Always Read Free

brisk and authoritative.
    Lisa tensed, then consciously forced herself to relax. It couldn’t be he. She’d seen no sign of Martin since she’d arrived here. She mustn’t let her imagination run wild just because a knock on the door was demanding instead of politely perfunctory. She reached for a tissue and began wiping the cream from her face. “Come in.”
    “For God’s sake, didn’t anyone ever tell you that you don’t leave your door unlocked and invite just anyone who’s on the other side to come in?” The man who stood in the doorway was frowning and his voice was harsh. “For all you knew, I could have been Jack the Ripper.”
    Her eyes widened in surprise as she turned away from the mirror to look at him. “You’re not Jack the Ripper,” she muttered. The man did look dangerous though. He stood well over six feet with the broad shoulders and the deep chest of a longshoreman. His features were rough and craggy, with broad cheekbones and a nose that had been broken at some time or other. He had the golden tan of a man who lived in the hot sun of the tropics, and his hair might once have been raven dark but was nowflecked with silver. He gave the impression of a man fully mature, fully in control, and very used to having his own way. She found herself instinctively rebelling against him. She’d had her fill of men who wanted their own way. She lifted her chin. “It’s true you could be just as disreputable as Jack the Ripper. So perhaps you should leave.”
    His expression didn’t change, but she had the impression she’d surprised him. Suddenly he smiled with a beguiling warmth. The transformation of his rough-hewn face gave her a little shock.
    “I was rude, wasn’t I? You’ll have to forgive me.” There was the faintest trace of a brogue in his deep voice. “I’ve always been too blunt. It’s one of my greatest faults. My name is Clancy Donahue, Miss Landon. I’d like to talk to you, if I may.” His blue eyes were suddenly twinkling. “I’ll let you search me if it will make you feel any safer. I’m totally without weapons of any sort.”
    She doubted that. There was nothing in the least defenseless about Clancy Donahue. Hiswickedly appealing smile caused her to smile in return. “I’ll trust you. Come in, Mr. Donahue. What can I do for you?” She resumed wiping the cream from her face.
    He closed the door and the size of the dressing room seemed to shrink. “I want your cooperation.” He came forward to stand before her. “You’ve missed a spot. Here, let me.” He took the tissue and carefully wiped the blob of cream from her temple. For someone with such large hands, he was very gentle. It was an intimate gesture performed with surprising matter-of-factness. “There. That does it.” He tossed the tissue on the vanity. “I like you better without makeup. Your skin is really quite extraordinary.” He spoke almost abstractedly. “So white and soft. Like a camellia. I was thinking that while I was watching you sing tonight.”
    “You were in the audience?” She couldn’t hide her surprise as she glanced at his casual jeans and navy crew-neck sweater. She had known the headwaiter for only a few days, but she was aware that Monty was snobbish and rigid about his precious dress code.
    Clancy’s lips twisted. “I have friends in high places.”
    “You must.” Lisa wished he’d move away from her. She could feel the heat emanating from his big body even though he was no longer touching her, and she was conscious of the clean scent of soap and an after shave that smelled vaguely minty. She’d been shockingly aware of the physical presence of the man since he’d walked in the door, and she wasn’t sure she liked having her composure disturbed. She had fought too long, and too hard to gain that composure. Nodding, she gestured to the chair across the room. “Won’t you sit down?” He moved away at once and she let her breath out in a little rush. How stupid to feel