Read Online Small-Town Hearts by Ruth Logan Herne - Free Book Online Page A

ignored the hint of sarcasm and pushed thoughts of Danny aside, right until she heard the sound of his door opening, his footsteps on the stairs, trying to pretend she wasn’t hoping he’d stop over, say good morning, smile at her, tease her.
    The sound of his car engine nixed those hopes. Just as well,she knew, because she had no business thinking such things anyway.
    â€œMeg?”
    The sound of his voice surprised her, sending skitters of anticipation up her spine. She pasted a calm look on her face and headed toward the back door. “I thought you were gone.”
    He studied her, glanced toward the driveway and the running car, then angled his head as if he knew she’d been listening for him. But there was no way he could know that, so she chalked it up to her overactive imagination.
    â€œI’m heading to Wellsville for the day and was wondering if you needed anything brought back later. I heard you up and about early—”
    â€œI woke you?”
    He shook his head. “I had work to do on the computer.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œAnd once the cable company installs my service, you should really put a lock on your internet connection.”
    â€œYou pirated my WiFi?”
    â€œTemporarily. I’m not wired for it on my side and the store is, and I had to get some things done.”
    He didn’t even have the decency to look guilty or embarrassed that she’d called him out, and that was one more reason to stay far away from Danny Graham. The guy was way too sure of himself. Too composed. Too adorable. Too…
    His expression turned questioning. “Why didn’t you have it installed on both sides?”
    She had an easy answer for that. “College kids are notorious for not paying their last month of bills. I didn’t want to be bothered with June phone calls about April and May expenses.”
    â€œUnderstandable.”
    â€œAnd you’re having cable installed in my house?”
    â€œIt’s baseball season, Meg. I’m a Yankees fan. End of story.”
    A Yankees fan.
    Meg’s entire family loved the Yankees, with the exception of Uncle Bob, who was from Massachusetts, making his Boston allegiance understandable.
    Meg bled pinstripe blue all summer long. “I would have had it connected for you. Sorry.”
    â€œNo apology needed. As you can see, I didn’t hesitate to do it myself.”
    She should find that annoying, but she didn’t. She appreciated take-charge people. She strove for that trait herself so she admired it in others. “Are they billing you directly?”
    â€œYes, and I promise—” he crossed his heart, the childish move cute and endearing “—to pay my bills on time.”
    He…is…not…endearing. The internal voice droned the warning, as if knocking sense into her.
    But he was. And engaging. Worse, he knew it. She saw it in the quiet gaze, the quick twinkle, the look that said a little too much when he glanced to her mouth, his gaze wondering.
    Right now the screen door was her new BFF.
    â€œI’m glad you told me and I don’t think there’s anything I need from Wellsville, but thanks for checking. This is one of those days when a forty-five-minute round-trip for something I should have on hand would stagnate the day.”
    He reached out a slip of paper. “My cell phone number. I know you’ve got it on the lease agreement, but you should program it into your phone. That way if you need anything…” He opened the screen door, and stood in front of her.
    Uh-oh.
    â€œAnything at all,” he continued, the fleeting touch of his hand as he handed off the paper making her heart flutter. “Give me a call.”
    Meg accepted the paper, shut down the quiver, gave Danny a businesslike nod and let the door shut of its own accord. “That’s so nice of you, Danny. Thanks. I will.”
    His expression didn’t change but his eyes said