Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series: Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

about him for the umpteenth time.
    Despite my upset, she said breakfast went remarkably well. Lunch was a little more difficult, but Glori arrived to distract me with more gossip. By midafternoon I was tearful and restless, losing hope.
    “Let’s go sit out on the balcony. It’s a beautiful day, honey,” Cindy offered. Glori had the wheelchair at the ready.
    Carefully, Cindy helped me into a lush terrycloth robe. “That soft pink does wonders for your complexion.” I knew I must have looked like a ghost.
    Glori felt compelled to take out her brush in an attempt to do something with my flyaway hair. I felt a little better for all the pampering. Even Dr. Gallagher stopped by to comment on how well I was looking.
    It was so light and pleasant on the balcony, it lifted my spirits. Cindy could never resist all Glori’s gossip, and I listened intently, though I didn’t always understand. Glori lived in another world, the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour, and I so wanted some connection to that world.
    At least I thought I did. But Grammy was starting to get in the way. She seemed so happy. I needed to find Cat the Prayer Warrior.
    Glori was animated, telling her latest gossip about a guy Cindy was dating. Never one to let the truth get in the way of a good story, she elaborated to her heart’s content. We laughed, as Glori motioned wildly with her words.
    I think Cindy saw him first, and she put her hand up to stop her. Too late. Glori slammed her arm into David’s stomach. As any great actress would, she turned her head slowly for effect. “Hello.”
    “Hello, Glori.” She looked amazed that he remembered her name. The wry smile never left his face as he nodded to Cindy, and sat down beside me. I was speechless as he took my hand.
    My friends excused themselves and went into my room to eavesdrop.
    His voice was gentle and soothing, and I couldn’t find mine. I think he sensed that I needed time to get my wits about me. His words were simple and direct, the topics mundane.
    I began to relax, as he spoke about this lovely California weather. I stared at his hands holding mine, because I was so shy, because I couldn’t believe this man was lavishing his undivided attention on me. Like I was the most desirable woman in the world.
    “Dr. Gallagher tells me you attend university.”
    I managed to stutter. “Yes … And…I – I study art history…in college.” Not only was I sweating from embarrassment, I began to shake.
    “Well, that must be fascinating.” He began massaging my hands.
    “Ohh… yes…” The massage began to help, and I let out a sigh. It caught in my throat, but I pushed on. “I’ll do a painting for you – maybe tomorrow. Maybe.”
     
    ***
     
    He visited with me for fifty minutes. Cindy had it timed. I never could repeat all we discussed to satisfy Glori. It was a very pleasant blur. I finally composed myself, and actually participated in the conversation – mostly I made him tell me everything about Hamburg, Germany. I even managed to smile at him. The feel of my hand in his thrilled me.
    I knew my friends were listening in, so I never mentioned the painting he liked, or Cat the Prayer Warrior, and he didn’t either. But I sensed I could trust him with my heart. And that was pretty frail.
    “I’m afraid I must be going, Debbie.” He kissed my cheek, and my heart resumed racing. The winter sun was growing dim. He wheeled me back into the room, and lifted me onto the bed. “May I visit with you again tomorrow?”
    “Oh… yes…” But what would I do until then?
    He kissed my hands, nodded to my friends, and he was gone.

Chapter Three
     
    David
     
    He sat in his car for a few silent moments to compose himself – again. Cat the Prayer Warrior. He wiped his eyes and saw his cousin Cat, blonde curls falling about her face. Her haunting, deep blue eyes stared into his. She was just five years old, and he was seven. He shuddered, and he was back on his boat. Was he losing his