Her Christmas Hero by Linda Warren Read Free Book Online Page B

be living with me.”
    â€œI didn’t accept as a favor to your father.” Who was he kidding? It was the only reason. Quinn’s law career was his life, and Philip Sr. could ruin it with just a couple of calls. It wasn’t easy admitting that, and Quinn felt lower than the dust lingering beneath the rug on the floor. “I did it because I thought your ex was a lousy mother and a tramp, like you and Herb painted her.”
    Phil punched him on the arm as if they were teenagers. “She got to you with that sweet demeanor and gorgeous looks, not to mention totally awesome body.”
    Phil didn’t know the half of it. “I don’t like taking a child from his mother.”
    â€œDon’t worry, she’ll be back in my bed by the end of the week.”
    Quinn frowned. “Is that what this hearing was about?”
    â€œYou bet. I know how to push her buttons, and now she knows I have the upper hand.”
    Quinn picked up his briefcase. “Don’t call me for any more help. My specialty is defense law and that’s where I’m staying.”
    â€œNow, ol’ buddy, Herb is out of commission, so you’re the lawyer of record for this case. You wouldn’t want me to tell Dad that you bailed.”
    Quinn kept a tight rein on his temper. “You really are a jerk.”
    Phil’s face darkened. “Don’t push your luck.”
    â€œI’m only just starting.” He walked away without another word, but he left his dignity, his ethics and his self-respect behind.
    What had he done?

Chapter Five
    Quinn sat in his paneled study surrounded by bookshelves holding his father’s ancient-history tomes. Taking a sip of wine, he gazed at the leather-bound relics neatly lined up on the shelves. Books were also haphazardly stacked on the hardwood floor. He’d been meaning to donate some to a library, but so far hadn’t gotten round to it. Sometime soon he needed to call Professor Withers, a colleague of his dad’s, and offer him some volumes.
    Peyton had taken the ones she’d wanted, but the room was still full of the books his father loved. As a history professor, Malcolm Ross’s focus was the past. Though he’d been a quiet, gentle man, his voice would rise in excitement as he spoke of ancient civilizations. Egypt, Greece and China were his favorite places, and in the summers Quinn and Peyton would travel with their father to explore the fascinating ruins of those countries.
    Quinn never found an interest in the past. He was more like his mother, who was also a lawyer. But he respected his father more than anyone he’d ever known. The man never complained or judged.
    Quinn poured another glass of wine, wishing he could talk to his dad, who had a way of solving problems with logic and reason.
    And Quinn had one big problem.
    Britt.
    She was Phil’s ex.
    Quinn was supposed to be smart, but he couldn’t wrap his brain around that. Rarely was his composure shaken. He’d mastered the appearance of calm over the years in the courtroom. But today, when he saw Britt and realized she was Phil’s ex, he’d almost lost his grip on himself.
    The woman he’d saved in the creek was Phil’s ex-wife. Phil had cheated, lied and deceived her, and he was the reason she had an aversion to being touched. Quinn believed everything Britt had told him. She had no reason to lie. And Quinn had stood in open court and followed the plan Phil and Herb had laid out to take her child. Because he owed Philip Sr.
    The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
    He took a gulp of wine. He’d been planning to call her to see how she was, but his busy schedule had prevented him from following through. Now she would probably never speak to him again. He didn’t blame her.
    He yanked off his tie and took his wine to the large living area with the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool. Since it was winter, the pool was covered,