Forged in Stone by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

comes here but you.” I headed for the door.
    “Oh, maybe it’s a package.” She grinned.
    “If it’s from Brad, coffee is cancelled.”
    She laughed. “He’s not that crazy.”
    “If you say so.”
    I pulled open the door and came face to face with James. My chest clenched and my stomach flip flopped. I’d been picturing his face since I first met him, but seeing him again in the flesh reminded me that I hadn’t been exaggerating his attractiveness.
    He cleared his throat, and my eyes finally went to the woman next to him. Debbie. I struggled to compose myself. I was such a mix of excitement and nerves it was overwhelming. “Hello.”
    “Hi, Ainsley.” She smiled. “I’ve received word from the Calloways that they’d like James to stay at the house temporarily. Technically your agreement allows for short term visits from family.”
    “I didn’t know he was family.” I glared at James.
    “He isn’t by blood, but we all know blood isn’t the only thing that defines family.” Debbie smiled again.
    Grace looked between James and me.
    “If it’s okay with you, I’ll pick a room on the second floor.” James walked in carrying a duffel bag.
    “Wait. You’re moving in now?”
    “Yes. That won’t be a problem, will it?” he asked innocently.
    “I’m sorry to throw this on you, hun.” Debbie clasped her hands together in front of her. “They need James to do some work on the house.”
    “Him?” I looked at James. He was strong, but he didn’t look like the ‘fix it’ type.
    “Yes. There are some priceless family items Charlotte needs now that she’s expecting.” She beamed, and a thought hit me.
    “Are you family of the Callaways too?”
    “Yes.” She smiled. “My son is married to their daughter.”
    “Oh, that explains your glow.”
    “I’m going to be a grandma.”
    “Congratulations, that’s wonderful.” I refused to burst the woman’s bubble. She seemed so lonely living alone next door. Hopefully her son and daughter-in-law would visit with the baby.
    “Thank you, sweetie. As I always say, if you need me stop by.” She turned and walked out.
    “Same goes for me. If you need me, just stop by.” James winked before heading up the stairs.
    Grace turned to me. “You have some explaining to do.”
    “It’s not what you think.”
    “I understand your hesitation with Brad now. That guy, James, is it? Just wow.”
    I heard male laugher. Evidently he was still in ear shot.
    I glowered. “When I said I wished my life wasn’t boring I didn’t ask for this.”
    Grace laughed. “I’m going to be coming over more.”
    “Or maybe I should move in with you and Mac.”
    “Trust me you don’t want to do that. We’d keep you up.”
    “Ugh.” I scrunched up my face. Bad mental picture.
    “Sorry, just saying thin walls.”
    “Get out of here before I change my mind about that coffee date.” I gestured toward the door.
    “Please try to give Brad a shot, although if you don’t because of the guy upstairs I get it.”
    “Grace, out!”
    “Pushy, pushy!” She grabbed her purse. “Call me afterward and tell me everything.”
    “I don’t know if you’ll be able to handle it with your ultra-thin walls.”
    She laughed. “Have fun.”
    “With what?”
    “I don’t know… looks like your evening will be fun in general.”
    “Aside from the hours of work.” Hopefully the annoying couple wouldn’t be back.
    “I bet Brad will show up early.”
    “You make that sound like a good thing.”
    “It is a good thing.” She walked to the door.
    “I’ll call you.”
    “Good.” She smiled. “I want all the details.”
    I closed the door before she could say more. Who knew whether James was still listening?
    “Hey, roomie!” The door had barely clicked closed when James came strolling back downstairs. “Nice to see you again.”
    “Why are you really here?”
    “What do you mean? I need to fix some things for the owners. Didn’t you hear Debbie?” He was wearing a