A Case of the Heart by Beth Shriver Read Free Book Online Page A

he didn’t want her to feel badly that he had spent the evening taking care of her—especially when it gave him a valid excuse to be with her.
    “I’ll make it up to you and take you out tomorrow night.” She scooped up a spoonful of soup and blew off the steam.
    He knew it, she felt guilty. He leaned back. “I like it here. You have a nice place, makes me feel at home.”
    Her smile broadened. The place was small, but she’d made it her own, and it had a warm and cozy feel to it.
    “I’ve enjoyed fixing this old house,” she beamed.
    “It fits you.” Feeling tranquil and relaxed, he put his hands behind his head and leaned back into a stretch.
    “You’re quite the knight in shining armor, coming to my rescue, nursing me back to health. I’m impressed.” Her gaze searched his face for a response.
    He smiled as he took their bowls back to the stove and ladled them both more soup. “It’s not hard to come to your rescue when you always need rescuing.” He placed their bowls on the table and refilled the glasses. “You make me look good though.”
    Liz stirred her spoon around in her soup. “This isn’t cramping your style is it?”
    He sat down and looked at her, wondering where he would be tonight if Sanders hadn’t gone off on her. Truth is, there wasn’t any place he’d rather be. “What do you mean?”
    “I didn’t even think to ask you if you’re dating anyone.” She looked away, still stirring.
    His lifted his gaze to meet hers. “No. As a matter of fact I haven’t dated anyone for a while now.”
    Liz dropped her spoon in the bowl with a clatter. “I’m surprised.”
    “Why?” He drew his brows together as he watched her pick up the spoon.
    “I just thought you were always involved with someone.” She looked straight at him in disbelief.
    He lowered his head weighing his words and then returned his gaze to her. Her unblinking eyes meant business. He decided right then and there that he wasn’t going to hold back. This was finally his chance with her, and if he ended up making a fool of himself, so be it.
    “I decided awhile ago that something was missing from my relationships. I haven’t figured out exactly what it is, but until I do, I haven’t had much interest.”
    Liz stared, and opened her mouth but nothing came out for a couple of beats. “That’s interesting. I wonder what it is.”
    He knew he had intrigued her and was quiet for a moment, studying her. He wasn’t sure he should say what he was thinking. “Maybe it’s not something, but someone.”
    They held each other’s gaze until the roar of the basketball game flooded into the kitchen. Alex jumped up and then stopped himself. “Do you mind?” Like an idiot he’d lost the moment.
    “Are you kidding?” She sidestepped him and beat him to the couch to see what the excitement was about. But she didn’t last long.
    A bath and a full stomach only meant one thing...sleep.

Chapter Eight

    Liz woke up on the couch with a very large headache. She took a couple of Tylenol and then made her way into the kitchen. She vaguely remembered Alex saying he was leaving, and feeling a light kiss on the cheek—or maybe that part was a dream.
    No, she thought as she touched her cheek. That was real. Her heart fluttered at the thought.
    Reaching for a mug, she saw a note attached to the coffeepot. Coffee’s ready. Just flip the switch. Meet me at the station—10:00.
    Liz turned on the coffee pot and opened the kitchen curtain to let the sunshine in. The icicles slowly shrank as drops of water collected and fell from their tips.
    Why did Alex want her to come in again? Maybe they needed more information on Sanders, or he wanted her to go to Carl’s with him. She called the office to let them know she wouldn’t be in until that afternoon and took her time getting ready. During the drive to the station she checked the messages on her cell, one from Brenda and another from her parents. The last message made her go numb.
    “Hide