Sweet Baklava Read Online Free PDF Page B

on my mind lately."
    "Yeah? Like what?"
    "Like church and your shop, and . . ." He took a tentative step toward her. "And us."
    Paula opened her mouth, but she couldn't think of a retort, so she clamped it shut.
    "Sorry. I guess that was too abrupt."
    "No, I asked for it. Why don't we start with the first thing and work through your list, one item at a time."
    Nick smiled and nodded. "Sounds good. I'd like to pick you up for church tomorrow."
    "What makes you think I still go to church?" Her eyes held a playful gleam.
    "Don't forget, I have informants."
    "So your cousins are double agents. It's that old blood-isthicker-than-friendship thing. I get it." She moved toward the kitchen table, and he followed. They both sat down.
    "So answer me, Paula. Could I pick you up for church tomorrow?"
    "Okay, sure, that's fine. But I've been going to Sunday school, and I don't want to miss."
    "That's cool. I like Sunday school."
    "Anything else you wanted to discuss about church?" Her question was a challenge.
    He sighed and shook his head. "Steph told me when you and that . . . sorry, can't remember his name . . . the associate pastor you were seeing . . ." He twisted his mouth and snorted. "I feel like I'm back in high school."
    Paula leaned back and howled. "You're acting like it too. No, Drew and I broke up shortly after you reenlisted."
    "Just my luck. I might have stuck around if I knew you'd be available."
    She lifted her hands. "Whoa. Don't blame me for anything you do."
    "No, that's not what I mean. I came here hoping you might want to . . ." He sucked in a breath and slowly blew it out. "This isn't going very well."
    "Sorry. I think I broke your train of thought."
    "So what time do I need to pick you up for Sunday school?" he asked.
    "How about eight-thirty? The class starts at nine, and I like to get there early."
    "So you can get a seat front and center, right?"
    "Yep. I don't want to miss anything." The softness in her eyes defied the set of her jaw. He'd always loved Paula's blend of strength and vulnerability.
    He shook his head. "You've never been one to miss anything, Paula."
    "And I don't intend to start now," she replied, sounding more flippant than she felt, considering how her knees suddenly started wobbling. "Did you need anything else, Nick? There's some stuff I need to do, and, well . . ." She glanced around and tried to come up with something that wouldn't be a lie.
    "Okay, I get the message. I'll be here at eight-thirty."
    After Paula closed the door behind Nick, she leaned against it and slowly slid down until she sat on the floor. Hoo-boy, that man sure did make her heart gallop. She thought she'd be over him by now, but obviously he still could get her all charged up.

    Paula didn't need an alarm clock to wake her up for church. She hopped out of bed, threw back the curtains, and held her face up to the sunlight, smiling. Seeing Nick had renewed her excitement.
    Then she remembered he was leaving in six weeks. This was just a vacation for him. And then what?
    Her smile faded, and a sense of dread washed over her. L ord, please don't let me fall so hard I can't get up.
    She rushed through the house getting her coffee, dressing, and tossing things into a closet so he wouldn't see her mess. A glance at her hands made her cringe. She should have taken Steph up on her invitation to get a mani-pedi.
    Nick was five minutes late. The second he knocked, she opened the door.
    "You must have been standing right there," he said.
    "You're late."
    "Um . . ." A grin spread over his lips. "Guilty as charged."
    "Do they let you get away with that in the Army?"
    "Air Force," he corrected.
    Why couldn't she keep that straight? "Air Force, whatever. I thought the military was into punctuality."
    "They are." His smile turned into a frown. "Somehow I get the feeling you're angry at me."
    "No, Nick, I'm not mad. It's just that I've been a little stressed." She left out the fact that she started feeling that way as soon as she heard he