Flawlessly Executed (Dark Horse Guardians Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

mind. Too bad the first guy was the best; all of the others never lived up to the bar that Ben Keegan set.
    Of course her parents sensed her infatuation with him and set about to destroy the relationship as soon as it showed signs of teen love. Abby remembered the unvarnished talk her father had with her in the kitchen the night Ben kept her on the front porch kissing with the light turned off. “Boys won’t respect you if you behave this way, Abby!” She could remember her dad’s booming voice and the vein that bulged in his forehead when he got angry.
    Everything she did was innocent and natural, in her opinion. But her father viewed it as tempting Ben to go further. Abby cried herself to sleep that night. The things her father said about Ben were not true, not in her mind. Ben was as innocent and natural as she was. In fact, he had whispered in her ear that night that he loved her.
    Abby had just celebrated her 30 th birthday and decided the move from Boston to Portland Maine would be just what she needed. She was seeking a slower pace and a small-town feeling. The new position would pay well enough so she could support herself. Plus, she could work summers part-time bartending or doing something else. She tossed a loose fitting blouse into her canvas bag. She had packed enough for the long weekend in Maine. The interview and offer would take place on Friday. She planned to scout for an apartment on Saturday, hopefully something near the university within walking distance.
    Answering a knock on the door, she handed the leash of her English Bull Terrier, Lola, to the dog sitter. “Take good care of her…she’s my baby,” Abby reminded Matilda, a former student of hers.
    Matilda replied, “Oh yes. Don’t worry about Lola. We get along very well and I’ll take her for two walks every day.”
    The door softly closed and Abby grabbed her phone and weekend bag and got into the Subaru. The drive to Maine was only about two hours. She’d be at the bed and breakfast by dinnertime. She couldn’t wait to sample the local seafood in Portland Maine. She heard it was wonderful.
     
    ~ Hawk ~
    Early the next morning, Grant Hawkins carefully showered and shaved. He glanced at the clothing arranged upon the bed ~ a new suit, something selected by a saleswoman. Thank God a woman helped him. She chose something that actually flattered his rugged build but wasn’t too flashy. He hated anything ostentatious. Hawk prided himself on tasteful simplicity. So, today he wore the new suit which was surprisingly comfortable. The light wool garments could be mistaken for custom tailored they fit him so well. A silk tie with tiny colorful children holding hands purchased from a charitable organization topped off the charcoal suit and crisp white cotton shirt. He even splurged on expensive Italian loafers.
    This was the first since Ellen’s death that he had dressed in a suit. He had donated all of his clothing to a homeless shelter and only kept his landscaping togs. He figured he’d never need to dress up for any occasion after her death because he planned to be a hermit the rest of his life. And he almost had been – until he met Lara. Meeting her changed everything.
    He was breathless with anticipation even though the meeting with her was an hour away. His stomach was grumbling with hunger, but he was too nervous to eat. He paced back and forth in his bedroom and finally gazed at himself in the full length mirror. He decided to slick back his thick dirty blonde hair and brushed his teeth before finally swallowing a protein shake and a handful of vitamins. He was early as he hopped into his truck and drove in the direction of Stone and Associates. Hawk turned into the parking lot and placed his truck in one of the visitor spaces as Lara suggested. He carried nothing with him except his phone.
    In the entryway of the building he was greeted by Eleanor. “Oh, Mr. Hawkins. Yes. Mrs. Keegan is expecting you. Come this way.” Eleanor led