Affair of Honor Read Free

assume your intentions were less than honest.”
    “So you waited for me with a bow and arrow?” Brenna tossed back accusingly.
    He shrugged, offering no apology. “It was the only weapon I had conveniently at hand. How did I know who or what was going to come through that window? Come on, let’s get your things out of the car. It’s two in the morning and I’d like to get some more sleep tonight!”
    Alarmed, Brenna put her hand restrainingly on his bare arm, withdrawing it almost at once as she became acutely conscious of the feel of sinewy muscles.
    “That’s all right, I can manage,” she told him imperiously. “I’m very sorry for the mix-up, but you can feel free to go back to bed. I don’t need any help tonight.”
    He glanced down at his bare arm where she had touched him briefly. When he looked up again, it was with the faintest of smiles. “I’ll carry your things over to the cabin,” he repeated very gently. “But I think I’ll put some shoes on first. Hang on, I’ll be right back.”
    Brenna watched him move back toward the house with that effortless, silent stride, her mouth open in astonishment. She was accustomed to men who would have argued, perhaps, or backed off once their offer had been rejected, or, in some instances, men who might have tried to reason with her that she did indeed need some help. She was not accustomed to men who simply made gentle pronouncements and then proceeded to carry them out over her expressed wishes in the matter.
    She was learning, she told herself laconically as Ryder returned to the car and reached inside without a word to lift out the luggage. The gentler the tone, the more this man meant business. The memory of how softly he had spoken when he’d ordered her not to try escaping was still fresh.
    Besides, she consoled herself as she picked up a small case, it was two in the morning. At this hour very little seemed worth arguing about.
    “If you’ll try that key on this lock, I think you’ll find it will work,” Ryder instructed kindly, pausing on the front porch of the A-frame cabin Brenna had rented.
    She slanted him a quelling glance as she dug out the key for the second time that night. “I’ll make a deal with you,” she grumbled. “Promise me you won’t bring up tonight’s little fiasco all summer long and I won’t spread the word that you greet guests with a bow and arrow, okay?”
    In the pale light she saw his mouth skew upward at the corner. “You drive a hard bargain. I’ll have to think about it.”
    The charmingly rustic interior of the A-frame was revealed as Ryder found the light switch. Brenna glanced around interestedly. As promised, the cabin seemed fully equipped. A flight of stairs led from one side of the fireplace-dominated living room to a loft arrangement that served as the bedroom. The kitchen, dining, and living areas downstairs flowed comfortably together and appeared sufficiently furnished with large, low pieces of solid construction.
    “Can you really see the lake from here?” Brenna asked dubiously, peering out into the darkness through the floor-to-peaked-roof windows.
    “You’ll get a better view in the morning. Too many trees in the way tonight.” Ryder set down his load. “Come on. One more trip should do it.”
    “A man of few words. The strong, silent type, I suppose,” Brenna muttered behind him.
    “Only at two in the morning,” he retorted, not bothering to glance back over his shoulder.
    Brenna, who was chewing her lip, was just as glad he hadn’t turned around to witness her reddening cheeks. What a dumb remark!
    “I think, since we’re both wide awake now,” her new neighbor announced calmly a few minutes later as he lifted out the last suitcase, “that we both need a nightcap. Come on inside.” Still holding the last bag, he started toward his own front door.
    Brenna saw her property disappearing in the direction of his cabin and hurried to protest. “Thanks, that’s very kind of you