CoyoteWhispers by Rhian Cahill Read Free Book Online Page A

of hunger that my mind has no trouble
understanding.”
    “Nice to know I’m so easily read.”
    “You’re not the only one. Everyone’s emotions show in their
eyes.” She shrugged. “I guess I’ve just learned to look closely over time.”
    “I don’t seem to be able to read you as well.”
    “Another thing I’ve learned over the years.”
    “What?”
    “It’s called a poker face. I learned early to hide my
emotions.”
    “I know what a poker face is but why would you need one?”
    Her fingers twisted in the bow she’d tied the drawstring in.
Doc may have perfected a poker face but her actions and body posture gave her
away.
    “Doc?”
    “As a doctor I need to keep my emotions locked away or I’d
never survive my job.”
    “You were unreadable long before you became a doctor.” He
studied her, tried to see past the shields in her eyes but as usual, failed.
“You don’t just wear your poker face at work do you, Doc? You have it on all
the time. Why is that?”
    She laughed, but the brittle sound held no trace of humor.
“You think I could grow up in this town without hiding how I felt? It’s not
easy being the odd man out when you’re a kid.”
    “Gordie, you’ve never been odd man—”
    She held up her hand. “Yes I have. No other person has lived
as a human in this town for as long as I did. Ever. That alone makes me
odd. The fact I married Anthony when I shouldn’t have, plus what happened
after, just adds to my list of peculiar attributes. I’ve spent years trying to
put all that behind me, there’s no way I’ll drop my guard and risk starting up
another round of whispering for the town to enjoy.”
    He pulled her into his arms. “You’re not odd and no one has
ever really looked at you that way. And believe me, you don’t need to do
anything to become fodder for the rumor mill in Whispering Springs. I’ve spent
years listening to the old-timers chatter at your sister’s café and there’s
plenty that goes on in these mountains for them to talk about besides you. Come
to think of it, I don’t think they’ve mentioned you in years.”
    Doc laughed and shoved away from him. “You idiot. No one is
game to talk about me in front of you.”
    “What? Why?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
    “Because you give the evil eye better than the devil
himself.”
    He snarled. “I do not.”
    This time when she laughed she doubled over and held her
ribs. Gasping for breath, she said, “Go look in the mirror, you idiot.”
    Steve knew what he’d see. There was no controlling the way
he reacted whenever he thought of Doc and he hadn’t bothered to hide that from
anyone since her return to town. And now he’d have the right to show that
reaction. He smiled. Oh yeah, the town would soon know whom she belonged to.
    “And don’t go getting that look.”
    “What look?”
    “That she’s mine, keep away look.”
    Damn, she really could read him as easy as a book. “It’s the
truth and I’m not hiding it ever again.” He cupped her cheek in his palm,
pleased when she turned into the caress. “I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
    “They already know.” She sighed. “They’ve just been waiting
for me to give in.”
    “And did you give in, Doc?”
    “No, I took.” She grinned.
    “Yes, you sure did. And you did such a good job. I feel all
used.”
    A giggle slipped past her lips, the sound so girlish Steve
was reminded of years past when they hung out with the same group in high
school.
    “I like the sound of that. I want to hear you laugh like
that more often,” he said.
    “Hang around, McKenna and you just might get that wish.”
    “Oh, I’ll be hanging. I’m not planning on going anywhere
that isn’t with you.”
    “You’re such a sweet talker.”
    “I can talk lots of ways. After everyone leaves I’ll show
you my dirty talk.” He waggled his eyebrows and licked his lips making a
slurping noise.
    “Eww… I hope you mean sexy dirty talk or I’m outta