Touch Slowly (Red Light: Silver Girls series) by Debra Kayn Read Free Book Online Page A

on your way over here, and we could act out our teenage years."
    "Yeah, that won't be happening," mumbled Nova.
    She returned to the living room to find Emmett and Nick talking about some sports team and the odds of them winning. Without disturbing them, she curled into the chair and listened to the deep male voices lulling her to relax.
    Shayla came back and took up her spot on the couch, pulling the afghan Nova recognized as one of Aunt Jennie's off the back of the sofa and covering up.
    She curled her legs into the chair, turned sideways, and laid her cheek on the upholstery. The ease at which she relaxed inside the trailer, the conversations and even the odd scents that seemed familiar comforted her.
    Nick kicked off his shoes and put his sock covered feet on the coffee table. Emmet occasionally gazed at her while talking to Nick. Not in a weird way or even interest. More of an acknowledgment that she remained in the room, and he liked her there. She found herself looking back, even when he looked away. She liked his presence. He was comfortable with himself, and even in someone else's house.
    She had a feeling if she walked across the room and sat beside him, he'd put his arm around her without even thinking or hesitating. He'd roll with the changes, and while he'd continue to talk with Nick, he'd make her feel secure at her side.
    Not that she'd make a move on him.
    She had no idea how she'd come to those conclusions about Emmett. He was not here because of her, and she wasn't here because of him. Emmett came over because Nick and Shayla were his friends. They were good people enjoying a night together.
    An hour later, Shayla was sound asleep. The men had switched from sports talk to politics to the good versus better parts for Nick's truck. Nova yawned and stretched her legs. She needed to get back to town and hated the thought of leaving. The quiet conversation between the two men had lulled her into a semi-coma.
    She tied her sneakers she'd slipped off earlier and walked over to the couch. Brushing the hair off of Shayla's face, she leaned down and whispered, "Hey, sleepyhead. I need to get back to town."
    Shayla wiggled deeper into the corner of the couch. Nova reached out and grabbed the edge of the blanket.
    "Let her sleep. I'll take you." Emmett stood.
    "Oh." Nova glanced at Nick, hoping he'd step up and offer a ride.
    "Yeah, I'm beat. Swing shift is kicking my ass." Nick pushed himself off the couch. "See you tomorrow, man. Emmett will get you back safe, Nova."
    She stared at her cousin's back as he left the room. Just like that, her family left her with a stranger. Again.

Chapter Six
    S he was going to kill Shayla for falling asleep.
    Emmett pulled into the Federal Inn, ignoring Nova's request to drop her off under the viaduct. She glanced at her phone for the sixth time since sliding into his 'Cuda. In forty minutes, the sun would rise and signal Marci to walk into the kitchen upstairs at Red Light and start the coffee pot.
    The risk of her getting caught quadrupled with each passing minute. Anyone walking down Cedar Street could catch her climbing to the balcony of her room. The bikers that hung around Jeremy had a habit of stopping in at all hours. Marci, Tiff, or one of the other ladies could come to her room and knock. If she failed to answer, she'd be out of a job.
    She opened the door. "Thanks for the ride."
    "No problem," said Emmett, his deep voice. "I'll wait out here until you get inside."
    Her stomach rolled, and she squeezed the door handle. "That's not necessary."
    "Yeah, it is." Emmett lowered his voice. "I wouldn't be a gentleman if I let a woman walk alone in the dark."
    "It's almost morning."
    "Sun isn't up."
    "Do you ever listen to what I'm saying?" She shook her head in irritation. "Fine."
    She left the car and hurried down the sidewalk, hoping the inn kept the main door open during off hours. If not, she was screwed.
    Her backup story would be over, and she'd need to stay away from the