Read Online Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) by Mitzi Pool Bridges - Free Book Online Page A

she mean they get along or not?”
    Nellie shrugged. Beau needed to move. He took up his space and too much of hers. She felt her throat close. Since the kiss in the pond, she’d tried to put Beau out of her mind. Some days it worked, some not. Now, sitting beside her, he made her think of that kiss again.
    Molly put a cup of coffee and a plate overflowing with a cinnamon roll in front of each of them. “It looks wonderful, Molly. As usual.” As Molly turned to leave, Nellie asked, “How are you feeling?”
    “Slowing down, Nellie. I’m thinking it’s about time to retire.”
    Beau gave Molly a quick look. “If you do, where will we get our weekly fix?”
    Molly laughed. “I’ll give Nellie my recipe.” Then she moved away.
    “Molly’s Diner has been here as long as I have,” Nellie said. “If she closes, I don’t know what the town will do.”
    “I doubt it will be any time soon.”
    “I hope you’re right.” She looked down at her plate. “Molly’s rolls are huge. I don’t think I can eat all of this.” Actually, she didn’t see how she could swallow a bite. Her throat wasn’t working as it should. She took a sip of coffee. “Molly makes the best coffee,” she said, trying not to sound as disturbed as she was.
    “Dig in.”
    Nellie couldn’t stand it another minute. She hadn’t had a chance yet to explain her actions that day when she went into the pond. At least then she’d be able to put it behind her and act normal around her neighbor again.
    “Beau,” she said, her voice low.
    “Yes?”
    “I want to apologize for what happened that day at the pond. I don’t know what made me go into the water and act so foolish.”
    He put his fork down and leaned closer. Nellie thought she would melt from the heat.
    “You didn’t act foolish. I did. Now, don’t think another thing about it. We’re just a couple of senior citizens who took a few minutes to act like kids again.” He grinned. “Felt good, didn’t it?”
    Nellie couldn’t stop the chuckle. “It did.” Then why did she feel so guilty? As if she’d done something wrong? As if she weren’t living up to the image she’d built?
    His large hand took hers and held it for a minute. “We deserve a few minutes of fun, Nell. We may be seniors, but we’re still young. Especially you. You look too young to have grandchildren.”
    Nellie pulled her hand from his before she turned into a puddle right in front of the whole town. “Are you Irish? That was a bit of blarney if I ever heard it.” She couldn’t help but laugh. Eyes turned their way again. They were going to be the talk of the town. She couldn’t have that. Wouldn’t have it. What would the family think?
    “You’re not eating, Nell.”
    “This is too much. I really have to go, Beau. My list is a long one.”
    “So is mine. But being here with you has been my treat of the day.”
    “Thank you, Beau. Now, if you’ll let me out, I’ll get on with my chores.”
    Standing, he let her slide out. She turned to thank him. Before she realized what his intentions were, he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it, reminding her of older times when chivalry was alive and well. Pulling away, she almost ran from the diner.
    Everyone would hear about this. Everyone. Even Donovan. Her face felt warm, her body more so. And her hand was on fire.
    Would she ever learn?
    Sunlight hit her eyes the moment she stepped outside, blinding her for a moment. She almost ran into Dani, who had pushed Emma’s wheelchair to the side of the diner and was helping her out. “Dani! How nice to see you. And Emma! Look at you. Are you walking now?”
    “Not much,” Emma complained. “But this girl won’t leave me alone until I do my exercises. Now, she has me on a cane part of the day.”
    “That’s wonderful.”
    “She’s a stubborn old woman,” Dani said. “I told her if she didn’t do what she was supposed to, I’d quit making her favorite cookies.”
    “I didn’t know you could