Convince Me (Holton Series #1) Read Online Free

space, Anna wanted to find a couple
of large plants to sit in the corners. It was a simple arrangement but one she
thought would work well.
    Currently most of her files were
scattered around the room as she was still trying to make sense of Mr.
Brockman's system.  It was an ordered chaos but Anna was eager to have
everything in its place.
    As she had not expected to see many
people, Anna had dressed casually that morning in a modest denim skirt and a
heavy sweater.  She was pleased to see that most of the other merchants
were dressed similar.  The woman standing in her office now was dressed in
plain black slacks with a blouse and blazer.
    She looked at her newest
visitor.  The other three had come bearing well wishes and offers of help,
all of which Anna was grateful for, but banana bread was even better.  She
rose from the desk and walked around to greet her.
    "Good morning," she said.
    The woman stepped into the office
and gave her a bright smile.  "I'm Julie Riley.  I work two
doors down at Carson and Moore.  I thought I'd stop by and welcome you to
the neighborhood, so to speak."
    Anna had been in Holton for six
days now and had met a lot of people.  When she moved into her small
apartment, all her neighbors had stopped by to greet her.  Mr. Brockman
had introduced her to the mayor and several city counsel members before heading
off with his wife for a long awaited cruise. She had met several of the other
merchants in town before today but until now had managed to avoid anyone
connected with Steven Carson.
    Carson and Moore had been mentioned
often enough.  Both Steven and his partner, Andrew Moore, were well
thought of in this small town and their law firm was one of the most prominent
businesses in town.  Anna had been told that they handled cases from all
over the county as well as some from Dallas.  She had been impressed.
    Anna had not seen Steven since her
first day in town.  He had called her the next day to ask how she was and
if he could help her with anything but she had politely turned down his
offer.  He had also called everyday since then to see how she was doing
and to again offer his assistance.  She had turned down all his offers but
it had been difficult.  Steven had been charming and persistent.  She
had not heard from him yet today.  She had even convinced herself she was
glad.
    "I'm Anna West," she said
now to the smiling woman in her office.  Julie had brown hair, twinkling
green eyes and a wide smile.  Anna liked her immediately.
    Julie smiled again.  "I
know.  Word gets around.  I am on my coffee break and thought you
might like some company."
    Anna smiled back.  If the
coffee included banana bread, she definitely wanted company.  "I
would.  Please sit down."
    Julie moved across the room to take
the chair opposite the desk and Anna noticed she was pregnant.  A shot of
envy ran through her.  Anna's one regret was that she wasn't going to have
children.  She loved kids but she knew she would never marry and Anna just
couldn't see herself raising a child on her own.
    She took her own seat opposite
Julie and watched with amazement as Julie unloaded her basket.  First, she
pulled out the banana bread, which looked as delicious as it had smelled. 
It was followed by plates, a knife, two forks and napkins.  Finally, a
thermos and two cups were set on the desk.
    "You came well prepared,"
Anna said.
    Julie shot her a grin. 
"When Steve mentioned how nice you were and your age, well, I couldn't
resist meeting you. I love Holton and I love working for my brother but other
then he and Steven, there are very few people my age who work here. 
Rachel Lewis, over at the library, is one but her hours are so irregular that
it's hard to know when she is free."
    There was a small silence while
Anna tried to suppress the shot of pleasure at the thought of Steven talking
about her.  Anna was also flattered to know Julie had been anxious to meet
her.  She didn't quite know what to