Touching Stars Read Online Free PDF

who came to live with us a while ago,” she reminded him.
    “It’s like having another brother,” Dillon said, “only he’s cooler.”
    Gayle laughed, but her hand still anchored her son in place. “Leon’s dad lives nearby. Leon moved back home last week.”
    “But sometimes when he goes home, he has to come back,” Dillon said, “because his father drinks too much.”
    Gayle saw Eric’s interest flagging fast. “Did you hear that Dillon won a prize as best middle-school drama student?” she asked, wanting to end on a positive note. “The principal gave it to him at the last assembly. I know he’ll want to show it to you later.”
    “Good going, Dill,” Eric said.
    “I could show you now,” Dillon said.
    Gayle answered before Eric could. “Not now. Let’s let your dad rest, what do you say? He’s had quite a morning.”
    “If Mr. Allen lets me go to archaeology camp, I’ll be digging for artifacts,” Dillon said.
    Eric nodded.
    Gayle turned her son and escorted him to the door. “Dillon, your dad’s going to need a good lunch when he wakes up. Can you take a package of chopped chicken out of the freezer? I’m going to make chicken salad.”
    “I’ll be back later, Dad,” Dillon said.
    Gayle waited until he was gone. Then she turned. “I’m sorry. He’s just so glad you’re here.”
    “You don’t need to be sorry. I’m sorry.”
    They both knew for what.
    Eric ran a hand over his jaw, then along the side of his neck, as if he needed proof he was still in one piece. “Gayle, I’m here. I’m going to try with Dillon, I swear. I know he needs a father, and due to the luck of the draw, it looks like he ended up with me.”
    She didn’t know what to say.
    “It’s just that I don’t know him.” Eric dropped his hand. “He’s a stranger to me. And yes, that’s nobody’s fault but mine, so don’t say it, okay?”
    She felt a flash of anger. “I hope you don’t think I invited you so I could tell you what a lousy father you are. You and the boys have to work out your own relationships. I’m just giving you the time to do it.”
    She started toward the door again, but he stopped her.
    “I’m sorry. I really am. Nothing I say or do seems to come out right anymore.”
    She glanced over her shoulder. He looked beaten. Despite herself, she felt a stab of sympathy. “Get some rest. Right now the only thing you need to worry about is getting back on your feet.”
    “Thank you. For everything.”
    She managed a brief smile before she closed the door behind her.

Chapter 3
    J ared knew there was a line beyond which the threads of reason would fray forever. Every cell in his body was screaming that he should cross it right now and forget everything barring him from having sex with Brandy Wilburn.
    Only there were too many things troubling him. From what he knew, when two people had sex, it always meant two different things, no matter how much they loved each other. He was pretty sure Brandy had an agenda that was definitely not limited to physical release. If he went ahead and finished undressing her, he might be making a choice that would have lifetime ramifications.
    But damn, her breasts in his hands felt warmer and softer than any dream he’d ever allowed himself.
    “Jared, what is wrong with you?” Brandy pulled away angrily when he reluctantly shifted and put his hands behind his neck. She shoved his chest with the palms of her hands to separate them even farther. “Just tell me now. You have some deep, dark secret I don’t know about?”
    He snorted. “Yeah, right.”
    “I’ve seen Brokeback Mountain! ”
    “Come off it, Brandy. You know I want to do it. It’s just…not the right time.” Sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees visible through the windshield, and he wished it were night. “Or place, for that matter.”
    She pouted and began to button her blouse over her unfastened bra, but she took her time, glancing at him from under outrageously long dark