Love in Bloom Read Online Free PDF

He was no stranger to loneliness and recognized it when he heard it.
    "Holidays were the hardest," she confessed.  "Especially in boarding school.  The other girls went home.  I couldn't contact Mom and Dad because they moved from village to village."
    Clay could see the lonely little girl who had no place to go and wondered why the hell she didn't resent her parents.  He didn't hear resentment.  "Didn't your parents worry about you, try to contact you?"
    "Oh, they sent boxes of presents they ordered.  And wrote constantly.  It wasn't so bad."  She flipped the chicken to the platter.
    When Clay reached for it to put it on the table, so did she.  Their fingers touched.  Their eyes met.
    After a moment, she pulled back.  He watched as her face pinkened, knowing he'd like to stroke her cheek and hold her in his arms.  She had a freshness, a naturalness that connected with basic needs inside him.  But he knew better than to act on them with this woman.
    Paige set the dish on the table.  Her voice was low and reminded him of long nights, a starry sky, his king-size bed.  "If you'll set the table, I'll get the rice and the salad."
    He dispelled the image of touching her skin, kissing her.  "Will do."
    Paige went inside.  Clay took a deep breath. 
    When she returned, Doc accompanied her.  She put the food on the table and as they ate, Doc guided the conversation.  Clay observed Paige and wondered again about her reason for coming to Langley.  Any number of doctors could have covered for Doc.
    Doc winked as he popped a strawberry into his mouth.  "Beats lemon meringue pie, doesn't it?"
    Clay laughed.  Paige smiled and her gaze met his.  They shared a look that said they both cared enough about Doc to make him toe the line.
    Paige gathered the plates and silverware.  Clay helped and stowed the leftovers in the refrigerator.  "You're spoiling Doc, you know."
    "He deserves to be spoiled.  He's a wonderful man."
    "I remember what he used to eat.  Hot dogs, steak, potatoes and gravy."
    She chuckled.  "He turned up his nose at the first few suppers I put on the table, but he's getting used to low-fat meals."
    "Supper was very good."
    "Thanks."  She added soap to the dishwasher and closed the door.  "I like to cook.  I'm getting used to the microwave again and all the conveniences I haven't had for a while."  She pushed the start cycle.  "I usually go for a walk after supper.  Would you like to join me?"
    He knew every moment he spent with Paige he was getting in deeper.  But being with her seemed preferable to not being with her.  "Sure."
    When they went back outside, Doc was settled in an old wooden rocking chair.  "Can't beat May nights."
    "Did you walk today?" Paige asked.
    "Twice.  Almost a mile at a time, now.  It felt good."
    "Then you don't want to come with us for another one?"
    "No.  I'll wait for the moon to come up."
    Paige and Clay descended the wooden steps and walked along the path until they entered a grove of tall maples, poplars and evergreens.  The packed earth muffled their footsteps.  They hadn't gone far when sunlight showered them again.
    Clay pointed across the clearing.  "Look at that."
    The sunshine played over a colorful display of violets, buttercups, and columbines.  Paige stepped closer to Clay to peer around the tree trunks.  "I've never seen a planned garden look more beautiful.  I wish the one I planted out front could capture that free feeling."
    Clay leaned against a tree trunk.  "That's what I like about wild flowers.  They're free, unique, and grow wherever they fall.  They survive with their surroundings."
    She studied him.  "Are you like that?"
    "I try to be."  They were standing close.  Too close.  He could see a faint spray of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
    She asked softly, "Clay, what happened to you in the rock- climbing accident?"
    It was strange.  He almost felt that if he could tell anyone, he could tell her.  "I talk about it as