Hazard Play by Janis McCurry Read Free Book Online

“From the movie, Bell, Book and Candle , I expect. Kim Novak’s character named her cat Pyewacket. Remember the patient I told you about that died?” Tess took a seat on the sofa and put the animal on the floor in front of Bailey’s chair. “His niece asked if I'd take the cat because her husband is allergic. I tried to get out of it, but...what could I say?”
    “Hi, cat.” He reached down to pet Pyewacket.
    The black devil flattened his ears with a hiss and swiped unsheathed claws across his outstretched hand. Bailey let out a “Damn!” and threw himself backward against the recliner. He stared at the red stripes, darkening in a few places with freshly welling blood.
    “Pyewacket, bad! I’m so sorry. He’s in a strange house, so maybe he’s scared of you. Does it hurt?” Tess rushed over to Bailey and knelt down.
    “I'll live. I don’t know about ‘Satan’s Spawn’ over there.” He had to admit it stung like hell. However, he was willing to take a little pain if it meant Tess would fuss over him. She cradled his wounded hand in hers and inspected the scratches.
    “Where’s a nurse when I need one?” He was rewarded by a shy grin from Tess.
    “We'll muddle through, somehow. It’s a good thing I don’t have to amputate. I’m a little rusty. I'll be back with some antiseptic cream and bandages.” She rose and left the room.
    Bailey scanned the perimeter for the lethal black assassin. He saw Pyewacket sitting in a window seat facing the front yard, casually grooming himself. As if he knew Bailey was watching him, Pyewacket looked over and yawned before continuing his grooming.
    “All right, cat, if that’s the way you want it. You stay out of my way and I'll stay out of yours.” A flick of golden eyes in Bailey’s direction indicated acknowledgement.
    “Here we go. This will fix you up in no time.” Tess knelt in front of the recliner.
    Bailey gladly offered his injured hand to her. “I was more surprised than hurt. I usually get along well with animals.”
    “Well, cat scratches can get infected. I'd hate to see that happen. I still can’t get over Pyewacket. He’s so sweet.”
    Sweet, my ass. That cat almost lost one of its lives. He’s lucky a lady’s present. “Well, maybe I moved too suddenly and scared him.” Bailey fell silent as Tess smoothed ointment into his wounds. Her hands were strong, but feminine. They made him feel—if he were someone given to exaggeration—pampered.
    He leaned against the headrest and closed his eyes. Just for a minute, he thought. He found he liked the feeling of being tended. Cared for.
    “Bailey...Bailey.” 
    He felt someone shaking him and woke up, wary of danger. Without opening his eyes, he grabbed the intruder and pulled. A soft, warm body fell against him. That brought him fully aware.
    It was Tess.
    And she felt good, a perfect fit. The smell of the lilac scent she wore teased his nostrils. He stared into her eyes. From now on, her name would always make him think of sunshine and summer.
    “Well, that was interesting, to say the least.” Tess sounded breathless. Her curves nestled against him and he felt her pounding heart.
    She didn’t move away but lay there watching him. He pressed a kiss on her forehead. “I must have dozed off. I can see why you’re such a good nurse.”
    Silent, she stared at him with her expressive eyes. Why had he thought they were icy? He’d like to dive into their deep blue warmth. Would he piss her off by kissing her like he wanted to? From what he knew about her so far, she’d feel free to voice her feelings.
    “Bailey, I—”
    The shrill ring of the phone cut her off. Neither of them moved. It rang a second and third time. With a sigh, Tess carefully lifted herself from his lap and crossed to the phone.
    “Hello.”
    Bailey silently cursed whoever was calling. To say it was lousy timing was an understatement.
    “Mrs. Douglas, calm down. Have you tried the inhaler? Okay, okay. Sit Joey down and