A Shadow's Light BK 2 Read Free

lived a simple life. She wasn’t into partying or clubs, but very much into being outdoors and in the wild. On this day, something new in the wilderness had caught her interest.
    “Who is that, Uncle E?” asked Alyssa.
    Enrique turned to see who she was looking at, but there were several men working in that direction.
    “Which one?” asked Enrique.
    “The one in the red plaid shirt with the cut off sleeves.”
    “That’s Chance Johnston,” replied Enrique. “He’s been on the crew for close to a year now.”
    Alyssa stared at the young man intently. The muscles in his arms were clearly defined, and the sweat made his skin glisten in the early morning sun. She had always been considered a tomboy when she was growing up, and had only been on a few dates. She had never had a serious boyfriend before, and was horribly nervous when in situations with someone she was attracted to.
    “Did you want me to introduce him to you?” asked Enrique.
    “What? No!” replied Alyssa nervously as she quickly turned away.
    Enrique grunted with amusement. “Are you sure? I promise he is even more shy than you are.”
    As she turned back to look at Chance, her eyes met his. He was looking in her direction, and with a small smile on his face and a nod of his head, he walked away and on to his work. She could feel herself blush and her heart raced with excitement.
    “Are you sure you don’t want to meet him?” asked Enrique. “He’s a good guy. A little quiet, but seems like a good kid.”
    “Maybe later,” replied Alyssa bashfully. “Chance, huh? That’s an odd name.”
    “That’s exactly what I said to him when we met,” replied Enrique with a chuckle. “Come on. I’ve got work to do. You’ll have to call your Aunt Julie if you want to talk boys all day.”
    Alyssa smacked her uncle on the chest with an open hand. She continued to blush as she turned to open the toolbox in the back of the truck; reaching for her tool belt. As she closed the lid, Chance walked by the other side of the truck and she caught herself holding her breath. She didn’t know what it was about him, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off of him.
     

Chapter 2
     
    The day was coming to an end. Sunset wasn’t for another couple of hours, but in the middle of the forest, the light faded long before the sun was actually below the horizon. The crew had just finished putting away all of their equipment, and were now loading in to the back of the pickups to head back into town. Test, as usual, was the last one in. The truck that he was riding in was being driven by Rob, a fact that actually made him happy just because now he was sure that he wouldn’t have to listen to him whine all the way to town. James took his usual place next to Test. He’d always thought that it was admirable that the foreman rode in the back of the truck with his crew. It showed he was still just one of the guys.
    Rob pulled out onto the winding road and began down the mountain with Enrique’s truck following several lengths behind. Test glanced to the passenger seat of Enrique’s truck, and noticed that Alyssa was in fact in the passenger seat.
    “You know Chance, she’s been eyeing you all day,” said James, nudging Test’s shoulder.
    Test looked at James with a weak smile on his face. “Yeah, right.”
    “I’m serious. Enrique told me that she was asking about you too. I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but like I said earlier today, I’m gonna find a way to get you out of your shell.” James patted Test on the shoulder. “If the promise of a pretty young lady doesn’t do it, then there’s no hope for you.”
    Test looked back to Alyssa. “She’s beautiful, no doubt,” replied Test. “Right now though, I don’t need any complications.”
    “What do you mean complications ?” asked James.
    “I don’t know. It seems like every time I get close to someone, something happens before it starts,” replied Test, agitated. “Can we not talk about this