Hidden Shadows (The Shadow Series Book 1) by Lauren Hope Read Free Book Online Page A

if you’d ever like to come alone, Ben.”
    When Ben cleared his throat quite loudly, Jenna glanced up. Looking between him and Heidi, she noticed for the first time since entering the room, the awkwardness between the two of them.
    Since Heidi had done the majority of the talking since the appointment began, it had been fairly easy for Jenna to avoid too much concentration on Ben— thank you, Heidi . But now Jenna noted the obvious blush against his tanned cheeks while Heidi avoided looking at him altogether.
    “Adjustment to body changes and the idea of actually being a parent will come,” Jenna reassured. “Don't worry. These things can seem a bit uncomfortable, especially—”
    “Not uncomfortable,” Ben interrupted, “but . . . well, uncomfortable,” he finally ended on an awkward laugh.
    “I’m sorry. Did I say something that bothered you?” Jenna looked back and forth between them.
    “No, no.” Ben said, waving a hand. “You’re fine, Ms. Gregor. We’re fine. We didn’t make it clear; Heidi and I aren’t married. Or together. We love each other," he smiled over at Heidi as she grinned back affectionately, “and she does live with me right now. But I’m here because my brainless brother is off doin' God knows what God knows where.”
    “Now, Bennett Aston, you hush your mouth.” Heidi quipped sharply, her moments-earlier affection evaporating as quickly as her words. “You don't speak one ill word about Joseph. He’s your brother and my husband, and I won’t have it, understand?”
    Enlightened by the information, Jenna was far more entertained by the look on Ben’s face. It was clear he’d rather swallow fire than keep quiet, but he remained so. Brother-in-law or not, he was quite devoted to Heidi. Or she was one determined woman, Jenna realized, stifling a chuckle at Heidi’s glare and Ben’s acquiescence.
    Clearing her throat, she steered the conversation back on track. “You were right, Ben, I wasn’t clear on your situation—though I didn't mean to pry. I apologize.”
    “None necessary.”
    “On that note, I am glad you’re both here. It’s always helpful for the mother to have a good support system, so it's nice that you’re here too, Ben.” Jenna glanced his way, but only for a moment. Handsome, single, and a doting brother-in-law? Now those eyes and smile really were lethal.
    Focus, Jenna. Focus.
    Smiling at them, she moved her clipboard to the side and folded her hands on her desk. “I hope both of you find something you can take away from our time together. Now, Heidi, if you’re okay with it, why don't we begin with that past you said you wanted to get into? It’s often times the best place to start, so hopefully we can heal it, learn from it, and move on into your future.”
     
     
     
    After the meeting, Heidi had run off to pee—her fifth time in two blasted hours—while Ben found himself lost in the maze of a clinic and conveniently wandering down the same hallway as the lovely Ms. Gregor.
    She stood at the end of the long corridor, her back to him as she faced a duo of water fountains in a small cutout in the wall. He sauntered up behind her as she finished filling a bottle to its brim before taking a fast sip and, much to his enjoyment, quickly swiping her tongue over her lips to capture the remaining drops.
    She spotted him out of the corner of her eye and jumped as he spoke casually. “It was nice to see you again today.”
    She clumsily popped the lid closed on the bottle and brushed at her bangs. “Oh, hello. Yes, you as well. Coincidence, I guess. I had to place you at first.”
    “You did? Shame.”
    “Excuse me?”
    He edged closer to her. “It’s a shame you had to place me. Funny thing? Ever since I saw you yesterday, you’ve been on my mind. So when you walked in, I knew just who you were.”
    When she didn’t speak he grinned. “I appreciate your help today. I think this is going to be real good for Heidi. She needs someone like