Without a Past Read Online Free PDF

running off with the circus.”
    Andi, in an effort to distract her aunt’s attention from the roofing paraphernalia—there’d be time for that talk later—had hustled Ida inside with an offer of breakfast. Harley had begged off, but Ida Jane had insisted he join them.
    Unfortunately, the invitation included a recap of Andi’s life story.
    â€œWhy did the people of Gold Creek care what Andi chose to do with her life?” Harley asked. His tone seemed to express true curiosity rather than polite chitchat. She’d noticed that inquisitiveness about him before, too. He delved into the story beneath the superficial.
    â€œWell, you see, the town had set up scholarships for my girls when they were just tiny babies,” Ida said. “Jenny used the money to go to college, but Kristin left home right out of high school. Never asked for a dime. Andi went to junior college for two years, but instead of finishing up her degree, like the town expected, she joined the army.”
    â€œMarines,” Andi amended before she could stop herself.
    â€œWhatever,” Ida returned testily.
    To hide her blush, Andi fetched a loaf of bread from the olive-green painted bread box. She had to stop correctingIda Jane. It did no good, and only served to increase the friction between them.
    Ida continued, “The thing is, everyone in Gold Creek thinks they had a hand in raising the triplets, so they’re quick to add their two cents’ whenever they see the need.”
    Isn’t that the truth? Andi thought, stifling a sigh. She withdrew a carton of eggs from the ancient slope-shouldered refrigerator and carried it to the gas range. As she passed by the CD player on the counter, she turned down the volume. Paula Cole’s “Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?” was one of Andi’s favorite tunes, but it didn’t seem appropriate with Harley Forester sitting in her kitchen. He might not be a cowboy, but he sure looked like one.
    She added a lump of butter to the cast-iron skillet then looked at their guest. His presence seemed to fill the dining nook across the room from her. He sat casually, one elbow resting on the table while he drank his coffee. His straw hat occupied the empty space to his left. Backlit by the morning light from the bay window, his long-sleeved cotton shirt revealed a glimpse of undershirt at the neck and a line across the middle of his upper arms.
    A flutter kicked in below her ribs. Why am I such a sucker for a man in an undershirt? she wondered crossly.
    â€œBut why the marines?” he asked, as if Andi weren’t present. “That seems like an extreme choice.”
    For a woman, Andi mentally added.
    She’d answered the question at least a thousand times, but before she could open her mouth, Ida Jane said, “For the men, of course.”
    The two, extra-large white eggs Andi had been preparing to crack into the skillet nearly wound up on the floor. She hastily added them to the sizzling butter then put the lid on the pan. She wiped her hands on a towel as she turned toface them. “Auntie,” she scolded. “That was not the reason.”
    â€œBut, dear, you’ve been looking for a man for this family ever since you were old enough to walk.”
    Andi almost groaned with horror. Not that story.
    Ida launched into the tale before Andi could think of a diversionary tactic. “It’s understandable, of course,” she told her audience. “All of her friends had fathers. So, Andi figured our family wasn’t complete without one.”
    â€œIda, that’s not true. We had…we have a great family.”
    Her aunt ignored her. “Andi was always bringing home one prospect after another.” She snickered softly. “Some cases were rather humorous—like that fellow who worked at the hotel. What was his name?” She looked at Andi for help, but Andi was too mortified to answer.
    Ida made a swishing motion