Kane Read Free Page A

grandfather when Crompton had first welcomed her into his home. Regardless, she felt her hackles rise. She was being mocked by Kane Benedict. Why, she wasn’t sure, still she didn’t doubt it for a second.
    This man had kissed her. It was a stunning thought. The smooth, sculpted contours of his mouth, bracketed by slashing indentations that just missed being dimples, had touched her lips. He had sampled her as a wine connoisseur might taste a new vintage. And she could not help wondering, for a flickering instant, justhow he might rate her. That brief vulnerability was even more disturbing than his touch.
    Turning to her host, she said crisply, “I’m afraid the whole thing was as much my fault as your grandson’s since I let my curiosity get the better of me. Forgive me for snooping?”
    Kane made a soft, startled sound under his breath. It helped Regina’s feelings to know that she could throw him off stride.
    â€œThat’s very generous of you, my dear,” Lewis Crompton answered, his gray gaze twinkling as he divided his attention between her and his grandson.
    â€œNot at all. Could we get back to the jewelry you were showing me? It makes me nervous to think of it lying around where anyone might find it.”
    The older man gave a genial shake of his head. “No one here at Hallowed Ground would think of touching a piece of it. Anyway, I believe we should postpone our discussion. I don’t imagine you feel up to it just now.”
    â€œI’m perfectly fine,” she said. “Time is important to you, or so I understood, and your collection is such a large one that I don’t think we should waste—”
    â€œNow, now, there’s not that much of a hurry. Tomorrow or the next day will do just as well. Truth is, I don’t like the look of that bruise on your temple. It might be best if Kane ran you by the hospital emergency room, just to be sure you’re all right.”
    Regina put a hand to her forehead, wincing a little as she found the sore spot. Regardless, she wasn’t some fragile Southern flower, ready to wilt at the first sign of trouble. With precision, she said, “I don’t believe that’s necessary.”
    â€œI insist. It’s the least we can do under the circumstances.” There was a note of command in the older man’s voice as he glanced toward his grandson.
    â€œBy all means,” Kane said promptly.
    â€œNo, really. The jewelry—”
    â€œTomorrow will do just as well, I promise,” the older man said in calm certainty. “Let Kane drive you.”
    â€œI couldn’t leave my rental car here.” The excuse was valid and she seized it with gratitude, since it seemed her host really was calling a halt to the appraisal.
    â€œSomeone will deliver it to wherever you’re staying, if you’ll give me the keys.” Kane put out his hand for them as if expecting her to obey without question, as though he thought he and his grandfather knew what was best for her. It was unmitigated male chauvinism, but about what she might have expected. Southern men were known for it after all.
    â€œNo, thank you,” she said through stiff lips. Swinging away, she started toward the sitting room where she had left her handbag. The swift movement made her feel dizzy and a little sick, but she kept walking. A minor concussion could be a distant possibility, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t about to let Kane Benedict control another second of her time.
    â€œYou recovered quickly, I see,” he called after her. “I’m glad your scare wasn’t as bad as it seemed.”
    He was telling her he suspected she had not been as upset as she pretended. “I wasn’t scared, Mr. Benedict,” Regina said as she turned in the doorway, “just claustrophobic. There’s a difference.”
    â€œI imagine so. You might call me Kane, so you’ll recognize the name when I