Enemy Lovers Read Free

good social skills. My mother made sure I know how to converse and make people comfortable.”
    She waited, was disappointed when he merely grunted and the road snared his concentration. Given the conditions, he was right to pay attention, and she shouldn’t interrupt with flirtatious banter. But she couldn’t halt her intense curiosity. His reputation preceded him—his bad-boy status—yet she didn’t care about the women who came before. For once, she wanted to do something for herself, something private for her own benefit.
    After five minutes of fraught silence, he pulled up in front of a squat building surrounded by native bush. The rain fell in unrelenting curtains, the storm raging and pouting in a tree-rattling tantrum. A shiver worked down her spine, and she wriggled her toes to restore feeling to her feet. That would teach her to wear her favorite designer footwear. They were useless when it came to repelling the cold and water.
    â€œAre we in danger of getting trapped up here?”
    â€œMaybe. Why? It’s a bit late for second thoughts.”
    Laura let out a scoffing sound. A familiar one she’d had aimed at her by family members many, many times when they thought her behavior reckless. “I’m sure you’re civilized, no matter how much you’re trying to scare me.”
    â€œAn interesting combination of impulsive and stubborn,” he mused. “Can you cook?”
    â€œI can.” Fancy French stuff. They didn’t do plain in the Drummond mansion.
    He grunted again in the way of men who used single syllable sounds as a second language. “Let’s go. I’ll grab your bag.”
    Laura opened her door and climbed out, wincing at the chilliness that slapped her across the face. Tucking her purse under her arm, she skirted puddles and trailed him to the rear door. The cabin wasn’t much to look at, but at least it’d be warmer than out here in the elements.
    Dallas unlocked the door and stood back to let her enter. It was dark inside and she hovered uncertainly in the doorway.
    â€œLet me get the light.” He reached around her to flip the switch.
    Laura’s breath caught on seeing the huge open room. In complete contrast to the forbidding exterior, the interior was modern and charming with enticing, comfortable chairs and couches grouped around a fireplace. Two thick rugs in bold geometric patterns covered the floor. They looked inviting, and she immediately wanted to scrunch her bare toes into the wool to savor the softness. A leafy green plant sat on a side table. Cozy.
    Dallas O’Grady was becoming more interesting with each tick of the clock.
    â€œThe spare bedroom is down the hall, right at the end. Clean towels are in the bathroom cupboard. Make yourself at home. I’m going to get the fire started.”
    â€œThanks.” She picked up her overnight bag, and set off in the direction he’d indicated. She had no intention of sleeping in the spare room. Dallas had caught her eye a long time ago when she’d been a sweet sixteen-year-old. He’d dazzled her back then with his black Irish looks—his inky black hair and contrasting blue eyes. His confident, sexy swagger. The hint of an accent even though he’d always lived in New Zealand. Maturity had increased his appeal.
    Contrary to her mother’s wishes, she and James weren’t gonna happen. She had no desire to marry or to take on the function of a gay beard. A shudder crawled, slow as a caterpillar down her spine. An endless parade of charity and social functions to help her husband get ahead with no sex, no passion in her future.
    No. Thank you very much .
    Instead, she’d follow the plan she’d mapped out during the past few months. She had savings of her own, small but a source of pride. She’d commenced a job search and had already arranged one interview. Unfortunately, her name and lack of experience were a hindrance. If