Dad in Training Read Free Page A

suspect, but it’s worth it. I’ll see him again, and maybe we’ll talk.”
    Steph stared at her with an “I can’t believe you’d do this” expression.
    “Okay, so it’s probably a dumb plan.” Molly grasped the strap of her shoulder bag. “What else can I do? I need to find out what he means by ‘temporary’ without making it a big deal.”
    Steph shifted closer, her mouth curved in one of her taunting looks. “Are you sure it’s just the building you’re interested in?”
    Molly jammed her fists against her hips and scowled. “Yes, I’m sure.”
    A look of temporary defeat settled on Steph’s face. “Having money for a building would make a difference.”
    “Money talks, but when money isn’t available, I talk.”
    Steph leaned down and wrapped her arm around Molly’s shoulders. “Poor guy. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.” She gave Molly a hug.
    Molly hugged her back and then opened the front door. One thing she appreciated was a good friend who really knew her. Steph understood, and she was right. Poor Brent Runyan wouldn’t know what hit him.
    She sent Steph one of her Cheshire cat grins and then stepped outside and closed the door, but Molly didn’t move. Something had hit her, too. Something that jarred her pulsewith excitement and with dread. She rubbed her temple and headed to her car.
    The building had to be her focus and not Brent Runyan and his gorgeous eyes. Romantic notions weren’t an option. As a Christian woman, she’d set the atonement for her mistakes.
    The Runyan building settled in her thoughts. She wanted that empty building. It was perfect, but before she turned the key in the ignition, the building faded behind a pair of midnight-blue eyes.

Chapter Two
    B rent stood in left field and waited for the next batter in the lineup. The other team had two men on base and a good hitter at bat. Brent knew he had to concentrate. With one out and the game separated by one run, this was it. One slip-up and they could lose the game.
    The sun had lowered in the sky, and a direct glare hit Brent in the eyes. He adjusted his cap, dug his fist into the mitt, and squinted into the bleachers. A glint of gold caught his attention, and his jaw dropped. Molly. What was she doing—
    A sharp crack and cheers from the crowd jarred his senses. Instinctively his eyes shifted as the ball blasted toward him. He raced backward, angry at himself for being distracted, then lifted his arm and felt the ball smash into his glove. He drew back and shot the ball, head high, to the catcher. The runner on third slid toward home base, but the catcher caught the ball and tagged him. Out.
    Brent’s heart jolted. He’d been saved from a mishap, and they’d won the game. He tossed his glove in the air and ran toward his teammates, as they thumped each other on the back. Someone grasped him in a bear hug and others followed.
    “Great game, Brent.”
    “Good save.”
    Pure luck. He smiled and nodded, unwilling to admit he’d almost lost the game with his foolish distraction. He looked into the stands, but the golden hair had vanished. His imagination wasn’t that creative. He knew it was Molly, but what in the world was she doing there?
    “Great job,” Rob said, wrapping an arm around his shoulder before pummeling his back with the flat of his hand. “Let’s celebrate. Want to stop for a drink?”
    “How about a sandwich and some coffee? I missed dinner.”
    “That works for me.” Rob pulled out a handkerchief and wiped sweat from his face. “This is only May. I hate to think of the heat this summer.”
    Brent nodded without really listening. Ahead of them, Molly waited near the stands alone, holding a soft-drink cup.
    Rob faltered beside him and came to a halt. “Molly? What are you doing here?”
    Just the question Brent had on his mind. He waited for her answer.
    She smiled and shrugged. “I heard you mention softball yesterday and thought I’d stop by and watch. You know, cheer on my