The Comeback Girl by Debra Salonen Read Free Book Online Page A

sharply. “That’s enough. I explained what happened and who your father is.”
    “Yeah, but you obviously slept around. You could be wrong,” her son returned nastily.
    Before either adult could react, the boy shot from the room. His bedroom door slammed resoundingly.
    Kristin looked stunned.
    Donnie reacted without thinking. He walked to her and pulled her into his arms. A heartbeat later she burst into tears. He felt her link her arms behind him. Donnie lowered his chin and breathed in the smell of her frothy curls. So sweet, so…
    He opened his eyes, marshaling his thoughts. He knew better than to go down that road. He could comfort an old friend without losing his head.
    Kristin seemed to regain her composure at the same moment. She stepped back and dug in her pocket for a tissue. “Thanks,” she mumbled. “Thatwas nice of you. And generous. He’s been acting out a lot, but that’s the first time he’s attacked a stranger.”
    “It comes with the territory. I’m a cop.”
    She cocked her head thoughtfully. “Well, you’re a really good cop.”
    For some reason, her praise was comforting. It didn’t take away his disappointment at the thought of having to turn down the FAM program, but it helped. “I guess I’m okay for a local yokel.”
    She must have heard more in his tone than he’d intended. “What’s that mean?”
    Donnie sighed. “Nothing. Sorry.”
    He turned to leave, but she stopped him. “Talk to me, Donnie. I cried on your shoulder, now it’s your turn.”
    “I’m fine. The politics of the job get to me every now and then. You know how it is in small towns. The good old boy network is alive and well.”
    She made a rueful sound and picked up a small gray box that had gotten pushed behind a stack of magazines. “I guess I assumed that would have changed by now, but don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts about your career. I don’t believe it. You always wanted to be a deputy.”
    “I used to love my job, but it’s been a while since I felt that I’m making a difference here.”
    She opened the box and took out a couple dozen business cards. “So, why not put in for a transfer? I bet the California Highway Patrol would jump atthe chance to have an officer with your experience. Or the FBI.”
    She made things sound so simple. Without intending to, he confided to her, “Actually, I’ve been accepted into the Federal Air Marshal Program. I applied last fall.”
    “Donnie,” she exclaimed, her face alight with joy. “That’s fantastic. Congratulations.” She gave him a quick hug then blushed as if regretting her impulsive act. She turned back to the desk to find a rubber band to wrap around the cards.
    His response—equally inappropriate—died the moment he recalled Sandy’s news. “The only problem is, I can’t accept the offer.”
    “Why not?”
    He snickered softly. “Because my ex-wife is going to Africa, and my mom has to help take care of her sister in Texas. Which means I’m not going anywhere soon.” He couldn’t prevent the bitterness from seeping into his tone.
    “Oh, Donnie, I’m so sorry.”
    He looked away. He didn’t want her sympathy. There was still a chance he could pull this off if he could find a perfect housekeeper who could take over completely while he was away. A housekeeper Lucas would be happy to stay with. For the first time since his divorce, Donnie was sorry he didn’t have a wife.

CHAPTER THREE
    K RIS STOOD in the doorway of her spare bedroom trying to imagine what it would look like with a young boy living there. Probably just as messy as Zach’s room, she thought with a smile. Ever since last week when Donnie had mentioned his dilemma, she’d been tossing around the idea of volunteering to take in Lucas while Donnie attended his training.
    Regretfully, her reasons were not completely altruistic. First, she needed the money she’d have to charge him, and second, her image could stand the polishing that would come if Donnie