Convince Me (Holton Series #1) Read Online Free PDF

thirty-fifth wedding anniversary was a little over
five weeks away.
    Victoria’s plans were always
elaborate but Steven knew it would be a perfect party and everyone would have a
lot of fun.  Unfortunately, he was already worrying about what crazy
scheme she might be plotting.  As much as he loved his sister, Steven had
never understood her.  She was flamboyant and outgoing and her mind never
stopped.  He had spent most of their youth trying to keep her out of
trouble and picking up the pieces when he failed.  Victoria had gone about
her business never really caring if things went smoothly or not.  Steven
knew she thrived on chaos but he had tried to protect her if he could and it
was a hard habit to break.
    He entered his office and pick up
his own phone.  His office was basic.  It contained a large desk,
which faced the street, several filing cabinets, two large bookcases and three
chairs.  As Andrew did most of the actual courtroom work, Steven seldom
spoke directly to their clients.
    Dialing the number of the local
bakery café, Steven let him mind wander back to Anna.  He would have to go
slowly there.  She was afraid of something.  Steven was not sure
exactly what but he could tell she was fighting their attraction.  He knew
he couldn’t rush her or he might lose her altogether.
    When Mrs. Dorman answered at the
bakery café, Steven quickly arranged lunch for four.  He then returned to
the lobby and invited Julie and Andrew to join them.  Both of them were
amused at his predicament but agreed to lunch.  Anna would be more
comfortable with others present so he ignored their teasing and returned to
work.
    Just before noon, Steven went to
pick up the food and then he, Andrew, and Julie made their way down to Anna’s
office.  When they arrived, Anna was on the phone so Steven had a chance
to study her.  Earlier he had been so wrapped up in his reaction to her
that he hadn’t taken the time to really look at her.  He took the time
now.
    She was wearing a light peach
sweater made of a heavy material.  It enhanced her large brown eyes and
gave her face a soft, warm color.  Her dark hair was curled under just
touching her shoulders.  She looked up at the sound of their entrance and
her eyes shined.  When she saw Andrew and Julie standing next to him, the
polite smile that had been on her lips stretched into a genuine one. 
Steven tried not to be irritated at the thought of her being so glad that they
were not alone.  He knew she was uncomfortable which was why he had
invited his friends but it was hard not to be disappointed that she didn’t want
to be alone with him.
    She quickly ended her
conversation.  Steven watched as she gracefully rose from her seat and
rounded the desk.  She smiled and stepped forward.
    “Lunch delivered to your door,” he
said holding up the bags of food.
    He returned Anna’s smile and then
introduced her to Andrew.  After they exchanged greetings, they all
gathered chairs around Anna’s desk and began to eat.  Steven let Julie do
most of the talking.  Although not nearly as outgoing as Victoria, Julie
was very good at getting someone to talk about themselves.  She was genuinely
interested in people.  She was also very curious.  People relaxed
around her and Anna was no exception.
    They soon learned that both of her
parents were dead and that she was an only child.  She had lived in Mayville,
Texas, near Houston, all of her life before moving to Holton.  She spoke
warmly of her mother who had recently passed away but said very little about
her father.  Although Anna spoke easily about her college life and the
years since then, she seemed reluctant to talk about her childhood.
    The lunch was pleasant. 
Steven was glad he had invited Andrew and Julie.  They were both
interesting people and the conversation flowed easily.  Anna seemed more
relaxed then she was when they had been alone.  Soon both Andrew and Julie
excused themselves to return to work and the