Saving Grace (Madison Falls) Read Online Free Page A

their knowledge of construction. Their technique might be more effective if they’d bother with a close shave and clean shirt.
    “Fine.” She dipped down, reaching for her bags. “If you don’t think you can help me, I’ll—”
    “No…sorry.” He held both palms up in surrender. “Spritz called me a little while ago.” His face softened as he offered his hand. “I’m Sam.”
    Teeth clenched, she allowed his hand to hover for a moment before lowering her bags and accepting his handshake. “Grace Addison.”
    “Grace…” His eyes latched onto hers a little too intensely. “Miss Addison.” He let go of her hand. “About your floor—”
    “I can fix it myself,” she said. “I just need a crowbar.”
    He looked like he wanted to either argue or laugh, then held up a just-a-second finger. “I’ll meet you at the counter.”
    She moved to the front of the store, still stewing, and waited while an older man helped a customer at the till.
    “Did Sam take care of you, Miss?”
    She looked up to see that the older man had finished his transaction.
    “Yes, I…” Her voice seized up with unexpected emotion. It was like looking at a ghost . She forced a steady tone. “He’s getting me a crowbar.” She looked away, unable to meet his gaze.
    “Oh, well you’re out of luck then.” His soft voice revealed a caring spirit. “I sold the last one this morning, and I’m not sure when our shipment’s coming in. You might want to borrow one from a neighbor.”
    Tears stung her eyes, and her throat threatened to close. “I see. Well, thank you.” She hurried out the door, anxious to get away before her emotions overtook her again.
    When she was well out of view of the store, she set down her bags and brought her hands to her face. This would have to happen to her now, on top of everything else.
    What was it about the older man that had jarred her memory and jolted her heart? A quality in his voice, or the gentleness in his eyes? Whatever it was, it had caught her completely off guard. She hadn’t expected to be reminded of her father.
    “Excuse me…Miss?”
    A deep male voice brought her sharply around, alarmed by its propinquity. Only when she saw Sam standing in front of the hardware store holding up the water globe did it register that she’d heard the bell over the door signal his exit.
    Her face flushed. Giving her eyes a casual dab with the back of her hand, she forced the emotion from her voice. “Yes?”
    “Did you want this?” He spoke haltingly. “I forgot to mention it’s on clearance.”
    Debating, she inched closer. She did want it, even if it meant prolonging their conversation. “How much?”
    “Six bucks.” He closed the gap between them. “But you can pay when you get your crowbar. Sorry we were out.”
    “It’s okay.” She took the globe, kneeling to place it snugly amongst her clothing purchases.
    “I’m not sure when we’ll get our shipment.” He wavered. “You’re in the old Miller place, right?”
    Her head dipped tentatively as she stood.
    “I drive down your street on my way home. I could bring it by when it comes in.”
    She pulled back her shoulders, not knowing how to respond. It chilled her to think she’d only just arrived in this town and already she had no anonymity. Complete strangers seemed to know more about Grace Addison than even she did.
    She shot him an admonishing look. Why would he just assume he could come to her house after she’d refused his help? A protest formed in her throat, but when her mouth opened to release it, she swallowed hard. The last thing she needed was to develop a reputation as the town diva.
    “That won’t be necessary, thank you.” She grabbed her bags and spun around, hoping this creep got the point. Who did he think he was, anyway?
    As she marched back up Main Street, she vowed to avoid the hardware store. From now on she’d keep to herself as much as possible.
    She’d never fit in here, that had become painfully