Read Leaving Normal for Free Online

was off for forty-eight. Recently, during the time when he was away overnight, he'd begun to get an, unsettled feeling.
    Tony pulled into his driveway and caught sight of Natalie Goodwin across the street. She was tackling the snowpack blocking in her car.
    Killing the ignition, he climbed out of the Ram and paused. He was dead-ass tired, really wanted to go inside, take a hot shower and go to bed with his wife after Parker left for school.
    But something stopped him. A recollection of something Natalie had said.
    He pocketed his keys and walked across the street.
    "Mornin'," he greeted, catching Natalie unaware. She looked up, a line of worry on her forehead. The tip of her nose was red from the cold air, her cheeks flushed against her pale complexion. Green eyes lifted to study him with a sense of hope.
    Folding his arms over his chest, he said, "Having your car stuck in the garage is a bad way to start off the grand opening."
    The firm set of her shoulders softened and she sighed.
    Then she did something he hadn't anticipated. She threw her arms around him and gave him a hug.
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Chapter Three

     
    Happy Holly-Daze
     
    Tony was no stranger to being shown appreciation— a touch on his arm, an embrace, smiles and thank-yous. But he'd never had a physical reaction like this. Natalie's soft body pressed against his felt incredibly good. Her cheek slightly touched his as she stood on tiptoe, arms wrapped around his neck.
    His breathing shortened, caught in his throat. A fist of arousal hit him low in the gut. The rapid, and almost reckless, way he responded threw him for a curve.
    "You remembered," she said, her breath warm against his face.
    Without his being aware, his hand had come around her back and he held her in return.
    She backed away, her expression guarded, if not embarrassed, as if she just realized what she'd done. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to… I'm a little stressed out." She gave a nervous laugh. "Okay, a lot stressed out. Do you think you could… I hate to ask, but—"
    "Don't worry about it. I was going of offer." He grabbed the shovel. "You're wearing the wrong shoes for this kind of job."
    She gazed at the pointed-toe black shoes with heels that she had on. "You're probably right."
    "No probably about it."
    "I was in too much of a hurry to change into my snow boots."
    She wore a long coat and slacks, and nice shoes that were meant for an office and not clearing a driveway. A forest-green scarf wrapped around her neck, an almost perfect match to her eye color. Her makeup wasn't overdone, and she'd applied a shade of pink lipstick he thought attractive.
    Her lips parted, and he couldn't help but smile when she confessed, "I set my alarm two hours earlier than necessary, but I hit the snooze and that was a big mistake. I barely got ready on time."
    "Really?" he responded in jest. "I thought you wore mismatched gloves on purpose."
    She stared at her hands, noting one brown and one black leather glove. "Oops."
    He chuckled as she dashed into the house and came back wearing a matching pair of black gloves. "Thanks. My mind is just crazy today. It did have to snow buckets last night." Her breath misted as she spoke. "I can't believe this…I'm going to be late for the biggest day of my life."
    "I always thought a woman called her wedding day the biggest day of her life."
    "Actually, I think that's what I called my divorce."
    A half smile gathered on his face.
    "Oh, that was horrible of me. My ex-husband isn't that bad."
    :
    Tony ran the shovel across the width of the driveway in one long run, lifting a weighted scoop without effort. As he moved to the opposite side of the walkway, she followed him.
    She put a hand over her heart, sincerity in her gaze. "This is really nice of you and I appreciate it."
    "Not a problem."
    "I'm sure I could have done it, but it would have taken me twice the time and…really, this is just so incredibly nice of you."
    She gave him a warm smile.
    He couldn't really guess her