Now and Forever 4, The Renovated Heart Read Online Free PDF

he’s too much of a gentleman
to pry. Thank God.
    When they finished dinner, Tunney offered to
buy Kit a brandy. She accepted. Anything beats returning to the
motel alone …is what she told herself, avoiding the fact she
hungered for Tunney’s warm brown eyes and rapt attention, making
her feel attractive again.
    When Kit stood, she found herself unsteady
and knew Tunney could see she’d had too much to drink.
    “Can I walk you back to your motel? It’s
dark and the streets around here are deserted at this hour. It
isn’t safe for you to be out walking alone.”
    She didn’t feel safe making her way home
alone, but then again, didn’t know if she’d be safe with Tunney, in
a completely different way.
    “Thank you. I rarely drink this much…I
overdid just a weensy bit tonight.” She giggled behind her
hand.
    He offered her his arm. She put her hand on
his forearm, instantly aware of the strength of the rock-hard
muscle beneath his shirt. A small shiver rocketed up her spine.
    They set out slowly, the full moon shining
above lighting their way. The warm breeze caressed Kit’s face like
a lover. In her half-inebriated state, the fingers of soft air
reminded her of Johnny’s touch. A wave of loneliness swept over her
heart. Tunney placed his hand over hers to keep her steady. His was
warm, dry and strong, like his forearm. His presence comforted her.
A wisp of her new perfume wafted up to tease her nostrils. I
wonder if he likes my new scent. She gave her head a slight
shake to rid herself of the idea. He’s a stranger, I shouldn’t
care if he likes my perfume or not. His arm brushed the side of
her breast, making her tingle, as she clung to him for support.
    “What a beautiful night,” she looked up at
the moon.
    “Should be illegal to be so attractive and
out of reach on a night like this.”
    She smiled at his compliment. Desire shone
in his eyes, reflecting the moonlight mixed with the soft glow of a
street lamp.
    When they got to the motel, Tunney hesitated
as if he’d kiss her goodnight. Instead, he stood back to open the
door to the motel lobby for her. Kit looked at him while goose
bumps broke out on her skin. The moonlight shone down on Tunney
making the planes of his face angular and gorgeous, his dark hair
reflected the moon’s glow, his dark eyes were partially hidden in
shadow. She felt his gaze on her body. His mouth curved into a warm
grin as his hands fell away from her.
    “Are you thinking of settling here in Willow
Falls while your husband travels?”
    “I am.”
    “New York’s loss is our gain.”
    Kit smiled at him.
    “I hope to see you again at Bon Appetit,”
she said, extending her hand to shake his.
    “I hope so, too.”
    “Thank you for walking me home.”
    “My pleasure.”
    As she went in the door, she could hear him
mumble to himself.
    “The good ones are always taken.”
    Back in her room, she moved to the window
and parted the curtain to watch Tunney walk back toward the
restaurant. Again she looked up at the moon. Memories of making
love in the moonlight with Johnny deep in the woods on a two week
camping trip filled her thoughts. She shook her head as if she
could shake the memory out of her brain. Remember Johnny walked
out on you, dumped you, deserted you as soon as he got his big
break . The thought stoked her anger. Maybe anger boiling up in
her chest would propel her to a new life.
    She turned away from the window, letting the
curtain fall back, restoring her privacy. Love was over for her.
Zoe was her top priority now. She had to rebuild her life…life
without a man. Kit began to hate Johnny, yet she yearned to be a
family again. Fury and longing fought for her heart.

* * * *
     
    Saturday night at 29 James Street
     
    Sarah hired Rebecca Simpson, Callie’s
babysitter, to stay with Laura and Scottie while she went out with
Jim. She dressed with care, selecting a turquoise sundress with
lavender trim, low cut with a snug bodice over a full skirt. Laura
watched