Read The Bodyguard and Ms. Jones for Free Online Page A

“Don’t try to trick me into changing the subject. How’s it going with Mike?”
    Cindy thought about pretending ignorance, but there was no point. Beth was like a bulldog. Once she got hold of something, she never let go. “It’s not going anywhere. I don’t want it to go anywhere. He’s just a houseguest. Grace’s brother, nothing more.”
    â€œHe’s a single, good-looking guy.”
    â€œI’m not interested in getting involved with him or anyone.”
    â€œWe only want you to be happy.”
    â€œWe?” She didn’t like the sound of that. She picked up the last two unused cookie sheets and began scooping dough into neat rows. “You and Darren, or you and Grace? You haven’t been trying to set me up, have you?”
    Beth’s eyes widened with exaggerated innocence. “Set you up how? The man fell off a building, Cindy. As much as I want you to have a date, I wouldn’t send a man close to death just to get you alone with him.”
    â€œI suppose.” But she was going to grill Grace the next time she spoke to her.
    â€œIt’s been two years.” Beth wasn’t smiling now. Her blue eyes were dark with concern. “It’s time to let go.”
    Cindy shifted uncomfortably. When the cookies were laid out neatly, she dipped a fork into a small bowl filled with flour and began making crisscross marks. “I have let go,” she said. “I don’t want Nelson back. In the last few months, I realized I hadn’t loved him for a while. Even before the divorce. But I thought we would stay together forever. I thought we would be friends and offer a stable home to our children. Dating is so—” She shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about it. I’m not ready.”
    â€œWhat are you waiting for?”
    â€œInspiration.” Cindy smiled.
    â€œSomeone to fall into your lap, so to speak?”
    â€œDon’t start on Mike again. I barely know the man.” She set the fork down and faced her friend. “It’s not as easy as you think. Not many men want a woman with children. Even if I was interested, where am I supposed to meet these guys? I work at the middle school. I’m surrounded by kids all day. I love my job, but it doesn’t make it easy to socialize. It’s not as if I’m going to meet some cute man at the water fountain.”
    Beth rested her elbows on the table and cupped her chin in her hands. “I see your point. No offense, Cindy, but you’re not really the bar type.”
    â€œI agree.” She shuddered again. She’d been to a bar once, with a friend from work. Another single teacher. It had been hideous. “Check on Allison and Jonathan, will you?”
    â€œSure.” Beth leaned toward the window. “I can see them playing in the yard. It looks like a game that involves far too much running for the time of day.”
    Cindy glanced at the clock on the oven. It was nearly two. “The swim meet is at five. I should probably bring them in to rest for an hour or so.” She walked to the window and stared out.
    Their house was at the end of the cul-de-sac. Beyond that was a wide expanse of grass and trees with a walking path down the center. The greenbelt was the main reason she and Nelson had bought this particular lot when they’d had the house built. It gave the kids a great place to play. The area was quiet and secluded, safe.
    â€œDon’t you ever get tired of being alone?” Beth asked.
    â€œYou mean lonely?” Cindy glanced down at her friend. She shrugged. “Sure, but I don’t want the kids hurt again. It was hard enough for them when their dad left.”
    â€œMaybe they’re not the only ones you’re scared about. Maybe you’re also worried about yourself.”
    â€œI can’t deny that. I’ve been hurt, too. I’m beginning to think it’s easier not to