A Time to Keep by Rochelle Alers Read Free Book Online Page B

they were discussing.
    Gwen took another bite of her sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. Even if she didn’t tell Shiloh of her plans, there was no doubt he would soon find out.
    â€œI’m a journalist.”
    His sober expression did not change. “Radio, television, or print?”
    â€œPrint.”
    â€œPerhaps Nash McGraw could use you. He’s the editor-in-chief of the Teche Tribune, and lately he’s been putting out the paper using a skeleton staff.”
    â€œIs it a weekly?” she asked.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIf you run into him, please let him know that I’m interested in something part-time.”
    A hint of a smile crinkled the skin around Shiloh’s eyes. “What else are you interested in?”
    A shiver of annoyance raced up her spine and she had to admit that the man sitting across from her was good. He’d befriended her the night before and now had offered her his lunch while subtly interrogating her. She was a new resident, and he was probably intrigued that a single woman from Boston would relocate and take possession of a house sight unseen.
    He’d retrieved all of her vital data when he entered her driver’s license in a national DMV database, so if he wanted to check further into her background he could. Did he suspect she’d come to the Louisiana bayou to hide out, or establish a cover for a criminal operation? What the delicious-looking law enforcement officer didn’t know was that she’d come to St. Martin Parish to start over. She wanted to restore Bon Temps to its original magnificence, work for a local newspaper, and if the latter did not materialize, then she would execute her Plan B. She would then apply for a teaching position at a local high school or college.
    Shrugging a bare shoulder, she smiled at Shiloh through her lashes. “Not much else.” She opened her handbag, took out a twenty and placed it on the table. “That should cover my lunch.”
    Shiloh’s hand moved in a blur as he scooped up the bill and thrust it at her. “Keep your money. Lunch is on me.”
    Gwen glared at him glaring at her. “I’m sorry, Sheriff Harper, but I can’t accept.”
    â€œWhy not, Gwendolyn Paulette Taylor?”
    A frown appeared between her eyes. “Stop calling me that.”
    â€œIt’s your name, isn’t it?”
    â€œYes,” she whispered loudly. “But there’s no need to tell everyone who I am. I’m certain you’re aware of identity theft nowadays. All someone needs is my social security number and I’m screwed.”
    Shiloh angled his head, and the sunlight coming in from a clerestory window slanted over his face, bathing him in a circle of light. The effect was so startling that Gwen didn’t blink, swallow or breathe. The mesmerizing gold-green eyes were the colors of the swamp with slivers of sunlight piercing the towering cypress trees rising above the murky brown water.
    â€œWhat are you running from?”
    She blinked once. “Is that what you believe?”
    He nodded. “Either you are running or hiding.”
    â€œWrong, Shiloh. I’m doing neither. Four years ago I made a New Year’s resolution to get rid of everything I didn’t want or need. And when my aunt left me Bon Temps I decided it was time for a change of scenery. I’m here because I want to be here, not because I’m hiding or running from someone.”
    Standing, Shiloh came around the table, picked up the money and dropped it into her unzipped handbag. “Lunch is on me today. Once you’re settled in you can repay the favor.”
    That said, he nodded and walked across the expansive restaurant. He knocked on a door with Office painted in large black letters. He opened it, walked in and closed the door, leaving Gwen staring at the space where he’d been.
    She didn’t know his connection with the owner of the Outlaw and didn’t want to know.