A lot more than the glass of icy lemonade she was bringing him now. Intending to give him the drink, say her piece and leave, she called his name. But when he turned around, the only sound she uttered was a gasp.
Nick had removed his shirt as he put together the swing set, and for the first time she saw his muscles and his broad chest. In the midday sun his pecs and six-pack abs glistened like Cortezâs gold. She stood there, her mouth agape, her mind blank. Sheâd wanted to tell him something, but couldnât remember what.
She closed her mouth and swallowed, snapping herself out of her trance. âThanks for doing this, Nick.â
He gave her that devastating smile. âNo problem.â
It was a problem, all right. Her girls loved Nick, so she had to risk spending a little time with him. But could she resist the temptation?
Dear Reader,
Welcome to my new three-book miniseries, DALLAS DUETS, about three young women who live in the same fourplex in Dallas.
The first story is about a woman who feels rather alone in the worldâthat is, until she reaches out to some young children who really need a change in their lives. I was inspired to write this story because of something Iâd seen on television about The Heart Gallery, an organization that enlists the help of the worldâs top photographers to find homes for children who are up for adoption. You can find more information about them online.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. As always, I hope you appreciate my view about the importance of family, whether itâs made up of people who are related by blood, or a family of your own making.
If you have any comments or questions, you can contact me at my Web site, www.judychristenberry.com.
Happy reading!
A suitcase in each hand, Nick Barry shoved open the front door to the fourplex on Yellow Rose Lane. The residential North Dallas neighborhood was exactly what he needed. A tree-lined street, freshly mowed grass and peace and quiet.
No wonder his aunt had loved this place. Too bad she had to leave it, he thought, but at least sheâd sublet it to him. Between the low rent and the amenities, it was a sweet deal.
He was in the lobby, having used the key Aunt Grace had sent to get in the front door. Now he was trying to figure out which key unlocked his new apartment when he heard someone behind him. He looked over his shoulder but not seeing anyone, he turned back to his task.
Simultaneously he felt something around his ankle and heard a tiny voice yelling, âI found him! I found our daddy!â
Shock filled him as he stared at the little girl sitting on the floor with her short, thin arms wrapped around his left leg.
Heâd been a little forgetful lately, what with the change in his life, but he was pretty sure he hadnât forgotten a child.
âMissy? Missy, where are you?â This time it wasnât a childâs voice, but a womanâs. And if the woman herself matched her tone, she was a beauty. The sound came from afar so he decided to encourage her to come closer.
âUm, I think Missy is with me in the entry hall,â he yelled. He looked down at the towheaded preschooler staring up at him. âYou are Missy, arenât you?â
She nodded brightly, not appearing at all scared.
âMissy?â
The woman was getting closer, but Nick called again. âSheâs here with me in the lobby!â
When the door across from his auntâs apartment swung open, Nick knew heâd been right: the flesh and blood woman matched her voice. The blond beauty rushed out. âMissy! I told you not to come out here without me! Get back inside at once.â
âBut I found him!â Missy said indignantly, hugging his leg even tighter.
âWho did you find?â the blonde demanded.
Nick was finding the situation amusing until two other little girls appeared behind the adult. Heâd forgotten three daughters? âUh, I donât thinkââ
âMissy, let go ofâof whoever you are!â The blonde looked at him for the first time.
âNick Barry.â
âOkay. Missy, let go of Nick Barry. He is not your daddy!â
âWhew! Thatâs a relief,â Nick said, grinning.
âThis is not a laughing matter!â the young woman said sternly.
âWhy canât he be our daddy?â Missy asked, still not letting him go.
âBecause I donât even know who he is!â
âBut we need a daddy!â Missy protested, her tone getting more indignant.