Precious Blessings (Love Inspired) by Jillian Hart Page B

it was genuine. Her earlier veneer of politeness had vanished.
    Did she have any idea of the effect she had on him? With her heart shining in her gentle eyes and shaping her sweet smile, he could see her brightness and goodness as clearly as the dimples in her cheeks.
    It took all his effort to sound like a normal, unfazed guy just having a cup of tea. He tugged the chair beside him out a little more. “C’mon. Let’s start over. I’m Jack Munroe.”
    â€œAre you always this bossy?”
    â€œMostly. It’s what I do best.”
    That made her laugh. He liked the sound, quiet and sweet, just like her. “Being bossy isn’t the best.”
    â€œIt is when most of my traits are worse.” He stood and held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Katherine. Sit down and have a cup of tea with me.”
    To his surprise, she placed her hand in his so they were palm to palm. But the casual contact didn’t feel casual at all. Air shot out of his lungs and, overwhelmed, his every sense stilled.
    Katherine didn’t seem affected as she withdrew her slender hand and smoothly slipped into the empty chair. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
    â€œSure it is.” He commandeered a clean cup from the place setting on the neighboring table and poured. He’d have the waitress add it to his bill on her next pass through.
    He pushed the steaming cup in her direction. She was just sitting there, looking elegant in a purple fuzzy sweater and wash-worn jeans. “Overconfidence is one of my other bad traits. Luckily I’m usually right. I get that you were up here to ski with your friends. Do you do that a lot?”
    â€œAt least once a week during the ski season. Why do you look so surprised?”
    â€œBecause you look like you belong on that figurine shelf in your store.”
    That was like a blow to her heart. Katherine reached for the sugar jar, noticed her hand was shaking and willed it to stop. “You think I’m cold. Remote. I’ve heard it before.”
    â€œNot even close. I meant that you look too elegant to know how to attack the advanced run like a pro.” Hepaused to study her face. He must have caught some hint of the pain his comment had caused because he grimaced. “Now you know why I’ve never been able to remarry.”
    â€œBecause you scare your dates away?”
    â€œSo fast that many have not waited until the meal was over to bolt.”
    That didn’t surprise her either. “You do have a charming personality.”
    â€œFunny, I don’t hear that often.” He shrugged those big shoulders of his in an oh-well gesture. Apparently he’d been told this so often, it was hardly a blip on his radar screen.
    At least he had a sense of humor, which was a redeeming quality. Not that she was noticing. She stirred sugar into her cup of tea. “I’m a little too tidy for most people. My sisters say I’m obsessive compulsive.”
    â€œYou’re just super-organized.”
    â€œTrue. Do you understand, because you’re, uh, super-organized, too?”
    â€œGuilty.”
    As she nudged the sugar jar in his direction, he reached before she let go and their fingers brushed. It was the slightest contact, but her heart stilled.
    Okay, she was going to stay in denial about that, too.
    â€œWhat happened to your friends?”
    â€œMarin is leading the kids’ prayer meeting. Holly is checking on her merchandise in the lodge’s gift shop. She’s a jewelry designer. So I thought I’d find someplace quiet and read while I wait for them.”
    â€œRead?”
    â€œFrom my book.” Which she pulled out of her bag. An Inspirational romance. “Marin mentioned that Hayden had joined the youth group ski program.”
    â€œI hope she’s taking to skiing better than I did.”
    If she’d just met Jack, if the first time she’d ever met him was when