The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek Novels) Read Online Free Page A

It’s just a jumping off place. Give it some time.”
    There it was again. Matt and his “lo que será , sera”- approach to life. “You would say that. You want me to work for Andy. He’s your brother.”
    The dishes Matt carried crashed into t he sink, and he made a quick tri p back to the table. “ That’s not at all why I said what I did . Just think through things a little more carefull y. I don’t believe your mother’ s trying to communicate with you from the grave, and neither do if you think through it .” He softened his demeanor. “But the dilemma you’re facing is enough to make you dream about the accident .”
    “Think through it? That’s the best advice you can give? A minute ago you were telling me not to overthink.”
    An exasperated sigh fell from his lips. He squatted near her chair , enclosed her hands with his own , and gazed up into her eyes. “Gracie. It’s me, remember? I know you. Don’t stress and worry about making the right decision . Pray about it. You belong to God. He’ll put you where He wants you.” His smile grew tender. “And I have no doubt that you’ll be an awesome attorney, no matter which side of the courtroom you sit on.”
    Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked furiously to keep them at bay. How good it felt to have someone offer encouragement —to remind her God was in control —even if it were Matt . She lowered her gaze to collect herself before glancing back up at him . “Thanks .”
    He helped her to her feet a nd moved close to embrace her in a hug , the scent of his cologne toying with her frazzled emotions .
    Grac e sidestepped a nd reached for her glass . There was no way she’d let this move past a friendly level . H e was more than likely here for a short time . T hen he ’d be off chasing his fantasies once more .
    Sh e deposited the glass in the stainless steel sink with a clunk . Besides , she had her life plan to think of— a plan that did n’t include a gypsy like Matt.

 
     
    2
     
     
     
    T yler, Dent, and Snodgrass. Hold, please.” Gracie s ing- songed the words then punched another button .
    Matt’s mouth lifted at one corner. If it bothered her that she had to play receptionist when she’d earned the right to be an attorney, she didn’t let it show. Her professional façade was stoically plastered in place.
    He sipped the fragrant coffee and allowed his eyes to trail her every move . Blast it all! He hadn’t been as prepared for seeing her again as he’d thought . But why? Hadn’t he endured enough torture the first time? Besides, h e was n’t here to find a woman. He was here to help Andy and Trish in the short term while he figured out what God wanted him to do, to hopefu lly find a way to pursue both his passion s—music and counseling .
    Matt released a short sigh, his frustration mounting. So much for putting his feelings for her behind him. She’d made it more than clear two years ago that friendship was all she was interested in. He’d accepted it and eventually moved on. Then why was he feeling so . . . so disappointed? He swigged another sip of coffee, and tried to swallow his d isappointment at the same time. P erhaps some p art of him had hoped that once she was out of law school she might feel differently. Obviously nothing but w ishful thinking on his part .
    Behind the receptionist’s desk, Grac i e easily handled multiple phone calls, multi-tasking throu gh several projects like a well- oiled , organized machine. With her thick dark hair swept up into a twisted knot at the back of her head and the dark busi ness attire , she looked almost formidable. All five-foot, four-inches of her.
    “Are you planning on hanging out here all day?” Her voice held an irritable edge.
    “Maybe.”
    She huffed a puff of air from between pursed lips and returned to her work.
    T wo summers ago he’d glimpsed her softer side—and her better side, in his opinion—the sweet country girl with the voice of an angel and a heart