Read Online Rachel's Redemption by Jennifer Maitlen - Free Book Online Page A

He’d been an ass at their last meal, acting like a jerk when she’d tried to pay. It had struck a nerve, one that he didn’t want to examine too closely. But this morning, he hoped she’d say yes. She didn’t know it yet, but this was her lucky day. Not only was he going to stop fighting her, but he was even going to help out with the planning.
    “Oh joy,” she said. “Another fun-filled meeting where you shoot snide remarks about my snobby-ness and outlandish bank account. Where do I sign up?”
    Logan winced. She was feisty in the mornings. Evenings, too.
    “Come on. Let’s go eat. I promise to behave.”
    “No, thanks. I just woke up.”
    That’s exactly how she sounded, too. Bleary eyed and mussed. “Come on. Throw on some clothes—” or don’t “—and get your butt out here. I’m starving.”
    Logan watched the motel room doors. Mentally he ticked off the steps she’d take from the small half bath, past the bed, to the window at the front of the room. A curtain pulled aside and he saw long, blond hair. He gave her a slow wave and the curtain fell back into place.
    “You’re here.”
    “Well, yeah. I’m hungry. And I need to talk to you.”
    There was another extended pause.
    “I’ve been doing some thinking. Let me take you to breakfast and I’ll tell you all about it. And, I may even let you pay.”
    Her exhale was audible. “Give me ten minutes.”
    “Make it five. The Spoon fills up fast Sunday mornings and I want blueberry pancakes.” He clicked off his phone and smiled to himself. He was actually looking forward to setting Rachel straight. It wasn’t like he wanted to spend time with her. No way. He wanted this whole nightmare to go away. And, he was getting very close to having his wish come true. Fifteen minutes later, they were headed to The Spoon.
    She’d taken more than five minutes and he couldn’t exactly tell why. She’d pulled her thick hair into a tail at the back of her head, using the same white-flowered clip. She’d slipped on a curve-hugging green tank top that he couldn’t help but notice matched her eyes and showcased her chest and those toned arms. She’d paired the top with plain khaki shorts that were about a foot too long. Rachel had the longest, sexiest legs of any woman he’d ever seen and she sat next to him in shorts that nearly covered her knees. Was this part of being a pediatrician? Ultimate conservatism?
    And, she’d brought along a canvas bag bulging with . . . stuff.
    “What’s in the bag?”
    “Party planning stuff.”
    “Huh? Like what streamers and balloons?”
    “No,” she said patiently. “Like a notebook with checklists and notes. Zippered pockets for receipts and business cards. Color-coded folders for each vendor. Books I might need.”
    He was sorry he asked.
    “This is actually perfect we’re going to The Spoon. They’re at the top of my list of caterers for the event.”
    Logan shot her a look. Oh that conversation wasn’t going to take place on his watch. He was feeling better and better about keeping her under his eye. “What makes you think they’ll do it?”
    She turned her green eyes on him. “Why wouldn’t they?”
    He shrugged as he slowed for a stop sign. He raised his hand to another driver in the intersection. “Well, it’s a lot of people, short notice.”
    “Which is exactly why I need to talk to them now. You’re right. The clock is ticking. Homecoming’s going to be here before we know it and it’s what Nana would have wanted.” Rachel’s voice drifted off and she watched out the window.
    Logan slid a glance to her. He didn’t need to be reminded that the Homecoming game was only weeks away. They were playing the Dixon Bears, a two-time state championship team. It was a big-freakin’ game. Try telling that to Rachel, though. To her it wouldn’t matter if the Super Bowl were being played at the stadium that night. Nana was getting a tribute.
    Well, he’d see about that. His attention drifted over