Charade Read Online Free PDF Page B

that fact. Very calmly she reminded him, “I have a deadline to get these repairs done and you promised to meet it."
    Trace sighed as in a much calmer voice he asked, “Do you want me to go now to get a tux for your reunion or do you want me to start on the repairs?"
    Despite her effort not to, Lynn smiled. “If you wait until noon, I'll go with you."
    Trace stood once more, this time very slowly. “I'll wait."
    Lynn snapped her fingers. “Why didn't I think of it before?” She pointed to the chair Trace had been in and out of half a dozen times. “Sit down."
    He opened his mouth, obviously to protest, and then closed it again and eased his large frame into the small chair again.
    Lynn said, “I have an idea."
    Trace raised one dark eyebrow. “Does this happen often?"
    Lynn snapped, “Shut up and listen.” She leaned forward. “When we get to José's we will carry on like two love-sick idiots. José will see us and spread the word. Mother can sort of draw her own conclusions and I won't have to tell her anything!"
    Trace raised one dark eyebrow. “You have ‘sort of’ lost me."
    That hadn't been her intention. Lynn explained carefully, “This is Thursday. José will see us together and tell every customer who comes into his store all about Lynn and her new man. Each one of them will, in turn, tell everyone he or she knows. I won't be going to Mother's until Sunday afternoon. By that time, gossip about us will be all over town. Mother will have heard about you and me, and she will be dying of curiosity. If I deny there's anything going on, that will really convince her that there is."
    Trace asked, “And you thought I was being devious?"
    Lynn sat back in her chair. “Do you like the idea?"
    "Yeah,” Trace grinned. “Can I get up now?"
    For no reason she could explain Lynn felt a warm surge of happiness. “Sure. I'll be ready to leave around twelve-thirty."
    * * * *
    It was almost one o'clock before Lynn completed her kitchen tasks and displayed freshly baked items in the front showcase. She was putting the finishing touches on a display of free cookie samples when Trace came through the front door. The sight of him made her heart beat a little faster. “Hi."
    Trace removed his straw hat. “Are you ready to go?"
    How many times had Lynn heard her mother say if a man removed his hat when he entered a room he was a gentleman? Maybe Trace was the exception that proved that rule. Gentleman didn't seem the proper word to describe this rough cut, virile male. As she came around the counter, she removed her apron. “I have to wait until Ruthie gets back from lunch.” She smiled before asking, “Would you like to sit down?"
    Before Trace could answer, Ruthie burst through the door huffing and puffing, and explaining, “I was talking to Birdie Harrell and time just got away. Do you know what Birdie told me? She said...” Her sentence stopped when she saw Trace leaning against the wall. She swallowed before saying oh so shyly, “Hello, Mr. Randolph."
    Trace's smile was sexy and intimate. “Since I'll be around here for a while, why don't you call me Trace?"
    Ruthie blushed a rosy pink. “Sure, Trace."
    He should be horse whipped for using his charm and good looks to bedazzle poor little Ruthie. Lynn hung her apron on a hook. “It's okay, sweetie.” She spoke slowly and distinctly, “I'm going to José's with Trace. I'll be back in about an hour."
    Ruthie pointed to Trace. “Is he going to rent a tuxedo?"
    Trace took Lynn's arm. “Yes I am. This lovely lady has agreed to let me be her escort to her class reunion.” He looked directly into Lynn's startled face. “Didn't you, darling?"
    Lynn was too shocked to do anything but nod in agreement. As Trace led her toward the door, she told Ruthie. “Clean all the tables while I'm gone."
    Ruthie grinned like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. “Yes ma'am."
    Once outside, Lynn pulled free of Trace's grasp. “What was that all about?"
    Trace shrugged. “You want