Time to Heal (Harlequin Heartwarming) Read Online Free PDF Page A

marriage.
     
    S TANDING BEFORE the closed door of Ron Campbell’s office, Rachel fluffed the ends of her hair and moistened her lips. She was being interviewed for a job, not marching to the guillotine, she reminded herself. Ron’s secretary had given her a curious look when she’d asked to see him. Any other time, as president of the hospital auxiliary, Rachel would have been assured of her welcome by the administrator. As the man responsible for the management of the hospital, he was well aware of the dollar value of service performed by volunteers. Deeply appreciative, as well.
    But she wasn’t here in her capacity as a volunteer. She was here to get a job, a real job. A jobwhere she would earn a paycheck. A job she hoped would keep her thoughts fixed on something—anything—besides Scotty.
    Her fingers clenched and unclenched on the strap of her bag. She wondered if she looked right. Glancing down the hall at the double glass doors separating the business offices from the rest of the hospital, she gave herself another keen inspection. Straight cinnamon-colored linen skirt, cream silk blouse, midheel cinnamon pumps and no jewelry except for her watch and small pearl-and-gold earrings. She’d dressed in the outfit Suzy suggested, and Suzy ought to know, she reassured herself.
    She was acting like a teenager on a first date. With an impatient toss of her tawny hair, she pushed the door open.
    “Rachel!” Ron Campbell stood, his face lighting up. “This is a pleasure. Come in, come in.” He started around his desk toward her.
    “Hello, Ron.” Rachel closed the door softly behind her, putting her hand in his outstretched palm.
    “How are you, Rachel? You haven’t been by in so long that we wondered if you’d forgotten about us.”
    “No, it’s just—” Her smile collapsed.
    His face sobered suddenly. “Of course. I’m so sorry. It’s unbelievable that something like that can happen right here in Tidewater.”
    “Yes, it is.”
    He smiled at her again. “Here, sit down. Can I get you anything? Coffee? A soft drink?”
    “No, nothing, thanks.” She sat down, holding tight to her bag.
    Ron didn’t go to his chair. Instead, he leaned against his desk, crossing his legs at the ankles. Gray argyle socks, she noted, just right with his loafers and his horn-rimmed glasses.
    “How’s Jake?”
    “Fine.” She cleared her throat. “He’s fine.” Jake and Ron had never particularly liked each other. Rachel suspected it was because they were so different. Jake was so straightforward and up-front, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get sort of man. He was direct and uncompromising, excellent qualities for a lawman.
    Ron, on the other hand, with his ready smile and feel for people, seemed to have more patience in… The word manipulation came to mind, but she rejected it quickly. It seemed unfair to Ron, and she liked him. He was an adept politician, more so than Jake. It was an asset in his dealings with the board and the physicians on staff and in managing the employees of the hospital. She knew he could be tough when the situation called for it, and that was why she knew getting a job wouldn’t be the piece of cake Suzy thought it would be.
    “What can I do for you, Rachel?”
    She laughed uncertainly. “This is turning out to be every bit as difficult as I imagined.”
    He frowned slightly while still smiling. “What is?”
    She drew in a breath. “I’m here for a job, Ron.”
    He didn’t say anything for a moment or two. Then he moved away from the desk and went around to his chair. Strangely enough, it made Rachel feel more comfortable. She relaxed slightly.
    “What did you have in mind?”
    “I wish I knew. I don’t feel particularly qualified for anything, Ron, but I’ve spent years volunteering here. I’m familiar with all the services and facilities of the hospital. I even know most of the employees. I’ve decided to go to work, and I’d like it to be here.” She laughed nervously. “I’m