Tapestry of Trust Read Online Free

He understood her being a little standoffish, but the loathing look in her eyes had him perplexed. Did she blame him for everything?
    “I do need to go.” She clasped her burden close and shut the trunk lid.
    Nerves dancing on edge, Charlie pressed on. “One more thing.” He kept his distance, though he wanted nothing more than to kiss and make up. “Do you still like to horseback ride? I’m doing a marketing project for Cedar Lake Barn outside of Austin. Have you heard of them?”
    She hitched one shoulder. Not a hint of a smile. “I’ve heard of them.”
    He was losing her. He’d better talk quick. “Well, they’ve given me an open invitation. I thought we could…maybe…ride sometime.” Never in a million years would he believe Isabelle Crafton could make him this nervous. The woman whose very presence used to calm him, now had his guts tied in knots. “I haven’t ridden in forever.” He tried for a grin. “In fact, not since we broke up.”
    Fire sparked in Isabelle’s eyes. Charlie swallowed…hard. Great. He’d said something wrong.
    Her mouth opened and her gaze softened, but she didn’t speak right away. “Thanks, Charlie, but I really can’t.” She spun away, her blunt heels beating like a war-drum against the sidewalk.
    Charlie threw up his hands. “Isabelle, what is it? I’m trying here.”
    She spun back toward him, the intensity in her eyes causing him to brace for a lecture. Instead, a quivering smile touched her lips then faded. “I can’t do this, Charlie.” She shook her head.
    “Do what? Talk to someone you used to care about? Someone who only wants to get to know you again? Tell me what can I do to get us past this rough spot?”
    “Charlie, you need to rethink history. I don’t recall officially breaking up. That would have required a response from you about the most important question in my life.” She whirled again and hurried across the parking lot.
    Heat swarmed Charlie’s body. It took all the resolve he could muster not to chase her down and get a few things straight. As if they could have officially broken up when he couldn’t even find her to answer her questions.
    They needed to talk.
    But first, he needed to pray.
     
     
     
     
    3
     
    A week later, Charlie hurried down the office corridor and caught the elevator before the doors closed. Stepping inside, he exchanged nods with a couple of cackling women, crossed his arms, and watched the numbers climb as he headed to the sixth floor. Bone tired and brain weary, he wasn’t sure how he’d even made the thirty-mile trip without falling asleep. He’d been awake most of the night, thanks to his overactive mind and Isabelle.
    The elevator doors swooshed opened. Charlie straightened his tie and headed toward his office at Wilson and Huss Marketing.
    Sunlight poured through the wide expanse of windows in the lobby, spotlighting a cluster of leather chairs where at least eight clients waited. He lowered his gaze and pushed through swinging doors. Then he continued down the corridor, past the prattle of legal strategists in the conference room already steeped in the business of the day. He kept moving, hoping his first appointment hadn’t arrived early.
    Outside his office, he stopped at his secretary’s desk and checked the telephone ledger. Several messages were jotted on the pad, but none pertained to him. Glancing over the desktop, he checked to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. He didn’t need any surprises today.
    Nothing jumped out at him except a picture of Brenda from several years earlier and several pounds lighter. The thought of having a picture of himself on his desk boggled his mind. Lately, he could hardly look in the mirror. Judging from Isabelle’s cool demeanor, she couldn’t stand the sight of him either.
    Charlie breathed deep, curtailing his emotions. No time for self-pity. He needed to get busy. Focus.
    He stifled a yawn. Coffee. That’s what he needed. Charlie turned on his heel and