Read Online Catching Serenity by Joann Durgin - Free Book Online Page B

l-o-s-e-r,” she said, laughing, as she passed him. Silly, yes, but he seemed to like it. He was also gaining on her, but being lighter and a few inches shorter, she had the distinct advantage. She’d always loved the swings as a kid. It freed her, and her inner child emerged as she giggled. Leaning back in the swing, she soared higher and closed her eyes.
    Not long after, Jackson whistled to gain her attention. “You win.”
    Serenity felt the seat beneath her shift precariously to one side, and she cried out as she lost her grip. Her fingers slipped down the chain, and she was powerless to stop her fall, landing in a heap in a rather unladylike sprawl in the dirt a few seconds later. With dust swirling around her, she struggled to pull down the hem of her skirt, thankful it wasn’t twisted around her waist. Of all days to wear a skirt and sandals, it had to be today. Still, it could have been so much worse. Small consolation.
    Jumping off his swing, Jackson rushed to her side , kneeling on the ground beside her. “Don’t move. Does anything hurt?” When she burst into laughter, his expression registered surprise.
    “ Only my pride. If you don’t mind, please help me sit up and recover what’s left of my dignity.”
    “ I’ll do you one better.” He plopped down in the dirt beside her, flat on his back, waiting while she recovered her breath and shaky composure. “Let me know when you’re ready to get up so I can keep you steady and make sure everything’s...intact.”
    Serenity deep- breathed a few more times. “Ready.”
    Sitting up, Jackson held out one hand and she allowed him to pull her to her feet beside him. She took a tiny step backward when he put both hands on her elbows, steadying her. His presence, his nearness and all that masculinity radiating from him was unnerving. Why did her first Croisette Shores client have to be this incredibly mannerly, caring man? And why was he looking at her cheek? She brought a hand to her face. “May I ask why you’re staring at me? Do I have dirt smudged on my face?”
    “ A little...right here.” Jackson brushed the pad of his thumb over her left cheek. “Better.” He dropped his hand. She dusted off her skirt and righted her blouse while he did the same with his khakis and polo. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
    “ I’m hardier than I look, but I’m not sure if it was better or worse that I was on the uphill climb. Not bad for a girl whose middle name is Grace, huh?”
    Jackson ’s gaze fell on her and the admiration she glimpsed shot up more red warning flags. Oh, he was handsome. This couldn’t be good.
    “ Only one thing better than a beautiful woman.” When she didn’t take the bait, he smiled. “A woman who knows how to laugh and find the joy in life. Remember, the offer’s on the table if you ever need someone to listen, Serenity Grace.”
    She raised her chin. “In spite of appearances, I don’t need a hero, Dr. Ross.”
    “ Ah,” he said, “now we’re back to the formality. Come with me, please.”
    She groaned. “Client or not, you’re exhausting me. I think I’ve seen—and done—enough for one afternoon.” She was still trying to recover from his compliment.
    “ All I want is to escort you to your office or wherever you’re going next, if that’s allowed.”
    “ If you answer one question.” She started walking and he fell into step beside her.
    “ Ask away.”
    “ Exactly how will renovating this playground change my life?”
    Her mistake was glancing over at him to see his quirked brow and that dimple surface. “Well, for starters, it got you here, didn’t it?”
    Oh yes, this man was dangerous .

~ CHAPTER 6~
    Taking a deep breath, Serenity climbed out of her car, locked it and approached the outside stairs of the old stone church in the center of town. Why was she so nervous? The words of her friend, Andrea, in Atlanta came to mind. “The church isn’t a scary place, Serenity. It’s bricks, concrete, wood