In His Sights by Jo Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

opinion of him thus far rose several notches.
    Someone took the chair across from her, and she looked over to see Shea sitting there, gazing at her thoughtfully. “Is he always like that?” Robyn waved a hand in Chris’s direction.
    Her friend didn’t need to ask what she meant. “Always. He’s like this brilliant light who warms people wherever he goes. He’s such a good man.”
    â€œHe seems too good to be true.”
    â€œChris has had his issues, but hey, don’t we all?” Shea rested her arms on the table and considered her friend. “He’s interested in you.”
    â€œHas he said anything?” She couldn’t keep her tone casual if she tried.
    â€œNot in so many words. But I saw the way he looked at you when he first saw you sitting there. It’s the same way Tommy still looks at me.”
    Robyn returned her attention to Chris, who caught the ball and fell, sprawling on the grass as Maddy giggled. “That scares me a little,” she admitted softly.
    â€œI know it does, hon. Just give things a chance, maybe?”
    â€œMaybe.”
    Shea knew Robyn’s sad story. And she didn’t push further.
    The sight of Maddy crouching next to Chris, shaking his shoulder and demanding that he get up, brought Robyn to her feet. Anxiety shot through her and she started across the deck, but Shane sprinted past her and was already halfway across the yard yelling his cousin’s name.
    And then Chris sat upright and yelled, “Gotcha!” He made a monster face at Maddy, who squealed in delight and launched herself at him as the two of them wrestled on the ground.
    Shane stopped a few feet from Chris and bent over, hands on his knees. He straightened, obviously upset and trying hard not to show it in front of the little girl. Robyn wasn’t any happier, and returned to her chair on shaking legs, desperately squashing her doctor’s urge to rush over and check him from head to toe. And also to keep herself from smacking him for that stunt.
    Chris and her daughter stood, laughing together, and he brushed the grass off her first, then himself. Belatedly, he realized Shane was close by and seething. Bending, he said something to Maddy and pointed toward Robyn. Probably to keep her from overhearing when Shane chewed out his ass.
    Indeed, Shane leaned in, and though Robyn couldn’t hear what was said, it was apparent from his gestures and the tension in his body that he was making his feelings known. The smile slid off Chris’s face, and immediately something strange happened in Robyn’s chest. He looked sad and contrite now, and she found she didn’t like that at all. Even though he’d scared her, he hadn’t meant to. He had only been playing with Maddy.
    After Shane stalked off, Chris hung his head for a moment. Then he heaved a sigh and headed in her direction.
    Reaching her mom, Maddy was bouncing. “Did you see me throw the football? Chris showed me how!”
    â€œI saw, sweetie! You did great.” She got an exuberant hug and a smack on the cheek.
    â€œThanks, Mommy!”
    Chris approached and gave her a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry about that. Didn’t mean to scare anybody.”
    â€œThat’s okay—I know you were just having fun with Maddy and I appreciate it. But don’t do it again or I’ll be forced to whip out my stethoscope.”
    His eyes lit at her teasing. “Doesn’t sound like much of a threat.”
    â€œMore like a promise.”
    Maddy tugged at her sleeve, interrupting. “Can I have some cookies?”
    Robyn glanced toward the dessert table. “Start with two.”
    â€œWhy don’t I go with her?” Shea offered, giving Robyn a knowing look.
    â€œOkay!” The little girl took Shea’s hand and went along willingly.
    â€œShe’s a great kid,” Chris said sincerely.
    â€œThank you. I think so, too.”
    â€œI