Hearts of Iron by Laura Day Read Free Book Online Page B

against his heart. Lance stroked her silky hair and breathed in her fresh coconut scent while deciding that this had turned out to be the best negotiation he’d ever had, in spite of the fact that he’d gotten nowhere on the issue at hand.
     
    Both utterly spent, they rested silently, embracing easily, as though they had been embracing each other for years. His silent for hope that this was the beginning rather than the end of something occupied his mind while he twirled her silky hair between his fingers, and she did the same to his.
     

 
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    “So, did you plan to seduce me when you took me for coffee earlier on? Or was this a happy accident?” asked Lance, lying back on her sofa, hands behind his head.
     
    Katie wasn’t at all certain how to answer that question, and kept her cheek rested against his chest so he couldn’t see her face. “Of course not. This is not something I… I mean, I’m not a…”
     
    “Glad to hear it.” Lance eased her awkwardness, stroking her hair, then her back. But now her raging lust had been sated, guilty feelings crept in, making her want him to leave so she cringe to herself about being so irresponsible. They shouldn’t be together. At least until their conflict had been sorted out. She hoped he’d understand her need to bring the law to Miller, and that he’d not be too angry with her about stalling him.
     
    “I should probably get cleaned up and back to the office, actually, Lance. I really do have a lot to, well… sort out.”
     
    His body tensed beneath her and she feared the original reason for him coming to see her had returned his mind. She moved away from him, without facing him.
     
    “Hey,” he said, reaching out to play with her fingers. “You’re not regretting this?”
     
    She looked down at the hulk of sexuality on her sofa, at the slope of his brow, and sighed, hating the idea that he’d never want her again once the sheriff showed up.  “Of course not. This was… fun.”
     
    Lance inhaled sharply, moved passed her and quickly dressed.
     
    Emptiness rushed in to replace her joy. She went upstairs to find a robe and hide her shame. “Won’t be a second.”
     
    “I’d better get going too. Before I do, can I ask you something?”
     
    She clenched up, turned around on the stairs. “Of course.”
     
    Anything but that. Anything but that.
     
    “The law. When they due to arrive? I take it they’re coming soon.”
     
    No, don’t ask me that!
     
    She thought for a second of awkward silence, telling herself to stall him further, not to tell him the truth. But she so desperately wanted to be honest. After what they’d shared, lying was inexcusable. “I… well,” she stuttered.
     
    Saved by the bell, her landline rang and filled her large hallway with its echoing shrill. “I’d better get that.”
     
    Lance clenched his jaw, “Please. Before I go?”
     
    Katie raised her hand, “Wait.” She answered the call after running down the stairs. “Hello?” A gruff voice said, “We’ve been trying to call your cell for hours, Miss Brighton.” 
     
    “That’s Doctor Brighton, if you don’t mind. I’m sorry, but I was… otherwise engaged.” She glanced up at Lance who was combing his hair with his fingers, wide legged and every bit desirable. “How may I help you?”
     
    “It’s Sheriff Clancy.” Katie hoped he hadn’t heard that. “I was told to tell you when we arrived. We’ve arrived.”
     
    “Oh.” What can I say? “Already? And how did you get my home number?”
     
    “Well, we’re here early. How ‘bout that? Fancy coming over to give us a tour around your fine town?” He demanded more than asked, much to her annoyance. “Gonna need a few introductions. Oh, and as I’m the law, getting your number was no problem.”
     
    “Oh. Right.” Katie didn’t like the sound of that. “Where are you?”
     
    “At the station; where’d you think?”
     
    He really didn’t sound the