For Caralyn Masters, an accident leaves lingering effects — she grieves for her sister, her faith is unsettled and automobiles give her the literal shakes. While hiking in the Ozarks, she shares a trail shelter with a wet and weary hiker. He’s charming. She’s attracted. Things are looking up.
from THE MASTER'S PLAN...
Grinning, Cara retrieved Jason’s garments and gently squeezed the cloth outside the slightly opened gate, letting the water drip in the area protected by the overhanging roof. From the corner, she heard more rustling cloth.
“Kansas Jayhawks?” he said. “Are you from the University of Kansas?”
Cara glanced his way to find him staring at the plump bird emblazoned on the black sweatshirt he now wore. The overlarge yellow beak, blue feathers, and ridiculous grin marched across the material in wild abandon.
“Yes, actually. I work there.” She moved to hang the clothes carefully on the line.
“I’ve always thought,” Jason said, “that the Jayhawk was created by a student who indulged in alcohol to excess. I guess you could say he’s cute... in an obnoxious sort of way.”
Cara faced him. “Did you go to KU?”
He shook his head. “No, but I’ve got a friend who teaches there.” He reached for her rain jacket. “What do you do at the university?”
“I’m a reference librarian at the main library.”
“Ah, the noble calling of librarian.” At her skeptical glance, he chuckled. “No, I’m serious. A great librarian saved my hide a couple of times when I was working on my history degree. I have a lot of respect for what you do.”
Cara glowed inside and her lips curved up. “Thanks. People don’t always appreciate our work. The old-lady-with-the-bun image gets in the way.”
“Although you’re a lady,” he teased, “you’re definitely not old, and I don’t see a bun. I think we can safely put the cliché to rest.”
Cara blushed. His voice was light, but she could feel his eyes on her.
He was feeling less like a stranger by the minute.
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The Master's Plan, now available in paper and eBook formats.
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