Beyond the Shadows Read Online Free PDF Page B

always so delicate and impeccably groomed, she felt so gangling and awkward in comparison.
    “Kimberly will be free in half an hour.” She affirmed at Kelly’s request then gestured at her hands.
    “We can do something with those nails too. The price is discounted when you have two treatments or more.”
    Kelly folded her hands together and drew them into her body, embarrassed at the rough state of them then dropped them. What the hell? She had the time. Hadn’t she just told herself she wanted to improve the whole package?
    “Thanks. That would be great.” She waved as she backed away. “See you soon.” It was kind of exciting to be doing something normal woman did every day.
    Kelly zipped around the supermarket, and recalling her mental list, filled her trolley with the fresh fruit, nuts, fresh bread, and spreads she’d been craving. With fifteen minutes to kill, she wandered out and sat down on a bench in the middle of the mall, content to indulge in one of her favorite pastimes—people watching.
    People hurried by, intent on their own missions. She entertained herself with an old game she and her brothers made up during the long boring hour they endured during Sunday church. Who is that person in real life? While her brothers had been fanciful, Kelly tended to analyze and make studious guesses. And most of the time her guesswork was spot on. It was no surprise to anyone when she announced she was going to join the police force. It seemed a natural choice, and one they all thought suited her. It was just a shame O’Leary didn’t seem to share those same sentiments.
    With an annoyed shake of her head, she stood, abandoning her game. Bloody man invading my thoughts like that. She bent over to collect her bags and strode to the desk. She’d pass the time reading some trashy magazines instead.
    It wasn’t to be. Once she entered, the receptionist looked up and flashed her pearly whites.
    “Kimberly is ready for you Ms. Appleton. You can leave your things behind the desk if you like and follow me.”
    The receptionist led her to a workstation where a smiling nail technician waited. “I’ve a foot bath prepared for you while we work on your hands. Kick off your shoes and relax. It’s bliss.”
    Kelly complied with a soft groan when her feet hit the water. Whatever was in there made her skin tingle pleasantly, and she sighed in appreciation as the tension gradually melted away. Lulled by the soft hum of conversation, the fragrance of oils in the air, and soothing music, Kelly relaxed for the first time since the whole nightmare began over a week ago.
    Getting the hint early on that she didn’t want conversation, Kimberly concentrated on her work. It surprised Kelly how much she enjoyed the attention, and when she saw the results of all that scrubbing, shaping, and polishing afterwards, she could only marvel. Delighted, she wriggled her toes and admired the vivid rose color adorning them. She’d chosen the shade to match the floral pattern of the dress. A French manicure smartened up her hands, making her fingers look long and elegant.
    “Thank you ladies,” she said and smiled as she left with her next appointment card in her hand. “See you in a few weeks.”
    Driving home with her purchases, she now knew why women the world over derived such pleasure from a bout of retail therapy. It held a power all its own that nothing else matched. Her fingers drummed in time to the beat of a popular song on the radio. She cranked up the volume and again, sang along. Her off-key voice rattled the window frames, but her heart was full. Everything in her world was perfect. Even the fact that she’d be dealing with a surly Nate on a day-to-day basis couldn’t dampen her mood.
    He’d woken from the coma, and that was enough for now.
    She zipped into her driveway, jumped out of the car with her shopping, and dumped the food bags on the counter. Then she raced into the bedroom with the other bags. With reverence, she laid