Crossing the Line Part One (A Novella) by Samantha Long Read Free Book Online

baseboards.
Superman crucial."
    Wes laughed. "It's all he would let me do so
far. I've only been retired for six months. Not years. I still know
how to wield the equipment."
    Nick chuckled. "I know, but your wife would
kill me if anything happened to you."
    Victoria watched the easy camaraderie
between the two. This was her father's kingdom, the place he knew
like second nature. That Nick appreciated his help, and didn't act
like her dad was trying to take over, showed her how much he
respected him. Roger had always dismissed her dad's questions and
advice and would charm her sisters or her mom instead. Jerk.
    "Nothing's going to happen." Wes waved a
dismissive hand. "I'm can take care of myself."
    "I know you can." Nick clapped him on the
back.
    Wes pointed a finger in the air suddenly.
"Victoria, I know you wanted to go to the antique shops and flea
market tomorrow, but my truck is going in for a problem with the
water pump. I won't be able to haul all your finds back here."
    "Oh, well, that's okay. We can go next
week." Her mind whirred with the possibilities of shifting her
schedule. She had a lot of high profile consultations next week and
a few clients that hated being rescheduled.
    "I'm sure Nick wouldn't mind taking you out
there." Wes shot Nick a look.
    Victoria's head snapped up and red stained
her cheeks. Why would her dad suggest that? Why was he so
determined to get them together? Now he forced Nick to either
accept or make it extremely awkward between all of them.
    Nick rubbed the back of his neck. Before
Victoria could open her mouth to tell him that she'd find someone
else, he surprised her. "I'm sure the guys can handle the work here
tomorrow."
    "You don't have to do that." The thought of
being in his truck, next to him, for a full day sent tingles up and
down her spine. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
    "I don't mind. It'll be nice to get away for
a day." He arched a brow and sent her stomach spinning again.
    "Thanks, Nick. I appreciate it."
    "What time do you want to leave?"
    How about now? "Um, how about 8:00am?
I'd like to get an early start."
    "No problem. I'll meet you here and we'll
head out." Nick nodded toward Wes, then made excuses to head to the
back.
    Victoria glared at her dad. "What the heck,
Dad? You put him on the spot. I could've rescheduled."
    "Nonsense. It'll be good for you two." He
patted her on the back. "Your mother wants you and the girls over
for dinner." Wes steered her out the door. "Don’t be late!"
    She hated it when he steamrolled her,
effectively cutting off her protests. How did he get everyone to do
just what he wanted? Then again, maybe it was just what she
needed.
    §§
    Victoria walked into her parents' kitchen to
see her mom boiling pasta. "Hey, Mom. Need any help?"
    Halle sat on a stool at the bar, chopping
vegetables for the salad. She waved at Victoria with a smile
    "Sure, sweetie. Boil some tea for us. Extra
sweet, the way your dad likes." Cecilia's dyed blonde hair,
artfully styled in a French twist, had a few hairs that errantly
escaped. Her dark blue eyes matched Addie's, and she shared Addie's
fiery nature, although she kept hers wrapped up. She ran her hands
down the red and white polka dot apron the girls had made her a few
years ago and reached to Victoria for a hug. "Where are the
girls?"
    "They spotted Addie in the living room on
the Wii. We won't see them until dinner's ready."
    Cecilia's lips quirked. "I don't understand
their need for that stuff. Those girls should be in here learning
how to cook."
    Halle laughed. "Mom, really? Have you seen
Addie cook?"
    "Honestly." Cecilia huffed and returned to
stirring the pasta and starting on her sauce. She always cooked
from scratch.
    Victoria reached into a cabinet and pulled
out a pot and filled it with water. After that, she grabbed two tea
bags and set it all to boil. She stood next to the stove, aware
that if she walked away she'd forget about the pot and it would
boil over. "So, how's work going,