Read Online Finding The Way Back To Love (Lakeside Porches 3) by Katie O'Boyle - Free Book Online Page A

with the police. There had been years and years of animosity between the police and Joel’s forefathers.”
    That sounded like an exaggeration to Gwen, and, again, she wondered what was up with Deirdre.
    “So what are you wearing for your first date with Mr. Right?” Deirdre asked.
    “His name is Peter.” Gwen blushed. “The dress is amazing.”
    “Sexy?”
    “All out, Deirdre. Slinky, shot through with silver threads, low-cut, scoop neckline, sequins across the boobs. It makes the most of what I have in the cleavage department, and I love what it does with my shoulders and hips.”
    “Sounds like you’re prepared for Peter to do all-out things with your shoulders and hips?” Deirdre’s smile was wicked. “And maybe your boobs, too?”
    Gwen shivered in happy anticipation. “Deirdre, I saw him standing by the canoe in those curve-hugging jeans with the sweaty T-shirt clinging to his pecs and biceps and incredible shoulders. And I wanted him. I swear if Haley hadn’t been in the house and he hadn’t been dead on his feet after working his night shift . . .”
    “You’ve got it bad, Dr. Forrester.”
    Gwen gave a full, lusty laugh.
    “I think Haley arrived at exactly the right time to keep you from going too fast with this man.”
    “You mean, the universe is doing for me what I can’t do for myself?”
    “Exactly.” Deirdre patted Gwen’s hand. “I like it that you’re hot for a great-looking guy, Gwen, but I need you to think about what you said when you dumped Ned the night before last.”
    “It feels like a week ago.” Gwen sipped her coffee.
    “To my point, do you remember what you told me?”
    Gwen squinted.
    “About what you want in a man?” Deirdre prompted.
    Gwen flattened her fingers on the tabletop. She searched the far corner of the room, in vain, then licked her lips and admitted, “No.”
    “It was something about eye candy and a hot car being okay when you’re twenty but not when you’re thirty.” Deirdre cocked her head.
    “I’m thirty-two,” Gwen corrected. “Peter drives a cute little Jeep.”
    “Oh, what color?” she said with sarcasm.
    “Dark green. Same as the old canoe.”
    “And he’d make beautiful babies with you, but back to my point: Is he what you want in a life partner, Gwen?”
    Gwen slid her hands off the table and balled up the napkin in her lap. “How can I know after knowing him one day? I’ll learn more tonight and, hopefully, have fun with him. Does that work for you?”
    “A little huffy, are we?” Deirdre sat back and eyed her sponsee.
    Gwen met her gaze evenly. “Deirdre, how’s everything with Vince?”
    “I think he’s got a honey on the side.” Deirdre’s mouth tightened. “I hadn’t meant to say anything.”
    Gwen eyes flashed as she hissed. “The snake! What are you going to do?”
    Deirdre shrugged. “It remains to be seen.” Her abrupt statement closed the discussion.
    “Okay, but please know I’m here for you if I can help.”
    “Thank you. I don’t have a good track record with picking the right husband, Gwen. Psychologists have their blind spots, just like everyone else.”
    “And you think I have a similar blind spot?” Gwen probed.
    “Let’s just say I would hate to see you marry in haste and have beautiful babies, only to raise them all alone, like I did before Vince came into my life. I think, of all the psychologists I know in our area, you’re the only one that had a stable upbringing. You have a chance at a stable marriage. Don’t blow it, just because this guy rings your chimes.”
    Deirdre took off her glasses and tucked them into their case.
    “That’s why I have a sponsor. Thank you, Deirdre. Sometimes I hate your tough love, but it’s what I need.”

Chapter 4
    “Officer Peter Shaughnessy and date,” Peter announced to the hostess, whose nametag identified her as Brandi. She jiggled a pen as she scanned the long list of attendees.
    Gwen stood proudly at Peter’s side, basking in the warmth of