Read Online Final Deposit by Lisa Harris - Free Book Online Page B

pressed his arm around her shoulder. “Come on.”
    Unable to stop herself, she stole another look behind her. The blue van she’d noticed before was circling a second time. She peered into the tinted windows as it passed. The driver had his face turned away from her. Caucasian. Dark, longish hair. She shook her head. She was panicking over a man who was probably out looking for a special on tennis shoes or pet food. Last night’s break-in had affected her more than she wanted to admit, but she refused to let the situation get the best of her. There had to be a way to fight back. To win.
    And she would win, she told herself.
    She stopped in front of the pet shop and took in a deep breath. “Ready to buy a fish tank?”
    Kyle chuckled.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” she asked.
    â€œBack in college, I never would have imagined that one day we’d be shopping for a fish tank together.”
    She laughed, enjoying the sensation of a momentary stress release. The automatic doors slid open, blowing out a blast of air-conditioning.
    â€œLead the way,” he said, letting her go in first.
    She caught his boyish grin and felt a tingling sensation shoot to her toes. Somehow, Kyle Walker had managed to waltz back into her world and give her the only sense of stability she could find at the moment. If she weren’t so worried about her dad, fish-tank shopping might have felt like a date—of sorts.
    She spotted the tanks toward the back, past the half-dozen birdcages, food products and an outlandish display of designer doggy clothes and toys. The things people spent their money on amazed her.
    â€œLindsey?” said a familiar voice.
    Halfway down the dog aisle, Mrs. Paden, one of her father’s neighbors, stood holding a set of squeaky plush toys. No doubt another gift for the woman’s prized twin boxers, Lulu and Mickey, who were notorious for chasing the neighborhood cats—especially Sammy.
    Lindsey shoved her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. “Mrs. Paden. How are you?”
    â€œI’m fine.” The older woman’s smile widened as her gaze traveled from Lindsey to Kyle. “Your father didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend.”
    Mrs. Paden was as notorious for her candor as for her marauding boxers.
    â€œA…boyfriend?” Lindsey stammered, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. “No, this is Kyle Walker. He’s an old friend in town for Sarah’s wedding. Kyle, this is Mrs. Paden. She lives next door to my father.”
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you.” Kyle shook the woman’s hand, looking slightly awkward.
    Mrs. Paden didn’t seem to notice. “I’d forgotten Sarah was getting married.”
    â€œThe wedding was last night,” Lindsey said. “Kyle was the best man and I was the maid of honor.”
    Mrs. Paden’s smile widened farther if that was possible. “You always make such a lovely bridesmaid.”
    â€œThanks.” Lindsey cringed, certain that her blush now matched the red, squeaky fire hydrant on the shelf beside her.
    â€œTell me, Lindsey, how is your father? I heard he’d been taken to the hospital.”
    Lindsey glanced at Kyle, thankful for the change of subject. She was certain that at this moment he’d rather be cooped up in his hotel room than continue this conversation with Mrs. Paden. “My father blacked out, fell and hit his head, so they wanted to keep him under observation for a while.”
    â€œOh my.” Mrs. Paden’s smile faded. “I’m so sorry.”
    â€œThe good news is that he called me a few minutes ago and said that he thinks the doctor will release him later today.”
    â€œWhat a relief.” Mrs. Paden pressed her hand against her chest and then leaned forward as if she was about to reveal a dark secret. “I also heard about the break-in. It’s frightening to think about where this world’s headed,