Small-Town Redemption by Beth Andrews Read Free Book Online

leave the rest in the break room.” He glanced at Char. “I’m training for a half marathon and I’ve never been good at resisting temptation.”
    Ducking her head to scan the chart of the ten-year-old girl who’d come in with stomach pains—and to possibly hide a small, satisfied smile—Char walked away. If she were a better person, she’d feel bad for her coworker. And while she liked Regina, and didn’t wish her any ill will, she couldn’t deny how happy she was the good doctor was going to stay far away from the pretty brunette’s cookies.
    Even better, she’d learned something new about Justin. He, too, was a runner.
    Could they be any more perfect for each other?
    “Charlotte,” Justin called as he caught up with her. “I wanted to thank you again for recommending a real estate agent.”
    “You’re welcome. How’s the house hunting going?”
    He gave a rueful shake of his head. “Not well. I’m looking for something smaller than what she’s shown me so far.”
    “When she looks at you, she probably sees little dollar signs floating around your head.” He stared at her blankly. “Because you’re a doctor,” Char explained. “She might be hoping you have money to burn and want something huge and obnoxious with a big enough commission for her to retire on.”
    He nodded sagely. “I wondered why she was so insistent on showing me that six-bedroom mansion on the outskirts of town. I guess I’m going to have to break it to her that until I’ve paid off my college—and med school—loans, I won’t be able to afford anything bigger than a one-story, two-bedroom house.”
    He’d put himself through both college and med school, another point in his favor. No, she hadn’t done the same, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t appreciate a man who was financially prudent.
    Besides, if her parents hadn’t paid her tuition, she wouldn’t have been able to afford the down payment on her house.
    Charlotte stopped outside exam room 8. “It’s tough,” she said, nodding in what she hoped was a commiserative way and not in a way that made her look as if she was having a seizure. “I recently went through it when I bought my house. Luckily, I found a great place over on River Road.”
    “River Road...by the big steel bridge?”
    Shady Grove, nestled along the winding Monongahela River, had two main bridges separating the west and east sides of town; a steel one north of the highway, and an ornate wooden structure near Washington Square park. “It’s about a mile from it, yes.”
    He nodded at Dr. Saleh as she walked by. “That seems like a nice area.”
    “It is. I love it. It’s not too far from the hospital, but the houses are spread out so there’s plenty of room for nice-sized yards.” Even if buying her house had eaten into her savings. But oh, well. Some things, such as sticking to her five-year plan, were worth a little sacrifice.
    She was still on track. Even if some of the players in her game had changed.
    And this player didn’t seem as clueless as James had been. Yay for her. While having a simple conversation at work didn’t quite compare to Justin actively pursuing her, he had initiated said conversation. He was also smiling at her. Interested in what she had to say.
    Possibly even interested in her.
    “If I see any houses in my neighborhood,” she said, “I’ll be sure to let you know.”
    His smile widened. “I’d appreciate it.”
    Appreciated it, but not enough for him to give her his cell phone number so she could get a hold of him easily.
    For once, why couldn’t a man she found attractive take the lead instead of leaving it up to her to do everything? If she was better at flirting, this wouldn’t be so difficult. She’d drop a few hints and let Justin take it from there. But she’d never developed the art of the come-on, had always felt fake and foolish trying to be coquettish and seductive.
    Proof of which was when she’d tried using her feminine wiles—as they