Read Online High-Caliber Holiday by Susan Sleeman - Free Book Online Page A

thinking offering his rusty old pickup? Not that he expected Ms. Uptown Girl to even consider it.
    â€œI couldn’t put you out,” she replied, but he could see she was thinking about his offer. Interesting to say the least.
    He should let it drop, but now he wanted to see how she would react once she got a closer look at the truck. “I’m off today so I can wait around while Rossi finishes the canvass. Then I’ll stop by your office to give you an update and deliver your keys.”
Make sure you’re all right in case you need me again.
    â€œOn your day off? I already got you up at the crack of dawn. I couldn’t ask you to do more.”
    â€œNo biggie.”
    â€œYou’re sure you don’t mind?”
    He gestured at the counter. “I’ve got coffee, muffins and free Wi-Fi. What’s to mind?”
    â€œThen, yes,” she said with a smile that lightened her face and gave her a carefree look.
    He felt a goofy grin take over his mouth. He could stand just like this for hours. Watching her. Enjoying her smile. Exactly the kind of thing he needed to be alert for if he spent any time with her. “I’ll just grab that coffee. Can I get you anything?”
    She shook her head.
    He gestured at a table. “Then have a seat, and we can talk about this until you have to leave.”
    While she perched on the edge of a chair like a bird ready to take flight, he quickly ordered black coffee and two huge banana nut muffins from the perky barista. At the table, he moved a chair so he could see the door.
    He concentrated on peeling the paper from his muffin, thinking his questions might be easier for her to answer without him staring at her the way he’d been doing. With a stalker after her, she probably felt like she had too many eyes on her already. “I think it’s time to ask who besides your parents might have access to the drawer with your keys.”
    â€œThe staff, of course. And Dad takes meetings in his home office sometimes, but I don’t know who he’s met with in the last few months.”
    â€œCan we find out?”
    â€œMaybe my mom will tell me, but my dad’s pretty tight-lipped about his business dealings.”
    â€œCheck with your mom and let me know what you learn.” He moved on. “I suggest you change the locks for your apartment and car. I can arrange it for you while you’re at work, if you want.”
    She narrowed her eyes and studied him. “Why would you do that for me?”
    â€œYou need help.” He bit into his muffin.
    â€œNothing else?” She held his gaze for a long moment, distrust rampant in her expression. “No hidden agenda?”
    Suspicious little thing.
“No agenda other than to help you.” He smiled to reassure her. “I’m trying to do the whole knight-in-shining-armor thing. Maybe not real well, though, as you seem awfully suspicious of me.”
    She let out a breath, her defensive posture relaxing. “I’m sorry. It’s not you. In the world I come from, people rarely do things for others without an ulterior motive.”
    He’d always thought the rich and famous had it so easy, but maybe that lifestyle wasn’t everything it was cracked up to be. She’d left it behind, after all. At least, that’s what she’d been saying, but the expensive car, swank apartment and fine clothes said differently.
    The door opened. A cold draft swept over them as Rossi stepped inside.
    â€œMs. Thorsby,” he said in greeting. He took a chair, turned it around and straddled it, then dug out his notebook and pen. “Tell me what happened this morning.”
    Brady sat back to finish his muffin and sip the dark-roasted coffee as Morgan told her story. She’d erected a wall of confidence for Rossi, and her emotions seemed firmly under control again. Maybe she’d gotten over her fear, or maybe she felt more comfortable around Brady and