True Bliss by Stella Cameron Read Free Book Online

her back legs, rested her front paws and long muzzle on the table, and curled her top lip.
    Bliss curled her top lip in response.
    Spike growled.
    "Polly doesn't give a rat's ass about saving money," Fabiola said, smoothing skimpy denim shorts over shapely hips. "She's turned into a rabid conservationist."
    "Speaking of rabid," Bliss said mildly. "Could you please get this animal's head off the table? The health department would close us down."
    Polly picked up where she'd paused in the "Hallelujah Chorus," finished with a flourish, and segued into a gum-numbing rendition of "America the Beautiful."
    "She wants us to recycle bath water," Fabiola said. The only housekeeper in history—Bliss was certain—with two-inch-long crimson nails, Fabiola made the word "recycle" sound like a disease.
    Bliss ignored the argument that had been waged for several days. Relief must be imminent. The Crow sisters would soon move on to a new dispute.
    Bliss said, "Cutting utilities isn't going to do it, I'm afraid." If she had time she'd panic about the state of finances at Hole Point. "Insisting people pay rent on time might be more useful."
    "Now you're talking," Fabiola said. She slapped down a pile

    of clean sheets and hitched a long, slender, tanned thigh on the edge of the table. "Affordable doesn't mean free, Bliss. This joint is sagging at the seams and it's because there are a lot of so-called artistes in residence who think the world should support them."
    "Oh, we shouldn't be that harsh," Bliss said. "My mission here is to provide people with a peaceful, inexpensive place to pursue their talent. Those talents are a gift to the world and they're less and less revered."
    "Excuse me while I puke," Fabiola said, rolling her eyes. "Of course we mustn't risk interrupting the flow of genius by mentioning anything as vulgar as money. Perish the thought that the odd commercial enterprise might be useful and pay the rent. Hole Point is a refuge for these people. You make it possible for them to do whatever they're doing, but you're giving up everything for it. That's not right. You've helped Pol and me by not charging us rent at all, but we do try to pay back."
    "This place would fall down without you two," Bliss said, considering Spike's potential reaction to a teensy poke of a toe under the table. "You more than pay your way. And you're right. I'm going to have to be firm and talk to the others—some of the others—about being timely with their payments."
    "Good." Fabiola grinned her approval. "And we've got to look into filling up the rest of the cabins. This is the lowest occupancy we've had."
    Bliss murmured agreement. "True. But it's summer and we have to expect some turnover. And it takes time to check new people out. The wrong tenant can upset things for everyone. We've already proved that."
    "Boy, have we?" A red nail claimed Fabiola's attention. "That Lennox Rood is a piece of work. God's good gift to women, or so he thinks. Certainly expected you to throw yourself into his arms. Shows we never should bend the rules and let men in. Men cause trouble every time."
    "Let's leave Lennox out of this," Bliss said. "He's not so bad. He made some wrong assumptions. Anyone can do that." And

    she'd rather not think about fighting off good old Lennox when he'd decided to wow her with his sexual creativity.
    Fabiola watched Bliss speculatively.
    "Yes, they can," Bliss said. "We all imagine things sometimes."
    "Sure. I bet you always imagine it's a great idea to hide in someone's shower. Naked."
    "Oh, Fab!"
    Fabiola ignored the protest in Bliss's tone. "Surprise!" With a finger on top of her head, Fabiola wiggled and twirled. "Hop in here for a wet wall job, you lucky woman."
    "You're terrible." Bliss shook her head and laughed. "It was awful."
    "It was horrible," Polly said. "I heard you scream."
    "I was shocked," Bliss protested, still giggling. "He looked so silly. And so mad when—when I laughed."
    "Uh-huh. I still say it's a good thing