Read Head Start (Cedar Tree #7) for Free Online Page B

I reach out and grab his proffered hand.
    “Hi. Yes, and you must be Lars.”
    “Right. Nice to finally meet you face to face.” The smile he shows me seems a little uncertain. In fact, he seems a little awkward. Maybe nerves, or maybe he’s just shy. “Can I get you something?” he asks as he pulls out a chair for me.
    “Please. I’d love a decaf café latte.” I sit down and watch as Lars makes his way over to the counter, placing our order, but I quickly turn my head when he walks back my way.
    “I forgot to ask if you wanted something to eat. Hope you don’t mind, I ordered us a slice of pecan pie. It’s my favorite.”
    I look up to find him staring down at me, a little too intense, so I lean back in my chair to create a bit more distance. This whole situation may well be a waste of time. I can already tell there is no real connection and I don’t feel any kind of spark.  Besides, there is something about the way he seems to scrutinize me that feels a bit uncomfortable. In fact, I regret not canceling the way I’ve wanted to do in the last few hours. Lars is a very handsome man, but he seems a little socially inept which doesn’t give me good vibes. In fact, he puts me on edge a little.
    I rummage through my tote and pull out the stack of trail maps I managed to find earlier. “I promised you Mesa Verde maps,” I explain when I see the blank look on his face. Instantly, his face warms with a smile.
    “Right. Yes, you did mention that. Wonderful, can I have a look?” He immediately starts unfolding the first map, spreading it out over the table.
    For the next twenty minutes, we talk about the best trails, favorite places we’ve been, and spots we hope to visit in the future. I spend some time boasting the beauty of Mesa Verde, a place I’ve enjoyed since I was young, and Lars seems quite interested. By the time we finish our coffees and the pie, I’ve almost forgotten the uncomfortable start. I fold up the maps we’ve been looking at and hand them over to him.
    “Here, you take them. I can always pick up new ones.”
    He looks at me strangely before accepting them and examining the covers. “These are older. Had them for a while?” he asks, tapping his finger on the date stamped in the corner.
    “I have, some of them I’ve had since I was a teen. Like I said, I’ll pick up some new ones next time I go. It’s not an issue.” At least I hope it’s not. Lord, he’s a strange duck. Suddenly that slightly creepy feeling is back.
    “No. Not an issue, I just thought...” He doesn’t finish his thought, and I know I should let it go but I can’t help myself.
    “What?” I prompt.
    His eyes flick up to my face as he pushes his glasses up on his nose. “Oh, I was hoping we’d be able to hike these trails together. I’ll be back on Monday. I can leave Grand Junction early and be back here in the morning. We could pack a lunch or something?”
    Oh boy. What now? One look at his face tells me this is not going to be easy.
    “Look,” I start and immediately his expression changes. His eyes go hard and his mouth sets in a stark line. He knows what’s coming. “I really have enjoyed talking to you and hope the maps will bring you as much enjoyment as they’ve brought me over the years, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. I’m moving this we—”
    “You’re moving?” He cuts me off mid-sentence and suddenly I’m so relieved I never told him about my place in Cedar Tree. I don’t think I made mention of the clinic there either. At least I hope I didn’t.
    Grabbing my bag in one hand, I stand up from my chair. “Actually I am.”
    “Where to?” he inquires, standing up as well and towering over me.
    “Right. I’d better head out. I have packing to do. Good to meet you and again. I hope you enjoy Mesa Verde.” Before he has a chance to react, I turn on my heels and beeline it out the door. By the time I get to my car, my keys are already in my hand, and only when I’m inside