Wild Fire (The Fairy Tale Match Series) Read Free Page A

meeting him. The thought warmed her
heart. She would show him that it didn’t matter to her at all. Even with the
scar, he was an incredibly handsome man. It gave him character, if anything and
made her feel rather like a little sparrow next to a powerful hawk.
    He stopped short when he saw her
standing there, his face frozen in what she assumed was shock. Maybe he hadn’t
seen her email Determined not to come across as a shy wall flower, even if she
was one, she stepped forward. “Hi Jake? I’m Laura. I’m sorry I am a day early.
I hope it’s not too inconvenient. I did email you, but it looks like you didn’t
get it.” She held her hand out to him, looking him directly in the eyes and
smiling brightly. “Anyway, it’s wonderful to finally meet you! Your home is
even lovelier than you said. You must just love living here.” She forced
herself to stop talking before she sounded even more stupid than she already did.
Nerves always did make an idiot out of her.
    He stared at her hand, then at her
face. “Who the hell are you?” he snapped. “And why are you talking to me like
we’re best friends? Guests don’t book in here, they book in at the customer
care cabin over by the guest cabins. Kerry can direct you. In future, I’ll
thank you not to intrude on our family home again. We always make it clear that
main house is off limits to guests. We do need a private life you know!”
    Her smile faltered. “But I’m Laura
Hamilton,” she stammered out, puzzled. She could understand he thought she was
arriving the next day, but she’d already explained she was early. What was
wrong with him? He’d seemed so nice in his emails. “You told me to come
straight to the main house. I’m supposed to be staying here in your home with
you for three weeks! You said you were looking forward to it” She tried not to
get upset, but could feel herself on the verge of tears. She was tired, the
drive and jet lag were beginning to creep up on her and now Jake Carter was
acting like he’d never heard of her. It was all too much!
    “I beg your pardon? What the hell are
you talking about?” he snarled at her, losing his patience. Without even
waiting for an answer, he turned to his sister. “Who the hell is this lunatic and
why did you let her in the house instead of directing her to the guest customer
service cabin? Although, on second thought, I’m not sure we want this crazy
woman staying on the premises. Perhaps it’s best to refund her and send her
home. She probably escaped from some nut house anyway!”
    “How dare you!” Laura huffed, angry
now. If he’d changed his mind upon seeing her, he could at least have the good
grace to just admit it instead of making out he had no idea who she was and
that SHE was crazy. “You asked me here for three weeks. I have the emails on my
phone to prove it.” She began fumbling in her bag for her phone. “I would never
have come had I known what a rude, grumpy man you are, instead of the sweet guy
you pretended to be! Really, you could just say you’ve changed your mind,
instead of this ridiculous charade. Honestly, why join a dating agency if you
weren’t happy to meet someone. It’s not my fault that agency won’t work with
photos. You must have known it was a risk, being sight unseen!”
    Jake held his hand up to stop her
tirade, refusing to take the phone she was trying to thrust in his face. “Hold
up there. You have the wrong place. I have not, nor would I ever join a dating
agency. You must have driven to the wrong address.” He shook his head in
relief.
    “But, this is the Twisted Tree Ranch
and you are Jake Carter, are you not?” Laura asked, wondering why he was
insisting on this pretence of not knowing her. A strangled sound from behind
her drew her attention.
    Laura turned to look at Kerry, who was
still standing frozen by the front door. Her face held a look of horror and
guilt, as she looked from Jake to Laura. A sinking feeling came over Laura.
Something