.”

Simone pushed manicured fingers through her shoulder-length red curls. “Hey, while I’ve got you, when will Sheridan be back?”

“Two days, if all goes well with her sister.”

“Good. Did she tell you about the story I’m doing on the studio?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be sending a photographer here to take photos at the first of the week.”

“Will do.” Not good.

Simone started to turn and leave then stopped as if remembering something. “You’re going to be in the picture, too, aren’t you?”

Kristen knew she’d not be available when the photographer showed up. And if Sheridan pressed she’d leave town. Even if she had to hitch a ride. “I don’t think so.”

“But you are the official studio staff.”

“This is Sheridan’s studio. I’m just temporary help.”

“Sheridan said you are heaven sent. That you are already practically running the place.”

Kristen opened the door and stepped inside. “She was being kind.”

“The two of you standing in front of the sign will be a real eye-catcher.”

Fear made her direct. “I don’t want to be in the paper,” she said.

“But think of the publicity for the studio. It will be great.”

An uncomfortable tightness formed in the pit of Kristen’s stomach. She could not have her picture in the paper. Period. “No.”

Simone stared at her as if she were trying to read her thoughts. “Hey, I don’t want to push anything on you. Just think about it.”

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. But I think it’s best you focus solely on Sheridan.”

Simone’s eyes narrowed slightly. Kristen imagined her reporter’s mind working overtime.

But at that moment, Dane Cambia’s old truck rolled up in front of the studio.

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