Read Online She Can Run by Melinda Leigh - Free Book Online Page B

the time he reached her, she was shaking violently.
    “I’m going to pick you up now.” He put his big hands under her arms and lifted her, holding her away from his body. His knee screamed in protest as he turned and carried her to the other side of the kitchen. His long fingers completely encircled her thin chest. He set her on the counter, pulled over a kitchen chair, and sat down in front of her both to appear smaller and because his leg was about to give out.
    The tremor of her lower lip made Jack’s heart ache deep in his chest. His physical injury was insignificant compared to the psychological damage this child had endured. He cleared his throat and swallowed his pity.
    “Let me check your feet for glass.” He reached for a kitchen towel and dried off her legs. His hands dwarfed the child’s feet as he checked thoroughly for cuts. “You look OK to me. Does anything hurt?”
    Katie shook her head. She was still wide-eyed, but Jack was relieved that her trembling had subsided.
    Henry barked from outside the kitchen door. “Why don’t you go outside with Henry while I clean this up? I wouldn’t want him to cut his paws on any broken pieces of glass. Put some shoes on.”
    Katie waited for Jack to rise and back away before she slipped from the counter and bolted out the door, grabbing her sneakers on the fly.
    He watched through the window as she put both arms around the big dog and buried her face in his furry neck. The dog stood still and waited patiently. Henry turned toward Jack, and met his gaze through the glass with a look of surprising intelligence.
    Jack’s feelings shifted from sadness to anger at whoever was responsible for Katie’s fear. He had seen a lot of abused children in his long career, but he never ceased to be horrified at the torment an adult would inflict upon a helpless child. He cursed under his breath while tossing paper towels on the floor to sop up the juice. The human race is truly despicable.
    Looking up, he saw Beth standing in the doorway, her face drawn and tight. She’d changed into jeans and a modest tank top.
    “Let me help with that.” She crossed the room and opened the pantry, taking out a broom and dustpan. She squatted down and began to pick up the larger pieces of broken glass.
    Jack’s anger deflated as she looked up at him.
    “Who hurt her?” he asked softly.
    “No one ever hurt Katie,” Beth answered, but she refused to meet his gaze and kept her attention firmly focused on the floor. She pushed the rest of the shards and sopping paper towels into the dustpan. Then she dumped the whole mess into the garbage can.
    “Then what is she so afraid of?”
    Beth didn’t answer right away but continued to clean up spilled juice from various surfaces. She returned the cleaning equipment to the pantry, and with slumped shoulders, she softly closed the door. Her hand clenched the knob, and she kept her gaze on the floor. “It’s a long story, Jack. I can’t talk about it. Please give her some time.”
    “If you think she needs counseling, I know some good people.”
    “Not yet.” Beth turned to face him. She straightened her shoulders and stood as tall as her tiny frame would allow. “I’m sorry. I know you mean well, but I can’t do that right now. I can’t explain either. Please don’t ask me any more questions. I’m doing the best I can.”
    “All right,” Jack said softly. He knew a futile argument when he saw one. “But remember, I might be able to help.”
    On impulse he reached out and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and was shocked when she didn’t flinch. Her eyes widened slightly. Then her gaze shifted from his hand, still resting lightly on her shoulder, to his face. Not only was there no trace of fear in her expression, but he could see that fact surprised the hell out of her, too. Her pupils dilated. His fingertips moved, just an inch, a nearly imperceptible caress across her delicate skin. With a quick intake of breath, Beth drew her