Bear's Match (Bear Heat Book 6) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and a little disorientated, she murmured,
“You're a good man, Luke Keller.”
    “I...I'm not what you
think I am,” he began. “I'm not the same Luke you knew
as a kid.”
    “Of course you're the
same Luke.” She swatted his arm. “Stop talking
nonsense.”
    The car pulled up in front of
Kit's Kitchen and Nicole hopped out with a quick wave.
    “Thanks for the ride,”
she called out. “I'll see you tonight. Bye!” With
that, she blew Luke a kiss and turned towards the diner.

CHAPTER
TEN

    Nicole tried to hide the
goofy smile on her face as she hurried into the diner. Even though
she was meeting a client, and she was always professional and
attentive at a client meeting, she was feeling just a little
light-headed this morning.
    She knew that mind-blowing
sex sometimes did just that. It could blow a woman's brain to mush,
but this wasn't just about the sex. It was about Luke and her. They
were good together, and she felt really good around him.
    They had known each other as
kids, and the rational, planning, cautious part of her brain told her
to take things slow with Luke. But she didn't want to take things
slow. She wanted to jump right in and experience everything with
him. He was her friend, and more. He was...hers.
    Nicole rolled her eyes at
herself. “Next thing I know I'm going to put a ring on it and
ask him to marry me,” she chastised herself. She stifled a
giggle. “I wonder what he'd say if I really got down on one
knee with a diamond ring? I might try it, just to see the look on
his face!” she muttered delightedly.
    Still smiling, she scanned
the booths in the diner and spotted her client.
    Anna Ward was sitting in a
corner booth, clutching her infant son tightly to her chest. She
looked deathly pale and her eyes kept darting around. She jumped
when Nicole approached.
    “Hey, Anna,”
Nicole said gently as she sat down. “Brendon's grown quite a
bit,” she smiled, glancing at the sleeping baby.
    “Yes. He's such a good
boy.” Anna managed a shaky smile. “Thanks for coming.
I wasn't sure you'd come.”
    “Of course I'll come.
I said I would. You know you can trust me.”
    “I do. That's why...”
Anna gulped.
    “What's the problem,
Anna?” Nicole said, leaning forward.
    Anna glanced around, her
movements sharp and jerky. “I don't know why this is
happening...” she whispered.
    “I'll order some coffee
and pancakes. You should eat. You'll feel better,” Nicole
said briskly and waved to the waitress. Once the waitress poured
them their coffee, Nicole took a sip and said, “Talk to me,
Anna. Just tell me what you know, or don't know. What's the
problem? I'll help you. You know I will.”
    “Yes. I know. That's
why I called you. You will protect Brendon. You handled his
adoption...” Anna smiled but there were tears in her eyes. “I
love him so much. I can't bear...”
    “And you're going to
stay with him and take good care of him,” Nicole said firmly.
“You're his family.” Nicole's eyes narrowed. You're
not thinking of abandoning the baby you adopted, are you?
    Anna glanced out the window.
“They're not here. But they're coming.”
    “Who? Who's coming?”
    Anna turned wide, blazing
eyes on Nicole. “You'll keep him safe, won't you? Promise me
you'll keep my son safe.”
    “Your son is safe.
With you.”
    “No he's not!”
Anna took a shuddering breath and closed her eyes. “They want
him, and I can't protect him...” she whispered. “Promise
me, Nicole. Please, promise me!”
    “What are you talking
about?” Nicole wanted to reach across the table and shake her.
The woman wasn't making any sense and she was getting hysterical.
    “Promise me you'll
protect him!” Anna screeched.
    “Shhh! Yes, yes I
promise. Goodness gracious, just what...”
    Anna nodded and leaned back.
“Thank you, Nicole.” She was calmer now, but Nicole saw
the deep pain and resignation in her eyes.
    Anna held her baby and kissed
him tenderly. She whispered something to the child and