Haunted Hearts Read Free Page A

there’s any sharp pain or swelling, you’ll need to see a doctor.”
    “Thanks. I’ll do that.”
    Now that she was on her feet, she couldn’t think of a good excuse to stay. “Well, I’ve imposed on you long enough. I guess I’d better be on my way.”
    Was it her imagination, or was Scott hesitant to let her go? Her heart did a little double beat as he gestured to her scraped hands.
    “You won’t be much good with those tonight. Why don’t you stick around, and I’ll fix us something to eat?”
    “You cook, too?” The admiration in her tone just slipped out. It was impossible to stop it. A firefighter. A whiz with first aid. A body she could look at all day. Grandparents he adored. Handy with tools. Maybe her Rochester could jump over buildings with a single bound.
    He must have heard the breathiness in her tone because that wry smile slipped over those oh so, perfect lips. “I can manage a vegetable omelet. But don’t expect much more.”
    “Veggies. I like veggies.” Suzy hoped she didn’t sound too wistful.
     
     
     
     

3
     
    Scott walked into the kitchen, smiling, well aware that he was taking advantage of Suzy’s slightly dazed, after-injury state. But he didn’t care. The last thing he wanted was to be alone in the house this evening, especially after what had happened in the clearing.
    Up until an hour ago, he thought he was losing his mind. Now, thanks to Suzy, he knew all the strange sounds and images he’d been experiencing weren’t in his head. Suzy had some authoritative-sounding opinions he was anxious to hear.
    He pulled zipped bags of chopped veggies from the fridge. Since omelets made up most of his meals, morning, lunch, and dinner, he cut up the ingredients in bulk and kept them handy. In just a few moments the smell of bell peppers and onions filled the kitchen.
    “Coffee or cocoa?” He called out as he folded the eggs over.
    “Cocoa, please. I’ve already had my quota of coffee for the day. I picked up a pumpkin latte on the way home.
    “Ahhh, pumpkin latte. A girl after my own heart.”
    He slid the omelet onto a plate and started the next one. As he worked, he heated the milk for the cocoa. In moments, he carried in a tray with the omelets and cocoa with whipped crème on top.
    He frowned, certain he’d seen Suzy’s lips moving, almost as if she was silently counting the crockery on his grandmother’s side table. As soon as she saw him though, her lips sealed. He set the tray on the floor in front of the fire.
    “It’s not fancy, but it’s hot.”
    “I’m sure it will be just fine.” She winced slightly as her hands wrapped around the plate and cup. “See, you were right. I needed help tonight so canned soup would have been fine with me. A fresh omelet is a treat.”
    She took her first bite and the smile on her face told Scott she was pleasantly surprised. He could cook up a mean omelet, especially since it was the only thing he made.
    After a while, Suzy gestured to the side table. “You have some lovely antiques. Are you a collector?”
    “No. These all belonged to my grandmother, and most of them have a family history. For instance, that standing lamp beside you was bought by my great-grandfather for my great-grandmother in 1927, on the occasion of the birth of my grandmother. Twenty years ago, Grandma found it in the attic and had it restored.”
    Pointing over his shoulder to a piece behind him he said, “That oak secretary was the first piece of furniture my grandparents bought after they were married in 1948. Grandma found it in a secondhand store and restored it. It’s been in the family ever since.”
    “So that’s where you get your talents, from your grandmother.”
    “Maybe her restoration talents. I’m good at carpentry and repairs but that’s it. I have no idea what to do with all of this...how to make it look like a home.” Did he sound as sad as the words made him feel? He must have, because Suzy lowered her gaze, away from