Rescue Me (a quirky romance novel about secrets, forgiveness and falling in love) Read Online Free PDF Page B

you help Andrew out? He can't stay past five, and can't cover Saturdays, because of school. I know you're semi-retired and don't like working late--"
    "Not a problem. You know I don't mind helping." He studied her a moment, his keen gaze searching her face.
    Feeling the weight of his silent scrutiny, she looked away, focusing on Butterscotch, his ancient tabby lazing in the window. A bird fluttered outside, and Butterscotch's ears perked, then, his energy spent, he resumed his previous impassive expression.
    "So, you want me to cover nights and Saturday at the shelter, and reschedule the closing on the property? That's all you came to tell me." He paused. "Right?"
    "Yup. That's it." She stood. "Oh, and if you could, please keep this between you and me? As far as Amy and Andrew are concerned I'm in Los Angeles."
    "Got it. You know, if there's anything else you want to talk about--"
    "There's nothing. Really."
    Pete shook his head and stood. "Don't you trust anyone?"
    His question took her by surprise. "What do you mean? I trust you. Why would you say a thing like that?"
    "We've been friends for five years, and you still won't talk about anything but business. I can tell you're upset about something. There's nothing wrong with talking to a trusted friend."
    "I told you. I'm just in a hurry. Nothing is bothering me. Actually, everything is great! Our marine rescue is a done deal. We've both been dreaming of that."
    He stepped closer until he was standing directly in front of her. "So why the sad eyes? You can't hide them from me."
    "They aren't sad. They're tired. I couldn't sleep last night. Thinking about everything that needs to be done in the next--"
    He bent down until his face was inches from hers. "Bullshit."
    "You never swear."
    "And you're never honest. You live by heaping one lie on top of another. Why can't you at least be honest with me? I'm your business partner, for one. And your friend..." He straightened, and Hailey breathed a sigh of relief. "...At least I've always considered myself your friend."
    "Of course you're my friend."
    "Well, as your friend, I've kept my mouth shut for way too long." He resumed cleaning the room, but only shifted things from one position to another.
    Watching him, wondering what was causing his out-of-character behavior, she headed toward the door. "I don't know what you're talking about. I told you the truth." This was turning out to be one strange day, already.
    "Then you're worse off than I thought. You believe your own lies," he said to her back.
    She turned around and stared at him, the one person she trusted. His eyes, which she'd always found warm and welcoming, were now cold and determined. He never looked at her like that. "Why are you acting this way? Are you mad because of the shelter? I can find someone else if --"
    "You know that's not the problem."
    "Then what is wrong with you?" She felt her control slipping, and her eyes started burning. Darn it! She wouldn't overreact. It was worry. Shock. Yes, that was it. Pete was just being Pete.
    She glanced down at her watch. Forty-five minutes had passed since she'd left home, and she still hadn't called the doctor back yet. Urgency pressed upon her, its weight heavy on her shoulders as she visualized the airline ticket sitting in her car. The flight departed at three. It was a little after noon now. "I'm sorry. I don't have time to talk. I have to catch a flight." She turned the doorknob.
    He tugged at her elbow, and she glanced over her shoulder, annoyed and frustrated. Unexpectedly, he gathered her into his arms and held her close, his chin resting on the top of her head as he spoke, "I'm worried about you. That's all."
    "Everything's okay." She tipped her head to look at him. "Honest." Feeling awkward in his arms, and with the lie, she slipped from his grasp and stepped through the doorway. "I'll call you when I land in Detroit. Thanks again, Pete."
    "Anytime, Kiddo."
    She skipped down the stairs and sprinted to her car. If