Vanishing Act by Liz Johnson Read Free Book Online Page B

been very becoming. And don’t even get him started on her dazzling smile.
    He sure didn’t mind seeing her as much as he had been lately. Too bad she wasn’t his case.
    But Judith’s plans for his life didn’t line up with his own. His plans included a long career with the Bureau, spoiling Jenny’s kids—whenever she and her husband decided to grow their family—and hot coffee every morning. One thing his plan did not include was a wife and family of his own.
    Thanks to his dad and grandfather, Nate knew he could never make a lifetime commitment.
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ll introduce you to Danielle on Sunday,” Judith continued.
    Speaking of Danielle, the clock on the wall on the far side of the office read nearly one-thirty. It was time for him to head over to the garage. His car should be done.
    â€œThanks again, Judith,” he interrupted, grabbing the brochure from where she still had it trapped on the counter under her hands. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.” With a tip of his imaginary hat, he spun on his heel and started toward Andy’s Auto.
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    â€œSo do you see now how the headlight connects to the wiring and fits into the socket?” Danielle held the old headlight that she’d just changed as Ivey nodded slowly.
    â€œI think I get it. But I just know I’m going to need some more practice. Do you have some time next week?”
    Not really. But she felt bad for the other woman. It wasn’t her fault her husband had run off. Ivey tried to put on a good front, but her eyes were sad, and maybe a bit guilty. Danielle had seen that same look in her mirror for over a year. “Sure. Let’s talk in class next Tuesday and make a plan for a day to meet.”
    Ivey’s smile was appreciative, and she daintily dusted her hands together then held them up in front of her face. “Do you have a restroom or sink?”
    â€œThere’s one right inside the office on your left.” Then she thought better of it. That restroom was never very clean, and it wasn’t as though Ivey was a complete stranger. “Actually there’s one in my apartment around the side of the garage. The door’s locked, but I’ll walk you around. It’s much cleaner.”
    Ivey grinned in appreciation and reached toward Danielle’s arm as though she was going to pat it, then stopped short and laughed. “I better go wash these.”
    The pair walked around the side of the building, and Danielle unlocked the door, pushing it open, so Ivey could enter first. Debating whether she should wait with Ivey, she decided that she’d best not leave the front unattended. Gretchen was still at lunch.
    As she arrived back at the front of the building, Danielle spied a figure strolling down the road, his hands into his pockets, back and neck straight. She lifted her hand and waved gently, doing her best to tamp down the unruly butterflies bombarding her stomach. Why on earth was she so excited just seeing Nate?
    He waved in return, and nodded his head in greeting. She ran a hand over her hair, tucking any stray strands behind her ear. Brushing dust and dirt from her coveralls, she tried not to dwell on the fact that she really was wearing the only thing less attractive than a potato sack.
    But there was nothing to be done about it. Anyway, she wasn’t trying to impress Nate. He was just a client and a student. No matter what happened, she couldn’t drag him into the uncertainty—and possible danger—of her world. She couldn’t afford to be attached. If Goodwill ever found her, she’d have to hit the road immediately. No goodbyes, no see-you-laters. Attachments would just make that harder.
    Since she wasn’t really interested in Nate as more than a client, it would be easy not to let it happen.
    Right. She’d just think of him like that.
    But her stomach didn’t heed her mind, as it nosedived when