Blue Maneuver Read Online Free PDF Page A

morning.”
    His voice wobbled a bit on the end. Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Latino had to work up the nerve to talk to me? How could someone this good-looking be shy?
    “Now I don’t have to worry about asking for your phone number, I get to take you home.”
    I blinked. Cool beans! All that positive thinking was paying off. Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Latino was interested in me. I stroked the silky black hair at his neck before I caught myself.
    We’d reached the wrought iron fence circling the complex. Card activated gates blocked vehicles from entering the parking strip rimming the units but the pedestrian entrance swung open on silent hinges in the breeze.
    A bead of sweat plopped onto my shirt and an occasional gasp swirled past my ear.
    “If you could take me to 2557, I’d appreciate it.”
    “2557.” He huffed and angled through the opening. Eucalyptus trees towered over us. Their round silvery leaves tumbled to the sidewalk. “No problem.”
    A chill washed down my spine at the transition from sunshine to shade. “Which unit did you buy?”
    “2972.” He slowed as he passed the placard with the units’ numbers. “Or 2792. I forget.”
    He forgot where he lived? “That could be awkward since all the units look alike. You might accidentally walk into the wrong condo.”
    Too bad it hadn’t been mine.
    “Yeah, it’s a pain being dyslexic.” When the path forked he took the right branch. “Fortunately, I navigate using landmarks. There’s a purple bush next to my door and a thorny one with red flowers next to that.”
    I smiled. Finally, a man who adapted to the world and didn’t demand it change to suit him. Maybe I should put a Justice of the Peace on speed dial. “The condo is just up ahead. First door on the right.”
    “Got it.” Within a minute he’d reached the entrance. “I’m going to set you down now.”
    “I’m ready.” I gritted my teeth.
    Slowly, he lowered my knees. A moment passed then another. One hand settled on my hip, the other caressed my jaw. His warm breath stirred my bangs as he leaned into me. “How do you feel?”
    “Not too bad.” Aside from the Caribbean band playing bongos. I might feel better with a kiss or two. Of course, I’d have to tilt my head back to do it. I licked my lips. Or I could invite him inside, push him onto the couch and sit on his lap. Would he wait until after I fed Vivian’s cat and we walked to the next group of units over to my place? Only one way to find out. “Look I—”
    “Rae!” A woman yelled.
    Sherbet! I turned my body toward the sound.
    Ms. Roberts jabbed her cane in my direction. Water dripped off her bathing suit and pooled on the sidewalk. “You tell Oscar to stop making all that racket. I pay good money to live here and I expect to be able to hear my soaps without him carrying on.”
    “Yes, Ms. Roberts.” I straightened. I’d tell Oscar the grouchy cat but I doubted the fur ball would listen any more than he had since my cat-sitting stint began a week ago.
    The stooped, old woman thumped her cane on the sidewalk. “See that you do.”
    I glanced at her.
    She glared back.
    I wasn’t in the mood for a staring contest with a crotchety octogenarian. Sighing, I turned back to my rescuer. “Well…”
    I’d invite him in, but the Roberts’ tattler would snitch on me and Vivian was most particular about who she let inside her house.
    My hero cocked an eyebrow. His lips thinned for a moment. “Oscar?”
    “It’s a long story.” I tugged on the black cord rubbing against my neck. Keys jingled as they came free of my sports bra. “I’d love to tell you about it over dinner.”
    His gaze cut to Ms. Roberts. “Sure. You know where I live.”
    Without another word, he spun on his heel and stalked away.
    I raised my hand. Crap on a cracker. I hadn’t gotten his name. And I didn’t really know where he lived. But I could find it. I would find it. And we would have dinner together. And—
    “You shouldn’t let a man lay his hands on