Destiny (Absent Shadows Trilogy Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

back. Instead, he just sort of nodded in recognition. I ran past, confused by his response. Had he just brushed me off? As I continued to run, I cursed my shyness—why hadn’t I stopped?
    I was determined to force myself to stop on the next pass. Smile or no smile. But by the time I made it back up to where he’d been standing he was gone, taking the decision out of my hands.
    I know it was stupid, but I felt really rejected. I mean, I’d hardly even met the man, so it wasn’t like he was obliged to talk to me or anything. And I was the one that ran past him without stopping. I mean, he acknowledged me. So maybe he’d expected me to stop? Then again, just because I felt this strange attraction to him, it didn’t mean he felt the same way. And I wasn’t even sure I was attracted to him. I really didn’t understand what it was I’d felt that day at the market. And I was pretty sure my pounding heart was simply from my running, right?
    I continued running for another lap, but it no longer felt good so I slowed down and called it quits, then headed back to the apartment.
    After I showered, I sat down to watch a movie. My mind raced, trying to figure out what that chance meeting meant. I couldn’t stop thinking about this man … Sam. I’m sure there’d been some sort of chemistry between us. Maybe Debs was right. Maybe I should trust my intuition. But what was my intuition saying? Yes, he was a bit of a mystery. Well, actually, more than a bit of a mystery. And yes, I found him attractive, in a strange way. And his friend was clearly someone that Claire wanted to spend time with, so wouldn’t it make sense to at least be friends with him?
    I suddenly got a great idea. I’d cook dinner for Debs and Ian tomorrow night. I could go to the market in the morning to buy fresh ingredients. That way, I could visit their stall for a legitimate reason, and force him to speak to me. I’d be a paying customer after all, so he couldn’t just ignore me, could he?

~ C HAPTER T HREE ~
    I woke early, anxious to get on with my little plan before I had time to lose my nerve. Debs was pleased when I mentioned cooking, and offered to drop me at the market on her way out.
    I walked to the middle of the parking lot where Claire had parked, hoping to retrace our route and find the fruit and vegetable stall. But at first I just stood there, wondering about my distant relative. Could she actually be here, under this concrete? Was it silly to think I might feel some sort of connection? Perhaps, but it didn’t matter as I felt nothing.
    Turning to face the market, I realised that what was silly was hoping to retrace our route. I had no idea where to go. I’d followed Claire blindly on Thursday. Some things looked familiar, but I couldn’t be sure. And today it was crowded. There were people everywhere. I struggled to remain focused and not become claustrophobic.
    After wandering around for some time, I remembered that we had crossed a street. As I made my way in the direction that felt right, I spotted a big sign; ORGANICS. Yes, that was it—I recognised that sign.
    I continued walking and soon spotted Tom and Sam. They were talking. Or at least Sam was talking. Tom appeared to be laughing. Sam had a look on his face that reminded me of my mother when I was in trouble. Sam kept shaking his head, while Tom nodded his, smiling. I could see why Claire was attracted to him—he was gorgeous.
    When I got a bit closer, they both turned at the same time. Tom’s smile widened, but Sam just stared at me, his dark eyes full of some emotion that I couldn’t quite interpret. My heart pounded and my feet nearly refused to carry me forward, but there was no turning back now.
    ‘Hey, Lili. What brings you here?’ Tom called out, smiling.
    ‘Hi Tom. I’m cooking dinner tonight,’ I replied, trying to sound casual.
    ‘Well, you wouldn’t believe it. I just got off the phone with Claire. There’s a game tomorrow at The G, and I got us tickets.