Sacred Hart by A.M. Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

drove by it often and, every time, I had to push my foot down on the gas. I’d tried to run away from that man, that stray, that fixer-upper with a rare smile that made my head spin, and a story I was dying to unearth. I stepped away from the fence with a new purpose and ran to my car, almost eating dirt as I slipped in a puddle. I squealed and grabbed the side of my car. Once my footing was steadied, I opened the door and slid in. The car heater made me breathless as I sat behind the wheel. The bitter cold melted from my fingertips as I held them against the vents. Ryan Hartford was an enigma, and if I was taking a plunge into the unknown of the future I was handed, I might as well see if he’d like to join me… or at least agree to a date.
    I sent a text message to the babysitter telling her I’d be late and then shifted into gear. The tires fought against the waterlogged terrain as I pulled back onto the street.
     

     
    Red’s was empty. The jukebox sang with acoustic notes, and once my feet planted on the worn linoleum, I began to regret my decision to come here. My nervousness was winning out over my earlier excitement. The brass bell chimed as the heavy door shut behind me. I winced. I opened my eyes expecting someone to come from the kitchen to greet me, but they didn’t. After another long minute, I was still standing alone like a scared mouse. I took two tentative steps when a loud sound emanated from behind the kitchen door. I paused when I heard a deep voice utter several swears, followed by another loud bang. I was about to turn and leave when the kitchen door swung open in a rush.
    Ryan’s footing stumbled, and his breath hitched as his eyes found mine. “Shit.” He was holding two large metal trays with pastries, and they teetered precariously as he recovered his balance.
    I tried, hopelessly, not to laugh, and brought my hand to my lips trying to stifle my smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    He placed the trays down on the counter and wiped his hands on the white apron that covered him from waist to knee. His black short sleeved shirt pulled snug across his broad chest as he moved. The soft looking fabric of his shirt was covered in what appeared to be flour or some sort of white powder. “Can I help you?” he asked.
    The tone caught me off guard; he sounded tense, and I wasn’t sure what to say next. “Are you all by yourself tonight?” It was well into dinner time and the place was a ghost town.
    “I am.” He shifted on his feet and placed his hand on the counter. His long fingers curled into a fist the longer I stared at him like an idiot. He cleared his throat before he spoke again. “Not too many people come in on a Saturday. Better things to do.” The corner of his mouth twitched as he eyed me with curiosity.
    “Ahh, yes, the lure of civilization… date nights and expensive swanky city-folk food.” I smiled, and he laughed. The sound of it warmed my cheeks. “All overrated in my humble opinion.”
    His palm relaxed, and he placed his other hand on the counter leaning his tall body forward as I walked over to the bar. The smell of apples filled my nostrils as I neared the freshly made pastries. My mouth watered and I swallowed.
    “I wouldn’t know.” His smile wavered. “Did you want to place an order to go?” He scanned the room behind me not making eye contact.
    “Yeah, I have to go pick up my daughter, but I figured I’d stop in first… she has a thing for your ice cream.” I inwardly cringed at my poor attempt at flirting.
    “So it seems.” His full lips pulled into a small smile. “Just the ice cream then?”
    I wanted to say no. I wanted to order everything I possibly could just to keep him standing in front of me that much longer. I needed a bit more time to build up my confidence, so I could do what I came here for. “Yes. Two cups of Rocky Road if you have it.”
    “Just give me a few minutes. Have a seat.” He nodded and pushed back