One Summerhill Day (The Summerhill Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

good?”
    “It isn’t as good as our five-star restaurants, but I eat there often,” he said as he settled in beside her. “Suits me better than my bachelor apartment. Plus, we policemen like our diners.”
    She laughed. “But…”
    “Please, I insist. Otherwise, I’ll be eating there alone.”
    He slung a hand over the back of the bench, and for some reason, his closeness warmed her insides. “Sure, in that case I’d love to come.” She gazed into his eyes, and he nodded and smiled as if to affirm their agreement. His eyes were mesmerizing. “Have you lived here long?”
    Ryan said, “I’ve lived here all my life except for when I was in the army. I grew up with my parents, two brothers, and three sisters, but my mom died a while back from breast cancer.”
    “Oh, I’m so sorry. That must have been terrible for you.”
    “Losing her was hard on all of us, but especially my dad. Fortunately, he met someone and married again, which is how I ended up with six step-siblings—four brothers and two sisters. Now we have enough for any team sports we want. When the seven guys get together on the basketball court, it can be dangerous, but we have a great time.”
    “So, you get along with all of them? Wow. No sibling rivalry?”
    “A little when we were younger, yes. But I love having such a large family. We get together every Saturday for lunch, and I rarely miss it.” His expression turned from cheerful to serious. “Their continued support means everything to me.”
    She found herself wishing she could see him without his coat on so she could have a better look at him. In his police jacket, he had looked massive, with broad shoulders, thick biceps, and a narrow waist…Did he have a six-pack for abs?
    He stared at her expectantly.
    “I’m sorry, what did you say?” The man was distracting. He laughed and his white teeth sparkled at her almost as much as the snow at her feet.
    “Can I pick you up in a couple of hours?”
    “Yes, that sounds wonderful, Officer Ramsay. In fact, I think I will head back. It’s a bit chilly out here, even with the sun.”
    “Ryan. Please call me Ryan. I’m not on duty today.” He grabbed her arm to steady her as she stood, trying not to bend her leg too much. As they headed up the hill, he said, “Do you mind if I hang on to you? I know from experience that it’s much more difficult to walk up a snowy hill with a bum leg and I don’t want you to fall.”
    She nodded. “Thank you.” The simple kindness spread warmth from her head to her toes. She grabbed his elbow, hoping he would use this opportunity to tell her how he’d been injured, but he did not.
    When they hit the steepest part of the hill, they both slowed, Caitlyn struggling to push off without too much pain.
    “You all right?” he asked, the concern in his gaze shooting straight to her heart.
    “Yes, thank you.” She paused for a moment to absorb the pain, but then kept moving. When she turned her head to glance at him, she couldn’t help but laugh. “We certainly are a pair walking up this hill together, aren’t we?”
    He nodded and gave her a strange look. “Yep, we are.”
    ***
    Ryan couldn’t believe he’d had the nerve to ask her out. Was this a real date or not? It was Saturday night, but she could consider his offer a friendly gesture. He checked his reflection in his rearview mirror before he got out of the car. He’d put on cologne, even though he had left most of his beard scruffy. Mallory always bugged him about smelling nice for the ladies. He wasn’t sure if it genuinely made a difference, but he’d decided to take his sister’s advice for a change.
    As soon as he walked into the foyer of the bed and breakfast, he caught sight of Caitlyn as she limped down the hallway toward him, a smile lighting up her face. He took a minute to appreciate the effect she had on him. There was a sort of glow that emanated from her, one capable of cheering anyone up. Her smile reached all the way to