A Man to Trust Read Online Free PDF Page A

close the door and let him clean up the mess by himself. With a resigned sigh, she carefully laid aside her flute and joined him on the hallway floor.
    “You’ve got quite a collection here.”
    “Yep.” He scooped up a stack of slides and shoved them in a small cardboard box.
    “You don’t see many of these anymore.”
    “Nope.” His face looked flushed as he focused on filling the box rather than looking at her.
    His embarrassment was sort of cute. She suppressed a smile as she lifted up a slide to the hall light, but she couldn’t see the image clearly. “So is this how you keep all your photos?”
    “Oh, these aren’t mine. They’re my grandfather’s.”
    “He’s a photographer, too?”
    “He had a studio in Tacoma for over forty years. He even had some of his photos published.” Ross stopped for a moment. “When I was twelve, he gave me my first camera and taught me how to use it. I probably never would’ve gotten into photography if it wasn’t for him.” Warmth filled his voice, and his embarrassment seemed to fade.
    “Sounds like you two are pretty close.”
    “We were.” His smile faded. “He passed away last April.”
    She bit her lip. “I’m sorry. My grandpa died not too long ago. I can relate.”
    “Marian’s husband?”
    “Yes. He passed away a year ago last May.”
    “Marian mentioned him a couple times today.”
    She nodded. “They were very close. I know she still misses him. Me, too.”
    Ross cocked his head. “What was he like?”
    She sat back on her heels. “He loved playing backgammon, watching baseball and going fishing. He loved to read, too. He and my grandma were married for forty-eight years. They started the bookstore together when I was just a baby.”
    “So you grew up hanging around here?”
    “Only for the first few years, then our family…moved away.” She didn’t often tell people she’d spent most of her life in Kenya. It required too much explanation and usually left her feeling like an oddball. But for some reason she wanted to see Ross’s reaction to that news. “Actually, I grew up in Kenya. My parents are still missionaries there.”
    He nodded, as though that wasn’t unusual at all. “Sounds interesting.”
    Was he just making conversation or was he truly interested? She couldn’t tell, so she kept quiet and picked up a few more slides.
    He watched her, his gaze steady. “That must have been quite an adventure growing up in Africa. I’d like to hear more about it sometime.”
    She ducked her head and smiled. “Most people fade out as soon as I say the words missionaries or Kenya. ”
    “Not me. I’ve always dreamed of going to Africa. When I was a kid I read every copy of my grandpa’s National Geographic cover to cover.” He grinned, his dark eyes glowing. “I’d love to go on a safari someday. Maybe track down some lions and cheetahs or follow a herd of elephants.” His enthusiasm for the place she loved stirred her heart.
    “If you ever do plan a trip, let me know. I could tell you about the different game parks and give you some suggestions.”
    He nodded, his smile warm and confident. “Thanks. That would be great. It’s just a dream right now, but I’ll make it there someday.”
    She couldn’t help returning his smile. “I think you will.”
    Ross shot a longing look toward the bookstore’s café area as he and Adrie walked past. Maybe a second cup of coffee would help him remember all the details she was giving him as they toured the bookstore. His mouth watered as they passed the glass display case of tempting bakery treats. One of those apple walnut muffins would really hit the spot.
    “This is the Christian living section,” Adrie said, drawing his attention back to the bookshelves. “Here you have books about the Holy Spirit, discipleship, charismatic interest and general topics.” She lifted her eyebrows, silently asking him if he had any questions.
    He wasn’t exactly sure what charismatic interests might