On the Scent by Angela Campbell Read Free Book Online Page A

in his fluffy bed, deep asleep.
    A sigh of relief escaped her parted lips as she closed the door.
    How was she ever going to get a decent night’s sleep again, with her constant guarding over the two animals in her care?
    â€œI’m gonna call Jeremy so he can come and stay with you.” Sarah pulled out her cell phone. “The boy’s crazy as hell, but he doesn’t mind cats or dogs.”
    The mention of Sarah’s youngest brother nearly tore a groan from Hannah. She grappled with her friend’s hand before Sarah could complete the dial. “Jeremy is in high school.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSarah, I’m a 30-year-old single woman who just moved into this neighborhood.” She shook her head. “I love your brothers like my own, but all my new neighbors will see is that a 15-year-old boy keeps coming and going from my house.
Awkward
.” She let the word roll out in two syllables. “Besides, if anything happened to him, do you know what that would do to your mom?”
    â€œUgh. You are such a party pooper.” Groaning, Sarah twirled, and her long, black hair swished around her shoulders. Her pretty features appeared drawn tight, and Hannah worried her friend hadn’t been taking care of herself very well. Lord knew she had plenty to cause her stress. Sarah plopped onto the sofa, arms crossed, her hazel eyes sparkling with determination. “Fine. I’ll stay.”
    Hannah closed her eyes and prayed for strength. She rarely won arguments with any of the Taylors, but she absolutely could not allow her friend to stay here. She refused to burden Sarah any more than she already was.
    â€œIf you stay, we’ll both gain ten pounds from eating ice cream and get no sleep because we’ll be watching your DVDs of
Downton Abbey
all night. You, my friend, have exams coming up. Get your butt home and study.” Hannah moved toward the kitchen to grab a diet soda—maybe the caffeine would help keep her alert—and chewed her bottom lip as she came to terms with the decision she’d already made. “Besides, I’ve hired Zachary Collins’ agency for protection. There is no need for you or anyone else to stay here.”
    â€œYeah, because they’re obviously doing a top-notch job so far.” Sarah snorted. “How old is that kid guarding your house anyway? Sixteen?”
    â€œE.J. is at least in his twenties, and he’s been nothing but professional.” Hannah closed the refrigerator and turned to face her friend. A zing of irritation on Zach’s behalf triggered her temper. “Zach refused to leave the other night because he thought I was being watched. If he hadn’t been here yesterday morning—” She didn’t like to think what could have happened. She waved a dismissive hand. “Besides, they moved me to a hotel last night and made sure the house was safe to come back to. They’ve been keeping us safe, Sarah.”
    Her friend held up her hand. “Fine, but don’t expect me to believe Zachary Collins is doing this out of the goodness of his heart. I’m sure he only sees dollar signs when he looks at you, Hannah.”
    â€œIt’s not like that.” She frowned. “You don’t even know him.”
    â€œI’m just sayin’ be careful.” Sarah sprang up from the sofa and joined her at the kitchen island. Sarah leaned against it and wiggled her eyebrows. “So, what’s he like in person? I’ve only seen his show a few times.”
    â€œHe’s…good. I think he’s good at what he does.”
    â€œGay?”
    â€œSarah.” Hannah couldn’t keep the amusement out of her voice.
    â€œWhat? He was on TV. You have to wonder.”
    â€œI don’t think he’s gay.” Although she didn’t have much to base that on. Wishful thinking probably.
    Sarah’s smile grew lascivious. “Is he as hot as he seems on