Tessa's Treasures Read Online Free PDF

Mason grabbed the check from the table. “Nobody except me and Jane know about this. I only told you cause you’re an old friend, and frankly, I think you’d be good for Tessa. But don’t say anything to her unless she brings it up.”
    Lucas sat staring at the table.
    “You coming?”
    He waved his hand at Mason. “No, you go ahead. I’ll be here a few more minutes.”
    “Okay.” Mason pulled his sunglasses out of his shirt pocket. “See ya around.”
    Her husband got ten years. Tessa said she returned about eight years ago. That meant the scum was getting close to parole.
    ****
    Tessa pulled the items from Lucas' attic out of the box and lined them up on the counter. First, she lifted the doll to examine it from various angles. Then a weird thing happened. Goosebumps actually rose on her arm. Startled, she laid the doll on the counter and moved to the other pieces.
    She carefully inspected the china and a few small statutes. One item resembled a pipe with Indian writing on it. The next piece she reached for was the journal. It was an old book, with careful hand-written entries from a time when penmanship was important and a sign of education. She flipped through the pages. Maybe she’d take it home tonight and read it after dinner. Or maybe not. The meeting at the church for Vacation Bible School was tonight. She put the journal aside. Some other time.
    A Jeep pulling up in front of the store caught her attention. A groan escaped when her heart sped up. This is not good. I must make my body behave itself.
    Lucas walked into the store, his gaze fixed on her from the moment he entered. He strode to the counter, then around it. Tessa backed up, her mouth dry. “Lucas, what’s wrong?”
    He put both his hands on her shoulders, then pulled her to his chest.
    She tried to pull away. “Lucas!” Her heart took off and sweat beaded her upper lip.
    “Shh.” He released her, and leaned his chin on her head, then set her away from him.
    “What’s the matter?” she squeaked.
    He ran both palms up and down her arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. There’s nothing wrong. I just wanted to make sure you’re all right.”
    “I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” Her own heart finally started to slow. He’d given her a jolt.
    He removed his baseball cap and tossed it on the counter. “I just had a scare today. I’m sorry if I frightened you.”
    Tessa took a large breath. “What happened? What scared you?”
    “Nothing. It’s over now.” He ran his knuckles down her cheek, sucking in a deep breath. “So. How’s your day going?”
    “Fine. Quiet now. I had a busload of tourists earlier, sold a few things.” Tessa studied him. He seemed distracted, almost angry. “Would you like a cup of herbal tea?”
    Lucas smiled for the first time since he entered the store. “Sure. I don’t usually drink the stuff, but I’d enjoy a cup right now.”
    They went to the small kitchen behind the store. Lucas took a chair, turned it around, and straddled it, leaned his forearms on the back.
    Tessa glanced at him while she readied cups and saucers, grabbing spoons from a nearby drawer. What the hell was that all about? He’d scared her to death, and he looked like death himself. She poured boiling water over two herbal tea bags in the pink and green flowered teapot, and then sat across from him, smoothing her long yellow linen skirt.
    “How about dinner tonight?” Lucas' smile was forced.
    “I can’t.” She stirred her tea, the spoon clinking the edge of the china in a steady rhythm that matched the nervous thrum of her heart. “I have a meeting at church.”
    He left his chair, strode to the small window and stood with his back to her, hands resting on his hips. “I have some things to finish up in Oklahoma City the next few days.” He turned and leaned against the wall. “But I just picked up my boat today, and I’m anxious to get her out. How about I pick you up Saturday and we spend the day on the