Read Online Wednesday's Child by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page A

one.”
    He looked at her. Seize the moment…
    “I was wondering what you’re doing Monday evening.”
    “Not much. Why?”
    “How about coming out with me? Just as friends, nothing more,” he added.
    Jacqui didn’t say anything. Was the glint in her eyes pleasure or fear?
    “If I’ve said something wrong, feel free to hit me or just insist I take you home.”
    Something flashed in her eyes before she buried it. “No, I’d like to see you again on Monday.”
    Liam pushed a hand through his hair, not pursuing the flash of fear he’d seen. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven… Do you feel up to a quick game of pooh sticks before I drive you home? Because it’s my turn to win.”
    She looked at him. “Sure. Umm…is this really a ‘just friends’ thing? Or is there something more to it?”
    He caught his breath. In for a penny, in for a pound. “That’s up to you. It could be a date,” he said, watching for her reaction. “If you want. It’s up to you. I mean…not a ‘date’ date, more of a ‘two friends going out together and seeing what happens’ date.”
    “Is there such a thing?”
    Liam shrugged. “I guess there is now. We could be the first.”
    Jacqui smiled. “I’ll think about that.” She was quiet for a few moments, then seemed to come to a decision. “Monday, it is. You sure I can’t persuade you to come to church tomorrow instead of going to the rugby?”
    Liam nodded. “I’m sure.”
     
     
     
     

6
    Monday morning, Jacqui stood outside the classroom, her coat pulled up against the wind and drizzle. English weather was so fickle—hot one day and cold the next. She surveyed the playground and made notes. What this spot needed was a covered area, picnic tables, a basketball hoop and outdoor table tennis—something to entice the children outside and keep them there, no matter what the weather. A roof of some kind over the table tennis would mean they could play all year round.
    She looked up as Liam’s voice floated through the open window. She smiled as his voice went up and down as he spoke. He must be pacing the room she realized, as his voice varied in volume. It was intoxicating listening to him. The cadence of his melodic Irish lilt as he paced and taught captivated her. Poetry appreciation had never sounded so good.
    Shaking her head, she tried to focus on the paper in front of her. Where was she? Oh, yeah, hoops and table tennis. An arbor, roses, and perhaps even a small garden they could sit in. The back of her neck prickled, and she glanced back.
    Liam stood in the window watching her.
    She mimed being cold by rubbing her arms. Her heart leapt as he smiled back. She held his gaze for a moment, and then turned back to her work. A warm feeling spread through her at the thought of spending the evening with him.
    What is it about him that makes my heart sing? Lord, he touches me in a way that no one ever has before. And he’s nothing like Vince. I don’t flinch around him. I even let him hug me the other night and wasn’t afraid. That’s incredible. But he’s not a Christian. And he seems reserved, maybe even afraid of something. Like tonight…he almost said a date then backtracked.
    Her phone rang. “Hello.”
    “Hello Jacqui, its Eve.”
    “Hi, Eve. Are you wishing you were out here in the lovely drizzle rather than stuck in a nice warm, dry office? Because, if that’s the case, I’m more than happy to swap jobs with you.” She kept her tone light. She preferred to be out here even if it was cold and damp.
    Eve laughed. “No, no, it’s fine. I don’t want to spoil your fun. Besides, I know how much you hate being stuck in an office. How’s it going?”
    “It’s going really well. I’m getting a feel for the place and some great ideas. Did you just call to check up on me?”
    “No. I trust you implicitly—that’s why you’re doing this one. The reason I called is to ask if you’ve heard of the Horatio Corporation.”
    Jacqui frowned as she