Victoria Read Online Free PDF Page A

back in a low ponytail, and the one-piece tank dress showed off her perfect, trim figure.
    Her voice and the smell of her perfume inundated his dreams. He wanted her all to himself and wondered if she would ever comply. Half listening to the conversation around him, he wanted to provide comfort and security to her. The walls of independence, the scars from her bad relationship experiences, didn't appear to show signs of collapsing. Perhaps it was time to apply a little pressure.
    He excused himself from talking with Peter and Brian and made his way toward Victoria and her uncle.
    Cautiously, he approached Victoria and Patrick Malley. A tall man, burly and all Irish from red hair to freckles. Patrick was a sergeant, active on patrol and not one to sit around wasting the taxpayers’ money; he had an intimidating reputation in the department.
    "Hey, Tod, how are you?” Patrick shook Tod's hand in greeting. Tod kissed her on the cheek and she pulled away. His gut clenched at her response.
    Patrick excused himself and joined his son and nephew by the grill.
    "So, Detective, you made it?” Tod teased.
    Victoria gave him a sideways look. “You're the detective, not me."
    "You could have fooled me. I saw the clip from that interview last night. You were fantastic. The way you got that perpetrator to give it all up, you had him spilling his guts. I was impressed. I could use you on the job.” He winked then touched her cheek gently with his fingers.
    Victoria smiled but moved away a little.
    Tod sensed her discomfort, but wasn't about to give up on her yet. He was attracted to her, had been from the moment they'd met. He was one of the lead detectives investigating her father's death. Tod had been one of the first on the scene when they found her father's body, and he who had broken the news to Victoria, her mother, and Peter. Tod couldn't allow just anyone to do it.
    "How was the parade?"
    He watched Victoria glance around the yard and play with the paper on the water bottle she held. She seemed a bit on edge and he hoped it wasn't his presence.
    "It was nice, the kids enjoyed it.” She glanced around at the children playing near the swing set.
    Tod recalled seeing her for the first time at Jim Flanagan's wedding a month before her father died. He remembered Victoria wearing an attractive, low cut dress, and her eyes sparkled. She was a knockout with her long, shiny, brown hair and natural, creamy, olive skin. He had been determined to win her heart. If only she would forget about that Marine from her past. Then maybe he'd have a chance. He'd get a chance to talk to her later, and hopefully, back at her place.
    "So what's new, Tod? Are you working today or what?” Victoria took a sip from the water bottle.
    "Unfortunately, I am working but took a little break to stop and see you. Do you have plans later? Maybe I can stop by your place and—"
    "I really can't, Tod. I'm working on this story for the magazine right now, and I'm on a roll. I want to complete it tonight if I can, then do all my editing, and prepare to hand it in to my boss tomorrow morning. I practically missed the beginning of the parade this morning."
    "Oh, man, you're kidding me? How did everyone react to that?"
    "Only Aunt Jane flipped out a little, but I easily get under her skin. Besides, it's my job and I want to stay on top of my game. It's expected now, you know what I mean?"
    "I know exactly what you mean. So if tonight is out of the question, what about another night this week? Maybe dinner at Phill's? I know you like that famous blooming onion of his."
* * * *
    Victoria felt bad. She knew Tod liked her, but she didn't want to get involved with anyone. She promised herself she would focus on her career, give up on men for a while, and find out who killed her father. So far, no one suspected anything.
    Tod moved closer to Victoria, touching her arm as he spoke. “I didn't mean to silence you. Would it be so bad to move on with your life? Forget