Drawn To You (Taking Chances #3) Read Online Free

family, the one who didn’t fit the cookie cutter mold of a studious and obedient Asian daughter. Maybe a genetic mutation was to blame? Unlike her sisters, she would never cut it in the medical field and it would take a lot to convince her to settle down. She had put her heart on the line before and still regretted it. “I might not do things the way you and Billie do, but I have plans and goals.”
    “I’m just worried—”
    Sam cut her off. “Stop worrying. I’ve got everything under control.” Before she could defend herself further, the front door opened and in walked a gray-haired woman and young child. Grateful for the interruption, Sam strode over and wrapped the little girl in her arms. “Lucy! I love your French braids and hair bows.”
    “Look, Miss Sam, I made my hair like yours.”
    “Why, yes, you did,” she marveled at the crimson streaks in her brunette mane. “Let me guess, you used a marker?”
    “A permanent one,” the older woman lamented. “I leave her alone to make lunch and she does this! What’s your daddy going to say when he sees your hair, not to mention your face?” She licked one thumb, then swiped it over a red mark on Lucy’s cheek.
    “Hey, Mrs. B.,” Sam greeted Lucy’s grandmother. “Don’t worry, it’ll come out after a couple of washes. I had my share of Sharpie escapades as a kid.”
    “What a relief.” Mrs. Benson exhaled, then leaned over to plant a kiss on Sam’s cheek. “You look beautiful, dear. What an amazing skirt. Don’t tell me you made it?”
    “I did. I took an old pair of jeans and a skirt from Goodwill, and voilà. The power of upcycling.” Sam grinned at Lucy who was staring up at her with fascination in her hazel eyes. “Oh, I know what’s going on in your head. Don’t you go cutting up your clothes when you get home. If you want to make something, I’ll help you tomorrow after your party, okay?”
    Lucy bobbed her head up and down and tugged at Sam’s lace skirt. “I want one like yours.”
    “You don’t need to copy me, Luce.” Sam squeezed the girl’s soft hand. “Remember, you have your own special style. We’ll make something that you think is cool.”
    “Okay!” Lucy squealed. “I can’t wait.”
    Sam grinned and directed her to the table with finger paints. “Put your smock on and sit down. We’ll start class in a few minutes.”
    Mrs. Benson beamed as Lucy skipped away. “I didn’t think I would ever see her talk, let alone smile again. You’ve helped her so much, dear.”
    Sam winced. Over the course of the last month, she had heard bits and pieces of Lucy’s story. The three-year-old had gone through more than any child, or even adult, should. After losing her mom a year ago, she had stopped talking. She was only recently opening up, thanks to some extra individual lessons. “She has come a long way. But it’s not me, it’s the art. She just needed a way to get her feelings out.”
    “It’s more than the painting. She enjoys coming here to see you. You’re helping to fill a void in her heart. She hasn’t had a female figure in her life since my daughter passed.”
    “She has you, Mrs. B. I see how much you adore her even when she makes you want to pull your hair out.”
    “I do, and yes, she does,” she chuckled. “But the two of you have a special connection. You got through to her when no one else could. I hope you know how special you are.”
    “I—uh, thanks,” Sam stammered. If only being special could help pay the bills and keep her business open. She couldn’t fathom the thought of closing down and not being able to see her students. As much as she hated to admit it, Mel was right. If she didn’t get her finances under control, she would lose the most important thing in her life.
    “Something wrong, dear?”
    Sam blinked and pushed aside her thoughts. The concern in Mrs. B.’s voice matched the worry clouding her blue eyes. “Just thinking about today’s lesson.”
    More parents and