Faithless Angel by Kimberly Raye Read Free Book Online

and unearthed what she wanted desperately to forget: the way things had been before—the way she’d been before. But Jesse stirred more than just that. He made her feel new things, as well. Attraction, excitement, desire.
    “Bradley said he wants me bright and early at seven. That leaves a little under an hour. Enough time for that coffee.” He held her gaze, daring her to look away, yet at the same time refusing to let her. He compelled her to look. To remember.
    That was the real trouble. He reminded her of too much, which was why she needed to get rid of him. Fast.
    If coffee would do the trick … Surely she could find some in the mess that had once been her neatly arranged cupboards.
    “I can’t promise cream or sugar.” She made one last attempt to dissuade him.
    “Black’s fine.”
    “Or even a clean cup.”
    “I’ll wash my own.”
    Reluctantly, she twisted the lock on the burglar bars and swung the iron gate open.
    After wiping his boots on her floor mat, Jesse Savagewalked into her kitchen, and for a brief moment, Faith got the inexplicable feeling she’d not only let him into her kitchen, but into her life. He was definitely trouble.
    “Nice place,” he said after he’d glanced around at his surroundings. “You live here alone?”
    “Yes.” She turned her back to him and walked to the sink. A familiar whimper sounded and she turned to see Grubby waddle into the kitchen, his black nose shining. “Well, almost alone.”
    Jesse smiled, bent down, and scooped the dog into his powerful arms. “Hey, fella.” He rubbed Grubby’s head with his fingertip. “Are you hungry?” When the dog started licking madly at his thumb, Jesse shot her a knowing glance. “I think that’s a definite yes.”
    Faith snatched a can of dog food from the cupboard, then hunted in a drawer until she found a can opener. After opening the food and dishing it into a bowl, she set it on the floor.
    Jesse placed Grubby on the tile and they both watched as the puppy sniffed his way over to breakfast. He batted one small paw at the edge of the bowl a few times, scooting it around to just the right position before his small snout plunged inside. A few gobbles later he chanced a glance at Faith, licked his chops, and wagged his tail.
    Faith was smiling when she felt Jesse’s gaze on her. Their eyes locked, and she saw his smugness, as if he’d caught her with her guard down and was immensely pleased. She turned back to the counter.
    Heat burned her cheeks as she rummaged around in a drawer, found the last clean dishtowel, and tossed it to him.
    “You really want me to wash my own cup?” he asked, laughter in his voice.
    “I’ll wash and you can dry.” Nervous energyrushed through her, and she turned the faucet on full-force. “And I can’t promise how long it will take us to find a cup. We’ll have to get through some of this first.” She eyed the stack of plates, then shot him a quick glance. “Second thoughts?”
    “Not on your life,” he replied, coming up beside her.
    She forced her attention from the scarred hand gripping the dishtowel and concentrated on the present task. Shoving a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she squeezed a river of dishwashing liquid onto the dirty dishes and grabbed a dishrag.
    Silence settled around them as Faith attacked the sinkful of dishes, her movements quick, frenzied. Before Jesse could finish drying one plate, she had at least two more for him.
    “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re in a hurry to get rid of me,” he said after they’d washed nearly half the dishes.
    “Smart man.”
    “You don’t like people much anymore, do you?”
    “Anymore?” She shot him a quick sideways glance, and immediately regretted it. Her gaze caught his for a brief moment, and she felt that same feeling, as if he poked and prodded at her thoughts with nothing more than those dark eyes of his. She forced her attention back to the soapy saucer in her hand. “And what makes you