Breaking Clear (Full Hearts Series Book 3) by Mj Summers Read Free Book Online Page A

knowing she would have her chance again. For now, she would be here for her dad, and as soon as he was strong enough, she would go back to her real life in Manhattan.
    *     *     *
    A loud bark caused Evan to lose his place filling in a spreadsheet on his laptop. It was late in the evening and he was trying to finish up so he could get some sleep. Tomorrow would be another long day at the site. He heard the squeak of Roy’s truck door through the open window in the bedroom that served as his office. Boots sounded the happy alarm again, compelling Evan to get up and walk down the hall to the living room. There he found the dog, paws on the windowsill, looking back and forth from him to Harper as she came up her dad’s front walk.
    “Yeah, I see her,” Evan told the dog. “And no, we’re not going over there right now. We’re playing it cool, remember?”
    Boots lowered his head as if he were disappointed.
    “I don’t have time for a woman right now, no matter how much you like the way she scratches behind your ears.”

Seven
    The next morning, Harper woke early. She got ready for the day as though she had a job to go to, dressing professionally even though she was only going to visit her dad and get groceries. Climbing into her father’s big truck, she drove to the hospital, praying that his legs had shown some sign of regaining feeling since the day before.
    Her mind wandered to the moment he had mistaken her for her mom. She wanted to find a way to ask him about it. She had almost managed to convince herself that he must have been dreaming, but what if he really did miss Petra? Was that why he’d never really moved on or gotten remarried? If that was the case, she should bring it up when the opportunity presented itself. Maybe he didn’t consciously realize it.
    She found Roy picking at what looked like a very unappetizing breakfast. He looked up at her, his eyes reflecting the same weary expression they’d had the day before. That expression signalled to Harper that today was not going to be the day to bring up Petra. She’d need to wait until he was stronger, if at all.
    “Hey, Dad,” she said, crossing the room to give him a peck on the cheek. “What is that god-awful food they’ve given you?”
    Looking down at the tray before him, he shook his head. “I think these runny things are supposed to be eggs. I’m guessing that the soggy squares were toast at one time.”
    Harper laughed at his observation, glad to find that he hadn’t completely lost his sense of humour after everything he’d been through. “I’m going to start bringing you breakfast every day, okay?”
    “I’ll take you up on that. I may not be the brightest bulb in the room, but I’m smart enough to know not to turn down a good offer.” Roy picked up a slice of the toast, letting it hang limply from his fingertips.
    “Do you want me to run out and get you something now?” Harper offered, scrunching up her nose.
    “Nah. I’ll make do with this shit for today. They’re taking me for more tests in a bit so I wouldn’t even be here when you got back anyway.”
    “If you’re sure.” Her tone was skeptical but she knew better than to push him on any point. Once Roy made up his mind, he never changed it. “I was wondering if you’d mind if I give the house a good spring cleaning. You know me, I can’t stand sitting around doing nothing all day.”
    “You’re preaching to the choir, kid,” Roy said, glancing at his legs.
    “Shit. Sorry, Dad. That was insensitive of me . . .” She paused for a moment, trying to think of what to say. “But if you think about it, you’re not doing nothing. You’re recovering. That’s a big job in itself. You had a building collapse and literally land on your back. It’s incredible that you even survived. Cut yourself some slack.”
    “Yeah, I’m a regular superhero.” He sounded sarcastic as he lifted the toast above his nose so he could lower it into his mouth.
    “I