Read Cadence of Love for Free Online Page A

could see the want and hunger swimming in her sexy cat eyes, but the reservations that held her down in a dark, secluded hole screamed of pain and fear. She was lost, and at that exact moment, he made it his duty to find her and help these two amazing girls.
    He watched closely while she ate, looking almost guilty for the food that sat on her plate. By the sound of things, she busted her ass and was still having major financial problems. Elizabeth gave pieces to the puzzle—to her mother’s dismay—but it gave him a little bit to go on. Through half chewed bites and slurps of pop, Elizabeth managed to inform them both that it was just her and her mom, and had been for some time. Alaina worked, a lot, and Mrs. Sanders sat with the girl at night. There was a friend named Vince, but from the excitement of getting to play ponies, and do hair and make-up put him out of the threat zone. Twelve years in the Special Forces had taught him many interrogation techniques. But it also taught him how to read people and listen without appearing to hear. By the way Leland engaged the kid, he was doing the same. Leland had stopped and directed the conversation at Alaina a few times, only for her to shy away and go back to eating her food as if it was the best meal she had ever eaten. From the looks of her, she hadn’t eaten well in quite some time. Her features were slightly hollowed, and her clothing fit loosely. Either she liked to be comfortable, or she had lost weight. If she was fighting finances, chances were the latter. Anger bubbled in the pit of his stomach at the idea of her doing without.
    Leland turned and addressed her directly. “So, Alaina. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do besides the hotel, all that good stuff.” He grinned and stuck his tongue out at Elizabeth, making her giggle around her mouth full of fries.
    “Oh…uh, there isn’t a lot to tell. I work days at the hotel and wait tables at night. I grew up here, but both of my parents passed away a few years ago. My father died from an accident at work, and my mother from a broken heart. It’s okay though, we have Mrs. Sanders, don’t we, Lizzy?”
    “Yep! And Mrs. Sanders bakes me cookies and reads me bedtime stories. She is the sweetest old lady in the world.” Elizabeth finished her burger and drink and sat back, cheesing like a cheetah.
    “It looks like someone is ready for dessert. So, what’s it going to be, little darlin’? You can get anything you want tonight. I made a deal with your mommy that if she let you have any sweets you wanted, we would make sure she got to have a relaxing night off.” Brody smiled, watching out of the corner of his eyes as Alaina’s eyes bug out of her head.
    “I have to be at the bar by eight. That is very sweet though. Liz, go ahead and get your blueberry surprise.” She kissed her on the cheek.
    “Yay! I will share with you. I know you love it too.” Elizabeth leaned over and rested her head on Alaina’s shoulder.
    “You go ahead. I am full, baby.” Alaina rubbed her hand over the girl’s cheek and kissed the top of her head.
    The waitress appeared again and took their order, laughing at the two men who seemed more excited about the desert menu than the kid at the table. She scribbled them down and left to go prepare their treats.
    The conversation flowed easily, bringing lots of laughs and a light air around them. When everyone was finished eating, Flo brought the ticket and sat it down. Alaina grabbed it and almost fainted at the total. Fifty - seven dollars and ninety - six cents. This is more than I made in tips last night. Her heart lodged in her throat, making it hard to swallow. She let out a raspy breath trying to hide the sudden illness that washed over her.
    “Are you okay, Alaina? You look ill.” Brody immediately picked up her change in disposition.
    “Yeah I am fine, sorry. I just hate having to leave such a great time to go to work, again. Liz baby, are you ready to go