2. Come Be My Love Read Free

night before and hastily pulled on her turtleneck undershirt, a bulky sweater, a long pair of thermal underpants and her jeans. Then she grabbed a pair of thick socks and pulled them on. Her fleece-lined leather boots followed.
    Only then did she realize that she had to go to the bathroom, which was downstairs. But at least she felt protected now—against the cold and against the man waiting below.
    Greg Duncan from Missouri. If she hadn't been so tired the night before she might have responded differently to his presence. However, once she had accepted that he was a friend of Tim's, she had relaxed, feeling safe—safe for the first time in days. The sleep that overcame her had been like a powerful narcotic, deadening her to everything else.
    She grabbed the small zippered bag that contained the few toiletries she had hastily purchased the afternoon before and tiptoed down the stairs, hoping to avoid a confrontation until she was better prepared to meet the day.
    "Good morning."
    She'd just reached the bottom step of the stairway, and she knew that her luck had run out. Slowly turning toward the kitchen, Brandi smiled tentatively at the man who was leaning casually against the kitchen counter with his ankles crossed, his hands wrapped around a giant mug that contained enticing, steamy coffee.
    Seen in the daylight, Greg Duncan was older than she had first guessed. He looked to be in his early forties, the dusting of silver in the blond hair showing only in the bright light. His eyes looked silver, glinting brightly as he studied her.
    Brandi had to admit that he was very impressive, not only in his physical build but in the sense of alert intelligence that he seemed to radiate.
    "Good morning," she replied in a voice that sounded disgustingly weak.
    Greg studied the woman who hovered at the bottom of the stairs watching him with those unforgettable eyes. Now he could see the maturity in her figure and in her face that had been obscured the night before.
    He could also see the wariness in her expression, and he felt that he understood it. He had a similar feeling hovering within him. If anyone had told him that he would find himself in bed with a strange young woman within hours of arriving at Tim's place, he would have blasted them all the way into the next county.
    After ending his engagement a few years ago, Greg had faced the fact that he was not marriage material.
    Other than a few casual friendships, he rarely spent any time with women. His work was his life, and he was content with that life.
    His vacation was an opportunity to spend a few days away from his career and relax. It was not a time to be entertaining a curly-headed waif with large sapphire-blue eyes, and especially not one who looked at him as though he might attack her at any moment.
    He smiled at the thought of her curling up to his back earlier. Did she remember that? He couldn't forget waking up this morning to find her head resting on his shoulder and his arm wrapped securely around her, holding her close to his side. His leg had been securely held down by her thigh, which had rested across him. Her fingers had rested trustingly on his chest, as though she were reassured by the steady rhythm of his heart beating beneath her palm.
    Being the normal, healthy male that he was, Greg had had an immediate physical reaction to the provocative situation, and he had had to decide what to do about it. Despite his body's eager suggestions, Greg's mind had won the day.
    Greg's mind took control of every situation in which he found himself, regardless of what he might be feeling.
    So, although he had clearly registered how appealing she looked cuddled so snugly against him, Greg had eased away from her until he'd been out of bed. Then he had tucked the covers around her and left her sleeping soundly while he'd dressed.
    By the time he'd showered, started a fire in the fireplace and had his coffee poured, Greg had a list of questions that he fully intended to have