Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 by Karen Whiddon (good e books to read txt) 📗

time in his life that he’d tried to bury for the last twenty-plus years. “In high school, my senior year, there was a time when I wanted to be anybody but myself. My self-confidence took a big hit after I let someone’s degrading words get into my head. It took me years to rebound from the damage this person caused.”

He would never forget that time in his life. Edward Sanderson, a man he once looked up to, treated him like he was the lowest form of human life. Like he was a nobody. All without really knowing him. What Trace wouldn’t give to show Sanderson the man he had become.

Connie placed her hand on top of his. “That sounds awful. Who was the somebody?”

Damn. He should’ve known there’d be a follow-up question. “Let’s just say it involved senior prom, a girl and her father. I’ll save the rest of that story for another day. Believe it or not, I haven’t always been as confident, good-looking and irresistible as I am now.”

“Oh, please. Arrogant much?”

Trace chuckled. He knew that response would distract her. “Hey, what can I say? I’m an amazing guy.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“It’s true, but, anyway, it’s my turn to ask a question. Why won’t you let me take you out on a real date?” There, he’d asked it. The question had been burning a hole in his mind since that night they spent together. She had given him a half-assed excuse when he’d asked back then. This time, he was hoping for more detail.

Connie pulled on the collar of her T-shirt and moved her head back and forth. “Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?”

“Yeah, it’s hot. If you want to strip out of your clothes, I wouldn’t stop you.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “What? I’m serious. That’s a good way for you to cool off.”

“You are not getting me out of my clothes, Trace Halstead.”

“Then maybe I should take off mine.” It was definitely getting warm in the house since the electricity was out and the air conditioner wasn’t working.

“Don’t you dare.”

He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. I guess we’ll sweat it out. Answer the question while I open a couple of windows.” It should’ve cooled off some outside, or at least he hoped.

“I already told you why I can’t go out with you. I have a rule—I don’t date coworkers.”

“That’s what you said, but I have a feeling there’s more to that rule.”

“‘Let’s just say...’” she mocked him and smiled, but then turned serious. “It’s not just about the rule, but that’s a big part of my reason. Trace, I have, um, trust issues when it comes to men. I also haven’t made the best dating choices, which is why I’m taking a break and focusing on my career right now.”

Trace opened the last of the three windows and wondered when the electricity would be back on.

“I would never hurt you, Connie. I’m making it my personal mission to prove to you that I’m trustworthy,” he said when he returned to the sofa.

Connie didn’t say anything. She lifted her mug of hot chocolate and took a few sips.

Trace placed his hand on her back. He couldn’t help himself. His hand moved in small circles along her spine, and he was glad she didn’t pull away. Being here with her felt natural, like hanging out in the evenings together was their norm. He wanted to continue getting to know her because what he knew so far, he liked.

“I’m planning to help you forget every man who came before me. It’s time you learned we’re not all chumps.”

A smile played on Connie’s lips before she gave a little laugh. “I didn’t say they were chumps. At least not all of them. Okay, maybe most of them were, but not all of them.”

Trace wanted to be the one to keep her laughing. He didn’t know what it was going to take to earn her trust, but he was up for the challenge.

Connie held up her mug. “This hot chocolate is really good. I can taste more of the alcohol now that it has sat for a while.”

She set the mug back on the table, and it didn’t go unnoticed to Trace that she didn’t comment on his intentions. That was okay. She would soon learn that he was tenacious when he went after what he wanted, and what he wanted most was her.

Connie’s cell phone rang and she jumped, then placed her hand on her chest. “I think my nerves are shot.”

“Yeah, I’d imagine they would be after the day you’ve had,” Trace said as she hurried to the dining area, where she had left the cell phone on the table.

“Hello,” Connie said in a rush. “Yes, this is she.”

Trace could only hear her side of the conversation, but whoever it was seemed to be doing most of the talking.

Connie gasped. “Oh, no.”

Trace stood and slowly moved toward her. His body tensed with dread when her trembling hand hovered in front of her mouth.

“I’m so sorry to hear that, but thank you for telling me. Who can I contact if I want to do something for his family?” she asked in a shaky voice and nodded as if the person on the other end of the call could see her. “Yes, tomorrow would be fine. Thank you.”

“What happened?” Trace asked and put his arm around her when she disconnected the call.

“Richard...he didn’t make it. He died about an hour ago.”

“Aww, man, I’m sorry. That’s awful.”

Connie pinched the bridge of her nose, and Trace watched her carefully. She leaned on the back of a chair and sighed.

“I can’t believe it. I wanted him to pull through. When I woke up this morning, I definitely didn’t see my day turning out like this. I keep asking myself how people can be so callous and take a life like it’s nothing. It just doesn’t make sense!” she snapped.

“I know.” Trace started rubbing her back again, wanting to offer