Read Online Convince Me (Holton Series #1) by B. L. Blair - Free Book Online

tired.”  His finger gently traced the
circles under her eyes.  Anna’s knees went weak at the tender look on his
face.  “We’ll make an early night of it and you can get some rest.”
    In spite of the fact that his
statement told her he had made another decision without her consent, Anna was
willing to go along with it.  She could use an early night.  She just
hoped she could make it through the rest of the evening without falling apart.
    Steven made no further comment but
rang the doorbell.  A large man with a broad face answered the door. 
He was tall, even taller than Steven and big boned.  His face was coarse
and his shoulders wide.  His hair was dark, not black like Anna’s but
darker than Julie’s chestnut brown and he wore it long and tied in the back at
his neck.  His eyes were an unusual mixture of brown and gold.  His
face was naturally tanned and Anna knew in an instant that he was Native American. 
He gave them a broad grin and opened the door wider.
    “Steve,” he said in a booming
voice.  “Come in, Come in.”
    “Evening, Nick,” Steven said as he
led Anna into the house.  “This is Anna West.  Anna, this rascal is
our host, Nick Riley.”
    “I’m very pleased to meet you,
Anna.  Julie speaks highly of you.  I’m glad you could come.” Nick
turned and led them into the living room.  Anna followed slowly.  She
hadn’t known that Nick was Native American and it had never been mentioned in
any conversation she had with Julie or Steven.  She wondered if it was
because they were ashamed of him.  Anna instantly dismissed that
thought.  Julie was very proud of her husband and spoke of him only in
loving terms.
    When they reached the living room,
Anna saw Andrew had already arrived and was sitting talking to a woman she did
not recognize.  They both looked up at the sound of their entrance and
Andrew rose to his feet.  Anna had only spoke to Andrew a few time since
their first meeting at Steven’s impromptu lunch but she found him charming and
friendly although somewhat reserved.  He greeted her warmly and then
introduced her to the woman.
    “Anna, this is Rachel Lewis. 
Rachel was recently promoted to head Liberian.  Julie may have mentioned
her.”
    Anna had heard Julie speak of
Rachel.  She knew Rachel had been raised in Holton but had only returned
recently to work at the library.  She and Julie were good friends and Anna
had been looking forward to meeting her.  Rachel gave Anna a friendly
smile and offered her hand.
    “I am very pleased to meet you,
Anna.  I have been wanting to tell you how grateful I am you moved to
town.”
    Unsure what she meant by that
statement, Anna returned her smile cautiously.  She heard the others laugh
and saw Rachel smile again.
    “Sorry.  That sounded a bit
odd, didn’t it?  What I meant was I am glad you took over the Brockman
firm because when Mr. Brockman retired so did his wife.  Doris Brockman
was the head Liberian and I return to Holton knowing that the job would be mine
when she finally did retire.  Only she was waiting for her husband and he
refused to retire until he found someone to take his place.  So in a way,
you did me a big favor.”
    “I’m glad I could be of help,” Anna
replied with a laugh.  Rachel seemed nice.  She had a wonderful
voice, low and husky.  She was not an outwardly attractive woman but there
was something that drew you to her.  She wore loose fitting clothes and
little makeup.  Her hair was a lovely share of red, not bright flaming red
but a more subtle strawberry color.  She wore it in a short easy style. 
Her eyes were hidden behind dark framed glasses but Anna could see they were a
clear green.  She had a quiet serenity about her that was very attractive.
    Nick asked them what they wanted to
drink and Julie came in from the kitchen to greet them.  They all settled
down in the living room and Anna began to relax.  She glanced again at
Nick.  He was very comfortable in this