In Love by Design (The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod) Read Online Free PDF

actually takes pictures with his phone and shares the before and after shots with Jack Banner for a good belly laugh at my expense. I’ve been trying to ruin their fun by paying extra attention to my driving.
    Exiting the garage, I squinted at the wide pool of white light spilling out on the ground before me from the motion detector fixture mounted on the overhead peak. My eyes still haven’t made it to an optician for a check-up, but I don’t remember this light being so brightly penetrating. Normally, the spookiness of this shadowy back lot propels me to run like a scaredy cat from my garage to the safety zone of the well-lit back entrance to Bel’s. Tonight I wasn’t getting the usual creeps.
    ‘ Weird,’ I mused, turning around and shading my eyes to look up at the light. Something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t come up with a reason why a brighter light would signify anything wrong. If the light bulb was burnt out and it was dark, I’d park out front under the streetlights and have a hand on my gun. There is no way I’m falling for that Serial Killer 101 trick.
    Feeling the winter night’s chill creeping through my tweed blazer and up my thin stockings, I shook off my unease and strode quickly towards the idling black Lexus. James had the driver window down and Jazy leaned forward in her seat. As they both watched me approach, she said something that I couldn’t hear but caused him to nod.
    I reached the driver’s door and James asked, “Everything okay, Anabel?’
    Jazy was frowning when she hurriedly put in, “We’ll wait until you get into the apartment and flash a light.”
    “ No need, I’ll be fine.” I assured them and smiled warmly. “Thanks for the jump and for following me, but go ahead and take off. I have a stack of cookie sheets to unload for Anna.”
    James immediately made to come help me, but I put a hand on the door to prevent him exiting and laughed. “Please, they’re dirty trays and you guys are all spiffed up. Really, I don’t need your help. Jazy, tell him how strong I am.”
    Jazy just continued to look anxious and I motioned back at the light. “Look, it’s like daytime back here and I live all by my lonesome, remember?” I patted the purse hanging at my side. “I’ve got Rita Ruger in here to protect me. Please, off with you to join the beautiful people, Jaz, so they can drool over your good taste in dresses.”
    My sister looked dubious still, but then gave in and shared a conspiratorial grin over the dress.
    James nodded to me. “If you’re sure you don’t need any help, then good night. I’ll see you on Monday?”
    “Ye s, thanks, on Monday.” Stepping back, I gave a final wave when they pulled away and turned back to the garage.
    James ’ reference was to our second business meeting scheduled for next Monday. Thinking about our first meeting brought me back to the list of my woes. I scowl, which is my reaction every time my mind touched on the disquieting news James shared with me a week ago.
    Opening the back of Lady Liberty, I started absently grabbing and stacking scattered cookie trays while I thought again, for the hundredth time, about the puzzle he’s plopped into my lap that I had yet to decide if I should solve.
    After Jazy told me about James Byrd’s financial acumen, I talked with Mr. Barkley. He not only agreed with my sister, but James Byrd’s name was first on Mr. Barkley’s short list of future financial advisors he was recommending. He was tickled pink when I agreed to make an appointment.
    For our first business meeting , we’d met at Mr. Barkley’s house last Thursday evening for dinner. He was cooking while James Byrd and I got better acquainted in the attached sitting area open to his kitchen. I was aware Mr. Barkley was keeping tabs on our conversation because I’d catch a smile flitting across his lips every now and then while he fixed our meal.
    Understanding James isn’t just an other arrogantly pretty face, but has a heart,