Toys and Baby Wishes Read Online Free PDF Page A

others.  "While Clare and her
friends plan, would you like to have a drink with me?  There's a quiet pub down
the street."
    "Oh, I don't know.  I have mounds of paper work at
home--"
    "One drink?  I'm sure Clare would like us to get to
know each other better."
    Lexa glanced at his aunt happily chattering with Edna. 
"All right.  Maybe a cup of coffee."
    If Lexa was as friendly as she seemed to be and willing to
talk to him, what could she have to hide?  His heart felt lighter.
    Josh took Lexa's coat from the table and held it.  As she
slipped her arms into the sleeves, his thumbs brushed her neck.  He felt her
start in response.  So soft.  So touchable.  Her eyes met his.  There were
golden sparks in her gaze that said passion lurked not far below the surface. 
The thought excited him.
    He reached out and straightened her lapel.  When she wore
high heels, her eyes were almost the same level as his.
    He smiled and motioned toward the door.  "Shall we
go?"
    After their good-byes to Clare and her friends, they walked
the short block to the pub.  The fall breeze tossed Lexa's curls.  The street
light flickered through them making the blondest strands glow.
    Her high heels clicked on the pavement.
    "Have you lived in Chambersburg all your life?" he
asked casually, needing to start somewhere.
    "No.  I came here with a friend one year on spring
break.  I liked its size and the people."
    "How did you know your business would work here?"
    "Research.  I put surveys in restaurants and at the
YMCA.  I talked to local business owners."
    She was thorough and inventive.  "Starting a business
isn't easy."
    She stuffed her hands in her pockets.  The night air was
getting colder.  "I know.  Especially when the only credit rating I had
was my good standing on my car loan."
    "You couldn't get help from your family?"
    "I didn't want help from my family."
    "You have problems with them?"
    She glanced at him.  "Doesn't everybody?"
    "That's a side-step if I ever heard one."
    She met his gaze for a moment.  "My father and I don't
see eye to eye."
    "And your mom?"
    "She died when I was ten."
    They had something in common.  "I'm sorry.  That's a
rough break for a child."
    "Clare told me you lost both your parents."
    "When I was twelve.  Thank God I had Clare."
    "She means a lot to you."
    "More than I can say."
    When they reached the pub, Josh opened the heavy steel door
and let Lexa precede him inside.  He waited until his eyes adjusted to the dim
lighting, then found them a table in the back.  There were a few patrons
sitting at the bar, but only two of the ten barrel-like tables were occupied.
    After Josh hung Lexa's coat on the rack, he pulled out her
chair.  She looked surprised as she sat and murmured, "Thank you."
    He picked up the menus and handed her one.  "Their
sandwiches are good."
    "A cup of coffee will be fine."
    The lights from the globed candle on the table glimmered in
her eyes.  "I didn't take time for supper.  Did you?"
    She shrugged.  "Yogurt."
    He couldn't prevent his gaze from lingering on her rose
sweater dress.  It showed every curve to perfection.  He smiled.  "Hasn't
Clare lectured you about eating balanced meals?"
    She laughed.  "All the time.  You, too?"
    "All the time."
    The waitress approached and asked for their order.
    Lexa decided on a bowl of corn chowder and a cup of coffee. 
Josh ordered the roast beef club.
    He enjoyed Lexa's company, but he wasn't here for that.  He
was here to find out more about her.  "You really care about the people
you work with, don't you?"
    "I enjoy what I do.  I like helping people."
    "It's more than that.  I was listening when you were
talking to Milt."
    She shrugged.  "There are so many people, especially
older people, who don't have anyone to listen to them.  It only takes a few minutes
and it makes them feel better."
    He wanted to know what made her so fiercely compassionate. 
"And who listens to you?"
    "What?"
    "Everybody needs