Ready for Love by Marie Force Read Free Book Online Page A

only if you come with me.”

    He extended his paw.

    Smiling, Sydney took it and gave it a shake. “Deal.”

     
    As the sun dipped low over the pond, she grabbed a bottle of wine and the brownies she’d baked and headed for the car with Buddy tagging along at her heels.

    Driving the familiar roads that led to Luke’s house brought back a slew of memories of his old pickup, of late nights and summer breezes, of first love and heart-pounding desire.

    Sydney couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so nervous. At least she hadn’t fretted over what to wear. She’d chosen a denim skirt with a white T-shirt and sandals. Luke was the most casual person she’d ever known, so there was no point in dressing up for him. He’d never been impressed by style or flash.

    She pulled onto the long dirt road that led to his house at the end. As she navigated the final turn, the nerves she’d battled all day resurfaced. What am I doing? He didn’t say what time. What if he’s not even home?

    His warmly lit house came into view. At least he was home. She turned in next to the dark green pickup truck that was parked behind the house. Before she could chicken out, she opened the car door.

    In a move that reminded her of the Buddy she’d once known, he jumped over her and sprinted off into the darkness. “Great,” she muttered, gathering the wine and brownies and starting after him.

    “This guy belong to you?” Luke asked, grinning as he waited for her with Buddy panting next to him.

    Sydney swallowed hard and tried to ignore the goose bumps that broke out over her skin at the sound of his deep voice.

    “He doesn’t get out much,” Sydney said.

    “He and I have that in common.”

    “Still a homebody?” she asked as he gestured for her follow him on the lighted pathway to the door.

    “Some things never change.”

    And that, Sydney decided, was comforting.

    “I wasn’t sure what time—”

    “I didn’t think you’d come—”

    He turned to her, smiling. “I’m glad you came.”

    “So am I.” She handed him the wine and brownies.

    “You didn’t have to bring anything.”

    “Yes, I did.”

    “Come in.” He ushered her into the modest ranch-style house with the million-dollar water view.

    Sydney had once spent a lot of time there, and the memories came flooding back when she saw that hardly anything had changed. Luke’s mother had been welcoming and supportive of their relationship, whereas her parents had been disapproving and judgmental, so they’d spent much more time here than at her house.

    She glanced around at the worn but comfortable sofas, the overflowing bookshelves and elaborate telescope, which was new.

    “I know—I need to redecorate,” Luke said. “Somehow I never got around to it.”

    “I’ve always loved how cozy this room is.”

    “Especially in the winter with the woodstove going.” He gestured for her to follow him to the kitchen. “What can I get you to drink?”

    “What’re my choices?”

    “Beer, soda, wine, water.”

    “Wine sounds good.”

    He offered the chardonnay she’d brought and a pinot noir.

    Syd chose the chardonnay, and as she watched him open the bottle, she couldn’t deny the pull she felt drawing her to him. But was it the comfort? The history? The familiar? Or was it something all new? She wasn’t entirely sure, so she focused on the meal he was in the midst of preparing. “What’re you making?”

    “My own invention—cut-up meat, vegetables and potatoes, dump them all in foil with either teriyaki or barbeque sauce and put it on the grill. Voila. Dinner.”

    “That’s fabulous.”

    “And easy.”

    “I’m all about easy.” As soon as the words left her mouth, her face heated with embarrassment that was exacerbated by his low chuckle.  

    “I’ll keep that in mind.”

    Needing something to do with her suddenly fidgety hands, Sydney picked up the knife. “What can I do?”

    Curling his hand around hers, he