2. Come Be My Love Read Free Page A

answered by his unexpected and impromptu roommate.
    "Would you like some coffee?" he asked.
    Brandi had noticed his smile as he had carefully studied her, and she knew that she must look a mess. Holding up the bag, she pointed to the bathroom. "Yes, as soon as I get presentable."
    He nodded and straightened, reaching for another mug.
    Greg watched her disappear into the bathroom and close the door, then slowly poured her coffee, wondering what tactic to use to get Brandi Martin to talk.
    When she reappeared in the kitchen a few minutes later she had combed her hair and no doubt washed her face, but she was still pale, and he could count the tiny smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. She'd made no attempt to hide the slight shadows beneath her eyes.
    "How do you like your eggs?" he asked, motioning for her to sit down. He had such an air of authority about him that she responded automatically, sinking onto one of the bench seats by the table.
    "Over easy," she replied, vaguely surprised to see him place a skillet over one of the burners. Brandi hadn't realized she was hungry until the smell of the bacon had caused her stomach to growl earlier. She couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten.
    Brandi picked up the cup he'd placed on the table and took a swallow of the revitalizing liquid. Her eyes were drawn back to the man before her. He made everything he did appear to be easy. There were no wasted moves, no unnecessary searching for things.
    Everything had been laid out as though waiting for her to appear. He tapped an egg on the side of the pan, breaking it open with one hand and gently letting it slide into the pan.
    "Are you a professional cook?" she found herself asking.
    Greg glanced around, then back to what he was doing. "I'm a professional eater. I discovered a long time ago that if I didn't feed myself there was a strong possibility I'd starve."
    "Oh." She continued to watch him for a few minutes in silence, then was appalled to hear herself ask, "Are you married?''
    He laughed. "No. Why do you ask?"
    She could feel herself blushing. "No reason."
    "Are you?"
    "Married?"
    "That was the topic under discussion, I believe."
    "No. No, I'm not."
    "Then you aren't running away from a husband, either."
    "What makes you keep thinking that I'm running away? I just needed a place to stay for a few days, that's all."
    He slipped two eggs onto a warmed plate, put freshly buttered toast and crisp bacon beside it and set the dish in front of her. She stared at it until he said, "Eat before it gets cold." Picking up her cup, he refilled it and handed it back to her. Then he quickly prepared his plate and sat down across from her.
    "Why were you looking for Tim?" he asked, ignoring her last question.
    ''What are you, a reporter?"
    ''No. I'm a lawyer. So why don't you answer my question?"
    "Because it's none of your business."
    "That's true. However, something seems to be bothering you, and if I knew what it was, perhaps I could help.''
    "Well, at least that explains your cross-examination style of conversation," she said, finishing the last bite of food on her plate and relaxing back in her seat with a sigh. She picked up her cup and sipped. "You serve a mean breakfast, Mr. Duncan. Thank you. I hadn't realized how hungry I was."
    "You're welcome. I must say that you have a real knack for sidestepping my questions."
    She grinned. "Being around Tim taught me how to do that, although I was never very successful at keeping things from him."
    "How long have you known Tim?"
    She shrugged. "All my life."
    "Are you a relative of his?" he asked, knowing full well that Tim was an only child. But she might be a cousin.
    "Not by blood, no. But in every way possible, Tim has been like a big brother to me. He's always been there when I needed him." Almost under her breath, she added, "and, boy, do I need him now."
    Greg got up and refilled their cups, then sat down again. "Have you talked to him recently?"
    She shook her head. "I