A Most Shocking Revelation Read Online Free

mind waking you.”
    Valerie minded that he kept undressing. It made her uncomfortable, and not in a bad way. “I’ll get myself up.”
    He set his gun and jacket on the bureau and tugged the shirt-tails from his jeans before tackling the remaining buttons. “Suit yourself then. Anything else you need?”
    Yeah. She needed him to leave his clothes completely intact and her alone with her devious thoughts. “Not that I can think of.”
    When he started toward her, Valerie’s breath hitched hard in her chest. But he kept going without giving her a glance.
    â€œWhat are you doing now?” she asked as he pulled the curtain aside.
    â€œMaking sure the windows are locked tight.”
    Good grief. “I promise I’m not going to climb out, if that’s what’s worrying you.”
    He settled the curtain back into place and turned, his shirt now gaping to reveal a monumental muscled chest covered in a fine mat of golden-brown hair. “I’m making sure no one gets in.”
    â€œAre you trying to scare me?” He certainly was shaking her up.
    â€œJust making sure you’re safe.”
    Valerie didn’t feel all that safe at the moment. She felt a little too warm and way too distracted. “Thanks.”
    â€œGuess I’ll go to bed now,” he said. But he just stood there, tempting her with his sex appeal and sultry smile.
    â€œDo you remember where your bed is?” she asked when he didn’t move.
    He pointed to his right. “Next door. Just a few steps away if you need anything from me.”
    Valerie noted the invitation in his eyes and disregarded the strong urge to answer it. “I’m sure I have everything I need.”
    â€œOkay then.” When he passed her again, he patted her cheek.
    â€œSleep tight, Val.”
    She’d be lucky if she slept at all. “You, too, Gavin. And thanks again.”
    He paused at the door and sent her another sexy smile. “You’re welcome. Remember, if you need anything from me, all you have to do is ask. Better still, just whistle.”
    â€œYou mean like this?” Valerie placed her pinkies in her mouth and let go an ear-piercing shrill.
    Gavin grinned. “Yeah, that’ll work. Or maybe something a little quieter so you don’t wake up all the coyotes in the county. See you in the morning.”
    After he headed out the door, Valerie just couldn’t help herself. She whistled again, sending him back into the room. “You called?”
    She laughed. “Just checking.”
    His smile collapsed into a frown. “You remember that story about the boy who cried wolf, don’t you?”
    â€œSorry,” she said, although she really wasn’t. At least shecould get another good look at him. “I won’t do it again unless I really need something from you.”
    He gripped the door, his expression turning seriously seductive. “And one of these days I just might make you whistle.”
    Finally he left, closing the door behind him. Valerie dropped onto the edge of the mattress and covered her face with both hands. Truth was, sleep didn’t seem all that appealing at the moment. Knowing Gavin O’Neal much better did. And that was too dangerous to consider.
    Pushing off the bed, Valerie walked to the bureau, opened the keepsake box and pulled out the reminder of why she couldn’t focus on Gavin O’Neal. For the hundredth time she read the letter left to her by her grandmother. The letter that had prompted Valerie’s visit to Royal to search for her past in order to move forward with her future.
    My dearest Val,
    This envelope came to me a few years before, sent by a law firm that had been instructed to hold it until the appropriate time, per your great-great-grandmother’s instructions. I am too old to take on this task, so I will leave it up to you.
    You are a wonderful, remarkable woman, Valerie, so full of goodness and