Free Playing for Hearts by Debra Kayn Page A

small noodle to her lips. She slurped, letting the long strand slither into her mouth.
    â€œGood?” John asked.
    â€œWonderful.” She grinned, before setting out to capture more food. “So, how was your day?”
    â€œExcellent.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Two of the dogs were placed in their new homes, and that’s always a good feeling. One of them went to a young girl who’s only seven … you should have seen the way she announced to her mom and dad that she didn’t have to hold their hand anymore. The parents had tears in their eyes, and I believe it was the first sign of independence from their daughter that she was growing up and they could let her do things on her own. It amazes me what the dogs give back to their caregivers.”
    Shauna sat back in wonder. John’s whole face lit up as he talked, and she could see how deeply his job affected him. Caught up in the story, she struggled with words. “That is amazing. What you do for people, through your dogs, is a miracle. You give them freedom and a new, better way to enjoy life. You’re a good man, John. You should be very proud of yourself.”
    â€œIt’s the dogs. What I do is simple. It’s the animals that rise to the occasion and show me how dedicated and special they are.” He shrugged. “What about you? How do you like your new job?”
    She finished chewing, swallowed, and pointed her chopsticks at him. “I’m really enjoying it. I adore educating tourists about our community, and the support from the businesses has surprised me. I’m working on a secret project right now that I’m excited about, and can’t wait until everyone learns about it.”
    â€œHm.” He wiggled his brows. “A woman of mystery. I might have to see if I can convince you to share what you’re doing.”
    She grinned and shook her head. The whole time she’d dreamed up a way to bring revenue to the town there was only one person she’s wanted to share the idea with — Grayson. Now that he’d agreed to help her, she was reluctant to share their secret.
    â€œSo, have you ever been to the country club?” She leaned back in her chair and pushed her plate away.
    â€œNo, I haven’t.” He wiped his mouth on a paper napkin from the bag. “You’ll have to direct me on what to wear. Is it suit and tie only?”
    She nodded. “I think so. It’ll be best if we dress up, and not take the chance of them turning us away.”
    They made small talk while John finished his dinner and then handed her a fortune cookie. She groaned, holding her stomach. They’d devoured the food, and she was beyond full.
    â€œGo on. If you don’t eat the cookie, the fortune won’t come true.” John cracked his cookie open and pulled out the tiny slip of paper. “Your days are looking brighter.” He grinned. “Perfect. I’ve gotta believe that has to do with you. Now read yours.”
    As soon as Shauna opened the wrapper, the cookie crumbled all over her lap and onto the floor. She snorted. “This isn’t boding well, is it?”
    â€œNah, that’s salt. You’re safe,” he said.
    She leaned over and picked up her fortune. “Mine says … the truth lies deep in your heart.”
    Horrible, soul draining regret flooded her. Her hands shook as she brushed the pieces of cookie into her palm and stood up to dump them in the garbage. She couldn’t eat another bite. Her throat had closed and her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Any moment she expected a bolt of lightning to strike her dead.
    She hated the way Grayson instantly entered her thoughts. He’d made it clear that she wasn’t woman enough for her. Her chest tightened and she forced air into her lungs. Fear of turning into her mother almost brought her to her knees.
I am not like her. I’m not.
    What was she doing? The