Read Online Love Inspired Suspense April 2015 #1 by Terri Reed, Becky Avella, Dana R. Lynn - Free Book Online Page A

pumps.
    Analyzing why she’d worn an outfit usually reserved for special occasions wasn’t something she wanted to do. She’d taken extra care in curling her hair but nothing could improve the appearance or hide the square white bandage attached to her temple.
    Making a face at her reflection, she yanked open the door. “Good morning, Officer Donovan.”
    â€œGood morning,” Adam said. “I brought breakfast.” He held up a white bakery bag. “I wasn’t sure if you were a low-fat kind of gal or not so I have a good mix of everything.”
    Her heart thumped. “That’s so sweet. You didn’t have to buy me food.”
    His grin knocked the breath from her lungs. Even more handsome today than yesterday.
    â€œBest way to start the day,” he said.
    â€œWe have time for a cup of coffee with the treats,” she said, stepping back so he and Ace could slip inside the apartment. The dog paused to lick her hand.
    â€œSorry about that,” Adam said. “He does that to those he likes.”
    Pleased to know the dog liked her, she said, “I don’t mind.” She led the way to the kitchen where she put on a pot of coffee. The skin around her bandage itched. She gingerly touched the area. “Thank you for arranging for the police presence last night. That was very thoughtful and thorough of you.”
    Leaning against the counter, he said, “You’re welcome. Quiet night?”
    â€œYes, thankfully. But I can’t help worrying about the arrow.” She grabbed two mugs from the cupboard and a bowl for water. She filled and set the bowl on the floor for Ace.
    â€œAbout that,” he said taking the cup she offered. “Any ideas who’d go to such lengths to acquire it?”
    â€œWe received a number of queries about buying the artifact from the moment we acquired the piece five months ago.” She poured coffee into their mugs, then set two plates at the dining table.
    He unwrapped the baked goods. “Anyone strike you as the type to steal it?”
    She snagged a carrot pecan muffin. “There were some big names looking to buy the piece from the museum, but I can’t imagine someone like Congressman Jeffries would resort to theft.”
    Adam froze with a scone halfway to his mouth. “Jeffries was interested?”
    â€œAlong with a bunch of other art patrons in town.”
    â€œDo you have a list?”
    She shook her head. “I could put one together, if that would be helpful.”
    â€œIt would.”
    As they sat in companionable silence enjoying their food, she watched his hands. His long fingers and wide palms were graceful and masculine at the same time, like a pianist’s hands. Did he play? Or were sports more his thing? He exuded vitality and confidence, like an athlete. Traits needed in his line of work.
    She remembered what Detective Delvecchio had called Officer Donovan. Curiosity prompted her to ask, “What did you do before becoming a K-9 officer? The detective called you a special agent.”
    Adam set his mug down. “FBI.”
    She blinked. “How does one go from being a fed to a K-9 handler?”
    One side of his mouth tipped up. “Training.”
    She leveled him a look. “Why did you leave the FBI?”
    He arched an eyebrow. “Why were you and your sister estranged?”
    Her heart twisted. Okay, so his FBI days were off-limits. She couldn’t help but wonder what made him switch careers. But she’d let him have his secrets since his past wasn’t any of her business. She didn’t want to delve into his background; there wasn’t any need for getting to know him on a personal level. “Are you from DC?” she asked anyway.
    He slanted her a quick glance as if searching for the reason she’d changed the direction of the conversation. She held his gaze. She respected his wish not to delve into his past and hoped he’d do the