In His Sights by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online

girl and seemed to come to a sudden realization. “Hey, I know you, too. You’re in Mrs. Manning’s room.”
    â€œUh-huh.”
    Noting the confusion that was no doubt showing on Robyn’s face, Kat explained. “I’m one of the first-grade teachers at Mendenhall Elementary. Maddy’s not in my class, so I didn’t recognize her at first.”
    Relief immediately deflated the tension that had started to knot her shoulders. “That’s great! Come to think of it, I may have seen you at Back to School night and just forgot.”
    Kat nodded. “It’s possible. So, how do you know Tommy and Shea?”
    â€œI’m a doctor at Sterling, and I’ve known Shea for a couple of years, since Maddy and I moved to town. She’s one of the first people I met, and she made me feel welcome right away.”
    â€œThat’s our Shea. She’s a sweetheart.”
    â€œWhat do you do?” Robyn asked Howard politely.
    â€œI’m the captain at Fire Station Five. Most of my team is wandering around here somewhere.”
    â€œI admire what you do. You guys have a dangerous job.”
    He shrugged. “It can be, but it’s also rewarding when we’re able to help people. I’m sure you feel the same way at the hospital.”
    â€œAll the time. I live for the moments when I have good news to share with anxious families.”
    She made small talk with the Paxtons for a while, and eventually caught herself scanning the deck and backyard. She wasn’t consciously aware of what, or who, she was searching for. Not until she caught sight of a familiar figure sauntering out of the house onto the deck.
    Her breath hitched and her heart beat a little faster at the sight of the tall, lean figure standing a few feet away. This time, she really took the opportunity to study Chris Ford as she hadn’t the other day. At a bit over six feet, brown hair streaked with blond falling into big, warm brown eyes, and a face that reminded her of Henry Cavill, the man was stunning.
    He had on a pair of snug jeans that cupped his ass like a glove, and as he turned more fully in her direction she noted they did the same to his package in the front. He also wore a fitted black T-shirt that showed off a deliciously muscled chest and arms, not to mention the flat stomach.
    When his gaze landed on her and Maddy sitting at the table, his eyes widened a fraction. Then his mouth curved into a broad smile that lit his face, and he started toward them.
    â€œWell, if it isn’t my beautiful neighbors,” he said. Stopping next to them, he held out a hand. “Robyn, it’s good to see you again.”
    â€œIt’s good to see you, too.” She was surprised thestatement came out so calmly when inside she was quivering like a sixteen-year-old. If she’d been expecting him to simply flirt with her and ignore Maddy, as a lot of guys would have, she was surprised and pleased. He crouched next to Maddy’s chair and spoke to the little girl at eye level.
    â€œHey, Maddy. Remember me?”
    Setting down her hot dog, she studied him for a few seconds. Recognition dawned and she practically squealed. “Chris! Are you better now? Mommy never took your temp-ra-ture and I was worried that you were still sick.”
    Tentatively, he reached out and stroked a hand over her hair. A shadow crossed his face, there and gone. “I’m feeling okay, sweetheart. Say, I’ll be at your school on Tuesday for the crime program with Valor. Isn’t that great?”
    Interesting, how he’d avoided getting into his health. He wasn’t telling the whole truth; she was sure of it.
    â€œYeah! Mrs. Paxton will be there, too. She’s one of the teachers,” Maddy informed him, pointing to Kat.
    â€œThat’s good.” He nodded to the Paxtons. “Kat, Howard. How’s it going?”
    â€œGoing good,” Howard said. “Can’t