Summer Secrets - Barbara Freethy [179]
"Why?"
"So, I can buy a lighter."
He plucked the cigarette out of her hand. "I live in a nonsmoking apartment."
"Oh, shit."
"And non-swearing."
"Where do you live? A fucking church?"
He stared at her defiant face in amazement. "Did your mother let you talk like that?"
"All the time."
"Okay, well off you go," Mr. Monroe said, ushering them out of his office before Alex could change his mind. "I'll have my investigator call you, Mr. Carrigan."
"You better," he grumbled as he walked out of the office with Jessie. The hall was empty. He pushed the elevator button and crossed his arms in front of his chest. Jessie did the same, her expression of disinterest as deliberate as his own.
"You know, if you're not cool, I'll just leave," Jessie said, her gaze fixed on the wall.
"And go where?"
"Wherever. I don't need you. I don't need anybody."
Her words rang through to his heart. They were his words, and he'd said them over and over again, growing up in his own shattered family.
"Why don't we just try to get along, Jessie? It will make it easier on all of us. By the way, where are your things?"
She pointed to her worn backpack, still avoiding his eyes. "Right here."
"Is that it?"
"I travel light."
He had liked to travel light, too. Only, now he was acquiring baggage by the minute.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside, riding down to the first floor in silence. They crossed through the lobby, and Alex opened the front door for Jessie. A gust of wind blew her hair up in an arch, and Alex was suddenly blinded by a swirl of dust.
"It sure is windy," Jessie proclaimed.
"It sure is," he muttered.
And the winds will curse your life until you return to where it began ...
END OF EXCERPT
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Freethy is the award-winning, bestselling author of 28 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Her books have won numerous awards - she is a four-time finalist for the RITA for best contemporary romance from Romance Writers of America and her book Daniel's Gift won the honor and was also optioned for a television movie.
Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family and romance, Barbara enjoys writing about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary adventures. She is currently writing a contemporary series for Pocket books, entitled ANGEL'S BAY, set along the fictional coast of California. The latest book in the series, GARDEN OF SECRETS will be released in September 2011. She is also writing a book that will be released as an e-Book first in the fall.
Barbara has lived all over the state of California and currently resides in Northern California where she draws much of her inspiration from the beautiful bay area. Barbara loves to hear from readers so please feel free to write her.
For a complete listing of books, as well as excerpts and contests, and to connect with Barbara:
Visit Barbara's Website
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Table of Contents
SUMMER SECRETS
@ Copyright 2011 Barbara Freethy
All Rights Reserved
For further information, email barbara@barbarafreethy.com
Prologue
Chapter One
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Chapter Two
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Chapter Three
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Chapter Four
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Chapter Five
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Chapter Six
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Chapter Seven
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Chapter Eight
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Chapter Nine
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Chapter Ten
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Chapter Eleven
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Chapter Twelve
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Chapter Thirteen
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Chapter Fourteen
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Chapter Fifteen
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Chapter Sixteen
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Chapter Seventeen
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Chapter Eighteen
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Chapter Nineteen
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Chapter Twenty
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Chapter Twenty-One
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Chapter Twenty-Two
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Chapter Twenty-Three
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Chapter Twenty-Four
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Chapter Twenty-Five
Epilogue
THE END
GOLDEN LIES