Read Autumn Getaway (Seasons of Love) for Free Online Page A

really crazy the last few months… and my whole family will be here for the wedding, so it’s going to be a chance to be with them and just relax. So yes, I made it a long weekend.”
    “What do you do?” she asked.
    “I’m a graphic designer,” he replied. “I work for a media company.”
    She nodded slowly, apparently turning it over in her mind. Then she asked, “How do you become a graphic designer? I mean, when you were a kid, what did you start with, liking art?”
    He smiled, appreciating her questions. “Yes, exactly. I loved to draw. Then I loved video games, and then computers. So it just progressed along from there as I got older, combining the two when I got to college—art and computers. Timing was on my side, the boom had started in the industry… long story short, I went into web design.”
    “Interesting. But… do you still draw?” she asked. “Like, just for yourself, for the sake of drawing?”
    His smile deepened and his voice grew softer. “You know, nobody’s asked me that in a really long time,” he said slowly. “I haven’t drawn, just sat down with pencil and paper, in many months. I was actually thinking, just before, that I’m overdue for a good sketching session.”
    “Then I’m surprised you’re not sketching something here ,” she said, gesturing with a wide spread of her arm to the thick foliage and picturesque scenery around them. “I mean, wouldn’t this be an artist’s paradise?”
    “It is indeed,” he nodded, his grin turning a bit sheepish. “And you’re right, I should’ve done that. Missed opportunity. Maybe later, or tomorrow. But thanks for suggesting it.”
    She simply gave another demure smile and took another sip of her water.
    “And what do you do?” he asked.
    “I’m a reading teacher,” she told him. “Elementary school.”
    “Really. That’s great,” he said emphatically.
    She blinked in surprise at his ardent response. “You think so?”
    “Yeah, you’re helping kids. Teaching’s important. Reading’s important. I think it’s great.”
    “Well, thanks.”
    “How long have you been teaching?” he asked.
    “Um, well, I taught for almost ten years, then took a break when I had my son,” she said. “I actually just went back last month.”
    Sam nodded, sipping from his own bottle. “How old is your son?”
    “Andy’s three,” Lydia said. “Three and a half, actually.”
    “A little guy,” Sam noted. “Is he cute?”
    Lydia laughed. “Well, I certainly think so.”
    Sam smiled back. “You seem like a straightforward person, so I’ll take that as a safe yes.”
    She cocked her head to one side and scrutinized him openly.
    “What now?” he asked, his dark eyes twinkling at her once more.
    She shook her head. “Nothing.” She leaned over and picked up her book. “I’m going back to reading, if you don’t mind.”
    “No, I’m sorry, I’ve been chatting away. By all means, go ahead.” He pulled his sunglasses from his pocket and put them back on. Picking up his own book, he opened it and found his page before she found hers. They both settled into their reading and into a comfortable silence.
    Sam couldn’t concentrate on the words on the pages in his lap. He was mulling over the conversation, all the information he’d managed to extract from Lydia. Just got divorced. Small child. Freedom ring. Most guys would keep away from that with a ten foot pole. Most times, he might have been one of those guys. But Lydia… he was inexplicably drawn to her, felt a pull. It was more than that she was pretty, and sensual in a way she was likely completely unaware of. That’s the easy part , he thought to himself. She was bright, and had heart, he could sense it. She was… genuine. She wasn’t trying to be anything, wasn’t working it. And she wasn’t flirting with him, but just talking to him, being friendly, which only made him want to know even more about her. The lack of pretense was refreshing.
    He enjoyed her