A Most Shocking Revelation Read Online Free PDF Page B

Valerie could answer, the bell on the door sounded again, saving her from telling another lie. She turned to find that the customer in question was none other than Gavin O’Neal, the interim roommate.
    Her heart did an unwelcome jig when he tugged off his jacket and hung it on the coatrack in the corner near the door. Today he looked every bit the lawman in his crisp tailored white shirt sporting the sheriff’s department emblem on the sleeve and his light beige cowboy hat. He propped a brown leather boot on the rail beneath one faded red bar stool, his long, jean-clad leg bent at the knee, his badge and holster clipped to his belt loop. He was definitely packing today—enough raw magnetism to melt the glass pie display.
    â€œThe sheriff’s quite a specimen, isn’t he, Valerie?”
    Only then did Valerie reluctantly turn back to Gretchen.
    â€œHe’s okay.”
    Gretchen’s smile was as fake as her hair color. “Okay? That’s certainly an understatement. But we always want what we can’t have, don’t we?”
    Valerie frowned. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
    Gretchen clasped her hands together around the glass. “Women like us don’t interest men like Gavin O’Neal.”
    If she only knew. “Why would you think that?”
    â€œWell, I’m too old for him and you—” she sent a derisive glance from the top of Valerie’s head to her sneakers “—you’re a waitress.”
    Valerie propped a hand on her hip. “And what’s wrong with that?”
    â€œDon’t get me wrong, sweetie. I have nothing against the common folk. But Gavin O’Neal’s originally from the city. He inherited quite a bit of money. I seriously doubt he would settle for anything less than a woman with proper breeding.”
    Disgusted with Gretchen’s judgment, Valerie braced her palms on the table’s edge and leaned into them. “Ms. Halifax, it’s character, not pedigree, that counts in the grand scheme of things.”
    â€œThat sounds nice, but…” Gretchen’s voice trailed off as her gaze landed on Valerie’s chest. All too late, she knew exactly what the woman had seen. “That’s a very lovely necklace.”
    Valerie clasped the heart pendant and tucked it back beneath the bodice of her uniform. “Thank you. It was a gift.”
    â€œIt looks to be an antique.”
    â€œNo. It’s made to appear that way.” Gretchen’s interest in the pendant made Valerie wary. Although she’d worn it since it had come into her possession, she realized it would be best to put it away until she needed it to complete her mission.
    Valerie pushed off the table and pulled her pad from her apron pocket and a pencil from behind her ear. “Would you like to order? I highly recommend the stewed prunes Manny prepared especially for Mr. Parker.”
    Gretchen now focused her attention on the window, specifically on a man standing on the sidewalk, speaking to a woman holding a toddler. “I do believe I’ve lost my appetite.” Without another word she slid from the booth and tossed a five-dollar bill onto the table. “Keep the change. You can use it to get your hair trimmed.”
    Valerie’s hand immediately went to her messy ponytail, subconscious insecurity coming through. She knew better than to let the likes of Gretchen Halifax get to her. As far as Valerie was concerned, the woman’s abrupt departure signified good riddance.
    After pocketing the money and retrieving the half-empty glass, she turned from the table to find Gavin leaning back against the counter, elbows resting on the Formica surface, legs crossed at the ankles. He looked concerned—and patently gorgeous.
    She should give him a good piece of her mind for rearranging her schedule without her permission. She should walk right up to him and tell him to butt out. But what she should do and