Midnight Thunder(INCR) by Vicki Lewis Thompson Read Free Book Online Page A

so it’s not like he’s clueless about what’s going on.”
    â€œI thought the same thing.” The way Cade leaned back and closed his eyes made her wonder if he had a headache. He used to get them when he was stressed. Having her massage his temples used to help, but the only surefire cure had been a round of hot sex.
    â€œAnyway, they sent me home to get some sleep, but there’s no time.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    He sat up and glanced at her. “Too many things to handle. By the way, I noticed you’d turned the horses out and put Hematite in the little paddock.”
    â€œI thought you’d want him isolated at first.”
    â€œYou did exactly right. We need to see how he settles in here before turning him out with the others. But did he behave himself?”
    â€œSure did.”
    â€œGreat. That’s great. How about Ringo?”
    â€œHe’s fine. I found a litter box in the storage shed along with half a bag of litter and a cat bed. You know Rosie and Herb, always figuring another stray will show up.”
    â€œThanks for taking care of him for me. Damn. I should have stopped for cat food. I’ll get some when I go back. He usually sleeps during the day, so I might as well leave him in the bathroom until I get the cabin ready.”
    She should have guessed he’d want to bunk there. “Have you heard from the guys?”
    â€œI’m picking up Damon at one and Finn at three.”
    She checked the grandfather clock ticking away in the corner. “That gives you time to take a nap in one of the guest rooms. I’ll get the cabin ready.” He did have a headache, poor guy. She could see it in his eyes.
    â€œThanks, but I wouldn’t feel right about that. My brothers, my job.” He put on his hat and stood. “Mom said the sheets were still in the hall closet.”
    â€œThey are, but I can do it.” She followed him out of the living room.
    â€œNot as well as I can. I’ll bet you wouldn’t think to stick a rubber snake in Finn’s bed.”
    â€œPlease tell me you’re not going to do that.”
    He glanced at her and grinned.
    â€œThis isn’t the time or place. Don’t be an idiot.”
    â€œToo late.” He chuckled as he opened the bifold doors and pulled sheets and pillowcases from a shelf labeled Bunk Beds.
    â€œCade!”
    â€œI’m not going to do it, but it’s good to know I can still get you riled up. Hold these while I pull out the blankets.”
    â€œAnd then you’ll let me finish the job while you take a nap, right?”
    â€œWrong.”
    â€œWhat if you fall asleep at the wheel because you’re exhausted?” She was caretaking, but she couldn’t help it. If he pushed himself too far and something happened to him or the other two, then where would they be? The thought was unacceptable on so many levels, especially the deepest one, where Cade would live forever in her heart.
    â€œI won’t fall asleep at the wheel.” After hauling blankets out of the closet, he folded them over his arm.
    â€œRight. I keep forgetting that you’re Superman.”
    â€œI keep forgetting that you have a smart mouth.” He closed the closet doors and turned to her. “I’ll take the sheets now.”
    She held on to them and stepped back. “Look, I don’t want to tell you how to do this, but—”
    â€œBut you’re about to.”
    â€œIt’s just that the cabin should be vacuumed before you take these out there or they’ll get all dusty.”
    He paused. “Damn. You’re right. Okay, we’ll just pile this stuff on the couch until I’m ready for it. I wasn’t thinking.”
    â€œWhich is why—”
    â€œDon’t start with me.” He glared at her as he walked back into the living room. “I’ll be fine as long as I keep moving. Where’s the vacuum cleaner?”
    â€œYou have