Secrets Read Free Page B

his pocket and pulled out a key, which he held in front of Jessica. “I have the key. I hope you don’t mind.”
    Jessica didn’t know if she minded or not. Of course, the key and the name of the owner of the house she would live in solved a huge mystery for her. The other mystery, Kyle, seemed more perplexing. She wanted to say, “Why are you being so nice to me? Especially right now when I look like such a mess.”
    Like her mother, Jessica’s hair was light blond. For years she had worn it long—past the middle of her back. Then, on her way out of town two days ago, she had stopped and had it cut to her shoulders at the first hair salon she came to.
    Her eyes were a mossy green, which she personally liked but didn’t think were anything all that special. Her teeth were straight, thanks to three years of braces. And her figure was, in her opinion, ordinary. Not too skinny, not too heavy.
    Why would Kyle be interested in her? He certainly hadn’t seen her at her best. Could it be Glenbrooke suffered from a severe shortage of women? Or was this guy some kind of mass murderer?
    “So,” Jessica began cautiously, “do you know where the house is?”
    “Marigold Lane. It’s not far from the high school. About four blocks, I’d guess. Do you want me to take you there?”
    “Look, you’re being very nice, Kyle, but really, you don’t have to do this for me.”
    Kyle lowered his eyes and looked at the polished hospital room floor as if he might find his next line written on a cue card there. Jessica noticed how wavy his dark hair was. He looked up, his green eyes meeting hers. “I just thought I could help out, you being new to the area and the accident and everything. If you’re not comfortable with that, I understand. I’d be glad to do whatever I can for you. Just let me know, okay?” He placed the house key on the bed and walked toward the door.
    “Wait,” Jessica said.
    Kyle stopped and turned, waiting for Jessica to speak.
    “Everything is coming at me so fast. People just aren’t nice like this where I come from. I could use your help. Probably more than I realize.”
    A grin spread across Kyle’s firm jaw. “Good. Let’s pay your hotel bill here and then get on over to Al’s Auto Body Shop.”
    “Al’s?” Jessica questioned.
    “That’s where they towed your car. We can pick up your boxes and see if by some miracle Al was able to put your Humpty Dumpty back together again.”
    Jessica slung her purse over her shoulder and began to head for the door, her legs cooperating stiffly. “You think it’s that bad, huh?”
    Kyle nodded. A wheelchair stood in the corner of the room, and Kyle positioned himself behind it, hands on the grips, indicating Jessica should get in it.
    “That’s okay, I can walk.”
    “I’m afraid this is one of those hospital policies. Nobody leaves under his—or her—own power.”
    “That’s ridiculous! I can walk just fine.”
    Kyle didn’t budge. His no-nonsense jaw was joined by a no-nonsense look in his eyes. Obviously he was unwilling to leave the hospital without Jessica in that wheelchair and him atthe helm. Jessica found it difficult to give in. But she didn’t see any other choice.
    Lowering herself into the chair, she plopped her purse on her lap and refused to look at anyone as Kyle wheeled her down the hall.
    He leaned over and spoke quietly to her as they made their way to the front door. “You were asking about your car. I think we should wait for Al’s diagnosis, but I’m afraid it didn’t look too good last night when they brought it in.”
    “You were there when they took my car in?” Again Jessica had uneasy feelings about this man being so involved in the details of her life. In her experience, everything had a price, especially charity.
    “I stopped by when I left the hospital last night. I had to get a ride back to the site of the accident so I could pick up my truck, and I knew Al would give me a lift. Besides, you said something to