Jobe: Alvarez Security Series Read Online Free PDF Page B

placing her hand on her friend’s. “With all the talk about your work, I forgot what you’re dealing with at home.”
    “Mom’s doing great, she really is. Her speech is improving, although me and the nurse are probably the only ones who can understand her now. She doesn’t have much movement on the left side, but since she was right-handed, she can still do things fairly easily on that side.”
    As they settled the check, Jennifer stated, “Well, I’m going to take one worry off of your plate. I’m talking to Gabe tonight!”
    Parting company, Mackenna headed home, feeling strangely lighter than she had in a few weeks. Maybe, just maybe, things are looking up.
    *
    True to her word, that night as the dishes were being put away and her brother, Ross, was busy with his homework, Jennifer talked to Gabe about the New Beginnings security issues.
    “They’ve got seven girls that have been reclaimed from gangs and what they’re doing is amazing. But honey, they only have a night watchman and some deadbolts on the doors. What scares me is that these girls could be in danger from the gangs that they left. The director, Mac, is a friend and I want to help any way I can.”
    Gabe listened as his wife described the situation and nodded his agreement. “Sounds like something that Tony would be interested in.”
    “Good, because I want to make sure they’re as safe as you made the Elder Center.”
    Coming up behind her, trapping her against the counter with his arms on either side, he leaned down and whispered against her lips, “Well, the Elder Center got my very private, special attention.” Licking her lips, he plunged his tongue in, tasting the wine and chocolate cake they had for dessert.
    “Well, maybe you can’t give them the exact same attention,” she purred as she melted into his arms.
    Chuckling as he pulled away, he assured her that he would speak to Tony the next day. Then he added, “And you can show me your gratitude in bed tonight.”
    “Why, Mr. Malloy,” she said, batting her eyes and giggling. “I’d be glad to.”
    *
    Mackenna sat down on the sofa after dinner with her mom as they watched TV. She had her laptop on her legs so that she could work while watching TV at the same time.
    Penny Dunn looked over at her daughter. “Ya wok too har,” she claimed.
    Smiling up as she glanced over, Mackenna said, “I don’t work too hard, mom. I’m just surfing the web right now.” Seeing her mom’s curious expression, she explained that her friend was going to try to get a company to set up some security for the shelter.
    Satisfied, Penny went back to watching TV and Mackenna pulled up Alvarez Security on her computer. Reading what all they did, she knew that there was no way the grant would cover any of what they offered. Sighing, she hoped that Jennifer was right and that they would agree to do some pro bono work.
    Jennifer had shown her a picture of her husband and Mackenna had to admit that he was gorgeous. The Alvarez Security website had no pictures except for the owner, Tony Alvarez. God, he’s handsome too. But, Jennifer mentioned that he was married to another one of her friends. Damn, all the good ones are gone. Ruefully, she looked around at the small, one-level house that she and her mom had rented after Penny had the stroke. Her days were centered around New Beginnings and her evenings were with her mom. Not exactly conducive for Mr. Gorgeous and Available to come walking through my door!
    She saw her mom staring her way again and tried to school her expression. But she was caught with the wistful expression on her face.
    “Ya shou go ou mo. Ha fun,” her mom said, turning off the TV and facing her daughter.
    “Mom, I do have fun. I went out tonight, didn’t I?”
    Making a face, her mother shook her head. “Whe wa the las time ya wen on date?”
    “I have dated. Just not recently,” she admitted. “Mom, I’ll go out again sometime, just not right now.”
    “Beca of