Free Untangle My Heart (Tangled Hearts) by Maria K. Alexander Page A

his grasp.
    “I’m concerned for his safety. A work site can be a dangerous place for a small boy. Besides, too many people underfoot will delay getting everything complete by New Year’s Eve.”
    She considered his words, and the sparks emanating from her eyes lessoned to burning embers. He took that as a good sign.
    “What if next weekend we see how things are progressing and you bring him over during the crew’s lunch break?”
    “You don’t need to do me any favors. If you don’t want him there, that’s fine.”
    “I don’t want anyone getting hurt. That’s all.”
    She nodded. “Fine.”
    Hopeful to have redeemed himself, he took a chance to see if his luck continued. “Are you hungry? The pizzas were gone when I got here and I’m famished.”
    “There’s bar up the avenue where we can get something.”
    He hid his surprise and pleasure that she accepted his offer and opened the car door for her. “So, it looks like you have a new best friend in Lucas.”
    “He’s a great kid. He’s shy at first, but once he opens up he doesn’t stop talking.”
    “You both seemed very comfortable during the movie.”
    “You’re not jealous of a six-year-old are you?”
    “Certainly not.”
    He closed the door and walked to the driver’s side. It seemed as though he was going to have to find a way to catch Kate’s attention if he had any chance of changing her mind about them. And given Kate’s fondness of the boy, he’d have to find a way around his discomfort with children, too, if he had any hope of accomplishing the former.
    ****
    The next morning, Edward awoke early and decided to go for a run to recharge his mind after another restless night of sleep. He slipped into sweats and headed toward the kitchen when he heard a noise by the front door. Kate was adjusting a hat on her head, and one quick glance at her clothes indicated she was going jogging as well.
    “Good morning. I guess we both had the same idea,” Edward said, walking toward her.
    She jumped. “Hi. Yes, I won’t be long.”
    “If you give me a minute to grab a bottle of water, I’ll join you,” Edward said.
    “I’m kind of in a hurry. There’s a spare key in the flowerpot so you can get in when you return. I gotta run.”
    And that fast she disappeared out the door.
    “I always yell at her for running alone this early in the morning. It’s too dark out,” Carmen called from the bottom of the stairs. “But what do I know, I’m only her mother.”
    Edward followed Carmen into the kitchen.
    “I offered to join her, but she was in a hurry to leave,” Edward said.
    Carmen studied him and then opened the refrigerator and removed a bottle of water.
    “It doesn’t take a genius to know where my Kate has gone. You can catch up to her. Turn right out of the house and go for around six blocks. There will be a cemetery on your left. It shouldn’t be hard to find her once you’re there.” Carmen thrust the water bottle into his hands.
    A cemetery. Why would she jog in a cemetery? There was more to the story than Kate going out for a run, and clearly Carmen wanted him to follow her. What was Kate up to? Well, there was only one way to find out. He clasped the bottle.
    “Thanks, Carmen,” he said and headed toward the front door.
    The biting cold December air hit him and he was grateful for the black knit cap he’d worn. He turned at the bottom of the stairs and headed in the direction Carmen told him. He didn’t like the thought of Kate out alone and quickened his pace.
    At the end of the six blocks, he crossed the street and headed toward the cemetery. It was mostly dark, but the first hint of daylight teased at the horizon. He was going to throttle Kate for going out alone.
    He followed one of the paths for several minutes. Up ahead on his left, a lone figure crouched down by a grave. Kate. Her head was down as though she were praying.
    Edward stepped out from the shadows. “Your mother said I would find you here.”
    He