C.J. Urban - Julie Townsend 01 - Hidden Intent Read Online Free PDF Page A

don’t, though, who will?
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
     
    The town of Dupont was so small that everyone just assumed that you knew what they knew. He decided it was worth it to tell Julie before someone else with less tact said something.
    He rapped hard on the door several times and stood back. After a few seconds it opened, and Skye caught his breath as Julie stood in front of him, wearing pink polka-dot pajama shorts and a white tank top.
    “Uh, hi,” Julie said uncertainly. “What brings you by? Did you need those skeleton keys?”
    “Oh, no, nothing like that,” Skye managed, keeping his focus on her face. “This is a little more personal. Do you mind if I come in?”
    “No, not at all. I just made a pot of coffee. Would you like some?”
    “Sounds great,” he replied. “Thank you.”
    Julie opened the door wider and Skye stepped inside. “Have a seat,” she said simply, and he watched her leave the room to get the coffee. He settled himself on the comfy green couch in the living room and glanced up at a large bookcase, perusing the titles. To his right stood a piano against the wall with several chipped keys.
    Julie returned with two large cups of coffee and a bottle of French Vanilla creamer tucked under her arm. She sat the cups and creamer on the coffee table and nestled into a blue corduroy recliner across from Skye.
    “Ah, my favorite,” Sky commented, smiling at her as he picked up the creamer. “You have excellent taste.”
    “I’ve had nearly a lifetime to perfect my coffee craft,” Julie said.
    Skye laughed, hoping to make a good impression before dropping the potential bomb. “So, where’s your brother?”
    “He’s upstairs playing. He’s pretty bored here. He hasn’t met any other kids yet.”
    “Well, hopefully when school starts, he’ll make some friends. How is it that you came to be taking care of your little brother?”
    Julie dropped her gaze to her cup, silent a moment. Then she said quietly, “Our parents died in a car crash a few months ago.”
    “Oh, my God. That’s horrible.”
    “Yeah, it is,” Julie said, still looking down. “He’s such a strong little guy, though.”
    Skye lapsed into silence, his heart feeling even heavier now.
    Julie raised her face to look at him. “It’s alright, Skye. We’re working through it.” She managed a wane smile.
    Skye smiled back and took a long sip of coffee. “This coffee is fantastic.”
    “Why, thank you,” Julie said, grateful for the change of subject. She wracked her brain for something else to say. “So, tell me about yourself, Skye.” Inwardly, she berated herself for being such a goof. ‘ Tell me about yourself?’ What am I, forty?
    But Skye didn’t mind. “Well, let’s see. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve worked at the hardware store since I was sixteen. After nine years, I’m getting tired of it.”
    “Tired of living here or working at the hardware store?”
    “The store,” Skye laughed. “You seem like a city girl. I don’t know what you think of our little town, but I like it. And I have family here. Where’d you move from, anyway?”
    “Huntington Beach” Julie answered, and for clarity added, “That’s south of LA.”
    “I know that much,” Skye chuckled. “But it must be a real change for you.”
    “It is,” she replied honestly enough.
    “How do you like it here so far?”
    “Well, like I said, it’s very different. Everyone seems to know each other here. I feel like I’m sticking out like a sore thumb. But so far, everyone I’ve met has been pretty nice to me.” She looked into Skye’s clear eyes, feeling a little flutter in her stomach. “So, if you’re tired of the hardware store, what are you going to do?”
    Julie thought it was awfully sweet to see Skye flush a little. “In my spare time I’m an inventor. Don’t laugh. It helps spice up my mundane life.”
    “I’m not laughing,” she said, trying to hide a giggle. He was cute. “So, are you like