Ransom by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online

Mom’s fine bones and masses of curly blond hair. A free-spirited artist.” But Liz had the more angular features of their father and her dishwater blond hair was stick straight. No matter what type of styling equipment she used, she couldn’t get her fine, thin hair to curl. “I take more after Dad.”
    There were other differences, as well. Jillian was also reckless, always chasing after one dream or another, while Liz analyzed and contemplated before making any decision. Over the years Liz had endeavored to curb her sister’s wild ways to no avail.
    â€œWas he reserved and thoughtful, like you?”
    She’d been called reserved often. She didn’t mind that moniker. Opening herself up to others didn’t come naturally or easy. But Blake considered her thoughtful? That was nice. He was nice when he wasn’t trying to intimidate her.
    â€œDad was passionate about the store. So in that respect, yes, I’m like him. I enjoy running the business. Over the years Dad taught me how to manage the inventory and the books so when he passed on it was a given that I’d take over while Jillian finished high school and then dabbled at college.”
    Anxious dread weighed down her heart as worry bubbled. Was Jillian all right? Was she resting? Getting food to eat?
    â€œYet you managed to finish college,” he said sounding impressed.
    â€œI did.” She was proud of the accomplishment. “My degree in marketing has proven effective with the store.”
    â€œSo you run the shop and provide for Jillian.” He cocked his head to the side. “Who watches out for you and your needs?”
    His question caught her off guard. She had no ready answer. She’d been content to manage the store while Jillian went off to college to study art. Her passion, as Jillian had claimed with dramatic flair when Liz had suggested she major in something a bit more practical.
    She didn’t regret the time spent keeping the business going or providing as much guidance as she could for Jillian. It was her choice to honor her father’s promise. And she would continue to do so. Jillian needed her now more than ever.
    Deep inside of her, resentment stirred for the promise she’d made, the years of sacrifice. And as quickly, guilt swamped her, flooding her heart and her mind, drowning the resentment. How could she not want to keep her promise to her father? How could she begrudge taking care of her sister?
    Still Blake’s question poked at her, forcing her to admit to herself that the last time she’d felt cared for had been before her mother had fallen ill. A heavy sadness pressed on her shoulders. Mom had been so loving and kind, yet she’d been stern when needed. She’d been encouraging and giving. Liz had admired her so much. And had wanted to emulate her in every way. When the sickness had grabbed ahold of her, Liz had stepped up to fill her shoes by taking over the household chores and the cooking and even taking care of young Jillian.
    Dad had tried to stay involved in their lives, but he’d been so consumed by his wife’s illness that the day-to-day living had fallen to Liz. She’d picked up the mantle with pride. Still did.
    â€œI’m doing fine. It’s Jillian who we need to be worried about.” She picked up their dirty dishes and carried them to the sink, hoping he’d drop this line of conversation. She could feel his gaze on her but she held her chin up and wouldn’t let him see how his question affected her.
    â€œWe have a big day tomorrow,” he said. Apparently he got the hint and let the conversation die. “I’ll walk you back to your room. You really do need to rest.”
    He was right, of course. She did need to rest to have the strength for what was to come. At her door she asked, “Where will you be sleeping?”
    â€œI’ll be down the hall,” he said. “The other team members are right