Picket Fence Pursuit Read Free Page A

Sundays, and until Gramps decided otherwise, Ryan would respect that and dress up, as well.
    Ryan pulled at the shoulder of his sport coat. The thing was too small. He needed to buy a new one. He sighed. For Gramps, dressing up is a small price to pay. At least most times it was. Today, Ryan felt as if he were suffocating.
    “Why, Ryan, imagine seeing you here.”
    Ryan looked toward the voice that sounded very much like Robin Reed’s. His mouth fell open when he saw her. “Hi.” He stood and shook her hand. “I didn’t know you came to church here.”
    “Actually, we’re visiting. We attended church in Evansville for the last three years, but now that we’re living near Santa Claus, we’re looking for something closer. We never joined the church near school. We’re hoping to find a home church now that we’re getting closer to graduating.”
    “So you’re both from Evansville?”
    “Otwell, actually. Our fathers are coal miners. We’ve been best friends since birth, so we decided to go to college in Evansville together, too.”
    “How did you end up here?”
    “My uncle owns an apartment building. He’s letting us live in one of the apartments in exchange for keeping up the yard work.” Robin smacked her hands together. “The deal was too good for two college gals to pass up.”
    Ryan nodded. “That’s for sure. Where is Kylie?” He still felt bad for the way he’d teased her at work. Though a kidder at heart, he wasn’t usually cruel. Something about her drew him, and he hadn’t expected it, hadn’t known how to handle it.
    “Rest room.”
    “Oh.”
    “Ahem.” Ryan glanced at his grandfather, who had grabbed the pew in front of him and was getting ready to stand.
    Ryan grinned. “I’m sorry. Gramps, this is Robin. Robin, Gramps.”
    Gramps grabbed her hand and winked. “I reckon you can call me Gramps.”
    “I’d love to.”
    Kylie walked toward them. She was fumbling through her purse. “Robin, I found a couple of seats on the other side.” She looked up. Her light skin flamed red. “Oh—um—I didn’t see you.” She looked at her bag again. “Hi, Ryan.”
    Ryan’s heart sped up. Yes, something about Kylie definitely drew him. He could tell she had confidence, yet she seemed so vulnerable. Maybe that was what beckoned him. He’d always fought for the underdog. But Kylie wasn’t an underdog. And what about the way her creamy cheeks and neck shaded crimson? He found it endearing, almost inviting.
    Gramps pushed past him and grabbed Kylie’s hand. “Hi, sweetie. I’m Gramps.”
    “Kylie.” She smiled and lifted her chin. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
    “Won’t you two sit here beside me?” Gramps pulled her hand toward him.
    “Well. . .” She glanced at Ryan. He could see her confidence wane again.
    “Of course we will.” Robin scooted past all three of them and sat, leaving a space for Kylie to sit by Gramps.
    Kylie nodded and followed Robin. Ryan inhaled cocoa butter as she passed and longed for his sunglasses, swimsuit, and a beach.
    After they sat, Ryan sneeked a peek at Gramps. He patted Kylie’s hand. “After the services, Ryan and I will treat you to the best Italian food you’ve ever tasted.”
    Gramps hadn’t requested. He’d simply made a decision. Ryan glanced at Kylie. She smiled and nodded, but Ryan would have given a hundred bucks to cruise the inside of her mind. He had a feeling agreement wouldn’t be there.
    ❧
    Kylie lifted her purse strap higher on her shoulder as she walked through the door of Marinelli’s. A blast of air- conditioning blew through her hair, and she shuddered. That’s just great. Because of her nerves, her body was already shaking of its own volition. She didn’t need a second excuse.
    The Sunday afternoon lunch crowd gathered around them. Ryan’s grandfather and Robin moved to one side, chatting about weather conditions. Kylie knew the conversation could go on for hours since meteorology had once-upon-a-time been