Endangered Hearts Read Online Free Page B

every morning. If anything comes for you, I'll drop it off."
    Abby nodded. “I am going to be expecting some things from my agent in a day or so."
    Acknowledging her comment with a narrowing of his eyes, he continued. “I stocked up on a few basics for you, but you'll probably need to make a run into Stone Hill, that's the nearest town, as soon as possible to pick up whatever else you'll need."
    Again, Abby nodded and smiled, ignoring the curt note in his voice.
    As he was about to leave, Abby halted him with a question, strangely reluctant to see him go now that the time had come. “How far is it from this cabin to yours? We seemed to have traveled quite a distance on that road."
    Jack's forehead wrinkled, but he answered her question. “It's about two and a half miles by road, but not quite a mile going straight through the woods."
    "Is there a path?"
    There was no mistaking his hesitation in answering her. “There is a path, but it's rarely been used.” He took a deep breath and his eyes stabbed into hers. “Look, Miss Montgomery..."
    "Abby, please."
    He didn't act as if he heard her. “I'll be blunt."
    "What a surprise,” she muttered under her breath.
    He looked at her suspiciously and then continued. “I like my privacy. And I don't like unexpected guests. Especially female ones. The only reason that I agreed to let you use this cabin is because Beau is a good friend, and I didn't think that some little old lady would be much trouble. But someone like you is an entirely different matter. Women like you are nothing but trouble."
    Her lips parted to speak in her own defense, but he held up his hand. When she remained silent, he continued. “I don't want you here, but I promised Beau that you could use the cabin, and I always keep my word. However,” he stressed the word as he stared piercingly into her eyes, “I would appreciate it if you would keep to your own side of the mountain. I'm not here for your private entertainment. Write away to your heart's content but stay the hell out of my way. If you come nosing around, I'm going to assume that you're after a little fun and games.” His gaze raked over her breasts “You're very attractive, and I'll be the first to admit that it would be no hardship to spread you across my bed and sink between those sweet thighs of yours. But anything other than that is just not going to happen."
    With that, he nodded a curt goodbye and strode to his Jeep. He'd climbed in and driven off before Abby could summon a suitable retort. Red-faced and stunned at his frank words, she watched as his truck disappeared back down the drive. The man was impossible. He'd acted like she had thrown herself at him just because she'd asked a little question about the path. Stay out of his way? Ha! She sincerely hoped she never saw him again
    * * * *
    Abby woke slowly. Her eyes flickered open, and she felt mild confusion when she noticed she wasn't in her own bedroom. Then it all came flooding back—the long drive, the beautiful scenery ... and Jack Cole. A grin stretched her lips when she recalled how mad she had been when he'd left the day before. Later, she had decided that it would do her no good to stay angry. After all, it was his property. She'd just do what she had come to do, while ignoring his belligerent attitude and her own attraction to him.
    She struggled out of bed and crossed to the dresser, determined to get started on her book as soon as possible. Pulling open a drawer, she reached in to grab a clean shirt and pair of shorts. When she heard a noise behind her, she looked up. Over her shoulder, her eyes met the melting blue of Jack's. He stood in the doorway to her bedroom as if he had the right to be there, hands braced against the doorframe. The skimpy tank and men's boxers she wore were no barrier against his hot gaze. Her breath caught in her throat. “Jack? What are you doing here?” she whispered around the sudden dryness in her throat. Inexperienced she might be, but