Operation Breathless Read Online Free PDF

Susanna Daniels.”
    “Hi, Susanna.”
    His smooth voice drew her gaze and she shifted, trying to find enough backbone and starch to hold her own. Man, was he good looking, and his eyes? Tender as the night.
    “Actually, Pia, we’ve met,” Susanna said.
    “Really? When?”
    “At the park today,” Handsome Man…er, Gabe…supplied. His smile landed dead center of Susanna’s heart, hitting a bulls-eye. The moment burned as intensely and with as much intoxicating life as the dancing flames of the fire. “Susanna, it seems Axle is as charmed by you now as he was then. Glad to meet you—formally that is.”
    Susanna pushed back embarrassment and played with Axle, who still waited for her attention. “Likewise.”
    Susanna’s peripheral vision captured the way Pia gaped then recovered. “So…Susanna, now that we’re almost ready to eat, let’s get to work prepping the side dishes. Come on.”
    Pia didn’t wait on a reply. She grabbed Susanna’s arm and yanked her away from the table while barbeque guests watched after them, visibly intrigued. Plus, if Gabe’s sparkling eyes and smile were any indication, he was thoroughly amused.
    Susanna’s movements weren’t graceful at all; she basically stumbled over her feet. Still, she followed Pia in shamed obedience, determined to withstand a loving sister’s interrogation.
    They barely made it across the threshold of the nearby recreation facility before Pia rounded on Susanna. Her eyes flashed merrily.
    “Gabe is the park guy? Gabe is the one you…you…”
    “Kissed. Fell all over. Yeah. He’d be the one.” Susanna’s cheeks felt like they were about to burst into flame. Susanna prepared to apologize for being so brazen, for acting like a temptress to Pia’s brother.
    “How awesome !”
    “ What ?”
    Pia giggled, pulling Susanna’s cut-glass bowl full of potato salad from inside the refrigerator. The communal gathering space where they stood featured a mini-kitchen, industrial-style décor and carpeting…but no escape hatch, Susanna lamented.
    “Gabe—and you. I think I really, really like it.”
    What was wrong with the universe today? Susanna wondered. Nothing—but nothing —was going as expected. “Are you nuts? I’m mortified. PS? There is no me and Gabe. At all .”
    “If you say so. PS right back? Don’t you dare be mortified.” Pia held the bowl in both hands and tilted a hip against the counter next to the fridge. Levity skipped fast from her eyes, replaced by tenderness and love. “He’s been through so much. Ever since he left home he’s been determined to slay dragons, and sometimes the dragons have won. I’ve prayed so hard for someone wonderful like you to come into his life.”
    Susanna shook her head. Vehemently. “No, Pia. Not at all. I’m not in the market for love.” Pia lifted a hand and pointed a finger as though to begin an argument. “Nuh-uh. Not one word about angels and romantic conspiracy theories that revolve around Heart’s Haven. It’s fun to joke about, but it’s not real, so get that thought right out of your beautiful little head.”
    “Let’s see if you still say that when I give you my next news flash.”
    “Which is?”
    Pia’s mega-watt smile returned. “He’s already moved in, and he’s going to be your new neighbor.” Executing a sassy twirl, Pia flounced away, potato salad in tow. She tossed a knowing, happy grin over her shoulder.
    Susanna’s stomach went on a breathtaking free fall.
     
     
     
     

3
     
    “I knew I’d find you all along, Susanna Daniels.”
    It was time to come clean. Besides, Gabe wanted to squelch the discomfited look Susanna had worn throughout most of the evening. He didn’t blame her. She’d been blindsided a number of times during the past twelve hours; he wanted to help her establish equilibrium.
    “How? Sure, you came away from our…meeting…knowing I work at Wellsprings, but that was about it, and to be honest, I wondered if you’d even remember that