Natalie by Chris Shea

Author:Chris Shea
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9781401688608
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2011-11-02T16:00:00+00:00

Carson grinned at the smear of paint on Natalie’s cheek.

Their relationship over the past two weeks had fallen into an easy camaraderie that surprised him. She’d given up her Saturdays to help him, and had shown up at eight this morning to whitewash the walls.

“I can’t believe how much bigger this place looks,” he said. “When you called this morning and said you’d like to do one of the living rooms, I didn’t see any way you’d get it done in a day.”

The cabin already looked like a different place. An old friend, Griffen Parker, had come back to town, and Carson had hired him to tear out the kitchens and install the tubs and bathrooms. He’d been working on this cabin for a week, and the place looked bigger, airier.

She held her roller in the air in a victorious gesture. “I’m the best painter in town. I love it.” She climbed down the ladder and put the roller in the pan. “I’m ready for some lunch.”

She sniffed. “What did you bring us? I can’t put my finger on it.”

“I hope you like Mexican. I got arroz con pollo and made sure there was no gluten in the spices. Rice is okay, right?”

“I love Mexican. I could eat it three times a day.” She went toward the folding table and chairs by the window where the boxes of food sat.

He followed and shoved open the sliding glass door to the deck overlooking the lake. The fresh scent of the water rushed in to push back the smell of paint. She was already seated, and he pulled out the other chair.

He dug out plastic utensils and they ate in silence at first until he glanced at her. “Did you hear any more from Lisa?”

The smile froze on her face, and she put down her fork.

“She called twice after that, but I didn’t answer. What more was there to say? I don’t have that kind of money, and even if I did, I’m not going to give it to her.”

“Did she leave a message?”

Her eyes shadowed, Natalie nodded. “She said she’d contacted an attorney.”

“Did you see Brian?”

“Yes, he drew up papers for me to sign. He’s been swamped with all the stuff here.” She held his gaze. “Lisa said she might go after money from you.”

“She won’t get it,” he said. “Tell me you don’t still believe her.”

She poked at her Mexican rice with her fork and didn’t look at him. “She’s just like our mother. Easily deceived by men and always making the same mistakes.”

“I wasn’t a mistake she made. I never even knew her outside of high school glee club, Natalie.” He put down his fork. “I thought you knew me better now. Recognized the kind of man I am.”

She looked up then, and her eyes were haunted. “What kind of woman would accuse a man of something so bad if it were all a lie? And why would she contact a lawyer if she weren’t sure of her proof?”

“You think all men are deceivers and hiding who they really are?”

She put down her fork.

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