A Home by the Sea by Christina Skye Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t quite explain it.” He leaned back, scratching one of the kittens. “So how about dinner tomorrow, assuming that the roads are clear?”
    â€œI…I don’t think I can.”
    â€œThen what about Friday?” The other kittens stirred. A sleepy head rose and big dark eyes looked from Grace to Noah.
    â€œI don’t think this is a good idea.”
    â€œIt’s just dinner. Everybody has to eat, remember? And since you brought these amazing animals into my life, now we’re both responsible. You’re going to need my help to take care of them.”
    He was right. Grace had taken on more responsibility than she expected in that alley tonight. But shehad to make the situation clear. “I’m feeling overwhelmed, Noah. I didn’t expect any of this. And just so you understand, I’m not considering a relationship.”
    His eyebrows rose. “All I asked for was a simple meal together. No need to make it complicated.”
    But it was complicated. She had spent eight years with a man she thought she adored. A man who seemed above reproach, dedicating his life to helping others find reconciliation under hostile circumstances. If you couldn’t trust a man like that, who could you trust?
    Grace forced the bad memories down before they could swirl up. “I’m sorry, but no.”
    â€œSo our timing is wrong. At least agree to a snowball fight.” He raised his palms. “Nothing complicated in that.”
    He made it so easy for her to feel safe and comfortable, but Grace refused to give in to that gorgeous smile. “Really? I’m not quite buying that.”
    Noah lifted the restless kitten from her lap, tucking it back into the warm spot next to its mother, where it immediately began to nurse. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s the importance of taking opportunities when they’re offered. Life has its own timetable, and if we look away or hesitate or blink, a moment can pass. Things can change.” His voice hardened. “People can be lost forever.”
    Grace heard the sadness again. This time it held something like remorse.
    She was surprised at how much she wanted to ask him what he had lost and why. There she went, getting pulled in again. Questions could take her places she didn’t want to go.
    Instead, she blurted out an answer that neither one of them expected.
    â€œFine. I accept your challenge. Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the backyard. But we have to have some rules. Time limits and number of rounds per bout. I like things to be spelled out,” she said firmly.
    He leaned back, smiling faintly. “Three rounds or the first one to declare defeat. Five minutes max per round.”
    â€œAccepted.”
    He looked more pleased than he should have as he pulled her blanket up around her shoulders. Side by side they watched snow dust the windows while the fire crackled. His shoulder was warm against hers and Grace felt strength radiate from his body. His presence seemed to anchor her.
    She yawned and found herself wondering how his hands would feel on her bare skin. What if he turned and brushed his lips over hers?
    Quickly, the flow of her imagination turned dangerous. She sat up straighter and forced her tangled thoughts away from hot images of Noah kissing her.
    Touching her.
    Impossible. Stiffly, she picked up a pillow and blanket and lay down on the couch. She wasn’t getting involved.
    â€œGood night, Noah.”
    She heard his soft laugh. “’Night, Grace. Sleep well.”
    â€œI will.” She caught back a yawn. “And a friendly warning. This snowball fight of ours isn’t going three rounds. It will only go one.” Grace yawned again and closed her eyes. “I give it about three minutes. And then you are so going down, Noah McLeod,” she murmured.
    As she pulled the blanket around her, Grace felt him slide a second pillow under her head.