Penny Serenade Read Online Free PDF

couldn’t undo that.
    It was time to put her business face back on. “So, why did you stop by my store?” She asked. And why did he look exceptionally hot right then?
    Confusion crossed his face a brief moment, replaced by a crooked grin. “Oh, right, right. Yeah. I wanted to thank you again for suggesting the bracelet. My niece loved it. Actually I’d say loved is an understatement. I think I racked up a ton of uncle points.”
    “Your niece,” she said, clarifying it more for her own piece of mind. Maybe there was a chance he was single? Wait, why did she care? She smiled to be polite.
    “Yeah. It was her sixteenth birthday, so the gift had to be extra special.”
    “That’s a big milestone in a girl’s life,” she offered. Not like she knew. Her sweet sixteen was sour and spent with an intoxicated date who thought no meant yes, until the heel of her shoe knocked some sense into him. Well, knocked him out anyway.
    “And thanks to you,” he continued, “I’m considered the best uncle in the world.”
    She liked his thoughtfulness. From the way he’d spoken before, she didn’t expect to add sentimental to the equation too. “It’s cool that you’re a part of her life. She’s a lucky girl.”
    “I think the world of her.”
    The sincere response melted her heart. “Well, I’m glad it all worked out.”
    “Me too.” His gaze shifted to her notebook. “What are you working on?”
    Audrey’s arm bumped her tea in an effort to cover the page. “Nothing.”
    “Come on, after that big production? What is it? I’m curious.”
    “You’ll get over it,” she snapped and wiped up the spill with a pile of napkins.
    He leaned in and folded his hands. Her face heated at the sight of his perfect mouth. Now would be a good time for that hidden doorway to appear.
    “Please,” he pressed, the barest hint of coffee on his breath. “I’m intrigued.”
    The close proximity to him set her body ablaze.
    “Fine,” she started, irritated she gave in so fast, “if you must know—”
    “I must,” he intercepted with a sly grin.
    Audrey cleared her throat and tried again. “If you must know, I’m writing affirmations.”
    He relaxed back in his chair, giving her a chance to catch her breath. “Interesting. Are they for a book?”
    “No. They’re for the Thoughtful Pennies I sell in my shop,” she corrected.
    His left brow arched. “You write the messages on those?”
    “Yes. Actually, I designed the whole thing.”
    The grin he’d been wearing thinned. “ You’re the artist?”
    She broke out into a smile, taking great pleasure at his unease. “Yes, I am.”
    “Well, I feel like an asshole with what I said. I didn’t realize…”
    Audrey put her hand up. “No need to apologize.” The look on his face overshadowed the need.
    “I disagree,” he continued, “I had no idea you were the artist, and anyway, I could learn some tact.”
    “Tact is good,” she replied. Why argue a simple truth?
    “I tend to let words flow from my mouth without thinking about how they impact others,” he said and looked down at his cup. “It’s a flaw I’ve yet to overcome.”
    Far as she could tell, it was his only flaw. “Oh I don’t know. I guess that could be considered a noble trait. I, on the other hand, try and think how my words will impact others. Words can be a dangerous weapon.”
    “Never thought of it that way.” He leaned forward again and rested his chin on his hand. The delectable mouth inches from hers. “So other than the fact I feel like a jerk, I’m intrigued to hear more about what you do. How do you make the pennies?”
    “I have a machine in the back where I melt the copper, and pour it into the penny mold,” she explained. “I let it cool, flatten it out and polish it until it’s all smooth and shiny. When the pennies are ready I engrave my sayings on them.”
    He nodded, his eyes intent on her. “You’re very talented.”
    “Thanks.” She appreciated his comment but