Just making conversation. Trying to figure out the puzzle that is Brooke McKaslin.
Im a puzzle?
Only in that I dont know anything about you. He set the DVDs on a shelf. Ive known Colbie and Lil for years, ever since they moved in next door to my grandmother. We attend the same church.
Then why didnt I see you at yesterdays service? She studied him with an analytical arch to her amazing blue eyes and it made his heart catch.
That lurch in his chest bothered him.
Let me guess. He rescued more DVDs from the floor. You went to the early service.
And you didnt?
Nope. I find it tough to get up early on Sunday.
Ah, another piece of the puzzle that is Liam Knightly.
Im no puzzle. With me, what you see is what you get.
Thats too bad.
He rolled his eyes, laughing along with her. He rescued a few stray DVDs that still might work once the dried slobber was cleaned off. He gave them a swipe with his sleeve. So, what do you do besides coming to the rescue of desperate dog owners?
Ill let you know. Im currently unemployed.
Ouch. Been there. He matched up DVDs with their mangled cases, but where were his eyes? Watching her. It was long, long ago but I remember it clearly. Unemployment is not fun.
No, but Im not dwelling on it. Something will work out. She straightened the last cushion. Her movements, graceful and self-conscious, stole him. It was as if shed reached right over and tried grabbing his heart.
Well, something worked out for you today. Oscar is your next job. He swallowed against the tightness in his throat, but nothing could dispel the odd sensation of almost being caught by her.
He didnt want to be caught by anyone.
Im sure Oscar will be the best job Ive ever had. Hes a sweetie.
Im glad you think so. He ambled around the coffee table, still on its side, and bent to right it. Colbie might keep finding you work.
You never know. Shes certainly determined. She dug in her purse and withdrew a packet of needles and different-colored thread bobbins. I think she wants me to find something here so that Ill stay in Montana.
Do you want to stay? He heaved the oak coffee table onto all four legs, watching her through his lashes.
I dont know. Her voice dipped. Ive gotten used to life in Seattle.
Oh, I get it. You have someone there. A boyfriend? Why was he disappointed? He should not be bummed because Brooke had a significant other.
No, no way. Just a life Ive gotten comfortable with. She held up a length of thread to one of the couch cushions, nodded and chose a needle.
No boyfriend? Why was he relieved? Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone. Take a risk.
Ive done that. Got burned. She shrugged, oddly vulnerable and trying to hide it. Lived to regret it. Hugely.
Who hasnt?
True. He didnt know what it was about her that drew him. It was a mystery he had to figure out. Was it her honesty, like the quietest note of a hymn, that hooked him? Or the promise of an amazing spirit that went along with her breath-stealing beauty? He wished he knew. One thing he liked was a puzzle. It was the reporter in him. He had to know more, so he tried again. What do you do for a living?
A little of this, a little of that. She threaded the needle. I think the couch cushion is totally salvageable, but what about that throw pillow?
Not a chance of saving it, and Im the one asking the questions. He swept up the pillow missing half its stuffing. He had more pressing matters, mainly the intrigue of Brooke McKaslin. Where did you go to college?
I didnt.
Curious. He would have pegged her for an intellectual type with a degree in fine arts or maybe social work. She stayed away for most holidays or he would have spotted her at Grams long before this. Why did you move so far from your family?
Uh She looked up from knotting her thread. Her long hair whipped as she glanced around the room. Liam, where is Oscar?
Nice one, but you arent going to distract me. Im on a mission
No, really, wheres Oscar? Concern tugged at her rosebud lips. Where did he go?
A crash rang from the kitchen, accompanied by the thud of something four-footed landing on the floor. A plate clattered to a ringing stop.
Mystery solved, Liam quipped. Hes in the kitchen helping himself to our dinner.