Nine Steps to Sara by Lisa Olsen Read Free Book Online Page A

, with cottages dappled across the rolling countryside.  The narrow roads made for hair raising maneuvering whenever another car came alongside of them, but Will managed them like an old pro, chauffeur or not. 
    “If you don’t mind a bit of a stroll , I thought we’d leave the car here and see the sights properly,” Will asked over his shoulder after he’d stopped in a car park a block away from the main thoroughfare. 
    “ T his is fine, I wanted to get out and really see it, not just from the car,” Sara nodded, and Jack already had his seatbelt off, eager to expend some of the boundless energy contained by small boys.
    “How far is it to the nearest Golden Arches in case I get a Big Mac attack?” Joanie asked, stepping out into the gravel lot. 
    “You’re looking at a forty-five minute drive at least, Miss, unless the weather gives you a spot of trouble,” Will replied, not bothering to lock the car.  “Now then, where should we get started first?  Do you fancy a bit of antiquing, or… would you like to try the finest chocolatier in all of Dorset ?” he grinned at Jack in particular who hopped up and down with excitement.
    “Chocolatier!” he crowed.
    “We haven’t had lunch yet,” Sara gave Will a pointed look, turning to Joanie for support, but she was on her own.
    “Hey, don’t look at me, I’d rather hit the candy shack over an antique shop any day of the week,” she snorted. 
    “ Alright , but keep the sampling to a minimum until after you’ve had more to eat than a mouthful of bacon,” Sara sighed, giving up in the face of his enthusiasm. 
    “Sorry, my Lady, but I thought it would interest the boy,” Will offered an unrepentant smile as he fell into step beside her.  “You could hardly have expected him to be interested in a tour of the china shop.”
    “Yes, but now I won’t be able to take him into the china shop after he’s all hopped up on chocolate,” she returned with a wry grin.  “I thought you were going to call me Sara.”
    “Only when we’re alone,” he reminded her gently.  “I ’d be very happy to keep him company while you’re busy browsing.  I admit, I’ve never been much for shopping myself.”
    “No interest in antiques?”
    “Plenty of interest, a little short on funds for the nonessentials of life,” he admitted and Sara exchanged a knowing smile with him.
    “Ah, I’ve definitely been there,” she admitted.  “I appreciate the offer then, I’m sure Jack would be more than happy to have a local expert, but I warn you, he’s eight; that means he’s made of questions.”
    “I remember the age well, my Lady.  I assure you, I’m up to the challenge.”  With a wink, Will left her side to keep pace with Jack, easily engaging him in conversation. 
    “When did you become best friends with the chauffeur?” Joanie asked as soon as she caught up, having a little trouble with her heels on the cobblestones.
    “He’s not the chauffeur,” Sara smiled, her eyes on Will’s back, watching Jack laugh at something he’d said.
    “Okay, Mr. McHottie then?”
    “We had a conversation outside before I came to get you, that’s all.”
    “You seem pretty chummy after one conversation, I didn’t think you normally worked that fast.  He is pretty hot for a Brit though, I’ll give you that.”
    “Joanie!”
    “What?”
    “What a thing to say!” Sara breathed, looking around to see if anyone was in listening distance.  The street was pretty sleepy, only a few pedestrians out, but everyone seemed to be watching them with undisguised interest. 
    “I’m just saying, he’s got all his teeth, and he’s not all pasty pale, that’s a good start.”
    “People might hear you,” Sara hissed, wondering for the zillionth time why that never occurred to her best friend.
    “So what?  They’re going to judge me for being an American anyway, why not give them something interesting to talk about?” she grinned.  “So, what else does he do for