Goodness and Light Read Online Free PDF Page A

screwdriver.”
    She held up her hands to shape something that looked kind of angular. And then he got it. “Ah. An Allen wrench. I’ve got a set of them. I’ll lend it to you.”
    Al cocked his head. “Or, you could just build the crib, Luke.”
    Elena’s gaze bounced from Al to Luke. “You could?”
    With a deadly glare shot at Al, Lucas finally nodded. “Yeah. I can come by tomorrow, if that’s okay.”
    Elena blinked and shook her head. “No, don’t worry about it. We’ll figure it out.”
    He sighed and then his hand squeezed hers. “Elena. I know Kara’s having a rough time and this is something I can do to make it a little smoother. Okay?”
    Elena studied him for a moment and he only barely managed not to squirm under her intense stare.
    “What?”
    She flushed, lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m just not used to people like you.”
    Luke’s eyebrows lifted at her direct attack and he might have asked what she meant by that remark, but decided he really didn’t care that much.
    Al, however, did. “People like him? What does that mean?”
    “Al.” Lucas put a warning hand on Al’s shoulder, but he shrugged it off.
    “No, Luke, I want to know what the hell that means.”
    “Forget it. It doesn’t mean anything.” Elena waved a hand impatiently.
    “Elena, you just met us, but let me tell you something. Lucas Adair is the best man I know.”
    “Oh boy.” Luke’s head dropped. “Say goodnight, Al.”
    Elena leaned back and bit her lip. “I’m sorry. It’s just people never do stuff for nothing, you know? Everybody always wants something.”
    Luke frowned. “That’s awfully cynical in someone who’s—what? Twenty-five?”
    She snapped up straight. “I’m twenty-seven.”
    He stared at her for a moment and then slid out of the booth. “The offer stands,” he said without smiling.
    “I’m sorry, you guys,” she muttered.
    Al sighed. “I’m sorry, too, Elena.” he patted her hand. “He’s my closest friend and I don’t like to see him unfairly judged. Give him a chance, okay?”
    “Understood.” She raised both hands, rubbed her face. She’d never intended to insult anybody. “So what’s the story?” At their blank looks, she elaborated. “It’s Friday night. You guys are all single, right? How come nobody’s cell phone is buzzing with invitations and booty calls?”
    “Just got dumped,” Debbie admitted, brushing dark hair out of her eyes.
    Oh. She hadn’t considered that. “Ouch. That sucks.”
    Debbie sipped from her cup, gave her half a grin. “She said I wasn’t serious. And she was right. I’m not serious. Life’s too short not to have some fun, you know?”
    She ? Oh. Oh!
    Well, Elena knew all about the caprice of life. But having fun? No. No, that wasn’t possible these days. Her eyes tracked Lucas, who’d walked across the diner to chat with the server. The server was now looking at him like he’d just walked out of a flying saucer.
    “What’s up over there?” She jerked her chin at the drama.
    Al followed her gaze and grinned. “Like I said. He’s the best guy I know.”
    At her blank look, Debbie provided the details. “Luke is all about the random acts of kindness, you know? He’s probably picking up the tab for somebody. Who do you think it is?” She turned to Al.
    Al scanned the diner. “That old lady by the window.”
    “Uh uh. I think it’s the couple in the corner.”
    Elena’s belly did a little roll. “He pays for people’s meals? That is so sweet.”
    “Yeah, but don’t make a big deal out of it, okay? It weirds him out.”
    How could she not? It was a big deal. Lucas Adair was a good man. Saving her from thugs, building cribs, volunteering hours—Lucas had gotten under her skin in a matter of minutes. She watched the server approach a young couple in the back of the diner. They couldn’t have been out of their teens. The server pointed at Lucas and the couple grinned and waved.
    He should have a good woman—not