Remember Love: Saints Protection & Investigations by Maryann Jordan Read Free Book Online

available. Fuck! I never thought of that.
    Miss watched his face change from one of excitement to one of disgust and her steps faltered. His eyes were latched on her hair and she unconsciously lifted her hand upward, wondering if she had something on her. No, he’s just disgusted. Halting several feet away, uncertainty filling her soul, she felt the sting of tears hit the back of her eyes. Breathing deeply, she willed them away.
    Blaise noted her hand shaking as it reached up, patting her hair, then dropped down to her eyes, filling with tears as an embarrassed blush crept up her face. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
    She stared at him. His voice sounded so concerned, but mixed with the expression that had been on his face, she was confused. “I…um…haven’t had a chance to…um…shower…um today.”
    Understanding hit Blaise as he realized she had noticed him staring at her, and misinterpreted his concern over her lack of water. “No, you look great!” he said, taking her hand. Pinning her with his gaze, he smiled. “Really great.”
    She peered once again, looking deeply into his eyes, searching for deceit but finding none. Sighing, she nodded but said nothing.
    He gave a slight tug on her hand, saying, “So what’s lunch going to be today?”
    The corners of her mouth turned up in a smile again, and her gaze moved past him to the trucks. “I don’t care. Why don’t you surprise me?”
    Grinning widely, he agreed. “Okay, you and Gypsy go sit on that bench and face the park. I’ll get some lunch for all of us.”
    Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “Why do I need to face the park?”
    “ ’Cause if you’re watching me, then it won’t be a surprise!”
    Laughing, she agreed and moved over to the bench with Gypsy close at her heels. In a few minutes, he returned, carrying a bag filled with tacos. The tantalizing scent of the spicy beef assaulted her nostrils and had Gypsy’s nose quivering and tail wagging.
    The three of them dug into their lunch, the sounds of the others in the park fading into the distance as the world seemed to narrow to just the trio.
    An airplane flew overhead and Miss looked up at the same time Gypsy stopped eating. The dog stood rigid, as though at attention, and Miss casually commented, “Must be landing. Their flaps are down.”
    The taco halted on its way to Blaise’s mouth as he turned in surprise toward her. “How can you tell?”
    “The sound,” she replied, still focusing on her lunch. “Landing planes make a different sound.” As the aircraft continued on its downward path out of sight, Gypsy relaxed, returning to her food as well.
    Blaise wondered, How would she know that? Looking back down at the dog, he wondered about its behavior as well. Wanting to understand more, he asked, “Have you spent much time at an airport?”
    He watched as her forehead crinkled in thought, then her hand jerked to the scar. A look of panic formed on her face and she immediately set her food down, her body tensed for flight again.
    “I’m sorry,” Blaise quickly said, putting his hand on her arm. “I was just curious.” He kept his eyes on hers, realizing what he saw beyond the panic…was confusion. Something’s happened to her…something traumatic. Understanding she was not just a homeless person, but could be in trouble, ratcheted up his concern even more. “Please, let’s just enjoy our food.”
    She would not make eye contact with him, but simply nodded. The silence stretched as they both finished their meals and she bent down to pick up the well-licked wrapper off the ground, petting Gypsy’s head. Leaning back, Miss patted her stomach, unused to being full for two days in a row.
    “This was amazing. Thank you,” she said. “I can’t remember food tasting so good.”
    “When was the last really good meal you ate?” Blaise asked gently, his gaze roaming her satisfied expression, hoping she would be honest with him.
    A long minute of silence passed as she