The Fall of Maggie Brown by Anne Stuart Read Free Book Online Page B

women. He flirts as naturally as he breathes.”
    “He doesn’t like me,” Maggie insisted. “And the feeling’s mutual. Thank God. I will admit I’ve done nothing particularly likable as far as he’s concerned. I’m sure he gets along beautifully with most other women.”
    Elena stared at her. “This is serious,” she said grimly.
    “Hardly. I don’t expect everyone to like me.” Actually that wasn’t true. Maggie did her absolute best to be pleasant and agreeable to almost everyone she met. Ben Frazer was one of the few exceptions. He got under her skin like a poison ivy rash, but she wasn’t about to explain that to Elena.
    “You don’t understand. Are you trying to tell me that Frazer hasn’t tried to seduce you?”
    “Apart from a few rude comments, no.”
    “And has he put his hands on you?”
    “No, to that as well. He’d be sorry if he did.”
    “Frazer isn’t the kind of man who worries about such things,” Elena said, deep in thought. “Drink your beer.”
    “I’d better not. I’m a cheap drunk.”
    Elena looked at her curiously. “What does that mean?”
    “It means that it takes about one beer to affect my good judgment. Two beers and I’m swinging from the chandeliers and singing torch songs. I find it much safer not to drink at all.”
    “If you wanted a safe life you shouldn’t have come to San Pablo,
señorita.
”
    “Didn’t Frazer tell you? I’m looking for my sister. He was hoping he’d find some lead—”
    “He didn’t say anything about your sister. He said you were a rich tourist out for a little excitement and he was going to provide it for you. I promise you, he can be very exciting.”
    Maggie reached for the beer. It was strong and skunky and delicious, and she swallowed a good third of it. He hadn’t even asked Elena if she’d seen a tall, redheaded beauty. Damn the man! “Where did he go?” she demanded.
    “The Hungry Dog. It’s a bar down the street…where do you think you’re going?”
    Maggie had already risen. She took another deep swig of the beer. Dutch courage, she thought. Or San Pablo courage. “I’m going to go find him and remind him why he brought me here.”
    Elena raised her eyebrows. “I thought you said you weren’t involved with him. He won’t like being dragged back here, even for sex.”
    “I’m not interested in sex or in dragging him back here!” Maggie protested. “I want him to do his job so I can get back home.” She started toward the door, but Elena was faster, blocking the way.
    “You’re not going anywhere,
señorita
,” Elena said. “I promised Frazer I would keep an eye on you and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
    “Fine. Keep an eye on me. I don’t mind the company.” She tried to dart around her, but Elena shifted quickly, still blocking her way.
    “I’m bigger than you are,
señorita
,” she warned.
    Maggie didn’t even blink. “Yeah, but I’m fast and determined. You can come with me or get out of my way—those are your two choices.”
    Elena glared at her. And then a slow, rich laugh burbled out of her throat. “Does Frazer have any idea what he’s gotten himself into with you?”
    “If he doesn’t he’s about to find out.”
    “This I must see. All right, little one. We’ll go find your lost man and you can give him a piece of your mind. Want to finish your beer first?”
    She took it and drained it, looked at the empty bottle and then sighed. “I’d sell my soul for a Diet Coke,” she said mournfully.
    “That’s about the going rate in San Pablo for such luxuries. Have you changed your mind?”
    “Follow me,” Maggie said recklessly, starting toward the door.
    A broad grin lit Elena’s face. “No,
niña.
This is my neighborhood. If you want to find Frazer, you follow
me.
”
    * * *
    F RAZER LEANED BACK IN HIS chair, peering through the cloud of smoke. The pile of winnings at his elbow was substantial, but he hadn’t come to the Hungry Dog to play poker with the cream