Alone and Afraid (Rocky Mountain Home Series Book 1) Read Online Free

apology.”
    Chase smiled as he said, “I, of all people can understand . But please, when our paths cross..,and I know they will, be kind. And also, you might want to smile occasionally.  I find it helps.”
    “ Ms. Laine, do you keep the shed locked?” the sheriff interrupted.
    “Yes, and I know I locked it yesterday when I placed all the tools I used inside.  Why are you asking?”  Brooke asked.
    “The lock is busted and lying on the ground.  Could you check and see if anything’s missing?” the sheriff asked.
    “Sure, but I didn’t take inventory of the shed.  I only used the ho e, rake, and shovel that stand right inside the door,” Brooke answered.
    When Brooke lo oked inside the shed, she saw that the shovel was placed to the back of the shed, not right inside the door as she left it.  “I put all three of them right inside the door, standing up.  The shovel is not where I put it when I finished with it yesterday.  Who would break into my shed, and why would they break into it?” she asked.
    “Guess we’ll have to wait to answer those questions till later .  I’ll be on my way now.  Good to see you again, Chase.  I will see you again, Ms. Laine,” the sheriff said before he picked up the brown bag with the plastic sheet inside and walked back to his car.
    “Well, Ms. Laine, or do you have a first name that I can call you?”  Chase asked.
    “It’s Brooke.  My name is Brooke,” she said.
    “Well, Brooke, I guess mine and Digger’s damage here is done for the day.  I’ll fill in the hole and get this unmanageable four -legged beast back home.  I’m sorry if we ruined your morning,” Chase said, as Brooke walked back inside her cottage.
    She wasn’t sure what to make of Chase. He seemed to be smiling as he teased her, before she left him in the yard to repair the damage his dog had caused.  She wanted no complications in her life.  Although she admitted to herself that Chase was very good looking, in a rugged sort of way, she wanted no part of him or his dog.  She hoped he got the message.

Chapter 5
     
    Brooke busied herself with laundry and cleaning , but stopped when she heard pounding out back.  When she investigated, she found Chase in front of her shed with a cordless screw-driver in his hand.  She opened her back door and yelled, “Exactly what do you think you’re doing?”
    “Since Digger and I were responsible for screwing up your morning, I thought I’d make it up to you by installing a new lock on your shed.  Just being neighborly,” Chase said with a smile.
    “That wasn’t necessary, but thanks.  Did you think I couldn’t accomplish that on my own?  I’ll have you know, I am not a helpless female who needs a man around to fix everything,” she said, very irritated.
    “And here I thought we agreed to play nice,” Chase said with a laugh.
    Brooke’s face turned a bright shade of red.  She didn’t want his help.  She wanted to be left alone.  He was just like any man, pig headed and stubborn.  She decided to try another tactic. “I do appreciate your kindness. I’m just confused on what part of “being left alone” you don’t understand.”
    Chase turned , walked towards Brooke, and said, “I understand, and I thought I could install the lock without interrupting you.  I had no intentions of encroaching on your desire to be a hermit.”  He then handed her keys to her new lock and walked off.
    Brooke slammed the back door and locked it.  Why didn’t he just leave her alone?  She didn’t want friends.  She didn’t want to be bothered by anyone.  She just wanted to be left alone.  If she was honest with herself, she would admit that Chase, with his chiseled features and those beautiful blue eyes and slightly curly auburn hair, was quite the distraction, she didn’t want or need.
    She didn’t have long to dwell on the matter due to the knock on her front door.  She forgot about the satellite people showing up today.  They had