Open Arms by Marysol James Read Free Book Online Page B

She smiled. “Everyone deserves a second chance, if they really want to use it to change for the better.”
    He smiled back.
    “And thank you, for what you said about the guy who did this. I need to – to stop blaming myself. I need to see that this guy was looking for someone to hurt. That happened to be me, that night.”
    “That’s right.”
    They sat and looked at each other, comfortable with what they both saw.
    “Tammy!”
    Tammy jumped a bit and looked up.
    Julie was standing there, delighted. “You’re here!”
    “I am,” Tammy said. “And the breakfast is as awesome as you said it was. No false advertising here, Jules.”
    Phil stood up. “OK, I’m off. See you later, ladies.”
    “Thanks, Phil. I mean it.”
    He smiled, and his battered face just lit up. “You’re welcome, hon.”
    “So what was that all about?” Julie said after he had gone. She poured some milk in to her coffee and stirred.
    “Phil told me about his past… about his time in jail and everything.”
    “Oh. Oh, yeah. You’re not worried about that, are you? Because he’s a great guy. No way he’ll ever hurt you, no matter what he may have done before.”
    “God, no,” Tammy said. “I’m not worried at all. In fact, he helped me a lot.”
    “I’m glad,” Julie said. “And I’m glad to see you here.”
    “Yeah, I’m glad to see you too. I’ve been cooped up way too long, I know, but I didn’t feel ready to come out yet.”
    “That’s OK. It’s all OK, sweetie.”
    “Thanks, Jules.”
    Julie felt tears prickle her eyes and she blinked hard to clear them. “OK. So, what do you want to do today?”
    Tammy looked around the restaurant, considering. “Ummm. Maybe you can show me the plans for the new cabins?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Yeah. And maybe we can have dinner tonight?”
    “Sure. Sounds good. My place at six?”
    “Perfect.” Tammy grinned. “And make sure Jake is there – I think it’s high time I get to know this guy properly.”
    Julie smiled. “Oh, Tammy. It is so good to have you back.”

**
Rob stared. Unless he was hallucinating, Tammy was standing in the door of his office.
    “Hi, Rob. Is it OK if I come in for a minute?”
    He jumped to his feet. “Yeah. Yeah, of course. Come on in.” He pulled out a chair. “Sit down, please.”
    She sat and he looked her over. God, she was stunning, with her dark hair pulled back, showing off her high cheekbones and violet eyes. That red blouse hugged every slim curve and those jeans made her long legs go on forever. She looked rested and relaxed and calm, and her smile was open and genuine and had a hint of sassiness. His stomach flipped as she trained that bright gaze on him. He ached to hold her and gripped the edge of his desk.
    “I’m wondering how you’re doing.”
    “Me?” Rob said. “I’m fine… how are you doing?”
    She shook her head. “No, Rob. For the past month, it’s been all about me. How I’m doing, what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling. I’m a bit fed up with it, and I’d like to hear how some other people are doing. You, Julie, Jake. So… how are you doing?”
    He leaned back. “Ummm. Well, OK. I mean, busy with these new cabins. But that’s about it, really.”
    “I’m wondering what I can do around here until I leave. Maybe I can help a bit with stuff? Maybe the new cabins?”
    “Leave?” His gut twisted at the thought.
    She shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, I’ve been living here for a month almost, rent-free. I’ve taken a whole cabin which could have been rented by skiers. It is high season for Julie’s business, I know. She’s lost thousands of dollars, because of me.”
    “She doesn’t care, Tammy.”
    “I know. I know she doesn’t. But I do.” She sighed. “I have spent the past fifteen years of my life working. OK, my jobs haven’t been the best and I’ve never made a lot of money, but I’ve gotten up almost every day and gone somewhere to earn a paycheck. I’ve never been lazy or unemployed before.