Deep Within The Shadows (The Superstition Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

left. I just love it with vanilla ice cream.”
    Caleb reached around Mrs. Farley and opened the door to allow the older woman to precede them into the restaurant. The dinner specials were listed on a white board to the left, as was the selection of the restaurant’s justly famous pies. Mrs. Farley perched on one of the bar stools in front of the counter and a waitress approached her.
    Isolated in the back booth, Miranda continued to shiver. Caleb moved to sit beside her and rested an arm along the back of the seat, sharing his warmth. Her eyes lifted to his face for a moment, and color touched her pale cheeks. “Thank you.”
    Sherry, the lone waitress who worked the late shift, approached the booth. Her blond hair was twisted up at the crown of her head and held in place with a pencil. Her jeans and top looked a little wilted behind the apron she wore. Though exhaustion weighted her movements, she smiled. “Hey, Caleb. Hey, Miranda. What can I get you?”
    Caleb waited for Miranda to answer. “Some water and a piece of peach pie if you have it, Sherry,” she said.
    “We still have some.” She focused on Caleb.
    “Strawberry-rhubarb with ice cream for me and a cup of coffee.”
    “Coming right up.”
    Caleb turned to assess Miranda’s condition as soon as Sherry walked away. “Better?” he asked.
    “I think I’m starting to calm down.”
    “Good.”
    “What do you think it was?”
    He shook his head. “I don’t know. All I saw was something gray exploding up and out of the trunk. It wasn’t there when I had the car at the garage, Mandy. I checked your spare tire to make sure it was okay, and I’d have seen it then.” Had he let it in when he opened the trunk? Was it there because of him?
    “It was going to bite me, Caleb.”
    “That’s sure what it looked like.”
    “Why do you think it was there?”
    “I don’t know. But you can’t go back to your car tonight. After we’ve eaten, I’ll walk over to the garage to get my Harley and give you a ride home.”
    She nodded. He’d visualized her riding behind him on the motorcycle more than once, but never thought she’d agree. Why had it taken fear to drive her toward him?
    “How long have we known each other, Mandy?”
    “Since kindergarten.”
    “Do you trust me?”
    “Of course.”
    This wasn’t the time to bring it up, but this barrier she’d erected between them since he returned home from deployment was driving him crazy. He turned her face toward him so he could look into her eyes. “I mean really trust me?”
    She studied his features. “Why are you asking?”
    “You know how you’ve acted since I got back from Afghanistan.”
    She tried to turn her face away, but he held her chin.
    She grasped his hand and held it. “It isn’t about you. There are things about me you don’t know. It’s about me, Caleb.”
    “I know I’ve changed a lot since high school. We both have but—”
    She shook her head in an adamant gesture. “It’s not you. You’re still the same protective, caring, wonderful friend you’ve always been.”
    But he wanted more now, and she knew it.
    She bit her lip and swallowed. “I can’t give you what you need. I can’t give anyone—”
    “Here’s your pie, guys,” Sherry said as she slid the plates onto the table in front of them and placed their drinks within easy reach.
    Miranda was the first one to respond. “Thanks, Sherry.”
    “Let me know if I can get you anything else.”
    Caleb swallowed back feelings of disappointment and hurt. I can’t give anyone—What had she meant by that? Why couldn’t she? He wasn’t giving up. He’d just rushed her at a time she didn’t need any other pressure.
    Miranda’s fingers dug into his arm and her voice wobbled as she whispered, “Caleb—”
    He followed her gaze to the door. On the other side of the glass, a gray shadow slithered back and forth, as if seeking a way in. Clutching a takeout bag, Mrs. Farley pushed open the door. Caleb jumped to his