Silver Mine Read Online Free PDF Page B

that’s fine, but I have to mention again things have improved. The current leadership team is great. You will not have the troubles you had before. I guarantee it.”
    Shelley felt that strange sensation repeat—the one that meant Carline was both telling the truth and keeping something from her. “Thanks. And we’ll talk more tomorrow.”
    She snuck another glance at the man as he strolled toward the paddlewheeler, his gaze taking in everything around him. He seemed to be avoiding the crowds, clinging to the perimeter of the park. Even the way he moved made her heart race. He had a confident gait, yet somewhat like she’d seen in the wild animals she’d worked with. Nothing tame about him. Maybe he was an explorer, or from some South American country.
    She wanted to go and ask him, and even that urge made her nervous. This was supposed to be a game, a teasing way to find out things about your friends.
    But at that moment the idea of doing the silver stranger sounded very pleasant indeed.
     
    Chase looked over the gathering, pissed off that he was slightly nervous at being around this many people. He’d never thought of himself as a real recluse, not even with living isolated in the bush, but it was clear that over the past year he’d lost a little more of his ability to cope with crowds.
    Whatever. He focused on the parts he enjoyed—especially the laughter. Living amongst outcasts there wasn’t a lot of mirth in his life, and he savoured the current joie de vivre in the air.
    And the kids. Running, playing. Wasn’t likely he’d ever have any of his own, but he didn’t mind a little dose of watching others’.
    Laughter rang out on his left and caught his attention. Not far away, two women reclined side by side on a blanket, one blonde like the girl at the shop today, the other darker in colouring. He soaked in their happy tones, attempting to catch a glimpse of the brunette’s face, but the blonde was directly between them.
    Chase hesitated for all of a minute before deciding what the hell. He turned and stalked around the edge of the park, deliberately not looking the women’s direction.
    Hunting. Just like sneaking up on a deer, you had to make sure they didn’t know you were coming. He kept track with his peripheral vision to be sure she didn’t sneak away. More glimpses teased him—a flash of a smile, her gaze darting around the park. She was wary, cautious. He liked that she seemed more observant than the other woman, and he wondered if the brunette might be a shifter.
    He’d know soon enough. He slipped into the thin row of trees on the park’s perimeter before changing direction. It only took a moment to cut back around the gathering by weaving through the parking lot. The cars made as good a cover as any rocks or boulders in the bush, and by the time he’d gotten into position he was smiling.
    It was always enjoyable, getting his target within his sights.
    And there she was. She had pulled her dark hair back and secured it with something, the heavy ponytail draped over one shoulder. Her skin wasn’t as dark as the shifters he’d met that afternoon, but there had to be First Nations blood in her family line. While his own skin tones were far more European, leaving him pale in the winter, her colouring made her skin glow as if with a light tan. The blonde said something and they both laughed again, and Chase soaked in the sound like a treasure. He could listen to her laugh all day long.
    He had to assume the other noises she’d make in pleasure would be enjoyable as well.
    He stepped forward, suddenly not sure why his feet were moving. There was still time to retreat if he wanted to, but then again, why? The worst that could happen was for her to turn him down. And the best?
    There was still a lot of evening ahead of them.
    He’d taken not even three steps forward before she turned and their gazes met. She had beautiful dark brown eyes, but it was the clear interest in them that fascinated