In A Heartbeat by Donna MacMeans Read Free Book Online

Away! she thought, swiping her damp cheeks with her hand, blinking furiously to keep fresh ones at bay.
    The doorknob turned and within moments he rushed up the steps, leaving the front door wide open in the process.
    “What’s wrong? What happened?”
    He sat beside her on the step, pulling her into the curve of his arm. The concern in his voice, combined with the security of his embrace melted her initial resistance. Oreo, tail thumping madly against the step risers, perked up at the sound of his voice and practically jumped into Angie’s lap.
    “I’m okay.” She took a deep breath. “I was going upstairs to change.” A tear silently slid down her cheek. She pressed her face against Hank’s side, hoping his jacket would absorb the wetness. “Oreo bumped me from behind. I tripped and banged my ankle.” She heard him swear under his breath, so she quickly reassured him. “It stung like anything, but I’ll be fine in just a moment.”
    “Like hell, you will.” His glare sent Oreo sulking down the steps, her ears flattened close to her head. “I knew this would happen. What kind of person keeps a dog in such a tiny house?”
    “She was a gift.” Indignation burst through her humiliation.
    “Some gift.” He snorted.
    “My brother gave him to me after he moved out.” She pushed herself free of his arm, and rummaged in her purse for a tissue. “For protection.”
    “Protection?” He glowered at Oreo and the dog’s tail drooped another inch. “Your brother is an idiot.”
    “He is not.” The crumpled napkin at the bottom of her purse would have to do. One good blow and hopefully the nasal whininess of her voice would dissipate. She lifted the napkin to her nose. Hank winced at the honk worthy of an elk in heat. “Stephen’s not an idiot, he’s just con—”
    Oreo’s intimidating growl halted her rebuttal. A man not much older than herself stood on the front porch, separated from them by the screen door. His stiff posture seemed at odds with his casual attire. Her neighbor always made her uncomfortable.
    “I heard noises,” he said, making no attempt to move closer. His uneasy glance rose from the low-growling dog to Angela. “Do you need assistance?”
    She smiled politely. The poor man looked like he would run in the opposite direction if she were to open the screen door. “I’m fine, Mr. Thomas. But thank you for your concern.”
    “Walter,” he said. “Please, call me Walter.”
    He frowned briefly at Hank. He probably disapproved of Hank’s rumpled shirt, Angie thought. Of course Hank’s unfriendly glare didn’t help. Walter cleared his throat. “Then I needn’t call your brother?”
    “My brother?” Her eyes narrowed. “How do you know my brother?”
    “He stopped by a week ago and left his card. He said you’d be alone and if you were hurt or in trouble, or if anything unusual occurred that required his attention, I was to call.”
    Angie wanted to stomp her foot so badly, it would almost be worth further injury. “That meddling, son-of-a—”
    A low chuckle interrupted her tirade. She glanced at Hank. His eyes crinkled with laughter.
    “You’re right,” she said. “My brother is an idiot.” She returned her gaze to Mr. Thomas. “Thank you, Walter. Calling Stephen won’t be necessary. I’m fine.”
    Oreo continued her low, threatening growls. Walter’s attention returned to the dog. “I’ll leave you alone then. I’ll be right next door if you need me.” He took a step back, then disappeared off the tiny porch.
    Angie turned toward Hank. “I need to get up now.” His gaze, warm and compassionate, searched her face. If only he weren’t her client, she’d lean in, ever so slightly for a kiss. But, of course, that was impossible.
    “You need to let me go,” she said.
    “Oh!” His eyes widened. The arm she’d found so comforting disengaged. He helped her stand, then watched as she began her step-hop-step-hop up the stairs. Within moments Hank’s hand