Stormy Vows/Tempest at Sea by Iris Johansen Read Free Book Online Page A

that is open twenty-four hours a day.” He grimaced. “They have to be. There are times when we work around the clock to meet the demands of our lord and master.”
    He pulled to a smooth stop before the front entrance, jumped out, and came around the car with the characteristic energy she was beginning to associate with him.
    A husky, sandy-haired teenager in a plaid shirt and jeans came hurrying out the front entrance, and opened the passenger door quickly.
    “Good to see you back, Mr. Walters,” he said respectfully.
    “Thanks, Johnny,” Walters said easily, as he helped Brenna from the car.
    “This is Johnny Smith, Brenna. He's a sort of jack-of-all-trades. If you need something, ask Johnny.”
    Brenna smiled warmly at the boy and he smiled back. “You bet,” he said cheerfully. “I'll take good care of you, miss.”
    “Thank you, Johnny,” she said quietly.
    Monty Walters opened the rear door, and lifted a sleeping Randy out with the utmost care to avoid waking him. He tossed the trunk keys to the boy. “Bring in Miss Sloan's luggage, will you, Johnny?”
    Walters escorted her into the bright, cheerful lobby, and paused before the reception desk. A pert, dark-haired girl looked up with a smile that took on a flattering obsequiousness as soon as she recognized Walters.
    “Paula Drummond, Brenna,” Walters said briskly. “This is Brenna Sloan, Paula. I understand Mr. Donovan's secretary was to contact you with regard to the arrangements.”
    The dark-haired girl shook her head. “Mr. Donovan called himself,” she said solemnly. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sloan. We have everything arranged just as Mr. Donovan instructed.” She picked up the phone and punched several buttons rapidly. “Doris, Miss Sloan is here. Would you come down right away?” She turned to Brenna and Walters, a bright smile on her face. “We've given you one of the guest cottages. I hope you'll be very comfortable there. If there's anything else you need, just call me.”
    “Thank you. I'm sure everything will be fine,” Brenna said awkwardly, a little uneasy over the effusiveness of the receptionist.
    “A guest cottage?” Monty asked thoughtfully, with a low whistle. “That's really royal treatment, Brenna. Cottages are reserved for stars and visiting VIPs.”
    “Then there must be a mistake,” Brenna said firmly. “We both know that I'm neither.”
    “There's no mistake, Miss Sloan,” Paula Drummond spoke up quickly. “Mr. Donovan's instructions were very explicit.” She looked beyond Brenna to smile at the young woman who had just gotten off the elevator and was crossing the lobby toward them. “This is Doris Charles, Miss Sloan.”
    Doris Charles was a woman in her middle twenties with short curly red hair and rather plain features that were illuminated by a warm smile. She held out a strong square hand and shook Brenna's hand vigorously. “I'm very happy to meet you, Miss Sloan.” She turned immediately toward Walters, who was still holding Randy, and said briskly. “I'll take him.” She held out her arms, and Walters obediently put the child into them. Brenna stared in bewilderment as the red-haired woman cuddled the child expertly, her face softening as she looked down at him. “What a little darling he is,” she said softly. “His name's Randy, I believe?”
    “That's right,” Brenna said, confused. “But who are you?”
    Doris Charles looked up at her, a small frown creasing her forehead. “I'm your son's nurse. Mr. Donovan flew me up from Los Angeles to care for Randy.” she said calmly. “I believe you'll find I have the highest qualifications.”
    “I'm sure you have,” Brenna said tiredly, her head whirling. “But I don't need a nurse, Miss Charles. I take care of Randy myself.”
    Johnny Smith came into the lobby laden with suitcases that he put down in front of the desk.
    “Don't be too hasty, Brenna,” Walters said easily. “You'll need someone to care for Randy while you're