Shine Your Love on Me Read Free Page A

for
you. You should be grateful.”
    “I am. I love my home. But I wish he could’ve
done it by being a nicer person. I think he could have. He got
sucked into the power thing.”
    “You married him, Nan.”
    “He wasn’t like that when we first started
dating. He was the most idealistic man.” She sighed as a small
smile played on her lips.
    “So what happened?”
    “He was going to run for office, make a
difference that way. After deciding he’d raise the money himself so
he wouldn’t be beholden to backers, he got carried away with the
money-making part and forgot about the politics.”
    “Why haven’t you told me this before?”
    “I didn’t want to trash him to you, sweetie.
He was good to me, but not to others.”
    “I’m not going to be mean. Smart, instead.
I’m going to be so good at what I do, no one can afford to fire
me.”
    Ruth smiled at her granddaughter. “I only
want you to be happy.”
    “I will.” Brooke fingered the cotton fabric
of her skirt. “I love this dress. I think it’s my favorite of
Mom’s.”
    “It’s perfect on you. You look like her.”
Ruth cupped her cheek.
    “Except for the Felson nose.”
    Ruth laughed. “I know you dress like this for
me. It does make me happy to see you wear Mary Lou’s things.”
    “They remind me of Mom, too.”
    “You’re a beautiful girl, Brooke. You don’t
need that sleazy Lloyd.”
    “I want him. He’s okay. You’ll see.”
    Ruth sighed. “Go your own way, then. I wish
you luck.”
    They finished their meal. Brooke stowed the
leftover food in the fridge and leashed the dogs “Shall I take them
for a walk?”
    Ruth checked her watch. “That’d be grand.
Mary’s coming over to watch Mr. Lucky with me. They never
watch Cary Grant movies at the senior center, and her roommate is
napping. Thank you, dear.”
    Brooke kissed Nan’s cheek and headed for the
lobby. The sun had warmed the day, so she opened her jacket and
took a deep breath.
    “You had a long walk this morning with Buddy,
so I’m not going to take you to The Great Lawn again, okay?” The
pugs turned to look at her with raised brows. She steered them
toward the park as she plotted a route in her head.
    Suddenly, Freddy bolted, yanking the leash
out of her hand. He went tearing around behind a huge boulder.
Brooke called his name, but the dog paid no attention. She
tightened her hold on Ginger and ran after him.
    As she rounded the corner, she ran smack into
something hard and bounced off, landing on her rear end on the
grass. Ginger screeched to a halt and barked, jumping up on the leg
of the person who had blocked Brooke. She looked up into the sky
blue eyes of a tall, brown-haired man in tight jeans and
T-shirt.

Chapter Two
     
     
    “Pres?”
    “Looking for this?” He had Freddy tucked
under his arm. The wiggly, runaway pug lunged for his face,
managing to plant a few licks before Pres put him down. “Are you
okay?”
    He offered her his hand and pulled her up. Strong grip for a girl.
    “Fine. Thanks.” She brushed the loose grass
off her skirt. “Freddy, naughty boy,” she scolded.
    “I think he wanted to play with Buddy. They
can smell each other.” The two male dogs were nose to nose, wagging
their tails. Pres inched closer to her, and Brooke didn’t move
away. When his fingers brushed under her chin, she glanced up at
him. “You look beautiful, today. Not that you don’t every day,
but…” She put her forefinger on his lips, quieting him.
    “I get it. Thanks.” Pres circled her waist,
drawing her into his chest. Brooke held his gaze, creating heat in
him. She softened against him and dropped Ginger’s leash to rest
her hand on his pecs. At her touch, his insides melted, stirring
his groin. The pug barked. Does she feel it, or is it just
me?
    “Are these your dogs, miss?” The deep,
official-sounding voice broke through their reverie.
    “Dogs?” She turned to face a police
officer.
    “They’re supposed to be on the leash,