When Bruce Met Cyn by Lori Foster Read Free Book Online Page A

Shay was filthy rich?” He grinned. “She could probably buy the whole town, but instead, she’s been running amuck making improvements everywhere. Thanks to her, we’ve been able to hold services in the basement of the only local bank. She’s paying the rental fee until the church is complete.”
    Bruce unlocked the door that led into his kitchen. Warmth greeted them, along with the scents of sawdust and drywall. He flipped on the inside light. “Here we are. Why don’t you sit down and rest your ankle.”
    He glanced at her, winced at the dirt still on her face and clothes, and pulled out a kitchen chair for her. “You’re a mess, young lady. Sit still and let me get you a few damp cloths.”
    â€œThanks.” Once Cyn was seated, she kicked off her sandals again and bent to look at her ankle, while saying, “You’re a man who housed hookers, with a preacher for a father, a bounty hunter for a brother, and a wealthy sister-in-law. Your life must never be boring.”
    What an understatement. Much of the past year had been chaotic, sometimes frightening, and full of change. “You should meet some of my friends here in Visitation.” He returned to her with two damp dishcloths. “Hold still.”
    She held up her hands. “See these? They make it easy for me to do my own bathing.”
    Bruce winced. “There’s no mirror down here, and I doubt you’re up to climbing the stairs. As to these hands…” He laid the cloths down and caught both her wrists, examining her palms. In places, they were scraped raw, probably from her fall in the woods. She had dirt under her nails, scratches and scrapes.
    Bruce pulled her upright and practically carried her to the kitchen sink a few feet away. Her bulky purse was between them. “You can leave your purse on the table.”
    â€œIt goes where I go.”
    â€œWhat about when you sleep?”
    She patted it. “Makes a nice pillow.”
    Bruce rolled his eyes. She must have something mighty important inside that she thought to protect with her person. “Suit yourself, but it pains me to be thought a thief.”
    â€œYeah, well, it’d pain me more to lose it.”
    Did she have her entire life in that bag? It was possible, so Bruce let it drop. Trust would come in time.
    Feeling bedeviled by his own wayward musings, he stood beside her, supervising while she washed away the dirt and small streaks of dried blood on her tender palms.
    When she saw his frown, she said, “Relax, Lancelot. It’s no biggie.”
    How many hurts in her life had she dismissed as no biggie? Her stomach rumbled, breaking his troubled thoughts enough that Bruce laughed. “I can take a hint.”
    While she finished washing, he opened the refrigerator and took out a covered container. “Leftover chicken, broiled potatoes, and string beans sound good?”
    â€œLike heaven.” She returned to the table, pulled a chair around, and propped up her legs, making herself at home. “So tell me about your friends.”
    Bruce began preparing a plate to go in the microwave. “There’s Joe Winston. Now, you want to talk about a man with a colorful past, Joe fits the bill. He’s been a police officer, a PI, a bounty hunter, and a bodyguard. Now he’s married to Luna, and together they run a recreational lake here in Visitation. It’s further out, very private and very beautiful.” He turned and watched her running her fingers through her hair, attempting to untangle it.
    Wishing he could do that for her, he cleared his throat. “You remember the deputy I told you about? Scott Royal.”
    â€œCops tend to stick in my mind.”
    â€œScott’s a deputy, but you seldom see the sheriff, so if you need the law, odds are it’ll be Scott. He’s a nice guy, but he goes bonkers whenever Joe’s sister, Alyx, is in town.”
    â€œHow