Bound and Determined Read Online Free Page B

the way it goes sometimes. So many unsolved crimes these days.”
    Huh? “Not in Forsythia Falls.”
    Her grandmother’s pacing jerked to a sudden stop. “Really, Asia. That’s only because there’s almost never any crime here. Besides, it’s for the best that you can’t identify him.”
    Asia blinked. “Why’s that?”
    Her Gram stopped and finally let her worry show. “Because you might not be safe if he thought you could identify him. This way, he’ll leave you alone.”
    At last, the reason why Gram was acting so strange. She rushed to reassure her. “You’re right. He won’t bother with me or the shop anymore. Especially since he got almost nothing. No reason for him to come back.”
    Thank God for that.
    She changed the subject since the topic bothered her grandmother. It bothered her too, but she wouldn’t let Gram know that. “So, what are your plans for tonight?”
    Her grandmother’s periwinkle-blue skirt puffed out when she resumed traipsing about. Nothing kept her grandmother down. She had more life in her little finger than a lot of people half her age had in their whole body.
    With relief, Asia saw the worry leave Gram’s face as the twinkle returned to her eyes. “Sam’s taking me to dinner and then we’re going over to Frank and Myrtle’s for canasta. And don’t forget, I won’t be here on Friday.” Her grandmother stopped moving and looked back at Asia. “Are you sure about this? I still think Sam and I should cancel our weekend at the bed and breakfast.”
    Asia shook her head emphatically. No way was she going to be responsible for ruining Gram’s plans. It was the first anniversary of Sam and her grandmother’s first date. How many of those did you have at their age? Not many, she’d warrant. “I already told you. I want you to go.”
    “But won’t you be nervous in the shop all by yourself?”
    Asia strove to exude a confidence she didn’t feel, ignoring the nervous flutter in her stomach. She’d get over it. “I’ll be fine. Go, have fun. Enjoy your hot weekend.”
    Gram scrutinized Asia and then relented with a wink. “We will.”
    Asia grinned. “I can’t believe your social calendar is busier than mine.”
    “Since you refuse to date, that’s your own fault.”
    She’d stepped into that one. “You know I’m not interested in getting involved with anyone.”
    Her grandmother snorted. “You’re scared is what you are. Ever since you broke up with Davis you’ve shunned men.”
    Asia wanted to refute what she said but couldn’t. “That’s not because I’m afraid. It’s common sense. Men are only out for themselves.”
    “Not all of them are cheaters like Davis.”
    But they still couldn’t be trusted. “I know, but I don’t want to get involved with anyone else. I’m not ready.”
    Her thoughts flew to Marcus and the way he made her feel with just a look, but she shoved him out of her head. She was just missing sex. That’s all it was.
    Her grandmother stopped moving and faced her. “It’s been two years since you broke off the engagement. Someday you’re going to have to jump back into the dating pool.”
    Not anytime soon. Maybe never. How could she? She’d been so wrong about Davis. Could she ever again trust her instincts when it came to men?
    She suddenly remembered Thea and Lexi’s suggestion to forget about relationships and just have some hot sex. It was tempting. Really tempting, but way too risky. “We’ll see.”
    Her grandmother gave a great sigh and shook her head. Asia hoped it meant the end of the pointless topic they’d gone over too many times to count. Just in case it wasn’t, she dropped to her haunches behind the counter to discourage further conversation and went back to cleaning the cubbyholes.
    The front door tinkled and she glanced over the top to see who had entered the store.
    Damn .
    It was Marcus. She so wasn’t ready to see him again. She dropped down farther and prayed he hadn’t seen her.
    A few seconds