Freefall to Desire by Kayla Perrin Read Free Book Online Page B

out of the way of the police. As he walked back to Brianne’s place, his eyes landed on the car in the driveway next to her house. It, too, had been vandalized. It had been kicked and keyed, and one of the side windows smashed to pieces.
    Talk about overkill.
    The couple and the officers both looked in Alex’s direction. It was late, and he didn’t want to appear suspicious. So before he made the way up the walkway to Brianne’s house, he said without preamble, “My friend who lives here called me. She was scared because of the commotion. I said I’d drop by, check in on her.”
    The taller officer nodded, giving Alex no trouble. Alex knew he wasn’t on the cops’ radar. Given what Brianne had said, it had to be the former occupants who had lost their home who were behind the late-night vandalism.
    Alex hopped up the steps and knocked on the door. Within two seconds, it opened. Brianne stood there in pink flannel pajamas, looking up at him with a worried expression.
    “You shouldn’t have just opened the door like that,” Alex said.
    “I knew it was you,” Brianne explained. “I saw your car pull up. Plus, the cops are outside. I knew it was safe now.” She stepped backward, pulling the door fully open.
    Alex stepped into the foyer. “Are you okay?”
    Brianne nodded her head jerkily. “Yeah.”
    Alex didn’t think, just drew Brianne into his arms and held her, offering comfort.
    “I feel a little bit silly,” she said after a moment. “I shouldn’t have called you. The cops are here, and I’m fine. It’s just—”

    “Don’t apologize. I’m glad you called.” Alex released her and eased back. “So, what’s the story next door?”
    “It’s a sad story, really,” Brianne said. “The people who used to live next door lost their house when the economy went downhill. Of course, the bank then sold the house for a lot less. It’s so unfair. You take the house from people who have put blood, sweat and tears into it, and then you sell it to someone else for a steal.”
    “You feel sorry for the former owners?” Alex asked disbelievingly. “Even after what they did?”
    “I feel sorry for what they went through, but I don’t condone what they’ve done. I mean, I understand the former owners’ frustration, but to take it out on the new owners? That’s not fair. Not to mention that vandalizing property and disturbing the rest of us is definitely not fair.”
    “You sure that it’s the former owners?”
    “I think so. We all do. That house is the only one that has been vandalized. Rocks thrown through the windows, the siding spray painted. Now the fence and the car.”
    “If you’re right, then the former owners are really stupid. They’d have to know that this would come back to them.”
    “I don’t think it’s the actual owners,” Brianne explained.
    Alex frowned. “You’ve lost me.”
    “I mean, I don’t think either of the parents are responsible for the vandalism. But they had a teenaged son and daughter who took the move badly, from what I understand. It’s got to be one of them.” Brianne hugged her torso. “I’m kind of glad I’m heading to Florida with you. I have a feeling the situation is going to escalate, and I really don’t want to be here for that. It’s bad enough being here in the house by myself.”
    Alex didn’t plan to suggest this, the words just camefrom his mouth. “Why don’t you get your luggage and come with me?”
    Brianne’s eyes widened in surprise. “You want me to go to your place?”
    “We leave late tomorrow morning, anyway. This saves me making another trip here to pick you up. Are you packed for Florida?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “No buts. I’ve got more than enough room. And if you’re worried about me getting in your way, don’t. You can have a floor all to yourself.”
    “You getting in my way?” Brianne asked, regarding him with wide eyes. “It’s your house. And I don’t want to impose.” Wait a minute…had he just said