The Billionaire's Courageous Lover (Bold, Alaskan Men Book 3) Read Free Page A

lips might be considered a smile, but….
    “I’m also the man who owns the house you want to rent.  But it is no longer available.  I’ll refund your money.”
    Andie wanted to stomp her foot in frustration.  This was not going to happen!  She was not leaving and this man couldn’t renege on her contract! 
    Pulling herself up to her full height of five feet, four inches, she hid her fisted hands behind her back.  “I don’t want a refund.  I signed a rental agreement with you and, so far, I haven’t broken any of the terms of that contract.  So,” she stepped closer, glaring up at the man even though she had to tilt her head way back, “Mr. Vinson, please hand over the keys to the house.  I’ve paid the security deposit plus the first and last month’s rent.  I am moving in!”
    “You’re not,” he fired right back.  “You’re not…”
    “I am!  And don’t you dare tell me I’m not fit for Alaska!  You don’t know me!  You know nothing about me!”  She moved closer and poked him in the chest with her finger.  “I know that you’re making rude assumptions about me based on whatever stereotypes that you’ve met in the past, but I’m not a stereotype!  I’m strong, and you telling me that I’m not strong enough for Alaska is just making me more determined to prove you wrong.”
    Knox gritted his teeth as he stared down at her.  God save him from stubborn, beautiful, annoying, beautiful females!  “You’re going to regret this,” he said, even as he pulled the keys out of his pocket.  He’d been expecting the new school teacher, had been corresponding with her for weeks about the small house for rent.  Deciding that a different approach was needed, for her own safety and his sanity, he softened his tone.  Handing the keys to her, he said, “I won’t penalize you for the rent when you decide to back out of the agreement.”  He just wanted her out of town. 
    Andie took the keys and smiled, relieved and excited once again.  She knew he wasn’t backing down, but she’d won this battle.  Step by step, she reminded herself.  “Thank you!” 
    Spinning around, she looked at Tommy.  “How much do I owe you for the tow?”
    Tommy’s adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his throat.  “Oh, no charge,” he said.  “I’ll just… tow it across the street for ya.  If you’ll empty out the back, I’ll change the tire for you too.”
    Andie’s heart warmed with the generous offer.  But she shook her head.  “That’s not necessary.  If you can just tow it over to my new house, I’ll empty it out and I know how to change the tire.  I just couldn’t do it with all of my stuff loaded into the back while it was pouring down rain like this.”
    Tommy smiled, and Knox could see the adoration forming in the poor guy’s mind.  “Not going to happen Tommy,” Knox warned, his voice almost a growl.
    Tommy’s eyes snapped up to Knox, and the younger man understood the not-so-subtle message.  His whole body deflated as he turned around and headed back out the door.  “Figures,” he mumbled. 
    Andie glanced up at the giant, then at the disappearing Tommy.  “What’s not going to happen?” she asked suspiciously.
    Knox stared down at the woman, then shook his head.  “Don’t unpack, Andie.  You won’t be here long.”
    Andie’s fists formed once again, but she didn’t say a word.  Turning around, she headed out the door, only to be stopped by a large hand around her upper arm.  She knew it was him only by the heat that seared her skin. 
    When she turned around again, she’d intended to glare at the man.  But the effect of her glare was obstructed when a huge rain slicker was draped over her shoulders and the hood lifted over her head. 
    She pushed the material out of her way.  The raincoat was so large, it had to be his, and she bit back the sharp words she’d been about to say.  But then Tommy went through the exit and she was reminded of how