Read Online Double Identity by Diane Burke - Free Book Online

you better. Neither one of us wants to attend your funeral.”
    He knew from the sudden pallor in her face that his words had hit home.
    Anger seeped out of her body like a deflated balloon. She stared at him as confusion, fear and then something else—determination—flashed through her eyes. “Well, why are we standing out here? We have work to do. Come inside. Have some breakfast. The sooner we get started the better.”
    Cain stood in the kitchen doorway and took another look around the cottage. She must have worked all night. No one would ever know this place had been ransacked less than twenty-four hours ago. Yesterday, he’d helped her clean up the bulk of the mess but had still left her in a sea of clutter, pictures askew, broken frames. Not anymore.
    He ended up in the living room and marveled at the warm and welcoming ambiance. The blue-and-green plaid sofa with its overstuffed pillows held center stage in the middle of the room and faced the fireplace. Two solid chairs, one green, one blue, rested on either side. Pictures had been rehung. Plants rearranged. Even the broken window, temporarily repaired with cardboard and duct tape, now sported a bright yellow patch of cloth to hide the repair.
    “Would you like another cup?” Sophie stood next to him, the coffeepot in her hand. She smiled at how quickly he’d cleaned his plate but didn’t comment.
    “No, but thanks.” He gestured to his empty plate. “When you said breakfast I thought maybe cereal or a bagel. Those eggs, bacon and home fries beat both my mom’s and Holly’s in a heartbeat.”
    A blush of pleasure tinged her face and he had to stifle the urge to reach out and trace his finger over the flush on her cheeks. She kept creeping under his skin—and he would keep pushing her out. Period.
    “Breakfast is—was—is—Dad’s favorite meal of the day.” A cloud of sadness drifted over her face. Without another word, she turned and carried the coffeepot back to the counter.
    Cain followed and placed his plate and cup in the sink.
    “You’re limping.” Her gaze caught his and challenged him. “Worse today than yesterday.”
    He found it almost impossible to look away from the empathy and concern he saw in those beautiful green eyes. Not emerald, which could be sharp and cold. No, Sophie’s eyes reminded him of a sea-green tropical ocean. Promising fun. Refreshment for the body and spirit. Yet, filled with hidden coves and secret treasures.
    Snap out of it. What’s the matter with you? Who cares what color her eyes are or what secrets they hide? Is that keeping it professional?
    He drew a deep breath and stared down at his leg. “Between our skid across Main Street and a night cramped in the passenger well of my car, my leg’s taken a beating. But it’ll be fine.”
    “Can I get you something for the pain?”
    “No, but thanks.”
    She chewed her lower lip and a worried expression flash across her face. Even with all her misgivings about him, she still had the sweetest heart, worrying about his leg, not knowing whether to push the issue of pain meds or let it drop. Sweet. Thoughtful. Caring.
    Okay, enough. Cain closed his eyes. Dear Lord, You’ve put this young woman in my path. Please let me guide and protect her. Chase away the human flaws and weaknesses that burden me. Don’t let me ever forget what happened with Lucy, Lord. Let me never, ever forget.
    “Cain?”
    He opened his eyes.
    “Are you okay?” Small frown lines spread across her forehead and peaked right between her eyes.
    “I’m sorry. I was just saying a quick morning prayer. I think we’re going to need all the help we can get with this case.” He clasped her elbow and steered her back toward the kitchen table. “Let’s get to work.”
     
     
    When they were seated, Sophie asked, “So what’s the first step? Are you going to do a title search on this house and prove it’s mine?”
    Her eagerness and anticipation brought a smile to his face. “No.” Cain