The Second Time Around Read Online Free

and I’m so glad to see you. My aunt warned me we’re in for a busy day.” On Fridays the store offered buy one get one half priced and according to Aunt Nellie, the promotion was quite a hit.
    Just as she promised, the bookstore was extremely busy. While Rachel handled story-time hour, and the dozen or so children that came to listen, Brenna assisted their customers and worked the register. By lunchtime she was hungry and exhausted. Where in the world did all these people come from she wondered. Not that she was complaining, but she never dreamed so many people read during their summer vacation. By two o’clock people were still coming through the door and Rachel, who had an appointment with her orthodontist, had already gone for the day. Brenna was trying to explain to a woman that half price was offered on the book of the lesser price when she spotted a tall handsome man moving toward her. Her heart raced. Jabarie was wearing an expensive navy blue suit including tie and wing-tip shoes. He had no business looking that good. No business at all, she thought as he moved closer. She released the breath she had been holding and watched as he headed in her direction. Desire rolled though her body. She hadn’t felt like this in years and hated him for that. Hated him because she still wanted him.
    â€œLooks like you could use some help,” Jabarie said as he moved around behind the counter.
    The deep sensual tone of his voice vibrated through her body and settled down low. She caught his scent. His presence pulsed around her. Suddenly, panic gripped her. She shook her head. “I’m fine, really.”
    â€œNo, you’re not,” he mumbled under his breath.
    Glancing at the people standing and waiting patiently in line, she inhaled deeply and had no choice but to agree to his help. While she finished ringing up customers, she watched as Jabarie slipped out of his jacket and moved to help the next person in line.
    For the next half hour she worked the counter while he assisted customers throughout the store. As soon as the last customer left through the door, Brenna moved over to the nearest chair and flopped down on the seat.
    Jabarie leaned against the counter. “Looks like you’ve had a long day.”
    She gave a tired laugh. “Yes, I have.” She gazed up at him towering over her and couldn’t resist a smile. “Thanks for your help.”
    â€œNo problem. Have you eaten yet?” he asked following a long pause.
    Brenna pushed a wayward curl away from her face and shook her head just as the bell over the door jingled. With a groan, she slowly rose from the chair.
    Pushing away from the counter, Jabarie replied, “Help your customer while I go up the street and grab you something to eat.”
    She was too hungry to argue.

    Jabarie walked to the end of the block to Clarence’s Chicken and Fish House. As he strolled through the door, the smell of fish floated to his nose. The lunch rush was over but there were still plenty of patrons filling the wooden tables. He moved up to the register and spotted Old Man Clarence behind the counter.
    â€œWell, well, well, if it isn’t Master Beaumont,” he greeted with a hearty chuckle that jiggled his round belly.
    â€œHello, Clarence,” he returned with a scowled. Since Beaumont Manor was on top of a hill, looking down on the small town, rumor had it that his family were descendants of royalty. There was no truth to the rumors but for decades no one seemed to care. The Beaumonts were prominent and important members of the community. Although the hotel was responsible for creating an abundance of jobs and for keeping food on so many tables in Sheraton Beach, Jabarie had always felt uncomfortable by the way so many people treated him.
    â€œWhat can I do for you?”
    After quickly glancing at the menu on the wall, Jabarie replied, “I’ll take two of your fish specials.”
    Clarence’s