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

“Wanna bet?” he whispered.
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    S OMETHING WAS HAPPENING .
    Noah stood in the doorway, frowning. He had told her it wasn’t complicated, but that was a lie.
    The complications might have begun when he had seen her all but climb into that Dumpster, oblivious to her elegant evening heels and silk dress. They might have started when she had cradled the hungry kittens, looking fierce and protective. Then she had surveyed his crowded, noisy dining room, and he had seen her face fill with the ache of longing.
    It didn’t make sense, but Noah felt he could read her emotions, even though she worked hard to hide them. To others she would appear cool and controlled, but he saw the way her fingers clenched and her shoulders tightened. She faced life head-on, strong and stubborn, and she loved what she did. He knew that much. But he wanted to know everythingabout her. And he wanted to share parts of himself he never shared.
    He turned away, angry at the urge to sit across from her. Not to touch, but simply to watch her sleep.
    And that kind of longing was dangerous. The work he did left no room for emotions that could confuse and distract him. When you had three seconds to make a life-or-death choice of half a dozen wires, you had to have a clear mind.
    You had to be able to walk away. That had been Noah’s personal rule for as long as he could remember. It had never been a terrible sacrifice—until now.
    He blew out a quiet breath, listening to the snow at the window. The wind was whining and the noise had disturbed the mother cat, who sat up alertly.
    â€œIt’s okay, Mom. You and the kids are gonna be fine.”
    A sound from the couch made him turn. He caught Grace’s pillow as she shoved it free in her sleep. She was a restless sleeper, twisting under the covers. Several times her lips shaped words that Noah couldn’t understand. Clearly, she was fighting old battles in her sleep.
    Carefully, he slid her pillow back in place, listening to the hiss and pop of the fire. He should have been sleepy, but he was fully alert, aware of every noise and movement in the quiet house. Most of all he was aware of Grace sleeping so close.
    He smelled her faint perfume and heard everybreath she took. And the force of his awareness left him irritated.
    A shadow fell over the floor. Noah realized his mother was holding up a dish towel and looking at him from the doorway.
    Quietly, he crossed to the kitchen and closed the door so their noise wouldn’t wake Grace. “Dish duty again?”
    â€œI’ll dry. You will wash. You’re very good at that. I trained all my sons very well,” Tatiana said with calm pride. “She is nice, Noah. I like her very much. But there is pain in her eyes. What did you say her job was?”
    â€œI’m still trying to figure that out. I think she writes magazine articles and does historical research on food, but we haven’t gotten that far. I only met her tonight, and that was completely by accident.”
    His mother’s eyes narrowed. “A very wise man once told me there are no accidents. Only fate, my son. It is never wise to fight the touch of fate. But just the same, I hope you will be…safe.”
    â€œSafe? I don’t understand.”
    Tatiana frowned at him. “Probably not. But I see what I see. I hope you will find the right woman. One who makes your steps light with happiness.”
    â€œDon’t worry about me. I take the days as they come. No attachments means no regrets.”
    â€œFor now. But not always. Someday I wish…” She touched his cheek and then rolled her eyes. “Howlike an interfering mother I sound. You will please ignore me.”
    â€œYou’re a hard person to ignore.”
    â€œThat is a very nice thing to say.” Tatiana hesitated. “I had a call from Matthew’s wife today.” She seemed to shape her words carefully. “They will not be coming for New