A Matter of Destiny Read Online Free PDF Page B

help?"
     
    He grinned crookedly. "Almost never fails. When a boy becomes part of a team, it'll either make him or break him. I think Luke's behavior will improve. The fact that I'm his coach tips things in his favor, don't you think?"
     
    Sharon couldn't help but smile at his audacity. "If you say so, coach. I guess it wouldn't hurt to keep him busy." She paused. "Will you let me know if he gets into any more trouble? I'm afraid I've been wrapped up in my own problems."
     
    "Don't be too hard on yourself. You're doing a fine job. Those are great kids you have, but even a mother can't stop the painful process of growing up."
     
    His words made her feel a little better. Maybe she wasn't doing so badly after all. Her sons would be going through changes even if they hadn't lost their father.
     
    She hesitated before asking, "Have they hired anyone for the receptionist job yet?"
     
    "Not that I know of, but I can check, if you want."
     
    "No," she said, "please don't. I was just wondering. Maybe I'll call the office again." The secretary wasn't very friendly, though.
     
    The chair scraped backward as he got up to leave. "If you need anything, please let me know. Promise?"
     
    She held out her hand, and he grasped it longer than necessary, but she didn't mind. His touch spoke of strength. "I will, thanks. Sorry I bit your head off when you came in."
     
    "Don't worry about me. I'm used to facing ferocious mothers. It's all in the line of duty. By the way, there's a game next week. You should come. Luke would like that." His dark eyes glistened with warmth.
     
    She nodded slowly. "Maybe I will."
     
    He shouldn't look at her like that. It made her feel all funny inside. "Call me Sharon," she said, realizing it was important that he did.
     
    "All right, Sharon. See you at school."
     
    She watched him drive away before heading for the kitchen. Filling the sink with hot sudsy water, she washed up the few dishes, needing something to do.
     
    Things were happening too fast. She'd just lost her husband, and now her sons were pulling at the apron strings. She was grateful for Joe's support, but wary of the growing reliance she felt.
     
    Just the way he'd said her name should be a warning. It might be difficult to think of him as simply a friend. She turned on the water to rinse and nearly scalded her fingers.
     
    With a deep sigh, Sharon went to the foot of the stairs and called up. "David, Luke. You can come down now." Maybe after dinner, they'd have a long talk about their future.
     
    They were still a family, and that's how it was going to be.
     
     
     
    Joe had never felt so frustrated. Sharon was fighting valiantly to hold her family together, and all he could think about was holding her , taking care of her.
     
    He wasn't supposed to have these feelings. How could he accomplish anything if he didn't think or feel like an angel ?
     
    She'd gotten under his skin without lifting a finger, and he doubted she was even aware of him as a man.
     
    You're not a man, you're a guardian angel, he reminded himself. It would be best to remember that.
     
    He could still smell the fragrance of her perfume, as powerful as a love potion. Would she ever get over her husband? He shook his head. He definitely had to get a grip on reality.
     
    When he reached his apartment, Joe went straight to the shower and turned the faucet on Hot until the bathroom was full of steam. He needed to relax and forget a certain widow who dominated his dreams.
     
    But later, as Joe lay in the darkness, his thoughts returned to the lovely lady whose heart belonged to another man.
     
    Maybe he shouldn't have accepted this assignment. He'd tried to tell Serena he had a gut feeling about it. Was it too late to back out now, before he caused more harm than good?
     
     
     
    Two days later, Sharon received a letter from school. She ripped open the envelope and read the first few lines while holding her breath. "Dear Mrs. Quinn: Thank you for your interest