Bracing the Blue Line by Lindsay Paige Read Free Book Online Page A

hands never leave the damn thing. “You were perfect for a shot, and I couldn’t resist. I take pictures of people all the time, but they never really notice. Do you want to see it?”
    The pale blue shirt she’s wearing makes her eyes look even brighter. Lucy glances down at the camera, pressing buttons. I still don’t say anything because I don’t know what to make of her taking pictures of me. Is she some crazy chick or something? But then she holds up the camera, turning it to me so I can see the image on the screen.
    There I am, slouched in my seat, one hand at the top of the spine. She caught me biting my nail, something I didn’t even realize I was doing. Even though it’s a side shot, you can tell that I’m focused on the book.
    “I can delete them if you want,” she adds, bringing the camera back to her lap.
    “Them?” I question, finally speaking. “There’s more than one?”
    Lucy looks guilty as a blush flashes on her cheeks again. She presses another button and shows another photo of me, but this time, I’m looking at her. It was when I turned to find out what was making the subtle noise. Her thumb presses again, and there’s another of when I lifted my head.
    “How long were you there?” I ask.
    “Not long. I think there’s only two more shots, but those are from over there.” She lifts her hand and points to where I first looked. “I moved to try a different angle. I was going to tell you afterwards, though,” she rushes to explain. “If I had interrupted you, then the shot would have been messed up. People change if they know they are having their picture taken. I’m sorry,” she repeats.
    “It’s okay, I think.” I frown, caught off guard that I was her subject today. “Do you always carry that around?” I glance at the camera.
    “Of course,” she answers like I should already know this. “I’m a photography major. I love taking pictures, so of course I have it with me all the time.”
    Right. “Well, you’re good. I saw the pictures from the game in the paper this morning. They were amazing.”
    Lucy smiles wide at the compliment, bringing attention to ruby lips and white teeth. “I think I was lucky with those. I’m more accustomed to baseball and football, so I was worried to move into a new sport.”
    “Looked good to me.” Since she brought up football, I add, “Are you related to the Kennedy boys on the football team?”
    She nods with a smile. “Do you know my brothers?”
    I shake my head. “Know of them, but that’s it.”
    “Oh, well, I should go and let you get back to your reading. Do you want me to delete the photos? If they show up anywhere, it’ll be an assignment or my personal portfolio. Never know when images that aren’t sports-related might be helpful.”
    My brow bunches with a bit of confusion. “Aren’t sports-related?”
    Lucy laughs softly. “Sports photographer, remember?”
    “Right. You can keep them, I guess.”
    “Thanks.”
    Just as she goes to stand, someone calls her name. Lucy grins, looking happy with adoration. I turn to see one of her brothers, the youngest of the trio. He glances at me with a frown, walking over to us.
    He sticks his hand out. “Hey, I’m Patrick Kennedy, Lucy’s brother. You would be?”
    I shake his hand firmly, deciding to go with the flow. “Grant Faison, Lucy’s test subject apparently.”
    Recognition flashes in his eyes. “You’re the goalie for the hockey team, right? Lucy showed me some of the pictures she got of you at the game last night.”
    “That would be me,” I confirm.
    Patrick turns to his sister, his interrogation over. “Ready? Corey is going to meet us for dinner.”
    Lucy lets out a quiet squeal of excitement, and Patrick shakes his head goodnaturedly. “Good. I miss him.”
    “Do you want to join us, Grant?” Patrick asks. It almost seems like there’s a challenge in his question.
    “Patrick,” Lucy chides. “Leave him alone. I’ve traumatized him enough for