Practice Makes Perfect by Kathryn Shay Read Free Book Online Page A

my mother. My mother trusted me. Maybe you could make that leap
. Jeez, didn’t Ian Chandler ever give up on anything?
    Paige heard a thump at the west end of the yard. A five-foot wooden fence circled the pool, but she could see a glint of copper-penny red hair through the slats. She’d recognize it anywhere. “Is that Miss Meli I see peeking into my yard?” she called out.
    A skinny arm shot up straight above the fence and waved. Paige chuckled.
    “Come on in, sweetie. Say hello.”
    “Mama said not to bother you.” Paige could hear Meli but only see her hand.
    “You won’t be bothering me. I’m lonely. Come keep me company.” There was some truth to that statement. Tomorrow was her day off—the last for a while, since the Center was opening soon—and she had no plans to see anyone.
    Paige paddled the raft to the side of the pool, climbed off and crossed to open the gate. Outside was three feet ten inches of terror. Seven-year-old Meli O’Malley, one of Darcy Shannon O’Malley’s daughters. Meli’s bright red T-shirt and shorts were smudged with dirt. Skeins of red hair hung down her back and over her shoulders. Under the hair, big brown eyes peeked out of a freckled face. In her hands she held a baseball and glove.
    “You look hot and sweaty,” Paige said to the little girl.
    “Uh-huh.” Meli gazed longingly at the pool.
    “Would you like to swim, Meli?”
    “Mama said not to bother you,” she repeated solemnly
    “I told your mom that you guys could use the pool any time, whether I was here or not. As long as an adult comes with you.”
    “We swimmed in it Saturday when you were working.”
    “I’m so glad. The pool doesn’t get enough use.”
    Meli nodded enthusiastic agreement.
    Paige said, “Why don’t you go back to your grandma’s and get your sister, Claire.” Darcy lived with her two daughters in the carriage house on her mother and stepfather’s grounds, right across the street from Paige. “Get your mom, too. You can all come for a dip.”
    “Mama’ll be mad. Grandma, too.”
    Paige cocked her head. Meli’s grandmother, Darcy’s mother, was not one of her favorite people. In turn, the woman seemed uncomfortable with Paige, probably because Paige reminded her of Darcy’s days in Serenity House. But most likely Meli wouldn’t get to swim without Paige’s intervention. “How about if I walk over with you and invite them myself?”
    Meli’s eyes danced, and she nodded vigorously.
    Paige took a moment to slip into her Birkenstocks and throw a white lacy cover-up over her tangerine “tankini,” then she grabbed Meli’s hand. As they headed across Paige’s yard, Paige was treated to a delightful report on the merits of the Yankees over the Dodgers this year. They’d just reached the curb when Meli said, “Car’s comin’. Gotta wait.”
    Paige smiled and squeezed the girl’s hand in approval.
    A yellow Corvette was climbing Spencer Hill at a respectable speed. Paige admired the sleek lines of the convertible as it tooled up the slope. She was shocked when it came to a halt in front of them. She was thrown even more off balance when she recognized the driver’s wind-whipped hair and big shoulders. He pulled off his sunglasses and gave her and Meli his toothpaste-commercial smile. “Well, well, well, who do we have here?” Ian took in Meli’s red hair and clothing. “Little Red Riding Hood?” He darted a glance at Paige’s outfit. “This certainly isn’t Grandma.”
    No, but you’d qualify as the wolf
.
    “I’m Meli O’Malley, and this is Dr. Kendrick.”
    Ian’s grin widened. His white shirt highlighted his dark hair, and his eyes twinkled as he said, “Hi, Meli. I’m Ian Chandler.” His gaze moved over Paige’s neck and chest, partially exposed beneath the cover-up, to her bare legs. Briefly, discreetly, male interest flared in his eyes. “Hi, Dr. Kendrick. You’re looking mighty fine tonight.”
    “We’re going swimming at Dr. Kendrick’s,” Meli