Dating for Keeps Read Online Free Page B

don't know why you think you're so interesting that we would be talking about you," Tessa teased.
    Lucas feigned shock at her remark."What? Not interesting? You mean I don't intrigue you?"
    "Well, actually, yes, you do. A lot."
    "Good," he said leaning in close to her face. In one fell swoop and before Tessa could prepare, he put his hand on her cheek and pulled her into him, kissing her hard. After her initial shock, Tessa felt herself give way to the kiss as the fireworks inside her exploded. She wanted their lips to stay locked forever, but after a few moments Lucas pulled away. He carefully brushed aside a piece of hair that had  fallen in her eyes and looked into her eyes with longing. "I just need you to trust me, ok?"
    His statement made Tessa wonder if he had overheard some of their conversation. "Of course. Why wouldn't I trust you?" She placed her hand on Lucas's side in an effort to draw him back close to her, but instead she was startled when she felt a large, cold object instead.
    "What's that? Is that - a gun?" she asked with alarm.
    "Oh, yes, ignore that, it's nothing," Lucas said pulling away quickly.
    " Nothing. How can you say that? It's not nothing. People don't just walk around with a gun concealed in their pants. Normal people anyway. Why do you have that?" Tessa's eyes were big and her voice rang with fear.
    "Listen, I need it for work. I shouldn't have worn it today, I'm sorry. It's just a habit."
    Tessa's nervousness gave way to a slew of rapid-fire questions."What kind of work are you in that you need a gun? Have you ever used it on anyone? Am I in danger because of you?"
    "Tessa, I would never place you in harms way. I promise you that everything is fine. Please just forget this happened," Lucas's calming voice succeeded in soothing Tessa just a bit. "Listen," he went on, "There are some things I can't tell you right now, and I sincerely apologize about that. Hopefully I will be able to fill you in on everything really soon. I promise. In the meantime I just need you to trust me, okay?"
    Tessa was overcome with confusion at the state of affairs. "Okay," she said simply in reply, but inwardly she was unsure of what to think at all. Just who was Lucas Griswold?
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
     
     
    "Mornin' Tessa." The bell chimed on the door as Thomas, Tessa's antique picker, walked into the shop the next day.
    "Hi Thomas," Tessa replied cheerily. She eyed the load of boxes Thomas wheeled behind him. "Looks like you have some new things for me today," she said excitedly.
    "Well, I wouldn't call them new, of course, but I do have some real beautiful items," he said winking.
    He brought his packages to the back counter and started unloading them. "I know you've been looking for vases, so I picked up a few of those. I also found this nice clock from the 1870s, still works like a charm."
    Tessa couldn't help but focus her attention on a large, flat box beneath the others. "What's in that box on the bottom?"
    "Ah, I think you'll like this one." Thomas fetched the box and carefully opened it. Tessa gasped when she saw what was inside.
    "A vintage violin, pristine condition. You don't get much better than this," Thomas boasted proudly.
    "Where did you find that? It's beautiful." Tessa carefully took the violin in her hands, marveling at its craftsmanship.
    "Well, it was a funny thing. I was at the auction a couple weekends ago and I met a man who was looking to get rid of this piece. He said his aunt left it to him or some such thing, and he had no interest in the piece. He just wanted whatever cash he could get to have it off his hands. He happened to come to me first, and I was glad to buy it from him. You know I know a good piece when I see it, and finding this was the highlight of my weekend."
    "I should say so," Tessa said. "It's so ironic, because I just met someone who was asking me about violins. I can't wait to tell him about this. Thank you so much, Thomas."
    "Happy to be of service." He finished