The Second Time Around Read Online Free PDF Page A

had a lot to laugh about lately.
    There was a long silence before Jabarie finally pushed away from the door and said, “See you around.”
    Brenna simply nodded and watched as he retrieved his jacket and headed out the door.

    The rest of the evening was smooth sailing. With food in her stomach, she was able to handle just about anything. In between customers she finished working on the display in the front window, replacing the current books with several hot new releases. However, no matter what she was doing she still had time to think about Jabarie, and she found herself wondering why he was being so nice. She pondered the question until closing time and finally came up with one possible answer—guilt. He felt guilty about breaking her heart. Well, too bad, she scowled. There was no way she was going to willingly help ease his conscience. She was going to make him earn her forgiveness, although in her heart, Brenna knew she already had.
    At seven o’clock, she punched in the security code then shut the door behind her and ran right smack into Jabarie. She staggered back a step or two before he caught her.
    â€œOops, sorry about that.”
    Feeling the heat flowing from his hands, her mouth went dry and her knees trembled. A voice inside screamed for her to move closer. Instead, she flinched and stepped out of his reach. “What are you doing here?” she asked, totally shaken by his touch.
    He shrugged. “I spotted Nellie’s car in front of her house so I thought I’d come by and walk you home.”
    â€œWhy?” she asked, finally finding her equilibrium.
    He paused long enough to give her an irresistible grin. “Because I’m a gentleman.”
    Gazing up and down the street she returned her eyes to him. “Where’s your SUV?”
    â€œI left it in front of your aunt’s house.” He gave her a puzzled look. “Is something wrong?”
    She shook her head and tried not to notice how relaxed he looked. He had removed his jacket and tie and his shirt hung loose with his sleeves rolled up past his elbows. Finally she shrugged, as if to say, “suit yourself,” and became quiet as he fell into step beside her.
    The evening brought on a gentle warm breeze that she was thankful for after a long and tiring day. As they strolled down Main Street she spotted Ms. Pearl at the sunglass shop looking through the window waving in their direction. At the jewelry store it was the same thing. By the time they had made it halfway down the block, she heard Jabarie chuckle. Shaking her hair out of her face, Brenna turned to him and asked, “What’s so funny?”
    He lifted his brow in amusement. “I think we’re going to be the talk of the town tomorrow.”
    He was right. At Milly’s Tailor Shop, she noticed the redhead with the receiver to her ear, pointing in her direction. Obviously, she intended to be the first to spread the news. Brenna groaned inwardly. Aunt Nellie would know long before she set foot in the house.
    â€œThat’s why I didn’t need you walking me home,” she snapped.
    Jabarie was struggling to keep a straight face. “Sorry.”
    Brenna glared at him. He wasn’t sorry. By the look on his face, he was getting a big kick out of the whole thing. And it angered her. What did he have to be embarrassed about? She was the one who had gotten dumped five years ago.
    At the watch repair shop she cut around the building and walked heavily down towards the sandy beach. She kicked off her sandals and hopped across the hot sand down to the cool, wet shore. Why should she care that a few busybodies couldn’t mind their own business? But she did. She’d always cared what others thought about her. Brenna took a deep breath and kept walking, ignoring Jabarie as he called her name.
    Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted him kicking off his expensive shoes and tucking his socks inside.
    â€œCan you please