Where Angels Tread by Clare Kenna Read Free Book Online Page B

stared at her for a few moments, a frown playing across his lips. Heidi rocked back and forth in her chair, clutching her mug with slightly trembling hands. It had been a long time since she had such an open conversation with another person, especially a man. With a tug at her heart, she remembered the countless late night discussions she would have with John as they snuggled up on the couch and watched the flames dancing in the fireplace. She had to admit that it felt good—really good—to be able to talk to Shane. His presence put her at ease; every inch of him oozed masculinity, capability. She longed to breathe in his scent, which she imagined would be a tantalizing combination of wood and spice.
    “I have an idea,” Shane said slowly, pulling Heidi out of her reverie. “Like I said, I used to play basketball all the time. I really miss it. None of my siblings have any kids and the only other brother who played is deployed to Iraq, so I don’t have anyone to shoot hoops with. Now, feel free to say no…” He took a deep breath. “But how would you feel about me stopping over after my shift a couple of nights a week to play with him? I could get him up to speed, maybe pique his interest again. If he seems like he’s enjoying it, I could nudge him into trying out for the team, help prepare him. What do you say?”
    Heidi stared at Shane, lost for words. She was touched by his offer, but a little voice in the back of her mind was warning her that it probably wasn’t a good idea. For Zachary, she thought quickly. He might think that Shane was only doing it out of pity, which would be even more devastating for his self-esteem. Not to mention, the little voice continued, that she didn’t exactly trust herself around Shane. She had a sinking feeling that her strong attraction to him, which was already throwing her off balance, would only deepen when she saw him with her son.
    “I’m not sure,” she said slowly, clutching the handle of her mug. “Zachary’s in a difficult place right now.” She waved her hand around the house for emphasis. “As you can see, it’s after six and he’s not even here. He took off again. I’m his mother, and I have no idea where he is.”
    She cringed at the disappointed look on Shane’s face. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate your offer,” she added quickly. “It’s incredibly kind and generous. But I’m not sure what Zachary’s going to think of it, to tell you the truth. He’s a tough nut to crack.”
    Shane shook his head back and forth, and Heidi noticed a dull flush creeping up his neck to his face. Before long, his cheeks were tinged pink with embarrassment. “I’m sorry for even bringing it up,” he said, studying his shoes to avoid eye contact with Heidi. “It’s not my place. Forget I even mentioned it, okay?” He downed the rest of his coffee in a few swallows and set the mug down on a coaster. “Thank you so much for the coffee and conversation. I should probably be heading out now, it’s getting late.”
    He practically leapt out of his chair in his haste to get to the front door. Once there, he bent down to retrieve his shoes, hiding his face from Heidi. When he straightened up, he said briskly, “If you’re ever worried about Zachary being gone for too long, don’t hesitate to call us down at the station. We’ll be happy to send a squad car out to look for him.” After hesitating for a fraction of a second, he held out his hand to shake hers.
    When Heidi grasped his hand, a burst of electricity shocked through her skin. She yanked her hand away; Heidi could tell by the unsettled look in Shane’s eyes that he had felt it, too. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to catch her breath. Shane opened his mouth to say something, then closed it abruptly again when the doorknob twisted behind him. They both jumped apart guiltily as Zachary’s form appeared in the doorway.
    “Hi, Officer Kensington,” he said brightly, raising his